Wolseley’s Renewables Centre is billed as a brand-new nationwide initiative created to support heating professionals thrive in the fast-changing renewables market.
The first flagship Renewables Centre will open in Shrewsbury, with Swansea set to follow shortly. Described as offering a “fully integrated solution,” the concept operates as a partner brand for Plumb Centre and “combines accredited training, MCS-certified design, installation support, and access to high-quality renewable products, all in one place.”
With demand for air source heat pumps rising by nearly 90% year-on-year (according to Wolseley Group sales 2024/2025) and renewables forecast to grow from just 5% of installer workload to over 27% in the next five years (based on findings from Eureka! Research and customer insight 2024/2025), Renewables Centre has been developed to “equip installers with the tools, skills and confidence to take advantage of this significant opportunity whether they’re just starting out or looking to grow.”
As a partner brand for Plumb Centre, it will offer new and existing customers a fully integrated renewables solution, supported by Renewable Equipment Solutions (R.E.S) a recent Wolseley Group acquisition. R.E.S will offer additional technical expertise, design services and a support package to guide customers through an MCS process.
Renewables Centre “aims to support installers from day one of their journey, with a full package to help them become MCS-ready, guiding them from first estimate to final certification.” With R.E.S support, installers “can turn training into action” through integrated design, supply and installation support.
This is said to include fast, accurate system estimates, MCS-compliant designs with heat loss calculations, help with DNO approvals and contract setup, and technical guidance through commissioning and handover. The service also includes assistance in accessing Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant funding – making the move into renewables commercially rewarding.
John Hancock, COO of Wolseley Group, said: “One of the biggest barriers our customers tell us about when it comes to renewables is access to training and expert support. Many installers want to expand into renewables but don’t know where to start. Renewables Centre will provide the best accredited training, design services, support and access to supplies, so installers can take their first steps with confidence.
“The heating and energy sector is changing rapidly, and we’re at a pivotal moment. Installers across the UK are about to face a surge in demand for renewables, and they need access to the right training, products and technical support to take full advantage of this shift and make it profitable for them. Renewables Centre is ready and there for installers.”
Following the opening of the first Renewables Centres in Shrewsbury and Swansea, these will be supported by a “growing number of regional training centres across the UK, ensuring installers have easy access to the resources they need, wherever they are.”
