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Mark Group Wins £3.3million Contract to Improve Homes in Welsh Valleys

Friday 23 July 2010

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Job creation and almost 800 warmer, more energy-efficient homes will be the result of a staggering £3.3million investment awarded by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council to specialist installer Mark Group, to help tackle fuel poverty and deliver free energy-saving measures.

The announcement was recognised today (Friday 23 July) when Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing, Jane Davidson visited Mark Group’s new Service Distribution Centre and Community Training Academy, Heads of the Valleys at Aberbeeg, near Abertillery, Blaenau Gwent. The facility has been opened specifically by the energy-saving expert to deliver the multi-million pound contract and to provide a base for its 30-strong new, local workforce.

Jane Davidson, said: “Having announced our new Welsh Fuel Poverty Strategy earlier today, it is a pleasure to be able to personally congratulate Mark Group – a company which is working on the ground with Blaenau Gwent Council to deliver energy-saving solutions to a community which is very much in need.”

The funding has been allocated to Blaenau Gwent Council through two separate energy-saving schemes. ‘External Wall Insulation’ will be offered to 245 homes under WAG’s Arbed programme – supporting its ‘One Wales’ ambitions to reduce climate change, eradicate fuel poverty and boost economic development and regeneration in Wales. And, working with EDF Energy, a further 525 properties will be offered a range of energy-saving measures under the Community Energy Savings Programme (CESP). CESP is a UK Government initiative which requires energy generators and suppliers to encourage energy-saving measures in homes in low income areas.

Bill Rumble, Mark Group Commercial Director, added: “There is a huge job to be done in Blaenau Gwent and we welcome the opportunity to partner with the Welsh Assembly Government, Blaenau Gwent Council, EDF Energy and Tai Calon, in
delivering home energy improvements. Not only are we proud to be able to open a brand new Community Training Academy, which will up-skill new technicians through

the local Job Match programme, but with secure funding in place, we can deliver energy-saving measures, which will really make a difference for many local people.”

Blaenau Gwent is one of the first local authority areas in Wales to receive Arbed funding and this is the first major Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP) scheme to be delivered in Wales.

Coun John Mason, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Executive Member for Housing, concluded: “Our energy saving programme in Blaenau Gwent is of huge importance – fuel poverty is a real issue for many householders.

“Now the Welsh Assembly Government is leading the way with investment in energy saving Valleys communities and – thanks to our partners Mark Group who are delivering the home improvements and providing jobs and training – we are starting to make a real difference here in Blaenau Gwent.”

Technical Sales Advisors from Mark Group will soon be contacting tenants and private homeowners in Blaenau Gwent, explaining the energy-saving options which are available to them. For further information call 01495 357813.

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