Newcastle-based carbon-accounting and reduction specialist SmartCarbon has been acquired by TVI Group, with the new owner planning further investment in the company’s software platform.
The acquisition completed on 11 Sept. Financial terms have not been disclosed. TVI Group acquired the whole business and SmartCarbon will retain Newcastle as its operational base.
Founded in 2016, SmartCarbon combines a carbon calculator and reporting platform with consultancy services and training. The company says it has supported more than 1,000 organisations, including Greggs, Durham University, Thirteen Group, Newcastle City Council and NHS trusts.
TVI’s investment will support development of SmartCarbon’s calculator and reporting platform. The company says planned changes will include enhanced automation and AI capabilities aimed at reducing the administrative work involved in carbon accounting. The timing and cost of the development programme have not been disclosed.
Lee Jackson, SmartCarbon’s managing director, said the investment would allow the company to “execute plans for the development of our carbon accounting platform, enhance our customer experience and, fundamentally, make it easier for businesses to build emissions reporting and carbon reduction planning into their operations”.
SmartCarbon also provides consultancy and training, including ISEP-accredited carbon-footprint training through a partnership with Northumbria University.
Anna-Lisa Mills, who founded SmartCarbon, will remain with the business as part of its consultancy team. She said the company’s original ambition had been to give organisations “the tools and the knowledge needed to take genuine action on carbon emissions”.
TVI Group describes itself as a diversified operating group with interests spanning technology, engineering, specialist products and professional services.
Ian Whittaker has been appointed chairman of SmartCarbon. He has more than 20 years of sales, marketing and general management experience with Hewlett Packard and was later CEO and a board member of a software business that listed on the London Stock Exchange before being sold in 2024, according to SmartCarbon.
The group has not disclosed a timetable for the planned platform changes.