BGF has completed a multi-million-pound minority investment in Centre for Energy Equality (CEE), an impact-driven organisation founded to ensure equal access to safe, affordable and sustainable energy.
Founded in 2022 as a social enterprise by Andrew Ross and John McHugh, the Warrington-based firm designs and develops solutions to address energy poverty and grid flexibility. Since its inception, CEE has continued to deliver against its mission to support the UK through the low-carbon transition, including the increasing number of vulnerable households.
Working alongside network operators, energy suppliers, local authorities and industry partners, CEE identifies and pilots solutions directly with communities. Investment from BGF will allow CEE to scale its social impact-led strategy by growing its services and bringing several products to market as it continues to expand its team.
Andrew Ross, co-founder and CEO at CEE, commented: “We set out from day one to create a purpose-driven enterprise that made the clean energy transition fair, inclusive and accessible to all. It’s our firm view that no community should be left behind as we strive for a net-zero future.
“To build on the momentum we have built in the last four years, we needed an investment partner that shared our mission-led approach and provided patient, flexible support to help bring our solutions to market and see us realise our full potential. We have found the ideal partner in BGF – an investor with the model and expertise to support our growth, but one whose values align with ours.”
As part of the deal, Jonathan Earl, partner at BGF, will join the CEE board. Monica Collings OBE, a member of the BGF Talent Network, takes up the position of Chair. Monica’s addition follows several high-profile roles in the energy sector, chairing NESO’s Electricity Markets Advisory Council and serving as an independent committee member at Northern Powergrid.
Last year, BGF announced a £3 billion commitment to support high-growth companies across the UK over the next five years. This includes £400m for businesses in the North West, building on the £596 million already invested in the region since 2011.
Elle Swire, Investor at BGF commented: “CEE is an exceptional business with purpose at its core. From its social enterprise roots, it has rapidly evolved into a high-growth organisation, playing a fundamental role in converting energy innovation into positive impact by embedding it in communities up and down the country.
“We’re excited to join CEE on the next phase of their journey, as they work with stakeholders across the energy ecosystem to bring more innovations to life and ensure all projects are shaped by real needs and deliver shared value.”
