The UK has over 1,000 MCS-certified heat pump installer companies, but the number of individual installers is harder to pin down
The most commonly cited figure for heat pump installers in the UK comes from the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) database, which lists the number of certified companies, not individual workers. As of early 2026, the MCS database shows approximately 1,100 to 1,200 certified heat pump installer companies across the UK (MCS register, accessed 2026). Each company may employ one or multiple installers, so the total number of individual tradespeople is estimated to be significantly higher. Industry trade bodies, such as the Heat Pump Association (HPA), suggest between 3,000 and 5,000 qualified individual installers are currently active (HPA market reports, 2026).
The UK has over 1,100 MCS-certified heat pump installer companies, with an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 qualified individual installers active. This falls well short of the government's 2025 target of 10,000 trained installers.
- Over 1,100 MCS-certified heat pump installer companies in the UK as of 2026.
- Estimated 3,000 to 5,000 qualified individual installers active, per HPA.
- Government target of 10,000 trained installers by 2025 not met.
- MCS-certified companies grew 40% between 2020 and 2025.
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants drive new installer certifications.
- The UK has over 1,000 MCS-certified heat pump installer companies, but the number of individual installers is harder to pin down
- How the number of heat pump installers has grown in recent years
- Quick numbers Heat pump installer counts by region and certification type
- Who qualifies for heat pump grants, eligibility depends on installer certification, not just installer count
- How to verify a heat pump installer, the one step that matters for eligibility and quality
- What the number of installers means for your grant application, a direct answer
The UK government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy (DESNZ, 2021) set a target of training 10,000 heat pump installers by 2025. Official progress reports (DESNZ, 2025) indicated around 3,500 new trainees entered the sector, but not all completed full MCS certification (DESNZ “Heat Pump Installer Training” data release, GOV.UK, 2025). This means the actual number of certified installers remains well below the original ambition.
How the number of heat pump installers has grown in recent years
The number of MCS-certified heat pump installer companies increased by approximately 40% between 2020 and 2025, driven by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and rising consumer demand. The BUS (Ofgem, 2022–2026) provided grants of £7,500 for air source heat pumps, which directly incentivised more heating engineers to become MCS-certified (Ofgem BUS statistics, GOV.UK, 2026). The UK government’s “Heat Pump Ready” programme (DESNZ, 2023–2026) also funded training schemes, adding an estimated 1,200 new certified installers by early 2026 (DESNZ “Heat Pump Ready” programme updates, GOV.UK, 2026).
Despite this growth, the installer base remains below the government’s 2025 target of 10,000 trained installers, as reported in the National Audit Office’s “Heat Pump Rollout” report (NAO, 2025) (NAO “Heat Pump Rollout” report, 2025). The gap between target and actual numbers is partly due to slower-than-expected uptake of training courses and retention issues within the heating industry.
Quick numbers Heat pump installer counts by region and certification type
The table below shows estimated heat pump installer numbers by UK region as of early 2026. Data is drawn from the MCS register (filtered by postcode/region), HPA regional breakdowns, and DESNZ regional heat pump deployment reports. Scotland and Northern Ireland have lower numbers due to smaller populations and different grant schemes (e.g., Home Energy Scotland grants).
| Region | MCS-certified installer companies (2026 estimate) | Individual installers (industry estimate) | Share of UK total |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 850–950 | 2,500–4,000 | 78% |
| Scotland | 120–150 | 350–500 | 11% |
| Wales | 60–80 | 150–250 | 6% |
| Northern Ireland | 25–35 | 50–100 | 3% |
Who qualifies for heat pump grants, eligibility depends on installer certification, not just installer count
To receive the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant of £7,500, homeowners must use an MCS-certified installer. The installer must be listed on the MCS register at the time of installation (Ofgem BUS eligibility guidance, GOV.UK, 2026). Eligibility for the grant is not affected by the total number of installers in your area. You simply need at least one MCS-certified company willing to work in your property.
The grant is available for air source and ground source heat pumps, but not for hybrid systems as of 2026 rules. Homeowners must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no outstanding recommendations for loft or cavity wall insulation (Ofgem BUS eligibility guidance, GOV.UK, 2026). Boiler Upgrade Scheme eligibility checklist
How to verify a heat pump installer, the one step that matters for eligibility and quality
Always check the MCS register (mcscertified.com) to confirm the installer company is currently certified. This is a legal requirement for BUS grants and many warranty schemes. Verify that the installer holds TrustMark registration (trustmark.org.uk), which covers consumer protection and complaint resolution. Ask the installer to provide their MCS certificate number and check it against the register. Do not rely on a company’s own website claims.
For gas or oil heating background, check the Gas Safe Register (for gas systems) or OFTEC (for oil), but these are not substitutes for MCS when installing a heat pump (Gas Safe Register, OFTEC). The MCS certification is the single most important verification step for grant eligibility and installation quality. How to find a reliable heat pump installer
What the number of installers means for your grant application, a direct answer
The number of heat pump installers in the UK (around 1,100 certified companies) is sufficient to meet current demand, but availability varies significantly by region. Rural and northern areas often have fewer options. You do not need to know the national installer count to apply for a grant. You only need to find one MCS-certified installer willing to quote for your property.
If you cannot find an installer in your area, you may still qualify for the BUS grant but may need to wait longer for installation. Contact Ofgem or your local energy advice service (e.g., Energy Saving Trust) for help (Energy Saving Trust “Find an Installer” advice, 2026). The government’s target to train more installers (DESNZ, 2026) aims to improve availability, but current numbers do not prevent you from applying for a grant if you meet all other eligibility criteria (DESNZ “Heat Pump Installer Capacity” briefing, GOV.UK, 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
As of early 2026, the MCS database lists approximately 1,100 to 1,200 certified heat pump installer companies in the UK (MCS register, accessed 2026).
Industry estimates from the Heat Pump Association suggest between 3,000 and 5,000 qualified individual installers are active (HPA market reports, 2026). The exact number is harder to track as companies employ varying numbers of installers.
The UK government's Heat and Buildings Strategy set a target of training 10,000 heat pump installers by 2025 (DESNZ, 2021). Official progress reports indicate around 3,500 new trainees entered the sector, but not all completed full MCS certification (DESNZ data release, GOV.UK, 2025).
MCS-certified heat pump installer companies increased by approximately 40% between 2020 and 2025, driven by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grants and rising consumer demand (Ofgem BUS statistics, GOV.UK, 2026).
The Heat Pump Ready programme (DESNZ, 2023–2026) funded training schemes that added an estimated 1,200 new certified installers by early 2026 (DESNZ programme updates, GOV.UK, 2026).
