2025 was a record year, thanks to surging solar and EV business

A Shropshire electrical engineering specialist is marking a decade in business as it targets further growth in the rapidly expanding market for EV charging infrastructure.

CES, based near Shrewsbury and operating nationwide, recorded its highest-ever turnover in 2025 following a rebrand and a strategic shift towards renewable energy solutions for commercial customers.

Managing director Joe Collison said strong performance driven by the delivery of several large-scale commercial solar photovoltaic projects was expected to continue this year.

The company has built a reputation across the region for installing complex solar and battery storage systems for manufacturers, care providers, agricultural firms and commercial transport operators. 

Helping hand from Govt – £18m Plug-in Truck Grant

It is now focusing on opportunities in EV charging for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, demand for which has been pump-primed by the Department for Transport’s recent £18 million extension to the Plug-in Truck Grant.

“There’s genuine demand from commercial vehicle dealerships for specialist charging infrastructure,” Joe said. 

“We’re working with dealerships that have vehicles sat on their premises because their customers can’t take delivery without charging capability in place. It’s a real bottleneck. But one where we can offer genuine support and expertise.”

EV charging installers focus on domestic 7-kilowatt chargers for cars, he said. Meanwhile, heavy-duty vehicle charging requires a different expertise.

He added: “It’s not just about the charger. It’s about understanding their energy demands, their grid connections, and how battery storage, and of course, generating their own energy through solar PV can help them manage costs.”