Recruiting skilled staff has been a challenge. The company believes more local training options would make a big difference. “At the moment, it’s hard to find the right training.”
There were no Scottish college courses for building treatments, so Border Insulation enrolled new employees on NVQ courses through a third-party provider. These qualifications take around a year and include practical exams.
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Border Insulation is a growing business based in the Scottish Borders, delivering insulation installation. The company works across the Borders and into Edinburgh, Dumfries, Dunbar and Berwick, specialising in domestic insulation and providing tailored energy advice to help customers improve the efficiency of their home. It was set up in December 2023 by Thomas and Jordan, two experienced joiners with a strong commitment to energy efficiency. Together they’ve expanded the company from a two-person team to four staff, with plans to grow further.
Why insulation is important
Demand for insulation is growing fast. Homeowners want to cut energy bills, reduce carbon emissions and make homes more comfortable. The directors knew about insulation through their joinery work, but moving into the sector opened new doors. “We didn’t have official training at first,” Thomas explains, “but we quickly realised how important insulation is for energy efficiency and comfort.”
Thomas has seen a big increase in enquiries, even from people who just want advice on whether their property meets standards.
Training and skills
Getting TrustMark registered
Border Insulation is now TrustMark registered, which Thomas describes as “daunting but worth it.”
The process took time because of the complex terminology and dealing with multiple departments, but the benefits are clear. Being TrustMark registered gives them access to funded schemes like the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan, which accounts for about half of their work now. It also builds trust and credibility with architects and customers, even for projects that aren’t funded. Regular audits help keep standards high, despite adding time and costs. Thomas explains “TrustMark gives us an edge. It shows we’re committed to quality and compliance.”
Challenges and opportunities ahead
The insulation sector faces hurdles, from complex certification processes to fraudulent operators misusing TrustMark logos. Despite these challenges, Border Insulation sees strong growth potential, especially if training and support improve. The directors plan to expand gradually by adding one or two staff each year and continue working closely with architects and housing associations.
Tips for other businesses
Thomas told us that although TrustMark registration takes time, it is worth it, so businesses should plan ahead. “Don’t give up. The process is mind-boggling at times but keep asking questions and pushing through.”
He believes investing in staff training is essential because it builds skills and credibility.
Thomas also recommends using your networks, as word of mouth and working with architects can make a big difference.
Looking to the future
Thomas is optimistic about the future of Border Insulation. He sees growing awareness of energy efficiency and believes businesses that focus on quality will thrive. “If you have the right contacts and keep standards high, there’s real potential in this sector.”
Looking to expand into insulation installation? Use our insulation toolkit to learn what’s required and how to access support.
For more support, reach out to our team at [email protected].