A DEVON fuel supply company has scooped the Best Business Innovation Award at the South West Green Energy Awards 2008.

Forest Fuels, which is based in Shebbear, has grown in the last two years to become the foremost quality woodfuel supplier for the South West.

Co-ordinator of Forest Fuels David Rickwood said: 'Biomass technology is dependant on a reliable source of woodfuel and although there was a range of half a dozen biomass boiler installers in the South West, no single company was acting to provide fuel supply contracts throughout the region.'

He said: 'Forest Fuels was born from the realisation that there was a need to act entrepreneurially to deliver all the elements of a dedicated energy supply company by providing long-term, reliable, quality and professional contracts.'

The company employs 12 people full-time and has six depots in the region, enabling it to provide a reliable fuel supply and delivery service and play a significant role in cementing the region's reputation as the model for biomass development in the UK.

Forest Fuel hopes to deliver 5,000 tonnes of fuel to the region this year in an aim to instil confidence in the renewable energy supply and has developed a flexible mobile chipping service to transport recycled chip.

They are currently supplying woodchip to many businesses, organisations and domestic customers, some of which include the Eden Project and Ministry of Defence, with Devon County Hall joining their client list next year.

They provide a fuel conversion service for owners of woodlands and consultancy advice covering all aspects relating to the fuel. Mr Rickwood said of the award: 'It is a fantastic endorsement of what we are doing to receive this award and we are delighted to be acknowledged as a beacon for woodfuel supply good practice.'