Moray Bio-Energy Centre
"We were very fortunate to have had Climate Futures recommended to us at a crucial stage in the development of the business model for the Moray Bio Energy Centre. With Charles's support, attendance at management meetings, research and dedicated effort we completed our workload on time. He worked above and beyond the call of his contract for MBEC. With its wealth of experience in project development, management and fundraising, I would recommend Climate Futures to anyone.”
Ruth Dickson (MBEC Company Secretary).
The Moray Bio-Energy Centre is a community-led woodfuel supplier and training hub. Having been established as a social enterprise and secured over £170k from European and Moray Council funds, the board appointed Climate Futures to plan the business and seek match funding.
A investment decision is expected from the Third Sector Enterprise Fund in November 2009.
Funds will be used to construct a traditional timber building to house the machinery, wood storage and training rooms, purchase equipment and employ two members of staff. A wood pellet machine has already been secured.
The centre will promote greater capacity and understanding to the community of Morayshire. It will help to meet government aspirations to increase woodfuel use tenfold by 2020.
It will serve local business and domestic woodfuel users, supplying briquettes, logs, chips and pellets. It will also supply boilers and stoves, and offer installation and maintenance. Ultimately, it aims to be a one-stop shop for woodfuel supply, use, training, education and research and development.
The business aims to be financially self-sustaining after three years. The board includes representatives from the community, the Moray Council and William Grant Distillers.
The bio-energy centre is situated on an estate at Rafford, three miles south of Forres, which also includes joinery manufacturing business, Norbuild and Marcassie organic farm.
Climate Futures role
Here's how we helped:
- researched markets and projected woodfuel uptake
- participated in Board meetings
- helped facilitate direction and clarified objectives
- wrote a business plan
- liaised with funders and partners
- drew up a funding programme
- submitted an application for £100k to the Third Sector Enterprise Fund.
The business plan includes an analysis of grant funding streams, product revenue from wood fuel in its many guises, including logs, briquettes, pellets and chips, training and consultancy, and market research into the area’s wood suppliers.