2025 has been a year of meaningful progress for the Group and as we approach the end of the year I want to reflect on what we have achieved together.
When we created EARNZ our aim was clear. We wanted to build a group of strong regional businesses that could deliver whole building decarbonisation in a practical and scalable way. This year we have taken important steps towards that ambition and shown what disciplined growth, operational focus and a committed team can deliver.Our strategy has always started with the regions.
We believe that real impact happens when capable local businesses are supported by the scale, capital and leadership of a national platform. That has been a consistent theme throughout 2025 and it is why we have continued to invest in the people, processes and partnerships that strengthen our regional capability.
One of the most significant milestones this year was the acquisition of A&D Carbon Solutions in July. A&D has built a strong reputation across Wales for practical whole home retrofit, technical quality and a focus on improving comfort for households. Dean Holloway and the team bring deep experience and a commitment to quality that fits well with the values of the EARNZ group. Their work has already helped us broaden our capability and deliver better outcomes for both residents and partners. Bringing A&D into the Group was an important indication of how we intend to grow and it has strengthened our presence in a region where demand for retrofit services continues to rise.We also made important progress with our existing businesses.
Cosgrove & Drew and South West Heating Services have continued to deliver reliable, high quality services for housing providers and commercial clients. Both businesses have shown how strong local teams, compliance focus and technical skill can make a measurable difference to homes and buildings. The consistency of their work has helped us maintain high standards across the Group and given us a firm foundation for future growth. I want to thank Luke, Zac and the C&D team, alongside Andrew and the SWHS team, for their continued professionalism and dedication throughout the year.
The strength of our regional businesses has been central to the momentum we have seen in the wider market. The drivers behind energy efficiency and decarbonisation remain clear. The need to upgrade ageing housing stock, reduce carbon emissions and improve comfort for residents continues to shape demand. Against that backdrop we have positioned EARNZ to become a partner of choice for local authorities, registered social landlords and private clients who want to work with dependable operators that understand both the technical and practical elements of retrofit.
That positioning was reinforced in October when we secured the first phase of a major contract with Bradford City Council. This contract, delivered in partnership with Equans, covers insulation, ventilation upgrades and renewable energy solutions for 92 privately owned homes. It is a direct example of how our regional capability allows us to take on complex work and deliver it in a way that supports local communities. We are proud to have been selected for this project and I want to acknowledge the efforts of the teams who helped secure and mobilise it.
The Bradford contract also created the opportunity to expand our presence in the north of England. To support delivery and build long term capability in the region, we established Warm Low Living, our new business based in Yorkshire. Warm Low Living will focus on helping households cut costs, cut carbon and keep cosy, and will play an important role as we continue to grow our footprint. My thanks go to Neil Donald and the WLL team who have already shown the energy and determination that define all our Group businesses.
Alongside these operational achievements, 2025 was also a year of strengthening our leadership and building the foundations for future growth. The appointment of Peter Smith as Chief Executive Officer has been an important step forward for the Group. Peter brings deep experience in operational leadership and in the energy services sector, alongside a clear understanding of how to build strong teams and deliver consistent performance. Having worked with Peter for several years, I value the partnership we have built and the alignment we share on the long term direction of the Group. His leadership has helped ensure that our buy and build strategy is executed with discipline and that our businesses have the support they need to grow.
We also strengthened our capital position during the year. Support from shareholders has allowed us to invest with confidence, expand our regional capability and position the Group for future acquisition opportunities. I want to thank our investors for their ongoing commitment and belief in our model. Their support has allowed us to focus on building a sustainable, scalable platform that combines strong delivery with long term value creation.
As we look ahead to 2026, our focus remains on disciplined growth, operational consistency and the continued strengthening of our regional businesses. We have a clear pipeline of opportunities and a leadership team that is committed to delivering them. The market environment remains supportive, with long term demand for retrofit and energy efficiency expected to continue. There is much still to do, but we enter the new year with confidence and clarity on the steps required to move the Group forward.
None of this progress would have been possible without the commitment of our people across all our businesses. I want to thank every member of the team for their hard work, adaptability and professionalism throughout 2025. Whether working on complex retrofit measures, supporting clients in challenging environments or managing the delivery of essential heating and mechanical services, your contribution matters. It is your focus on quality and consistency that underpins everything we do as a Group.
I also want to thank our partners, clients and suppliers for their continued support. The trust placed in EARNZ and in our regional businesses is something we value highly and we look forward to continuing these relationships into the new year.As we reach the end of 2025, I would like to wish our teams, partners and shareholders a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year. Thank you for your continued support and for the role you have played in our progress this year. We look forward to 2026 with confidence and optimism as we continue to build a Group that delivers practical solutions, strong performance and long term value for the communities we serve.
