What do you do?
My background is in high-end kitchens, interiors and whole house refurbishments. Particularly over the last couple of years, I’ve found myself incorporating renewable heating technologies into customers’ projects. A logical extension to the interiors business was to introduce a renewables service – or in this case a sister company which enables me to thoughtfully and seamlessly integrate renewable heating into customers’ homes.
Where are you?
I operate both businesses from a showroom at the amusingly named Blubberhouses in North Yorkshire, equi-distant from Harrogate and Ilkley.
How’s business at the moment?
It’s getting busier and busier as domestic customers look to benefit from the Renewable Heat Incentive payments from spring next year. SMEs are also warming to the potential in biomass for heating commercial premises and earning non-domestic RHI over the next 20 years.
How could it be better?
Without the negative press about whether the RHI will launch on time and the negativity surrounding the Green Deal which has affected consumer confidence in government energy saving initiatives.
Who do you admire in renewables?
The Swedes. They are miles ahead of us and we could learn so much from them. I always tell my prospective clients to look at how people in cold countries heat their homes.
What’s the best business advice you have ever received?
To stay true to your own values and principles. This has never been more important than it is now with so many inexperienced and under-qualified operators looking to capitalise on the growth in renewables and make a fast buck!
How are you going green?
My personal journey began at my own Dales barn nine years ago. We installed a ground source heat pump and ground works. We have just recently upgraded with additional ground loops and a new super-efficient heat pump.