Mel Vasey, director of energy and asset Management, and Helen Ord, director of customer excellence, will be based in the new Vital Energi office in Newcastle(Image: Vital Energi)

New green jobs created in Newcastle as energy firm launches city centre base

by · ChronicleLive

New jobs have been created in Newcastle by a sustainable energy solutions developer which has launched a North East base.

Blackburn-based Vital Energi has opened a new office in Newcastle city centre as part of moves to support Government efforts to accelerate the journey to net zero across the North East.

The office launch, at Portland House, comes as Vital Energi is involved in implementing a number of high profile energy projects in the region, including the construction of the £3.6m solar farm at Newcastle International Airport. The company also helped to create the district heating scheme at Riverside Dene estate, aimed at reducing fuel poverty and carbon emissions across 550 homes.

Vital Energi is now recruiting for a number of roles in Newcastle, which form part of plans to increase the group’s 760-strong workforce by approximately 50%, adding 400 new green jobs in the UK over the next five years.

The firm said: “Newcastle is a key city for us where we see lots of opportunities, in terms of both talent and projects. We’re part of an emerging industry looking for the next generation of skilled individuals to fulfil a number of roles, and have already commenced our recruitment drive in the region.”

Alongside the Tyneside launch Vital Energi is expanding its presence in Scotland and opening an office in Swansea, while its Blackburn headquarters has undergone a refurbishment to modernise the office space and increase capacity.

Managing director Mike Cooke said: “Our expansion across the UK demonstrates Vital Energi’s dedication to advancing the nation’s transition to net zero. By opening new offices in strategic locations, we aim to develop, implement and own innovative, low-carbon energy systems.”

Coun Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “It’s really pleasing to see Vital Energi’s expansion into Newcastle and they will be a welcome addition to the city’s ever-growing green industries, providing more green jobs and inclusive growth to Newcastle, as we continue our collective push towards net zero.”