NIA and its members are here to help Local Authorities maximise the opportunities from ECO3

The new Energy Company Obligation which runs from 1st October 2018 to end March 2022 includes a mechanism called the Local Authority Flexible Eligibility Option which energy companies can use to achieve up to 25% of their ECO target.

The LA Flexible Eligibility Option recognises that Local Authorities are very well placed to assist in the effective targeting of householders in or at risk of fuel poverty because of their local knowledge of the housing stock and relationships with local residents and stakeholders.  Using this new option Local Authorities can develop and run local schemes in their area providing free energy efficiency measures to residents which are funded by energy companies.

NIA members can assist Local Authorities looking for help to develop and run their schemes.  Our installer members can provide Information, advice and guidance on funding opportunities and have considerable experience of working with energy companies, housing providers and other organisations in the design and delivery of high-quality local schemes.

The NIA’s membership includes the leading manufacturers/system suppliers and installers of all insulation measures so can offer a complete service for Local Authorities looking for help.

For more details on the help available or to access these services contact Bev Hodson on 01525383313 or email Bev.hodson@nia-uk.org or visit www.nia-uk.org 

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Scottish Government announces Route Map and funding for fuel poverty and energy efficiency

The National Insulation Association (NIA) has welcomed today’s announcement from Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of funding of £54.5 million, to help tackle fuel poverty and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the Route Map to an Energy Efficient Scotland which outlines action to ensure that by 2040, all homes are improved so they achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least Band C.

The First Minister said*: “The Scottish Government’s energy efficiency programme will help ensure all our buildings are warmer, greener and more energy efficient.

“The major investment in this programme highlights our clear commitment to ensuring that we tackle fuel poverty and reduce greenhouse gas emissions – helping those on low incomes as well as protecting our environment.”

George Donaldson, Chair of NIA Scotland which represents the insulation industry in Scotland, commented; "The NIA Scotland and our members welcome this announcement and the ambitious plan set out by the First Minister and stand ready to support the delivery of the programme.”

Insulation not only tackles fuel poverty and climate change but delivers long-term, sustainable savings on energy bills, create jobs, reduces NHS costs and helps regenerate communities.

ENDS.

*As quoted on www.gov.scot

LABOUR PLANS TO SAVE HOUSEHOLDS OVER £1BN A YEAR ON ENERGY BILLS

The National Insulation Association (NIA) have welcomed the news from the Labour Party this morning announcing plans to spend £2.3bn per year insulating 4 million homes in the next Parliament if it gets into power.

Neil Marshall, NIA CEO, commented; "We welcome these ambitious plans and our members stand ready to deliver. With over 5 million homes lacking cavity wall insulation, over 7 million homes having inadequate levels of loft insulation and over 7 million solid wall homes in need of insulating there needs to be a huge increase in funding and activity to reduce fuel bills and combat fuel poverty.  Home insulation is the most effective way of delivering long-term, sustainable savings on fuel bills and in addition a funded national insulation programme could reduce carbon emissions, reduce NHS costs, create inward investment and jobs and regenerate communities.

ENDS.

National Insulation Association to set up a new NIA WALES MEMBERS FORUM – have your say.

As Welsh Government provides significant funding for energy efficiency programmes in addition to ECO the NIA have identified the need to establish a dedicated new member’s forum in Wales. It will focus exclusively on matters that are important to insulation companies based in or operating there.

NIA Wales Forum Members will have the opportunity to elect a Chair of the new Forum and be involved in the forums working groups.  In addition, we will hold regular meetings which will provide the opportunity for members to network and discuss common issues. We will also invite the Welsh Government and other important organisations in Wales such as EST and NEA to attend and give presentations to members.

In order to establish the Forum, we are going to hold a special meeting of insulation companies (members and non-members) who are based in or operating in Wales to Cardiff on Wednesday 27^th June 2018 to explain what we're intending to do and begin to establish the Forum.

If you would like to attend this very important insulation industry meeting please email NIAwalesforum@nia-uk.org and we will send you further details.

Value Underlines NIA Installer Membership

2018 Installer memberships for the National Insulation Association (NIA) are now available. Representing insulation companies throughout the UK, the NIA offer a range of expert support services with memberships starting at just £663.

Features of NIA Membership

As a team of insulation specialists the NIA work full time to meet the needs of its members. The benefits to installers taking up a membership include:

•          Representing member’s views to Government, Ofgem, energy              companies and other stakeholders.
•          Generating over 40,000 free leads and referrals each year.
•          Holding local networking events and an annual conference and              gala dinner.
•         Provision of advice and guidance on regulations and technical                matters.

Speaking of the NIA’s continued growth Chief Executive Neil Marshall said:

“We have been working hard to ensure that the services and support we provide to insulation companies are relevant and add genuine value to their businesses and this has been reflected in the number of new members that have joined us in the last year – over 40 in total including a cross section of manufacturers, system designers, installers and providers of components and services to our industry.

The NIA is also undergoing further change at present, with a focus on members and their needs as outlined by the NIA’s new chair Derek Horrocks at the NIA Conference in December 2017 – we very much hope insulation companies will come with us on this exciting phase of the NIA’s evolution.

Finally, there are some very important matters that will impact insulation companies in 2018 including; a new Energy Company Obligation, new regulations requiring the insulation of private rented properties, new PAS2030 and PAS2035 installation standards for installers and new ventilation requirements when insulating properties.  We are involved in these matters and will be arranging briefings, advice and guidance for our members throughout the year to ensure they are up to speed”

2018 NIA Installer Membership

A full year Installer Membership to the NIA is from £995 (no joining fee). However, any installers joining from January 2018 will be entitled to a reduced pro rata fee. Memberships will be available for £663 and will be valid until October 2018 (NIA’s year-end)

Insulation installers interested in taking up an NIA membership can email bev.hodson@nia-uk.org 01525 383313

NIA to Introduce Local Members Networking Forums In Response to Requests from Members

The NIA has established a Local Members Networking Forum in Scotland this year which provides a vehicle for its 30+ members in Scotland to meet up and receive briefings on important industry matters from the NIA and external stakeholders. It provides input to the NIA’s future plans and to network and share experiences with other members.

Given the success of the Forum in Scotland and feedback from NIA members in England and Wales we will be setting up a Local Members Forum in Wales and a number of regional forums throughout England in 2018.

Further details of the forums will be provided at our annual conference on 7^th December and we envisage holding the first forum meetings in February 2018 to brief members on the new ECO and PAS2030 that will come into force in October 2018.

If you are interested in joining the NIA or attending its annual conference and black tie gala dinner please contact Bev Hodson  by email bev.hodson@nia-uk.org or call our office on 01525 383313

NIA sets up new Domestic Energy Assessor network

Domestic Energy Assessors (DEA) and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) - an opportunity or a declining breed?!

Government made the decision to drop EPCs from the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) from April 2017 to save money.  This was a severe blow to DEAs who had been encouraged to ramp up capacity by Government to deliver the Green Deal which unfortunately failed.

So does this mark the end for DEAs and EPCs?  ABSOLUTELY NOT!

ECO is now focused purely on fuel poverty but there are huge opportunities for EPCs: and DEAs - able to pay market, new regulations for the private rented market from April 2018, SMEs and the commercial market.

Therefore we are setting up an National Insulation Association (NIA) DEA Members network that can undertake EPCs for our installer members and customers.

If you are a DEA registered with Elmhurst, ecmk, NES, Stroma or QUIDOS contact us about joining the NIA.

As an NIA DEA you will stand out from the crowd as a quality company that signs up to our strict code of professional practice and you will also be listed on our website where we will promote your services and you will have the opportunity to receive free leads.

If you are interested in joining our growing network and members's services email neil.marshall@nia-uk.org

NIA Announces New Chairman

Following the departure of Tony Hardiman, Chair of the NIA Strategic Board in June the NIA has appointed his replacement as Derek Horrocks, Chairman of the Sustainable Energy Group and previously Vice Chair of the NIA.

Commenting on his new role Derek said: "I am delighted and honoured to take over as Chair of the NIA and look forward to working with Mike, Neil and his team, other Board Members and NIA Members in building upon the success of the NIA in supporting its members. 

“I firmly believe that we need to engage and interact with all of our members effectively going forward to our mutual benefit and ensure the combined voice of the NIA and its members is listened to and acted upon in ensuring a long term sustainable future for us all.”

The new appointment also means that a new Vice Chair has also been announced as Mike Easdon, Managing Director at InBuild Solutions and serving NIA Board Member.

Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA added: “I’m very pleased with the new appointments and would like to take this opportunity on behalf of myself and the NIA Board to thank Tony Hardiman for the first class job he has performed as Chair of the NIA for the past 12 years and wish him all the best for the future.”

Companies interested in NIA Membership should email Maeva.Robson@nia-uk.org or call the office on 01525383313

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NIA sees rapid growth in membership.

The National Insulation Association (NIA) which represents the manufacturers, system suppliers and installers of cavity wall, external wall, internal wall, loft, roof and floor insulation has seen a rapid growth of some 20% in membership this year.

Commenting on the success, Chief Executive Neil Marshall said: "Earlier this year we conducted a survey to find out exactly what services and support insulation companies wanted from us and we have tailored our offering accordingly and attracted a significant number of new members.

"Companies told us they value the advice and guidance we provide, our support in representing their views to Government and other key stakeholders, our annual conference, local networking events and free leads and referrals which were over 40,000 last year."

Neil added "The NIA team understand that trade association membership must demonstrate added value and a return on investment and with the increase in members this would certainly suggest we are delivering this."

Companies interested in joining the NIA should contact Bev Hodson Office Manager on Bev.hodson@nia-uk.org or call 01525 383313

New Industry Standards to be launched from 3rd April 2017

The NIA has been working with a number of other industry bodies over the past 6 months in developing new industry standards and specifications for insulation measures.

Neil Marshall said: “This work is aligned to the Each Home Counts (Bonfield Review) and covers Solid Wall, Cavity Wall, Room in Roof and Loft Insulation. These new standards and documents are incorporated in the new PAS2030:2017 and all installers will need to work to them from 1st June 2017.”

For further details and to obtain copies of the documents email Info@nia-uk.org

NIA and NLA partnership to help landlords meet new regulations

The National InsulationAssociation (NIA) and National Landlords Association (NLA) have come together to provide landlords with an easy to use online facility to find local insulation installers to help meet energy efficiency standards.

Both organisations are advising landlords that they should be taking action soon in order to upgrade their properties by 1^st April 2018. This is when the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) will come into force and require rented properties to have an EPC rating of E or above before they can be legally let.

Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA commented: “Our partnership with the NLA will provide a timely service to help Private Landlords to meet the new energy efficiency standards.   Landlords can contact local NIA Installer members via the NLA or NIA websites to arrange a survey and quotation. They can be safe in the knowledge that NIA installers will have met stringent criteria and sign up to the NIA’s Code of Professional Practice providing added assurance and recourse.”

Richard Lambert, Chief Executive Officer of the National Landlords Association (NLA), said:

"It's important that landlords have access to the most trusted and reliable of local specialists, particularly when it comes to insulation, and we hope that this online service will enable landlords to meet their obligations by making their properties more energy efficient."    

Minister for Energy and Industry, Jesse Norman said:  "This is a welcome initiative from the NIA and the National Landlords Association, which should help people improve the energy efficiency of their homes and save money on their heating bills."

Landlords should be thinking about what they need to do to meet MEES and how they can provide warmer homes for their tenants.  The minimum E rating may be raised in the future and so landlords with buildings rated F or G may decide that they wish to spend more than the minimum in order to bring those buildings to D or above.

For more information about how landlords can find an NIA member visit www.nia-uk.org  or call 08451 636363 

Ends

NIA welcomes Government response to ECO Help to Heat consultation

Commenting on this mornings Government response Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the National Insulation Association (NIA) said:" We welcome the changes that Government has made which will mean thousands more households will receive assistance through free and subsidised insulation.

The Government has listened and responded to the views and evidence provided by industry including the NIA. The principle changes are as follows:

• An increased 18 month vs 12 month scheme 
• 75% of the work delivered will be through home insulation 
• 60% increase in the carbon target 
• Significant increase in the Solid Wall Insulation minima in addition householders added to the low income group
• Simplification of the scheme administration which will enable more money to be spent on actual insulation measures 

Ends 

New Quality Standards for Insulation Companies - NIA can help you to comply

From 1st April strict new national  quality standards will be introduced for cavity wall, external wall, loft insulation and room in roof insulation, as part of PAS2030, which installers will be required to work to.

The National Insulation Association (NIA) is involved in setting these new standards and we are helping our members to ensure they can comply with them by 1st April.

If your company would like our help please contact us about membership today.
Bev Hodson Bev.hodson@nia-uk.org 01525 383313

NIA welcomes the acquisition of the Green Deal Finance Company

The NIA and its members see the acquisition of the Green Deal Finance Company (GDFC) by Greenstone Finance and Aurium Capital Markets announced on 15th January 2017 as a positive development. It will provide a further option for consumers to finance the purchase of insulation measures to reduce their bills. It is vital that they learn the lessons from the previous Green Deal scheme in order to make the offer as simple and attractive as possible for householders and businesses. We are looking forward to working with the new management team at the GDFC to contribute to this.

NIA response to the publication of the ‘Each Home Counts’ Review

Following the publication of the report on Friday 16^th December 2016, Neil Marshall the CEO of the National Insulation Association (NIA) responded: "The NIA has contributed a significant amount to the review and we were pleased to see that the input we have provided and the work that the NIA and its members is already carrying out to further improve quality and standards has been recognised in the report.  We fully support the review and will be meeting with Peter Bonfield and his team early in the new year to discuss the recommendations and how the NIA and its members can contribute to the implementation of these."

Marshall added: "As the leading trade association for insulation in the UK the NIA and its members is committed to quality and customer service.  Our members meet robust criteria and sign up to a strict code of professional practice, providing householders and specifiers with added reassurance and peace of mind.

"In anticipation of the recommendations of the Review we began work in developing enhanced industry standards and specifications some months ago for insulation measures including Cavity Wall Insulation, External Wall Insulation, Loft Insulation and Room in Roof Insulation which we will be rolling out in 2017."

PermaRock announced as headline sponsor

The National Insulation Association’s (NIA) Annual Conference, Gala Dinner and Exhibition will take place on Tuesday 6^th December 2016 at the Jurys Inn Hinckley Island Hotel, Leicestershire. This year’s headline sponsor is one of the UK’s leading designers, manufacturers and suppliers of external wall insulation and exterior render systems, PermaRock Products Ltd.

The NIA’s Annual Conference is firmly established in the calendar as a key event for the insulation industry. It promises to be an informative and enjoyable day and evening for everyone again this year, and offers excellent opportunities for participating sponsors.

Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA commented; “The NIA would like to thank PermaRock for supporting the event as Headline Sponsor together with the other key sponsors. This not only enables us to offer additional items during the day and evening, but also aids in raising the profile of this important event.”

Derek Horrocks, Owner of PermaRock said: "2016 has been an exceptionally turbulent year and with so much happening in the energy efficiency sector, it's essential that the insulation industry has a platform for making its voice heard. The NIA membership has enormous experience and very important things to say about key issues such as fuel poverty, funding mechanisms and practical technical solutions. These are all subjects that demand urgent consideration, so I'm proud to be supporting a conference that gives us an opportunity to raise them for open and constructive discussion."

There are a few remaining sponsorship opportunities available. Interested companies should please contact: Neil Marshall by email Neil.Marshall@nia-uk.org without delay.

Ends

Households in fuel poverty could miss out on vital support

Leading energy efficiency and fuel poverty organisations have identified that the Governments estimated costs of the Energy Company Obligation Extension could be significantly overstated meaning thousands of fuel poor households will miss out on much needed support.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has recently conducted a consultation on the £640m, one year extension of the Energy Company Obligation from April 2017 to the end of March 2018.  The consultation  included an impact assessment which sets out the assumed costs of delivering the programme and the target for the programme including the number of energy efficiency measures to be provided to householders based on these assumed costs.

The NIA working in conjunction with a number of other leading energy efficiency and fuel poverty organisations has identified that the costs in the impact assessment could be significantly overestimated possibly by more than £200m.  This is of great concern given that 70% of the funding support will be directed at helping fuel poor households and if this is not corrected will result in fuel poor households receiving allot less support than they could otherwise.

Neil Marshall CEO of NIA commented: “We are extremely concerned that the costs of delivery have been overstated and we along with other organisations have provided information and evidence to the Department for BEIS as to where we believe the overestimate of costs has arisen.  We will be working with Government officials and others including fuel poverty organisations over the coming months before final decisions are made in reviewing these costs.  If our calculations are verified and accepted, Government will have the opportunity to revise the costs and set a target around 35% higher than the current proposal meaning thousands more fuel poor households could benefit."     

NIA launches new Benefits of Membership Leaflet

There are still millions of un-insulated properties in the UK and the National Insulation Association (NIA) is committed to growing the market for insulation and supporting its members in maximising business opportunities.  It provides a range of support services to its members and has produced a new leaflet which clearly sets these out:

• Representing member’s views to Government and other key external stakeholders and lobbying on their behalf to obtain the best outcome for the industry.
• Members can raise issues and concerns about energy efficiency schemes that the NIA will take forward and resolve on their behalf.
• Provision of up–to-date information, advice and guidance on policy, regulations and schemes to aid members with their planning and provide them with a competitive advantage versus non-members.
• Promotes the benefits of insulation and provides free referrals and leads to its members.
• Promotes the use of NIA members as the preferred choice to carry out any insulation work to householders, businesses and key specifiers.
• Setting industry quality standards.
• Regular briefings and newsletters.
• Local networking events and an Annual Conference which are free for members to attend.
• Opportunity to be part of working groups to drive the industry forward.

Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the NIA commented; “Membership of the NIA is much more than simply obtaining a logo that companies can place on their marketing materials.  It’s about receiving good quality information, advice and support in accessing business opportunities and being regarded as the preferred choice by consumers and specifiers to carry out insulation work. Our new leaflet clearly sets out the services and support that we provide in a straightforward manner”.

The NIA is a leading trade body in the Insulation Industry representing manufacturers, system providers and installers of cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, including external, internal and hybrid systems, loft/roof insulation and draught proofing. 

If you are interested in finding out more and would like a copy of the NIA Benefits of Membership leaflet please contact Bev Hodson, on 01525 383313 or email bev.hodson@nia-uk.org

NIA to host insulation sector briefing event

Next month the National Insulation Association (NIA) will be hosting a special meeting for the Managing Directors of its 30 manufacturers and system certificate holder members to discuss matters of significant importance to the future of the insulation industry.

Key external speakers will be addressing the attendees on a number of important topics  covering:

• Future Government Policies and Regulations including the new Energy Company Obligation and Able to Pay Sector.
• Broader market opportunities including New Build, Commercial and SMEs.
• Quality and Standards including the Bonfield Report and recommendations.   
• Making Energy Efficiency a funded National Infrastructure Priority including a presentation from the Energy Bill Revolution.

Insulation manufacturers and system certificate holders who are not currently members of the NIA and would like to join and attend the event should contact the CEO Neil Marshall by email neil.marshall@nia-uk.org  or call 07787 564208

NIA announces the formation of a dedicated working group to focus on new build and commercial sectors

A great deal of media attention and policy development in the insulation sector is focused on retrofitting existing domestic buildings.  However, there is tremendous untapped potential for insulation in the new build, SMEs and commercial markets.

At the National Insulation Association (NIA) we have identified a gap in the market and the need for an industry body to educate specifiers and building owners in these sectors on the benefits of insulation and the solutions available. It would also make recommendations to Government and other key stakeholders on policies to stimulate activity in these particular sectors.

Therefore the NIA is announcing the formation of a dedicated working group within the association, which will comprise of industry experts in these market sectors to take this work forward.