City News – October 2024

At City Energy, our dedicated team members are the driving force behind delivering sustainable and efficient energy solutions. We recently caught up with Abbie, our Retrofit Quality Assurance & Survey Lead, to learn more about her journey with the company, her role, and the impact her work has on bringing energy efficiency to homes. Here’s what she had to share.

My name is Abbie, and I am the Retrofit Quality Assurance & Survey Lead at City Energy. I’ve been with the company for three and a half years. I initially joined as a Submissions Team Member back in 2021, and quickly moved to the Internal Delivery Team in 2022, as I found my passion for leading teams and improving our survey processes.

In my role, I oversee a team of surveyors who conduct home Retrofit Assessments to determine the best energy efficiency measures for our clients. This includes making sure each surveyor has a full diary, evaluating homes for potential insulation, heating upgrades, and other improvements. My job is to ensure that surveys are conducted accurately and efficiently.

What I enjoy most is seeing the direct impact of our work on people’s lives. When we complete a survey and implement energy-saving measures, it’s nice hearing feedback from homeowners about how much their energy bills have decreased and how much more comfortable their homes feel. It’s rewarding to know that we as a company are contributing to a more sustainable future while also helping people save money. 

This month, we welcomed a new surveyor, Steve to our team. His experience in energy auditing will enhance our capabilities, allowing us to book more surveys and reduce waiting times for clients. With Steve now on board, we expect to increase our survey capacity by 20%, which will enable us to reach more households and deliver energy efficiency solutions more quickly.

We measure our team’s success through a combination of metrics, including the number of surveys completed, client satisfaction ratings, and the percentage of projects that lead to successful implementations of energy efficiency measures. Regular feedback sessions with our surveyors also help us identify areas for improvement and recognise achievements.

Looking ahead, one of my primary objectives is to significantly increase the number of surveys we conduct, which will directly lead to securing more energy grants for our customers. By optimising our scheduling processes and expanding our surveyor team, we can enhance our capacity to serve more clients. I also plan to strengthen our relationships with local organisations and stakeholders to better identify and reach households that could benefit from these grants. This proactive approach will not only help us meet our targets but also ensure that more families have access to the resources they need to improve their homes’ energy efficiency.

We appreciate you taking the time to share your insights and experiences with us. Your commitment to improving energy efficiency and assisting homeowners is truly inspiring. We are excited to witness the ongoing impact of your work at City Energy and the positive changes you’ll bring to the community. Stay tuned for more updates and stories from our remarkable team!

In a new series hosted by Consumer energy Solutions brand ambassador Jonathan “Jiffy” Davies, we visit the homes of customers that have been transformed with renewable energy products to see how they are getting on.

Who?

Our first visit was to Rowan and Joelle, in Morriston, Swansea who had received a whole house renovation for free under the ECO 4 Grants Scheme.

What?

Our experts provided Solid Wall Insulation, An Air Source Heat Pump system and Solar Panels. The process took just 3 weeks, finishing in June 2024 ready for summer.

What did they think?

Rowan and Joelle were delighted with their experience, even noting how the CES team took her son’s GCSE exams into account and curated the best schedule for them, causing as little disruption as possible to their day-to-day routine. Before the process all 3 bedrooms upstairs had damp issues and black mold, but after the upgrades the damp problems disappeared due to the joint effectiveness of the insulation and ventilation measures.

They received daily phone calls providing updates on when the work would start, and what this would mean for them, putting their mind at ease and taking the lead on the project.

This project is a great example of just how accessible the whole process is; from seeing one of our online ads they were able to apply and receive life changing work easily and promptly.

Here’s what they had to say:

“We felt the benefit immediately, we immediately felt warmer, and we’re definitely looking forward to seeing the energy savings!

“I just saw something online and thought that sounds brilliant, that’s lifechanging, and then it said I’d been successful and met the criteria. The work started very quickly. It was a very easy process, we received regular phone calls and excellent communication throughout, and the team were very, very friendly. I’ve recommended it to a few neighbours already.”

Want to see for yourself? Check out Jiffy’s visit with Joelle and Rowan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVB8qoFNcI4

We specialise in utilising government-backed grants to make homes more energy-efficient—for free. Government grants can cover energy-saving measures up to £45,000, making it easy to apply, especially for those receiving qualifying benefits. Even if you don’t qualify for benefits, you may still be eligible for assistance.

Find out how we can help: https://www.consumerenergysolutions.co.uk/

Leading energy efficiency company, Consumer Energy Solutions (CES), has announced it will be offering a two-year apprenticeship in NVQ Level 3 in Insulation & Building Treatments.

In contrast to regular apprenticeships, Swansea-based CES will be paying National Minimum Wage per age bracket to ensure fair compensation as the apprentices develop their skills and experience to accelerate their careers.

In addition, to improve accessibility, CES will provide an Internal Wall Insulation Apprentice Starter Kit to all apprentices, including PPE, key tools and storage items, as well as offering a £25 per night stay-away allowance.

The two-year course will start by covering comprehensive safety training and basic insulation techniques, before moving on to hands-on experience and soft skills development. In their second year, apprentices will aim to enhance their technical skills, work more independently and prepare for certification, if applicable. Modules will include quality control, project involvement and leadership and cost management.

Ben Strinati, Insulation Director at CES said: “We are thrilled to be offering this apprenticeship in NVQ Level 3 in Insulation and Building Treatments. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people across south Wales to kickstart their career in renewable installation by learning the core skills and techniques to become a skilled professional in the insulation industry.

“We are honoured to be able to offer our support in providing apprentices with key equipment through the Internal Wall Insulation Apprentice Starter Kit and our overnight expense coverage, as well as paying all apprentices the National Minimum Wage. We want our learning opportunities to be as accessible as possible and leave our apprentices ready for the world of work. With our support options, we hope this opportunity will reach a wide range of young people, and we encourage anyone who is looking to kickstart their career to apply.”

CES has its headquarters in Swansea with permanent bases in south Wales, north Wales, west Wales and Exeter. It currently operates 42 teams of insulation installers, each of which includes carpenters, dry-liners, plasterers and multi-skilled installers, alongside eight dedicated loft insulation teams.

The company is committed to providing comprehensive training for all staff and arranges regular manufacturer training programmes and seminars to ensure installers are up to date with frequent regulation reviews and advancement in technology. Basic training starts with an NVQ qualification in construction and building treatments with further learning based on the energy efficiency measure and the method of installation. Additionally, all operatives receive annual training in the latest health and safety regulation, promoting a safe installation for themselves and customers.

City Training Group has once again solidified its status as the premier provider of vocational training in Wales, winning the coveted ‘Training Company of the Year’ award at the Wales Prestige Awards for the third consecutive year. This remarkable achievement highlights the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering industry-leading training and development solutions to Wales’ thriving trade and renewable energy sectors. The award ceremony, held at Ashton Gate, celebrated excellence across various industries in Wales, with City Training Group standing out for its exceptional contributions to the training and development of professionals in the trades. Specialising in providing a wide array of NVQs and vocational courses, City Training Group supports tradespeople in areas such as gas, electrical work, and renewable energy. Their cutting-edge programmes in Solar PV, heat pumps, Solar Thermal, and other green technologies have positioned the company as a leader in the fast-evolving renewable energy sector. Mark Williams, Head of Training at City Training Group, expressed his immense pride in the team’s accomplishments: “Winning this award for the third consecutive year is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at City Training Group. We’ve built a reputation on providing top-tier training that meets the needs of both traditional and emerging sectors, and this recognition shows that we are continuing to lead the way.” City Training Group’s win comes at a pivotal time, as the UK sees increasing demand for skilled tradespeople, particularly in the renewable energy market. With government incentives and public interest driving rapid growth in sustainable technologies, City Training Group’s courses have become invaluable for tradespeople looking to up-skill and future-proof their careers. In addition to its core training in gas and electrical work, the company has heavily invested in expanding its offerings in renewable energy at its Llanishen training centre, responding to the growing need for expertise in green technologies.The prestigious Wales Prestige Award judges were particularly impressed by City Training Group’s dedication to innovation and continuous improvement in their courses. Their approach to blending traditional trade skills with the latest advancements in green technology ensures that learners are not only certified but also well-prepared to meet the future demands of the industry. Reflecting on the company’s triple crown achievement, Head of Sales Billy Childs-Carlisle concluded “To be named ‘Training Company of the Year’ for three years in a row is an incredible honour. It motivates us to keep pushing the boundaries of what vocational training can achieve, and we’re excited to continue supporting the next generation of tradespeople in Wales.”

With their eyes set on the future, City Training Group remains at the forefront of vocational education in Wales, empowering thousands of learners with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their careers and make a lasting impact in their industries.

Cardiff-based City Training Group have proudly hosted representatives and players from the Welsh Rugby Players’ Association (WRPA) for an exclusive tour and training session.

The event marked the launch of a new partnership aimed at equipping professional rugby players with essential skills and qualifications for life after their sporting careers. Players from three of Wales’s regional teams –Cardiff Rugby, Dragons, and Scarlets –attended the event and received a guided tour of the state-of-the-art facilities in Llanishen. The tour, conducted by the training team at the centre, also included a short training sessions in the gas, electrical and renewable energy departments to give the players a “hands-on” feel for what each of the courses entails. Chris Dicomidis, Daf Evans and Khalid Jama of WRPA emphasised the significance of planning for a future beyond professional rugby, with Dicomidis stating, “It’s crucial for players to thinkabout their post-rugby careers while still playing. This partnership with City Training Group provides a fantastic opportunity for our members to gain valuable skills that will ease their transition into ‘normal’ life and secure meaningful employment. “Echoing his sentiments, Jama and Evans added, “The WRPA is dedicated to supporting our players in all aspects of their lives. By partnering with City Training Group, we are ensuring that our players have access to top-quality training programs that will open doors to new career paths. “Kristian Dacey, an ex-Cardiff Rugby and British & Irish Lion player, and Jack Dixon, a former Dragons RFC player, shared their success stories with the attendees, as both have transitioned into careers as gas engineers through City Training Group’s programs. Dacey, now a qualified gas engineer with Heatforce, said, “The training I received at City Training Group was instrumental in my career transition. I am proud to work in a field that is both challenging and rewarding.” Dixon, who is currently training under Dacey as an apprentice at Heatforce, remarked, “This opportunity has given me a new sense of purpose and direction after my rugby career. I’m grateful for the support and training I’ve received. ”Mark Williams, Head of Training at City Training Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “We are incredibly proud to partner with WRPA and support professional rugby players in Wales. Our programs are designed to provide practical, hands-on training that leads to real employment opportunities. Seeing players like Kristian and Jack succeed in their new careers is a testament to the effectiveness of our training programs. ”This collaboration between City Training Group and WRPA is set to make a significant impact on the lives of many professional rugby players, providing them with the tools and confidence to build successful careers beyond the rugby pitch.

On 13th October, City Energy hosted a charity football match in memory of our late colleague, Ryan Taylor, in aid of the mental health charity Mind. The match, held at Newmarket Town Football Club, saw City Energy face off against Providor, with both teams made up of employees and some of Ryan’s close friends.

In a fitting tribute, Ryan’s family donated a memorial shield, which will be contested annually between the two teams. This year, Providor claimed victory with an 8-6 win.

Thanks to the generosity of everyone involved, we raised an impressive £7,879 through donations and a raffle held on the day.

Looking ahead, there has been interest from across the industry to expand this event into a larger tournament, bringing companies together to raise even more money for Mind.

Laver Group are proud to announce a new contract for the installation of Vaillant renewable heat pump systems, paired with innovative Sunamp hot water batteries, in 16 residential properties on a street in Fishguard.

This comprehensive project includes the supply, installation, and commissioning of high-efficiency heat pumps and thermal storage systems. These advanced systems are designed to optimise energy use for heating and hot water, while the Sunamp batteries will store heat, providing residents with instant hot water and boosting overall energy efficiency.

Each installation will be carefully tailored to suit the existing infrastructure, ensuring minimal disruption to residents. With a focus on sustainability, carbon reduction, and reliable renewable energy, this project aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering energy-efficient solutions.

Successful completion of this project could pave the way for future opportunities, particularly with ORP funding, as we continue to deliver top-quality installations.

We are excited to announce that Lloyd Symonds has joined the City Energy Facilities team to lead a strategic new business stream in the commercial solar sector. This expansion will focus on high-consumption industries such as factories, large-scale refrigeration centers, warehouses, hospitals, leisure facilities, and offices.

Here’s what Lloyd had to say about this exciting new venture:

“I’m thrilled to join the team and work on this strategically focused value stream. The commercial solar sector offers significant opportunities, particularly in areas where electrical consumption is high at the source.“

A fast-growing area within this sector is large-scale battery storage, which will enhance our installations. Lloyd adds:

“We’re also looking at supporting solar carport systems, which are set to gain real momentum over time.“

Another area of focus is bespoke Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). Lloyd explains how this innovation can set City Energy Facilities apart:

“BIPV allows us to collaborate with architects and developers to integrate renewable technology into modern building designs. It’s perfect for projects where traditional solar panels may not fit, offering design flexibility and aesthetic appeal.“

This exciting expansion into larger commercial solar projects and BIPV will help differentiate City Energy Facilities in a competitive market, driving our growth in renewable energy innovation.

We are thrilled to announce that our department has received a Special Commendation Award at the prestigious Energy Efficiency Awards 2024 in Birmingham. This recognition highlights our unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and excellence in renewable energy solutions. The award reflects our team’s dedication to driving positive environmental change and supporting our customers in their journey to energy efficiency.

We are pleased to welcome three new appointments to our team: Tom Griffiths has joined us as Head of Marketing, bringing a wealth of experience in sustainable brand growth; Dan Hobbs, our new Sales Director, is set to lead our sales strategy with an eye on expanding our impact; and Wayne David, as Head of Renewables, will ensure we meet our renewable energy targets. Together, they bring invaluable expertise to our leadership and will help us drive our mission forward.

We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Business Website, a dedicated platform aimed at assisting businesses in reducing carbon footprints with sustainable energy solutions. This tailored site enables us to connect with like-minded businesses committed to sustainability, offering them seamless access to information on how they can lower operational costs and promote environmental responsibility.

Starting next week and continuing into the new year, funded courses will be available to further enhance the expertise of our electrical and gas engineers. These courses are designed to deepen knowledge and develop essential skills that will support our commitment to delivering industry-leading services. We’re excited to invest in the professional growth of our team and continue providing high-quality, sustainable energy solutions to our customers.