Dorset businesses offered 50% discount to help residents find trusted local trades

 

A special one-off offer to help boost the work of Dorset’s retrofitters and make residents’ homes more energy efficient has been launched. 

As part of Dorset Council's drive to help residents make their homes warmer and cheaper to run, local tradespeople who install insulation, low-carbon heating or other energy saving measures can apply to join the national ‘Buy With Confidence’ scheme for half the normal price. 

Buy With Confidence is a nationally recognised, Trading Standards approved scheme that helps people find reliable, vetted tradespeople working in their area.  

But retrofitters will need to apply quickly. The discounted offer, which has been made possible thanks to UK Shared Prosperity Funding, is only open until 1 March. 

Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Climate, said: “A common concern we hear from residents wanting to carry out energy efficiency improvements to their homes is that they struggle to find trusted tradespeople to do the work. 

“The offer will drive real change by connecting residents with trusted local retrofit installers, while boosting Dorset businesses by helping them reach new customers.” 

The discounted offer, which has been made possible thanks to UK Shared Prosperity Funding, will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. 

It covers the Buy With Confidence application fee and 50 per cent of the first year’s annual membership cost, making it easier for local businesses to gain accreditation and consumer trust. 

This offer forms part of Dorset Council’s wider Home Habitats campaign, which encourages residents to take practical steps to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. 

Cllr Nick Ireland, added: “Around half of Dorset’s homes have an EPC rating of D or below, causing them to lose warmth rapidly and resulting in higher heating costs for residents. Making our homes more energy efficient is not just good for the environment, it can also make a real difference to household bills, helping residents save money over the long term.” 

Retrofitting involves upgrading existing buildings to make them more energy-efficient, sustainable, and compliant with modern standards.  Typical improvements include insulation to walls, roofs and floors; upgrading windows and doors to double or triple glazing; adding renewable energy systems like solar panels and heat pumps; plus improving heating systems and enhancing air sealing and ventilation. 

This Dorset Council offer is available to new businesses applying to join Buy with Confidence.  

To be eligible, businesses must have their registered office within the Dorset Council area, provide services to Dorset residents, and have been trading for at least six months.  

The offer specifically supports those supplying energy retrofitting goods or services, and applicants must successfully pass the Buy With Confidence audit and meet membership requirements. 

Local retrofitters can find out more by going to www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk/ apply using the code RETRO26. 

Residents can also discover what home improvements could work best for their property by using Dorset Council’s free and easy-to-use online Homewise tool.  

Try Homewise today www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dorset-homewise.