Wolseley Group has announced the launch of Renewables Centre, a nationwide initiative to support heating professionals thrive in the renewables market.
Offering a fully integrated solution, Renewables Centre combines accredited training, MCS-certified design, installation support, and access to high-quality renewable products, all in one place. Targeted at installers, the scheme aims to help them future-proof their business in the renewables market.
With demand for air source heat pumps rising by nearly 90% year-on-year – based on Wolseley Group sales, and renewables forecast to grow from just 5% of installer workload to over 27% in the next five years, according to findings by Eureka! Research and customer insight, Renewables Centre has been developed to equip installers with the tools, skills and confidence to take advantage of this significant opportunity, whether they are just starting out or looking to grow.
Renewables Centre will operate as a partner brand for Plumb Centre. It will offer new and existing customers a fully integrated renewables solution, supported by Renewable Equipment Solutions (R.E.S) – a recent Wolseley Group acquisition. R.E.S will offer additional technical expertise, design services and a support package to guide customers through the MCS accreditation process.
Renewables Centre aims to support installers from day one of their journey, with a full package to help them become MCS-ready, guiding them from first estimate to final certification. With R.E.S support, installers can turn training into action through integrated design, supply, and installation support. This includes fast, accurate system estimates, MCS-compliant designs with heat loss calculations, help with DNO approvals and contract setup, and technical guidance through commissioning and handover. The service also includes assistance in accessing Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant funding – making the move into renewables commercially rewarding.
John Hancock, COO of Wolseley Group, commented: “One of the biggest barriers our customers tell us about when it comes to renewables is access to training and expert support. Many installers want to expand into renewables but don’t know where to start. Renewables Centre will provide the best accredited training, design services, support and access to supplies, so installers can take their first steps with confidence.
“The heating and energy sector is changing rapidly, and we’re at a pivotal moment. Installers across the UK are about to face a surge in demand for renewables, and they need access to the right training, products, and technical support to take full advantage of this shift and make it profitable for them. Renewables Centre is ready and there for installers.”
The first Renewables Centre will open in Shrewsbury, with one in Swansea set to follow shortly. These will be supported by a growing number of regional training centres across the UK.
