OUR VISION

The Ouse Valley Energy Services Company has been formed by a group of Lewes residents to deliver a range of energy saving, renewable energy and related projects to the residents of the Ouse Valley and East Sussex . It has come from the Transition Town process, and has been founded by members of the TTL Energy Group. The Energy Group meet regularly and are working on a Energy Decent Plan for Lewes and the surounding area please contact www.transitiontowns.org/Lewes for more information.

OVESCo is currently registered an Industrial and Provident Society for Community Benefit, and this enables the company to sell non tradable shares to members of the community.

The aim of the company is to deliver a range of energy-related projects to the people and businesses of Lewes. These are and anticipated to be:

See our News page for up dates and further information for projects past, present and future.

OVESCo's Directors:

Chris Rowland - OVESCo Director. Chris graduated from the Royal College of Art as a MA furniture/product Designer 1988, and has worked in the design and build construction industry for over sixteen years on projects for McLaren, HSBC, Shell, GSK. Architectural Glass Design Manager for Komfort Workspace PLC for four years (part of the Sheffield Insulation Group) before joining OVESCo in 2007 as a company Director and project coordinator, managing the Ri/REG grant scheme and Energy Efficiency Advice Service. Chris brings his project management, construction skills and knowledge of design and build to the company's pool of resources. He has also worked for Oxfam, Mencap, MAG and number high profile photographers designing exhibitions with Standard 8.

Howard Johns - OVESCo Director and Chairman of the Solar Trade Association, a Director of Southern Solar, Howard played a pivotal role in setting up OVESCo in 2007. BSc (Hons) in Energy and Environment Technology. Founded Southern Solar in 2002 Howard has managed the growth of the company over the past six years to expand from one office in Sussex to Bristol, London and Hereford. As an OVESCo company Director Howard brings vision and focus as well as practical technical skills (PV, solar thermal, GSHP, and wind turbines) to OVESCo's aims to supply local sustainable power at a community level.

Nick Rouse - In 2009 was appointed Technical Director for OVESCo with a BSc. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (with commendation). Nick has worked for over thirty years in the electronics and electrical engineering industry. His wide range of skills include knowledge of semiconductors, infra-red imaging/tracking system, satellite image processing system, design of high performance electron microscopes, alternative energy fields. As Chief Engineer and Head of design/development for Telcon Ltd he worked on the design and development of company's products, principally electrical current and energy sensors many of which are used in by the renewable energy industry all around the world. Nick has a vast knowledge of technical skills in energy conservation and power generation (his own home fitted with PV, solar thermal and a GSHP).

Elizabeth Mandeville - As a Director and Company Secretary with a BA (Hons) in Social Anthropology and MCs (Distinction) in Information Systems Liz supports the company with Project Management, Communication and Marketing skills. Publisher's Editor for Pavilion Publishing for twelve years working on IT research, evaluation and funding. An Associate Lecture to the Open University, Founder and committee member of Lewes Living Streets, Member of the A27 Action Group, Board Member of Churches Together in the Lewes District Home Link. As an active Member of the Transition Town Lewes Energy Group Liz is working with the community to raise awareness and promote practical steps to work towards a low carbon future.

Dirk Campbell - OVESCo Director. Dirk graduated from the Royal College of Music in 1974 and has had very successful career in composing and performing music. Outside of his skills as a musician Dirk is well connected within the community and has worked on the inception of the Lewes New School and forming of Transition Town Lewes, which one of the first Transition Towns in the UK. Founder member of the Lewes community Partnership, Chairman of the Lewes Matters Sustainability Group, member of the Lewes Community Land Trust and the Transition Town Energy Group. Dirk brings his skills and connections, as well as a deep founded interest in community involvement to OVESCo's aims to generate local sustainable power.