Energy Savings as a Growth Engine: How SMEs Can Turn Renewable Power into Productivity

In this episode, host Dave Howell is joined by Kelly Lovesy, Sales Director at DCC Energy, to explore how rising energy costs are reshaping the landscape for UK manufacturers - and what can be done about it.

The discussion opens with the growing pressure on industrial energy users, particularly SMEs, as electricity prices rise and demand across Europe continues to increase. Dave and Kelly examine why energy has shifted from a manageable overhead to a significant operational risk, impacting margins, investment decisions and long-term competitiveness.

They then turn to practical solutions, focusing on how renewable energy - especially on-site solar paired with energy storage - is helping manufacturers take greater control of their energy use. Kelly explains how generating and storing power can stabilise costs, reduce reliance on the grid and create immediate financial benefits.

Finally, the conversation looks at the bigger picture: how the savings achieved through renewable energy can be reinvested back into the business. From boosting productivity and supporting workforce development to enabling digitalisation and expanding production capacity, this new approach offers SMEs a pathway to more resilient, sustainable growth.

This episode provides valuable insight into how manufacturers can move beyond simply managing energy costs to using energy strategy as a driver for long-term success.