Plumbing and Renewables Ltd: growing a low-carbon installation business in rural Scotland

Originally set up as a general plumbing and heating business by directors Mark Galbraith and Jill Paterson, Plumbing and Renewables Ltd took its first step into renewables in 2012, installing solar thermal systems. By 2014, the team had gained MCS certification for biomass systems, and later added air source heat pumps in 2016, then ground source systems in 2017. Most recently, in 2023, the company became MCS certified in solar PV and battery storage.

They saw the industry changing and decided to adapt early. The company stopped installing oil and gas systems several years ago and now focuses fully on clean heat and low-carbon technology.

“We were already operating in renewable heat with biomass and solar thermal, so moving into heat pumps felt like a natural step.”

Today, heat pump installations make up around 60–65% of its business, with air source systems especially in demand.

Plumbing and Renewables Ltd now employs 18 people, including three apprentices, and has grown steadily over the years.

Training and learning new skills are a big part of how the company works. All engineers complete manufacturer-led training, and some go on to gain additional qualifications such as BPEC, helping the company meet MCS standards. By taking part in training like Heat Geek, they make sure their knowledge stays current, and they can keep offering the best advice and most up-to-date solutions.

The team is proud of its apprentice programme, seeing it as an investment in the future of the industry. While training apprentices can be expensive, many have stayed with the business long-term.

Plumbing and Renewables Ltd engineers are multi-skilled, able to design and install full systems and the company works on both retrofit and new-build projects, typically focusing on one-off homes or small developments rather than large-scale housebuilding.

Operating in remote parts of Scotland brings its own challenges. Customers can live hours away, so the team often uses remote diagnostics to avoid unnecessary travel. Supply chain issues can also be more difficult in rural areas, so the company works closely with local suppliers to ensure quick access to parts.

Despite having no dedicated marketing team, the business continues to grow thanks to strong word-of-mouth and a solid local reputation.

Despite its own success, Plumbing and Renewables Ltd are mindful that many businesses still face challenges when it comes to renewables.

Heat pump systems can be expensive to install, and government funding schemes can change, which makes things uncertain for both installers and homeowners.

Jill explained that it can be hard to plan ahead when funding isn’t guaranteed, with small businesses particularly affected if they suddenly lose grant funding. Jill believes that better communication from government and more stable, long-term support are needed if the sector is going to grow fast enough to meet net zero targets. She also highlighted how important it is to help the public understand clean heat technologies:

“There’s huge opportunity out there, but the public need to be properly educated and they’re not really, currently.”

Plumbing and Renewables Ltd is a great example of how a business can thrive by committing to clean heat and investing in its people. Its story shows how important it is to train staff, deal with challenges, and earn customers’ trust.

The company encourages other installers to build their skills, train the next generation, and stay connected to their local communities, all of which are vital for creating a successful low-carbon future.