Crawley Innovation Centre is filling up with a wonderful variety of businesses, each bringing bags of ambition and expertise in their specialist areas. One such customer is Naked Energy, who represent a new and revolutionary type of solar technology, delivering more energy in less space, with up to four times the carbon savings.
We sat down with CEO and founder, Christophe Williams, to find out more about the business and why Crawley Innovation Centre has become Naked Energy’s home.
Q. Tell us more about Naked Energy and what you are hoping to achieve?
Naked Energy is a manufacturer of high-performing solar thermal and photovoltaic thermal (PVT) technologies to support heat decarbonisation for businesses in the commercial and industrial space. Our Virtu product range provides the highest energy density of all solar technologies and can deliver up to ten times the carbon savings per m2 compared to conventional solar photovoltaic (solar PV).
Our goal is simple: decarbonising as many businesses as possible and by doing so mitigating the worst impacts of climate change. We are motivated by a strong sense of responsibility to our children and the planet, our customers, partners, employees, families and friends.
Q. What made you decide to base your business at the Crawley Innovation Centre?
I founded the company in Crawley. Our first office was at Basepoint in Metcalf Way, and we’ve been embraced by the local business community with open arms. Over the years, we’ve been working closely with a few businesses in the area, which support our R&D efforts among other things, and they have become trusted business partners.
In 2024, we received funding from E.ON and Barclays and were preparing the next growth phase of our business, so when the opportunity presented itself to move into Crawley Innovation Centre, it really was a no-brainer. The large office and lab space perfectly support Naked Energy’s international expansion.
Q. What advice would you give to other start-ups that are at the early stages of their business?
My main advice would be to never assume you have all the answers. As a business leader, it’s vital to have a melting pot of expertise and personalities to keep you on the right track. When you have a good team, those necessary compromises become natural, your knowledge gaps are filled, and your problem solving is made easier.
Having a thick skin is important too. Even with an idea you think is groundbreaking and you truly believe in, you’re still going to face a lot of rejection. ‘No’ never gets any easier to hear, but if you stay determined despite all the pushback, you have a great chance to make it.
Fancy joining Naked Energy and basing your business at Crawley Innovation Centre? Why not book a tour by emailing info@crawley-ic.co.uk.