CASE STUDY

Decarbonising Fuller’s pubs without closing the doors

A single partner delivering complex electrical upgrades and keeping every site trading

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Keeping the lights on

Fuller’s is an iconic pub group and takes its Net Zero commitments seriously.

Removing gas and replacing it with electric alternatives is a critical step on that journey. But how do you do that without closing the doors?

The answer was easy, Fuller’s appointed Stark.

“We needed a partner who could simplify a complex decarbonisation programme across a live trading estate. Stark stood out for their ability to manage everything end-to-end while keeping our pubs open and operational.”

Director of Sustainability, Fullers

Instead of coordinating multiple contractors — each with their own timelines, risks and dependencies.

That means less disruption, hassle and time wasted, instead using Stark as the central hub for everything from Independent Network Operator (IDNO) and Low Voltage (LV) upgrades to data & metering services.

6

sites delivered and operational

1

partner managing the entire project

100

operational continuity maintained

Why Fuller’s chose Stark

On a live trading estate, complexity doesn’t just cause delays; it puts sustainability targets at risk.

Here’s why Fuller’s chose us:

  • Pubs usual business operations unaffected – protecting P&L
  • One provider – no finger-pointing or delays
  • Co-ordinated within agreed time frames – short, tightly planned programmes
  • Fully managed delivery – no dealing with last-minute changes
  • Cheaper constructions – where Stark Infra adopted networks

“The fact that we could continue trading as normal throughout the works made a huge difference. Stark’s planning and delivery meant minimal impact on day-to-day operations.”

Director of Sustainability, Fullers

The brief

As Fuller’s decarbonisation programme needed a partner that could:

  • Deliver full electrical infrastructure upgrades across multiple sites
  • Coordinate directly with DNOs, gas removal contractors and suppliers
  • Enabling works are completed ahead of time to avoid any outages or changeovers that could affect normal operations
  • Work to Fuller’s timelines and proactively identify risks
  • Provide metering services aligned to the upgrade programme, including meter installation after energisation
  • Support their wider Net Zero goals at pace and at scale

"From initial surveys through to final energisation, Stark managed every stage seamlessly. Their proactive approach helped us stay on schedule despite the inevitable challenges."

Director of Sustainability, Fullers

One partner. Full electrification.

Each project below represents another step forward in Fuller’s journey away from gas, and another pub transitioned to electric.

  • The Chamberlain Hotel: a full LV service upgrade. DNO revised the original connection point mid-delivery, and we identified an alternative and removed potential disruption to Fuller’s operations.
  • Fuller’s Kitchen Academy: urgent load upgrade. We did all works in a single out-of-hours visit, avoiding multiple site closures and delivering to a tight deadline despite DNO cancellations.
  • The Hare & Hounds, Tetbury: a full LV service upgrade. We managed all DNO coordination and 3-phase 600A service with CT metering under one programme.
  • The Bear of Rodborough: two new 200A supplies. We delivered the electrical works, handled the gas meter removal through Stark Connect, and new electricity meter installation.
  • The Bell & Crown: 20 metres of trenching. DNO records error forced a last-minute connection point change. We redesigned with no impact on Fuller’s timeline. Completing the full switch to electric on the morning of connection.
  • The Hand & Flower: fully decarbonised. Electrical and metering works were delivered smoothly without affecting service for a fully decarbonised kitchen installation.
Works being carried out at The Chamberlain Hotel.

Expect the unexpected

Decarbonising a live pub estate means there will be a few surprises on the way. The trick is that those changes don’t derail the programme.

Across projects, we have managed:

  • Unplanned DNO cancellations
  • Zero downtime or power off
  • Complex stakeholder environments
  • Last-minute design changes

Every challenge has been resolved quickly and quietly, protecting Fuller’s decarbonisation without the hassle.

A single partner for Net Zero

Fuller’s has a single, trusted partner managing their entire path to Net Zero, from first survey to final meter installation, and every unexpected twist in between.

  • Stark Infra – adopting networks, saving construction costs
  • Stark Works – multi-utility connections and electrical upgrades
  • Stark Connect – installation & removal of meters
  • Stark Data & Analytics – cost-saving opportunities through insight

Every pub that switches from gas to electric is a step closer to Fuller’s sustainability goals, and Stark is there to make sure nothing slows that progress down.

To discuss your multi-utility needs, drop us a message by completing our contact form.

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