Kensa Heat Pumps has named Lord Taylor of Goss Moor as its new chairman and says the appointment will be instrumental in helping it to grow.
A long-time advocate of ground source heat pump technology, Lord Taylor is extremely knowledgeable about housing issues, having been commissioned by both the last Government and the present one to lead reviews of housing and planning policy. He is a national award winner for his Parliamentary environmental campaigns and in 2007 was appointed by the Prime Minister to produce a widely-acclaimed report on planning reforms to support the rural economy and housing. He is currently leading a group advising the Government on renewing all its planning policy guidance. In addition, he is chairman of the National Housing Federation.

Kensa's managing director, Simon Lomax, said: 'Lord Taylor is nationally well-respected in areas of particular relevance to Kensa. He is extremely keen to support ambitious companies in the environment sector that can genuinely both improve the environment and cut the cost of heating for households. With his national reputation across the housing sector in particular he will be able to contribute hugely towards Kensa's growing success.'

Lord Taylor said: 'As both an environmental champion and a champion of affordable, sustainable homes I have been a long-standing supporter of the benefits of ground sourced heating. I also have a keen interest supporting ambitious Cornish companies.'

He continued: 'As the Government's improved renewable heat incentives make ground sourced heating technology extremely competitive, especially for rural householders without mains gas, there is a huge opportunity for many more people to benefit. Increasingly, Kensa has been working with major energy companies, high street retailers and other national stakeholders who see significant business opportunities in the years ahead, and I think they are right.'