Local home improvement firms urged to attend free business event with energy utilities

3rd June 2013

A free event in Inverness on Thursday 27 June is aiming to help local businesses in the Highlands make the most of new contracting opportunities arising from the new Energy Companies Obligation (ECO).

The event will give firms opportunities to speak directly with energy suppliers and also hear an overview of current government funded schemes to support and improve energy efficiency.

ECO requires energy utilities to achieve carbon and fuel savings for householders across the UK and the utilities are funding a range of contractors to achieve their aims.
Contracts are up for grabs from the energy utilities for local home improvement firms, who are being encouraged to attend the event to find out how to get a share of ECO-funded insulation work.

Suitably accredited assessors, heating engineers, builders, joiners, plumbers and insulation installers will be contracted to assess properties or install insulation and heating measures, as required by ECO and the Green Deal.

Peter Rickard, centre manager at event organisers Home Energy Scotland advice centre Highlands and Islands, said:“I would like to emphasise that this is a great opportunity for local businesses in the Highlands to grab a piece of what could become a large share of heating and insulation work programmes, helping to make local homes warmer and more energy-efficient.

“We’re anticipating a lot of local interest especially at this difficult economic time. However, as places are limited and allocated on a first-come basis, I would urge local firms to get in touch with us as soon as possible.”

Interested parties can book places by calling Amy Hanson at Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282.

The event is supported by the Scottish Government and Energy Saving Trust.

About the Energy Saving Trust in Scotland
The Energy Saving Trust is one of Scotland and the UK's leading impartial organisations helping people save energy and reduce carbon emissions. We provide expert insight, knowledge and advice about energy saving, support people to take action and help local authorities and communities to save energy. The Energy Saving Trust is organised as a social enterprise with charitable status.

The Energy Saving Trust's work in Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government. We manage a network of advice centres in Scotland specifically designed to help consumers take action to save energy. This Home Energy Scotland advice network aims to reach 250,000 people every year.
Call your local Home Energy Scotland advice centre for free impartial advice: 0808 808 2282 or visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland

About the Home Energy Scotland advice centre in Highlands and Islands
The Home Energy Scotland advice centre in Highlands and Islands covers all mainland and Island communities in Argyll and Bute and the north of Scotland.

We help consumers save energy, carbon and money by providing free, impartial, expert advice on all matters related to energy efficiency, small scale renewables and low carbon personal transport.

The Home Energy Scotland advice centre Highlands and Islands is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and can be contacted on 0808 808 2282.

Home Energy Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Energy Saving Trust.