Lord Lieutenant of Moray, Major General Seymour Monro presents the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development
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A Forres firm accepted the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in front of some very special guests.
Lea Road-based AES Solar was informed of the honour last April and issued with the trophy by the Lord Lieutenant of Moray, Major General Seymour Monro on Monday, March 6 at Horizon Scotland, Forres Enterprise Park.
AES managing director, George Goudsmit, confirmed the company headquarters near Mosset Park has been proudly flying a Queen’s Award flag for the last 11 months.
He said: “We have been relishing our status!
“This has all felt especially poignant given the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in September.
“It is a huge honour to receive our official award, which will make a unique addition to the AES trophy cabinet – after all, we are only the fifth Moray company to be awarded it in the last decade.
“The Queen’s Award is a special reminder of our team’s hard work, dedication and enthusiasm for solar.”
Maj Gen Munro talked about AES’ history before presenting them with the award.
He said: “This is a brilliant achievement and well deserved after many years of excellent work, first in the sheds behind the first hole at Forres Golf Course and then at Lea Road since 1998.
“AES Solar was the Moray SME of the Year in 2016 and winner of the HIE Energy and Efficiency Award in 2019.
“In 2014 their thermal system was installed at Balmoral and in 2021 George Goudsmit\was given a UK Industry Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Today AES Solar is the only UK based designer and manufacturer of thermal panels.”
AES Solar offers expert advice and installations across Scotland. Established in Findhorn in 1979, the company has since become a leading solar specialist, providing solar PV, solar thermal and battery storage solutions to homeowners, businesses and off-grid properties.
AES manufactures solar thermal panels in Forres – the AES Luminary, designed by expert engineers.
Commercial director, Jamie Di Sotto, explained that, as well as domestic installations to help homeowners with rising energy bills, the company is also completing large-scale commercial installations from sports centres to industrial estates.
He said: “Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond our products and our manufacturing. It’s about being a good employer and a good neighbour and working hard to create a sustainable community.
“Today we share this special moment with a few of our supporters who encouraged us throughout the awards application process and during our 44-year history. They made an already very proud day even more significant.”
