A Cornish MP has praised one of Cornwall’s leading heating companies for its commitment to reducing fuel poverty and apprenticeship programme.

George Eustice, MP for Camborne and Redruth, visited Blue Flame Heating at its Penryn headquarters.

Blue Flame director, Paul Smith, who co-founded the business in 1998, said: “It was great to meet Mr Eustice and talk about the work we’re doing to provide expert training and employment opportunities.

“He was particularly interested in our apprenticeship programme and wanted to know more about how we’ve worked with Cornwall College to develop the scheme.”

During the visit, George spent time with three of Blue Flame’s four directors and founders, Mark Bolitho, Paul Smith and Debbie Smith, and had a tour of the company’s facilities.

George Eustice said: “It was great to be able to meet Debbie, Paul and Mark at Blue Flame.

“They do fantastic work locally helping to tackle fuel poverty by assisting their customers with solutions to alleviate it.

“Blue Flame has also been instrumental in pioneering its own apprenticeship programme at Cornwall College helping to train the next generation of gas engineers in Cornwall.

“This year marks 30 years as a company in Penryn and I wish them all the success for the years ahead.”

The visit was arranged after Mr Eustice sent a letter of congratulations to the company for winning the Customer Service Award at the Western Morning News Business Awards.

Blue Flame director, Mark Bolitho, said: “We also discussed our work with Coastline Housing to upgrade heating solutions and reduce energy costs in the Camborne and Redruth area.

“We’ve installed over 250 heat pumps in Coastline properties and Mr Eustice was interested to know more about how the technology can support areas that don’t have access to mains gas.”

The team was joined by Coastline Housing’s energy efficiency project manager, Ralph Retallick, who talked about the partnership and its aim to reduce energy costs for tenants.

For more information please visit www.blueflameheat.co.uk or call 01326 378122.