The deal, worth GBP5m, represents another step in British Gas’ ambition to build insulation business, and help British Gas customers cut their energy use, their carbon emissions and their fuel bills.
The acquisition will allow British Gas to speed up the roll-out of its new insulation service, and help more customers sooner, the company said.
Demand for home insulation is forecast to rise in the next five years. Currently, GBP1 in every GBP4 spent on domestic energy is wasted because of poor insulation. Spending on home insulation is predicted to rise from around GBP0.6bn a year in 2010 to GBP1.4bn in 2015, British Gas said.
British Gas aims to tap the domestic insulation market, building on its existing position in the provision of energy efficiency and microgeneration products, offering customers energy systems for their homes. In the next 18 months, British Gas’ insulation business will employ 1,100 people.
Phil Bentley, managing director of British Gas, said: “At British Gas, we are building the country’s leading insulation business, reducing household carbon emissions, and helping our customers lower their energy bills.
“The insulation market is growing, and insulating homes is the cheapest way to reduce energy bills. Hillserve Ltd, like British Gas, has a real passion for great customer service, and we are delighted to have secured the skills of the Hillserve team.”
