As part of the visit, Maya was given a tour of the factory and met with key members of Baxi’s leadership team, including Darren Ingram, Operations Director; Rob Pearse, Residential Business Director, and Jeff House, Director of External Affairs & Policy.

Discussions focussed on Baxi’s 160-year brand heritage in the local area, its role supporting millions of UK homeowners with heating and hot water, its future direction in low-carbon heating, and its ongoing ambition to support customers through the energy transition. Also highlighted was Baxi’s commitment to local employment and investment as a leading manufacturer in the region, aligning well with Maya’s priorities in her new role.

Of interest was Baxi’s innovative progress in heat networks and the role of Baxi Packaged Solutions based at the Preston factory site. The Government sees heat networks as contributing up to 20% of the UK’s heating provision, playing an important role alongside the growth of the heat pump market and hybrid heating solutions. Baxi highlighted its most recent “hybrids” white paper, which explores the relevant policy landscape and outlines strategies to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon heating technologies.

The tour also provided an opportunity to showcase prefabricated solutions and plant rooms, the boiler production line, and the cylinder line – including those designed for heat pumps – further underscoring Baxi’s leadership in sustainable heating solutions.

Commenting on the site visit, Maya said: “Baxi’s commitment to innovation and its impact as a local employer are truly impressive. Seeing the company’s efforts to lead in the energy transition through advancements in heat networks and heat pump technologies reinforces the importance of fostering partnerships between businesses and policymakers. I’m looking forward to working closely with Baxi to address the challenges and opportunities in achieving a low-carbon future.”

Jeff said: “Maya’s interest in local employment and investment, alongside her enthusiasm for low carbon solutions, aligns closely with Baxi’s mission to drive the transition to low-carbon heating and hot water. This visit was the beginning of what we expect to be an ongoing and productive dialogue, and we are keen to support her efforts in addressing energy challenges within the constituency and beyond.”