Green energy supplier Octopus Energy has opened its doors in Townhall Square, Leicester. This is the second office for the challenger energy firm, establishing the company’s position in the midlands.
Octopus Energy chose Leicester due to its pool of local talent, proximity to two local universities and links with Nottingham, Loughborough and Coventry. The opportunity will create new jobs and add to the regeneration of the city.
To celebrate the opening and show their commitment to the community, the energy firm will be holding a tree planting event at a local school, Spinney Hill Primary School, at 1.30pm today. As part of a UK-wide BreatheLife UNEP initiative to plant 1,000 trees this year, this will teach Spinney Hill pupils about the impact that small positive actions can have on the environment. Recent research from the University of Leicester has shown links between air pollution and Type 2 diabetes and Octopus Energy is determined to contribute to making the city a cleaner, healthier place in which to live and work.
Ex JLS star JB Gill, who is passionate about the environment, will also be attending the tree planting event. He recently swapped pop stardom for farm life and now presents CBeebies BAFTA nominated show Down on the Farm and BBC One’s Songs of Praise.
JB will also be joined by Chris Collins, the former Blue Peter presenter, who works with Leicester Master Gardeners through Garden Organic. They currently have 60 projects running throughout the county to support horticulture.
Greg Jackson, Octopus Energy CEO said:
“Our first office opening outside of London is an important day for us. The UK has a vast pool of talent and we are very excited to set up roots in Leicester. This expansion is a strategic opportunity for us to grow and reach more communities in the UK, offering more people access to green energy. It brings me great pleasure to mark this milestone with our next tree planting event. It is a fantastic way to get involved and give back to a community that has welcomed us so warmly.”
JB Gill said:
“Leicester is home from home for me as I have a Great Aunt and cousins living in Leicestershire and have been a regular visitor all my life. I’m really looking forward to planting trees with some of the pupils at Spinney Hill and it’s great that Octopus Energy is investing and providing opportunities here.”
Spinney Hill’s Head Teach Catherine Stretton said:
“We are very proud to have Octopus Energy come to our school to show pupils the importance of protecting our planet from air pollution. It is a vital lesson to ensure that future generations have access to a clean and sustainable future to live in.”
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said:
“We’re delighted that we were able to help Octopus Energy find suitable premises in Leicester and welcome the jobs and opportunities that will be created for people in the city.
“It’s good to see that Octopus are already engaging with the local community and I’m sure that their efforts to green the play area at Spinney Hill Primary will be appreciated by both staff and pupils.”
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For journalists in their professional capacity only. Issued by Octopus Energy Ltd. Registered office: 33 Holborn, London, EC1N 2HT. Registered in England and Wales No. 09263424. Issued: November 2017.