A longstanding North Yorkshire family business is turning the page on a major new chapter, kicking off construction on a multi-million-pound headquarters and drafting in top regional talent to bring the vision to life.
Northern Energy, which has operated from Hampsthwaite near Harrogate for more than 90 years, has officially broken ground on a brand-new 10,000 sq ft head office at its Boroughbridge storage and distribution facility.
To deliver the cutting-edge project, the independent fuel supplier has assembled an all-star Yorkshire lineup. York-based commercial workplace specialist Ben Johnson Interiors has been selected to head up the interior fit-out, working from designs drawn up by Harrogate creative practice Studio 93. York chartered surveying consultancy Ousebank is steering the build as employer’s agent, quantity surveyor, and project manager.
The modern site sits just off the A1 and features three bulk LPG tanks holding 360,000 litres, with a third of that capacity specifically engineered to store renewable liquid fuels as greener energy alternatives take off.
Around 60 of the firm’s 120-strong team will relocate to the new base when doors officially open in April 2027.
Inside, the workplace has been crafted to look more like a boutique hospitality retreat than a traditional corporate office. Highlights include acoustic focus pods catering to neurodiverse working styles, private meeting suites, a dedicated staff wellbeing room, shower and changing facilities, and countryside-facing breakout zones. On the ground floor, a multipurpose café has been designed to morph from a bustling daytime lunch spot into a stylish event venue after hours.
James Illingworth of Northern Energy said: “This development marks a new chapter for us, giving us a large LPG storage and distribution facility next to the A1. It represents a big step towards a more sustainable future by reducing our carbon footprint and operational emissions, whilst maintaining the high level of service our customers enjoy.
“In addition to boosting our storage capacity, it will futureproof our operations with the infrastructure needed to blend renewable liquid gases into our fuel mix as customer demand continues to grow.
“Our new offices will give us a modern HQ designed to support our expanding team. It will be a place where people aspire to work, where everyone can be productive and fulfil their potential, as well as reinforcing our position at the forefront of rural energy supply in the UK.”
Emma Dodsley, director at Ben Johnson Interiors, said: “This is another major commercial office fit-out project in Yorkshire’s energy sector, following our work at leading UK energy from waste operator Enfinium Leeds’ Skelton Grange site. It also adds to our reputation as a specialist interior fit-out contractor delivering high-quality working environments for ambitious organisations.
“The collaborative approach between client, designer and contractor was key to securing the project. We’re now transforming a concrete shell into an office that reflects Northern Energy’s culture and future goals, creating an office that promotes wellbeing and business growth.”
Jake Harris, senior interior designer at Studio 93, said: “From the outset, it was clear Northern Energy wanted design to play a central role in its new HQ, giving us the opportunity to develop a distinctive identity for every space in the building.
“Features include a welcoming entrance that sets the tone for the rest of the building. This leads to a suite of meeting rooms and a choice of quiet working environments, including dedicated spaces and pods that support focus, privacy and any neurodiverse needs.
“There is also a dedicated wellbeing room, changing rooms and stunning breakout spaces that make the most of views across the surrounding countryside. A key challenge was making the ground-floor café work harder than a conventional staff canteen, allowing it to transition from an everyday social hub into a flexible venue for evening events.”
Max Colley from Ousebank added: “This building is about providing high-quality team facilities and flexible, multipurpose spaces that support working life and can evolve as the business grows.
“It is a superb project to be working on, alongside a very experienced team, that have prioritised local manufacturers and craftspeople wherever possible. All this contributes to an outstanding level of detail in every corner of this project, seamlessly combining high sustainability credentials with bespoke craftsmanship and an exceptional finish, which will all make it a unique and special place to work.”
