By ROBERT GIBSON

Last updated 14:52, Thursday, 11 September 2008

A CENTRAL heating company which specialises in tackling fuel poverty has opened its first North-East branch at Low Prudhoe Industrial Estate.

Opening up: Warmer Heating commerical manager Bryan Glendinning (left) and managing director Philip Warren.

Warmer Heating, which started life in Liverpool in 1994, operates under the Government’s Warm Front scheme, which provides grants for heating and energy efficiency improvements for those who need them most.

The company also offers a range of environmentally-friendly systems and will be carrying out a renewables programme, which could benefit people in rural areas.

The North-east has the highest incidence of fuel poverty in the country, with over 250,000 fuel-poor households.

Warmer Heating commercial director Bryan Glendinning, who lives at Chopwell, said: “I’m from the North-East and I’m passionate about my own area.

“We also recognise it is a key area to expand into as there is a massive amount of fuel poverty in the region.

“Coupled with that, we’re looking to export the renewable technologies, which will be useful in areas like Northumberland and the Tyne Valley, where a lot of people still don't have access to natural gas for their properties.

“Solar Thermal, for example, can be used for heating water. Air Source, which generates energy from the air itself, can be used for the heating system or for water.”

The company, which is a business supporter of national fuel poverty charity NEA, will be providing efficient systems for both domestic properties and businesses.

At the moment, it employs eight people, but Mr Glendinning said he was hoping to “promote local employment” and hire and up to 50 within the coming months.

Hexham MP Peter Atkinson give his support to the business.

“I am very concerned that energy prices continue to rise, placing an intolerable burden on all my constituents and particularly those who are vulnerable and those living in rural areas,” he said.

“Energy efficiency improvements can help in reducing energy consumption and I am delighted that a new agency is opening a branch in my constituency which will install energy efficiency measures in the homes of those who most need them”.