The British Gas owner said the acquisition, which includes an additional earn-out mechanism of up to £3m, will launch its entry into the UK's business energy services market.

"With high energy costs, and with the prospect of new legislation and tighter regulation around businesses' carbon emissions, we will offer new ways to help our customers cut their energy usage and reduce their carbon footprint," British Gas managing director Phil Bentley said

The company added that British Gas was looking for other acquisitions in the energy efficiency sector.