13 August 2024
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Alpha, a manufacturer of boilers and heat pumps, has strengthened its renewables team with the promotion of Dan Wilden to the newly created role of national renewables manager. This strategic move is set to enhance Alpha's innovative approach to renewable technologies and solidify its commitment to supporting the UK’s transition to greener energy solutions.
Formerly the renewable product manager, Dan’s expertise will now play a more integral role within Alpha’s decision-making circle for Research and Development (R&D) alongside managing director Andrea Carmeli. This promotion signifies Alpha’s dedication to integrating renewable energy solutions into its core business operations and expanding its influence in the market.
Earlier this year, the business appointed a dedicated renewable product manager for Scotland, marking a significant step in strengthening its presence in the region. This move, combined with Garry Mills heading up the North England region from Manchester, established a solid foundation for Alpha’s renewable initiatives across the UK.
Continuing this momentum, a further role based out of Cardiff has recently seen Patrick Pope as the latest addition to Alpha’s renewables team. With 17 years of experience working as a domestic gas engineer for Cardiff Council, Patrick made the switch to renewables in 2021. Formerly overseeing Wales and the South West of England for a national renewable energy company, Patrick is well-primed to support this same expanse, plus the Midlands, as Alpha’s latest green ambassador.
This expansion reflects the growing demand for renewable energy solutions and highlights those regions, most notably off-grid areas, which require the most support in terms of encouraging the uptake of heat pumps and hybrid heating systems. The enhanced team aims to support and educate engineers new to this field, guiding them from initial training and customer engagement to onsite installation and retrofitting older systems. Alongside its role with engineers, Alpha is now also better placed to provide on-the-ground support to assist property owners – whether domestic or commercial – with their individual decarbonisation journeys.
A cornerstone of Alpha’s support strategy is its free commissioning service – a rare feature among heating manufacturers. This service ensures that installations are done correctly the first time, benefiting not just the installer’s customer service and the consumer’s user experience, but also, crucially for Alpha, reinforcing its standing as a reliable and high-quality heating brand. Proper commissioning is crucial not only for maintaining quality of service, but also for protecting and enhancing the reputation of heat pumps themselves which have frequently fallen victim to negative reports in the national press, regrettably due to poorly advised model specifications or incorrectly commissioned systems; both key factors which Alpha’s national renewables team is committed to addressing.
“The technology behind hybrids and heat pumps is very different from traditional boilers but is well within the capabilities of heating engineers,” said Darran Smith, technical manager for Alpha. “Our dedicated service helps installers master the art of renewables with their first hybrid or heat pump installations. With the enhanced team, Alpha is well set up to meet the national challenge of upskilling local installers to meet the increasing demand for renewable energy, ultimately helping the UK achieve net zero.”
This strategic strengthening of Alpha’s renewables team bolsters the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the heating industry. By promoting advanced training and support, Alpha continues to lead the way in renewable energy solutions, ensuring a sustainable future for all.
