Since opening its doors in 2016, Oakham-based Two Chimps Coffee has built its business with sustainability in mind.

This extends to everything from paper-based tape and sensor-operated lighting to electric forklifts, and now, thanks to a Rural Enterprise Grant from Rutland County Council, the roastery is powered through renewable energy from solar panels.

The match-funded Rural Enterprise Grants are largely funded through the UK government's Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) and support small businesses' growth, diversification, and sustainability. 

Two Chimps' new solar panels

The project, which began at the end of January 2026, was completed in just three days by another Oakham-based firm, Rutland Renewables, who worked both inside and out to install the new panels on the roastery roof on Pillings Road.

They also fitted an electric vehicle charging point on the front exterior of the building for Two Chimps staff to use to charge their electric vehicles during working hours. 

All the panels capture solar energy and convert it into electricity used throughout the roastery, helping the business save money while reducing its carbon footprint without hampering productivity.

The energy is stored in sleek, silent batteries inside the roastery which means the power can be used on duller days, or even at night to help increase productivity.

advertisement

Head Chimps Laura and Andy, who founded the business, which is celebrating its tenth birthday this year, said that: "We're thrilled to have been awarded the match-funded grant from the Council, a lot of hard work went into the application and we're delighted to not only receive the funding but also to now see everything in place in time for a hot, sunny, summer!"

They added that "We would like to thank the programme and the economic development team at Rutland County Council for helping us to achieve this huge sustainable milestone. It's a massive step for us as a small business in Rutland."

Two Chimps Coffee remains on target to meet its Net Zero target of 2040 and continues to roast as many as twelve single origin, specialty coffees from its Oakham roastery.