A WIND turbine manufacturer has bucked the economic gloom to increase its turnover by 300 per cent thanks to growth in both the rural and industrial sectors.

North Yorkshire company ICE Renewables has achieved a record volume of orders and has posted record sales for wind turbines compared to previous years. The firm, based on the Crabtree Hall Business Centre in Northallerton, specialises in medium-sized wind turbines, and has seen an upsurge in business from the rural community, including farmers and land agents, as well as from builders, developers and the industrial sector.

Company bosses are urging customers to take advantage of lower energy bills and a second income stream before further anticipated reductions to the Government’s feed-in tariff next year.

The feed-in tariff determines how much money owners of renewable energy sources are paid per unit when they sell excess power back to the National Grid and are guaranteed for the lifetime of the equipment.

Julian Martin , the firm’s chief executive and chairman of Renewable UK’s Small and Medium Wind Strategy Group, said: “There’s quite a lead time on the design and build of wind turbines, so customers need to act now to beat the April 2014 FiT deadline.

“For those thinking about installing a turbine, we’d encourage them to get advice now and take advantage of tariffs before they’re reduced.

“This has been a great year for us in terms of sales. The economic climate for many is very challenging, but we’ve delivered a record level of sales for our turbines, which is hugely encouraging.

“ICE Renewables is growing strongly, especially in the medium scale wind turbine sector, with demand for our products coming from farmers and the rural community, land agents and landowners as well as developers and the industrial sector.

“We are also building our presence in the commercial market and retail sectors and are expanding our sales territory to include wider geographical areas.”

The company was established in 2006 and is one of the country’s main providers of medium-sized wind turbines. Employing 20 people, the company is led by a management team with more than 35 years of experience in the wind and renewable energy market.