Eddie Doherty and Mark Morrison from Renewable EDtricity Systems Ltd in Luton received the accolade—presented by Community Interest Company Love Luton—at a glittering ceremony held at the Luton Hoo Walled Garden Conservatory on 30 November.
Charity celebrates company’s award win and hopes it will ‘inspire more collaborations’
Keech Hospice nominated Renewable EDtricity Systems Ltd in recognition of the firm’s ambitious project to install a 220kW solar panel system on the hospice roof. The new system will generate clean, renewable energy and is expected to save the charity around £50,000 per year—vital funds that can be redirected into specialist care for adults and children with life-limiting conditions.
Eddie, the company’s managing director, first conceived the pro bono initiative after meeting one of Keech’s corporate fundraisers at a business networking event, where he learned that the hospice spends tens of thousands of pounds annually just to keep the building warm, lit, and its essential equipment running.
“Keech has a huge impact in Luton and Bedfordshire. We got on to the subject of their rising energy costs and asked what we could do,” he said.
Installation work began in May 2025, with Eddie and Mark taking on the electrical work themselves and rallying support from their wide network of tradespeople and industry connections. Their enthusiasm quickly gathered momentum, attracting offers of help from across the country.
“Some of the largest companies in the world have helped. Astronergy donated all 504 solar panels and Clenergy donated the mounting systems.”
“McCarthy loaned us a forklift for eight weeks and another company provided the scaffolding. Capital Sky, who are building the Luton Town stadium, also helped.”
Eddie explained, highlighting just how much support the project attracted.
The installation—due for completion in December 2025 or January 2026—would have cost the charity around £200,000 had it funded the project itself. It is believed to be the first initiative of its kind for any hospice in the UK.
Nikki Samsa, Associate Director of Supporter Engagement at Keech Hospice, hopes the project and the company’s well-deserved award will encourage more partnerships between charities and local businesses.
“This wonderful initiative is a shining example of the good that can happen when a community pulls together. At the core of the project is the resolute belief held by all those involved that everyone deserves to live and die well, with comfort and dignity. Renewable EDtricity Systems Ltd is helping us ensure that, for our patients, that is a reality.”