2.4m Renters Missing Out On Energy Efficient Savings

Renters across the UK are missing out on savings of over £990 million because their rental properties are lacking basic energy saving measures such as insulation, according to new E.ON research carried out with 10,000 UK households.

Indicating a significant difference in their views on energy savings, only two in 10 renters have made any attempt to make their home more energy fit compared with over three-quarters (78%) of homeowners who have made some energy efficiency improvements to their property.

The confusion around responsibility between landlords and tenants for energy efficiency improvements means that tenants are missing out on estimated average savings of almost £400 a year per household through methods such as the installation of double-glazing, loft insulation and cavity wall insulation.

Surprisingly, despite being faced with high property costs, Londoners were the least savvy energy savers, with a quarter (24%) admitting to being unaware of the £400 saving on offer. In comparison, nearly nine in 10 shrewd Scots were mindful of the savings.

Report Recommends Measures To Support Outward UK Student Mobility

A range of ways to help students gain vital international experience from overseas study and work placements was set out today in a report commissioned by Universities and Science Minister David Willetts.

The report by Professor Colin Riordan, Chair of the UK HE International Unit, looks at the incentives and obstacles to students studying and working abroad. It makes recommendations to ensure the numbers of students choosing to go abroad increases in the future. 
The report’s main recommendations are:

•The development of a national strategy for outward mobility and a sector- led body to support this. Professor Riordan and the Joint Steering Group on Outward Student Mobility have now been asked to develop this idea and present options for a sector-led solution.

•A replacement scheme for the current Erasmus fee-waiver that will come into effect from the academic year 2014/15. For the first time, financial support will also extend to student placements at overseas institutions outside of the Erasmus scheme - both within and outside of the EU.

Northern Bank Announces New Senior Appointments

Northern Bank Chief Executive Gerry Mallon today announced three new senior appointments, which he said will further strengthen the bank’s market position.

Kevin Kingston has been appointed Deputy Chief Executive while Tony Wilcox has joined the bank as Managing Director, Retail & Private Banking and Vicky Davies has joined from Ulster Bank as Head of Strategy & Business Development.

Mr Mallon said: "I am pleased to announce that Kevin Kingston has taken up the role of Deputy Chief Executive, whilst continuing his current leadership role of Managing Director, Business & Corporate Banking.   A past Chairman of the Ulster Society of Chartered Accountants, Treasurer of the NI Chamber of Commerce and a regular participant in political engagement at Stormont, Kevin is one of Northern Ireland’s best-known and respected bankers. His contribution to the local economy is highly regarded and reflects Northern Bank's commitment to supporting sustained economic recovery in Northern Ireland.

"I'm also delighted to welcome on board Tony Wilcox and Vicky Davies as two additions to my leadership team. They each bring with them considerable experience and a particularly strong focus on making Northern Bank even better for our customers."

(CD/GK)