In the last few weeks, WREN has picked up two awards, both of which recognise, in their different ways, what the organisation has achieved.

We are delighted to say that we were awarded £23,000 at an awards ceremony at the Eden Project on 10th November. WREN had applied for grants from Energyshare's 'Energyfund Cornwall' to help us install free solar panels on roofs in and around Wadebridge and 450 members and supporters voted for us in the first stage of the application. The final awards were decided by a panel of judges. The grant will enable us to establish the Wadebridge Energy Company and make an initial share offer to local people, so that they can own and benefit from a part of the local energy economy.

It was a double triumph for Wadebridge at the Western Morning News Business Awards on 20th November. Not only did WREN win in the Sustainable Achievement category our near neighbours a few doors along The Platt, greengrocers The Vine, won for Customer Service.

The black tie event, held at Sandy Park, home of the Exeter Chiefs rugby club, on 20th November, attracted representatives of all types of business across the southwest for the presentation of awards in fourteen categories.

WREN was up against strong opposition in Plymouth City Council Waste Department, Pickleshack and Eon Low Carbon Energy Centre. Communications director, Kevin Smith, said: ”We are delighted with this award. It recognises the achievement of WREN in establishing itself as part of the community with over 1,100 members and helping many homes install better insulation, solar panels and renewable heat. It comes appropriately as we begin the next stage of our development – installing community-owned electricity generation in the locality.”

The Vine beat off Cornish Mutual, an insurance company, and law firm Stephens Scown LLP. Proprietor Chris Andrews said, “We are very happy, humbled and delighted to win this award. I want to thank all our customers for the support they give us, and all our staff who deliver award-winning customer service day in, day out.”

If you call in at both shops on The Platt, you will no doubt see the awards on display.

28th November 2014