A Romsey-based manufacturer developing advanced heating technology recently welcomed a visit from Caroline Nokes MP.

NexGen Heating Ltd, known for its far infrared heating technology, hosted the Romsey and Southampton North MP and deputy speaker on October 13.

The technology aims to improve energy efficiency, reduce fuel poverty, and eradicate damp and mould in homes.

Ms Nokes toured the manufacturing facility, learning about the social impact and export potential of the heating solution.

The technology, particularly beneficial for hard-to-heat homes, reportedly eliminates damp and mould issues within three to six days.

The visit highlighted the potential for NexGen's technology to enhance social housing quality and reduce fuel poverty.

With appropriate policy support, the company could support over 250 local jobs by 2028 and 550 jobs across the UK by 2030, with an additional 10,000 indirect jobs in mobilisation and installation.

NexGen plans to increase its manufacturing capacity to produce 600,000 home systems annually, benefiting the local supply chain and contributing to the UK's low-carbon economy.

Caroline Nokes MP said: "I was hugely impressed by the NexGen Heating system and particularly its ability to heat difficult buildings. It is really clear that we need a range of solutions to enable us to decarbonise effectively, and I will be urging Ministers to come and see for themselves how effective the system is at heating people rather than air."

Ian Sanderson, CEO of NexGen, said: "It was an honour to showcase our technology to our local MP in person. The positive engagement with Caroline was very encouraging, as she showed a great deal of interest in the benefits of our technology and its potential to make a significant impact.

"A local advocate of alternative heating technologies is just what the industry needs. With the support of our MP and others in Parliament, we can overcome regulatory hurdles and accelerate efforts to make homes across the UK energy efficient, healthier and more affordable.

"Our Far Infrared Heating technology is already being piloted by the Scottish and Welsh Governments, and over 45 UK social housing groups. However, despite our technology being recognised as safe and effective by key government and industry stakeholders, the current regulatory process that innovative low carbon heating solutions have to undergo is overly complex and costly.

"We need a more supportive policy environment to help accelerate the energy transition and tackle fuel poverty, which impacts millions of households across the UK. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our local MP who was really impressed with the technology and vowed to work with us across the political landscape to champion alternative heating technologies that will help to eradicate fuel poverty and reach net zero.

"We are hopeful that policymakers can enable fair competition in the heating market, create a supportive market for innovative British businesses, and realise the social benefits of our infrared technology."