McInnes Group

26 September 2017

Highland heating and renewable firm mark first year of major government fuel poverty scheme

An Inverness based business, which offers some of the most advanced renewable energy solutions is delighted that a year after being selected to help roll-out a Scottish Government fuel poverty scheme the programme is continuing to grow.

The highly regarded McInnes Group, have worked tirelessly over the past 12 months to ensure the Warmworks Scotland contract is a success and is helping to ensure Highland homes become more fuel efficient.

The £224m joint venture between the Energy Saving Trust, Everwarm and Changeworks, Warmworks Scotland has already reached a key milestone of helping its 5,000th customer become warmer, happier, and healthier in their home through the installation of energy efficiency measures.

The McInnes Group is continuing to work across the Highlands from Ballachulish on the west coast across to Moray in the east, up to Wick and Thurso in the North, as well as everything inbetween to install heating, low carbon and renewable energy measures in the homes of households who are identified as living in fuel poverty.

Warmworks Scotland, formed in September 2015, operates a ‘customer first’ approach in ensuring customers’ needs are addressed and accommodated throughout the customer journey; from the moment of referral through to the installation and inspection of energy saving improvements.

More than 300 new jobs, including 60 apprenticeships have been created through the Warmworks contract, which requires that all employees in its supply chain be paid the Living Wage.

The national scheme is being implemented by Warmworks Scotland, which is comprised of the social enterprise Energy Saving Trust, Changeworks charity and Scottish SME Everwarm.

The contract, which was awarded to the family-run business, launched in 2011 by 31-year old Lachlan McInnes, is expected to last a seven-year term. The award-winning firm, which employs a team of 11 staff and four apprentices, offers full service plumbing and heating installation, as well as a number of renewable energy solutions for domestic or commercial properties and works across the whole of Scotland.

Lachlan, 31, was recently named winner of the Rising Star category at the Green Energy Awards, and the firm was recognised as Best Heating Installer in Scotland 2017. Lachlan carved out his business empire after been made redundant from his apprenticeship. He paid to complete his own apprenticeship and founded McInnes Plumbing and Heating Ltd, which is now along with McInnes Renewables Ltd, collectively known as the McInnes Group.

Lachlan McInnes, managing director of the McInnes Group said: “It is a superb achievement for us to have marked our first year anniversary of the Warmworks contract.

“It’s always difficult being up against national well-established firms, but we believe our service and level of renewable and trading energy expertise will allow us to continue to deliver the results in the Highlands and help to keep rolling out the latest fuel poverty scheme, which we are delighted to be part of.”

The Warmworks Scotland scheme is a step-by-step process for those in Scotland vulnerable to heat poverty, in a bid to make their homes warmer and more comfortable.

It is expected to bring improved comfort and financial benefits to tens of thousands of Scottish people by reducing CO2 levels and improving Scotland’s housing stock.

Ross Armstrong, Warmworks Scotland Contract Director said: “The help we’re providing through the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme is changing lives across Scotland every day. This would not be possible without our supply chain of sub-contractors, including the McInnes Group, who continue to work hard every day to help those most in need. Going forward, we will continue to put our customers first and deliver a first-class experience, so that they can have peace of mind as well as a warm home.”

The McInnes Group is accredited installers for Gas Safe, Ofgem, biomass, air source heat pumps and solar thermal and can offer eligibility for current and future financial incentives.

For more information on the McInnes Group go to: www.mcinnesgroup.co.uk