Local Business directors John and Robert Weedon have been hailed as “local champions” for their pioneering renewable fuel heating trials and employment of young apprenticeships, at a special reception held at Number 10 Downing Street.
The brothers were nominated by George Eustice MP, former Environment Secretary and representative for the Camborne and Redruth constituency, for the work they have done through their Cornwall-based fuel distribution business Mitchell & Webber in support of the UKIFDA/OFTEC Future Ready Fuels Campaign.
Eustice commented: “It’s important we recognise and celebrate the work of John and Robert Weedon, whose innovative efforts and relentless campaigning have resulted in a significant milestone for the industry, not just in Cornwall but for the whole of the UK.
“Their achievements have helped set a global precedent in our strive towards decarbonisation.”
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) has been the subject of extensive trials led by industry bodies OFTEC and UKIFDA and supported by fuel distributor Mitchell & Webber, which was the first UK company to convert an oil-fired boiler to trial HVO in Scorrier in 2020.
Since this landmark moment, the Mitchell & Webber team has been converting oil-fired appliances across Cornwall to test the fuel’s effectiveness and gather data, particularly in the village of Kehelland where Europe’s largest HVO trial was initiated.
The event at Number 10 Downing Street was hosted by Minister Gillian Keegan and included a private tour of the chambers of Number 10 for the commended brothers. The directors also took the opportunity to speak with advisors at the event about the importance of decarbonisation and the need for a more planet-friendly and sustainable approach within the industry.
Robert Weedon commented: “We were delighted to have been awarded this unique opportunity to visit Number 10, share our insights with advisors and highlight the need for a change to renewable fuel.
It was especially good as we even had the opportunity to discuss Kehelland and renewable fuels with the PM’s political advisor.”
John Weedon added: “Robert and I would like to thank George for nominating us both for the event, we thoroughly enjoyed the day and being inside Number 10 was an incredible experience which we will never forget”.
Eustice added: “John and Robert’s innovative efforts through the Kehelland trial have proven that there are sustainable and affordable options available and this has led to updates in policy that will have wide-reaching positive effects for rural communities across the whole of the UK. They have successfully carried out a transformational trial and I’m delighted to see them recognised as ‘champions’ at this very special event.”
