Andrew Louth of GroundTherm, a supplier and installer of ground source and air source heat pumps, was one of a number of local businessmen to speak with Mr Davey on a tour of Oldham College’s Green Technology Centre.
“Through GroundTherm Education we specialise in design and installation of renewable technology training infrastructure for the further education and training sector,” said Andrew. “It was a great opportunity to meet with Mr Davey in the college to discuss our aim which is to ensure ours client are supported fully from design to installation, making the right product and installation choices in line with awarding body specifications and budget requirements.
“A lot of work we carry out is aligned to government policy so to highlight our work and discuss matters face-to-face with a minister in this area was certainly worthwhile.”
Mr Davey was visiting Oldham as part of a regional tour to sign the unique agreement between the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Mr Davey said: “With high energy bills a real worry, we need to be looking at ways to help —whether that is through collective switching, as is being posed across the whole of Greater Manchester, with Oldham having led the way, or whether it’s through green deals to insulate homes.”
Andrew added: “There are many opportunities in the education sector through the government-sponsored Feed in Tariffs, Renewable Heat Incentives and The Green Deal which make this a very attractive area to develop into.
“We understand that training space is tight, finance is limited and that most organisations’ knowledge acquirement in this area is only just beginning, so we offer expertise and solutions to maximise investment.”