Our mission is to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to be resourceful, not wasteful.
Nik Spencer is an entrepreneur and founder of a number of successful start-ups within the recycling and “waste” management sector.
The HERU is the culmination of a lifetime’s quest to bring value to items that are currently discarded with no further purpose, causing evident harm to the environment.
With over 30 years previous experience of the “waste” industry, Nik has taken his unique understanding and insight to address some of the most pressing challenges
Team HERU
Changing the world. One HERU at a time.
Supporting Nik is a team of exceptional academic and technical minds including leading engineers from Formula 1 Mercedes Benz, Rolls Royce Aerospace, Mitsubishi, Babcock, Goodridge, Garmin, Dolby Labs, JCB, Caterpillar, AGA Rangemaster, Siemens, BAXI boilers, BOSCH boilers and the Manufacturing Technology Centre.
Drawing on experience from the world of manufacturing, automotive, aerospace and the military, means that every element of the HERU has been designed and tested to the highest possible standards of technical excellence and ease of use.
From concept to creating a difference
HERU was conceived in 2013. Driven by concerns of “waste” industry practices, safety & quality and the fact that everything has energy, Nik believed that there could be a paradigm shift in the way we manage our valuable resources.
1992 – 2012
Horses & Newspapers – Betta Bedding began collecting paper from homes in 1992, shredding and supplying animal bedding in the UK. Sold to BIFFA. This is believed to be the first commercial kerbside recycling company in the UK.
The Landfill Directive & Vehicle Hire – WCR Municipal Vehicle Hire established, specialising in hiring recycling vehicles to local authorities to meet new recycling targets. Sold in 2006.
Pure Recycling Ltd – technically advanced Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) delivering pure recyclate. Sold to Kier Group Plc.
2013 – 2018
Experience and knowledge of the “waste” industry leads to exploration of other future proof methods.
HERU idea is born, applying natural pyrolysis process.
Partnered with Brunel University to develop heat pipe technology at the heart
of HERU. HERU prototype development commences V1 – V4.
HERU V5 development of automated systems trialled and tested in the HERU laboratory ahead of HERU V5-1, with fully tested automation.
2018 – 2020
HERU V5-1 build & test.
Market research conducted highlighting a requirement from commercial customers for a hybrid HERU heat pump, to be able to run on a combination of electric and gas to reduce energy cost risks, whilst ensuring hydrogen adaptive
and renewable electric. Customers also requested a rectangular chamber for
ease of loading; ideally angled towards the user.
HERU V5-1 Technical Field Trial Units placed at Wychavon District Council,
Hillers Farm Shop & Restaurant and Rugby Borough Council.
Over 10,000 successful running hours.
2021 onwards
2021 secured first round of external investment.
Development commences on Commercial HERU125L, applying the learning taken from HERU V5-1 trials.
2022 secured second round of external investment.
Parts in fabrication and assembly commences of Commercial HERU125L.
UKCA & CE Certification.
HERU in manufacture.
The future
Our vision through design and volume production is to make the HERU hybrid energy resource unit available to every person and every organisation globally to significantly reduce CO2 and methane emissions whilst significantly reducing “waste” arisings and plastic pollution.