Q&A with Scott Borthwick, Director of Borthwick Group
How Borthwick Group continue their growth through ECO4
We catch up with the Scott Borthwick Director of Borthwick Group to find out how they continue to show significant growth through ECO4, what it means to them to be an Accredited Installer with Qualitymark Protection and why they use insurance backed guarantees.
Please tell us about you and Borthwick Group and your journey so far?
Borthwick Group has come a long way since it being established in 2008. It all began with my beginnings as a plumbers mate, where I discovered my passion for the industry. Determined to excel, I pursued my gas qualification and embarked into self-employment. From here, I gained my Domestic Energy Assessor qualification and seized the opportunity presented by the ECO scheme. Borthwick group then grew steadily, starting with a small team and a few vans, focusing on boiler installations. As ECO evolved, we adapted, expanding our services to include oil boilers, cavity wall and loft insulation, and more. Our commitment to quality workmanship, exceptional customer service, and embracing industry trends has been instrumental in our growth. Today, now operating under ECO4, we have a fleet of over 120 vans, a dedicated workforce of over 200 staff, and a comprehensive range of services.
What do you love most about the industry and your role?
In my role, what I love the most is the opportunity to make a positive and tangible impact on people’s lives. Being part of an industry that is focused on sustainability allows me to contribute towards a greener future for our planet, and also helping day to day people reduce their fuel costs. Every day, I am motivated by the knowledge that our work at Borthwick Group is helping to reduce carbon emissions and promote energy efficiency, creating a healthier and more comfortable living environment for our customers and their families. Additionally, I find joy in leading and supporting a team of dedicated professionals, watching my team members grow personally and professionally is incredibly fulfilling. It is a privilege to be part of such a dynamic and purpose-driven field.
How have you maintained your growth?
Maintaining growth in a dynamic industry requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses various aspects, most importantly for me, staff retention, building long-term connections, and staying on top of industry trends. We have embraced these strategies at Borthwick Group, which I believe has been instrumental in our continued growth and success. First and foremost, our focus on staff retention has been pivotal. I recognise that our team members are the backbone of the organisation, and their dedication and expertise drive the progress of the company. We foster a positive work culture, offering professional development opportunities, and through changes our funding – for example from ECO3 to ECO4, when our jobs slow down, I will keep these staff on, and use them in other areas of the business. Furthermore, staying on top of industry trends is equally essential. Our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement ensures that we remain at the forefront of industry advancements.
What other plans are on the horizon for the Borthwick Group?
At Borthwick Group, we are excited about the numerous plans on the horizon that align with our commitment to making a positive impact in the community. One key aspect of our future endeavours is expanding our involvement in charitable initiatives. We strongly believe in giving back, and we aim to support causes that align with our mission of sustainability and energy efficiency. In addition, we are dedicated to offering free energy-saving advice to citizens who may need assistance. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has access to information and resources that can help them reduce their energy consumption and lower their utility bills. By providing personalised advice and guidance, we hope to empower households to make sustainable choices. We are also in the process of setting up an energy-saving hub, where people can seek advice regarding their eligibility for various energy-saving schemes and programs. Expanding our presence in the social housing sector is another focus for us. We recognise the importance of energy efficiency in affordable housing, and we aim to collaborate with social housing providers to implement sustainable solutions that improve living conditions and reduce energy costs for residents.
What else do you think needs to be done to ensure we are able to hit net zero by 2035?
To achieve this goal, I believe that there are several key actions that need to be taken. First and foremost, prioritising the expansion and adoption of renewable energy sources. Renewable technologies, such as Air Source Heat Pumps, and Solar PV play a crucial role in decarbonising our atmosphere. Increased marketing efforts by local authorities and government bodies is essential as part of this, raising awareness about the importance of renewables in achieving net zero is crucial to encourage widespread adoption by individuals in the community. By highlighting the benefits of ASHP, Solar PV, insulation measures, and other renewable solutions, we can educate the public about their environmental advantages, cost savings, and long-term benefits. Furthermore, if ECO funding criteria was loosened, we would be able to help more customers, improving insulation, heating systems and overall energy efficiency of many homes, leading us to a shared target – net zero.
In your opinion, where do you see the industry going in the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years, the industry is poised for significant advancements and transformations. One key area that we anticipate to see substantial progress in is improved insulation measures. With a growing focus on reducing carbon emissions, there will be an increased emphasis on enhancing insulation techniques and materials. I believe that innovations in insulation technologies, such as advanced insulation materials and installation methods, will become more prevalent. Addressing the current shortage of skilled tradesmen in the insulation industry will also be a crucial focus in the coming years. Recognising the importance of a skilled workforce, there will be concerted efforts to upskill tradesmen and attract new talent to the industry. Training programs and apprenticeships will be instrumental in this. Following on from this, as the industry continues to evolve, I would expect to see greater integration of digital technologies and automation.
What does it mean to you to be a Qualitymark Protection Accredited Installer?
Being accredited by Qualitymark Protection signifies that we have met rigorous standards of professionalism, expertise and ethical conduct, It demonstrates our dedication to upholding the highest industry standards and ensuring customer satisfaction at every stage of the process. Being a Qualitymark Protection accredited installer is a source of pride for us. It represents our unwavering commitment to quality, professionalism, and customer satisfaction. This accreditation signifies that we have met strict standards and assures our clients that they are working with a reputable and trustworthy company. We are committed to upholding these high standards and striving for excellence in every project that we undertake.
How have Qualitymark Protection and insurance backed guarantees helped your business?
As an accredited installer, we have undergone thorough assessments and evaluations to demonstrate our competence and adherence to industry best practices. This includes in-depth checks of our technical knowledge, skills and customer service. By meeting these requirements, we have earned the trust and confidence of our customers, knowing that they are working with a reputable and reliable company.
You’ve been a Qualitymark Protection Accredited Installer for quite a few years now, what is the one reason why you continue with the relationship?
Being a Qualitymark Protection accredited installer provides peace of mind to our customers. They can rest assured that we have comprehensive insurance coverage, offering them protection and reassurance. Being part of the network also allows us to stay connected with other installers, industry experts, and resources. This allows us to stay updated on the latest advancements, industry trends, and best practices.
Borthwick Group has a very inspirational story, what advice would you give anyone that wants to build a successful business in this sector?
Building a successful business in the sector requires a combination of skills, but my advice to aspiring entrepreneurs would be consistency, and passion. Consistency is crucial in this industry, it involves unwavering dedication to delivering high quality work, maintaining an excellent standard of work, and exceeding customer expectations. Stay committed to upholding the highest standards, even when faced with challenges, and consistently strive for excellence in all aspects of business. Passion is the driving force behind a successful business. It fuels motivation, inspires innovation, and keeps you resilient in the face of obstacles. Lastly, by staying adaptable, and keeping an open mind, you can achieve anything you set your mind to!
For more information about the Borthwick Group, head to their website below.
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