A KEIGHLEY company set up by a local couple just three years ago is now playing a key national role in the dramatic expansion of electric vehicle use.

McNally Electrical Yorkshire Ltd, which was previously based off Oakworth Road, has settled into a new, larger home in Damems.

The firm, which specialises in the supply and installation of electric vehicle chargers, was set up by husband and wife team Nick and Nicola McNally.

As reported in the Keighley News one year ago, the business became a “Nationwide Installation Partner” with Rolec Services, a specialist in the manufacture of electrical vehicle (EV) charging points.

It meant the Keighley firm would work with Rolec to fit these devices all over the UK.

McNally Electrical has now launched a new scheme to enable commercial premises to try out EV chargers for free.

Mr McNally, who is originally from Silsden and now lives in Damems with his family, said: “The business is going from strength to strength which is fantastic. We knew it would be a demanding industry to work in but we’ve nearly doubled our staff numbers. We now employ 14 people and they all give 100 per cent.

“They’ve bought into what we’re trying to achieve and without them we couldn’t have pushed forward as far and fast as we have done. All the time we’re seeing scary articles online about what’s happening to the environment.

“So if we can help cut CO2 emissions by operating successfully then that’s exactly what we want.”

He added that while domestic EV charging points are still the firm’s “bread and butter”, it has also broken into the market for providing fast, commercial EV chargers.

It has been providing these for universities and other large organisations such as the National Trust.

“We’re due to fit one of the first Rolec ultra fast chargers – that is for a commercial client, a college, which will be using it for training purposes,” Mr McNally said.

Outlining the initiative his company has announced to allow businesses to trial EV chargers, he said firms that sign up for the scheme will have one of these devices fitted at their premises free of charge.

McNally Electrical will take the revenue from vehicles which plug into the charger, but will provide a monthly report to the host business premises, setting out how well the device is being used.