Richard Tice’s Business Record Contrasts with His ‘Net Stupid Zero

Published: 10 October 2025 | The English Chronicle Desk | The English Chronicle Online

Richard Tice, Reform UK’s deputy leader, has built a public image as a staunch critic of the UK’s net-zero carbon policies, branding them “net stupid zero” and describing renewable energy initiatives as costly and harmful. Yet, an examination of his 15-year business record reveals a long history of actively supporting sustainability and green energy initiatives through companies he has led, raising questions about the consistency of his public stance.

Reform UK, founded by Nigel Farage, has made opposition to green energy and net zero central to its platform, calling for policies such as lifting the ban on fracking and reversing climate emergency declarations in local councils. Farage has repeatedly described net zero policies as “lunacy,” while Tice has echoed criticisms of solar farms and renewable subsidies, claiming they threaten jobs, property values, and food security.

However, annual reports and statements from companies led by Tice since 2011 show a clear commitment to environmental responsibility. CLS Holdings, where Tice became deputy chief executive in 2010 and chief executive in 2011, implemented a “green charter” and appointed a full-time sustainability manager to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. By 2012, the company celebrated completing a “zero net emissions” building, emphasising its responsibility to mitigate environmental impacts and harness opportunities for positive change.

Under Tice’s leadership, CLS Holdings identified climate change as a “sustainability risk” and assigned board-level oversight and specialist personnel to address it. By 2014, the company exceeded its CO2 reduction targets, demonstrating measurable results from its initiatives.

In 2015, Tice launched Quidnet Reit, a property investment company, which continued to prioritize emissions reductions. Reports covering 2021 showed solar power investments reducing CO2 by approximately 70 tonnes per year, with subsequent years reporting savings of hundreds of tonnes annually. Despite this, after media coverage of Quidnet’s environmental efforts, later reports omitted mention of these achievements.

Steff Wright, a sustainability entrepreneur and former tenant of Tice, pointed out the discrepancy between Tice’s political statements and business actions. He argued that Tice’s companies clearly benefited from sustainability initiatives, both environmentally and financially, suggesting that the criticisms of net zero may now serve political rather than operational purposes.

Tice defended his position, arguing that there is no contradiction between running environmentally responsible companies and criticizing net zero policies. He distinguished between sensible, business-oriented initiatives—such as rooftop solar panels generating electricity for tenants—and large-scale solar farms that rely on public subsidies and pose risks through energy storage systems. He also expressed broader concerns about the economic impact of renewable subsidies on British industries and jobs.

Throughout his business career, Tice has highlighted efficiency and innovation without relying on legal mandates, emphasizing voluntary, financially sustainable environmental strategies. Yet, his political rhetoric frames government-led net zero initiatives as harmful, a stance that contrasts sharply with the proactive environmental measures he championed in his corporate roles.

This juxtaposition underscores the tension between political positioning and private sector practice, raising questions about how public figures reconcile environmental advocacy in business with their policy stances in government. Analysts suggest that Tice’s approach reflects a broader debate over the costs, benefits, and implementation of climate policies in the UK, particularly as renewable energy and net zero targets remain central to national and international agendas.