Category Archives: Energy

Business, Energy

How Running Costs Are Affecting Small Businesses

Small businesses face many challenges, not least of which are spiralling running costs that can often threaten their very survival. These costs encompass a wide range of expenses, from rent and utilities, to staffing and inventory, each carrying its weight on the balance sheets of small businesses.

As margins are squeezed and profitability becomes harder to maintain, understanding the impact of these costs and seeking innovative solutions to mitigate them has never been more crucial.

The Rising Tide of Expenses

For many small businesses, rent is one of the most significant fixed costs, with prime locations demanding premium prices. Coupled with the increasing rates of business taxes and insurance, the financial burden can be substantial. Moreover, the fluctuating costs of utilities such as electricity, gas, and water only add to the uncertainty and complexity of financial planning. These variable expenses, sensitive to both market conditions and consumption patterns, require constant vigilance and management.

Utility Costs: A Variable Challenge

Utilities, in particular, represent a category of running costs that can fluctuate wildly, influenced by external market forces and internal consumption habits. The volatility of energy prices, for example, can have a direct impact on a business’s operating costs. When wholesale prices rise, small businesses often find themselves facing increased energy bills, which can erode profits and disrupt cash flow. 

During these periods, it’s important for business owners to understand how much they’re spending each month on utilities and take control of their energy bills. Getting a smart meter for business can help with tracking energy use. Smart meters automatically send regular readings to energy suppliers, and with some suppliers, this means that businesses using smart meters can track their energy use online. Tracking energy use in this way is an essential first step in managing utilities more effectively. 

Labour Costs and the Quest for Efficiency

Staffing is typically a substantial cost for small businesses. With the minimum wage in the UK on the rise, small businesses must navigate the delicate balance between having a large enough workforce to meet the business’s demands and managing payroll expenses. The challenge is compounded by the need to invest in training and development, ensuring that employees are skilled and motivated.

To mitigate these costs, many small businesses are exploring automation and digital tools that can streamline operations and reduce the need for manual labour. From automated inventory systems to customer relationship management (CRM) software, technology offers a pathway to efficiency and cost reduction.

Inventory and Supply Chain Pressures

Inventory management is another area where costs can spiral. Holding too much stock ties up valuable capital, while too little can lead to stockouts and lost sales. The volatility of supply chain costs, including transportation and raw materials, adds another layer of complexity. 

Small businesses must be adept at forecasting demand, managing suppliers, and navigating the uncertainties of global trade dynamics. This is another area where businesses that commit to tracking and monitoring, as well as keeping robust records, will see benefits in the long term. 

Navigating the Challenges

The landscape of running costs for small businesses is complex and fraught with challenges. Investment in innovation and strategic management, leveraging technology and embracing digital tools, will help small businesses to weather the storm of rising running costs in the long term.

A proactive approach to financial planning, alongside a keen eye on market trends and cost-saving opportunities, can make all the difference. It’s about being nimble, resourceful, and, above all, resilient in the face of adversity. The road ahead for small businesses is undeniably challenging, but with the right strategies and tools, it is possible to thrive even in the most difficult of economic climates.

Bristol, Energy, Home Improvements, News, South West

Bristol-based solar expert on a mission to safely remove feral pigeons and other pests causing costly damage to people’s solar panels 

Callun Purnell, age 33, a father of two from Bristol, has a 5-star clean sweep Google rating of 5 for his Pigeon Solar Panels Ltd business based in North Somerset.

He is helping to safely remove hidden pests which are causing fire hazards, potential spread of diseases and a danger for residents and their neighbours under solar panels.

Callun has been excelling in the solar industry since entering it 12 years ago.

He covers everything solar related Solar related but the business is specialised in the maintenance, upkeep, efficiency and protection of the panels. 

He safely removes vermin pests including pigeons and other animals that cause noise, disturbance and costly damage.

They can cause damage to the equipment under the solar panels with a pricey consequence for home owners that progressively and rapidly gets worse if not sorted.

Callun said: “Most people don’t realise the hidden menace of pests becoming increasingly attracted into nesting under their solar panels. 

“But unfortunately this is not an ideal location for the pests and can end up becoming a fire hazard, not to mention the various diseases pigeon guano can cause to humans and also the decreased efficiency of the solar panels resulting in less energy yield sometimes up too 30%. 

“Birds can get caught and tangled in the components and additionally their guano contains acidic property’s which can start to corrode through the insulation of the cabling on the roof which can cause huge cost and problems.

“We carefully and legally extract them and their nests then restore sanitation with biocide which can deal with potential bird mites that were in the nest.”

Callun’s business has a strong track record of helping people with their solar panels, preventing pigeons and other pests from nesting under the solar panels.

They also do panel removal, professional solar cleaning and are ISCA qualified, roof clearing with biocide treatment, gutter clearance, repairs and long term protection and maintenance. 

They use high-quality galvanised steel wire mesh to guard solar panels. With no job too big or small and are IRATA rope access qualified meaning most jobs can be completed without scaffold whilst still adhering to health and safety guidelines. 

Their team of experts will permanently remove feral pigeons or any other vermin from under their solar panels. 

A free no-obligation can be found by clicking callun@pigeonsolarpanels.co.uk via www.pigeonsolarpanels.co.uk

Energy

Causis Group Ltd Led by CEO Ram Tumuluri: Pioneering Sustainable Mobility

Founded in the UK, the Causis Group Ltd has quickly established itself as a leader in the renewable energy and electric mobility sectors. Operating across several continents, this dynamic entity is driven by a mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. With their extensive portfolio that spans innovative electric vehicles (EVs) to cutting-edge energy solutions, the Causis Group Limited and CEO Ram Tumuluri, businessman, are at the forefront of combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.

Businessman Ram Tumuluri at the Helm of Causis Group

At the core of Causis Group is its CEO, Ram Tumuluri, a distinguished businessman and investor known for his dedication to renewable energy and technology innovation. Tumuluri’s leadership is marked by a forward-thinking approach to tackling some of the most pressing environmental challenges. More than just a businessman, Ram Tumuluri’s commitment to reducing emissions and pioneering green technology solutions has positioned the Causis Group as a beacon in the sustainable technology industry.

The Critical Role of Green Technology in Today’s World

In an era where ecological concerns are escalating, the focus on reducing emissions and supporting the environment has never been more crucial. What’s more, there exists to this day significant pushback against various green initiatives by individuals or companies supporting outdated industries or who don’t want to put forth the capital necessary for innovation. The adverse effects of climate change are increasingly evident, underscoring the urgent need for innovative solutions. This backdrop highlights the significance of the work being done by companies like Causis Group Limited, led by forward-thinking individuals such as Ram Tumuluri. Their efforts in promoting cleaner, more sustainable forms of energy are vital in steering the global community towards a greener future.

Innovations That Drive Change: Causis Group’s Technological Advancements

Causis Group Ltd is not just about electric vehicles; it’s about a holistic approach to sustainability. The company’s investment in research and development has led to breakthroughs in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and energy management systems. These advancements are not only making electric mobility more accessible but are also enhancing the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy sources. As anyone involved in green transformation will tell you, no new development can succeed with infrastructure to support it.

Causis E-Mobility Private Limited: A Cornerstone of the Causis Group Limited

A key subsidiary of Causis Group Ltd, Causis E-Mobility Private Limited, epitomises the company’s ambition to redefine transportation. Focused on manufacturing and deploying electric buses and cars, this entity is setting new standards in eco-friendly travel. Based out of strategic locations, Causis E-Mobility is dedicated to achieving the dual goals of reducing carbon footprints and making sustainable transportation options universally available.

Conclusion: Leading the Charge Towards a Sustainable Future

Under the leadership of businessman Sri Ram Tumuluri, the Causis Group is not just a business; it’s a movement towards a cleaner, more sustainable world. With operations spread from the UK to other parts of the globe, the company is making significant strides in promoting green technology. Through innovative solutions and a commitment to environmental stewardship, the Causis Group, and its subsidiaries like Causis E-Mobility Private Limited, are setting the pace for a future where sustainable energy and electric mobility are within everyone’s reach.

Climate Action, Climate Tech, Derbyshire, Energy, News, Scotland, Sustainability

Chancellor fails to ride the hydro wave to help cut carbon emissions and household bills

Government misses key opportunity to back a sustainable and reliable renewable energy source, as major new report shows hydropower helped slash £1.1billion off consumer bills

The Chancellor has missed a golden opportunity to support the UK’s strategic economic, employment and Net Zero ambitions by failing to fully back hydropower – a proven and reliable source of renewable energy for the future, says the British Hydropower Association (BHA).

The organisation has expressed its extreme disappointment at the lack of foresight and financial backing for hydropower in the Chancellor’s spring budget.

A new report by BiGGAR Economics, commissioned by the BHA and published today, estimates that in 2022 alone, the volume of hydropower produced in the UK reduced the wholesale cost of energy by £1.1 billion, equivalent to £38.50 per household.

There is currently around 2 gigawatts (GW) of traditional hydropower being utilised across the UK, excluding pumped storage hydro, and there is potential to develop and build an additional 1GW of new hydropower.

Kate Gilmartin

Kate Gilmartin, CEO of the British Hydropower Association, who recently gave evidence to both the Environmental Audit and Energy Security and Net Zero select committees, said: “It’s disappointing, frustrating and mystifying that the Chancellor has failed to ride a hydro wave which would help slash sky high consumer bills, create jobs, and help cut the UK’s carbon emissions.

“This was a golden opportunity to bring hydropower fully into the UK’s future, reliable, renewable energy mix and the government has failed to grasp it. As our new report from BiGGAR Economics shows, hydropower can help support the UK’s strategic ambitions, contribute to Net Zero, reduce reliance on energy imports and produce the most energy when demand is high, in winter.

“There’s still nothing in current government policy which brings forward renewable generation at anything less than five megawatts. Ministers are tunnel-focused on large scale generation connected at the transmission grid which doesn’t resolve local grid issues or enable local energy solutions that can really help reduce bills for consumers.”

Renovation of a water wheel at Cromford Mills, Derbyshire

The BiGGAR Economics report – “The Socio-economic impact of Hydropower in the UK” – suggests that building an additional 1GW of hydropower, via new small scale local hydro projects and upgrading existing facilities, would require £5.5 billion investment over 15 years, with £4.2 billion worth of contracts going to UK firms and the creation of 4,140 jobs.

It is estimated that the development and construction phase could support up to £2.3 billion Gross Value Added (GVA) across Scotland, £135 million GVA in Wales and £2.3 billion GVA across England.

 

Last month, the BHA published its manifesto ahead of the UK general election in order to persuade politicians of all parties to invest in hydropower as a crucial part of the UK’s future energy mix.

The BHA is calling for:

  • Policy support that will allow 1GW Hydropower deployment through changes to the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, including a strike price of £140/MWh.
  • A Hydropower CfD ring-fenced pot, in order to replace gas peaking plant.
  • An approach that moves to “Enhanced” Levelised Cost of Energy, which considers wider whole systems benefits.

You can read the BiGGAR Economics report in full on the BHA’s new website, here.

Energy, News

Consumers need better protection against the cost of environmental regulations, say researchers

Tighter environmental regulations can boost industry profits and drive up costs for consumers, finds research from Aalto University School of Business.

Professor of Practice Iivo Vehviläinen at Aalto analysed data on 129 million bids in the Nordic electricity market to reveal the market impact of regulations that protect the biodiversity of river ecosystems but also reduce Finland’s capacity for generating hydropower electricity.

Meeting the EU Biodiversity Strategy target of restoring 25,000km of rivers to a free-flowing state by 2030 would mean closing at most 56 MW of hydropower generation in Finland, he says.

He calculates the cost of removing hydropower dams would lead to €62 million in welfare losses over time, not accounting for environmental benefits, while electricity market price rises would increase revenue for other electricity producers by €318 million over time.

This leaves much of the cost of implementing environmental protection regulations currently at the door of consumers.

This is because, in a competitive market, if consumer demand remains static despite price changes, tighter regulations will raise prices so industry profits increase and consumers end up paying for lost production and additional industry gains, says Vehviläinen.

The findings suggest that instead of lobbying against environmental regulation, agreeing to industry-wide implementation could be beneficial for both corporations and biodiversity.

However, regulators and policymakers should consider how to balance the costs and benefits of improving the ecological status of rivers between consumers and producers before introducing such policies.

“Higher prices may reduce political acceptance of regulations and have equity implications if the economic burden is higher for low-income households. This is especially true for electricity and other necessity goods that face multiple pressures from climate change mitigation to biodiversity protection and to other policy areas,” says Vehviläinen.

This research was published in the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management.

Energy, News

British Hydropower Association highlights Government’s hydro policy ‘blind spots’

Government’s drive for the cheapest kWh fails to provide ‘best value’ to cash-strapped consumers and misses a golden opportunity to replace fossil fuels with climate-friendly hydropower, says BHA

The British Hydropower Association (BHA) is today urging MPs of all parties to stop overlooking hydropower in order to provide a broader UK energy mix and a better deal for cash-strapped households.

The BHA has published a new manifesto “Flying the Flag for British Hydropower” which is being sent to ministers and MPs ahead of the UK general election.

A report by Birmingham University suggests that with a price stabilisation mechanism of £140-£180/MWh, the Hydropower industry can deliver a further 1GW of reliable, winter baseload low carbon energy generation.

Kate Gilmartin, CEO of the British Hydropower Association, who recently gave evidence to both the Environmental Audit and Energy Security and Net Zero select committees, said: “Low carbon energy technology diversity is key to a stable, operable, decarbonised grid – alongside delivering national energy security and insulating the UK from the wider volatile global fossil fuel market.

“The lack of technology diversity is largely down to the Government’s drive for the cheapest kilowatt-hour (kWh). But lowest cost does not always translate to ‘best value’ to consumers who can’t afford to pay their sky-high bills.

“The BHA’s new manifesto highlights a number of surprising policy blind spots when it comes to the benefits of Hydropower. Hydropower, Pumped Storage Hydro and Tidal Range are all proven, reliable, renewable sources of power generation which can assist the UK in achieving its climate targets. The big question is why so many politicians still can’t see the importance of Hydropower and Tidal Range technology to our energy security and in providing lower energy bills for consumers.”

The BHA says the true value of Hydropower to the consumer is replacing high cost and high carbon fuels, including  gas peaking plants which are fired up only when demand is high.

The BHA is calling for:

 

  • Policy support that will allow 1GW Hydropower deployment through changes to the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, including a strike price of £160MWh.
  • A Hydropower CfD ring-fenced pot, in order to replace gas peaking plant.
  • An approach that moves to “Enhanced” Levelised Cost of Energy, which considers wider whole systems benefits.
  • A ‘Cap and Floor’ price stabilisation mechanism to bring forward the pipeline of Pumped Storage Hydropower projects.
  • A new Government industry partnership approach for Tidal Range, that mirrors the framework set out to catalyse the offshore wind industry 15 years ago.

The BHA has also today unveiled a new logo and website which highlights both the historic importance of hydropower and the future it can provide as a low carbon, renewable, predictable and sustainable source of energy for the UK.

Gilmartin added: “There’s nothing in current government policy which brings forward renewable generation at anything less than five megawatts. Everything ministers are looking at is large scale generation connected at the transmission grid which doesn’t resolve local grid issues or enable local energy solutions that can really help enable energy affordability for consumers.

“You can install offshore wind farms which generate 50 gigawatts out in the North Sea, but without the transmission upgrades, this is not going to bring people’s household bills down in the next 10 years. We need more focus on local energy solutions, supported by local generation like robust, reliable, renewable Hydropower.”

You can read the British Hydropower Association’s manifesto in full on the BHA’s new website, here.

Energy, News

A Brighter Future Ahead: Kurt J. Lesker saves over £25,000 per year by installing Solar PV

Kurt J. Lesker Company® (KJLC®), designer and manufacturer of vacuum technology, is due to save £25,687.20 in energy costs per year thanks to the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels with a combined capacity of 100.04 kWp on a factory site in Hastings. 

Having worked with Kurt J. Lesker since 2016, Advantage Utilities has enabled the company to pursue more favourable energy and gas contracts, simultaneously assisting them to get scope 1 and 2 emissions certified. 

In June 2023, Advantage Utilities then facilitated a large solar PV installation on one of Kurt J. Lesker’s factories in Hastings, enabling annual savings of £25,687.50. Estimated savings throughout the 25-year lifetime of the system amount to £513,265, based on energy costs of 25p/kWh, bringing the lifetime cost of electricity (LCoE) down to 5p/kWh. 

Kurt J. Lesker’s innovative approach reflects a sea change currently taking place within the manufacturing industry; nearly half of UK manufacturers surveyed by Make UK revealed they see the transition to net-zero as an opportunity. This is reflected in the 6.7% yearly increase in solar PV installations between June 2022 and June 2023.

Commenting on the recent installation, Simon Mansbridge, Managing Director at Kurt J. Lesker Company, said: “We’re incredibly pleased with the results of our recent installation. We’ve made energy savings of 85,624 kWh per year, meaning we now produce a third of our on-site energy needs at one of our sites in Hastings, with potential exports back to the grid also enabling energy savings. Advantage Utilities’ collaborative and respectful approach enabled us to deepen our relationship, having previously only focused on energy contracts.”

Dr. James Crosby-Wrigley, Head of Sustainability at Advantage Utilities. adds: “Kurt J. Lesker’s installation is a prime example of what’s possible through the latest solar PV technology – now one of the cheapest and greenest solutions for businesses. The reduction in their carbon footprint will be dramatic, with a carbon benefit relative to UK standard grid consumption of 20,409kg/20.5 tonnes of CO2 in the first year. To use another metric, that’s the US forest equivalent of 90 acres. Better still, the installation on the Hastings site will bring their factory’s energy bills down by 30%, an impressive result for Kurt J. Lesker.”

For more details on this project, visit the Advantage Utilities website here.

Energy, News

Shell joins Renewables for Subsea Power (RSP) project – a demonstration to power subsea equipment with wave power and subsea energy storage

Energy major Shell has joined the Renewables for Subsea Power (RSP) collaborative project which is currently powering subsea equipment off the coast of Orkney through a combination of wave power and subsea energy storage.

The £2million demonstrator initiative, which is currently nearing 12 months in the water, has connected the Blue X wave energy converter – built by Edinburgh company Mocean Energy – with a Halo underwater battery storage system developed by Aberdeen intelligent energy management specialists Verlume.

The fully operational project, located 5km east of Orkney Mainland, aims to show how green technologies can be combined to provide reliable low carbon power and communications to subsea equipment, offering a cost-effective alternative to umbilical cables, which are carbon intensive with long lead times to procure and install.

The new investment has come via the Shell Technology – Marine Renewable Program, a global R&D group pursuing the mission of finding, screening, testing, and developing marine renewable energy technologies to achieve more value with lower emissions and help build the critical energy infrastructure for the Blue Economy to grow and thrive.

They will now join project leads Mocean Energy and Verlume, alongside industry players Baker Hughes, Serica Energy, Harbour Energy, Transmark Subsea, PTTEP, TotalEnergies and the Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC).

Joining RSP offers Shell access to all data and results from the current test programme, alongside a feasibility assessment of the use of RSP technology at a location of their choice.

Ian Crossland, Commercial Director at Mocean Energy says:

“This new investment by Shell underscores the international interest in our pan-industry project and we look forward to working with them and exploring potential new applications for RSP’s combined technologies.”

Andy Martin, Chief Commercial Officer at Verlume added:

“With the Renewables for Subsea Power project being operational now for 10 months, I am proud of what has been achieved both technically and commercially to date, alongside the calibre of the industry partners that are involved.

“It is great that Shell is now joining the project, a company that we have been working with for some time. I am looking forward to continuing our close working relationship.”

Graeme Rogerson, Head of Net Zero Technology at NZTC says:

“It’s fantastic to see the Renewables for Subsea Power project go from strength to strength, having supported Mocean Energy since 2019.

“The Blue X wave energy converter and Halo underwater battery storage system have demonstrated their effectiveness in delivering low carbon power and communication to offshore subsea infrastructure. Shell’s investment and the opportunity to continue to test in a real-world environment will help to further progress the technologies.”

The Orkney deployment is the third phase of the pioneering Renewables for Subsea Power project. In 2021, the consortium invested £1.6million into phase two of the programme – which saw the successful integration of the core technologies in an onshore test environment at Verlume’s operations facility in Aberdeen.

In 2021, Mocean Energy’s Blue X prototype underwent a programme of rigorous at-sea testing at the European Marine Energy Centre’s Scapa Flow test site in Orkney, where it generated first power and gathered key data on machine performance and operation.

Verlume’s seabed battery energy storage system, Halo, has been specifically designed for the harsh underwater environment, reducing operational emissions and facilitating the use of renewable energy by providing a reliable, uninterrupted power supply. Halo’s fundamental basis is its intelligent energy management system, Axonn, a fully integrated system which autonomously maximises available battery capacity in real time.

 

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About Shell

www.shell.com

 

 

About Verlume

Aberdeen-based Verlume is a leader in intelligent energy management and storage technologies for the energy industry. Founded in 2013, the company uses its core intelligent energy management and storage technologies to enable clean, resilient, and integrated energy systems.

Verlume’s award-winning Halo technology is a scalable, modular battery energy storage system with integrated intelligent energy management, specifically developed for clean energy delivery in the demanding underwater environment.

Verlume offers a suite of products and services across the underwater, offshore and onshore sectors, helping clients to reduce carbon footprint and decarbonise operations.

Find out more at: www.verlume.world

 

Bereavement, Energy

Octopus Energy teams up with Settld to enhance bereavement support

Bereavement service Settld has today announced that it is working with Octopus Energy to unlock a new service streamlining account administration for those handling the affairs of an Octopus Energy customer who has died.

Octopus Energy, already noted for its excellent customer service during the bereavement process will now be able to notify all other relevant service providers nationwide of a death, through one simple form.

The announcement comes less than a week after Settld’s award-winning service was featured on BBC1’s daily flagship consumer programme Rip Off Britain.

In addition, OE has trained its Operations team to use Settld’s portal, designed to fast-track OE customers and ensure the energy company delivers outstanding bereavement customer service.

Greg Jackson, Founder of Octopus Energy said: “Octopus Energy alone sees tens of thousands of bereavements per year among our customers. These are terribly difficult times for loved ones and the trauma of dealing with utilities, banks, insurers and more can often be very distressing.

“Settld simplifies so much of that – and does so with world class processes – and empathy. That is why we are delighted to offer this additional service to our customers, to make life easier and less stressful for those dealing with the death of a loved one.”

Using Settld’s service can save customers up to 10 hours spent contacting individual companies following a death, and weeks or months more trying to resolve accounts satisfactorily.

Settld’s secure online form takes just 15 minutes to complete and notifies all service providers of a death, from banks and insurers to energy firms, mobile providers, subscription services, social media platforms and others.

In addition to registering the death with service providers, Settld’s free online service helps users close, transfer or amend accounts and obtain date of death balances for probate. A range of other services, from probate and estate admin to asset search and house clearing, is available through partners.

Vicky Wilson, co-founder and CEO of Settld, said: “Octopus Energy is one of the most progressive and empathetic companies in the UK. It’s little surprise that they are putting bereaved people first, when it comes to customer care.

“We hope many more companies follow Octopus Energy’s lead, and we are always ready to help businesses improve their bereaved customer journey.”

Settld – at www.settld.care – consistently receives 5-star reviews from its customers, who appreciate the benefits of the one-stop shop, automated service, coupled with a highly-trained customer service team on hand to assist when necessary.

Earlier this month, Settld, headquartered in Sunderland, was ranked in the top 25 of the 100 best startups in Britain and CEO Vicky Wilson was named as one of the most inspirational founders by the longest-running index of new businesses, startups.co.uk.

Energy, interior design

On Big Energy Saving Week – Interior Design Share Tips to Help You Save Energy

During the winter months, it is often a priority to try and save energy where possible, especially when it results in reducing costs.

It may come as a surprise that there are certain interior design tips that can contribute to saving energy within your household, meaning you can combine energy efficiency with a well decorated home – achieving the best of both worlds.

Here on Big Energy Saving Week, Kate Conrad, senior interior designer at luxury homeware retailer Madison & Mayfair, sheds light on what tricks you can use to improve and reduce your energy consumption.

 

Wall Colour Matters

Kate says: “As such a prominent feature in your home, your walls play a vital part in controlling the lighting and warmth of a room. It can be highly beneficial to utilise lighter paint colours on your ceiling, lowering the amount of light and heat absorbed in an unused portion of the space.  Then, use bolder, darker colours on your walls because they’re more capable of maintaining heat, which can ensure the used space retains heat more efficiently”.

 

Pay Attention to Your Flooring

Kate says: “Like your walls, your flooring plays a vital role in how a room locks in warmth. If you don’t have carpet, thick rugs are perfect for absorbing heat into a room, ideal for creating a focal point and adding texture without looking like a functional piece of decor. With so many options available, you can easily find an affordable rug that compliments your decor and style, whether you want it to stand out or sit neutrally amongst your furniture.”

 

Cut Out Draughts

Kate says: “Draughts can really set off a cooler feeling in your home, making you want to turn up the heating when you might not have to. Windows are the worst culprit for heat loss, and installing high-range double glazing isn’t always the most cost-effective route. Instead, invest in some thermal, heavy-duty curtains to prevent draughts from seeping into your home, and feel free to make a bold choice with an eye-catching pattern or colour palette. Other affordable options are draught excluders, blankets and throws. What make great additions to your decor to add further bursts of colour and texture double up as functional items to fight against the cold winter weather”.

Layout Is Key

Kate says: “When considering the layout of your space, carefully consider where you put your furniture. “You can effectively create a better flow of hot air in your home.  Simply stay away from placing furniture, like sofas, in front of radiators. This blocks the heat and prevents it from quickly and effectively heating up the rest of the room. Sometimes, there might not be enough space to play around with the layout, but a more creatively designed area that makes use of the middle of the room often allows for a more unique, cosy feel.”