MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), the standards organisation for small-scale domestic renewable energy and heating across the UK, has invested in larger, more sustainable offices at Sci-Tech Daresbury near Warrington.
Established in 2007, MCS certifies low-carbon products and installations which are used to produce electricity and heat from renewable sources to support the UK’s drive towards a clean energy future. Over the past 15 years, demand for certified installers to install home-grown energy, such as solar PV, wind, heat pumps, biomass and battery storage, has rapidly increased and so has the focus for MCS.
MCS occupied its previous premises at Sci-Tech Daresbury since 2018. The organisation was previously based in London before the decision was taken to invest its central operations firmly in the North West to accommodate future talent in a building and on a campus that matches its green energy principles.
The new office space, Violet 3, is part of a new complex at the entrance to Sci-Tech Daresbury, built by contractors Willmott Dixon. The £17.8m development comprises 43,000 sq. ft. of speculative Grade A office and innovation space, coupled with the highest energy efficiency standards, for dynamic, forward-thinking science and technology focused businesses. MCS occupies 4,416 sq. ft. on the first floor of Violet 3, which was designed and refurbished to a high specification with sustainability in mind by Manchester-based Eatock Design and Build.
As of September 2022, MCS employs 36 people, with women comprising more than 60% of the team. Employee numbers are projected to grow into 2023, now the company has the space available to build on its dynamic workforce.
Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, said: “We have been based at Sci-Tech Daresbury for several years now – having relocated our operations from London. In that time, we have grown our business significantly by nurturing a local workforce passionate about helping the change to a low carbon future. Our investment in a purpose-built, high-specification workplace at Violet 3 – in the heart of a buzzing innovation campus – continues to reflect our values of collaboration and helps to foster even more talent within MCS well into the future.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the overall look and feel of our contemporary yet functional working environment, which now provides us with breakout areas and state-of-the-art meeting spaces in a relaxed and well-designed workplace for all our employees.”