Gordon Brown's energy efficiency giveaway prompts special offers on eco-products.
Businesses are said to be preparing themselves for an expected increase in demand for energy efficient products and services following an announcement by the Government of an extra £910m in funding to help vulnerable households this winter.

The legislation denotes that energy providers must make an increase of around 30% on the amount they contribute towards energy efficiency schemes and winter fuel payments.

Around £560m of the amount raised from energy companies will be used to subsidise loft and cavity wall insulation for two million homes. Under the new scheme the Government aims to fully insulate every home in Britain by 2020.

It is anticipated that the scheme will offer a range of opportunities for businesses hoping to focus on the growing market for energy efficiency products and green building refurbishment.

B&Q has reportedly said that it would consider further promotional activity on insulation materials to tie in with the Government programme.

Promising quarter

According to GfK, retailers have already seen a boost to insulation sales this summer.

The research company reported that DIY shops and builders merchants have seen a 40% increase in the amount of loft insulation sold between June and August compared to the same period last year.