Vivergo Fuels Appoints New Head of Government Affairs
Hull-based Vivergo Fuels, the UK’s largest producer of bioethanol and high protein animal feed, has appointed Richard Royal as its Head of Government Affairs.
The role will see Richard working with politicians and media to raise awareness of the crucial role Vivergo Fuels is playing in boosting the UK economy by sustaining a market for domestic animal feed grade wheat, supporting UK farmers and creating UK jobs throughout its supply chain.
Richard will spearhead the company’s ongoing call to government for the swift, coordinated rollout of E10 petrol – a greener fuel containing 10% bioethanol – in 2017. Its introduction would deliver a carbon reduction equivalent of taking 700,000 cars off the roads in the UK*, helping the government to achieve greener transport and support economic growth.
Originally from East Yorkshire, Richard, who was also a Parliamentary Candidate at the 2015 General Election, brings more than 15 years’ experience in public affairs to Vivergo Fuels, gained through senior-level roles with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, the Food and Drink Federation, Britvic and Ladbrokes. His arrival comes as the company renews its commitment to championing the Humber region, its economy and its aspiration to be the UK’s energy estuary, as a Hull 2017 City of Culture partner.
Commenting on the appointment, Mark Chesworth, Managing Director at Vivergo Fuels, said: “It is a crucial time for E10 and we’re delighted to welcome Richard to the company. His expertise and extensive political knowledge will be vital as we continue to call on the government for the swift, coordinated rollout of E10 to benefit both the environment and the economy.”
Richard adds: “Vivergo Fuels is a great British company which is passionate about creating a greener future, providing a sustainable market for UK farmers, and supporting the economy through job creation in the north of England. I’m excited to be back in Yorkshire and to be working alongside Mark and the team to raise awareness of Vivergo Fuels as a business and to secure the introduction of E10 in the UK.”
Alongside his impressive professional CV, Richard is a competitive swimmer who recently swam the English Channel as part of a relay team which raised more than £12,000 for spinal injury charity Aspire. Prior to this he swam from Alcatraz to raise money for children’s mental health charity Young Minds, having also been a Trustee of Mind.
*assuming cars on the road emit 1.5tCO2 per year (9000 km per year driven and 166g CO2/km)
