WEDNESDAY
26JUNE, 2025
An update from our CEO, Chris McLain
CEN works with The Buddy Bag Foundation to support children in emergency care
Supporting Birmingham through education, outreach and ECO4
Laver Group leads the way with shared solar technology
City Energy Network has made strong progress in Q2, with key developments across operations, partnerships, and project delivery.
A major operational restructure at the Cardiff office has improved efficiency and strengthened support for both teams and customers. The company also continued its investment in people and communities, including a successful partnership with the Buddy Bag Foundation, where staff packed 200 bags for children entering emergency care
Alongside its core ECO work, City Energy Network is expanding into the wider retrofit and social housing space. Collaborations with Heatforce and Lavers have laid solid foundations, and new projects with partners like POBL and Powys reflect that momentum.
The business has also secured places on several leading procurement frameworks, including Fusion21, Procurement for Housing, and CHIC, enhancing access to new opportunities and clients across the UK With a growing footprint and strong partnerships, City Energy Network is well-positioned for further growth in the months ahead.
Best regards,
Chris McLain CEO, City Energy Network
Our quarterly cyber security training initiative is progressing well, with many team members already completing their modules. This forms part of our wider commitment to protecting data and maintaining secure systems across all areas of the business. Cyber awareness plays a vital role in safeguarding the people we serve, and we ’ re continuing to roll out this training to ensure everyone across the organisation is equipped with the right knowledge
City Energy Network proudly partnered with the incredible Buddy Bag Foundation to host a charity event that truly captured the heart of our team With 25 volunteers from across the business, including our CEO Chris McLain, we came together to pack 200 Buddy Bags for children entering emergency care.
Each bag was thoughtfully filled with essentials, like toothbrushes, pyjamas, books, and a cuddly teddy bear, aimed at offering comfort, safety, and a sense of belonging during what can be an incredibly traumatic time. These small but meaningful packs go to children who often have to leave home with nothing, and they serve as a reminder that someone cares
Reflecting on the event, Chris McLain shared:
The event with the Buddy Bag Foundation has been truly inspiring. Packing 200 bags alongside our team was a powerful reminder of the impact we can make when we come together for a greater cause.
We were also honoured to be joined by Karen Williams OBE, Co-Founder and CEO of the Buddy Bag Foundation, whose passion and leadership inspired us all. Her dedication to supporting vulnerable children left a lasting impression on every one of us In recognition of our efforts, we ’ re thrilled to share that City Energy Network has been named the Buddy Bag Foundation’s Company of the Month, a testament to the incredible commitment and compassion shown by our team It was a day filled with purpose, positivity, and true team spirit. To everyone who volunteered or supported behind the scenes, thank you. You helped send 200 messages of hope into the world, and we couldn’t be prouder. We look forward to continuing our partnership with this remarkable charity and creating more moments that matter
Sian White summed up the day with:
The event with the Buddy Bag Fou has been incredibly moving. As a focused organisation, it means so m be able to give back in a way that supports children during such vu moments. It's about more than j bags, it’s about showing care, com and investing in a brighter future next generation We’re proud to behind this meaningful cause.
As part of our commitment to supporting local communities, City Energy Network has been actively engaging with organisations and individuals across Birmingham to raise awareness of the ECO4 scheme and improve the quality of housing for those most in need.
In collaboration with HM Prison and Probation Service, our team visited Swinfen Prison on 10th April to deliver a workshop as part of the Memory Threads Project, run by our partners at Nurture CC. Using art as a tool for engagement, we connected with inmates explored how creative expression can sup rehabilitation and open conversations arou housing and future opportunities We hop extend this initiative to more prisons acros Birmingham area in the coming months
Vikki reflected on her day at Swinfen, Engaging with those at Swinfen YOI was inspiring. It’s vital that we continue to reach all areas of the community, and we ’ re now keen to explore how a partnership with City Training Group could help us bring meaningful, in-house training support to those preparing for release through tailored workshops, accredited programmes, or skills-based sessions that build confidence and readiness for employment
we ’ ve also been connecting with the wider Birmingham community by visiting local hubs, centres, and trusts across the city. Our goal has been simple: to brief local organisations on the ECO4 scheme and how it can help improve living conditions for those they support. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many community leaders expressed a deep desire to find practical support for their service users and welcomed the information we provided We’ve left batches of ECO4 flyers and resources to help them spread the word further.
This project is more than outreach, it’s about building trust, creating partnerships, and offering real solutions to improve the quality of life in Birmingham. We’re proud to be part of the movement toward warmer, more energy-efficient homes and look forward to continuing this work with the people who make this city stronger every day
At Heatforce, we’re committed to more than just installations we’re here for the long run, helping our customers save money and reduce their carbon footprint year after year. That’s why we caught up with Alastair, one of our solar panel customers, nearly ten months after his installation, to hear how his system has been performing and how it’s impacted his energy bills
It went exactly as planned They’ve come down quite considerably over a period of time We’ve been through the winter period, and I’ve still had quite a large reduction in my electricity bill And that’s what I really wanted.
As sunnier days return, Alastair’s solar battery is working more efficiently storing unused daytime energy for use later. This helps reduce reliance on the grid and boosts long-term savings.
When asked if he’d recommend Heatforce to others, Alastair didn’t hesitate:
“Yes, I certainly would The amount of work that they did in ensuring that the installation was correct… I had a lot of visits from a lot of people, which helped. They did a lot of survey work; the survey was excellent. All the employees that I came across were very friendly and very knowledgeable ”
His feedback is a great reminder that it’s not just the technology that matters it’s the care, attention to detail, and expertise that come with it
As we continue to grow our presence across the UK, stories like Alastair’s reinforce the importance of what we do: helping households take control of their energy, save money, and reduce their carbon footprint!
Laver Group is proud to celebrate two significant contract wins in the social housing sector, marking a major milestone in our continued growth.
These achievements reflect our ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and delivering high-quality building services that create lasting value for residents and communities.
In a pioneering move for sustainable housing, a Residential Housing Association in South Wales has completed a state-of-the-art solar PV installation using SolShare technology. This breakthrough solution enabled fair access to solar energy in multi-unit buildings.
This project reimagines how solar power is delivered in residential blocks. Instead of requiring individual rooftop systems or batteries, residents in five flats now benefit directly from a shared solar array, unlocking renewable energy savings without the complexity or high upfront costs
Installed across three tiled rooftops, the solar PV system was carefully designed for maximum performance, fair energy distribution, and smooth integration with the building’s existing setup.
Key Components:
167 x Jinko Tiger Neo 440W Panels –High-efficiency panels built for reliable performance in UK weather.
504 x Renusol Roof Mounts – Durable, weatherproof supports suited for concrete tile roofs.
5 x Growatt MOD 12000TL3-X Inverters –Efficiently convert solar power into usable electricity.
5 x SolShare 35 Units – Distribute solar energy fairly across five flats
Emlite EMP 100A Generation Meter –Tracks total solar output for accurate monitoring
Electrical Infrastructure – Includes enclosures, switchgear, cabling, and trunking installed to full safety standards
Scaffolding – Provided safe, efficient access with minimal disruption to residents.
Optimised Solar Layout:
Panels strategically placed acro rooftops to maximise year-roun production
Shared Solar Distribution:
SolShare units deliver solar directly to each flat, removing for individual systems or storage
Seamless Integration:
Fully connected to existing units, no structural changes requ
Low Disruption:
Works were completed on schedule with thoughtful planning to minimise impact on residents.
Each flat now receives a direct supply of solar energy, significantly reducing reliance on grid electricity and lowering monthly energy costs for residents
Carbon Savings
The installation is projected to offset more than 28 tons of CO₂ emissions every year, supporting the client’s long-term environmental and sustainability commitments
Future-Proofed Design
With a modular, scalable setup, the system can be easily expanded or integrated with emerging technologies such as electric vehicle charging points or battery storage
Enhanced Property Value
Energy-efficient upgrades not only improve environmental performance but also increase the overall appeal and market value of the property to future tenants and buyers.
CES spreads some Easter cheer by donating 200 chocolate eggs to local charity Faith in Families, matching the 200 insulation projects completed in March.
Established in 1999, Faith in Families supports vulnerable families across Swansea through its three Community Cwtches, based in some of the city’s most
deprived areas. Offering services such as toddler groups, child therapy, home support, and Wales’ first multibank, the charity plays a vital role in the community.
This Easter, they hosted three egg hunts with food and resources for families CES is a proud supporter, backing campaigns like Back to School with a Cwtch and donating £2,500 to the Cwtch Up Appeal for warm winter coats.
Stephen Williams, Sales Director at CES, said:
We were delighted to get involved with another incredible campaign by Faith in Families The work they do for vulnerable families in Swansea is incredible, and it’s an honour to have contributed to their long-lasting impact. Looking after our local community is one of our core values at CES, and so we are delighted to be working with such a meaningful charity.
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 includes parent and toddler groups, 1-21 child therapy, parental & child support, outreach work & home support.
We’re proud to officially unveil the new headquarters of Consumer Energy Solutions, a major milestone in our journey of growth and innovation
Following a phased move-in at the end of 2024, our full team is now working together under one roof as of early 2025 The new three-storey, 33,285-square-foot building has been completely transformed into a modern, purpose-built space that reflects our values and culture
More than just an office, the headquarters features open, collaborative workspaces, vibrant social areas, a fully equipped gym, a canteen, and even a bar with pool tables, all designed to support wellbeing, connection, and productivity.
Now home to nearly 250 team members, the space has already had a noticeable impact on collaboration, communication, and team morale, creating the ideal environment for continued success
This new headquarters isn’t just a symbol of how far we ’ ve come, it’s the foundation for everything we ’ re building next
Watch this space the best is yet to come.
City Training Group is proud to be part of several key industry events this year. From major national exhibitions to prestigious award ceremonies, we’re showcasing how we’re helping the workforce upskill for a low-carbon, high-demand future.
We’re honoured to sponsor the Regional Energy Consultant/Consultancy of the Year Award and serve as the official training partner of the 2025 Energy Efficiency Awards. With regional events across the UK, from Exeter to Bolton, we ’ re using this platform to connect, celebrate excellence, and raise awareness of the vital role training plays in the energy sector. The awards season will conclude at the National Energy Efficiency Awards on Friday 21 November 2025, at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole We’re excited to be part of it!
We’re heading to The Welsh Construction S Wales’ leading construction industry exhibition Join us to learn more about our wide rang NVQs, accredited training programmes, and funded courses designed to support professio across all trades.
We’re thrilled to be exhibiting at InstallerSHOW 2025, the UK’s largest event for the heat, water, air, and energy sectors.
Come and meet the team, explore our latest accredited training solutions, and discover how we ’ re supporting the industry’s transition to a greener future.
We’re proud to announce that our Health & Safety courses are now accredited by Cert-ain. While already trusted by many reputable businesses, this added recognition means attendees of our one-day training, covering key topics such as asbestos awareness, manual handling, face fit, working at height, and more, will now receive both a Cert-ain and CTG certificate upon completion.
City Training Group is now a CITB Approved Training Organisation This allows CITB levypaying members to claim up to 70% funding on our accredited Level 2 & 3 NVQs in Insulation & Building Treatments. Courses include cavity wall, internal and external wall, underfloor, cold roof, and room-in-roof insulation Our assessors deliver support nationwide, providing flexible, site-based qualification pathways.
We’re proud to be an approved provider under the Welsh Zero Carbon Hwb, a national initiative driving low-carbon training and workforce development in Wales. Our approved status highlights the quality and relevance of our renewable energy training, from heat pumps and solar systems to EV charging and battery storage. We’re committed to helping build a greener, more sustainable future
Launched in late 2024, our Domestic Ventilation Systems course has quickly become one of our most popular offerings. Delivered in our purpose-built learning zone, it’s ideal for electricians, plumbers, and HVAC engineers looking to install and commission systems in line with Building Regulations Part F. The course is also recognised by Competent Person Schemes, and students have joined us from across the UK.
What a great quarter we have had at City Energy Network. We are proud of our employees and everything we have achieved together.
Be sure to follow all of our members on social media to stay informed and engaged with all the latest updates from the City Energy Network.
