Image: Ciarán Harkin.
The Home Insulation & Energy Systems contractors scheme (HIES) is to take a fresh approach with the appointment of a new managing director.
Ciarán Harkin has come on board as HIES’ new MD, intending to shake up the consumer protection scheme for renewable technologies including solar and battery storage.
Harkin intends to focus on working more collaboratively and directly with installers to “better understand their changing needs” and support the delivery of high standards of customer service.
Being "proactive" and working with installers early on and offering business support services that are customer-focused are “key” to raising standards of homeowner protection, Harkin said.
The HIES is looking to support installers in “giving the best service possible” to increase their reputation and profitability, introducing integrated solutions to drive efficiencies and industry growth and improve conversion.
Plans for expansion are in the works, with a new management team being introduced to support those plans and spearhead any future innovation initiatives.
“We’re always developing new ways to work with home improvement businesses and find practical solutions for them. I’m proud to be working with such a dedicated team who are truly passionate about meeting the changing needs of installers and consumers alike.”
HIES was created in 2012, gaining Consumer Code status in 2015. It joined TrustMark in 2018, a not-for-profit social enterprise operated by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to deliver the Government Endorsed Standards scheme.