Pro Installer October 2013 - Issue 07 | Page 14

14 OCTOBER 2013 PRO INSTALLER PRO NEWS www.proinstaller.co.uk ‘Regulate And Incentivise’ For Better Energy Efficiency More than half of small building firms back a requirement by government on homeowners to make energy-efficiency improvements when they extend their home. This would result in more work for their business, as long as any regulation was introduced alongside financial incentives to help pay for the work. ‘Simply not attractive’ Brian Berry, the Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: “Following a thorough consultation with FMB member firms, we believe the Government should re-evaluate the need for a consequential improvements regulation, but only alongside a significant financial incentive for energy efficiency. This could take the form of a reduction in VAT on home renovation and repair, variable stamp duty or variable council tax.” Berry continued: “We still want to see government introduce financial incentives to increase uptake of the Green Deal. At present, the Green Deal is simply not attractive to most people. The Green Deal must not be left to fail, which is why additional incentives are needed.” Berry added: “Further to that, government must invest the money collected via carbon taxes in a publicly funded retrofit programme. Low-income households cannot afford to retrofit their own home and are unlikely to sign up to a scheme like the Green Deal. Therefore government must commit to a public spending programme to lift significantly more households out of fuel poverty and support those who are unable to pay for this work.” 2014 INTERNATIONAL SAFETY AWARDS The British Safety Council has formally launched its 2014 International Safety Awards, which are designed to recognise an organisation’s commitment to good health and safety management during the 2013 calendar year. 2014 will mark the 56th year of the International Safety Awards, which have made a significant contribution over that time to promoting and celebrating the benefits that well-managed and proportionate workplace health and safety bring. ‘Applicants can revisit the online questions as many times as they like before they decide to submit’ The awards are open to organisations of all sizes and sectors, both members of the British Safety Council and non-members in the UK and overseas. Applications are welcome both from past winners and first time entrants; there is nothing to stop a first time entrant being successful if they can demonstrate clearly their commitment to good health and safety management in the application process. Applications are completed online, and applicants answer a series of questions about their organisation’s approach to health and safety. The online system is easy to use, and applicants can revisit the online questions as many times as they like before they decide to submit, which is done with a click of a button. The closing date for applications is 21st February 2014 and the results will be announced on 13th March 2014. The International Safety Awards Gala Dinner, held at the famous Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 25th April 2014, will celebrate the success of the winners and can be attended by anyone in the health and safety sector. Details can be found at: www.britsafe.org/isa. GET MORE HOMEOWNER LEADS Synseal has partnered with specialist online developers All Craftsmen to help secure a stronger digital presence and more homeowner leads for approved Synseal Registered Installers. Synseal Registered Installers will receive a free priority listing in the All Checked online home improvement directory managed by Synseal partners All Craftsmen. This includes a quality rating review function, which will enable homeowners to feedback endorsements of their installer’s completed handiwork and share their positive experience with other homeowners and potential future customers. Listings and customer feedback scores will build an informed picture for homeowners who invariably will choose an All Checked listed supplier over a competitor with no history. Additional business support options are also available for Synseal Registered Insta