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Stron Renewables is a new clean heat installation company based in Scotland, led by director Nicola and her business partner Dean. The company draws on its experience in domestic, commercial and renewable heating to help households move away from fossil fuels and switch to heat pumps.
The business was set up in late 2025 and started trading in early 2026. A heat pump installation in Nicola’s own home helped the company achieve MCS certification, gain practical experience and build a strong base for future growth.
From the start, Stron Renewables has focused on clean heat. Nicola said:
“We only deal with fossil fuels when we’re helping people transition off them.”
Building a heat pump business in Scotland
Stron Renewables works across Scotland, mainly on retrofit projects in existing homes. Every property is different, giving the team the chance to use its experience to solve problems and design systems that suit each customer. The business works with different manufacturers and systems so it can recommend the right solution for each home.
Getting MCS certified for heat pumps
To support its growth, Stron Renewables worked towards MCS certification. Some installers assume the process will be difficult, but Nicola found it more straightforward than expected. The team submitted its application, provided the documents needed and completed an audit within a short period.
“We were braced for it to be complicated, but it was actually straightforward.”
Using the MCS Certification Fund
Stron Renewables received support from the MCS Certification Fund to help cover the cost of becoming certified. The funding helped the company expand its offer, start building its customer base and gain momentum earlier.
The Green Heat Installer Engagement programme supported the business through the MCS Certification Fund process, helping Nicola understand the steps involved and make the most of the funding available.
Installing a heat pump at home
As part of the certification process, Nicola installed a heat pump in her home with support from the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan and used it for the MCS audit. This gave Nicola first-hand experience of the funding process as a householder and helped her understand the customer journey from start to finish.
Going through the process also showed how the Green Heat Installer Engagement programme, the MCS Certification Fund and the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan can work in combination. Together, they help installers and householders move forward with confidence.
Understanding the customer journey
Installing a heat pump at home helped the team understand what a customer installation is really like. Even on a straightforward project, there was some disruption, which showed how important clear communication and good planning are for helping customers feel comfortable.
Living with a heat pump has also changed how Nicola talks to customers. She can speak from personal experience and explain how heat pumps provide a more consistent level of warmth than the on-and-off pattern of a traditional boiler.
Advice for heat pump installers considering the move
Nicola encourages other installers to look at the opportunities in clean heat and use the support available, including funding and industry networks. For installers thinking about making the move, this can make the transition feel much more achievable.
Installing a heat pump in your own home, where possible, can be especially valuable. It builds understanding of both the technical side and the customer journey, while giving installers a real-life example to share with future customers.
Looking ahead
Stron Renewables plans to keep growing its business, including expanding its installer network and offering apprenticeships in the future. By combining experience, practical learning and a commitment to clean heat, the company is helping more households move away from fossil fuels.
Its journey shows how installers can move into the heat pump market by making the most of the support available. This includes the MCS Certification Fund, the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan and the Green Heat Installer Engagement programme.
If you’re an installer looking to enter or grow in the clean heat market, the Green Heat Installer Engagement Programme can help. It can support your business to understand funding, navigate MCS certification, build confidence and access practical guidance. To find out more, get in touch at [email protected].