Knowledge: Company profile
Making an entrance
Electrical and plumbing contractor Huttie has just expanded into renewables. REI
caught up with Jim Harvey, the company’s new director of renewable energy to
find out more
REI: Why has Huttie decided to branch
out into renewables?
JH: Huttie is expanding into renewables to
build on it’s existing work and develop new
business in this expanding market. Building
on an existing reputation as a first class
heating, plumbing and electrical installer,
Huttie will now offer customers the most
comprehensive service to date. The renewable
energy market’s capacity is increasing as
architects, businesses and homeowners get to
grips with the benefits of the technology, and
despite changes in financial incentives and a
General Election this year, popularity is still on
the rise.
What services does Huttie offer to
installers?
Huttie will offer design, installation and
commissioning of biomass, air source heat
pumps (ASHP), solar PV and solar thermal
systems, as well as conventional heating,
plumbing and electrical installations.
What makes Huttie unique in a
competitive marketplace?
Huttie is unique in the renewable energy
marketplace because it’s clients come
back time and time again. With exceptional
customer service and delivery, a friendly team,
thorough knowledge and understanding of
renewable energy, and competitive pricing for
quality installations, Huttie’s service is second
to none. All staff are highly experienced
and qualified and by working with the best
manufacturers and suppliers Huttie is able to
offer outstanding value for money.
Please tell REI readers what makes you
so very well qualified for your new role
as director?
As the new director of renewable energy, I am
delighted to bring my extensive experience
and knowledge of the UK renewable energy
market to such a first class company as Huttie.
30 | www.renewableenergyinstaller.co.uk
Green revolution: Heating, plumbing and electrical installer Huttie is a new entry to the renewables
market
I plan on putting this experience to good use
in order to grow the business.
Previously, I was head of market
intelligence at DECC and head of renewable
energy at the Mark Group, holding senior roles
in renewable energy and low carbon for over
15 years. I am a Royal Institution of Chartered
Surveyors (RICS) qualified surveyor, a qualified
industrial BREEAM assessor and ran my own
company, so I understand the renewable
business, and it’s challenges and complexities,
very well.
Can you tell us more about your role
at DECC and the policies you were
involved with?
I was head of market intelligence at
DECC working on RHI policy work. I was
involved primarily with analysing the UK
renewable energy market, advising on policy
implications, setting up market intelligence
resources and disseminating business
analysis throughout DECC. I also provided
industry information, attitudes and financial
business analysis from individual companies
and trade bodies such as the Heat Pump
Association and Solar Trade Association
to support the development of the RHI,
specifically the domestic RHI. My role also
included development of rates and criteria
for RHI support, industrial uptake and market
analysis, business growth modelling and
application of technology to meet the aims
of the growth of low carbon and renewable
energy support by DECC.
What are your predictions for the sector
throughout 2015?
In a year with a General Election, predictions
are tricky. I believe that the UK renewable
energy market will continue to grow,
especially if political and financial factors
provide the certainty for investment and
development. I think there will be a strong
focus on biomass, heat pumps and wider
commercial work. The need for energy will not
change, but certainly the innovations in new
energy and energy efficiency will.