East Midlands solar installation and renewable energy contractor recognised for investing in apprenticeships, developing local talent and creating long-term careers in the growing retrofit sector.
2 October 2026
LJM Solutions Ltd has been named SME Employer of the Year at the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Apprenticeship Awards 2026, following the awards ceremony on 1 October 2026.
The family-owned solar installation and renewable energy contractor, based in Long Eaton and serving Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and the wider East Midlands, was recognised for its commitment to apprenticeships, employee development and creating sustainable career opportunities within the rapidly growing renewable energy and retrofit sector.
In just three years, LJM Solutions has grown from three employees to a team of 25, with apprenticeships playing an important part in that expansion. Almost a quarter of the workforce is currently completing, or progressing towards, an apprenticeship programme.
Rather than treating apprenticeships as a standalone initiative, LJM has built them into its long-term workforce, succession and quality plans. The company recruits for attitude, commitment and potential, while giving employees the opportunity to progress into technical, supervisory, project management, customer service, compliance and leadership roles.
Lee Lindley, Managing Director of LJM Solutions, said:
“Winning SME Employer of the Year is a very proud moment for everyone at LJM. We have always believed that if you give people the right opportunity, proper training, responsibility and support, they can build careers that go far beyond the position they originally joined us to do.
“Our growth has only been possible because of the people within the business. Apprenticeships allow us to develop the skills we need while creating genuine career opportunities for people in our local communities.
“This award belongs to our apprentices, our wider team and everyone who takes the time to teach, mentor and support others as they develop.”
LJM’s approach has already produced clear examples of internal progression.
Employees have progressed from operational roles into project management, developed specialist electrical and renewable energy skills, and moved from entry-level office positions into management and customer-facing responsibilities.
The company also works outside its own organisation to promote apprenticeships and careers within renewable energy and retrofit. Members of the LJM team regularly participate in school talks, careers fairs, SEND enterprise sessions, parent events, employer seminars and industry discussions.
This wider work is particularly important as the UK prepares for significant expansion in home energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies.
The Government’s Warm Homes ambitions will require not only investment but a larger skilled workforce of electricians, solar and battery installers, project coordinators, compliance specialists, customer service teams and future managers.
LJM believes growing SMEs have an important role to play in developing that workforce.
As the company continues to expand, it intends to increase the number of apprentices it employs and strengthen its relationships with schools, colleges and training providers across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. LJM has also committed to employing an additional apprentice for every £500,000 of public-sector contract value secured.
Its longer-term ambition is to develop a practical training centre for the retrofit sector, creating further opportunities for apprentices and existing workers to develop electrical, solar, battery storage and wider retrofit skills.
Joshua Lindley, Operations Director said:
“We are delighted to win the award, but for us this is also encouragement to keep going. The renewable energy sector is going to need thousands more skilled people over the coming years. Businesses like ours have a responsibility and an opportunity to help develop them. We want young people, career changers and people who may never previously have considered construction or renewable energy to see that there are genuine long-term careers available in this industry.
“This award shows what a growing SME can achieve when investing in people becomes part of the business strategy rather than an afterthought.”
Image: LJM Directors – Lee Lindley, left , Joshua Lindley, right
Posted on 06 October 2026
