Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
The Office of Fair Trading wants to see more competition in the home insulation market before the Green Deal starts this October.
It says it wants to see more manufacturers in the market as “there are only a very small number of manufacturers supplying home insulation products.”
It also wants to see product certification bodies to improve their processes to speed up the time it takes for new products to be approved for use in the market and a new body to be set-up to oversee the quality of Green Deal work and handle complaints from homeowners.
OFT Director of Services, Infrastructure and Public Markets, Nisha Arora, said: “The home insulation sector is now worth some £700 million and it is important that people receive good quality, well-installed insulation that makes their homes more energy efficient.”
Allan Durning, sales and marketing director at independent manufacturer Superglass says that the company welcomes the report, which is long overdue.
“This is a significant market which will be worth some £700m to £800m with the Green Deal as its primary driver and it’s important that the Government recognises issues with the dynamics of the sector.
“It’s been described as the biggest mis-selling opportunity for years, so it’s encouraging that with this report, the OFT are indicating that they are aware of the issue and are keeping a close eye on it.”
“Insulation manufacturer Rockwool said: “We welcome the OFT’s report into the home insulation market. We think it is important for the industry to be scrutinised and to ensure that it is working in the best interest of consumers ahead of launch of the Green Deal in October.
“The success of the Green Deal will depend on consumer trust and confidence in the industry and Rockwool is determined to play its part by working with Government, consumers and the wider industry to make this happen.”
