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Sustainable Energy First

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Keeps getting better - Energy and Carbon Consultant Sustainable Energy First Employee Review

5.0
13 Nov 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I've worked in many companies and there was alot of care in this business compared to others but since the purchase by SEFirst the care and support of management has improved even more than what it was. The team is really supportive and always ready to step in and help. You get a real feeling that we're in it together. This fosters a really collaborative work environment. Training is improving with more and more guides being created everyday. On a personal level the management team has been very supportive with my unique childcare needs and during my wife's pregnancy. Management have been very understanding with unique demands put upon me due to unique demands coming from my wife. Regardless of the above for this reason above alone I would give the company 5 stars but coupled with the above I cannot recommend SEFirst and especially the Development and Framework Team within Solutions

Cons

Would have liked higher pay rises but I've never known anyone who didn't want a higher pay rise. That said they have been fair. Tools have sometimes taken longer than planned to develop but it's better to have a better working product even if it takes longer. Currently still no clear path of career progression but concrete steps are being taken to create one and I feel its 90% there. Due to the nature of the job you've always got 5 or 6 different clients you're dealing with at once but this is the nature of the business. This results in feeling like your coming to work and fighting fires. Workload has been high but active steps are being taken to recruit more members to the Team

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Sustainable Energy First Response
6mo
Thank you for your review — we’re thrilled to hear that our supportive culture and commitment to collaboration have made a positive impact on your experience!

Explore other reviews about Sustainable Energy First

2.0
13 Oct 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Lots of projects means you can be working on anything at any time. 'Balance time' means you can claim back additional hours that you've put in. Senior management seem to care (but there are still bad eggs!) Remote working. General sense of optimism around the business including new offices in Preston.

Cons

The sense of optimism depends on where your sat. It's very stressful here in the Solutions part of the business (ex-Inenco, bought out by SE First in 2024) and pay is below market rates so I plan to leave. Even though we hoped the buyout would fix them, the chronic long-term issues are still here: immature tools and processes that just add to the disconnects and stress, out-of-touch managers with lots of technical knowledge but no formal management training who enjoy dropping engineers in the deep end with little guidance or support, focus on turning over as much work as possible (and little else), minimal accountability to clients and a culture of blame when things go wrong. They nearly broke me on ESOS 3 and I didn't even get a bonus - which is why good people are leaving including myself!

1
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Sustainable Energy First Response
7mo
Thank you for sharing your concerns. Our management team is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, and we’re always open to feedback—positive or negative. Your input is invaluable in helping us grow together. We’re committed to investing in our people at every level. Currently, our management team is participating in a six-month, externally led senior leadership training program, with four months completed so far. During periods of change, it’s natural for some people to move on, but I’m proud to say our team has remained impressively stable, with minimal loss of valued colleagues. We’ve also welcomed exceptional new talent, which has strengthened our capabilities. If there has been one mantra of my career, it is creating exceptional customer experience. If you feel we are not meeting that standard, I genuinely want to understand why. The one thing you do know is that I want you to be part of the solution to improve so let us know your thoughts so we can learn from your perspective. Please feel free to contact me directly so we can discuss your specific concerns in detail and try to turn things around for you personally - Glyn Whelan Associate Director of Sustainability
5.0
13 Nov 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

When I joined the energy industry, I had zero experience. Every week since has been different—a daily learning curve that keeps me engaged and growing. What makes this role special? Supportive Leadership: For the first time in 40 years, I have a manager who truly listens and values my input. Recognition & Rewards: Bonuses, wage increases, and end-of-year appreciation meetings remind me that my contributions matter. Work-Life Balance: Increasing holidays and extra “balance time” show the company cares about well-being. Approachable Management: Even when I share personal challenges, I’m met with understanding—not judgment. When I applied, I aimed low at first and wasn’t successful. It was only when I believed in myself and applied for a higher-paid role that I got the interview—and the offer came in above the advertised rate! This experience has taught me that the right culture and leadership can transform not just your career, but your confidence.

Cons

Holidays and Balance time started pro rata which meant I lost 5 days Holiday

1
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Sustainable Energy First Response
6mo
Thank you for sharing your review—your feedback highlights the culture we strive for, and we’re thrilled to see it making such a difference in your career and confidence!
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