OXFORDSHIRE COMPANY NAMED A TOP GREEN BUSINESS IN BARCLAYS COMMERCIAL BANK GREEN LEADERS IN BUSINESS AWARDS

A pioneering company, based in Oxfordshire, known for their water borehole services has been selected as one of the top 40 green business leaders in the 2008 Barclays Commercial Bank Green Leaders in Business Awards.

The Awards recognise those companies who are using ground-breaking processes or new sustainable technology products or services to help beat climate change and, crucially, boost their own profits.

Green Leaders in Business is open to all UK and Irish companies, and has three separate categories – companies with a turnover below £1m; between £1m and £20m; and above £20m.

Synergy Boreholes, competing in the small business category, is now one of 40 companies hoping to be selected as a National Green Leader in Business. The brainchild of founder and managing director Antony Jennings, Synergy Boreholes and Systems Ltd. was established in 2007 to offer water and geothermal borehole services to the domestic market.

The company drills private boreholes to supply water for garden irrigation and household use, including drinking water, installing low usage irrigation systems, water filters and ultra violet sterilisation modules. They also drill boreholes for ground source heat pumps, using the latest equipment to deliver maximum efficiency.

The inspiration behind the business came from Antony Jennings’ experience of running a small plant nursery. With the rising level of water charges and the increase of hose pipe bans, he realised there was a market for a personal, high quality service to private householders and small developers.

Operating mainly in the south of England, Synergy Boreholes is meeting a growing consumer requirement for energy and utility supplies that are sustainable and cost effective. By promoting the use of geothermal energy for heating and providing an alternative to mains supply water, the company is making a significant contribution to energy saving initiatives.

The company’s innovative service is attracting widespread interest and, although Antony Jennings says he does not plan to expand too quickly, he is already handling a full programme of projects and looking to increase capacity. This means investing in more equipment and recruiting more staff, all of which will help consolidate the business and create a strong base for further expansion.

Barclays Commercial Bank marketing director, Richard French, said: “We believe Synergy Boreholes is forward-thinking in the way they have found innovative solutions to doing business, which enables a new economy that is both realistic and sustainable.

“Barclays Commercial Bank is delighted to recognise the achievements of our nation’s Green Business Leaders who are putting the future of our planet at the top of their business agenda.”

If Synergy Boreholes is chosen as one of 10 National Finalists, they will be invited to present to an expert judging panel, chaired by leading environmentalist Tom Burke, which includes The Carbon Trust, Bloomberg, and the WWF, who will decide the winners of the three business categories.

Barclays marketing director for Local Business, John Davis, said: “Green Leaders honours businesses such as Synergy Boreholes who make a positive difference to our environment, while striving to make a profit at the same time.”

Winners will be announced at a gala luncheon for 250 guests in London this September.

The event will also mark the launch of a limited edition book, spotlighting the pioneering accomplishments of all the winners and finalists.

Produced entirely from sustainable sources, it will be sent to government heads and influential figures around the world, showing how British business is leading the way in a new industrial revolution – one that promises to protect and preserve our planet.