Our News
November 2024
Catch up on the latest updates from across the network and discover how much you really know about insulation with our latest Quiz—test your knowledge and learn something new!
Catch up on the latest updates from across the network and discover how much you really know about insulation with our new Network Newsletter Quiz—test your knowledge and learn something new!
City Spotlight: Eloise Assirati’s Top Tips for Keeping Your Home Warmer This Winter
As the weather gets colder this winter, we caught up with Advance Energy’s Managing Director, Eloise Assirati, who shares her top insulation tips for keeping your home warmer this season!
(Eloise Assirati, Managing Director at Advance Energy)
Could you start by sharing a bit about yourself and your role at Advance Energy?
I’m Eloise, and I’m the Managing Director at Advance Energy Services.
I’ve been with Advance Energy since it started in 2019, and in early 2023, I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity by Nick and Ryan to step up as Managing Director.
Before that, I worked at City Energy for four years, so I’ve been involved in ECO for a long time. I truly love working in this industry.
For those who may not be familiar, could you provide an overview of Advance Energy’s work and the services you offer?
At Advance Energy, we specialise in all types of insulation and plastering. We currently install Internal Wall Insulation, Room-in-Roof Insulation, Cavity Wall Insulation, and Loft Insulation, as well as conduct Technical Surveys and Air Tightness Tests.
While insulation is often seen as a typical home improvement, could you explain why it is such a critical element in achieving energy efficiency?
Insulation is the first step in ensuring your property retains as much heat as possible, preventing it from escaping through uninsulated walls. Pairing insulation with a new heating system ensures your property keeps as much heat as possible from the upgraded system.
Insulation is a key factor in preventing heat loss and keeping your energy bills down!
What advice would you offer to homeowners who are currently struggling with high energy bills?
Definitely contact City Energy to check if you’re eligible for any funding towards insulation measures for your property.
Start by checking your loft for insulation as a quick fix as up to 25% of heat is lost through the roof and 35% through the walls in an uninsulated home!
Could you walk us through the process for homeowners who are interested in insulating their properties with Advance Energy?
At Advance Energy, we offer both ECO and private installations. For any private installations, please feel free to contact us on 03333 054054.
We can provide you with a Technical Survey and recommend the most suitable measures for your property. Once surveyed, we’ll share the results and any installation costs should you wish to proceed.
What are some common misconceptions about insulation that you’ve encountered from homeowners, and how would you address them?
The biggest misconception surrounding cavity wall insulation stems from its previous bad reputation, which was largely due to poor ventilation and the old cavity wall wool material.
At Advance Energy, we insulate properties using a bonded bead (EPS bead), which allows the property to retain heat while ensuring that any water penetration is transferred to the damp course.
What would you say is the most rewarding part of your job at Advance Energy?
I love everything about my job, from the customers to the staff and the environment we work in. Helping all customers, especially vulnerable ones, is a highlight for me and will always be at the heart of Advance Energy.
What’s the most memorable feedback you’ve received from a homeowner after completing an insulation project?
We have some amazing reviews on Trustpilot, and we are rated 4.9 out of 5 stars, which we are truly grateful for. This is all thanks to our hardworking staff and wonderful customers.
One review that stands out for me is a personal thank-you card we received at the office from a customer.
(Customer sent card, thanking Advance for their excellent service)
Thank you, Eloise
Thank you, Eloise, for sharing such valuable insights into the world of insulation and energy efficiency. It’s clear that at Advance Energy, both your passion for the industry and your dedication to helping customers are at the heart of everything you do. We appreciate your time and the work your team is doing to improve homes and make them more energy-efficient. For anyone interested in making their homes more energy-efficient.
Sustainable businesses take over Swansea for Green Economy Conference
The Green Economy Conference and Exhibition 2024, organised by 4theRegion and sponsored by the City Energy Network in collaboration with Consumer Energy Solutions, brought together green businesses and organisations in South West Wales on Tuesday 19 November.
Hosted in Swansea Arena, the Conference was a place for knowledge sharing and inspiration surrounding sustainability and green practises, with talks and workshops hosted by market leaders. The event also featured a Sustainable Construction Showcase, a Decarbonisation Workshop, and a session on Sustainable Construction Skills & Training, offering attendees valuable insights into the latest advancements and best practices in sustainable building and energy-efficient construction.
The event featured over 70 leading organisations from Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, and Neath Port Talbot, all showcasing their efforts to support Wales’ transition to a more sustainable future. As the headline sponsor, CES stood out as a champion of energy efficiency, helping households across the region embrace sustainability.
(Consumer energy solutions & City Energy at The Green Economy Conference and Exhibition 2024)
CES, part of the City Energy Network, employs over 750 people and specialises in delivering energy-saving solutions to homes in South Wales and the South West. By providing services such as renewable heating, solar PV installation, and insulation, CES empowers customers to lower their carbon footprints while cutting energy costs. The company has played a pivotal role in improving the energy efficiency of over 2,400 homes annually, contributing significantly to Wales’ green ambitions.
Stephen Williams, Sales and Marketing Director at CES said: “The Green Economy Conference is an essential event for connecting businesses, fostering collaboration, and showcasing the incredible work being done to drive the green economy. It was fantastic to meet so many inspiring businesses from our region who are committed to sustainability.”
“As the headline sponsor, CES is honoured to have supported this initiative, which is not just about raising awareness but also about driving real action towards a sustainable future for Wales. We look forward to continuing our journey toward a greener future and to contributing to the progress of next year’s event”
Heatforce get into the Christmas spirit by spreading festive joy!
The festive spirit is truly alive at Heatforce this season! Our very own Sarah Maddocks and Samantha have been working tirelessly to bring warmth, joy, and generosity to those in need within our community. Whether it’s helping to organise charitable events, coordinating donations, or simply lending a hand to those less fortunate, their efforts have been a shining example of what the holiday season is all about.
(Christmas spirit takes over the office at Heatforce)
From collecting gifts for local families to supporting community initiatives, Sarah and Samantha have shown the true meaning of giving back. Their dedication not only helps brighten the holidays for those in need but also brings a sense of unity and warmth to all of us at Heatforce.
A huge thank you to Sarah and Samantha for their hard work and kindness in spreading festive cheer throughout our community. Your efforts are a reminder of the power of kindness, and we’re incredibly proud to have you as part of our team!
Heatforce brave the shave for Macmillan Cancer support
A massive round of applause to Wayne David and Dan Hobbs, who went the extra mile by braving the shave to support Macmillan Cancer Support. Thanks to their courage and the generosity of their supporters, they raised an incredible £500 for this meaningful cause!
The event brought the Heatforce family together, showing the power of teamwork and compassion. Wayne and Dan, you’ve set a truly inspiring example, and we couldn’t be prouder.
Relive the moment: Watch the Brave the Shave in action here.
Thank you to everyone who donated and supported this amazing cause—your contributions make a difference!
Showcasing Our Installs with Drone Footage
Our resident drone expert, Jason Lewis, has been hard at work capturing breath taking aerial footage of our solar installations. Using state-of-the-art drone technology, Jason has managed to get a fresh perspective on our projects, highlighting not only the scale and precision of our work but also the quality of the installations we provide.
The footage is then brought to life through the postproduction expertise of Tom Griffiths, who works his magic to produce high-quality, professional videos. These visuals help showcase our commitment to excellence, reflecting the attention to detail and expertise we bring to every project.
These videos are more than just a showcase—they play an important role in enhancing our industry reputation. By giving potential clients and partners an inside look at the quality of our solar installations, we are demonstrating our leadership in the field and the high standards that set us apart.
(Video: Drone captured footage of recent Solar PV install with Heatforce)
City Training group attend skills conference in Birmingham
City Training Group recently attended the Energy Efficiency Association Skills and Training Conference at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole recently and reconnected with friends and colleagues from the sector. The keynote presentations were truly inspiring, and we were privileged to be part of the panel, with Mark Williams discussing Training Now and The Future of Training in our industry.
(Mark Williams & Billy Childs pictured at the Energy Efficiency Association Skills and Training Conference at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole )
Congratulations to Jack Dixon on Becoming a Qualified Gas Engineer, Supported by MLP and Mentored by Kristian Dacey
Congratulations to Jack Dixon on qualifying as a Gas Engineer. Jack was the second ex-professional rugby player to undertake our Managed Learning Programme and we are delighted to have given him the skills needed to start a new career. He’s pictured here with our first rugby-playing MLP student, Kristian Dacey, who mentored Jack throughout his training, and it’s great to see both of them doing so well at our sister company Heatforce.
(Kris Dacey & Jack Dixon pictured at City Training Group’s Llanishen Facility)
Dragons RFC Players Visit Bespoke Training Facility to Explore Career Development with WRPA Partnership
Earlier this week, we had a visit from Cai Evans, Leon Brown and Josh Reynolds from Dragons RFC along with Dragon’s Personal Development Manager (PDM) Khalid Jama. They visited our bespoke training facility to learn more about the part-time courses we offer that can help them develop new skills for life after rugby. They also had a catch-up with fellow professional rugby player, Ethan Lewis, who is part-way through our Managed Learning Programme (MLP) which is teaching him the skills needed to become a qualified gas engineer. It’s part of our partnership with the WRPA (Welsh Rugby Players’ Association), whereby we’re working with each of the four rugby regions in Wales.
(Kris Dacey & Jack Dixon pictured at City Training Group’s Llanishen Facility)
Do you know how to keep your home warmer this winter?
Put your knowledge to the test with our quick quiz! Answer a few questions and see how much you really know about keeping your home warm and energy-efficient this winter.