A GROWING Keighley company has taken a major step forward in its commitment to invest in environmentally-friendly methods of heating homes.

Clever Energy Boilers has recruited an experienced heating and renewables specialist to its team.

Carl Southward will head-up the Lawkholme Lane firm’s electric air source heat pumps and renewable division.

The pumps absorb heat from outdoors to power central heating and hot water, even when temperatures drop as low as minus 15 degrees.

Clever Energy Boilers will be able to supply and install models by leading manufacturers.

And following Mr Southward’s appointment, the company can offer customers the so-called Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive – which gives them quarterly payments from the Government for the green renewable heat they produce.

The firm also provides access to grants for eligible residents who want to improve the efficiency of their heating systems.

Mr Southward has two decades’ experience in the heating industry and has worked with renewable energy for five years.

He said: “The future is definitely all about renewables, so I am hugely excited to be heading-up Clever Energy Boilers’ electric air source heat pumps and renewable division.

“The company is always looking to innovate and offer its customers the best choice of cutting-edge heating solutions on the market, so I can’t wait to get started.”

His appointment is welcomed by Clever Energy Boilers director, Jon Broadbent.

He said: “There is no one better or more experienced than Carl to help the business push forwards and fully embrace renewables. The demand for electric air source heat pumps will be huge, particularly given the great incentives we can help our customers access, so Carl is going to be very busy in his new role!”

Since the company was founded ten years ago, it has installed more than 10,000 boilers.

It has expanded to cover the whole of the north of England, the West Midlands and London and in December last year bought East Midlands firm Hinckley Plumbing and Heating Services.

The firm, which currently employs and sub-contracts 70 staff, aims to become a nationwide concern by 2025.

It has maintained its services through lockdown.