British manufacturer Marshall-Tufflex launched the E-PRO scheme at its headquarters in Hastings, East Sussex, with company chief executive officer Paul Hetherington stating that he hopes the accreditation will swiftly become the gold standard for electrical contractors installing energy saving systems.
‘E-PRO is the first initiative of its kind in the energy management sector,’ said Mr Hetherington. ‘We feel it is long overdue, giving qualified, professional installers the recognition they deserve and, critically, giving their customers confidence that they are working with the best in the business.’
E-PRO will arm approved installers with the latest technical and product knowledge required to successfully market and install Marshall-Tufflex energy management solutions, from Voltis voltage optimisation to Power Factor Correction, Sinergy sub-metering to Domestic/Commercial Boiler Management systems. The scheme also encompasses the supply chain, with Marshall-Tufflex preferred stockists currently being appointed around the country to partner with E-PRO Approved installers, allowing both to take advantage of improved terms and a commercially beneficial, integrated relationship with Marshall-Tufflex Area Sales Engineers.
To support preferred stockists Marshall-Tufflex will be rolling out a programme of in-house training for electrical wholesaler branch staff plus in-branch promotional activity, including counter dispensers for the manufacturer’s new 76 page ‘Marshall-Tufflex Guide to Energy Management’.
Added Mr Hetherington, ‘We are delighted to launch this unique scheme, which we believe delivers a win win situation for wholesalers, installers and their clients alike, creating a triangle of trust and professionalising the energy management sector from root to branch.’
To apply to become E-PRO Approved, installers must be registered with NICEIC, ECA, SELECT or NAPIT. If their application is successful they will attend a training course and, once approved, have access to ongoing technical and product training, inclusion in an online ‘Find an Installer’ directory, full technical support and the ability to generate branded quotations on-line plus sales and marketing support.
The online savings calculator/quotation tool allows approved contractors to generate accurate, professional looking quotes in a fraction of the time it may have taken previously. They simply input detailed information about their client’s energy use to generate an instant quote with recommended Marshall-Tufflex energy management system and a savings summary including CO2 tonnes. This quote is branded with the installer’s own company name and logo, contact details, terms and conditions etc and can be saved, downloaded, printed or e-mailed direct to client. To support E-PRO Marshall-Tufflex has launched a dedicated website – www.eproapproved.co.uk. The ‘Marshall-Tufflex Guide to Energy Management’ will be issued to all E-PRO Approved businesses.
Mr Hetherington added, ‘The E-PRO Approved initiative, ‘Guide to Energy Management’ and our wholesaler support really sum up what Marshall-Tufflex stands for. We are investing heavily in educating and professionalising the industry because we feel there needs to be a benchmark allowing quality installers to differentiate themselves in a market that has grown massively over the last few years. There are only 100 E-PRO Approved contractor places available at present and already more than 40 of those have been taken. We really are cherry picking the best installers the industry has to offer.
‘E-PRO Approved is a professional seal of approval endorsed by one of the UK’s leading energy management manufacturers. Installers benefit because E-PRO approval demonstrates their commitment to best working practices, the best technical know-how and the most up-to-date product knowledge. End users benefit because they have peace of mind that they are investing in the most appropriate and effective energy management solutions installed to industry-leading standards and supplied by an established British-based manufacturer.’
Marshall-Tufflex technical services electrical engineer Rob Muggridge, is heading the training programme to assist applicants through the certification process. He believes electricians and contractors will welcome E-PRO not just for the kudos it gives their businesses, but also for the depth of training it delivers, allowing them to advise clients on the most suitable energy management system. ‘And end users benefit because they know that the E-PRO Approved installer has been trained correctly to ensure that maximum savings can be achieved,’ added Mr Muggridge.
For more information on E-PRO see www.eproapproved.co.uk
