Team expansion drives growth for Valda

Bicester-based Valda Energy, which supplies energy to nearly 40,000 businesses across the UK, is going from strength to strength with 21 internal promotions over the last 12 months.

The business was set up in 2019 by CEO Steve James and his leadership team, many of whom have been in the industry since its deregulation in 1997 and were behind the establishment and subsequent success of market-leading companies such as Opus Energy. Valda has since focused on sustainable expansion, reinvestment, growing its team and rewarding its people.

The latest round of promotions sees three employees join the senior leadership team. Claire Thomlinson, who started with Valda as a customer service advisor, is now Head of Customer Service. Jon Ferguson has become Head of Collections following previous roles as Head of Customer Operations and Head of Metering and Billing. Alana Coleman has moved from the customer service team to become Head of Metering and Billing.

Valda also supports new entrants into the industry through its apprenticeship scheme. Seven new apprentices have recently joined the business and two of its 2023 cohort now have permanent and specialist roles with them in the recoveries and collections teams.

Steve James, CEO, comments: “We’re delighted to not only be providing jobs locally but to be providing the training and career development which has led to so many internal promotions over the year. Retaining our culture during a period of transformational growth relies on true collaboration with our teams and fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity.

“Our goal is to bring our people together, involving everyone in new ideas and decision making, and nurturing them in their roles so that they feel empowered and able to reach their full potential. That applies to everyone, from our senior leadership team to our cohort of apprentices.”