Birmingham City Council is encouraging local businesses to find out more about retrofitting and how they can benefit from being involved in carrying out energy improvements to homes across the city.
It is estimated that around 270,000 homes require retrofitting in Birmingham alone. For this reason, the council is looking to grow existing supply chains and the people, skills and organisations needed to deliver the work.
Retrofitting is a process that makes homes warmer, less damp and more comfortable while making them more energy-efficient and cheaper to run. As well as saving on energy bills retrofitting also reduces carbon emissions.
Several events will take place in the next few months so SMEs can learn more.
Cllr Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said:
“There is a tremendous opportunity for local businesses to be involved in the retrofitting drive taking place across Birmingham.
Through the Energy Company Obligations programme (ECO), the council is helping to facilitate the retrofit of 3,000 homes a year. But we know that more programmes will be on the horizon that will see retrofit scaling up even further.
“It’s vital work that will save our citizens money, while helping us work towards Birmingham’s net zero goal.
“To ensure we are retrofit ready, we need local businesses, skills, and people to meet this demand.
“So I would encourage local SMEs to learn more about this growing market. If you attend one of our events, you’ll be able to find out more about Birmingham’s ambition and opportunity, the support available, as well as how to find work and training courses available.”
Surinder Singh, Founder & Creative Director at BORDO Design, who attended one of the events as an SME, said:
“The event was encouraging; it highlighted important progress in supporting SMEs like ours, especially in navigating the requirements for retrofit work.
“The event also provided valuable insight into how Bordo can continue our journey toward securing the right accreditations, as well as the support available to us as a local SME and contractor.
“Many of the concerns I had prior to attending were addressed, and I now feel more confident moving forward.
“I look forward to the next event and to Bordo’s ongoing journey as a local contractor in this sector.”Business that want to find out more can register their interest and be informed of upcoming events on the council website.