On Tuesday, the NFU announced that it has bought agriculture energy consultancy FEC Energy.
 
FEC Energy provides help for farmers wanting to buy and sell energy, generate heat and electricity, use energy more efficiently and reduce the compliance burden of energy regulation.

The NFU has worked with FEC Energy for 20 years of the company’s 50 year history. According to the NFU’s announcement, the FEC Energy name will remain, the company will remain operating as a separate company for the foreseeable future, and there will be no changes to staff or employment beyond the retirement of director Andrew Kneeshaw.
 
Commenting on Tuesday, NFU Director General Terry Jones said, “I am very pleased that we have been able to complete this acquisition and combine the unique strengths of our two businesses. FEC Energy will unite its wealth of engineering and energy market expertise with the NFU’s powerful membership, regional and local network and marketing know-how. Culturally the two organisations are a great fit; both value knowledge and expertise, understand the needs of farming businesses and are committed to the continued success of the sector.
 
Terry Jones said the acquisition is part of the NFU’s new vision and strategy for the future, enabling the farming group to develop more services for its members. Mr Jones said, “The purchase will also create a new substantial income stream which can be used to support the organisation’s core work, benefitting our membership as a whole.”
 
FEC Energy MD Chris Plackett added, “This is a great opportunity for both the NFU and FEC and we are delighted to be joining the NFU team. Being part of the NFU will massively increase our commercial exposure with members and utilising the organisation’s significant buying power will enable us to strike even better deals with suppliers as well as set up new and mutual beneficial trading relationships between the energy and agricultural sectors.”