Cornwall business owners awarded accolade at Number 10 Downing Street

Two Cornwall business owners have been named 'Local Champions' for their renewable fuel heating trials and employment of young apprentices.

Brothers John and Robert Weedon are directors of Redruth-based fuel distribution business Mitchell & Webber were nominated by George Eustice MP, former Environment Secretary and representative for the Camborne and Redruth constituency, for the work they have done in support of the UKIFDA / OFTEC Future Ready Fuels Campaign.

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Mitchell & Webber were the first company to convert an oil-fired boiler to trial Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in Soccier in 2020. The brothers were presented with the accolade at a special reception held at Number 10 Downing Street.

Mr Eustice commented: “It’s important we recognise and celebrate the work of John and Robert Weedon, whose innovative efforts and relentless campaigning have resulted in a significant milestone for the industry, not just in Cornwall but for the whole of the UK. Their achievements have helped set a global precedent in our strive towards decarbonisation.”

Mitchell & Webber's team have been converting oil-fired appliances across Cornwall to test the fuel’s effectiveness and gather data, particularly in the village of Kehelland where Europe’s largest HVO trial was initiated.

The event at Number 10 Downing Street was hosted by Minister Gillian Keegan and included a private tour of the chambers of Number 10 for the commended brothers.

Mr Robert Weedon said: “We were delighted to have been awarded this unique opportunity to visit Number 10, share our insights with advisors and highlight the need for a change to renewable fuel. It was especially good as we even had the opportunity to discuss Kehelland and renewable fuels with the PM’s political advisor.”

Mr John Weedon added: “Robert and I would like to thank George for nominating us both for the event, we thoroughly enjoyed the day and being inside Number 10 was an incredible experience which we will never forget".