Thank you all very much for your comments - over 200 to date from bankers, councils, DEAs, energy suppliers, estate agents, environmental lobby groups, insulation companies, trade associations and retailers. Extracts are given below:  

“Thanks for your emails, I agree with much of what you have had to say. You are sending a clear message to Government and indeed to all political parties that the time is now to act on transforming our homes for the future”. 

“I completely agree on the importance of getting the private sector – particularly lenders - actively engaged with energy efficiency delivery, including PAYS.   

“ The last few years don’t give me much reason for optimism about the role estate agents will play – the opportunity has been there, but they haven’t shown any appetite to get involved.  However if they do, I’ll be the first to cheer”. 

“It is incredibly frustrating that after so many meetings, discussions, presentations, roadmaps and customer journeys about how we turn the advice from EPC’s into action, little progress has been made and we seem no nearer putting in place a simple referral mechanism”. 

“You appear to be a “man on a mission”. This is a breath of fresh air to me as the vast majority of the industry players appear to have given up. Keep up the good work”. 

“You make a number of operational and management criticisms (about councils) with which I fundamentally agree.  I just wish more political leaders listened to us”.  

“Watching with interest, Nigel. I saw this coming as soon as I read the consultation. I'd hoped Council's wouldn't risk undermining both their own credibility and that of the HEA scheme itself, but I'm thinking their choices are forced through a combination of tough budget decisions and deadlines”  

“The solution (re HEAs) suggested makes perfect sense. Canvass by phone and/or paper advertising, book appointments and use advisers who know what they're talking about.” 

 “I agree. The home improvement agenda is not providing good value for taxpayers’ money. Let’s hope the next Government sorts it out”. 

“Fantastic stuff. I love it. Keep up the good work”. 

“We know the message is not getting across to consumers. Things have to change. Please keep me advised of developments” 

“I know that you have devoted a lot of time and energy to this project and the change of heart must be very frustrating”. 

 “I agree that action on EPC’s has to be a vital part of the package. Keep on keeping on!” 

“Nobody can say that you are not trying!” 

“We’re keen to see your work succeed. Please keep us advised”. 

“We agree it is a mammoth task to persuade owners of buildings to improve energy efficiency. Keep up the pressure!” 

“We need to expand the EPC market and encourage homes to be improved. Good luck in your endeavours.”  

“Thanks for this. Is there anything you want me to do?” 

“I am conscious that we have not yet met to go over ideas. Lets get together – there are some knotty (and nutty) issues around (re EPCs) which need to be sorted.” 

“Have you been invited to the EST / CLG meeting on 13th May? Is that an opportunity to make noises about 'lots of talking' but no resources?” 

“We’d be very interested in the outcome of your proposed calling programme. Please keep us posted.” 

“I do wish you all the best with your work”.

“It is a pleasure to hear from someone wanting to make a real difference” 

Support for the founder's mission of finding ways to deliver energy efficient homes has also been received from representatives of over 100 organisations from Alba plc to WHICH?. Extracts from some of their comments are mentioned below in alphabetical order:  

Association for Conservation of Energy
“I can give this concept unequivocal backing from this Association.” 

Association of Home Information Pack Providers
"AHIPP is supportive of any initiatives that will help to drive out the benefits of HIPs for consumers and that will result in greater energy efficiency in homes resulting in lower carbon emissions".

 Barratt Homes
“Any initiative which will enable existing homes to have their energy efficiency improved is always welcome as this will have the greatest effect on CO2 emissions”.

 BRE
“I support all initiatives that encourage householders to respond to the recommendations of the EPC to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

 Chartered Institute of Housing
 “The Chartered Institute of Housing welcomes the objectives of commercial initiatives like Home Matter who are looking to develop mainstream commercial products that will incentivise the retrofitting of energy efficiency measures to the exiting stock. Embedding change in how the housing market operates and providing opportunities for consumer preferences to be the catalyst for changes will be key to driving forward the sustainability agenda.”

 Department for Communities and Local Government
“We are always interested to hear about schemes to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and to improve the home buying and selling process and wish you success in your venture”.

 Energy Savings Trust
“I am very supportive of initiatives that ensure EPCs are more valuable and drive action on energy efficiency”

Hertsmere Council
“Hertsmere Council are in agreement with the objectives of improving the energy efficiency of existing homes, and your scheme would appear to offer incentives likely to result in action from home sellers”.

 National Energy Action
“NEA is happy to support initiatives like Homes Matter which encourages the take up of measures to reduce energy consumption. Many consumers deemed “able to pay” are in fact in or are near to being in fuel poverty. We hope that those who can, will take advantage of  low cost offers to insulate themselves against high energy prices into the future”

National Energy Foundation
“It was a real pleasure to meet up with someone wanting to make a real difference and with a new way of approaching things”.

 National Home Improvement Council
“I welcome measures designed to promote the implementation of improvements in the energy efficiency of existing homes, and wish you well with your initiative. If it succeeds in delivering the anticipated benefits it will be a significant contribution to tackling climate change and improving the energy performance of Britain's housing stock.” 

 Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
“I congratulate you on your innovative business model, and wish you success”

World Wildlife Fund / Existing Homes Alliance
"Innovation and simplicity don't always go hand in hand, but where these things gel, they can deliver powerful results. Homes Matter could be an agent for change in this way, with its straightforward, low impact approach to estate agency. It neatly ties basic energy efficiency upgrades with a financial boon to the householder over and above reduced energy bills. Additionally, it fleshes out and bolsters the usefulness of the Energy Performance Certificate, giving it more value in people's eyes. These are essential outcomes and indeed a business which should be lauded."