EDF joins forces with Scottish fintech Snugg

Scottish fintech Snugg is joining forces with EDF, the leading provider of zero-carbon electricity in the UK. Their partnership is geared towards assisting homeowners throughout England and Wales in reducing their carbon footprint and enhancing energy efficiency in their residences by leveraging EDF’s extensive network of certified installers.

Starting from April 2023, Snugg users gain exclusive access to EDF’s pool of skilled installers, enabling them to install air source heat pumps, solar PV panels, as well as various insulation solutions like loft, cavity wall, and solid wall insulation. This groundbreaking collaboration empowers users not only to design their personalised home efficiency plans using Snugg but also find reputable installers through the platform to bring those plans to fruition.

To request a quote from an EDF-approved installer, Snugg users can follow these simple steps:

1. Utilise Snugg’s platform to create a comprehensive efficiency plan, identifying areas for improvement in their homes.
2. Provide relevant details about their residence, answering a few concise questions, to receive accurate quotes from EDF-certified installers.
3. Schedule the installation with their chosen EDF installer and reap the benefits of an energy-efficient home.

By teaming up with EDF, Snugg expands its installer network coverage, streamlining the process of transforming homes into energy-efficient spaces. This collaboration saves customers valuable time and effort, particularly during the pivotal phase of the UK’s journey towards achieving Net-Zero.

An insightful analysis conducted by Snugg on Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings in Bristol has revealed that a staggering 59% of homes in the area possess an EPC rating below C, underscoring the critical need for homeowners to take immediate action. By implementing energy efficiency improvements, Snugg estimates that Bristol residents could collectively save an impressive £91 million annually while concurrently reducing the city’s yearly carbon emissions by 250,000 tonnes.

Enhancing home energy efficiency stands as a crucial element in the UK’s pursuit of Net-Zero targets, and the collaboration between Snugg and EDF serves as a significant stride towards making this aspiration a tangible reality. Together, they are dedicated to making energy-efficient homes accessible, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly for homeowners across the entire UK.

Expressing excitement about the partnership, Snugg CEO Robin Peters stated,

“We are thrilled to join forces with EDF in facilitating easier energy efficiency improvements for our customers’ homes. As the awareness of the need for future-proofing homes grows and the UK diligently strives to meet its Net-Zero targets, it becomes paramount that we expedite the transition towards a carbon-neutral world. Our collaboration with EDF represents a significant leap forward in achieving that objective, empowering homeowners to embrace greener and more sustainable living.”

Katharine Baker, EDF’s Senior Manager of Propositions & Sales, also shared her enthusiasm, saying,

“This marks an exciting new chapter for us as we partner with Snugg to bring energy efficiency measures to our customers. Our extensive installer network offers a diverse range of solutions, from heat pumps to solar panels, enabling customers to take full control of their home’s energy efficiency.”

Encompass selected for Austrade trade mission

Encompass Corporation, a trailblazing provider of dynamic automation for the Know Your Customer (KYC) process, has been chosen to participate in a significant international trade mission led by Austrade. This mission is dedicated to showcasing the burgeoning FinTech enterprises and forging stronger global connections.

Austrade, the esteemed Australian Government entity responsible for international trade and investment, has joined forces with Investment NSW, Invest Victoria, and Global Victoria. Together, they aim to foster collaboration and shed light on the rapid worldwide growth of the FinTech industry by connecting Australian-born FinTechs with businesses across the United Kingdom and Europe.

The immersive 10-day FinTech Program for 2023 entails informative sessions with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), UK regulators, prominent banks, and representatives from the esteemed London Stock Exchange. Notably, Encompass and other industry leaders will also participate in key events, including the highly anticipated Money 20/20, scheduled to take place in Amsterdam from June 6th to 8th, as part of Austrade’s delegation.

Encompass’s selection for this opportunity is further reinforced by their recent involvement as a founding member of the Data & Technology for Compliance Alliance (DT4C).

Expressing enthusiasm for international collaboration, Wayne Johnson, CEO and Co-Founder of Encompass Corporation, stated

“Programs like these play a vital role in fueling innovation and sustaining the remarkable growth witnessed not only in FinTech but also across the technology sector as a whole.”

“As an Australian-born enterprise that has rapidly expanded its global presence over the past decade, we comprehend the power of collaboration. It unlocks new avenues of growth for organisations focused on developing and adopting novel technologies and expanding partnerships.”

Anastasia Nishnianidze, Austrade’s Trade and Investment Commissioner to the UK and Ireland, expressed excitement about hosting a delegation of prominent Australian FinTechs in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands in the upcoming month.

“Australia currently holds the 6th position worldwide in FinTech, boasting one of the most dynamic and innovative FinTech ecosystems globally. Our FinTechs offer world-class solutions to global markets,” Nishnianidze noted.

“Austrade’s FinTech Program will provide invaluable opportunities for our Australian FinTech innovators to engage with major European players in the industry, ranging from banks and regulators to investors. We eagerly anticipate facilitating productive collaborations for our innovative Australian FinTechs within the European market.”

Photo by Brett Stone: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-gathering-outside-sydney-opera-house-2845013/

Amiqus to run Edinburgh Marathon for Scottish Refugee Council

Scottish fintech Amiqus, a prominent provider of compliance and onboarding services in the UK, is eagerly preparing to participate in the upcoming Edinburgh Marathon Festival. Their participation aims to raise funds for the Scottish Refugee Council (SRC), an organisation dedicated to providing practical assistance and guidance to refugees and asylum seekers in Scotland, particularly those who are financially and socially vulnerable.

During the Edinburgh Marathon Festival on May 27th and 28th, the dedicated members of the Amiqus team will collectively cover a distance of over 147 miles through their running efforts. In addition to their physical contributions, the company has pledged to match the funds raised, ensuring a substantial donation to the Scottish Refugee Council.

Amiqus is reaching out to individuals and organisations, urging them to contribute to their fundraising campaign and support the vital work of the SRC. Together with the SRC, Amiqus endeavors to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who seek refuge and strive for a better future.

When refugees arrive in Scotland, they often encounter numerous obstacles when accessing essential services and assimilating into their new communities. Earlier this year, the Amiqus team actively participated in the New Scot Leadership event organised by the SRC in Glasgow. During the event, they provided laptops to the attendees, aiming to equip them with the necessary tools to navigate online resources, communicate with support organisations, and access vital information.

By supporting the beneficiaries of the SRC with essential IT equipment, Amiqus strives to empower them in their journey, enabling them to overcome challenges and build a hopeful future. Callum Murray, the founding CEO at Amiqus, expressed his firm belief that everyone deserves a safe home. He emphasised the importance of businesses stepping up to support organisations like the Scottish Refugee Council, acknowledging the difficult decisions they face in allocating vital services that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

Dr. Sabir Zazai (OBE, FRSE), the Chief Executive at the Scottish Refugee Council, expressed his appreciation for the collective efforts of various actors in Scottish communities, including those in the corporate sector. He recognised their dedication in supporting refugees and asylum seekers as they navigate the challenging and stressful period of their lives, embracing their new identities as Scots.

Snugg secures funding to create greener future

Snugg, the groundbreaking online service dedicated to facilitating energy-efficient homes for all, proudly announces the reception of a substantial grant from the Green Home Finance Accelerator (GHFA), an initiative by the UK Government. The GHFA, funded through the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP), aims to promote the advancement of green finance products. This funding will be utilised to develop a pioneering ‘Green Home Hub’ (GHH), designed to enhance finance providers’ understanding of customers exploring investments in home energy enhancements, such as solar panels and heat pumps, and to offer more appropriate products.

Snugg’s ultimate goal is to ensure that energy-efficient homes become accessible and affordable to everyone. The GHFA grant represents a significant stride towards accomplishing this mission. Aligned with the UK Government’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, the GHFA initiative selected Snugg as one of 26 Discovery Phase projects nationwide, contributing to this crucial cause. Snugg’s participation in the GHFA demonstrates its dedication to creating a more sustainable future for the UK.

The forthcoming Green Home Hub represents an innovative approach to supporting Snugg’s partners, including banks and energy providers. It will provide valuable data insights, including:

• Accurate cost estimates (as high costs often deter people from implementing energy efficiency measures)
• Grant application wizard (to simplify the complex and challenging process of applying for grants)
• House value impact modeling (considering the significant impact on house prices when deciding on home energy improvements)
• Progress tracking and guidance (to instill confidence in substantial investments for energy efficiency improvements)
• Fuel savings monitoring (establishing a feedback loop through smart meters, enabling gradual implementation of efficiency plans)
• Carbon reduction tracking (offering financial benefits to individuals contributing to carbon reduction)

The Green Home Hub will be licensed to partners, allowing Snugg to extend its influence and make a substantial environmental impact by reaching thousands more homeowners throughout the UK.

By addressing the barriers homeowners face when contemplating energy-efficient upgrades, the Green Home Hub aims to empower financial providers to better understand their customers and develop more suitable products, ranging from mortgages to savings accounts. The objective is to transform energy-efficiency upgrades into a clear choice rather than a convoluted decision.

Snugg eagerly seeks collaboration with decision-makers in the finance, energy, and related sectors who are interested in utilising the Green Home Hub to support their customers’ transition to more energy-efficient homes. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out and join Snugg in turning this vision into a reality.

Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, commented, “The government has established long-term commitments to ensure homes across the country improve energy efficiency, reducing bills, energy consumption, and emissions. We are supporting these organisations in developing fresh and innovative approaches to provide greater access to energy efficiency measures like loft insulation, double glazing, and heat pumps.”

Snugg CEO, Robin Peters, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Securing the Green Home Finance Accelerator grant is a thrilling milestone in our mission to make home energy efficiency simple and accessible to all. With the development of the Green Home Hub, we are poised to revolutionise the perception of home energy investment, transforming it from a seemingly impossible decision to an absolute no-brainer. We have already aligned our efforts with key players like Trustmark, Nesta, and HSBC. Now, we eagerly seek collaboration with additional industry participants as we strive to reach thousands more homeowners and accelerate our collective journey towards achieving Net Zero.”

For further information, please contact: sophie.leang@snuggenergy.com, Tel: +44(0)7496 534 611.