A FAMILY firm has been named among the top three renewable heating installers in the UK.

Hafod Renewables, based in Denbigh, was named on two prestigious shortlists at the Energy Efficiency Awards at the NEC in Birmingham. The event, which was hosted by BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker and actor James Nesbitt, is considered the renewables industry’s version of the ‘Oscars’.

It saw the Vale of Clwyd business, founded in 2010 by David Jones, listed alongside major construction firm and award winners McDermott Group as well as air conditioning specialist Clima-Tech Services. Hafod Renewables’ award submission included its installation of more than 100 RHI systems in 12 months, including over 70 air source heat pumps.

The high-profile recognition marks continued success for Mr Jones and his 11 staff this year, which included being named Renewable Heating Initiative Installer of the Year for Wales at Cardiff and for a Special Commendation for Solar Installer of the Year at Birmingham as well.

“It was the third time in a row that we’ve reached the national finals and the second time in succession we’ve been top three so we’re delighted,” said Mr Jones, 34. “You’re up against the best in the renewables business from across the UK so they’re all experts in their field and most of them are much bigger than we are so to be able to compete with them is a real feather in our cap.”

Mr Jones has this year overseen Hafod Renewables’ move to a larger premises in Tremeirchion, which features renewable energy systems and vehicle charging points.

Since being founded its has fitted over 300 bespoke renewable heating systems and 10,000 solar panels. That involved 100 farms, including Kilford Farm, near Denbigh, where 370 dairy cows produce 4,500 litres from each milking, as well as underfloor heating to keep abandoned dogs warm at the North Clwyd Animal Rescue kennels.

Hafod Renewables has also partnered with big names such as Tesla, Daikin, Mitsubishi and Jewsons to provide bespoke energy systems, consultation services and staff training.

Gary Braybrooke, chief executive of the Energy Efficiency Association, said: “Hafod might be a small firm compared with some of the big names and the big operations they’re rubbing shoulders with at the awards but they punch way above their weight.

“They combine the personal service and attention to detail of a local business with the range of skills and expertise of a big company and they continue to be successful because of their professionalism, their customer care and their ability to tailor each system to the needs of the client.”