Why We Had to Capture This Story – and Why It Matters
At the heart of our mission is a desire to do more than just talk about renewable technologies – we want to show their real-world impact.
That’s why we partnered with the Addison Group, one of our forward-thinking clients in the North West of England, to capture their sustainability story on camera.
Why? Because it’s one thing to talk about the benefits of renewable technologies – but it’s quite another to hear directly from the businesses already making it work. Addison’s experience shines a light on what’s possible when leadership steps up, pressure becomes purpose, and sustainability becomes strategy.
Meet Addison Group: Manufacturers with a Mission
Addison Group is a collection of manufacturing businesses with deep roots in the North West – and even deeper commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Their leadership team, including Sophie Addison and Mark Verdon, share candid insights in the video about why sustainability is no longer optional for the business.
From the outset, Addison’s leadership emphasises that their move toward sustainability isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s being driven by real market pressures. Their customers are demanding lower carbon footprints and greener supply chains, the message is clear: doing the right thing is good for business. Addison is meeting those demands head-on and showing, it can also be good for the bottom line.
Solar Walls, EVs and Smart ROI
Addison has been on this path for over a decade, starting with their first solar installation 14 years ago. One of the highlights of the video is Addison’s solar wall installation, a cutting-edge addition to their already impressive solar roof setup. They report a 5-year return on investment (ROI) for the roof and a 7-year payback period for the wall. They’ve also electrified their fleet, long before it became a trend on LinkedIn.
The results? Lower emissions, reduced energy costs, and – perhaps most importantly – control over their own energy supply.
What makes Addison’s journey unique is the longevity of their commitment. As Marcus Addison shares, their first solar install was 14 years ago, and they added electric vehicles to their fleet eight years ago. These weren’t one-off decisions but part of a long-term, strategic approach to energy management. It’s not just about saving the planet (although, that’s a nice primary reason). It’s about smart, strategic investment.
A Strategic Partnership with Green Shield Group
What really brings this initiative to life is Addison’s collaborative approach to sustainability – particularly their decision to work with us, Green Shield Group on the solar wall project.
In the video, Marcus Addison, CEO of the Addison Group, shares why Green Shield Group was the right fit: their flexibility, adaptability, and a knack for delivering smart, scalable solutions. Special mention goes to Alex and Lee, whose expertise helped shape a robust costing model that made the solar wall installation not just viable, but valuable.
This wasn’t just about installing panels. It was about co-creating a long-term strategy that blends rooftop and wall-mounted solar installations into one cohesive plan.
The result? A solar system that performs impressively – on par with traditional rooftop systems and forms a core component of Addison’s ambition to become the UK’s first net-zero manufacturing facility.
Innovation Beyond the Obvious: Heat Recovery & Full Self-Generation
Addison hasn’t just stopped at solar. Their bespoke heat recovery system repurposes waste heat from compressors to warm their storage facilities – an innovative solution tailored to their operations.
Even better, with their commitment to renewable technologies, between May and September, they generate 100% of their own electricity – a pretty impressive stat for any manufacturer, whilst making huge strides toward their net-zero goal.
This is a great example of how practical engineering, guided by sustainability goals, can drive efficiency and innovation across the board.
Recognition for Sustainability Excellence
Addison’s progress hasn’t gone unnoticed. They’ve earned the EcoVadis Silver Plus certification, placing them in the top 15% of SMEs, and they’re JOSCAR-accredited, putting them among the top 5%. These accolades underscore the genuine, measurable success of their green initiatives. They’re proof of a company walking the talk and setting a new benchmark in their sector.
Moreover, the team at Addison isn’t just keeping this knowledge to themselves. They regularly introduce others in their supply chain to sustainability partners – becoming a catalyst for change across the sector.
Looking Ahead: Power Factor, Solar Car Ports, and More
Marcus and the leadership team continue to explore new frontiers. From power factor correction to voltage optimisation and solar car port installations, the innovation engine at Addison is far from slowing down. It’s all driven by a top-down culture of director-level commitment and dedicated sustainability roles.
Final Thoughts: Why This Story Matters
We captured this video because Addison Group’s story is proof that renewable technology works – economically, operationally, and environmentally. Their journey speaks to what’s possible when leadership embraces sustainability as a strategic imperative, not just a buzzword.
Addison proves that sustainability isn’t just a department – it’s a direction. By sharing their real-world results, challenges, and innovations, we hope to inspire more businesses to make the leap.
For any business looking to move in that direction, we’re here to help make the path clearer, the outcomes measurable, and the journey a little less daunting.
