A report by Green Economy has revealed that Bradford’s domestic retrofit industry contributed £334 million to the economy in 2022/23, supporting 127 businesses and employing more than 2,900 people.

Retrofit sales also made up 2.6 per cent of Bradford’s GDP.

Vicky Wilding, green tech and services lead at Green Economy, said: "The retrofit sector’s growth is being driven by a combination of public and private investment, targeted policy interventions, and increasing consumer demand.

"Government schemes are supporting households on low incomes, in poorly insulated homes, or with health vulnerabilities."

The report also breaks down the strengths of each of the other local authorities within West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) – Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.

At the regional level, West Yorkshire’s domestic retrofit sector contributed £1.9 billion to the region’s economy in 2022/23, supported by 730 businesses and employing 16,828 people.

Sales are forecast to rise to £2.4 billion by 2025/26—a 26 per cent increase.

The retrofitting sector in West Yorkshire is bringing in millions for the local economy, according to new research by Green Economy (Image: Retrofit sector Bradford)

Bradford accounted for 17.4 per cent of WYCA’s domestic retrofit sales — broadly matching Bradford’s overall economic share of WYCA’s GDP (17.6 per cent).

The report also points to high productivity within the sector and strong export performance, with £379 million in international sales.

Imports, meanwhile, totalled £217 million, highlighting opportunities to strengthen and localise supply chains.

Ms Wilding added: "Our hope is that by identifying gaps in skills, supply chain capacity, and market readiness, this report will help ensure that West Yorkshire’s retrofit sector is equipped to meet growing demand.

"It will also support the development of targeted interventions to unlock barriers to growth, such as access to finance, specialist knowledge, and skilled labour."

The report notes that most retrofit work in West Yorkshire is undertaken by SMEs, sole traders, and subcontractors.

Many tradespeople are expanding their capabilities into ventilation, plumbing, joinery, plastering, solar and battery installation, and low-carbon heating – through support and partnerships with organisations like Green Economy.

The West Yorkshire Retrofit Sector Mapping Report 2025 was funded by the UK Government on behalf of West Yorkshire Combined Authority and supported by research from industry data specialists kMatrix.

Find out more about Green Economy’s sustainability and net zero services by visiting their website: https://www.greeneconomy.co.uk/business-support/decarbonise/consultancy/