A LONG-established plumbing and heating company is leading the revolution towards renewable energy.

And given imminent rises in the price of both gas and electricity prices C Parkinson (Bury) Ltd’s decision to diversify into alternative sources of power is as shrewd as it is timely.

For the well-known plumbing and heating engineers, which has had a presence in the Bury area for 36 years, are involved in the supply and installation of solar and renewable energy systems which have proven cost and environmental benefits.

The firm, based at the Yeargate Industrial Estate in Bury New Road, was formed in 1972 by Mr Christopher Parkinson. In 1983 Mr Parkinson opened a bathroom showroom on Bell Lane, Bury, which was managed by his twin daughters, Cheryl and Caroline. Mr Parkinson’s son, Roger, completed the family business when he started his plumbing apprenticeship on finishing school in 1988. Its core business over many years has involved heating and plumbing work, primarily for new build housing estates.

Following Chris’s retirement in May which also coincided with Caroline completing 25 years service to the company, C Parkinson (Bury) Ltd have now expanded to incorporate Eco Green Solutions, a renewable energy division to their company.

C Parkinson can install solar panels to the roofs of properties, linking them to the hot water cylinder which will provide a typical household with 50-60 per cent of their domestic hot water in a year. In the summer time, this can be as high as 100 per cent, saving energy and money and adding value to your home.

The company have installed many solar panel systems on new build properties. Recently, they completed the installation of solar panel and cylinders on St Paul’s Church, Parsonage Street, Bury, which has been refurbished by WDI Properties into luxury apartments.

Two other prime examples of renewable energy, which the company is marketing, involves air and ground heat source pumps. These refrigeration-like units can be fixed either to external walls or into the ground to provide sufficient heat to power radiators.

Today, C Parkinson has a ten-strong workforce, which is run by Roger Parkinson and his twin sisters, Caroline Talbot and Cheryl Brierley. All their employees are Corgi registered and have BPEC Solar qualifications. The company are an approved Glow-worm Solar installer.