Retrofit West Business Support

Our Retrofit West Business Support project aims to develop the regional supply chain capacity for home retrofit in the West of England, with a focus on sole traders, micro and small-sized RMI businesses. 

By encouraging and supporting businesses to build capability and confidence in working with homeowners on retrofit projects, this capacity development will support the delivery of retrofit at scale within the region. 

Led by Retrofit West CIC, a consortium of partners will provide an introduction to all aspects of retrofit to professionals working in this area. We can build your confidence to meet homeowners’ requirements, and provide in-depth training where needed, to increase your skills. A range of technical and practical courses are being offered through The Green Register and Heat Geek, and accredited training leading to industry qualifications through Retrofit Training Grants provided by Retrofit West CIC. 

The best time to make environmental improvements is when other work is being planned, such as roof repairs and extensions, so it’s good to have a trusted network of people available who can take on those other parts of the work that you don’t normally cover. 

You are invited to join regular networking events run by Future Leap who will also be helping to develop the local supply chain. YTKO deliver Retrofit Technical training sessions to traditional construction tutors and developing a suite of trainer resources to help inform and support newly qualified students into the Retrofit sector. 

Through this programme you will also be able to join a register of businesses that we can refer homeowners to, to take on a full house or partial retrofit. 

Retrofitting is the future of home improvement. It’s all about enhancing energy efficiency in existing buildings - making them easier to heat, more sustainable, and more cost-effective for homeowners. From installing new windows to fitting solar panels, retrofitting is a growing field with increasing demand.

Environmental standards are rising.  Landlords in the private rented sector are now planning for changes resulting from the revision of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and proposed new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). These will stimulate spending on fabric improvements and better ventilation in rental homes.  

Homeowners are seeking ways to make their homes greener and cheaper to run.  Through Retrofit West Advice they are learning how to make energy efficiency improvements. Hundreds have already taken advantage of subsidised home energy surveys, giving them a plan of action suitable for all budgets. This means the demand for retrofit services is steadily increasing. 

The West of England region faces a huge challenge to upgrade our building stock to meet these higher standards, reduce Carbon emissions and meet our Net Zero targets. That’s why we are investing in retrofit services to help make our homes healthier and fit for the future.  

Find out more about the growing demand and importance of green skills and jobs across the West of England. 

• Retrofit Skills Level 2  

• Retrofitting Traditional Buildings CPD courses  

• Airtightness CPD course  

• Practical hands-on sessions  

• Professional Air Source Heat Pump training from Heat Geek  

• Green Construction Training Grants to address other skills gaps you have identified to help your small business grow into this new area. 

Find the current training on offer. 

Read more about what Retrofit West CIC, we and our regional partners are doing to unlock green skills. More information and opportunities relating to domestic retrofit careers are available through Skills Connect.  

For general business support to develop your business, including funding, new technology,  leadership and management, contact the Growth Hub. 

• Information workshops 

• Technology site visits 

• Engagement and networking events 

• Technology demonstration sessions 

Find the current event programme.