Elite Services Group | James Clark

Elite Services Group | James Clark

In this episode of Energy Unwrapped, I’m joined by James Clark, Director of Elite Services Group, an independent heat pump installer based in Beverley, serving customers across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. We explore James’ journey from gas engineer to renewable heating specialist, how the business has grown over the last decade and the lessons learned along the way.

We discuss how heat pump installation has evolved from the early Renewable Heat Incentive days through to today’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme, the huge influence Heat Geek training has had on modern system design, and why installers now need to understand everything from weather compensation to smart electricity tariffs. We also cover solar PV, battery storage, air conditioning, apprenticeships, social media and what makes a successful renewable energy business.

James is also one of the first independent installers featured on my new Trusted Heat Pump Installers website, making this a great opportunity to get to know both the company and the people behind it.

What we cover in this episode

• James’ journey from gas engineer to renewables
• Building Elite Services Group
• Yorkshire and Lincolnshire heat pump installations
• The early Renewable Heat Incentive years
• Lessons learned from early heat pump installations
• Heat Geek and continuous learning
• Modern heat pump design
• Boiler Upgrade Scheme challenges
• Cash flow for installers
• Apprenticeships and recruitment
• Why installer longevity matters
• Smart electricity tariffs
• Solar PV and battery storage
• Air conditioning and air-to-air heat pumps
• Choosing the right heat pump manufacturers
• Social media and YouTube for installers
• Customer handover and commissioning
• What’s next for Elite Services Group

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Full Transcript

Below is the full transcript for this episode, lightly edited for readability.

Meet James Clark and Elite Services Group

James introduces Elite Services Group, explains how the business is structured and describes how four directors each specialise in different areas including design, installations, sales and solar. The discussion also covers the company’s coverage across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and its growing focus on renewable technologies.

From Gas Engineer to Renewable Heating

James reflects on leaving college, becoming a gas engineer, surviving redundancy and eventually starting his own business with little more than a second-hand van and a determination to succeed.

The Early Days of Heat Pumps

The conversation looks back at the Renewable Heat Incentive era, when installers and manufacturers were still learning how to design efficient systems. James explains how many early installations were oversized and overly complicated compared with today’s best practice.

Learning Through Experience

Before formal training became widely available, much of Elite’s knowledge came through experience, returning to customers’ homes, refining systems and continually improving commissioning techniques.

Heat Geek and a New Way of Thinking

James describes discovering Adam Chapman’s early Heat Geek videos during lockdown and how they completely changed his understanding of heat pump design, mass flow rates and system optimisation. It proved to be a turning point for both him and the business.

Designing Better Heat Pump Systems

The discussion explores modern design tools such as Spruce, accurate heat loss calculations and why commissioning has become just as important as the installation itself.

Running a Modern Installation Business

James explains how Elite separates sales, surveys, design, installation and customer handover, allowing each stage of a project to receive the attention it deserves while maintaining quality throughout.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme Challenges

The conversation looks at the realities of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme from an installer’s perspective, including voucher timings, cash flow and why smaller businesses can sometimes struggle with the current system.

Apprenticeships and Growing the Industry

James shares his concerns about attracting new engineers into the heating industry, the cost of apprenticeships and why passing on knowledge is becoming increasingly important.

Solar, Batteries and Air Conditioning

Elite Services Group now installs far more than heat pumps. James discusses combining solar PV, battery storage and air conditioning into complete home energy systems and explains why air conditioning has become one of the fastest-growing parts of the business.

Smart Tariffs Are Now Essential

Modern installers need to understand electricity tariffs as well as heating systems. James explains how smart tariffs, batteries and heat pumps can work together to dramatically reduce running costs for homeowners.

Building Trust Through YouTube

James also discusses why Elite shares its work on YouTube, how video content builds customer confidence and why openness has become an important part of the company’s approach.

Looking Ahead

The episode finishes by looking at recruitment, future government support, the Warm Homes Plan and why James believes integrated renewable energy systems will become increasingly common over the coming years.

About the Energy Unwrapped Podcast

Energy Unwrapped is my podcast about renewables, home electrification and how energy technology works in the real world. You can browse all episodes, platform links and future updates on the main Energy Unwrapped Podcast page.

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