Newcastle North MP Catherine McKinnell has become the first high profile visitor to newly created Carillion Energy Services.

The Shadow Solicitor General used her visit to meet with the company’s Community Legal Advice (CLA) team and to the praise the work they carry out.

She also met Carillion Energy Services Managing Director Paul Varley.

Formerly Eaga, Carillion Energy Services is a leading independent energy services provider. The Newcastle-based business also provides a range of services for vulnerable households to promote greater social inclusion.

Since 2007 its 80-strong CLA team has provided a telephone-based advice service on behalf of the Legal Services Commission for customers seeking help with benefits, employment, housing and debt.

The quality of its work in providing clear and competent advice has been recognised as being in the top 3% of telephone-based suppliers operating under the CLA contract.

Catherine McKinnell said: “I was very keen to meet with the legal advice team here and to see first hand the excellent work they do providing free advice and support to people when they are most in need. I was pleased to see that the organisation is providing skilled and highly qualified jobs here in the North East.”

Paul Varley added: “We were delighted to welcome Catherine McKinnell, both as an important local MP and as Carillion Energy Services’ first high profile guest. The acquisition of Eaga by Carillion completed at the end of the last month and we are now forging ahead as a new business delivering a range of independent energy and advice services. To receive praise like this for the efforts and quality of our employees is therefore extremely welcome.”

<