Peter Thom, founder of Green Heat, has welcomed the Prime Minister's move to bring together business and energy efficiency policy, with the appointment of Greg Clarke to the newly created role of Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

"I believe bringing together business and energy efficiency in this appointment could work well, with business working with government for a proper integrated energy efficiency policy,” he said. "Merging the responsibilities of energy and climate change with business and economic growth should enable future policy to be better informed by industry to make it work.

"We have worked well with Greg Clarke in the past during his time at the DCLG, where the establishment of Industry Advisory Groups (IAGs) helped to formulate changes to Building Regulations over many years."

Mr Thom was among those involved with the IAGs concerning Part L and Part F Building Regulations, which also produced the first Domestic Building Services Compliance Guide. These helped to prioritise energy efficiency in newbuild and refurbishment work.

Mr Thom has also been a long-time campaigner for greater energy efficiency within the industry, but believes small businesses should be consulted more about future policies.

He said: "If government commits to working closer with industry, long-term policies on domestic heating and carbon emissions stand a better chance of success. Previous initiatives have been unclear, too fragmented and inconsistent, leaving consumers confused and let down; businesses frustrated and policies exposed to failure. It's essential that future initiatives can be trusted by consumers, take into consideration the needs of small businesses and are robust and flexible enough to work with new technologies and future changes to energy supply.

"More efficient use of energy in our homes and businesses will cut carbon emissions and reduce energy costs, which in turn improves productivity and economic growth. Substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions over the next few decades can significantly reduce the risks of climate change by limiting warming in the second half of the 21st century and beyond.

"I look forward to a new impetus being given to tackling climate change and fuel poverty in this appointment; and to working closely with the new department to provide advice to inform and ensure new initiatives are workable for all."