Bolton-based iHeat was named Most Innovative Business at the Octopus Trusted Partners Awards 2026, which celebrate contributions to the UK’s clean energy transition.
The awards, hosted by Octopus Energy and held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, recognised outstanding achievements in decarbonisation, innovation, and customer service.
iHeat was founded in 2019 as a heating and renewable technology installer (Image: Statuo)
Rick Hope, managing director at iHeat, said: “To win the Most Innovative Business award is incredibly special for us.
“It’s a real testament to the hard work of our entire team in Bolton and our installers across the UK.
“We’ve worked hard to challenge the traditional heating and solar installation model, using technology to simplify the process and make renewable solutions more accessible to homeowners.
“To have that recognised on a national stage means a huge amount.”
Joe Marler, The Celebrities Traitors finalist and former England rugby union player, made a special appearance (Image: Statuo)
Judges praised iHeat for rethinking the customer journey, using technology and a fresh operating model to make low-carbon heating solutions such as heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage simpler, smarter and more accessible for homeowners.
The company has rapidly expanded its services, now offering air conditioning, heat pumps, solar PV systems, and battery storage alongside its core heating solutions.
Its win was described as a national success story for the Bolton business as well as a sign of progress in the clean energy sector.
Joe Marler offers his congratulations (Image: Statuo)
John Szymik, CEO at Octopus Energy Services, said: “It was fantastic to bring so many of our Trusted Partners together in London last week to celebrate the incredible work happening across the sector.
“The evening was a real reminder of the scale of talent and commitment driving the UK’s clean energy transition.
“Companies like iHeat are leading from the front – helping thousands of households upgrade to smarter, greener technology and pushing the whole industry forward.”
The ceremony also featured a special appearance from former England rugby star and The Celebrity Traitors finalist, Joe Marler.
The Octopus Trusted Partners Awards featured eight categories, including Community Champion of the Year and Most Customer Focused Installer.
Winners were chosen by a panel of industry experts, including Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy, and Donna O’Toole, founder of August Recognition.
The Octopus Trusted Partners programme, launched in 2024, aims to accelerate the rollout of clean technologies by working with a network of trusted local installers.
By collaborating with businesses like iHeat, Octopus Energy hopes to expand access to affordable, low-carbon solutions for households across the country.
