Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is seeking innovation‑led retrofit solutions that reduce the upfront barriers to investment, make retrofit more cost‑effective, and strengthen long‑term home value for missing‑middle homeowners who sit between grant‑funded and market‑rate options and often choose not to invest in the upfront cost of deep decarbonisation. We want solutions that deliver better value for money, improve installation and operational efficiency, and increase uptake by demonstrating clear financial, environmental and practical benefits to homeowners.

Solutions may enhance or future‑proof existing or planned retrofit measures, for example by improving the performance of heat pumps, solar PV or battery storage, or strengthen local engagement and homeowner confidence in retrofit. Approaches should show tangible real‑world impact, such as lower CO₂ emissions, reduced energy demand, and healthier, more resilient homes. They may also demonstrate how homeowners can unlock or regenerate value, making retrofit a more compelling investment for missing-middle homeowners.

In summary, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is seeking innovation-led retrofit solutions that reduce the upfront barriers to investment, make retrofit more cost-effective, and strengthen long-term home value for homeowners who sit between grant-funded and market-rate options.

These “missing-middle” homeowners often have limited eligibility for public funding and can face significant barriers to investing in the upfront costs of deep decarbonisation measures.

We are looking to explore solutions that:

• Reduce financial and practical barriers to retrofit.
• Improve installation efficiency and whole-life performance.
• Increase homeowner confidence and participation.
• Demonstrate clear financial, environmental and practical benefits.
• Strengthen the long-term value and resilience of homes.

Solutions may enhance, optimise or future-proof existing or planned retrofit measures, including but not limited to:

• Heat pumps
• Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems
• Battery storage technologies
• Home energy management systems
• Innovative commercial and delivery models that reduce retrofit costs
• Digital tools and platforms supporting retrofit journeys
• Community engagement and behaviour change approaches
• Asset performance optimisation solutions

We are particularly interested in solutions that address one or more of the following:

Enhancing Retrofit Performance

• Heat pumps
• Solar PV
• Battery storage
• Home energy management systems
• Data and monitoring platforms

Improving Affordability and Delivery

• Installation efficiency
• Demand aggregation
• Modular retrofit approaches
• Integrated retrofit packages
• Innovative commercial and delivery models that reduce retrofit costs

Building Homeowner Confidence

• Customer journey improvements
• Behaviour change approaches
• Community engagement models
• Personalised retrofit pathways

Unlocking Long-Term Value

• Asset value enhancement
• Whole-life performance optimisation
• Value generation approaches
• Resilience and health improvements

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Help shape future challenge specifications and procurement approaches
• Access a real-world testing environment in Liverpool City Region
• Engage directly with public-sector stakeholders
• Demonstrate innovative solutions and capabilities
• Explore future demonstration and pilot opportunities
• Develop partnerships and collaborative opportunities across the retrofit ecosystem