A BRIGHOUSE solar roofing specialist has reinforced its links with one of the UK’s leading builders’ merchant chains.

Ploughcroft and Plumb Center were the star performers at Ecobuild, the world’s biggest event for sustainable design and construction, which was held in London.

Their stand was opened by scientist and ex-pop star Brian Cox, who presents BBC 2 show Wonders of the Universe.

The stand was also voted best stand at Ecobuild by visitors voting via social networks Twitter and Facebook.

The two companies have teamed up to offer a national solar roofing service to plumbers and electricians.

This package, available in all 600 Plumb Center stores, means that Ploughcroft’s highly skilled roofers will undertake the roofing element of a solar installation project, removing the hassle for plumbers or electricians who purchase a solar package from Plumb Centre.

Since forming the partnership with Plumb Center, Ploughcroft managing director Chris Hopkins has been asked to join the British Photovoltaic Association as chairman representing roofers.

Said Chris: “We are very proud to work with the UK’s leading supplier of heating and plumbing supplies offering a revolutionary and incredibly useful package to plumbers and electricians.

“The Ecobuild event was a great success for Ploughcroft as it enabled us to promote our solar package with Plumb Center and remind everyone of the importance of the quality renewable training courses, which we offer.”

Ploughcroft Building Services was started in 1997 by Chris Hopkins and his father Bill Hopkins as a traditional domestic building and roofing business.

Following Bill’s retirement in 2004, Chris took the helm and focused his efforts on team development and creating a roofing company that was a little bit different from the rest.

In 2006, Ploughcroft’s training centre was granted awarding body status by CITB, City & Guilds and Chris had achieved NVQ status within one year.

Two years later, Ploughcroft opened its Eco Roof Centre in Brighouse where schools, colleges, councillors and environmentalists can see live demonstrations of solar panels in action.

Chris is chairman of Yorkshire Independent Roof Training Group, chairman of the Yorkshire region of the Institute of Roofing and president of the Yorkshire branch of the Federation of Master Builders.