Clearview South September 2014 - Issue 154 | Page 27

INDUSTRYNEWS The Next Generation of Bi-folding Doors Leads2trade slams government’s decision on Green Deal The Director of one of the UK’s largest online lead generation and installer support companies has hit out, following the government’s decision to curtail a cashback scheme offering £7,600 to people to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The Green Deal Home Improvement Fund (GDHIF), the scheme was intended to give a boost to the government’s flagship energy efficiency programme. But it proved too popular and an announcement by government that it would cut the maximum pay-out sparked a mad rush of applications; so the final £70m of the allocated £120m was snapped up in a matter of days. The decision has caused anger in the sectors involved. Leads2trade Director Andy Royle comments: “We operate in the heating, fenestration and renewable sector and have hundreds of members, many of whom are livid at the way this has been handled. After the debacle that happened regarding the FIT rate we expected future energy schemes to be handled better. It appears we are back to a boom and bust way of operating. “It’s a setback for the industry as the scheme was working and companies had geared up for it. We now need a long term strategy to provide stability and avoid peaks and troughs. To can an initiative like this is a very poor show and many members have been in touch with us to vent their frustrations.” Andy also says that the announcement raises further questions over the Green Deal’s future and is another PR body blow for the government’s beleaguered energy plan. But he said there were positives for boiler installers due to the efforts of Leads2trade. “Our contractor members should feel confident in the fact that Leads2trade was generating boiler replacement and insulation leads for at least two years before the increased consumer awareness of this type of home improvement, due to the announcement of the GDHIF. “We did have specific online marketing campaigns to generate GDHIF leads but these were immediately paused on Friday (25th) once the DECC announcement had been confirmed. This lead type only contributed to around 20% of the total number of boiler replacement and insulation leads.” To read more, visit www.clearview-uk.com  70mm Aluminium System  Multi opening configurations  Range of RAL colour options  Unique ‘pop-out’ handle  Maximum safety and security  Modern and stylish appearance  Special offer price from only... £450.00 * *Full offer details available upon request Prices subject to VAT. Extra surcharges may apply. Subject to Camden T&Cs. Images are for illustration purposes only. Call our Sales Team: 0800 470 3204 Or email: [email protected] Camden Steeple Road Industrial Estate, Antrim, BT41 1AB SEP 2014 27