01/12/09
University of Glamorgan ‘spin-out' attracts high profile investment
Energy management specialist RUMM (Remote Utility Monitoring and Management) has appointed international industrialist, Eric.J.Lewis, as its new Group Chairman.
The appointment of Mr Lewis, who recently stood down as Chief Executive of international engineering company Doncasters Group Ltd - where he trebled turnover to over £900m - is a major boost for Caerphilly-based RUMM.
Mr Lewis' high-profile career has included Chief Executive roles for public companies in the aerospace and precision engineering sectors. Mr Lewis becomes the first appointed chairman for the successful University of Glamorgan spin-out venture, whose cutting-edge software remotely monitors and manages utility usage and efficiency.
RUMM, which was established in 2005, manages the utility bills and carbon footprints of over 50 clients worldwide using remote monitoring technology. RUMM's client base spans the UK, Europe and USA and includes General Electric, RPC Containers, Enersys and a number of NHS trusts and universities. RUMM ensures its clients meet carbon reduction targets and significantly reduce their energy costs.
On average RUMM's solutions shave 14% off clients' utility bills within the first year and collectively the firm has saved 22,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere using its bespoke web-based software and proven energy management methodology.
Mr Lewis has also taken a 10% equity stake in the firm, in a deal for which legal advice was provided by Capital Law. Mr Lewis' wealth of experience in leading multinationals will enable RUMM to build its business and achieve its ambitious growth targets.
Mr Lewis has previously held a number of key posts in the manufacturing sector, including Executive Director on the Board of Meggitt PLC, a UK FTSE company. He will continue as Chairman of Premium Aircraft Interior Group (PAIG) and retains a Non Executive Director position on the Doncasters Group board.
Mr Lewis, who read for an MBA in Business Administration at the University of Aston, is a fellow of the Aeronautical society, board member of the Society of British Aerospace Companies and a member of the Institute of Directors.
He said:
"With today's concerns about environmental impact and rising energy costs, companies need to ensure that they are doing as much as possible to cut energy consumption and conform to all possible legal energy standards. I look forward to helping RUMM respond to the constantly emerging opportunities in this sector and build on the impressive client base and business model it has already established."
Chief Executive Officer of RUMM Jamie Watkins said:
"We are delighted to have Eric on board. He has earned a reputation as a worldly businessman who has made his mark in the City. His expertise will be invaluable in helping us achieve our growth target of a £10M turnover by 2014. We are expanding into new markets and are quickly establishing ourselves as thought leaders in the field of energy management."
Tom Kelleher of Capital Law, who advised RUMM on the equity deal and the implementation of a new Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme for staff, said:
"RUMM's ability to attract such a high-calibre Chair at this exciting time in its development underlines the opportunities that exist for innovative knowledge-based companies here in Wales to drive forward ambitious growth plans with the aid of experience and investment from senior experienced business leaders."
ENDS
For more information contact Sara Robinson on sara.robinson@workingwordpr.com or 02920 646840 / 07950 509187.
Notes to editor
Capital Law LLP is a commercial law firm operating across six main disciplines - employment, company and commercial, intellectual property, recovery and insolvency, property and commercial litigation. In addition to these core legal services, the firm offers workplace issue resolution via its accredited mediator and a wide range of innovative training programmes.
www.capitallaw.co.uk
In September 2008, Capital Law expanded its business by buying the HR consultancy Holistic Services Limited and, through this division, now offers consultants specialising in human resources, occupational health, safety, health and environment, wellbeing, first aid, fire safety and leadership training.
www.holisticservices.com
Capital Law is a member of Consulegis, the international network of law firms.
www.consulegis.com
