Delivering Success: 5 Tips for Your Warm Homes Bid

By Luke Beard · 19 March 2025

Securing funding for a Warm Homes bid is a significant milestone, but the real challenge begins once the funding is in place. Delivering a successful project requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a strong focus on execution.

In this blog, we outline five key steps to ensure your Warm Homes project is delivered effectively, from refining your bid submission to integrating data for long-term success. Many organisations did not receive the full amount of funding they originally requested, meaning they must adjust their project plans accordingly. This often involves submitting an amended bid to reflect the funding awarded and ensuring the project remains viable within the revised budget.

1. Review and Refine Your Bid Submission

Before diving into the project, take the time to review your warm homes bid submission. Ensure it aligns with the funding criteria and the funds allocated. Most applications did not receive 100% of their requested funding bid – this means you will need to re-focus on the data and pull together a revised bid within a short space of time. Ensure that you have enough time to make the correct decisions on the re-allocation of the grant, cross-referencing with funding guidelines & company objectives. It’s harder sometimes to re-do the project than to start it from the beginning. Don’t let the time slip away before the re-submission date.

2. Develop a Comprehensive Plan

Start by creating a detailed project plan that outlines all the steps required to achieve your goals. Include timelines, milestones, and responsibilities to ensure everyone involved knows what is expected and when. A well-structured plan will help keep the project on track and ensure that all aspects are covered.

3. Engage Stakeholders Early

Effective stakeholder engagement is crucial for the success of your Warm Homes project. Identify key stakeholders, including residents, local authorities, and contractors, and involve them from the outset. Regular communication and updates will help build trust and ensure that everyone is aligned with the project’s objectives. Think about what the end user will need and how you can ensure that staff are engaged (current & future) in ensuring longer term realisation of the property improvements.

4. Appoint the Right Team of Professionals

Utilise the expertise of professionals in the field to enhance your project’s delivery. It’s important that these experts can mobilise quickly, are agile in their approach, and bring ‘added value’ to the project. This includes retrofit consultants, energy assessors, and project managers who can provide valuable insights and support. Collaborating with experienced professionals will help ensure that your project meets the highest standards and achieves its goals.

5. Ensure Data Integration

Integrate data collected from retrofit assessments into your existing stock data to create a comprehensive and accurate picture of your housing portfolio. Start the data collection process early to ensure you have all the necessary information when you need it. This will help inform future decisions and ensure that any improvements made are sustainable and effective. Proper data management is essential for the long-term success of your Warm Homes project.

Managing funding, planning, and project delivery can be complex, but ARK is here to help. We offer expert advice and practical support across all aspects of energy efficiency projects, including:

• PAS 2035 Roles (Retrofit Assessment, Retrofit Coordinator)
• Investment Planning & Net Zero Cost Modelling
• Resident Engagement Strategies
• Asset Management & Net Zero Strategies
• Client Administration Support (Procurement, Specifications, Contract Management & Quality Control)
• Bid Writing
• Stock Condition Surveys & EPCs
• ASAP (ARK’s Strategic Asset Performance Model)
• Cost Benchmarking & Verification