Big-voiced Brian Blessed opens Southam eco day

Buy photos » Alumet managing director Gary Summers with Brian Blessed. 28.012.009.strat.nc1

HUNDREDS of people battled torrential rain on Friday (July 6) to celebrate the success of a Southam company that has made a name for itself harnessing the power of the sun.

The Alumet Group, which makes and installs windows, walls and facades for buildings as well as solar panels, celebrated its 20th anniversary with an open day attended by special guest speaker Brian Blessed.

After opening the company’s new eco-friendly facade at its Bourne End premises, the larger-than-life 76-year-old star of film and television entertained more than 250 staff and guests with a rousing speech loudly declaring his passion for green issues and his admiration for the work of the Alumet Group.

The open day featured a selection of activities including a farmers' style market showcasing products and services from local companies, a hog-roast, charity tombola, raffle, book stall and cake stalls, all raising money for Make A Wish Foundation UK.

Alumet was also presented with several top awards at the event – The Coventry and Warwickshire Green Business of the Year award, an Investors in Excellence award and the national Sustainable City award .

Chief Executive Gary Summers also received a personal award recognising his contribution to sustainable growth in the West Midlands.

Mr Summers, who started the company 20 years ago in his front garden, spoke modestly about the debt he owed his staff in helping him take the firm from its humble beginnings to employing 120 people at its steadily growing 60,000 sq ft premises.

Amongst the guests of honour, who included local mayors and council chairmen, was Kenilworth and Southam MP Jeremy Wright who expressed his delight at Alumet’s success.

He said: "Alumet is a beacon of good practice - promoting and enabling sustainability in the construction industry, being a good employer and making a positive contribution to its community.”

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