Bosses at EDP Top 100 firm Anglian Group said they were determined to play a part in helping to cut energy bills and spearheading a drive to 'green' Britain's homes.

With the political debate over the cost of living crisis still raging and ministers under pressure to force energy firms to freeze prices, the firm held talks with energy and climate change minister Greg Barker who said the government's green initiatives were helping consumers save money.

'This government has made the sale of renewable products more widely available, with more than 500,000 people putting solar panels on their roofs,' he said.

'We have cut the cost of this scheme to make sure it does not drive up the cost of energy bills. The Conservatives are making sure that energy stays affordable for consumers in the UK.'

The EDP Top 100 firm welcomed Mr Barker and Norwich North MP Chloe Smith yesterday to a breakfast meeting at the firm's head office in Norwich where they discussed the Green Deal initiative and proposed changes to the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) scheme.

Mr Barker said: 'Green Deal and ECO are helping hard working families across Britain cut their energy bills and improve their homes.

'Double glazing has huge potential to be part of the growing Green Deal market. As market leader, Anglian will be a key part of this growth.'

Laurence Vaughan, executive chairman at Anglian Home Improvements, said: 'Improving energy efficiency in the home has long been a key focus for Anglian, which is why we were one of the first companies that signed up to deliver the Green Deal scheme. The government shares this objective so we are pleased to be given this opportunity to work with the government to improve the efficiency of British homes.'

According to the EDP Top 100 survey, Anglian Group recorded a 3pc rise in sales to £208.9m while pre-tax profits dipped from £6.1m to £3.6m.

Mr Vaughan joined Anglian Group as executive chairman last year, succeeding chief executive Peter Mottershead.

The firm, which employs about 4,500 people, concluded a refinancing deal in 2013 with its banking partners helping to inject a further £36.2m into the business.

Do you have an EDP Top 100 story? Contact business writer Ben Woods on ben.woods@archant.co.uk or call 01603 772426.