Cleaner Safer Group (CSG), the parent company of HETAS and Woodsure, has appointed Barry Cope as its new Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Bruce Allen, who has retired after nearly 20 years leading HETAS and eight years at Woodsure.
Bringing a wealth of experience from the building, construction and air quality sectors, Cope is set to drive the organisation’s growth and expand its services. His background includes a strong focus on testing, compliance and certification schemes.
Cleaner Safer Group comprises HETAS and Woodsure - two organisations at the forefront of certification schemes within the solid fuel and biomass sector.
Their work ensures clean, safe, and compliant installations, spanning product certification, competent installation, fuel quality and ongoing maintenance.
The Group also plays a key role in shaping industry standards and policies, working alongside local authorities, government departments such as Defra, DESNZ and MHCLG, and a wide range of stakeholders.
Over the past decade, Cope served as Group Managing Director of the Building Compliance Testers Association (BCTA), where he led several brands spanning air tightness, sound insulation, ventilation and building performance. During his tenure, he played a key role in establishing new compliance standards now adopted by regulators across 60 countries, including the USA, Australia, and the UAE.
Cope’s previous roles also include Head of Energy Services at BM TRADA, where he was instrumental in creating a UKAS-accredited test laboratory and launching an environmental acoustics division. His technical expertise and track record in achieving UKAS accreditation position him to reinforce CSG’s commitment to environmental responsibility and compliance.
Commenting on Cope’s appointment, Kaye Welfare, Chair of Cleaner Safer Group, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Barry as our new CEO. His experience across sectors and managing corporate groups makes him the ideal person to move Cleaner Safer Group forward, building on the trusted voices of HETAS and Woodsure.
“Bruce has shown passionate dedication to improving safety, sustainability and service expansion. He leaves behind a strong legacy and culture, and we are immensely grateful for his leadership.”
Speaking on his new role, Barry Cope said: “It’s an absolute privilege to step into the role of CEO. The strong position we’re in is the result of Bruce’s leadership and the hard work of the entire team.
“Across the Group, we are fortunate to have some of the most knowledgeable and committed people in the industry. In the years ahead, we’ll continue to build on this, working with manufacturers, tradespeople, retailers, governments, and local authorities to ensure that wood burning and biomass remain trusted, sustainable heating options.
“Our mission is to enhance the environmental performance of appliances and champion fuel quality across the UK, while also educating consumers and setting the best international standards. I look forward to engaging with our partners and the wider industry to ensure we lead with integrity, transparency and purpose.”
Cleaner Safer Group appoints new CEO to advance biomass certification
