As i10 members you will all be familiar with the benefits to be had from entering into networks and partnerships within your sector or your region. Renewables East has been operating over the past four years, initially under the wing of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) and now as a freestanding private and independent not for profit company investing public funds to deliver the objectives of the Company, which are: 

a) To enable the East of England to meet its adopted target for the production of energy from renewable resources, within the context of national energy policy and the need to move towards a lower carbon economy; 

b) To maximise the rate of growth of the renewable energy sector and the economic benefits to the region, especially through stimulating investment and job opportunities, supply chain development and innovation; 

c) Work to establish the necessary skills and awareness within the region to attain these objectives by means which are publicly and politically desirable, practically achievable and environmentally aware. 

For this financial year 2007/08 through funding secured from EEDA, DTI, DEFRA, EST, Local Authorities and EU, Renewables East will invest over £1.2m. In order for Renewables East to better represent the various sectors which constitute the region's renewables industry and interests, and to benefit from your particular knowledge and expertise, the Chairman now invites relevant i10 members to become a Company Member. The time commitment is minimal and there is no financial commitment beyond the £1 liability of members of a Company limited by Guarantee. Responsibility for the proper running of the Company rests with its Board. That said, of course, the audited accounts of the Company would be a matter for Company Members to examine and changes to the Company's constitution or Board are matters for Member decision. 

As a private company, Renewables East's activities are governed by its Board of Directors. The current board consists of eight members drawn from business, academia and the private sector. The majority of the Board members are elected positions, subject to a vote by Company Members at the AGM of the Company. 

The benefits of Company Membership are numerous;  

• a personal invitation to attend one of Renewables East's key events during your first 12 months of membership
• Free quarterly magazine and access to podcasts of key event, therefore gaining access to a team of industry specialists
• Events and exhibitions at discounted prices for Company Member, therefore gaining easy access to industry statistics, trade bodies and government offices
• Guidelines for renewable energy developments, business developments and strategies to impact performance.
• Early and direct notification of assistance offered through Renewables East investments. 

Ultimately the main benefit of membership is being part of a growing and dynamic organisation that can link you into the renewable energy sector through networking and access to key industry contacts and experience. The protocol set down for the Company is for prospective Company Members to apply and have their application approved by the Board. If you are interested in becoming a Company Member of Renewables East, or for further details, please contact Tracy Keen (tracy@renewableseast.org.uk) and if you have not already done so please vast the Renewables East website at http://www.renewableseast.org.uk