Judges say YES to double success

grow rapidly, with almost 60% concentrated in London and the south east.

The BBB argued that construction SMEs make a “uniquely positive” contribution to local communities, since they normally work within 15 miles of their head office. For every £1 invested in construction SMEs, 90p remains locally and is used to hire local workers, train local young apprentices and boost the local economy.

Paul Bogle, head of policy and research at the NFB, said: “SME house builders have close ties with their local communities. They build homes more quickly and to a higher quality standard than major house builders. Unfortunately, they still struggle to access finance in order to build more homes. That is why ensuring that SMEs are made more aware of alternative finance choices is vital to tackling the housing crisis and getting Britain building.” Sir Lenny Henry (second right), host of the National Energy Efficiency and Healthy Homes Awards, with Katie Baker, senior operations manager at YES Energy Solutions; Duncan McCombie (right), YES chief executive; and a representative of award sponsor DHL Ltd community organisations and local authorities attended the ceremony, which was hosted by comedian Sir Lenny Henry.

YES wowed the judges with its ECO funding facilities, which has helped thousands of people save energy and improve their homes through subsidised heating and insulation improvements. It also received a special commendation in the Project Management Company of the Year category.

Senior operations manager, Katie Baker, of Golcar, said: “Helping installers and householders access ECO funding is our speciality. So winning this award really is a fantastic achievement for the company. It proves we’re good at what we do.

“We’re not only helping our energy company partners achieve their carbon saving targets, but helping thousands of people to access support to improve their homes and reduce their fuel bills.”

YES Energy Solutions currently works with four of the UK’s largest energy companies to distribute funding for a broad range of energy saving home improvements

In the last financial year, the team funded more than 4,700 installs, helping residents save a combined £54m in lifetime fuel savings. It also helped 53 smaller installer businesses develop their operations.