4 INDUSTRY NEWS
RECORD BOILER SALES SHOW HOW DECARBONISATION COULD WORK
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ike Foster, Chief Executive of the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), believes that decarbonising home heating should be done using gas central heating. While reporting a record year for annual gas boiler sales, Mike added that: “The UK saw a record number of gas boilers being sold in 2019; 1.67 million, an increase of 1.8% on 2018 figures.” The number of homes with central heating is also increasing; today, around 22 million households in the UK have gas central heating, compared to 20 years ago when it was about 17 million homes. “The sheer scale demands that we use these systems to decarbonise, not plan to scrap them,” continued Mike. The EUA believes that clean gases, such as biomethane and hydrogen, offer the solution to decarbonisation of UK heat demand. The industry has developed hydrogen-ready appliances, which can still be used with natural gas, ready for the Government to give the go-ahead. Hydrogen gas can use the existing underground gas pipes already installed in the UK, offering minimum disruption and
expense compared to other low carbon alternatives. In addition, homeowners won’t be required to buy new appliances, merely convert those they already own, similar to the switch from town gas in the 1960s. This means heat can be decarbonised relatively simply.
STUART TURNER ON THE ACQUISITION TRAIL STUART TURNER HAS ANNOUNCED ITS ACQUISITION OF Fluid Water Solutions (FWS). The Yorkshire based manufacturer produces a wide range of water boosting products which will both complement and support Stuart Turner’s existing Aquaboost range. FWS also has extensive experience supplying products to the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors which will help Stuart Turner to deliver growth in these markets.
BIM4WATER ADDS TO STEERING GROUP
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IM4Water, the organisation looking to lead the digital transformation of the water sector, has announced that Karen Alford, Flood and Coastal Risk Manager at The Environment Agency, has agreed to join the BIM4Water Steering Group as a “Nominated Member”. This honorary position is in recognition of Karen’s continuing work in the adoption of digital delivery in the UK Water Industry. BIM4Water Chair, Jamie Mills of Xylem Water Solutions UK, said of the announcement: “I’m delighted that Karen is joining the steering group as our Nominated Member. Her experience and guidance will be invaluable to the water industry, especially now, as we move into AMP 7 and make significant strides in our digital transformation journey”. Karen will join the Steering Group with immediate effect. She said: “I am honoured to be joining the BIM4 Water steering group. Seven years of practical experience implementing BIM across the whole asset life has given me insight into the challenges and opportunities it can bring to the water sector”. Quarter 1 2020
Commenting on the acquisition, Richard Harden, CEO of Stuart Turner, said: “FWS has a great name in the industry for being able to supply water boosting solutions, particularly when a bespoke build is required. We have been working hard to continue the success of our buy and build strategy, and with the acquisition of FWS it continues to strengthen our position, helping to boost our growth and presenting us as a serious player in the residential and commercial boosting market.”
NEW MD AT GRUNDFOS
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rundfos Pumps Ltd has announced the appointment of Glynn Williams as its new Managing Director. He takes over this position from Peter Reynolds who, after nearly 30 years with Grundfos, recently announced his plans to retire. Glynn whose most recent role was as Sales Director for Commercial Building Services, has worked for Grundfos for over 20 years. When asked for comment, Glynn said: “I am very much looking forward to the new challenges that this role will present both for me and to the business as a whole. We are at the start of a decade that will offer many opportunities for agile businesses with the right product portfolio and great colleagues, and I am very excited to be part of our future vision.” www.bpma.org.uk
