A new chapter in education for City Training Group
Laver group celebrate two major contract wins
CEN partnering with The Buddy Bag Foundation
CES donates £10,000 to four local councils
Over 100 leaders gaining valuable insights in Self-Awareness & Communication through workshops and coaching led by
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Supporting Our Communities
Partnering with The Buddy Bag Foundation
At City Energy, we are committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve. As part of this commitment, we are exploring opportunities to collaborate with The Buddy Bag Foundation, a remarkable charity dedicated to supporting children entering emergency care
Founded in 2015, The Buddy Bag Foundation provides essential support to children fleeing unsafe home environments Many of these children arrive at emergency accommodation with little to no personal belongings. To help ease this transition, the foundation supplies Buddy Bags filled with toiletries, pyjamas, books, a cuddly toy, and other essentials to bring comfort and a sense of security during a difficult time Recently, members of our City Energy team had the privilege of assembling 180 Buddy Bags at a local cricket club in Hammerwich
This hands-on experience was both meaningful and rewarding, knowing that these small gestures can provide warmth and reassurance to children in need. We are excited to continue supporting The Buddy Bag Foundation and look forward to building on this partnership in the future A heartfelt thank you to the foundation and everyone involved in making this initiative a success!
We look forward to welcoming Buddy Bag to our offices in coming months where we will be dedicating many hours of volunteering to help pack the buddy bags!
Power Up Leadership Academy
Phase 1 success & phase 2 launch
We are pleased to announce that the Power Up Leadership Academy has successfully completed Phase 1, which included the first workshop, Self Awareness & Communication, along with the follow-up coaching sessions The programme has been a tremendous success, with over 100 leaders already benefiting from the insights and skills shared by our expert facilitators, Andrew Ashby, Jade Ruck, and Stuart Gunnarsson, from Ribbon of Life.
The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with workshop and coaching sessions both receiving exceptional ratings of 98% and 100%, respectively Here’s a sample of what attendees had to say:
Workshop Feedback:
"Fantastic course, superbly delivered by Andrew. I personally took a lot from the day and am excited for the coaching sessions."
"By far the best course I’ve ever attended The balance of learning and enjoyment was perfect, and Andrew tailored it so well to the audience Even as an experienced manager, I gained new skills "
"The content was excellent, and Andrew’s delivery made it incredibly engaging. I learned more in a few hours than I have in many other sessions.”
Coaching Feedback:
"Jade’s attention to detail is exceptional. She listens and adapts her advice to suit my management style."
"The continued support is invaluable It’s helping me apply a range of management styles depending on the situation "
"The coaching helped me focus on myself for a change, which is so rare as a manager Jade’s advice has been a real asset "
With Phase 1 now complete, we are thrilled to move forward into Phase 2 of the programme, where we will launch the next workshop, Powering Performance, with leaders from Consumer Energy Solutions We look forward to building on the success of Phase 1 and continuing to support our leaders in their growth and development
Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we progress through this transformative leadership journey!
Hasco iLearning
mpowering Our People with iHasco iLearning
s part of our ongoing commitment to ofessional development, we are proud to troduce iHasco iLearning, an advanced nline training platform designed to support ur staff in upskilling and expanding their xpertise
Offering a diverse range of courses, this platform provides accessible, engaging training that ensures compliance with industry standards while equipping our teams with the knowledge to excel in their roles This investment reinforces our dedication to developing talent, fostering growth, and strengthening the future of our workforce.
Introducing Personology
Our new people management system
In our continued efforts to streamline operations and improve efficiency, we have introduced Personology, a cutting-edge People Management System. Personology simplifies essential HR tasks such as leave requests, performance reviews, absence tracking, and document management. This investment in technology allows teams to focus more on strategic goals while reducing administrative overhead, contributing to a more agile and effective workforce.
Looking ahead, we are focused on expanding our Shared Services model across the Group. By centralising key HR functions, we aim to enhance operational efficiency and improve the overall service delivery. This strategic investment will further optimise our resources, ensuring we are well-positioned for continued growth and success in a competitive landscape
Meet Ryan Wildig Sales Director at Heatforce
Q.
Can you share a bit about your role and responsibilities as the Sales Manager at Heatforce?
My primary responsibility is to drive Heatforce’s expansion across the UK, positioning us as a leading name in the renewable energy sector A key focus of my role is establishing and developing new regions, particularly in Birmingham and Bristol, while exploring innovative marketing strategies and growth opportunities
What are the key focus areas for the sales team right now, especially in the renewable energy sector?
Our main priority is expanding into new markets and strengthening our presence in key regions. We are actively developing new strategies for outreach and engagement, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry Additionally, we are working on exciting new projects that will enhance our ability to deliver renewable energy solutions to a wider audience
Q.
How is Heatforce helping homeowners and businesses transition to solar and heat pump solutions?
At Heatforce, we pride ourselves on offering honest, wellintentioned advice Rather than taking a sales-first approach, we prioritise education and support, helping customers navigate their transition to clean energy with confidence Our goal is to empower homeowners and businesses to make informed decisions that align with their energy needs and sustainability goals.
Q.
How do you simplify the transition to solar and heat pump technology for customers?
Renewable energy technologies, such as solar PV and heat pumps, can often be complex and filled with technical jargon, which can be overwhelming for customers At Heatforce, we focus on simplifying this process, breaking down the information into clear, accessible insights By making renewable energy more understandable, we help customers feel confident in their decision to adopt cleaner, more efficient solutions
Q.
Are there any exciting promotions, partnerships, or initiatives that the sales team is currently working on?
We have several exciting projects and initiatives in the pipeline that will further enhance our offerings and expand our reach. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements!
Q.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the sales department in 2025, and how do you see Heatforce evolving in the renewable energy space?
Our goal for 2025 is to expand Heatforce’s presence across multiple new regions throughout the UK, strengthening our position as a leader in the renewable energy sector With our strong heritage and forward-thinking approach, we remain committed to driving the transition to clean energy, providing innovative solutions that make sustainable living more accessible for homeowners and businesses alike
How Laver Group is making a difference in social housing
Laver Group are proud to celebrate significant milestones with two major contract wins in the social housing sector.
These achievements reinforce our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and delivering highquality solutions that create lasting positive impacts.
Driving Energy Efficiency in Partnership with Pobl
At Laver Group, we're delighted to be at the forefront of supporting Pobl and their bold sustainability vision. By retrofitting void properties, we're enhancing energy efficiency and improving living standards for future tenants. This exciting project not only helps reduce environmental impact but also ensures that communities benefit from comfortable, eco-friendly homes. Together, we ’ re building a greener, more sustainable future, one energy-efficient home at a time
Pioneering renewable energy with Travallis
Our collaboration with Travallis marks a key milestone in renewable energy solutions. We are embarking on a commercial solar PV project designed to reduce carbon footprints and lower energy costs. By integrating cutting-edge solar technology, we are helping to shape a more sustainable future for the social housing sector
Looking ahead, expanding our impact beyond these exciting projects, our team is actively engaged in several significant tenders within the social housing sector. Leveraging our strong reputation for excellence and dedicated support, we continue to drive innovation and deliver solutions that make a meaningful difference.
We look forward to sharing more updates as we expand our impact and contribute to the evolution of sustainable social housing Thank you to our valued partners and dedicated team for making these achievements possible.
CES helps young people go back to school with confidence
Swansea-based Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) has given back this winter by supporting local charity Faith in Families with a £2,500 donation to their Cwtch Up Appeal.
Established in 1999, Faith in Families has grown to encompass three community cwtches in the Swansea area Each setting based in deprived areas of Swansea, aiming to provide help and support to families within the community while also running Wales’ first multibank
The charity transforms lives across Swansea Bay through its Community Cwtches & Multibank It provides vital support to children and families facing challenges such as poverty, crisis, and trauma. The wide range of services include parent and toddler groups, 12-1 child therapy, parental & child support, outreach work & home support.
The Cwtch Up Appeal supports vulnerable families and children in the Swansea Bay area by providing a distribution of new winter coats as well as food and a safe, warm space, ensuring low-income families can feel wellequipped to start the school year with confidence
Cherrie Bija, CEO at Faith in Families, said:
“CES’s support has been invaluable in making our winter campaigns some of our most impactful yet. Providing both these school supplies and winter coats brings much-needed relief to families and builds children’s confidence as they go back to school. We’re hugely grateful for CES’s generosity and commitment to supporting the local community.”
Stephen Williams, Sales Director at CES, said:
“Supporting children’s education and wellbeing is a core value for CES We are thrilled to collaborate with Faith in Families once again to ensure children in our community are provided with the essentials they need and can now feel confident about going back to school We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on both the children and their families, and we ’ re proud to play a role in creating a brighter future for our community ”
CES has donated £10,000 to four local councils to support residents struggling with fuel poverty during this winter.
Through this initiative, CES is directly aiding those in need by facilitating access to the government’s ECO4 scheme, which offers free energy efficiency improvements to vulnerable households
The donation, split equally among Gwynedd, Carmarthen, Pembrokeshire, and Swansea councils, will provide £2,500 to each council. These funds will be used to directly assist residents with their energy bills and will include the distribution of heated blankets and heat packs to keep vulnerable individuals warm throughout the harsh winter months
Lewis John, CEO at CES, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been able to support our local councils in providing vital energy assistance to residents during the harsh winter months. Winter can be an unforgiving time, with freezing temperatures amplifying the challenges of fuel poverty and forcing many to make impossible choices between heating their homes and meeting other essential needs. As an energy efficiency company, we see first hand the toll this takes on individuals and families, and we felt compelled to step up and offer additional support when it is needed most.”
Lee Hind, Pembrokeshire Community Hub Manager, said: “Pembrokeshire Community Hub on behalf of all the Keep Warm, Keep Well partners, thanks Consumer Energy Solutions Limited for their kind donation to our winter programme This money will be used to enhance our provision and will go specifically to additional energy support for those struggling the most.”
Spotlight
on
Excellence
Jaidan Coghlin’s outstanding achievement
We are delighted to recognise Jaidan Coghlin, an outstanding apprentice from CES, for his exceptional dedication, proactive attitude, and unwavering commitment to excellence
Jaidan has consistently gone above and beyond, demonstrating an incredible work ethic and taking the initiative to deliver outstanding results. His contributions have been invaluable to the team, and his dedication sets a brilliant example for others to follow This level of commitment truly embodies the core values we all strive to uphold
A special thank you to Edmundson Electrical for supporting Jaidan’s training journey with a thoughtful pack of essentials your generosity is greatly appreciated!
We look forward to seeing Jaidan continue to grow and thrive in his career Keep up the fantastic work, Jaidan!
Apprentice Week with Jiffy
Following #ApprenticeshipWeek, Jiffy connected with one of our apprentices on the road to learn more about his journey so far. From hands-on training to future career aspirations, he shared valuable insights and experiences, along with key lessons learned along the way.
We take great pride in supporting the next generation of skilled professionals, providing them with real-world experience to build strong and successful careers.
Pioneering Training for the Prison Service
A New Chapter in Education
After months of careful planning and productive negotiations (and yes, they did let Mark out after his visits!), we are excited to announce a major milestone our first training courses for the prison service are about to commence.
This initiative is a testament to our commitment to providing meaningful learning experiences across all communities. Over the course of four intensive days, learners will engage with essential topics designed to enhance safety, compliance, and professional development. The curriculum includes:
Gas Safety Awareness – Understanding regulations and best practices to ensure safe gas usage and maintenance.
Water Regulations – Gaining knowledge of industry standards to promote water safety and efficiency.
Asbestos Awareness – Identifying risks and implementing precautionary measures to prevent exposure
Health and Safety – Covering fundamental workplace safety principles to create secure environments
By equipping participants with these crucial skills, we are contributing to safer workplaces and fostering new opportunities for professional growth.
We are immensely proud to take this step forward and look forward to making a lasting impact through education and training in the prison service
Cardiff Council Joins the City Training Group Community
A big win for our team! Cardiff Council has chosen to enrol learners on several of our courses This milestone is a testament to Billy Child-Carlisle’s persistence and ability to build strong relationships with clients, even those who have relied on other training providers for years.
This collaboration marks the beginning of a valuable partnership, reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality training to public sector organisations. By joining the CTG community, Cardiff Council is investing in the professional development of its workforce, ensuring they receive the best training available
We extend a warm welcome to Cardiff Council and look forward to supporting their learning journey. Here’s to a successful and impactful collaboration!
City Training Group solidifies position
as a leading training provider
We’re thrilled to announce that CTG has been officially recognised as a key player in the world of energy efficiency and sustainability training! Our recent inclusion in both the Carbon Hwb Training Resource Page and the Energy Efficiency Association Skills & Training Register highlights our unwavering commitment to empowering professionals with the vital expertise needed to drive a low-carbon future. This recognition fuels our passion for shaping the next generation of sustainability leaders!
CTG has been honoured as a premier provider of sustainability and low-carbon training This achievement underscores our vital role in empowering professionals and businesses to accelerate their journey towards net-zero, supporting meaningful progress in the fight against climate change
Energy Efficiency Association Skills & Training Register – This recognition highlights CTG's expertise in delivering top-tier energy efficiency education, making high-quality training more accessible and in line with the highest industry standards and practices
We are thrilled to share an exciting milestone – Advance Energy has achieved an incredible 4.9-star rating on Trustpilot after 386 reviews! This recognition is a testament to their dedication, expertise, and commitment to delivering industry-leading insulation solutions, exceptional customer service, and helping homeowners achieve warmer, more energy-efficient homes.
A special thank you to all our contributors and staff for their hard work in making this newsletter possible. Your dedication and effort truly make a difference!
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