ESP falls into the hands of American outfit

ESP, which is based in Castelford and employs 18 people, with three new staff starting next month, provides energy management solutions including energy supply, invoice management and demand response services for commercial, industrial, manufacturing and utility customers in the UK.

ESP, which has an annual turnover of £2m, was founded in 2002 by Derek Dixon and Kath Chapman, who owned the firm ahead of the sale.

Ameresco is an energy performance group with annual revenues of $700m.

Derek Dixon, CEO of ESP, who continues in this role, said the sale of the business was part of a long-term strategy to take it to the next level.

He said: “The entire ESP team is very pleased with the opportunity to enhance our delivery of sustainable services to our customers as part of Ameresco, and to provide our expertise and services to Ameresco’s enterprise energy management customers in the UK.”

Ernst & Young advised on the deal, which will see all ESP staff retained. Mr Dixon said the sale of ESP to Ameresco will “provide career paths” for ESP staff. He added: “It is all positive for the staff.”