Tackling fuel poverty through energy advice, retrofit delivery, building products and smart technology
- Investment StrategyPrivate Equity, Inclusive Growth, Sustainable Growth
- ThemeInclusive Economy
- LocationSkelmersdale, Lancashire
- Date of Initial InvestmentOctober 2026
- Bridges ExecutivesCharlie Edwards, Emma Moberley
Thesis
Too many UK households live in homes that are cold, damp and expensive to heat, at the mercy of rising energy costs. Across the UK, over 2.3m people are now living in fuel poverty, according to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero. Improving the energy performance of existing homes and buildings is vital: this can ease pressure on household budgets, support better health and reduce carbon emissions. Yet retrofit is often fragmented, with advice, design, products, installation and monitoring delivered by different providers. Businesses that bring these together can capture significant market share while delivering higher-quality outcomes for residents, at scale.
Investment
Sustainable Investments Ltd (SIL) is a UK group headquartered in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, comprising four businesses: Sustainable Building Services, Sustainable Energy Services, PermaRock and Sustainable Smart Technologies. Its turnkey model connects energy advice and design with retrofit delivery, insulation and building products, clean heat, renewable energy and digital monitoring. Clients can access an integrated service or specialist expertise for individual projects, across social and private housing, public buildings and the wider built environment.
Bridges acquired a significant stake in SIL in October 2026, partnering with chairman Derek Horrocks, who remains majority shareholder, and the existing leadership teams.
Outcomes
Sustainable Investments delivers energy efficiency, renewable energy and clean heat improvements to thousands of households and buildings each year; its work has already improved the living conditions of more than 20,000 people. As well as tackling fuel poverty via warmer, more affordable homes, the group supports local employment, apprenticeships and skills, with opportunities for local suppliers and specialist installers.
The group recorded turnover of £70 million in its latest published accounts (2025), and was named in the North West Fastest 50 for the third consecutive year in 2026.
“Sustainable Investments shares Bridges’ commitment to delivering exciting commercial growth in markets with high social impact. There is a clear opportunity for the group to scale its offering and expand its impact in the coming years, building on its outstanding work to date.”
Charlie Edwards, Partner and Co-head of Inclusive Growth