The opening event on 26 April 2024 featured prominent government figures, including Amanda Solloway, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and MP Aaron Bell. Representatives from organisations such as Octopus Energy, E.ON, Beat the Cold charity, and other renewable energy leaders also attended.
The facility will primarily produce commercial energy storage systems, with plans to accommodate future manufacturing of smaller products like EV chargers. Additionally, a custom R&D lab will repair, recycle, and reuse old GivEnergy battery systems.
Combining new product manufacturing with the restoration of old systems, the facility embodies GivEnergy’s dedication to a greener future. With solar panels and an integrated energy storage system, the building is not only net zero but contributes positively to the grid.
Positive contribution to the grid
“We’re passionate about turning North Staffordshire into a centre of excellence for the renewables industry”, said Jason Howlett, GivEnergy Group CEO.
“This new manufacturing site is just one part of that mission. We’ve already invested substantially in the region over the past 18 months with a new HQ, additional property acquisitions, and heavy recruitment drives.
“Now, we’re thrilled to be able to continue fostering economic growth and creating highly-skilled job opportunities via a British manufacturing facility.”
Speaking at the event, both Amanda Solloway and Aaron Bell praised GivEnergy’s growth story — expressing excitement over what this degree of momentum represents for progressing the UK’s clean energy initiatives and combatting fuel poverty.
Aaron Bell, MP for Newcastle Under Lyme, commented: “I was thrilled to be asked to open this amazing new facility, which will genuinely have a great impact on people’s lives. GivEnergy is a fantastic entrepreneurial business which has grown amazingly over these last few years. Their battery technology can lift people out of fuel poverty with greener energy, and they are working at pace with charities and Government to achieve that. “
“I am delighted to see this Newcastle-based business go from strength to strength. Congratulations to Jason Howlett and his team at GivEnergy for creating local jobs and growing manufacturing here in North Staffordshire, while combating fuel poverty and promoting sustainability. This amazing local business has rapidly grown over the past five years, expanding globally to South Africa, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Australia. I look forward to seeing their progress over the next five years.”
GivEnergy’s new manufacturing site will create multiple jobs spanning engineering, warehousing, and R&D. Plus, having this additional (and substantial) site will allow the company to stimulate electrical jobs via an expanded training facility for its approved installer programme. This will double GivEnergy’s existing training capacity to help meet demand – allowing ever-more qualified electricians to become certified to fit battery storage systems.
Acceleration of green energy
“It’s gratifying to receive support from so many senior government officials and local stakeholders”, adds Jason. “The movement around clean energy is accelerating, and we’re proud to help drive that charge.
“With our first UK manufacturing facility, we’re reaffirming our commitment to deliver cutting-edge solutions that empower energy freedom for all — whether that’s, businesses, communities, individual homeowners, or social housing residents. And, better yet, we’re doing it from right here in the UK.”
With operations now underway, GivEnergy plans to leverage these nearshored manufacturing capabilities. The company now looks forward to driving technological advancements in battery storage systems — contributing to the UK’s ambitious climate goals while delivering tangible benefits to customers and society at large.