A Northumberland company has become one of the first in the region to be awarded a specialist qualification, thanks to training through the North East’s leading non profit distributing organisation.

 Community Energy Solutions, which is helping to drive forward the microrenewable market in the North East, is working with companies across the region to help them take advantage of opportunities available through the growth in this market.

And one of the first to do this is Cramlington-based Northburn Solar which is planning to grow the business with the prospect of future jobs, after having achieved the standards required by the MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) for installation of air source heat pumps.

Northburn Solar is a renewable energy specialist and for the last four years owner Warren Gray has provided a range of renewable energy solutions to clients, allowing them to make financial savings while improving their carbon footprint.

Mr Gray wanted to add to the range of services he provided and now thanks to undertaking free training through Boldon-based Community Energy Solutions – Warren has been able to gain this new qualification.

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“I’ve always wanted to get further training but for a small business it can be fairly expensive,” he said.

“When I realised I could get training through CES for free, I obviously took advantage of that opportunity.

“Having this heat pump training means that we can also now offer our customers access to the renewable heat incentive which is currently under review by the Government.”  

The energy saving air source heat pump is becoming an increasingly popular option for people wanting to heat their homes, as it supplies more heat than it actually consumes – making it as much as three times more effective.

Warren underwent his training at the Myson Training Centre at Team Valley, a joint venture by CES with leading heat industry suppliers, Myson to help ensure the North East has a skilled workforce who can deal with the demands of the growing microrenewable market.

 “This is an area of the business I’ve always been interested in and thanks to the help I’ve received from CES, not only in training but in giving me really useful advice, it means that I’ll be able to grow the company, “ said Mr Gray.

CES chief executive Chris Leek said: “We are in an incredibly privileged position to be able to keep our workforce at the forefront of new, greener heating technologies.

“By facilitating training for as many individuals as we can, CES is enriching the renewables sector in this region with engineers who are able to tackle the risk of climate change as well as lead the way in developing a low-carbon economy.”