The last 12 months have certainly been challenging, but as the heating season has come into full swing, sales have begun to rise – showing some signs of recovery – says Steve Cipriano, managing director at Vokèra:
As we enter into the New Year, shoots of recovery are beginning to emerge and while we don’t expect an easy ride in 2013 we’re hopeful for a better economy and year ahead. Latest government figures have shown that unemployment has gone down by 7.8 per cent, which is a great indication of the wider economy and we hope for more to come.
The advent of the New Year brings with it a whole host of new initiatives to help drive the market and our low-carbon future. Helping homes and businesses to become more energy efficient now and in the future must be a priority. From the Green Deal and the Cashback scheme to the long awaited Renewable Heat Incentive in summer 2013, there are some great opportunities.
We are well aware of some reluctance within the marketplace around embracing new technology and initiatives, but we firmly believe that as a manufacturer we have a responsibility to help build and maintain skills within the industry, as well as to continually innovate.
With an array of training courses and products available, we are in a great position but are reliant on the market to drive sales and for installers to be trained and ready to meet demand.
If I offered no other advice to installers, it would be to embrace renewables and the incentives that government has on offer. After all, in the longer term, it will be the installers that embrace change and invest their time and money in training that will stand the test of time.
For more advice on the Green Deal and how to become accredited, installers can visit www.greendealorb.co.uk. For more information on Vokèra training courses, please visit www.vokera.co.uk.
