A SOMERSET company specialising in wooden garden sheds, fences, furniture, and decking, has been shortlisted for a regional sustainability award.

Somerlap Forest Products, based in Mark, near Highbridge, is up for the Sustainable/Ethical Manufacturer Award at Insider's prestigious 'Made in the South West’ awards.

The manufacturer has installed solar panels among many other initiatives taken to reduce its carbon footprint.

These also include burning woodchip from pallets beyond repair, using offcuts to heat their workshops and kilns, and creating a battery storage to enable more efficient use of energy.

Somerlap has been working with Wells-based Gridimp - an energy solution company specialising in AI driven fully automated technology, since 2019.

The partnership between the two Somerset companies works to reduce energy costs, increase energy efficiency, and minimise their contribution to climate change which will impact on future generations.

Over just one year, Somerlap managed to lower their carbon emissions by 70 tonnes.

Somerlap’s Managing Director, Kevin Bond, said: “As a proud Somerset-based company for over 40 years, we are aware of our responsibilities not just as an employer but also as a neighbour and energy consumer.

"Our work with Gridimp has enabled us to reduce our environmental impact, and we are honoured that ‘Insider’ has identified our efforts as worthy of a position on their shortlist.

"We are looking forward to attending their Awards dinner next month.”