THE first of two seminars about the commercial opportunities in the renewable energy sector is taking place at Oakham next week (October 6, 2010).

The event at Greetham Valley Golf Club – and a subsequent seminar on November 11 at the Rowley Mile Conference Centre in Newmarket – is organised by the specialist Energy and Marine team at Carter Jonas in Peterborough and regional chartered accountants and business advisers, Duncan & Toplis, together with rural business association, the CLA (Country Land & Business Association).

The seminar series has been prompted by the introduction of the Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) which has resulted in many landowners considering their own development projects in the renewable sector and who need to identify and maximise the new business opportunities offered through wind energy.

The seminars – which last from 9am-12noon – will cover topics such as site suitability and constraints, feasibility studies including economic modelling, planning issues, financial incentives and how to structure projects in the most tax efficient method.

There will also be an opportunity for participants to discuss specific matters with a range of professionals who are directly involved with a range of projects in the energy sector.

By combining with the CLA, Carter Jonas and Duncan & Toplis, in hosting these seminars, are looking to cover areas of expertise for project development and deployment in this evolving sector.

Andrew Watkin, partner and head of the Carter Jonas Energy and Marine team which is based in Peterborough, said, “With the introduction of the FIT, in many instances, medium scale renewable energy projects in now make sense from an economic and environmental perspective. When considering the returns from the various technology types, the returns on wind energy are impressive on suitable sites and this development opportunity should not be missed.”

Tom Hindmarch, partner and rural specialist adviser based in Duncan & Toplis’s Stamford office, said, “The renewable energy sector offers new business opportunities for diversification to a range of business enterprises and there is real scope for additional revenue.

“So it is important that any landowner considering developing technology in this sector gets the right advice to set up the most tax-efficient and advantageous business structure from the outset.”

Admission to the events is free but by ticket only; for ticket availability contact Camilla Richardson at Carter Jonas, camilla.richardson@carterjonas.co.uk.