Sustainable solutions firms reveal merger

Russell Burton and Laura Bishop

Hillside Environmental Services and Infinitas Design, two Nottinghamshire businesses which are involved in climate change initiatives, have merged.

Forming HI Group, based out of Newark, the merger marks a decade-long partnership for the pair.

HI Group co-founder, Russell Burton, said: “Over the past decade, Hillside and Infinitas have collaborated on numerous projects, sharing a common vision for environmental sustainability. This merger is a testament to our seamless collaboration and shared commitment to creating environmentally sustainable solutions. By joining forces, we harness the unique expertise and knowledge of each team, transforming them into a more potent force for change.”

Co-founder Laura Bishop added: “As HI Group, we are positioned to offer enhanced resources and comprehensive support to assist our clientele on their journey towards a greener future. This merger enhances our capacity to cater to our clients’ needs, providing them with the robust, innovative solutions they’ve come to expect from each of our teams.”

Since its founding in 2014 by Burton, Hillside Environmental Services has established itself as a leader in climate change initiatives. Initially supporting major consultants and technology providers, Hillside built its expertise through projects like the Nottingham City Council Heat Network and NHS Property Services estate decarbonisation. By 2020, Hillside shifted to directly supporting clients, achieving remarkable successes in the Further Education sector by helping over 35 institutions with net zero strategies and energy retrofits.

Infinitas Design, also founded in 2014, saw Bishop’s team specialise in creating low carbon heating systems, particularly heat pumps and heat networks. With a strong foundation in engineering, Infinitas has addressed a gap in the renewable heat sector, helping clients to reduce their fossil fuel dependency. Noteworthy projects include the Swaffham Prior heat pump district heat network and the Eden Project’s geothermal heat network, demonstrating its commitment to making heat pump technology accessible and effective through education and precise application.

Bishop said: “Together, as HI Group, we are poised to lead in the low-carbon solutions market, providing innovative, effective and financially viable sustainability solutions. This unified approach enhances our impact on environmental challenges, ensuring we continue to meet and exceed our clients’ sustainability goals.”

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