Slough company Octopus Energy gets visit from Shadow Chancellor

Rachel Reeves MP was given a tour of the new research and development centre at Octopus Energy, on Slough Trading Estate, on Thursday, July 21. 

The renewable energy supplier, which focuses on the decarbonisation of heat, presented its innovative new heat pumps to the Labour frontbencher. 

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The pumps, which use electricity to compresses energy from the air and turn it in to heat, offer an alternative to gas boilers.  

John Szymik presenting the heat pumps to Rachel Reeves MP and Tan Dhesi.

Ms Reeves said: “Part of today was about seeing what the pumps can do. 

“Labour have got a commitment to a climate investment pledge to invest in the jobs of the future but also to help us transition to net zero and to seize the opportunities for jobs here in the UK. 

“It’s fantastic to see what Octopus are doing in terms of manufacturing heat pumps in the UK and Northern Ireland.” 

Leading the tour was Octopus Energy’s CEO Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy Services John Szymik and Director of External Affairs Clem Cowton. They were also joined by Slough MP Tan Dhesi. 

Ms Reeves spoke to some of the engineers who are being trained up on how to install the heat pumps in people’s homes. 

Rachel Reeves MP speaking to some of the engineers in training.

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She added: “I want the UK to be global leaders and why shouldn’t they be global leaders, but that will only happen if you’ve got a government that’s willing to work in partnership with businesses like Octopus who are revolutionising the way that we heat our homes, drive our cars and everything else. 

“It’s really exciting to see that here in Slough and see the opportunities it has for high skilled high paid jobs."