BRIGHTON: Encouraging the uptake of renewable energy technology to slash consumer fuel bills and boost the heating industry was the focus of a visit to PTS branches in Brighton and Hove by two Sussex MPs and a BMF representative on Friday 28 January.

Hove MP, Mike Weatherley and Brighton Kempton MP, Simon Kirby visited their local PTS trade counters to learn more about a range of technology and to discuss its wider importance to the UK economy with PTS managing director, Kelvin Stevens, and policy manager at the BMF, Brett Amphlett.

“It’s encouraging to see newly-elected MPs taking a keen interest in how renewable technologies can improve the UK economy as we believe that more Government support and incentives are needed to really make this sector take off.” said Kelvin Stevens, managing director of PTS. “This was a great opportunity for us to express our belief in the importance of taking emitted and embedded carbon out of buildings whilst communicating the concerns felt by the installers we talk to every day.

Mr Stevens continues: “As a nation we rate the worst in Europe for wasting energy, but by working with merchants like PTS, the Government can make renewable technologies more enticing for homeowners to adopt, which in turn provides a whole new revenue stream for the UK’s plumbing and heating installers.”

Speaking at the Portslade branch, Mike Weatherley MP remarked: “I am delighted with the chance to visit this thriving branch of PTS in my constituency. Not only are they managing to survive in a tough economic climate, but they show that ‘going green’ is not only good for our environment, but can also be good for our economy as well.”

“We need to explain and persuade our constituents to carry out energy-saving work. With ever-increasing demand for electricity and other forms of energy, efforts on conservation and efficiency to combat fluctuating temperatures - and save money on bills - are incontrovertible”.

Speaking in the Kemptown branch, Simon Kirby MP commented: “I am pleased to see a major trade business driving sales & innovation in renewables. It was useful to see the products that local plumbers & heating engineers are buying and fitting here in the city.”

“Kelvin Stevens and his team are doing a great job, despite the difficult economic times. Seeing PTS evolve through the recession by training not only in its own staff - but also teaching trade customers about renewables – displays a firm commitment to invest and grow the company’s business."