Green Deal will fall short without clear SME role

Following DECC’s unveiling of the first initiative providers, the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) has said the Green Deal cannot fully meet customer expectations without active SME involvement.

Paul Reeve, ECA head of environment, said: “SMEs are critical to the success of the Green Deal.  We encourage the first tranche of potential Green Deal providers, announced on Wednesday 4 April, to actively engage with competent local contractors. Competent SMEs will be crucial to the reputation and performance of the Green Deal work that will be carried out by the big companies.”

Reeve added national companies should not be the only route to the Green Deal. “Many customers prefer work in their homes or small businesses to be done by trusted local firms. To provide customer choice, and innovative energy efficiency packages that are tailored to the circumstances, the Green Deal needs to offer much more than the ‘big company’ route to assessment and installation.”

However, questions still remain over how exactly smaller businesses will fit into the government’s plans. “We look forward to clear guidance from DECC, and we are ready to help them to shape the way forward for SMEs,” said Reeve.