SYGN: Meet our Networkers

One of the newest organisation’s to join South Yorkshire’s Giving Network is Exagen Development Limited.

Exagen is a British founded and owned company focused on the development of high-quality renewable generation and storage projects. 

It’s building the next generation of utility scale solar farms and grid-balancing battery storage facilities to help deliver an ethical power system that provides value to the UK bill payer, addressing fuel poverty, energy security and decarbonisation in line with its national Net Zero 2050 commitment.

 

Exagen’s proposed Thurcroft Interchange Energy Park is located to the north-west of Thurcroft and the M1/M18 interchange and to the south of Wickersley,

Here, Community Engagement Manager, Sam Warne, explains more:

Why you decided to join SYGN?

We wanted to be part of a network that is already making a real and visible difference to communities across South Yorkshire. We believe our responsibility goes beyond delivering clean power, we also want to contribute positively to the places where we work and operate. SYGN gives us the chance to support local organisations, connect with like-minded partners, and help enhance impact in a way that is practical, meaningful and rooted in the needs of the community.

What do you hope to bring to SYGN?

As a renewable energy developer, we want to bring a long-term commitment to creating positive change in local communities. We understand the importance of building strong partnerships and investing in communities for the long term. We are looking forward to sharing ideas, learning from other members and supporting initiatives that help communities thrive. By working alongside SYGN and its members, we hope to contribute to a collective effort that delivers meaningful and lasting impact across South Yorkshire.

Why is social value important to Exagen?

Social value is important to Exagen because we believe successful development should leave a positive legacy beyond the infrastructure we build.

While our renewable energy projects will play an important role in supporting the transition to a low-carbon future, we also recognise the importance of delivering tangible benefits for local people and communities. Creating social value means investing in the places where we work, supporting local organisations, and helping communities become more resilient and sustainable. By working with SYGN, we can ensure our contribution extends beyond clean energy generation and helps create lasting positive impact for future generations.

Your view on the network having attended previous events

Having attended previous SYGN events, I’ve been impressed by the genuine commitment of members to creating positive change across South Yorkshire. The network brings together a diverse range of organisations that share a common goal of supporting local communities, and there is a real sense of collaboration and purpose at each event. I've found the network to be welcoming, inspiring, and entirely focused on turning good intentions into meaningful action.

Meet Michelle

Michelle leads strategic partnerships to connect giving with community need across the region. Since joining in 2019, she has played a key role in major funding initiatives, including flood appeals and cost-of-living support, helping to raise over £2.5 million for South Yorkshire communities.
Her working days are Monday to Friday.

Michelle Dickinson

Deputy CEO and Head of Partnerships and Programmes

Michelle Dickinson's LinkedIn page
Michelle Dickinson