A ‘GREEN’ energy company has secured new investment as it bids to boost turnover five-fold in the next three years.

Bosses at Ensign Energy Ltd have signed a joint venture deal with Welsh firm West Coast Energy Limited, one of the UK’s leading wind energy developers.

The agreement will give Ensign a cash injection to develop business, with a plan to increase turnover to £5million and create new jobs.

Ensign, based at Clock Tower Mill in Burnley’s historic Weavers’ Triangle, installs energy-saving technology including solar panels and air source heat pumps.

The firm was launched just two years ago by business partners Richard Garth-Jones and Gerard Ennis but has enjoyed rapid growth, gaining the attention of Mold-based West Coast Energy.

Mr Garth-Jones said: “This is a major step change for the business because it will give us access to working capital.

“The aim is to take annual turnover from just over £1million to £5million in the next three years and increase staffing levels from six to upwards of 20. At the moment, we do most of our business in the North of England but by linking up with West Coast Energy, we hope to develop links nationwide over the next five years.”

Mr Garth-Jones said the partnership would allow Ensign to “tap into” West Coast’s expertise and back-office support in sales and marketing.

Gerry Jewson, chairman and chief executive of West Coast Energy, said: “We at West Coast Energy see this as an exciting opportunity for both companies. We are very impressed with Ensign Energy’s track record, technical expertise and customer focus.” Ensign was supported by the Burnley Opportunities Board, which helps small companies grow.