Plumbing and Heating Magazine Issue67

EE Y FR OP C

ISSUE 67 - August/September 2015

BELFAST’s

PLUMBING & HEATING trade event 16-17 SEPT 2015 RAMADA PLAZA HOTEL SHAW’S BRIDGE, BELFAST

SEE INSIDE SHOW PREVIEW

COOL FOR

ENERGY EFFICIENT AND ERP COMPLIANT

A rated

Copper Industries (Ireland) Ltd (NI) T: +44 (0)28 7965 9736 www.copperindustries.co.uk

LEAK LOCATOR

Visit us on Stand 53 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

Acoustic Sounding and Thermal Imaging

Need to monitor your water and energy usage?

Does your central heating system loose pressure?

We have the solution Contact: Peter on +44 07715 64277 e: lorraine@1st-callplumbing.co.uk www.leaklocator.co.uk

contents

welcome

northern Ireland’s

T

PLUMBING & HEATING trade event

he success of Gary Doyle, Jonathan Flynn and Chris Bailie at WorldSkills in Brazil is a phenomenal achievement and one that should make the whole plumbing and heating industry proud.

It highlights the high level of talent and training that is delivered in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and proves we can cut it on the world stage!

And talking of talent – Plumbing & Heating Magazine has added a talented new member to our team, with the appointment of Cathie Blackwood as our Publication Manager. Cathie is vastly experienced in the trade magazine world and is working hard to learn all she can about the wonderful world of plumbing and heating!

On that note, don’t forget that the best place to learn about all the latest industry developments is at Northern Ireland’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Show in Belfast this September. We have a complete guide to all the exhibitors in this issue, so why not take a closer look at pages 53-59 and make sure you book your free ticket!!

WED 16 sept 2015 4pm - 9pm THURS 17 SEPT 2015 9.30Am - 4pm Ramada PLaza, Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast

Over 50 Suppliers & Manufacturers

product demos & DISPLAYS

free to attend - REGISTER AT www.plumbingmag.com or Telephone: 028 9261 2990

show offers & Prizes

Seminars Erp Gas Bim •

•

Your indispensable guide to Northern Ireland’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Show 2015 –

pages 53-59

contents...

THE TEAM

ISSUE 67 - AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2015

News and Views Medal success in Brazil Beggs & Partners hit the greens Fun in the sun at PTS golf day

Features 10-11 22-23 48-49

In focus Cover story – Copper Industries 12-13 Triple A campaign by Altecnic 26-27 Enhanced boiler range from Vaillant 29 New Portlaoise branch for Heat Merchants 63 SharkBite set to unveil new products 67

Showers and sanitary ware Gas and gas safety New oil storage regulations Project profile – WWIEM Heating controls

31-47 69-79 81-84 86-90 103-105

Regulars P&H meets Paul Clancy Hot Topics OFTEC news Product news

25 51 52 114

Feature highlights...

Karen McAvoy

Adam Hassin

Managing Director Publication Manager Editor Editorial RoI Correspondent Head Designer Designer Accounts Business Support Photography Printed by

Gordon McAvoy

Karen McAvoy Cathie Blackwood Adam Hassin Diane Day Denise Maguire Julie Anne Guiney Jo Wilson Michelle Owens Gemma Sheppard Gordon McAvoy W&G Baird

CONTACT US Latest project from Harvey Group - P86-90

Supporting Gas Safety P69-79

Plumbing & Heating meets Baxi’s Paul Clancy - P25

Plumbing & Heating Magazine is published on a bi-monthly basis and distributed throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland on a controlled circulation.

The Forge, 13b Lisburn Road, Moira BT67 0JR t +44 (0)28 9261 2990 - f +44 (0)28 9261 2091 e phini@kmpltd.co.uk w www.plumbingmag.com Publishers of: • Plumbing & Heating Magazine • Electrical Magazine • Northern Builder • Yearbooks • Diaries

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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Exi-tite LTd Dungannon Enterprise Centre 2 Coalisland Road Dungannon BT71 6JT Mobile: 07894 394752 Office: 028 8775 5342 Email: andrew@exi-tite.com www.exi-tite.com

• Package Rooftops

LENNOX

• Water Chillers • Condensing Units • Heat Recovery Units

FLEXY

• Air Handlers • FANS with integrated BMS Control

NEOSYS BALTIC

NEOSYS

Cooling (kW): 208 -1062 Heating (kW): 219 - 509 Air cooled chillers and heat pumps: • NAC Cooling only • NAH Heat pump

EXI-TITE LTD are now the Northern Ireland official sales agents for : • LENNOX • LG • Vectaire

FLEXY

CLEANAIR LX

FLEXY is the perfect solution from 85 kW up to 230 kW for cooling, heating and ventilation for commercial buildings, cinemas and theatres, industrial buildings and logistics centres.

Modular air handling units satisfy all forms of air treatment such as ventilation, filtration, heating, cooling, humidity and recovery.

Air Flow (m3/h): 1500 - 3900 Cooling (kW): 85 - 230 Heating (kW): 83 - 227

Air Flow (m3/h): 1.000 - 100.000 Cooling (kW): 5 - 550 Heating (kW): 10 - 1.300

MULTI V Heat Recovery and Heat Pump, Active Refrigerant Control, Variable Heat Exchanger and Smart Oil Control

news

news in BRIEF

Precision Heating takes to the road to support Irish Autism Action

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hris O’Brien and the team at Precision Heating recently completed an arduous 200km charity cycle.

From the company’s premises in Ballycoolin, Dublin 15, to Carlingford and back, the Precision Heating team cycled 200km over rocky ground, all in aid of Irish Autism Action. Chris O’Brien, Sales & Marketing Manager at Precision, said the going was tough.

“The standard of the road varied as we moved upwards. Once we got out of Dublin, the surface got very rocky and the inclines got very steep. We got very lucky with the weather, it stayed fine and sunny for the duration of the cycle.”

Although there aren’t too many keen cyclists in the

company, 23 staff members, along with family and friends and valued customers, took to the road.

Training began two months before the cycle, with participants getting out on the bike two or three times a week in preparation.

“We’ll definitely do another charity event but we may try something a bit different next year,” added Chris.

Precision Heating is one of Ireland’s leading suppliers of heating and renewable energy products to the building and construction Industry.

The firm is known as agents for some of the world’s leading manufacturers including Viessmann, Bentone, Saint Roch and Gledhill.

NTR blows towards Scotland

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n Irish renewable energy investor has expanded into Scotland with the acquisition of a wind farm.

NTR has announced the acquisition of the 24MW ‘Quixwood Moor’ wind project located in Berwickshire, Scotland.

NTR has acquired the preconstruction project from Banks Renewables Limited, a leading

renewable energy developer in the UK. The project is expected to enter construction in the autumn, and commissioning is targeted for Q4 2016.

NTR Chief Executive, Rosheen McGuckian, said, “Together with the acquisition of the single turbine site projects in Northern Ireland in 2014 and the recent acquisition of the 15MW Ora

More wind project in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, this takes NTR’s current total wind portfolio to 42MW.” NTR is targeting to build and operate circa 175MW of wind over the coming two years across the Irish and UK wind markets.

T: (RoI) 01 206 3700 or (NI) 00353 1 206 3700 W: www.ntrplc.com

Andrews Water Heaters, Potterton Commercial and SenerTec – which together make up Baxi Commercial – have been certified

by BSI to ISO 14001:2004.

B&ES Publications has launched a unique guide to offsite construction which will provide practical support for the effective use of offsite construction methods.

Worcester has launched a promotion allowing installers to claim a football shirt of their choice each time they purchase the new 50kW model of the GB162 boiler.

Installers will be able to redeem their preferred shirt from any of England and Scotland’s Premier League, Championship, League One and League Two clubs.

New research reveals Brits would rather live next door to a plumber than a doctor.

Plumbers came first in the top 10 list of the most valued neighbourhood occupations, according to a report by education charity the Edge Foundation.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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natural gas

NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES OPEN TO INSTALLERS WITH CONVERSION INCENTIVES FROM FIRMUS ENERGY…

Autumn opportunities for natural gas

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ow that the kids have gone back to school, many families are starting to look ahead and think about the colder, darker evenings approaching.

With the ongoing development of the natural gas network and the recent announcement that firmus energy has more than £1million of funding available through the ‘home comfort’ grant initiative for homes to convert to natural gas, installers have attended a briefing by the energy company to hear about the wealth of new business opportunities available to them.

Paul Stanfield, Director of Sales of Marketing at firmus energy, commented, “We are grateful for the support of local gas installers, retailers and manufacturers and we would like to thank them for taking the time to attend our recent briefings to hear our plans for the firmus energy network areas.

“We want to move forward and, with continued investment, we will deliver more connections and more customers into our network – which is great news for everyone.

“We realise that many natural gas installers

across the province may not have been able to attend our series of installer briefings and, as such, we want to assure them that there is a wealth of information, including details of home comfort grants, available on our website or by getting in touch with one of the team.”

To date, firmus has brought natural gas to more than 26,000 homes and businesses across Northern Ireland that didn’t have access to it before. In addition to homeowner incentives, the company plans to build on the foundations already in place for new housing developments, including NI Housing Executive properties and industry and commercial properties.

“The practical benefits of natural gas are very attractive to home-owners and for every house that converts from another fuel source, there is a business opportunity for a local installer,” continued Paul. “With instant hot water, more controllable cooking and cosy warmth, homes can enjoy that toasty feeling into the winter while benefitting from

increased efficiency through the installation of a highly-efficient natural gas boiler.

“Compared to an older boiler, a new natural gas boiler performs at more than 90% capacity which will ultimately benefit families as less fuel is wasted due to inefficiency.

“Natural gas is also an extremely safe fuel source and, as a highly regulated industry, installers must have specific training and be a member of the gas safe register.

Customers can rest-assured that all of our partner installers meet these stringent legislated criteria and any member of a firmus energy team will be happy to answer any questions on the safety of natural gas and point customers in the direction of the natural gas register. Just like any industry, the natural gas market is evolving regularly and new advances in technology have brought about changes in heating systems and boilers, with many newer models incorporating ‘smart’ features.

“Any installer who has a customer interested in a switch to natural gas should get in touch as soon as possible and we can easily check gas availability.”

EXPANSION During the last 10 years, firmus has developed more than 900km of pipeline and invested around £100 million in the local economy.

Due to the increasing popularity of the fuel, firmus has already been granted six extensions for areas outside the original licensed locations, including most recently, Bushmills and Ballyclare.

T: (NI) 0800 032 4567 or (RoI) 0044 800 032 4567 E: furtherinfo@firmusenergy.co.uk www.firmusenergy.co.uk*

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DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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Firmus FPA

Visit us on Stand 41 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

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news

news in BRIEF

Harvey Group acquires Solmatix

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ewtownabbey-based M&E services company, Harvey Group, has acquired Northern Ireland renewable energy specialist, Solmatix Renewables in a move the companies saya will transform the renewable energy sector in Northern Ireland and act as a springboard for further expansion into the multi-million pound UK and Ireland renewable energy markets.

Solmatix will continue to operate as an autonomous and independent company within Harvey Group.

Brian Harvey, Managing Director of Harvey Group, said, “Having worked with Solmatix Renewables on a number of contracts, we’d always been impressed with their engineering rigour and professionalism.”

Richard Bell, the founder and Managing Director of Solmatix Renewables, added, “In real terms, being part of this larger organisation will give us access to enhanced technical skills, financial resources and purchasing power.”

W: www.harveygroup.co.uk and www.solmatix.com

Top industry award for ACS

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erry-Londonderry company, ACS Controls, has won the Independent Building Controls and BEMS Installer of the Year award at the prestigious BCIA awards at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth.

“The BCIA Awards are revered within the industry and I hope that now that we have won the award we will now be able to take the business to the next level,” said owner, Ronan McElholm.

T: (NI) 028 7135 7356 or (RoI) 048 7135 7356 E: automatedcontrols@tiscali.co.uk W: www.automatedcontrols.org

Andrews Water Heaters, Potterton Commercial and SenerTec – which together make up Baxi Commercial – have been certified

by BSI to ISO 14001:2004, making them geared up to effectively manage their environmental impact.

Andrews Water Heaters has launched a brand new website, designed to create a userfriendly experience and making it easy for customers to find exactly the information they need.

The way plumbers find work looks set to change following the launch of revolutionary new app Ivan_intro. The free app, fronted by Ivan the mole, is aimed at helping plumbers and heating installers across the UK to promote themselves and develop their business via Twitter.

Hevac launches ventilation division

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evac Ltd has established a dedicated ventilation division to complement its existing product ranges, strengthening the company’s position as a market leader in the industry and its ability to offer a full mechanical package for both small and large scale projects.

Hevac Ventilation has teamed up with some of the most reliable and trusted brands in ventilation, such as Nuaire (fans and HRUs), robatherm (AHUs) and Advanced Air (dampers), and the division is headed up by Barry Naughton and Stephen Martin, both widely known and respected in the industry.

Hevac Ventilation can offer a full ventilation package, from specification stage right through to the supply and commissioning of the equipment.

T: (RoI) 01 419 1919 or (NI) 00353 1 419 1919 E: vent@hevac.ie W: www.hevac.ie

CFM Ltd scoops national award

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astledawson company, Combined Facilities Management (CFM) Ltd, has been named ‘Best Building Maintenance Provider’ at the recent Facilities Management Ireland Awards.

The judges said that CFM’s ability to step in at short notice and assist its clients in the way that it does is remarkable. In addition, the panel were impressed with the strategic growth that is being demonstrated by the company, as well as its contribution to the social economy.

Established over 40 years ago supplying plumbing and heating services to the mid-Ulster area, CFM has developed into an integrated building service provider responsible for the building, mechanical, electrical, repairs service and improvement works to 19,000 buildings throughout Ireland on behalf of social/ private housing bodies, insurance companies, health, education, commercial and industrial clients.

T: (NI) 028 7938 6451 or (RoI) 048 7938 6451 E: info@cfm-ni.com W: www.cfm-ni.com

Joe Keenan, CFM Ltd, accepts the ‘Best Building Maintenance Provider ‘award.

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worldskills 2015

PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE TALKS TO THREE YOUNG MEN WHO HAVE BEEN RECOGNISED AT THE BIGGEST SKILLS COMPETITION IN THE WORLD…

Medal success for the boys in Brazil

Gold for A Gary!

Gary Doyle pictured with his lecturer Ronnie Harris.

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Northern Ireland plumber has won one of the biggest skills awards in the industry by claiming a Gold medal at this year’s WorldSkills competition in Brazil.

Gary Doyle from Kilkinamurray has created history by becoming the first person from Northern Ireland to win a gold medal in the plumbing and heating category. Gary is also a student of Southern Regional College and is currently employed by Kieran Trainer Heating & Plumbing – both of whom have supported him through his long journey to the WorldSkills finals.

“I am over the moon to win a gold medal,” said a delighted Gary when he returned to Northern Ireland. “I was hoping to win a Medallion of Excellence but I never once expected to win the Gold medal. It was an amazing experience and I don’t think it has sunk in yet.”

WorldSkills is the skills equivalent of the Olympics and Gary was up against competitors from all over the world. In the end, he shared the Gold medal with Germany’s Nathanael Liebergeld, with three competitors from France, Australia and Japan sharing bronze medals.

Working in a mock-up version of a house, he had set deadlines to meet on each day while judges also tested him further by adding in a few additional challenges.

“We were only allowed to bring our own hand tools, so before the competition started we had the chance to familiarise ourselves with the materials and tools, such as the benders. The copper was really different as it is a lot thicker in Brazil, so tougher to bend.

“When the competition started, the first thing I had to do was order all the materials I would need. You lost points if you didn’t order enough but also if your waste was more than 1m of pipe, so you had to be as precise as possible.”

That set the tone for the competition, with precision the key for judges.

“I had a lot to do on the last day but I had it in my head what I needed to achieve,” explained Gary. “But the judges then came and said that the customer’s toilet wasn’t working and needed to be repaired, so I had to go and do that first before finishing everything else. They were replicating a live job and they definitely kept me on my toes.

“I’ve never worked as hard in my life. I was warned it was going to be tough, but I never expected it to be as difficult.”

In the end Gary was one of the only competitors

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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worldskills 2015

not to order additional materials and he completed all the modules with around 8 minutes to spare from the 21 hours allotted.

“When I finished I was happy I had done everything I could. Winning Gold was unbelievable and I want to thank my lecturer, Ronnie Ferris, employer Kieran Trainor and my family for all the support they gave me. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Ronnie Ferris, Plumbing & Heating Course Co-ordinator at SRC, said, “Gary deserves great credit for the dedication he’s shown in training for this competition. When I first started working with him I realised he had a natural talent but he has also worked extremely hard and made a lot of sacrifices so he’s more than deserving of this medal.

I was proud to be in Brazil with him and delighted he made history by winning this medal.”

Gary concluded, “I would definitely tell anyone interested in becoming a plumber to just go for it and I’d definitely say to have a go at the SkillBuild competitions. It’s a huge challenge but I’ve had to chance to train in Switzerland, Germany and Brazil, work with new tools and materials and challenge myself. I would never have had these opportunities without having taken part in the Skillbuild NI competitions.”

Silver lining for Chris

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hris Bailie, a refrigeration student at South Eastern Regional College, won a Silver medal at the WorldSkills competition in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Up against competitors from across the world, he narrowly missed out on the Gold medal which was awarded to a competitor from Chinese Taipei. In the end, Chris shared the Silver medal with a competitor from China.

His success was part of a momentous performance by Team UK throughout four days of intense competition that resulted in four medals and a Medallion of Excellence for the Northern Ireland competitors.

Jonathan’s plumbing excellence

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lumbing apprentice Jonathan Flynn did Ireland proud at the recent WorldSkills Competition in São Paulo.

Competing for Team Ireland in the Plumbing competition, Jonathan Flynn from Mayo came away from Brazil with a Medallion of Excellence. He got involved in WorldSkills after coming out on top in the National Skills competition, held yearly in Dublin. After 10 weeks of training under Pat O’Riordan from the Centre of Craft Studies at Cork Institute of Technology, Jonathan was off to São Paulo.

Jonathan Flynn, who won a Medallion of “Brazil was a brilliant Excellence in Brazil with Team Ireland, pictured with Pat O’Riordan, CIT who he trained with. experience. The pressure that you’re under and the pace that you work at is crazy but it was well worth it.”

Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo.

Each day, competitors were tasked with “I’ve been plumbing since I could walk. difficult, complicated modules.

When I was a child I would have went out to “We knew what the project was going to jobs with my father. I knew the basics of it be in advance of the competition and that’s before I even started. My father’s business is what I based my training around in Ireland. more domestic while the company I’m with But we also knew the project would be at the moment works more on the industrial changed by 30%. That was the difficult part. side. It’s good to experience both. In the I managed to get all my modules completed next two to three years, I’ll go back and each day, which was great.” work with my father.”

Out of 26 competing countries, Jonathan With apprenticeship numbers dwindling came 14th overall. “It was a great every year, WorldSkills is an excellent way to achievement but I think I possibly could showcase their skills. have done better. On the first day of the “Neither the National Skills Competition nor competition I fell behind in time by an hour WorldSkills are publicised enough in Ireland. and a half. That messed me up a little bit If they were promoted properly and if school and although I caught up by day three, there leavers were made aware that WorldSkills is was a lot of rushing.” basically the Trades Olympics, I think there Jonathan is the third generation plumber in would be more interest. It’s a shame more his family, following in the footsteps of his people don’t know about it.” grandfather and father.

Jonathan has been invited to give his views “Initially I didn’t want to get into plumbing to Solas in Dublin. at all. There were no apprenticeships for “I’ve been asked to represent the plumbing my other career options though so when a apprenticeship side and give my view on plumbing one came up I thought ‘Go for it’.” how they should be promoted and what With only six months to go before he’s needs to change to attract more people. fully qualified, Jonathan carried out his Plumbing is a fantastic trade to have, we just apprenticeship with Tim Kelly Group in need to get that message out there.”

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cover story

Launch of new-look Maxi Pod coincides with the complete Copper Industries range being ready for ErP Directive…

The evolution continues at Copper Industries

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A rated

opper Industries prides itself on staying ahead of the competition and two recent developments have highlighted this ethos.

The company has launched a newlook Maxi Pod which features improved aesthetics which further improve this already popular storage tank. Another example of Copper Industries remaining ahead of the competition is confirmation that the company’s complete range is fully compliant with the new Energy Related Products (ErP) Directive, which comes into force in September 2015.

Charlie Shivers, Managing Director of Copper Industries, explained, “We are always trying to stay ahead and improve both our products and service. With the Maxi Pod we have reached our peak in terms of efficiencies so the next obvious area to look at is the aesthetics. We are always listening to our customers and this is a reaction to this feedback.

“We are now set to roll out the new-look Maxi Pod and, as a thank you for their loyalty, we have done so at no extra cost to

“We are always trying to stay ahead and improve our products and service.”

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DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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cover story

“Our message regarding the ErP Directive is that we are here to help.” customers.”

The Maxi Pod is an innovative storage tank which provides instantaneous mains pressure hot water. Like all the products in the Copper Industries range, it is manufactured at the company’s state-ofthe-art facilities in Toome.

Not only does the Maxi Pod come with a 25year guarantee but it also offers a range of benefits over traditional hot water systems including vented mains pressure, instant hot water and heating, increased energy efficiency, simple installation and fresh water at hot and cold taps. It is also suitabile for multi-fuel situations.

The MaxiPod is just one of an innovative range of hot water cylinders developed by Copper Industries. This range also includes the EcoPod, AquaPod, SolarPod, HotHead and a besoke range of biomass buffer tanks.

This complete range is fully compliant with the new ErP Directive which requires energy labelling for all water heaters and hot water storage. As a result, an appliance’s energy efficiency rating has to be clearly displayed.

Under the new legislation, manufacturers will

be responsible for applying product tables and compliant energy with a detailed efficiency rating within their product packaging from September 26, 2015.

“Our message regarding the ErP Directive is that we are here to help,” added Charlie.

“This is a big change for the industry and we are aware of the fact that many installers are unsure of what they need to do regarding this new legislation.

“We work closely with all our customers and have an expert technical team who are here to help you with any queries.”

The forward-thinking attitude by Copper Industries is reflective of the company’s position as the fastest-growing independent manufacturer of standard and bespoke hot water cylinders.

Charlie concluded, “As an independent, local manufacturer we can offer a lot of advantages to our customers. We have our own independent testing facilities, a training centre and a Research and Development department, so we are always thinking ahead and always trying to improve.”

Complete range g Copper Industries is the fastestgrowing independent manufacturer of standard and bespoke hot water cylinders, calorifiers and combination units. The company’s range includes both domestic and industrial cylinders which are installed throughout Ireland and the UK. With over 30 years’ experience in the trade, Copper Industries’ state-of-the-art R&D facilities, coupled with technical support from inhouse plumbing professionals, enables the company to consistently deliver world-class products.

From domestic hot water cylinders through to industrial buffer tanks and calorifiers, all stainless steel and copper cylinders manufactured by Copper Industries are made to British Standards.

Visit us on Stand 48 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

Copper Industries (Ireland) Ltd, Shivers Business Park, 21 Hillhead Road, Toome, Co. Antrim, BT41 3SF (NI) T: 028 7965 9736 - F: 028 7965 0000 - (RoI) T: 048 796 59736 - F: 048 796 50000 www.copperindustries.co.uk

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MAGNETIC FILTRATION

JOHN VAUGHAN, MANAGING DIRECTOR, ADEY PROFESSIONAL John Vaughan, HEATING ADEY MD. SOLUTIONS, MAKES THE CASE FOR ENERGY SAVING THROUGH MAGNETIC FILTRATION TECHNOLOGY…

Accessible energy efficiency

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ith calls to replace the Green Deal with more effective and accessible solutions, at ADEY Professional Heating Solutions we believe the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) should look to the heating sector for effective household energy-saving solutions for homeowners and installers.

When the Energy Efficiency Deployment Office (EEDO) was set up by DECC in 2012, it was launched as a ‘SWAT team’ focused on improving energy efficiency for all and was tasked with identifying a range of measures that could cut the UK’s energy use by 11% by 2020.

That same year, ADEY was more than likely one of many manufacturers that responded to EEDO’s request for information about technologies that could help to deliver significant energy efficiency gains.

Unfortunately, it seems that the EEDO team was never able to act on the information gained from the exercise and it’s since come to light that DECC’s band of energy efficiency evangelists was dissolved.

When the Green Deal was eventually scrapped in July, DECC said it would work to find future schemes that provided better value for money, and support the goal of insulating one million more homes and tackle fuel poverty.

DECC now needs to give more than a cursory glance at the wealth of information initially provided to EEDO, which includes

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Visit us on Stand 3 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

low-cost technologies such as MagnaClean and ADEY’s award-winning approach to domestic boiler maintenance.

claimed that replacing 125,000 old G-rated boilers (below 70% efficiency at the time) as part of the scheme would save 140,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. This is equivalent to taking 45,000 cars off UK roads.

MAINTENANCE SAVINGS Installing a MagnaClean in just one million DECC recognises the domestic sector as of the UK’s 25 million-plus having the second highest households could save in energy use, accounting for the region of 225,000 tonnes around 31%. Furthermore, “The potential of CO2 annually. That’s space and water heating to make energy equivalent to removing in the domestic sector is savings through 72,000 cars off the road at thought to account for a a fraction of the cost of the staggering 80% of its total the installation of Boiler Scrappage Scheme, energy usage. The Energy effective magnetic and more than likely a Savings Trust also believes that boilers account for filtration technology fraction of the Green Deal too. around 60% of all domestic on central heating What’s more is that the key CO2 emissions in gasto unlocking these savings heated homes in the UK. systems is huge.” couldn’t be easier to access.

The potential to reduce It’s the bread and butter of carbon emissions and make every installer’s working day; heating system energy savings through the installation of maintenance. effective magnetic filtration technology on T: Noble Distribution Ireland (NI) 07980 central heating systems on a UK-wide scale 983708 or (RoI) 0044 7980 983708 is huge.

E: info@adey.com For example, during the delivery of the Boiler W: www.adey.com Scrappage Scheme, Government figures

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plumbing & heating awards 2016

Award categories now released…

Showcase your industry excellence and achievements by entering the only plumbing and heating awards in Northern Ireland.

Apprentice of the Year This award seeks to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding contribution of a leading apprentice.

Manufacturer’s Representative of the Year Your chance to nominate a sales representative who goes the extra mile.

Best Marketing Campaign This category will look at how well a company has marketed a new service and/or product across a number of platforms.

Best Digital Marketing Campaign An entry to this category must include significant use of online or digital technology to promote a product or service

Innovative Product of the Year This category looks at product development, innovation and visibility in the marketplace.

Mechanical Project of the Year This category is open to M&E consultants and/or contractors. Entries will be judged on a presentation of how they worked positively throughout a project to deliver high standards and meet strict deadlines. Categories include: • Domestic • Commercial, Industrial or Public Sector

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DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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plumbing & heating awards 2016

For further info…

FOR AN ENTRY FORM OR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT :

Cathie on 028 9261 2990 or e-mail cathie@kmpltd.co.uk

ENTER NOW!

GALA EVENT: June 9th, 2016, Hilton Hotel, Belfast

Contractor of the Year This category is open to all plumbing and heating/mechanical companies. Entries will be judged on the presentation of how you have provided a solution to a recent challenging project(s) within either or both of the following sectors: • Domestic • Commercial, Industrial or Public Sector

Plumbers’ Merchant of the Year Nominate your favourite plumbers’ merchant across four categories in this category: • Best Trade Counter • Best Customer Service • Best Family/Independent • Overall Plumbers’ Merchant of the Year

Green Technology Project of the Year Open to M&E consultants and/or contractors, this category will look at the use of ‘green’ technology to enhance the energy efficiency and sustainability of a project.

Unsung Hero of the Year This new category will recognise an individual within the plumbing and heating sector who makes a substantial contribution to their company, local community or charity.

Overall Achievement Award This category will recognise an individual or a company that has enhanced the plumbing and heating industry through their dedication and tireless hard work.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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TRAINING

NEIL GAFFNEY, MANAGING DIRECTOR VOKÈRA IRELAND, EXPLAINS HOW THE RIGHT TRAINING CAN MAKE AN INSTALLER’S LIFE EASIER…

Neil Gaffney

Making an investment in training

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ontinuous training is the best way for installers to keep up-to-date with the latest innovations within the boiler industry.

In our view, training remains a fundamentally important part of how we can help make the installer’s life easier. It’s essential for those who wish to keep up-to-speed with the latest gas boilers, renewables and control products on the market, as well as the installation procedures and best practice, which can help them save time and money on site. Arguably, these factors are even more critical against the backdrop of a competitive market where the best will stand out from the rest.

Technology is constantly evolving and, if installers stand still, there is a real chance that their knowledge and qualifications will become outdated. Improving installation and commissioning competencies on particular appliances will ensure they are equipped to deliver the best customer service and advice, for example, on boiler and flue location options, together with information on ancillary energy-saving controls which can reduce the homeowner’s fuel bills.

New and upcoming legislation is also an important issue for installers to understand.

The Energy-related Products and Energy Labelling Directives ‘ErP’ will soon be taking effect and, consequently, Vokèra will be including an ErP module across all of its courses to ensure that installers understand their responsibilities under these European Directives.

Installer training should focus on the needs of the engineer, helping the installer to become familiar with the product and to be able to carry out quick and simple installation or repairs. It should also be well-structured to ensure that installers can cover the key areas as efficiently and informatively as possible. This includes the different appliances themselves installation, operation, wiring, flueing, benchmark completion, fault finding and commissioning. A comfortable, fully equipped and modern training environment is also important, with top-rate instructors capable of keeping installers engaged throughout the day, of course.

FACILITIES Installers working across Ireland also need to have training facilities in locations that are near to them and are easy to get to. Vokèra has a dedicated training facility in Callan, Co Kilkenny, which is currently being refurbished, as well as a number of satellite centres both north and south. All the training courses on offer are run across the centres and one-to-one sessions can be arranged at all venues.

This flexible approach means installers receive the right training at a time that suits them.

As one of the market-leading brands in Ireland, Vokèra takes great pride in the quality of its training courses to deliver real value and provide a rewarding

“If installers stand still, there is a real chance that their knowledge and qualifications will become outdated.” experience for installers.

Our view is that ‘we do not try to sell you boilers on these courses, they sell themselves’. Instead, we focus on delivering real value for the engineer so they leave feeling completely confident about installing and attending products. In light of these ambitions, we’re delighted to report that 99.7% of attendees rate Vokèra courses as ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’. This is one statistic that we monitor very closely indeed to ensure that we continue to maintain the highest possible standards for our customers.

Attending training courses is vital for installers to keep up-to-date with legislation, technology and product innovations.

Making training courses as accessible and educational as possible is an important part of a manufacturer’s role, and one that Vokèra is keen to push.

T: (NI) 00353 5 677 55055 or (RoI) 05 677 55055 E: training@vokera.co.uk www.vokera.ie

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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beggs & partners golF day

Dressed for the warm weather are Cyril Ronaghan, Andrew Dickson, Adrian Murray and Simon Woods.

Colin Swann, Ian Beggs, Barry Gilliland and Darren Bougourd about to tee off.

PAR FOR THE COURSE AS BEGGS & PARTNERS ENJOY YET ANOTHER SUPER DAY’S SPORT AT ANNUAL GOLF DAY…

Fine day out on the fairways

Tony Lancaster, Vincent Broderick and Barry McQuillan prepare to hit the greens.

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David Kelly, Alan Weir and Paul Elliott on the first tee.

eggs & Partners held its annual golf day in the familiar surroundings of Royal Belfast Golf Club and, with numerous winning categories up for grabs, there was the added bonus of hole-in-one prizes, one of which was won by Raymond Scott.

The overall winner was David Ray, who pipped William Fleming to top spot. Third place was taken by Mark Currie.

Nearest the pin prize was won by Sam Brown; longest drive and supplier prize, Jonathan Collier; putting competition, Gerard Dowds; and team prize, Richard Robinson, Martin Collins, Mark Gunda and William Fleming.

T: (NI) 028 9023 5791 or (RoI) 048 9023 5791 W: www.beggsandpartners.com

John Savage, Chris Nesbitt, Eamon Clark and Francis Glackin look forward to a great day’s golf.

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John Halliday, Ian Kerr and Jackie Lynch pose for the camera.

Stephen Darragh, Eamon Lyndsay and Colin Mochin get ready to tee off.

Seamus Mulvenna, Clifford Worthington, Brian Beggs and Brendan McKay and enjoy the day out.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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beggs & partners golF day

Looking confident are Francis Scullion, Jeffrey Moorhead, Edmund Hutton and John Williamson.

Gerard Dowds, Damien McMullan, Eugene Kealey and Jimmy Moody look forward to the competition.

Some smart dressing from Aaron Frogley, Ronnie Bell, Trevor Sloan and Sam Brown.

Looking relaxed before match are Paul Watson, Barry Maguire, David Rea and Jonathan Collier.

William Fleming, Martin Collins, Richard Robinson and Mark Gunda prepare for play.

Tony Livingston, Stephen Bryans, Jack Gourley and Jim Watton get together for the day.

David Taylor, Wayne Hutton, Raymond Scott and Des McCausland at the tee-off.

Happy faces from Scott Hamilton, Derek Logan, Kevin Brown and Ronnie McReynolds.

Norman Beggs, Ryan Nugent, John Leonard and Tom Dorrian look forward to the day’s play.

Mark Currie, Michael Turkington, Eoghan Turner and Paul Gray get ready to do battle.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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product news

Latest addition to the innovative 7 Series will combat leaks in all heating systems…

Prevent leaks with Plumb7

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ontech Building Products – pioneers of the innovative 7 Series of products – has launched a new solution to stop leaks in all heating systems.

If you have a leak, then simply reach for Plumb7. Just one bottle of this fast and efficient new solution can be used to seal leaks in closed as well as open heating systems in both household and industrial applications. Plumb7 offers effective solution to leaks in radiators, convectors, circulation pumps, central heating pipes and underfloor heating systems, amongst others.

It provides a quick and permanent seal that does not impair flow.

Not only that, but in line with the innovative 7 Series, Plumb7 is simple to use, prevents rust and corrosion and enhances the pump lubrication.

It is perfect as either a fast and effective solution to stop a leak or as preventative action to stop the occurrence of leaks in the first place.

Plumb7 is the latest addition to the 7 Series, with Tec7 respected as the Number 1 choice for those working in the construction trades.

For more information on Contech Building Products telephone 07557 766143, e-mail: info@contechbuildings.ie or visit the website at www.tec7.ie

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DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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people profile

P&H

PAUL CLANCY

meets

DENISE MAGUIRE MEETS PAUL CLANCY, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BAXI POTTERTON MYSON, TO FIND OUT HOW CYCLING IS HELPING TO BUILD A STRONG TEAM ETHIC…

Paul’s pedal power makes a difference

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nsuring staff fulfil their potential is a large part of Paul Clancy’s role at Baxi Potterton Myson but the MD still makes time for the odd charity cycle or two and is finding a correlation between the two.

Paul has been Managing Director at Baxi Potterton Myson for the past eight years.

Previously with Tetra Pak in Sweden, a buoyant construction sector at home convinced Paul to make the move back to Ireland.

“Although my last role was in the agrifood industry, business is business at the end of the day. It’s all about the customer regardless of what sector you’re in.”

Paul’s role in Baxi Potterton Myson is largely strategic; a large part of his time is spent motivating people and putting efficient, workable development plans in place.

“I sit on the executive management board in the UK so I spend a lot of time over there as well, but alongside that, I’m very much involved in training and development and maximising ability.”

The downturn in the construction sector has been the biggest change Paul has seen since entering the industry.

“When that hit, the business became more about making sure the organisation was fit for purpose and ensuring we had the right people in the right place, properly motivated to deliver what the customer required during that challenging time.”

The firm was quick to reorganise and put plans in place to downscale.

“We had massive transformations over that period which made us a stronger company.

We had to dig deep and work harder to survive.

Now we’re stronger, the market is improving and we’re ready for the upturn.”

Paul believes that, although there are strong signs of an improvement in the sector, these green shoots are hampered by a huge shortage of housing.

Paul Clancy, Managing “In 2007 there were Director of 96,000 houses built Baxi Potterton Myson. while only 8,000 were built last year. We’re also seeing a massive need for social housing. I think, for this situation to improve, we need to cut out the bureaucracy and implement a system whereby people in rental properties are given the opportunity to buy their own homes.”

Alongside delivering on results, Paul’s favourite part of the business is seeing people around him develop. “It could be someone who started off in a warehouse progressing to a senior management role.

I’m very much committed to training and development.”

Spending quality time with family and friends and taking part in charity cycles makes up a large part of Paul’s time outside of work.

Recently he completed the tough Inishowen 100 cycle in Donegal in aid of Foyle Search and Rescue and the Irish Hospice

Visit us on Stand 21 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

Foundation. A 100-mile cycle over a rocky, steep surface completed in just a few hours, it wasn’t for the fainthearted.

“I started training at the end of January. It’s an extremely challenging route. I think if you can do the Inishowen, you can do any cycle in Ireland!”

Paul also recently completed a fiveday cycle in Italy for the Irish Hospice Foundation, raising about €4,000. Over a route stretching from Genoa to Rome, Paul cycled 600km over five days.

“It was quite hot but lovely cycling weather through beautiful Tuscany terrain. We ended up in Rome and were able to cycle right into the Vatican.” Next up is Lap the Lough in Northern Ireland at the end of August, a 100mile cycle over one day.

Charity cycles are part of the culture at the firm, with 10 of Paul’s colleagues completing the Ring of Kerry recently.

“Over the past five years, we started doing a lot of cycles from Dublin to Wexford and that’s really how it started. It’s an excellent team building exercise and it’s also a great way to get ourselves out of the work environment to socialise and do something good at the same time. It has gained so much momentum that some of our UK colleagues are now joining us on our cycles.”

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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ACCREDITED PRODUCTS

There is absolutely no room in the market for non-compliant plumbing products and, as a responsible manufacturer, it’s our duty to raise awareness of the pitfalls of installing unaccredited equipment, states Gary Perry, Altecnic’s Technical Director…

Authentic.Accredited.Altecnic

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ltecnic’s Tripe A rated trade campaign - ‘Accredited, Authentic, Altecnic’ – continues to highlight the problems of ‘Lookey Likey’ products and since we launched it last year it has proved a great success. But more work on this issue is needed.

As Europe’s leading manufacturer and supplier of superior plumbing equipment, we launched the Triple A rated trade campaign to raise awareness amongst plumbing professionals of the importance of only specifying fully accredited and EU

compliant products.

There’s an increasing industry wide problem with these so-called ‘lookey likey’ products flooding the market. Although, on the face of it, they look the part, they most definitely do not meet the strict legislative guidelines that are designed to protect plumbers if a product fails!

These products have not been through the rigorous independent accreditation processes that Altecnic puts its products through and they will certainly not legally protect a plumber who, knowingly or unknowingly, installs one and it fails.

At Altecnic we have always been committed to investing in new technology which fully meets all European and internationally accredited standards. By looking for products in distribution which have Altecnic’s easily identifiable Triple A rating, plumbers can be confident they are meeting all current UK

legislative requirements. The Triple A rating will also give plumbers the peace of mind they are installing products that have been designed using the high quality manufacturing techniques which are easy to fit and maintain.

Our aim is to make sure every installer and distributor recognises when a product meets all current building regulations. It’s essential that plumbers understand the importance of choosing fully accredited products and don’t unknowingly risk their reputation and business on lower quality, non-compliant goods.

Choosing independently certified equipment not only makes sure that installers meet their legal obligations, but also demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and best practice which is what every successful business and its reputation should be based on.

Our reputation is important to use and that is

“At Altecnic we have always been committed to investing in new technology.”

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DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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ACCREDITED PRODUCTS

Visit us on Stand 4 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

why, over the last 25 years, we have worked closely with the plumbing and heating industry in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to ensure we are recognised as a reputable and trusted brand, with names such as Caleffi, Imit, Airaga, Reflex etc.

We’ve had a record number of our tried, tested and trusted products sold across Ireland and we are continuing to develop our product range.

As we move forward our Triple A campaign will continue to run across key trade press titles, at exhibitions and through various social media channels. In addition, our technical team are supporting this awareness drive by providing detailed expert advice and guidance regarding accredited compliant products to ensure all installations meet current UK building regulations, so if you have a question please get in touch with us.”

“Choosing independently certified equipment not only makes sure that installers meet their legal obligations, but also demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and best practice.”

Nitrogen filled expansion vessels lead UK market

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wo years after bringing nitrogen-filled Reflex expansion vessels to the market, Altecnic, the UK’s leading supplier of accredited plumbing equipment, is celebrating as Reflex becomes the fastest growing brand of expansion vessels in the UK. Following the successful partnership between Altecnic and German-based Reflex Winkelmann GmbhH, sales of the nitrogen-filled Reflex expansion vessels have soared as installers experience the benefits and reliability of the next-generation vessels.

The vessels have already proved so popular that the company expanded the range earlier this year to meet demand with the launch of two new vessels, including the high-pressure PVK 16 bar and the PVA vertical vessels with optional flowjet valve. Now it has taken steps to increase stock levels to ensure it can continue to meet growing demand over the winter months.

Altecnic’s Technical Director, Gary Perry, commented, “There’s been a real buzz about the Reflex range ever since we teamed up with Reflex Winkelmann two years ago, which is why we recently decided to offer a fiveyear warranty on the whole range to support plumbers and installers.

“The positive feedback we have had about the vessels prompted us to introduce the new products so plumbers and installers can experience the Reflex’s benefits in more high-pressure and poor flow scenarios.”

Unlike air-filled expansion vessels, nitrogen is an inert gas which does not oxidise. Controlled tests conducted by Reflex Winkelmann demonstrated that Reflex vessels perform more efficiently over a longer period of time because they are not subject to the harmful corrosive effects of oxidation.

The high performance Reflex vessels are now also available as part of Altecnic’s market leading sealed system Robokit range. Designed to eliminate the need to fit, feed and vent tanks in the central heating system, the Robokit also comes with a WRAS approved filling loop, used to fill sealed systems with mains cold water, CE approved and WRAS approved safety relief valve with gauge, brass quattro manifold and vessel mounting bracket for sizes from 8 to 35 litres.Altecnic is Europe’s leading supplier of quality plumbing equipment, committed to offering a wide choice of innovative, accredited products. Part of the global Caleffi organisation, Altecnic is a carbon neutral company, providing an extensive range of everyday and specialist items made to the highest international standards. Through collaboration with engineers, merchants and blue-chip manufacturers, Altecnic continues to invest in bringing new products and services to market.

Altecnic Ltd, Mustang Drive, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 1GW T: (RoI) 0044 1785 218208 or (NI) 01785 218208 E: oemsales@altecnic.co.uk W: www.altecnic.co.uk

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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boilers

ENHANCEMENTS TO VAILLANT’S ECOTEC BOILER RANGE WILL HELP INSTALLERS MEET THE ERP DIRECTIVE…

“Vaillant has launched a programme of activity to make compliance easy.”

Vaillant helps installers deliver on ErP through enhanced boiler range

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eating and hot water specialist Vaillant has launched a range of energy efficient boilers as part of its ecoTEC range to help installers meet the Energy related Products (ErP) Directive head on and deliver optimum efficiency for their customers. The new boilers are also Vaillant’s most powerful models yet.

Under the Energy-related Products (ErP) Directive, which comes into force on September 26, an Energy Label will need to be supplied with any heating appliance that is ErP compliant and it will be the installer’s responsibility to ensure customers receive this label as a way of understanding how efficient their boiler is.

The all new ecoTEC plus combination and system boilers and the ecoTEC pro combination models from Vaillant boast high-efficient pumps and are certified with an ‘A’ ErP rating. A new version of the ecoTEC plus open vent boiler has also been launched.

Not only are the new ecoTEC models fully ErP compliant, when combined with any Vaillant control, such as the VRC 470 weather compensator, they deliver superior efficiency. The enhanced range directly replaces the previous ecoTEC plus and pro appliances and offers ‘A’ ratings across heat outputs, domestic hot water efficiency, as well as reduced dimensions on the range of ecoTEC open vent boilers.

The enhancements have been designed to deliver ultimate efficiency without

Visit us on Stand 34 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

compromising on power and include the introduction of ecoTEC plus combination and system models with increased flow rate on the combination range, making them ideal for installations which require a more advanced boiler with greater outputs. The ecoTEC plus combination boiler is now available with a 35kw output and a 30kw model has been incorporated into the ecoTEC pro portfolio.

New additions to the ecoTEC plus open vent boilers include 12kw and 24kw models.

The innovative boilers are fully modulating for maintaining higher efficiencies at lower outputs. In addition, they are fully compatible with the existing range of Vaillant accessories including flues, variable termination kits, cylinders, controls and renewables. The combination model is also compatible with passive flue gas heat recovery devices (PFGHRD).

ERP SUPPORT To further support installers with the ErP Directive, Vaillant has launched a programme of activity to make compliance easy. This has included the introduction of an online calculation tool to assist in calculating system labels and training courses that will not only aid installers in dealing with the new legislation, but offer regular refreshers to maximise their knowledge and skills.

Vaillant’s latest ErP seminar has been certified under CPD and accredited by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). In addition, Vaillant has

produced a handy ErP guide for installers which is available at www.vaillant.co.uk Mark Derbyshire, Commercial Director at Vaillant, comments: “We’re committed to fully supporting installers as the industrychanging regulations come into force and the enhancements to our ecoTEC range is just one way we’re delivering on this.

In fact, not only have we upgraded the range to simply meet the regulations, but we’ve greatly improved the boilers to offer the ultimate energy efficient package suitable for all market sectors. The models are compatible with existing controls and accessories, meaning installers can integrate a total solution from one reliable brand – simplifying installation and offering consistency and reassurance for their own customers.

“Our focus will remain on working closely with installers and we encourage installers to fully utilise our services and support, whether through the new and improved ecoTEC range or through our online tools and training.”

To explore the full ecoTEC range or to find out more about ErP and download the essential guide to ErP, visit www.vaillant. co.uk T: Catherine Russell, Ireland Director of Sales on (NI) 07767 377670 or (RoI) 0044 7767 377670 or Derek Hunter on (NI) 07534 469419 or (RoI) 0044 7534 469419 www.vaillant.co.uk

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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renewables, energy efficiency & ErP

Want to know more about Part L? Plumb Centre at Chadwick’s and Heiton Buckleys in hosting a series of information evenings nationwide to help plumbers, builders, architects, engineers and end users understand the new Part L Building Regulations.

PART L INFORMATION EVENINGS In partnership with our suppliers, our experts will demystify some of the topics and issues around Part L.

Find out where your nearest Part L Information Evening is being held.

See in store for more information or contact Emmet Boylan on 087 691 8153 or email: emmet.boylan@gmroi.ie

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Plumb Centre’s Part L information events will continue at venues across the country.

A series of information evenings is ensuring Plumb Centre’s customers are up to speed when it comes to the new Part L Building Regulations…

Plumb Centre’s push forward with Part L education

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ver the last number of months, Plumb Centre has been holding Part L information evenings nationwide.

Commenting on the success of the information evenings, Regional Heating Manager Robin Verhagen, said, “We realised soon after the new regulation changes were implemented that there was quite a lot of confusion out there, not just with builders and plumbers but also architects, engineers and end users.

“People were unsure of what they needed to do in order to comply with the new regulations, in particular Part L which is concerned with the conservation of energy and the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

“In order to try and help with this knowledge gap, we teamed up with our suppliers and together with our mutual expertise in the area, put together a presentation that helped to demystify some of the topics and issues around Part L. We held a series of very successful open nights which saw over 600 people in attendance and we have many more events planned.”

Robin continued, “The message that we want to get out there is that we would like people to come to us with their issues and queries as we have the expertise to help. We are encouraging builders, plumbers, architects, engineers and end users to come into any of our nationwide branches.

“We, in partnership with our suppliers, can help with their queries in how to comply with the new building regulations in the most cost efficient and effective way. We are uniquely placed to do this as unlike some of our competitors, we are involved in all areas of the house build and so supply products and expertise to suit.”

To find out more about Plumb Centre Part L information evenings near you, contact your local Plumb Centre branch at Chadwicks or Heiton Buckleys nationwide.

T: (RoI) 01 4034000 or (NI) 00353 1 4034000 E: Emmet.Boylan@GMROI.ie W: www.plumbcentre.ie

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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showers & sanitary ware

Showers and Sanitary Ware

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PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE LOOKS AT THE LATEST NEWS in showers and sanitary ware‌

Bassetts

Saniflo reveals the beauty and benefits of shower cubicles

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ubicles offer a swift and hassle-free showering solution for any shape or size of bathroom and ensuite.

In most cases, you can have a watertight enclosure (without using silicone), complete with the shower, controls and doors fitted and ready to enjoy in less than two hours. As with fitting any shower, there are just three main considerations - floor construction, waterproofing, and drainage.

The Kinedo range of superior quality shower cubicles includes Kinemagic Serenity, Kinemagic Design, Kinemagic Style, Horizon, Moonlight, Kineprime and Consort.

T: (NI) 020 8842 0033 or (RoI) 0044 20 8842 0033 W: www.saniflo.co.uk

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Page No 34-35

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Haldane Fisher Page No 38-39

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Methven taps into design with additions to Aio range Croydex Page No 41

feature highlights...

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ollowing the successful launch of its stunning Aio shower range, Methven has extended the collection with the addition of complementary tapware.

The range is manufactured from Eco Brass - a revolutionary high-quality, high-strength material which is lead and heavy metal free, providing enhanced corrosion resistance.

Aio tapware is characterised by sophisticated simplicity, with an integrated lever and body design combined with precision engineering.

The collection features a variety of models, designs and sizes suitable for all water pressure systems.

W: www.methven.com/uk

RAK creates new market option with Origin 62

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AK Ceramics has introduced a new compact bathroom range, to meet the huge demand for affordable, design-led sanitaryware.

New Origin 62 has the sleek, contemporary lines of a premium product range, but is priced to appeal to all sectors. The range includes two WCs and matching basins.

Origin 62 sanitaryware options include a close coupled and back to wall WC, whilst basins include two full pedestal designs and a semi-recessed model.

T: (NI) 01730 237 850 or (RoI) 0044 01730 237 850 E: marketing@rakceramics.co.uk W: www.rakceramics.co.uk

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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MD irelanD’S New bathroom collection by bemodern

showroom collection

bemodern Offering an extensive range of innovative and desireable products designed to suit all of your bathroom needs.

Contact‌ HEAD OFFICE: Portman Business Park, Lissue West Industrial Estate, Rathdown Walk, Moira Road, Lisburn, BT28 2RF. E: sales@mdireland.com - T: +44 (0)28 9262 0400 - F: +44 (0)28 9262 2939

showers & sanitary ware

Kinedo offers quality shower solution

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he range of Kinedo cubicles from Saniflo is becoming widely accepted as a quality shower solution for house builders up and down the UK. Following hot on the heels of the product being used in new developments

by Broadgate Homes and Kensington Developments, Larkfleet Homes of Lincolnshire has specified the unit in several of its new developments in the East Anglian region. During the next

year, 120 Kinedo Horizon cubicles will feature in the builder’s high quality developments of apartments and houses.

Available in corner, quadrant and recessed versions, Horizon is supplied complete with a modern, built- in shower valve, contemporary rainshower head, handset and hose, and doesn’t need tiling and grout.

T: (NI) 020 8842 0033 or (RoI) 0044 20 8842 0033 W: www.saniflo.co.uk

Barwood Products launches new product brochure

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The Triton T80Z Fast-Fit lives up to its name

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he T80Z Fast-Fit, the very latest generation of Triton T80 and a household favourite for over 30 years, combines great features for homeowners and installers alike.

Designed with easy shower replacement in mind, it’s packed with features to simplify installation, featuring eight water and six cable entry points, including Swing-Fit left or right wiring terminal and Swivel-Fit left or right water inlet connection. T T: (RoI) 01 628 6845 or (NI) 00353 1 628 6845 E: sales@earthridge.ie W: www.tritonshowers.ie

arwood Products has launched a new brochure for 2015, showcasing the company’s extensive portfolio of superior quality designs for the special needs and independent living sectors.

The 32-page brochure provides a comprehensive overview of the Barwood Products range, including the new Duo walkin shower baths, plus Doc M packs, rise and fall frames, shower seats, showering packs and much more.

T: (NI) 01782 561 814 or (RoI) 0044 1782 561 814 E: info@barwoodproducts.com W: www.barwoodproducts.com

Kinemagic cubicles – now with the option of an electric shower

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ollowing the upgraded range of Kinemagic cubicles, Saniflo has developed a new optional panel that allows the fixing of an electric shower unit of the customer’s choice.

The drillable panel is mounted on a high quality metallic frame and perfectly complements the styling of the Kinemagic cubicle.

W: www.kinemagic.co.uk

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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company news

Significant investment in new website and showrooms in L’Derry and Coleraine shows confidence in the industry…

Bassetts unveils new showrooms in the North West

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assetts has once again highlighted the company’s forward-thinking attitude with the launch of a new website and investment in two bathroom showrooms in the North West.

The company’s committed drive to deliver high standards of customer service is reflected in the new user-friendly website. It has also been enhanced with the opening of a beautiful new showroom at the company’s Derry-Londonderry branch. An extension to Bassetts Coleraine is also well underway, which will see the unveiling of a new bathroom showroom with a dedicated tile studio.

The moves follow swiftly on from a series of internal personnel changes that have delivered enhanced contractor support through a consolidated commercial and sales team.

“By investing significantly in the company we are showing a confidence that we hope will transfer to our customers,” said Alan Wright, Managing Director, Bassetts. “The industry has been through some tough times

“By investing significantly in the company we are showing a confidence that we hope will transfer to our customers.”

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company news

The Bassetts L’Derry team (from left) John Fielding, Gareth Lowry, Kevin Kelly, Gary Heggarty, and Dermott Mitchell.

New website launched

in recent years but we are remaining positive and this latest round of investment is all about enhancing our customer service levels further.”

The investment in the new showroom at Bassetts L’Derry is a statement of intent, with the plumbers’ merchants creating an inspirational space for customers to view the company’s extensive range of bathrooms, showers, tiles and bathroom furniture.

Bassetts L’Derry is based in a former railway station at Victoria Road and sits alongside the picturesque River Foyle. The new showroom combines the best of this beautiful building and location.

Far from a simple refurbishment, the showroom was completely gutted during the three-week project, with the company only losing seven days of trading during the holiday period.

“We’ve retained the character of the building and made the most of our setting to create a fantastic bathroom showroom experience

for our customers,” explained Kevin Kelly, Branch Manager at Bassetts L’Derry. “There has been a lot of extra effort by the staff but this hard work has been worth it. We have received such a positive reaction since opening and it has provided us with a real boost.”

The concept of the new showroom is to create a complete bathroom setting that customers can visualise in their home.

“It showcases the variety of products and styles we have on offer, so there is something for every taste and every budget,” added Kevin. “We’ve also introduced a Tile Studio that will showcase our complete range of tiles, which is a first in any Bassetts branch.”

In addition to the new L’Derry showroom, Bassetts Coleraine is also set to double in size. Work is underway at the branch at Cloyfin Road to provide an extended bathroom showroom that will follow a similar concept to Bassetts L’Derry.

g Bassetts has relaunched its website - www.bassettsonline.com - to reflect the company’s comprehensive offering to both the general public and trade.

Using Customer-Journey Mapping to identify customers’ needs, Bassetts has developed a website that allows users to easily navigate through an informative, friendly and personal online journey. The website includes sections for bathrooms, tiles, plumbing and heating and renewables as well as a dedicated trade section and branch locator.

Julianna Andrews, Marketing, Bassetts, explained, “The digital market is an increasingly important area and our new website reflects this. It will be used as a directional tool to provide inspiration for our customers and encourage them to visit our showrooms.

“It will also be a useful for our trade customers who can use the website to show home-owners a range of ideas and product information. The new website is an important first step and we will use this as a foundation to build our digital offering in the future.”

Bassetts L’Derry, Victoria Road, L’Derry BT47 2AB T: +44 (0)28 7134 3218 – F: +44 (0)28 7134 9232 – E: info@bassettsonline.com W: www.bassettsonline.com

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JIM BRENNAN, WIRQUIN’S BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER FOR IRELAND, TALKS TO PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE ABOUT THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JOB…

On the road with Wirquin’s Jim Brennan

J Visit us on Stand 36 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

Jim Brennan, Wirquin Business Development Manager for Ireland.

im Brennan has worked in the plumbing industry for 25-years and joined Wirquin a year ago as Business Development Manager for Ireland.

He particularly enjoys working for a family-run company whose ethos is to continually invest, develop and improve existing and new products, making it an internationally-renowned, leading sanitary equipment manufacturer.

“The most exciting part of the job is introducing new, innovative products to customers and receiving their positive feedback,” said Jim. “My favourite Wirquin product is the Macdee Slim shower trap because of the positive feedback I receive from installers, OEMs and specifiers. They particularly like its flat design as it fits under low shower trays, without the need to dig into the cement, and it has the fastest flow rate on the market.”

Jim manages all Wirquin accounts around Ireland, with sales worth over £1.2million. He is in daily contact with customers and regularly organises Wirquin breakfast mornings for installers, and product training sessions for customers in stores, to listen to their needs and offer innovative solutions.

“The Wirquin breakfast mornings are a hands-on opportunity to show customers key products including the Macdee Motion universal dual flush siphon, the Jolly range of inlet and flushing valves and the Slim shower trap range,” explains Jim. “They can also expect to receive information on the features and benefits of the Wirquin product ranges and be entered into free prize draws. The mornings are a valuable opportunity for installers to learn more about new products and to be in a strong position to make clever buying choices, as well as recommend them to their customers.”

Jim’s most recent product training evening was hosted at Beggs & Partners, Belfast. Managing Director, Robert Best, commented, “Honestly, it was one of the better presentations we have hosted.

It had a bit of everything, including banter and laughter - and also a bit of knowledge about the product, which always helps!”

Jim looks forward to meeting more installers, distributors and independent merchants in stores around Ireland and on the Wirquin stand (stand 46) at Northern Ireland’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event in Belfast in September. He will be presenting a wide range of innovative water-saving products and offering invaluable technical advice, product information and giveaways.

Contact Jim Brennan, Wirquin Business Development Manager for Ireland, T: (NI) 0844 412 2029 or (RoI) 0044 844 412 2029 E: sales@wirquin.co.uk W: www.wirquin.co.uk

“The Wirquin breakfast mornings are a hands-on opportunity to show customers key products.”

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DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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showers & sanitary ware

SPECIALIST BATHROOM FIXTURES AND FITTINGS FROM BARWOOD PRODUCTS…

Ambulant WC packs for public places

I

t can sometimes be confusing working your way around the legislation for washrooms in commercial buildings, but with the right contacts, any lack of understanding can be quickly and easily resolved.

Legally, in the UK, every public toilet installation should feature at least one ‘ambulatory accessible’ WC cubicle in same-sex washrooms. The cubicle must be designed and installed in accordance with particular specifications to ensure it is accessible for people that can walk, but are in some way impaired - pregnant, age or less able - but not wheelchair bound.

And, even if there is only one cubicle in the washroom, this must be suitable for an ambulant disabled person.

Barwood Products provides specialist advice and guidance on this and other regulation driven products to help you make the right decision over which products are

right for a given situation.

The company supplies two ambulant WC packs that tick all the regulatory boxes, including modern close coupled and back to wall WCs. Each is set at the correct height of 480mm and features a toilet seat with lateral movement buffers and stainless steel hinges for the best possible stability.

Ambulant packs include four grab rails in a choice of colours, including the rail for the back of the cubicle door (a mandatory requirement). Colour is not only available to ensure an aesthetic decorative finish, but contrasting rail grabs are also helpful for visually- impaired ‘ambulant’ people.

Concealed fixings are supplied as standard for a safe and neat finish to the installation, T: (NI) 01782 561814 or (RoI) 0044 1782 561814 E: info@barwoodproducts.com W: www.barwoodproducts.com

“Barwood Products can help you make the right decision over which products are right for a given situation.”

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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showers & sanitary ware

The new dedicated plumbing and heating trade counter at Haldane Fisher’s Ladas Drive branch.

Haldane Fisher’s Eamonn McCarthy, Associate Director for Plumbing & Heating, (far right) and Ricky Kelly, Plumbing & Heating Manager (front, centre), pictured with some of the manufacturer’s representatives who took part in the Q&A session at the Ladas Drive branch.

Ricky Kelly, Plumbing & Heating Manager and Mark Harrison, Plumbing & Heating Sales, at the new Ladas Drive trade counter.

New Ladas Drive trade counter and the appointment of a new Showroom Development Manager marks continued evolution of plumbing and heating division…

Investment continues at

Haldane Fisher H

aldane Fisher continues to invest in the company’s plumbing and heating division with the opening of a dedicated trade counter in Belfast and the appointment of Noel Duff as Showroom Development Manager.

Following hot on the heels of the appointment of Eamonn McCarthy as Associate Director for Plumbing & Heating and Paul McDowell as the new sales representative covering the Lisburn, Bangor and Belfast branches, Haldane Fisher has again highlighted the company’s commitment to improving service.

Noel Duff joins from Robinson and Butler and brings extensive industry experience to the newly created role of Showroom

Development Manager. In this role, Noel will focus on boosting the showroom aspect of the division as well as working directly with contractors and consultants to supply a wide range of projects for major contracts.

“Noel is well known and well respected in the industry and I am looking forward to working closely with him to enhance our showrooms,” said Eamonn. “Noel’s appointment is part of our continual drive for improvement and the addition of someone so experienced can only be a good thing for Haldane Fisher and our customers.

“This is all part of our overall vision for the plumbing and heating division within Haldane Fisher and it further strengthens

Noel Duff, Showroom Development Manager

an already strong team.”

Noel, who has also previously worked for Shires Bathrooms and Spendlove C.Jebb within the plumbing and heating industry, added, “I am looking forward to this new challenge and I am excited about the plans Haldane Fisher have in place.

“I have experience within retail,

“This is all part of our overall vision for the plumbing and heating division within Haldane Fisher and it further strengthens an already strong team.”

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DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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showers & sanitary ware

Above and below - Enjoying the open night and Q&A session to mark the opening of the new plumbing and heating trade counter at Haldane Fisher’s Ladas Drive branch.

commercial and distribution and I will need these skills and more for this new role. But there is already a solid foundation in place for me to work from and I am confident we can build on this to build the showroom side of the plumbing and heating division.”

In addition to the addition of Noel to the team, Haldane Fisher has also opened a new plumbing and heating trade counter at the company’s Ladas Drive branch in Belfast.

The dedicated plumbing and heating trade counter is now located at the rear of the branch, complete with its own parking area.

Eamonn added, “This is a result of listening to our customers and reacting to meet their needs. Customers now have easier access to our extensive plumbing and heating range without having to wait in line at the Timber & Building Materials counter.”

To mark the opening of the new Ladas Drive trade counter, Haldane Fisher invited customers to a Q&A session with representatives from leading manufacturers including EPH Controls, Quinn Radiators, Worcester Bosch, Warmflow and ADEY. “The Q&A session created a lot of healthy debate so it benefitted both our customers and those talking part,” added Eamonn.

“This was a positive event and the perfect start for our new trade counter.”

Above and below - Representatives of a number of leading manufacturers taking part in the Q&A to mark the opening of the new trade counter at Ladas Drive.

Shepherd’s Way, Carnbane, Newry, Co. Down, BT35 6QQ. Tel: +44 (0)028 3026 3201 - Fax: +44 (0)28 3026 8101 - www.haldane-fisher.com • NEWRY • BANGOR • PORTADOWN • LISBURN • BELFAST • COLERAINE • LARNE • BALLYMENA

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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RIO SHORT PROJECTON

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www.mylifebathrooms.com

showers & sanitary ware

CROYDEX MEETS THE DEMANDS OF AN EVER-CHANGING COMPETITIVE MARKET WITH NEW FLEXI-FIT SHOWER…

Croydex extends Flexi-Fit range to include easy-fix showers

C

roydex has extended its innovative Flexi-Fit range with additional high-quality shower sets.

Offering a no mess, no fuss method of updating bathrooms, the shower sets can be secured to walls or tiles without drills, without damaging the existing décor.

Croydex’s Product and Procurement Director, Peter Pegden, said, “Adding on-trend accessories is an ideal way to update any bathroom, but consumers are becoming increasingly worried about exposing tell-tale marks or holes when replacing fixtures and fittings.

“Our innovative Flexi-Fit fixing bracket makes it a lot easier to put up a shower, without the need to make any cosmetic changes and is ideal for the rental market or for consumers who are daunted by the idea of DIY.” Designs include: • Contour and Eco Duo Combi Sets, which feature a hand shower and overhead shower and come with an integrated riser rail, shower arm and diverter.

• The Contour Four Function Shower Set gives the option of either a saturating, massage, bubbling or saturating and massage water flow.

The range is manufactured with a high-quality chrome-plated finish and comes in five designs. All fixings are included and feature an extrastrong 1500mm stainless steel hose, rub clean nozzles and multi-position shower head adjustment.

Most feature Croydex’s pioneering Eco Function device, which reduces water usage in hand showers by up to 50%. Eco Function is easily removable and can be used with most systems, excluding electric showers. Showers with this device are all included in the Water Label, a scheme that rates products by the number of litres per minute it uses.

T: (NI) 01264 365881 or (RoI) 0044 1264 365881 E: info@croydex.co.uk W: www.croydex.com

Leading supplier g Established in 1919, Croydex, then trading as the New Croydon Rubber Company, was well known as a key supplier of household items to the ironmongery and housewares trades. Although times have changed, Croydex continues to prosper in these markets and now, Croydex Group Ltd is part of the Norcros Group, the market-leading supplier of innovative branded showers, taps, bathroom accessories, tiles and adhesives.

The company is based in Andover, Hampshire, and currently occupies a five-acre site, with extensive purpose-built warehousing and onsite manufacturing facilities with production for bathroom furnishings, including shower curtains, rods and rails.

The quality of product remains paramount to the business and this is evident from the emphasis placed on standards. With Quality Assurance teams in the UK, Europe and Far East, regular inspections are carried out by the company, ensuring that every bathroom product supplied to customers meets the very highest of standards.

Croydex also has its own in-house design team which creates leading-edge new products with manufacturing partners on site in England and around the globe. Combining style and innovation with quality and value, they continue to meet the demands of an ever-changing competitive market.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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showers & sanitary ware

ANN BOARDMAN, SANIFLO UK TALKS ABOUT HOW CUBICLES CAN HELP MAKE THE LIVES OF INSTALLERS - AND THEIR CUSTOMERS – EASIER…

Saniflo talks cubicles

W

e all want bathroom fittings to be stylish and original, modern and attractive, especially in our shower – a place for calm reflection or vibrant invigoration.

Purity of lines and elegant fittings are important, but the essence of true design is in the detail. Look for well-conceived products with clever assembly and high quality materials, where no silicone is needed and there is no requirement for tiles or grouting.

The benefits and beauty of shower cubicles are often overlooked as many people misunderstand the benefits of cubicles over enclosures. Cubicles offer a swift and efficient showering solution for any shape or size of bathroom. In some cases, you can have a watertight space, complete with the shower, controls and doors fitted and ready to enjoy in less than two hours.

For installers, this means you can do a great job in very little time, leaving room for great margin and time to get on with other jobs.

For the end user it means a beautiful shower with minimum hassle and mess.

For the best type of product, look for manufacturers who design, manufacture and test in Europe, as this means they have complete control over the process and they can maintain the highest standards of quality and service.

Also, ensure that all glass panels and doors meet the European standard EN12150 for toughened safety glass and choose manufacturers who supply products flatpacked for ease of manoeuvrability.

Depending on circumstances, some cubicles have the option for customers to choose their own shower fittings and others feature an integrated thermostatic control.

Look for cubicles that don’t require silicone. In the humid environment of the bathroom, silicone will deteriorate and discolour without constant maintenance.

Generally speaking, if no silicone is required, the wall panels of the product are cleverly designed to fit snugly within the shower tray.

Choose cubicles with a leak-free promise. If you choose wisely, from a quality manufacturer you should find that water simply runs down the inside of the shower with no chance of escape, and as there’s no need for tiling or grouting, your shower will stay looking as pristine as the day it was installed.

Look for cubicles that use Cristal Plus Glass.

Cristal Plus is a permanent, anti-limescale

coating that minimises the build-up of calcium deposits and dirt on glass, reducing the need to clean. This transparent chemical treatment is resistant to hot water and UV rays, encouraging water to run off the glass without leaving streaks or water marks.

Installing a shower cubicle really is as easy as A, B, C – assemble, bolt together and connect to waste and water, and add the doors.

As with fitting any shower, there are just three main considerations: floor construction, waterproofing, and drainage. The quality and reliability of the products used are essential. The rest is down to choosing a quality manufacturer.

The Saniflo Kinedo range of superior quality shower cubicles includes Kinemagic Serenity, Kinemagic Design, Kinemagic Style, Horizon, Moonlight, Kineprime and Consort, and has been designed by the team at Saniflo to offer a comprehensive range of complete showering solutions for all applications.

T: (NI) 020 8842 0033 or (RoI) 0044 20 8842 0033 www.saniflo.co.uk

“Installing a shower cubicle is as easy as A, B, C – assemble, bolt together and connect to waste and water, and add the doors.”

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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showers & sanitary ware

Turn to Modern Plant to deliver safe and enjoyable showering experiences every time…

Safe, fast and efficient GROHE thermostats deliver

W

e’ve all been there before.

You’ve just stepped into the shower when someone else in the house either turns on a tap or flushes the toilet; suddenly the temperature of your shower plummets or becomes scalding hot – leaving you with soap in your eyes as you try to manually adjust the temperature back to a comfortable level.

But by installing a GROHE thermostat you can be sure of providing your customers

Visit us on Stand 19 Grotherm CoolTouch®

with a safe and enjoyable showering experience every time.

Thermostatic valves work by constantly mixing hot and cold water to a preselected temperature. Even if there is a change in the water supply, the thermostat reacts by rebalancing the quantities of hot and cold water to maintain the correct temperature. In the most extreme cases, ie should the cold water supply fail, the hot water shuts off automatically to prevent scalding.

GROHE offers concealed and surfacemounted thermostats. With concealed models, the valve is installed behind the wall for a modern look. With surfacemounted thermostats, all the pipe work is behind the wall.

These thermostats also feature a safestop button, to prevent children from turning up the temperature and scalding themselves, and an ecoButton to reduce water usage by up to 50%. GROHE’s easylogic controls are intuitive to use and cater for the entire family, whatever their height is, while the aquaDimmer allows the user to turn the water on and off, adjust the flow rate and divert between two water outlets.

You can find the perfect match with a Grohtherm thermostat. From the pure, cylindrical form of the Grohtherm 3000 Cosmopolitan to the entry-level Grohtherm 1000, the range offers a choice of designs to meet all of your requirements.

GROHE TurboStat® technology guarantees a steady stream of comfortably hot water. Any fluctuations in the water temperature or pressure are compensated within a fraction of a second, leaving the

at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

user to enjoy their shower at the temperature of their choice.

And there’s no chance of users burning their fingers on a hot chrome surface, thanks to GROHE CoolTouch® technology. For added comfort and safety, the Grohtherm 3000 Cosmopolitan and 2000 thermostats feature a sophisticated water-cooling system, to ensure the surface of the thermostats is never too hot to touch. Thanks to their fast temperature finding and split-second response time, all GROHE thermostats can help save water and energy and can be found within the GROHE EcoJoy® collection of resource-efficient products. Furthermore, the deep chrome finish, GROHE StarLight®, resists tarnishing to ensure a luminous shine for years to come.

T: (RoI) 01 459 1344 or (NI) 00353 1 459 1344 www.modernplant.ie

Quality counts... g The thermostat is a vital piece of bathroom technology that mixes cold and hot water to create the desired temperature for either the bath or shower.

GROHE first began to engineer thermostats in the 1950s and has a wellearned reputation for manufacturing the most efficient thermostatically shower/ bath product available on the market.

GROHE has sold more than 30 million thermostats and continues to improve its performance.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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SHOWERS AND SANITARY WARE

Visit us on Stand 49 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

Phill Jackson, Marketing & New Business Director at Pegler Yorkshire, shares his thoughts on the challenges facing the industry during 2015 and onwards…

Looking to the future

T

he next few years will be an interesting and progressive period for our industry as changes occur across the globe relating to ‘best practice’ around the efficient use of water. Subsequently, manufacturers will be under increasing pressure to develop products that fulfil legislative and social responsibility requirements.

Succinctly, there are two pivotal reasons that will drive these changes - the issue of water scarcity as a global concern and that heating our water is contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, and accounts for 25% of consumer energy bills.

There are three independent, yet overlapping, forces driving the changes that we will see over the coming years. Change to UK legislation; change to European legislation and consumer sentiment and demand for more efficient products.

The UK Government is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as one of the leading members of the 37 industrialised countries who are signed up to the G8 Kyoto Agreement. The latest commitment aims to reduce emissions by at least 18% placing them below 1990 levels. With regard to changes in UK legislation, amendments to Part G of the Building Regulations already dictate that the combined water use of appliances within a new build domestic dwelling cannot exceed 125 litres per day, per person. Furthermore, this likely to be extended to only 110 litres, per day per person in water stressed areas.

From a European perspective, the European Commission notes that “nearly half the

EU population lives in ‘water-stressed’ countries, where the abstraction of water from freshwater sources is too high”. The EU Commission is committed to tackling the issue and has developed ‘A Blueprint to Safeguard Europe’s Water Resources’.

And, in the UK, the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has set up a voluntary industry scheme to label products based on water usage. It is similar in look to the energy efficiency rating labels we see on domestic appliances, like fridges, or the energy efficiency ratings now applied to houses. The European Water Label allows consumers to see the amount of water used per flush, cycle and in taps and showers how many litres a minute are used.

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS The quality of a tap can no longer be judged based upon the rate of water flow and, as customers continue to demand more aesthetically pleasing and easy to operate products, manufacturers will have to step up to the challenge of developing innovative products that fulfil water saving criteria. Pegler Yorkshire is proud to have been leading the way for many years, both in terms of advanced technology and innovative design aesthetics, which has led to the brand becoming one of the market leaders in the UK. Now, Pegler Yorkshire is perfectly positioned to develop innovative products that offer consumers optimum design and functionality properties as well as energy efficient environmental credentials.

Product innovation and quality

manufacturing lie at the heart of Pegler Yorkshire and the company is also renowned for embracing legislative requirements and providing products that are at the forefront of technological developments to reduce water usage. Pegler Yorkshire brands Francis Pegler and Performa currently offer a number of ranges of taps that reduce flow rates to levels prescribed by Part G of the Building Regulations. Many taps in these ranges already consider water saving by using click-cartridges, where lever resistance offers the user two or three levels of reduced flow rate. Current eco-ranges, including Strata by Francis Pegler, also reduce water flow rates through design.

Supporting the work that we do, Yvonne Orgill, European Water Label Director, commented, “The European Water Label is recognised as the leading education tool aiding consumer’s in their choice of new bathroom products, and brands such as Pegler Yorkshire play an important role in delivering the water efficiency message.”

Pegler Yorkshire has been manufacturing taps for over 100 years, with its Francis Pegler and Performa brands leading the way in product innovation, quality and performance. The Francis Pegler range is renowned for its luxury taps for residential installations, whilst the Performa range focuses on specialist taps for the healthcare and commercial sectors.

T: George McGuire, Area Sales Manager, on (NI) 07912 406101 or (RoI) 0044 7912 406101 W: www.pegleryorkshire.co.uk

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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PTS GOLF DAY

tee off

Ken Kinkead welcomes some of the PTS customers who travelled from the North West.

Customers and manufacturers enjoy annual PTS golf day…

Sun shines on PTS The team from McGaffin Mechanical enjoy the day.

Brian Symington, Jackie Lynch, Jon Muldoon and Raymond Keys ready for tee-off.

T

he sun was shining on the 95 golfers who hit the fairways for the annual PTS Golf Day. Hosted at the Hilton Golf and Country Club in Templepatrick, the event brought together representatives of the leading manufacturers in the industry with many of PTS’ extensive customer base from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Barry Lowe, PTS Area Sales Manager, commented, “I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the golf day and for the various manufacturers who sponsored the event. After a poor summer, we got lucky with the weather and with an immaculate course, everyone enjoyed a great day golfing and afterwards in the clubhouse.

“From a personal perspective, as the new Area Sales Manager this also gave me the perfect chance to meet many of our customers.”

T: (NI) 028 9027 1600 or (RoI) 00353 01 4568530 W: www.ptsplumbing.co.uk

Ready to hit the greens.

John Savage enjoying some refreshment.

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Steven Hawe from PTS with some of his customers.

Enjoying the weather and the golfing!

PTS customers enjoying the day

Firing down the fairway.

A lucky escape?

Successfully out of the bunker!

Tony Livingstone hits the green.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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PTS GOLF DAY

winners on the day...

Enjoying some light refreshments!

Bernard O’Kane (second left) is congratulated by (from left) Steven Hawe, PTS; John Savage, Worcester Bosch and Barry Lowe, PTS, after winning the PTS Golf Day.

The winning four ball team from McGaffin Mechanical.

Taking a well-earned break!

Runner-up, Bryan Fleming (centre) pictured with Steven Hawe and Barry Lowe.

Shane McCarthy, Vokera, finished with the best manufacturer’s score, with Lee-Maria Hughes and Barry Lowe.

Tom Daly (centre) finished in third place and he is being presented with his prize by Barry Lowe, PTS and Tony Livingstone, Hepworth Wavin.

Barry McMahon won the closest to pin prize and he is pictured with Steven Hawe and Barry Lowe.

Karl Hegney from PTS with his customers.

the 19th hole

Cheers! Getting set for the next hole.

Norman Doogan is presented with the Wooden Spoon by Steven Hawe, Lee-Maria Hughes and Barry Lowe.

Enjoying a great day in the sun.

Pictures courtesy of Ray McClay, Worcester Bosch.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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For all your plumbing, heating, sanitaryware, renewable energy products and spare parts n

n n n

An unrivalled local level of service backed up by a national support network Friendly, knowledgeable staff Fast and efficient delivery service Industry leading brands

www.ptsplumbing.co.uk

Our unique product identification system available to all our customers

Ask at trade counter for Scan the QR code more details for more info

Text PTS or SPARES to 83332 to find your local branch** **Cost of the text is your usual network rate.

Text back is free

NORTHERN IRELAND n BELFAST 107-127 Grosvenor Road, Belfast, County Antrim BT12 4GL. n DUNCRUE 36-38 Duncrue Road, Belfast BT3 9BP. n ENNISKILLEN 131 Sligo Road, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh BT74 7JZ. n LISBURN Unit 1, Ballinderry Business Park, Ballinderry Road, Lisburn BT28 2SA. n DERRY Unit 11a, College Business Park, 40 Springtown Industrial Estate, Derry BT48 0LY. n NEWRY Unit 8, Carnbane Business Park, Tandragee Road, Newry BT35 6QJ.

T: 028 9027 1600 T: 028 9078 7700 T: 028 6632 3888 T: 028 9263 5330 T: 028 7130 6000 T: 028 3083 1340

F: 028 9043 9903 F: 028 9037 1037 F: 028 6632 6901 F: 028 9263 5331 F: 028 7126 6222 F: 028 3026 2006

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND n NAAS Unit 5, Block F, Southern Link Business Park, Naas, County Kildare.

T: 045 887190

F: 045 889872

hot topics

hot topics

Gary Perry, Technical Director at Altecnic, raises concerns about an increase in substandard, non-compliant products flooding the market…

Substandard safety relief valves flood market

N

on-compliant products create problems for everyone in the industry and with a recent flooding of the market we all should be concerned.

In particular, we have seen a sharp increase in the number of plumbing professionals reporting issues after specifying substandard Safety Relief Valves (SRVs). Although, at first glance, the SRVs look like accredited products, on closer inspection these so called ‘looky likey’ products are made of low grade materials which cause them to fail quickly after installation.

An investigation by Altecnic’s technical department showed these looky likey safety relief valves are manufactured from low quality brass which are likely to fail before the valve discharges at its set temperature.

The plastic is also not suitable for hot water conditions and becomes brittle, causing damage. The metal is not suitable for wholesome water and can lead to the contamination of the main drinking supply.

It is not only substandard materials that are causing major issues. Inferior manufacturing mean these SRVs are difficult to install, with poor calibration causing valves to discharge early or, even worse, too late.

There is absolutely no room in the industry for unaccredited SRVs. These valves are a

crucial safety device, defending a system from overpressure which can turn a normal water heater or heating system into a potential domestic bomb. If one of these valves fails, the implications for both the user and the installer could be disastrous, especially if the plumber has installed a noncompliant product.

In response to the increase in nonaccredited products available on the market, Altecnic has recently launched its new Triple A awareness campaign: ‘Accredited.

Authentic.Altecnic.

As responsible manufactures, we are raising awareness amongst plumbing professionals about the importance of only specifying fully accredited and compliant products which meet WRAS, Buildcert, Kiwi and TMV approvals.

The law clearly puts the responsibility of compliance in the hands of the installer and pleading ignorance is not a defence in the eyes of the court. By looking for Altecnic products on merchants’ shelves, plumbers can be assured they are choosing equipment that has been rigorously assessed and meets all current legislative requirements which legally covers them and represents the safest and best value option for their customers.

Visit us on Stand 4 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

“The law clearly puts the responsibility of compliance in the hands of the installer.”

g Altecnic has been successfully operating in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for over 25 years, delivering well-manufactured, high quality products for the plumbing and heating industry. Altecnic’s parent company, Caleffi, is recognised as being the market-leading manufacturer within the HVAC. The company also enjoys successful relationships with IMIT mechanical thermostats and Reflex Winkelmann GmbH. T: (RoI) 0044 1785 218208 or (NI) 01785 218208.

E: oemsales@altecnic.co.uk W: www.altecnic.co.uk

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oftec news

OFTEC IRELAND NEWS...

OFTEC IRELAND WORKS HARD ON BEHALF OF THE OIL HEATING AND COOKING INDUSTRY. PLUMBING & HEATING PROVIDES AN INSIGHT INTO WHAT THE TEAM HAS BEEN UP TO…

Shorter time for re-certification

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Are you ready for ErP?

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ccording to a recent Worcester Bosch survey, three in four installers say they are unprepared for the ErP Directive.

In response, OFTEC is urging installers to fully prepare for the changes coming with ErP or risk legal action. OFTEC will be giving a presentation on the regulations at the Plumbing & Heating Trade Event in the Ramada Hotel, Belfast on September 17.

Other events are planned in local training centres and boiler manufacturers’ premises during October.

As part of the support package for technicians, there is a calculation tool on the OFTEC website which allows installers to input product information from website fiche numbers and produce a label for their

customers.

The EU energy-efficiency regulations come into force on September 26 and cover the production, testing and labelling of heating appliances. Relevant products will also need to carry a specific label to identify the energy efficiency band (from A++ to G) for heating and, where relevant, a similar banding scheme for hot water production very similar to labels currently seen on white goods.

Where various products are assembled together to form a heating installation, it will be the responsibility of the installer at the point of sale to calculate the overall energy efficiency of the system and produce a label for the customer.

ith the five-year anniversary of the OFT10 suite of oil assessments upon us, OFTEC’s training department has just designed a re-certification package for technicians retaking oil assessments.

Covering re-certification for the OFT10-101 (pressure jet) , OFT10-102D/W (vaporising), OFT10-105E (appliance/system installation) and the OFT10-600a (tank and supply installation), the package will mean spending less time in a training centre, allowing technicians to get back to work more quickly.

The re-certification assessments have been designed to meet the requirements of ISO 17024 (the international standard for the certification of individual persons) and concentrate on recent legislative changes, developments in technologies, industry risks and feedback from competent person scheme inspections.

The re-certification package means that those who are renewing their OFT10 qualifications in future will only have to spend less time off the road.

Contact your local training centre to find out if they offer the shorter re-certification option.

Standardised system required for quoting energy efficiencies OFTEC is reminding boiler manufacturers to use only seasonal efficiency data when quoting boiler efficiencies to consumers, and in promotional material and any advertising.

Seasonal efficiency data is available on the Home-heating Appliance Register of Performance (HARP) database (ROI) or Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers (SEDBUK) UK, which is now hosted on the Building Energy Performance Assessment website. One of the main functions of these databases is to help home-owners identify efficient heating systems for their homes. It is vitally important, therefore, that

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a standardised system is adopted to quote energy efficiencies. By using the agreed seasonal efficiency data when quoting their boiler efficiencies, householders will be able to access accurate and transparent information, allowing them to make like-forlike comparisons and informed purchasing decisions.

Most manufacturers take their obligations very seriously, which is why OFTEC is calling for closer monitoring of activity in this area. www.seai.ie/Your_Building/BER/BER_ Assessors/Technical/HARP_Database/ www.ncm-pcdb.org.uk/sap/

Visit us on Stand 50 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

David Blevings, OFTEC Ireland Manager, on 0845 6585 080 - www.oftec.org Sean McBride, Ireland Representative, on 087 241 7041

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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northern ireland’s

PLUMBING & HEATING trade event WED 16 Sept 2015 - 4pm - 9pm THURS 17 Sept 2015 - 9.30Am - 4pm Ramada plaza, Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast

A trade Event just for you for more information and to REGISTER

WWW.PLUMBINGMAG.COM FOLLOW US ON

SHOW PREVIEW

belfast’s plumbing & heating trade show

northern Ireland’s

PLUMBING & HEATING trade event 16-17 Sept 2015 ramada plaza, shaw’s bridge, belfast

What’s on show this year OVER 50 EXHIBITORS IN ATTENDANCE, INCLUDING… • • • • •

Commercial and domestic plumbing and heating Renewable and low carbon solutions Latest oil, gas and biomass boilers Bathrooms, showers, wetrooms and sanitary ware Innovative underfloor heating systems and intelligent heating controls

SEMINARS • • • •

To VISIT

ErP Directive Future of the gas industry in Northern Ireland BIM implementation Renewables grants

‘Since it was launched in 2008 Northern Ireland’s top suppliers and manufacturers use this two day event to showcase the latest in mechanical solutions for commercial as well as domestic projects... It’s an event not to be missed.’

THE FASTEST WAY TO REGISTER IS ON OUR WEBSITE AT

WWW.PLUMBINGMAG.COM YOU CAN ALSO E-MAIL GEMMA@KMPLTD.CO.UK OR TELEPHONE 028 9261 2990.

REGARDLESS OF YOUR CHOICE, A BADGE WILL BE WAITING FOR YOU AT THE REGISTRATION DESK.

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DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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belfast’s plumbing & heating trade show

If you’re involved in the plumbing and heating industry then Northern Ireland’s Plumbing & Heating Trade event in Belfast is here just for you.

Exhibitors include

PRODUCT DEMOS AND DISPLAYS • Free and confidential health and safety advice from HSWNI • Quality range of oil tanks from Harlequin Plastics • Access specialist Screwfix product range • Patented products from Flair Showers • Latest testing equipment by Testo • Water saving with Wirquin • Installer training by Danfoss • Water boosting pumps from Stuart Turner Ltd • New shower range from Aqualisa

PRIZE DRAWS, EVENT DISCOUNTS AND OFFERS • Win a mini BBQ and a boiler with Calor • Range of installer incentives from Flogas • Win an iPad Mini and get a 10% off voucher with Screwfix • Win a wine trip to France with Wirquin • Win a Danfoss Heating Control pack worth £200 • Win a new Aqualisa Lumi Electric Shower

opening times…

Wed 16 Sept, 4pm-9pm Thurs 17 Sept, 9:30am-4pm Ramada Plaza, Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast, BT8 7XP

COMPLETE EXHIBITOR GUIDE g

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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belfast’s plumbing & heating trade show

A-Z EXHIBITORS LIST YOUR Indispensible guide to the exhibitors at this year’s plumbing & heating trade event in belfast...

ADEY STAND 33 Gloucester Road, Cheltenham, GL51 8NR T: Noble Distribution (NI) 07980 983708

or (RoI) 0044 7980 983708

E: info@adey.com W: www.adey.com Products: Large range of magnetic filters including MagnaClean Micro2, MagnaClean Professional2, and MagnaClean Commercial, along with advanced formula chemicals.

BAXI STAND 21 Brooks House, Coventry Road, Warwick, CV34 4LL T: Sharon English (NI) 07966 585902 or Baxi Potterton Myson (RoI): 01 459 0870 E: sharon.english@baxi.co.uk or (RoI) sales@potterton-myson.ie W: www.baxi.co.uk or www. baxipottertonmyson.ie Products: Baxi manufactures a range of reliable, high-efficiency boilers, smart controls and low carbon technologies, offering industry-leading free parts and labour warranties.

CCTS STAND 47 Unit 4-6 Tamar Commercial Centre, 25 Tamar Street, Belfast BT4 1HR T: (NI) 028 9073 9418 or

(RoI) 048 9073 9418

E: info@cctrainingservices.com W: www.cctrainingservices.com Products: Complete Construction Training Services (CCTS) is a fully accredited training centre which offers training, assessment and certification in a range of areas, including gas and renewables courses, CSR training, asbestos and many other constructionrelated courses.

ALTECNIC STAND 4 Mustang Drive, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 1GW T: (NI) 01785 218208 or

(RoI) 0044 1785 218208

E: oemsales@altecnic.co.uk W: www.altecnic.co.uk Products: Supported by parent company Caleffi, Altecnic will be showcasing its ‘Authentic Accredited Altecnic’ product range, including market-leading thermostatic mixing valves and pressure reducing valves to the IMIT range of mechanical thermostats.

C-TEC STAND 41 Unit 36, Lisburn Enterprise Centre, Ballinderry Road, Lisburn, BT28 2BP T: (NI) 028 9262 9999 or (RoI) 048 9262 9999 E: gavin@ct1ltd.com W: www.ct1ltd.com Products: Best known for its range of sealants, including CT1, the Snag List Eliminator, which is a unique sealant and construction adhesive designed to replace numerous products from just one tube.

CELMAC by Wirquin STAND 36 Warmsworth Halt Industrial Estate, Warmsworth, Doncaster, DN4 9LS T: (NI) 08444 122029 or

(RoI) 0044 8444 122029

E: sales@wirquin.co.uk W: www.wirquin.co.uk Products: A leading UK brand of WC seat, Celmac by Wirquin is available in traditional and ultra-modern materials that satisfy the most challenging applications, from antibacterial seats to smooth close hinges.

AQUALISA PRODUCTS LTD STAND 44 The Flyers Way, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1DE T: (NI) 01959 560010 or

(RoI) 0044 1959 560010

W: www.aqualisa.co.uk Products: A cutting-edge shower manufacturer, Aqualisa is a pioneer of digital showers, and also continues to develop thermostatic shower technology, as well as a sophisticated range of electric showers.

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CALOR GAS (NI) STAND 5 Airport Road West, Belfast, BT3 9EE T: (NI) 028 9045 5588 or (RoI) 01 8508 12450 Andrew Sands, Northern Ireland Domestic Sales Representative (NI) 07702 368074 or (RoI) 0044 7702 368074 E: Andrew.Sands@calorgas.ie W: www.calorgas.ie Products: Leading LPG supplier providing a range of incentives to installers.

COPPER INDUSTRIES (IRELAND) STAND 48 Toome Business Park, 21 Hillhead Road, Toome, Co Antrim, BT41 3SF T: (NI) 028 7965 9736 or

(RoI) 048 7965 9736

E: mail@copperindustries.co.uk W: www.copperindustries.co.uk Products: Standard and bespoke hot water cylinders, calorifiers and combination units.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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belfast’s plumbing & heating trade show

range of combi and system boilers, plus an extensive range of commercial boilers.

DANFOSS LTD STAND 42 Ampthill Road, Bedford, MK42 9ER T: (NI) 01234 364621 or (RoI) 0044 1234 364621 E: ukheating@danfoss.com W: www.heating.danfoss.co.uk Products: Manufacturers of domestic and commercial heating controls, including radiator thermostats, programmers, time switches, programmable and nonprogrammable room thermostats, underfloor heating, balancing valves and motorised control valves.

EPH CONTROLS STAND 28 5 Doughcloyne Court, Doughcloyne Industrial Estate, Wilton, Cork T: (NI) 00353 21 434 6238 or (RoI) 021 434 6238 E: sales@ephcontrols.com W: www.ephcontrols.com Products: Specialists in high quality heating controls, serving both the residential and commercial markets.

FERNOX STAND 8 Alent PLC, Forsyth Rd, Sheerwater, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5RZ T: Mark Harris (NI) 07796 613643 or (RoI) 087 633 2272 E: sales@fernox.com W: www.fernox.com Products: Pioneering force in the heating industry and a leading manufacturer of chemical water treatment products, equipment and filters.

FERROLI STAND 35 Lichfield Road, Branston Industrial Estate, Burton-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 3HD T: (NI) 08434 794790 or (RoI) 0044 8434 794790 E: sales@ferroli.co.uk W: www.ferroli.co.uk Products: Manufacturers of innovative heating appliances, including the highefficiency, high-performance Modena HE

FIREBIRD HEATING SOLUTIONS STAND 24 Shean, Forkhill, Newry, Co Down, BT35 9SY T: (NI) 028 3088 8330 or (RoI) 048 3088 8330 E: firebirdproducts@hotmail.co.uk W: www.firebirduk.co.uk Products: High-efficiency oil-fired boilers, renewable energy systems and combined efficient heating systems.

FLOGAS STAND 7 Airport Road West, Belfast Harbour Estate, Belfast, BT3 9ED T: (NI) 028 9073 2611 or (RoI) 048 9073 2611 W: www.flogas.co.uk Products: Flogas will be promoting its LPG Installer Incentive Scheme alongside its LPG Consumer domestic central heating offer, plus the company’s move into the commercial natural gas market and associated Natural Gas referral scheme.

GRANT NI STAND 39 Unit 117, 21 Botanic Avenue, Belfast, BT7 1JJ T: (NI) 0800 279 4796 or (RoI) 057 912 0089 E: info@grantni.com W: www.grantni.com Products: Manufacturers of cost-effective, top-quality, hi-tech and environmentallyfriendly, efficient heating solutions - from the award-winning range of Vortex oil-fired condensing boilers to the latest renewable technologies.

HAMILTON GAS PRODUCTS LTD STAND 25 2 Balloo Place, Balloo Industrial Estate, Bangor, Co Down, BT19 7BP T: (NI) 028 9146 1111 or (RoI) 048 9146 1111 E: sales@gasproducts.co.uk W: www.gasproducts.co.uk Products: Specialists in the repair and calibration of test and measurement equipment.

FLAIR SHOWERS LTD STAND 27 Bailieborough, Co Cavan T: (NI) 00353 42 966 5294 or (RoI) 042 966 5294 E: sales@flairshowers.com W: www.flairshowers.com Products: One of Europe’s leading glass shower enclosure and bath screen manufacturing companies.

HARLEQUIN PLASTICS STAND 20 21 Clarehill Road, Moira, Craigavon, Co Armagh, BT67 0PB T: (NI) 028 9261 1077 or (RoI) 048 9261 1077 E: sales@clarehill.com W: www.harlequinplastics.co.uk Products: One of Europe’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of rotationally moulded plastic oil and water tanks, and quality effluent treatment and rainwater harvesting systems, including the Hydroclear and Hydrostore ranges.

GAS SAFE REGISTER STAND 46 PO BOX 6804, Basingstoke, RG24 4NB T: 0800 408 5577 E: register@gassaferegister.co.uk W: www.gassaferegister.co.uk Products: The official gas registration body for Northern Ireland. By law, all gas engineers must be on the Gas Safe Register.

HEALTH & SAFETY WORKS NI STAND 10 Longbridge House, 16-24 Waring Street, Belfast, BT1 2DX T: (NI) 0300 020 0030 (local rate) E: hswni@detni.gov.uk W: www.healthandsafetyworksni.gov.uk Products: The small business advisory service of the Health & Safety Executive for Northern Ireland will help you draw up your

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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belfast’s plumbing & heating trade show

health and safety policy, risk assessments and methods statements.

JOHN GUEST SPEEDFIT LTD STAND 22 Horton Road, West Drayton, Middlesex, UB7 8JL T: (NI) Mark Mills 077538 332211 or (RoI) Ian Kelly 0861 734027 W: www.jgspeedfit.com Products: Extensive range of plumbing and heating products, including easy-touse plastic push-fit piping system and Aura underfloor heating controls.

KANE INTERNATIONAL LTD STAND 45 Kane House, Swallowfield, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL7 1JG T: Chris Collins, UK Sales Manager (NI) 07973 835665 or (RoI) 0044 7973 835665 E: chris.collins@kane.co.uk W: www.kane.co.uk Products: Manufacturers and suppliers of hand-held exhaust emissions testers and portable test equipment, meeting the highest standards of testing and conformity.

W: www.leakdetectorni.co.uk Products: Trained leak detection engineers, equipped with the technology and health and safety equipment to carry out leak detection operations in a safe manner.

LEAK LOCATOR STAND 53 15 Glenview Heights, Belfast, BT5 7NE T: (NI) 028 9059 0256 or (RoI) 048 9059 0256 E: info@leaklocator.co.uk W: www.leaklocator.co.uk Products: Leak detection service using acoustic sounding equipment and thermal images, plus range of other services including sub-meters installation.

MACDEE by Wirquin STAND 36 Warmsworth Halt Industrial Estate, Warmsworth, Doncaster, DN4 9LS T: (NI) 08444 122029 or (RoI) 0044 8444 122029 E: sales@wirquin.co.uk W: www.wirquin.co.uk Products: Macdee by Wirquin offers an extensive choice of concealed and exposed cisterns with dual or single flush, siphons, and valves.

KINGSPAN ENVIRONMENTAL STAND 37 180 Gilford Rd, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT63 5LF T: (NI) 028 3836 4400 or (RoI) 048 3836 4400 E: contact@kingspan.com W: www.kingspanenviro.com Products: Market-leading solutions for wastewater and drainage, renewable energy, environmental fuel storage and monitoring for all types of building projects, from bespoke commercial to domestic.

MODERN PLANT LTD STAND 19 Otter House, Naas Road, Dublin T: (NI) 00353 1 461 4300 or (RoI) 01 461 4300 E: sales@modernplant.ie W: www.modernplant.ie Products: Market-leading distributor of a range of shower and bathroom brands and specialised engineering products for flow processes.

LEAK DETECTOR STAND 3 30 Lower Corrags Rd, Newry, Co Down, BT34 2NQ T: (NI) 028 3026 0612 or (RoI) 01 903 0141 E: info@leakdetectorni.co.uk

OFTEC STAND 50 Foxwood House, Dobbs Lane, Kesgrave, Ipswich, IP5 2QQ T: (NI) 01473 626298 or (RoI) 0044 1473 626298

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E: enquiries@oftec.org W: www.oftec.org.uk Products: Trade association working on behalf of the oil heating and cooking industry in the UK and Republic of Ireland, representing the interests of manufacturers, suppliers and training providers.

PEGLER YORKSHIRE STAND 49 St Catherines Avenue, Balby, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN4 8DF T: George McGuire, Area Sales Manager, (NI) 07912 406101 or (RoI) 0044 7912 406101 E: george.mcguire@pegler yorkshire.co.uk W: www.pegleryorkshire.co.uk Products: Pegler Yorkshire’s range of valves, taps, mixers, showers, fittings and heating products includes brands such as Peforma, Terrier, XPress, Yorkshire, Tectite and Prestex.

QUINN RADIATORS (IRELAND) STAND 30 Imperial Park, Newport, NP10 8FS T: (NI) 0800 389 9980 or (RoI) 1800 882 332 W: www.quinn-radiators.com Products: Panel radiators, including the market-leading Round Top, energy-efficient Quinn Compact and high-performance Quinn LST radiators.

RELIANCE WORLDWIDE CORPORATION (UK) LTD STAND 18 Worcester Road, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 4RA T: Stuart Harron, Regional Sales Manager for Ireland (NI) 07909 532133 or (RoI) 0044 7909 532133 E: stuart.harron@rwc.co.uk T: Garth Walsh, Product Manager, Ireland (NI) 07881 274917 or (RoI) 0044 7881 274917 E: garth.walsh@rwc.co.uk W: www.sharkbiteplumbing.co.uk Products: RWC is the company behind the SharkBite connection system - a versatile, easy-to-fit, watertight brand of push-fit plumbing fittings and valves.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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belfast’s plumbing & heating trade show

SANBRA FYFFE STAND 26 Conex Works, Santry Avenue, Dublin 9 T: (NI) 00353 1 842 6255 or (RoI) 01 842 6255 E: info@sanbra.ie W: www.sanbrafyffe.ie Products: Manufacturers of brass plumbing fittings, such as the Instantor range of compression fittings.

SFI MANIFOLD STAND 55 Leonsgarve, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan T: (NI) 00353 42 967 3732 or (RoI) 042 967 3732 E: info@sfimanifold.com W: www.sfimanifold.com Products: Heat Hero (SFI Manifold System) offers one of the most direct and efficient methods of integrating solid fuel boilers with domestic hot water and radiator systems.

SOLVALL STAND 31 547 Falls Road, Belfast, BT11 9AB T: (NI) 028 9002 0580 or (RoI) 048 9002 0580 E: office@solvall.co.uk W: www.solvall.co.uk Products: Specialist in high-quality, costeffective range of repair and maintenance solutions for the plumbing market.

SYSTEM LINK TECHNOLOGIES LTD STAND 12 1 Greenhills Business Park, Greenhills Rd, Tallaght, Dublin 24 T: (NI) 00353 1 4031200 or (RoI) 01 4031200 W: www.systemlink.ie Products: Designs, manufactures and distributes products for plumbing, wiring and controlling heating zones in buildings of all sizes.

SCREWFIX STAND 23 48-50 Boucher Crescent, Boucher Road, Belfast, BT12 6HU T: (NI) 0500 414141 or mobile-friendly number 03330 112112

W: www.screwfix.com Products: UK’s largest multi-channel supplier of trade tools, plumbing, electrical, bathrooms and kitchens, with trade-only Plumbfix trade counters.

STUART TURNER LTD STAND 43 Market Place, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2AD T: 01491 572655 or (RoI) 0044 1491 572655 W: www.stuart-turner.co.uk Products: Manufacturers and suppliers of an extensive range of shower pumps, whole house water pressure boosting pumps and pump solutions for low water pressure problems and waste water removal.

THE WATERSHOP LTD STAND 13 Tallaght Business Park, Whitestown, Dublin 24 T: (NI) 00353 1 4610690 or (RoI) 01 4610690 E: info@watershop.ie W: www.thewatershop.ie Products: Suppliers of domestic and commercial water filtration systems, water analysis and testing equipment, and is involved in group water filtration schemes.

TOPP TILES STAND 11 Unit 4, Boucher Road, Belfast, BT12 6HR T: (NI) 028 9023 2266 or (RoI) 048 9023 2266 E: toppsbelfastboucherroad@ toppstiles.co.uk W: www.toppstiles.co.uk Products: National retailer selling a range of tiles and wood flooring, with in-store experts providing advice, ‘how-to’ DVDs and ‘inspiration stations’.

Sandholes, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, BT80 9AZ T: (NI) 028 8676 3372 or (RoI) 048 8676 3372 E: info@turco.co.uk W: www.turkingtonengineering.com Products: Leading UK manufacturer of oil-fired and biomass boilers, providing cost-effective boilers for the domestic and commercial markets.

VAILLANT STAND 34 Nottingham Road, Belper, Derbyshire, DE56 1JT T: Catherine Russell, Ireland Director of Sales on (NI) 07767 377670 or (RoI) 0044 7767 377670 or Derek Hunter on (NI) 07534 469419 or (RoI) 0044 7534 469419 W: www.vaillant.co.uk Products: Award-winning domestic and commercial boilers, air-to-water and groundsource heat pumps, plus a full range of intelligent heating controls and passive flue gas heat recovery devices.

XYLEM WATER SOLUTIONS STAND 40 50 Broomhill Close, Airton Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24 T: (NI) 00353 1 452 4444 or (RoI) 01 452 4444 W: www.xylemwatersolutions.com/ie Products: Water and wastewater treatment solutions from this leading provider of intelligent industrial pumps and related technologies.

northern Ireland’s

PLUMBING & HEATING trade event WED 16 sept 2015 4pm - 9pm THURS 17 SEPT 2015 9.30Am - 4pm Ramada PLaza, Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast

TURCO BOILERS STAND 38 Turkington Engineering, 14 Tullylagan Road,

free to attend - REGISTER AT www.plumbingmag.com or Telephone: 028 9261 2990

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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company news

Pictured at the new Heat Merchants branch in the Clonminam Industrial Estate in Portlaoise are Alan Dalton, Sales Assistant and Dan Brady, Branch Manager.

Upturn in construction sector sees opening of new Midlands branch while newly launched estimation and specification service to benefit plumbers…

Heat Merchants opens Portlaoise branch

H

eat Merchants has opened a new branch in the Clonminam Industrial Estate in Portlaoise, bringing the number of branches nationwide to 32. A leading supplier of heating and plumbing products, including an extensive portfolio of renewable energy solutions, Heat Merchants recently added Panasonic domestic and commercial air conditioning to its product range.

“The decision to open the Portlaoise branch was driven by our confidence in the future growth within the construction sector in the midlands and the importance of Portlaoise as a central hub for trade professionals servicing the demands of business and homeowners throughout the region,” according to Shane Colleran, Retail and Marketing Director with Heat Merchants Group.

Heat Merchants Group is an Irish-owned company trading under three brands Heat Merchants, Tubs & Tiles and Tile Giant - which together have 44 branches nationwide in addition to a central distribution and business support hub based in Athlone.

Dan Brady and Alan Dalton, two Portlaoise

natives, are currently employed directly in the branch with extensive business support services provided though the group network.

In other news, the company has also expanded services provided by its technical design and specification team to include a specialised bathroom and plumbing estimating service with a particular focus on specifying for commercial projects.

In conjunction with this, the Tubs & Tiles commercial team works closely with architects and developers to propose solutions and specify tiles and sanitary ware for commercial projects and multiresidential or large residential developments while meeting their budget requirements.

The commercial team has particular expertise in specifying for the hospitality and leisure industry, schools and colleges, retail projects and healthcare and nursing homes. The team can also source unusual or specialised products from its network of suppliers across the world. This specification and estimation service is designed to make the tendering process faster, easier and more streamlined for contractors and developers.

In recent years, the estimation team has worked with several large commercial projects including Obama Plaza, Supermacs, BWG retail outlets, car showrooms, hospital and healthcare facilities, Pallas Foods distribution centre and corporate office in Blanchardstown, several hotels, spas and leisure centres across the country including Ashford Castle, Ibis, Travelodge, Hodson Bay Hotel and many more.

According to Jason O’Connor, National Sales Manager with Tubs & Tiles commercial, “We are regularly challenged by customers who are looking to provide a solution for a project or source a very specific product. In these cases, a major benefit of working with Heat Merchants Group is that we have a large pool of expertise to devise solutions for any requirement we come across.”

T: (RoI) 057 8505990 (Portaloise branch) or (NI) 00353 57 8505990 E: Portlaoise@heatmerchants.ie W: www.tubstiles.ie To arrange a consultation call 090 6442300 or e-mail customersupport@heatmerchants.ie

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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boilerS

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DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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news

news in

Andrew Robinson BRIEF appointed LG sales agent for Ireland

Getting to grips with the launch of the Grant Ecoscheme at the Northern Ireland Open at Galgorm Castle are Ross Oliver, Assistant Pro, Galgorm Castle Golf Club (right) and Mark Eccles, Grant NI.

Renewable energy scheme in full swing

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rant NI is making the option to switch to renewable energy more affordable for homeowners.

The company is offering customers in Northern Ireland the chance to claim back up to £21,500 in the first seven years if they install one of the company’s condensing wood pellet boilers (terms and conditions apply).

To give additional help to customers who are considering installing a wood pellet boiler, Grant NI has also launched its new Grant Eco-scheme.

The scheme is an incentive that will further assist home-owners and businesses making the switch, by providing an additional £1,500 towards the price of their boiler.

Mark Eccles, Grant NI, said, “Together, the RHI and the new Grant Eco-scheme are working to significantly reduce the cost of a highly efficient Grant Spira condensing wood pellet boiler, making the switch to renewable heating more affordable for Northern Ireland homeowners.”

T: (NI) 0800 279 4796 or (RoI) 0044 800 279 4796 E: info@grantni.com W: www.grantni.com

“The scheme will assist home-owners and businesses making the switch, by providing an additional £1,500 towards the price of their boiler.”

Belfast plumbing maintenance firm, Solv Group is taking on 10 extra staff as it expands to cope with new business.

The new positions are being created to consolidate the expansion of its plumbing and heating division and include boiler service engineers, gas installers, managerial and administrative support staff.

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has approved Irish Water’s First Fix Leak Repair Scheme for domestic customers, with certain modifications, and now expects Irish Water to strongly promote the scheme in order to increase customer awareness.

Richard Soper has retired as CEO of Worcester, Bosch Group following a hugely successful career in the heating and hot water industry, which began in the late 1960s.

He was President of the Institute of Plumbing (IoP) in the early 1980s, received the prestigious ‘Champions Award’ from the British Renewable Energy Association and was awarded a CBE from the Queen.

Leading air conditioning and air source heat pump manufacturer, LG has appointed Andrew Robinson of Exi-Tite as its sales agent for Northern Ireland.

He will be responsible for promoting the products of the air conditioning and energy solutions division of the electronics giant to specifiers and contractors in the province. This will see him having particular focus on the LG Multi V VRF products.

“The new links with LG will give us added impetus in this market place and allow us to offer some of the very best equipment available anywhere in the world on projects here,” said Andrew.

T: Andrew Robinson (NI) 028 8775 5342 / mob 07894 394752 or (RoI) 048 8775 5342 / mob 0044 7894 394752 E: andrew@exi-tite.com Andrew Robinson with Jody Lees, W: http://partner.lge.

LG’s Head of Air Conditioning and com/uk Energy Solutions.

EHC is ErP ready!

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he new Energy Related Products (ErP) Directive requires that all boilers with an in-built circulating pump must have an ErP-compliant, low-energy smart pump.

The EHC Comet electric boiler, which has an integral circulating pump, is renowned for its quality and reliability and, as such, it was important to select a smart circulator that is future-proof and will maintain the Comet’s market position.

All new production Comet electric boilers will be supplied with a Grundfos UPM3 high efficiency circulator.

These pumps offer high performance whilst consuming less energy.

T: (NI) 01698 820533 or (RoI) 0044 1698 820533 E: info@electric-heatingcompany.co.uk W: www.electric-heatingcompany.co.uk

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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PUSH-FIT FITTINGS AND VALVES

Latest additions to innovative range of metal push-fit fittings and valves will be unveiled in Belfast…

Reliance Harron Valve.

Reliance Tenant Valve.

Exclusive SharkBite® Showcase at Plumbing & Heating Trade Event!

S

harkBite is returning to this year’s Northern Ireland’s Plumbing and Heating Trade Event on September 16 and 17 in Belfast to unveil the latest additions to its innovative range of metal push-fit fittings and valves.

For the first time, visitors to Stand 18 will see SharkBite’s brand new chrome-plated range of fittings. Slimline and stylish, the Chrome range has been designed to ensure a smart and sleek aesthetic look on exposed systems, while still providing installers with the inherent SharkBite flexibility of using one range of fittings for five types of pipe (Copper, Chromed Copper, PEX, Carbon Steel and Polybutylene).

The WRAS-approved SharkBite Chrome range includes male and female, straight and bent threaded connectors, couplings, elbows, tees, branch tees, with end stops.

The fittings are electroplated prior to the o-ring being inserted which ensures the body is totally free from any harmful residual chemicals and prevents potential component degradation.

Also launching at the show are SharkBite versions of RWC’s innovative Tenant® and HarronTM valves. The Tenant valve is a space-saving compact water monitoring unit, ideal for multi-occupancy buildings.

Supplied pre-insulated to further save installation time and cost, the single unit cartridge design is available with SharkBite push-fit connectors to ensure quick and simple installation, reduced leakage potential and easy maintenance.

Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) and Thermal Balancing Valves (TBVs) are often installed together, yet the PRV is regularly situated in the wrong position on the system to operate effectively. This gave Stuart Harron, Regional Manager for Ireland, the idea for a combined unit to avoid installation

siting errors, speed up installation time and reduce leak potential. Suitable for hot water applications, the Harron valve also incorporates a built-in disinfection function to protect against legionella, a dry-fit thermometer, easy to read pressure gauge, integral strainer and FBSP connections. A version with SharkBite connections is also available, enabling the valve to be installed even more quickly and efficiently.

Also on display will be the new SharkBite PEX (5 layer) barrier pipe. Developed, tested and approved for use up to 6 bar at 95°C on any hot or cold water application, the PEX barrier pipe provides the ultimate flexibility to be quickly and easily cabled behind cavity walls and through ducts. When used as a complete system with SharkBite slim-line push-fit ultra low-lead dzr brass fittings, installers can complete even faster, easier installations without compromising integrity and ensure a professional finish every time.

Stuart Harron said, “We’re really excited to be launching so many innovative new products at the show, it’s a great opportunity to see them in the customer’s hands and find out what they think. Initial feedback on the Chrome range has been great, its slimline appearance and superior quality will help installers ensure exposed systems look as good as possible. And of course, I’m especially looking forward to seeing our new Harron valve on the stand!”

The SharkBite team will also be encouraging visiting installers to get hands-on with the product range and go head-to-head in its Fastest Fitter Competition. Those willing to test their skills will have to complete an installation using the right pipe and SharkBite fittings in the quickest time

Visit us on Stand 18 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

possible, to be in with a chance of winning £50 cash back on their first SharkBite order.

T: Stuart Harron, Regional Sales Manager for Ireland, on (NI) 07909 532133 or (RoI) 0044 7909 532133.

Garth Walsh, Product Manager, Northern Ireland, on (NI) 07881 274917 E: stuart.harron@rwc.com or garth.walsh@rwc.com W: www.sharkbiteplumbing.co.uk

Better, faster, stronger fittings...

SharkBite is: • Twice as fast to install as Press fittings • Three times faster to install than Compression fittings • Four times faster to install than End Feed • And needs no tools, flux or flame Check out our video at www.sharkbiteplumbing.co.uk/howto to see for yourself.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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GAS AND GAS SAFETY

gas & gas safety

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Plumbing & Heating Magazine is supporting both Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week in the Republic of Ireland and Gas Safety Week in Northern Ireland – read more about these important events and offer your support in this dedicated gas and gas safety feature…

Gas Safety Week

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Page No 70-71

Flogas Page No 73

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Dangers of silent killer highlighted during Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week 2015

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et to run from the September 21-27, Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week aims to highlight the fact that carbon monoxide (CO) can and does, kill.

Throughout the awareness week, householders will be reminded of the very serious dangers associated with Carbon Monoxide poisoning and the importance of fitting carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. 800PPM (0.08 % by volume in air) will cause unconsciousness and possible death within 2-3 hours. 10,000 PPM (1% by volume in air) can cause death in three minutes. A person suffering from carbon monoxide levels between 100-200 parts per million (PPM) displays symptoms such as headaches and tiredness after 2-3 hours.

CO is colourless, odourless and hard to detect and it can kill in less than three minutes. On average, six people in Ireland die every year as a result of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. Any fossil fuel can cause carbon monoxide – coal, turf, oil, gas or even wood. Prevention through the competent installation and regular maintenance and servicing of fuel burning

appliances is crucial. For added protection, an audible carbon monoxide alarm should be installed where fuel burning appliances are used and close to bedrooms.

This year’s campaign will feature a prominent multi-media advertising campaign, TV and radio promotions as well as interviews with experts in the field and people who have been affected by carbon monoxide poisoning.

The campaign’s ambassador is Tommy McAnairey, a singing canary who will be releasing a single entitled ‘Carbon Monoxide as Lethal as Hell’ on September 17, with all profits going to Age Action Ireland.

The awareness week is supported by organisations across the energy sector and related industries as well as safety and public health bodies including the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), Gas Networks Ireland, Registered Gas Installers of Ireland (RGII), Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) and National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). Major Irish energy retailers are also involved including Airtricity, Bord Gáis Energy, Calor Gas, Electric Ireland and Energia.

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How to offer your support…

Kidde Page No 77

feature highlights...

Gas Networks Ireland is advising any organisation interested in supporting the campaign that packs of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week posters, flyers and information leaflets are available for display and distribution to staff and customers by contacting the contact centre at networksinfo@gasnetworks.ie or on 1850 200 694.

Registered Gas Installers and Registered OFTEC Technicians will also be able to receive promotional materials directly

by contacting the RGII and OFTEC. Merchants are being urged to consider promotional activity to support the campaign while Gas Networks Ireland is also encouraging all retailers who stock carbon monoxide alarms that comply with European Standard EN 50291 to ensure they are CE marked, have an audible end of life indicator and feature the mark of independent certification such as a Kitemark.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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GAS AND GAS SAFETY

Gas Safety Week, running from 14-20 September 2015, is an annual awareness week organised and co-ordinated by Gas Safe Register. Jonathan Samuel, Chief Executive at Gas Safe Register, is asking plumbers and engineers across Northern Ireland to show their support‌

Gas Safety Week 2015 to raise awareness of the importance of gas safety

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as Safety Week is an excellent opportunity to share life-saving gas safety messages with people across the UK. The fifth annual Gas Safety Week is set to be the best ever, with thousands of engineers, businesses and industry bodies having already pledged their support – but you can never have too much of a good thing. We need as much industry support as possible to spread the word about the importance of staying gas safe.

This year there are a number of exciting new ways for you to help us do this, including running Gas Safety Week events, sharing gas safety messages with your customers and taking part in a nationwide social media Thunderclap (more on this below). As always, we will support you throughout the week so that you have all the tools you need

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to ensure your customers are fully up-to-date on gas safety.

Get involved To help you get started, pledge your support for the week at www.GasSafetyWeek.co.uk and we will send you a free toolkit containing a range of marketing materials including a template news release, social media updates and leaflets you can hand out to customers.

As we know you, your customers and industry stakeholders are increasingly engaging with each other online, we will be doing far more on social media and other digital channels this year than in previous years,. We will provide regular updates on events and share important gas safety messages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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GAS AND GAS SAFETY

Visit us on Stand 46 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

We would love to hear and see what you are doing throughout the week, and to share it with our friends and followers, so follow us on @GasSafetyWeek, spread the word using the #GSW15 hashtag and share photos of your activities and events online.

We have also organised a Thunderclap that supporters can sign up to at bit.ly/ GSW15thunderclap. A Thunderclap is a crowd-speaking platform that helps a group of people be heard by saying something together at the same time on social media.

By signing up to this free service, you can be part of the nationwide launch of Gas Safety Week across a host of social media channels.

Helping the public stay gas safe Throughout the week we will be encouraging people to visit www.StayGasSafe.co.uk

and sign up to our free reminder service, to make sure they don’t forget to get their gas appliances checked once a year by a registered engineer.

We know that, of the 68,000 deadly gas incidents that registered engineers prevent every year1, half of these are down to the fact that people had failed to get their gas appliance regularly serviced and had been left in a poor state2. So, please urge your customers to visit the site and sign up to the reminder service – not only will it help keep them safe but it will also raise the profile of registered engineers, increase the demand for your work and help you build a good relationship with your customers as their trusted gas engineer.

Throughout the week we will also be working with national, regional and trade media to

raise awareness of gas safety in the UK. We want radio and TV presenters, and journalists in newspapers and magazines to talk about gas safety as boiler switch-on time hits and will be encouraging them to get the public to join in the conversation. Radio stations will also be running competitions and getting people thinking about the safety of the gas appliances in their homes. Listen out for us on your local station and get involved!

For more information about Gas Safety Week and to pledge your support visit www.

GasSafetyWeek.co.uk.

1 Gas Safe Register surveyed 1,658 registered engineers in June 2014. Amongst surveyed gas engineers, 57% said they had switched off a deadly appliance in the last year.

There are 120,000 registered engineers, so 57% equates to at least 68,000 homes avoiding a deadly gas incident.

2 45% of engineers surveyed said the reason they had to turn off a gas appliance in the past 12 months was because the appliance had been poorly maintained.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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GAS AND GAS SAFETY

Pictured at the announcement that the Movie House Cinemas in Belfast and Coleraine have signed up to Flogas Natural Gas are (from left), Paul Ruegg, Marketing Executive, Flogas, with Hugh Brown, General Manager, Movie House Cinemas, and Paul Crosbie, Senior Sales Consultant, Flogas Natural Gas.

Visit us on Stand 7 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

Picture perfect connection for MovIe House cinemas marks growing success of commercial offering…

Flogas celebrates 1,000th natural gas connection in Northern Ireland

F

logas marked its 1,000th commercial natural gas connection in Northern Ireland with a touch of Hollywood glamour as the Movie House cinema chain signed up two of its branches to Flogas Natural Gas. The Movie House cinemas in Cityside Belfast and Coleraine will now be using Flogas natural gas for heating.

Offering discounts of up to 10% cheaper than its nearest rival, the Flogas natural gas offer has been an unqualified success since its launch and is now available to all commercial customers on the natural gas pipeline throughout Northern Ireland.

John Rooney, Managing Director of Flogas, said, “We continue to receive an enthusiastic response from customers across Northern Ireland over our arrival into the commercial natural gas market.

“They are pleased to see real competition and choice being offered in relation to both prices and customer service levels.

Achieving 1,000 connections so soon following our launch shows that there is a

real demand for a quality natural gas offering that is highly competitive. “ Hugh Brown, General Manager, Movie House Cinemas NI, said, “We’re open seven days a week, at least 12 hours a day, and it’s important that our cinemas are just the right temperature so that our customers are comfortable while they relax and enjoy a great trip to the movies.

We’re always looking for ways to control this overhead but it has to be from a reliable provider. Along with the discount package, it was the Flogas track record that helped to seal the deal.”

Flogas Natural Gas is a leading supplier of natural gas to the commercial and residential sectors in Ireland.

It already serves thousands of business enterprises located on the natural gas pipeline in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick

and Waterford, including McDonald’s Restaurants and the Musgrave Group as well as the Radisson and Jury Hotel chains.

Since entering the Northern Ireland natural gas market, notable signings have included the Potted Hen restaurant, AM:PM, Rascals Day Nurseries and a range of other businesses across a number of commercial sectors.

Flogas has an established track record in the LPG sector in Northern Ireland since 1979 in the commercial, leisure, catering, industrial and residential sectors. The expansion into natural gas for commercial customers has brought additional benefits to its existing customer base and opened up new business opportunities for the company.

T: 028 9073 0277 W: www.flogasni.com/naturalgas

“Customers are pleased to see real competition and choice being offered in relation to both prices and customer service levels.”

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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CC rr ee a a tt ii n ng g

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Q Qu ua a ll ii tt yy

EE n nv v ii rr o on nm m ee n n tt

Commericial Heating Supplies & Equipment supply • Commission • servicing

Technical Support Team

C&F fullsupport supportand andservice servicepackage packagefrom fromoffering offeringthe thecorrect correctheating heating C&FQuadrant Quadrantsupply offer aafull system system to to ensure ensure the the system system continues continues to to run run at at optimum optimum efficiency. efficiency. for enquires: enquires: for (NI) C&F Quadrant, unit 15 Abbey Business Park, (NI) C&F Quadrant, Unit 15 Abbey Business Park, Mill Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 7BA Mill Road, Newtownabbey, Antrim, BT36 7BA T: +44 (0)28 9036 5555 - County F: +44 (0)28 9036 5565 T: (0)28 9036 5555 - F: +44 (0)28 9036 5565 E:+44 Michaelc@cfquadrant.com E: Michaelc@cfquadrant.com www.cfquadrant.ie

Finalist - Commercial Building Services of the Year COMMISSIONING ENGINEERSProduct FOR northern ireland - HeatMaster 120TC

GAS AND GAS SAFETY

MEETING THE NEEDS FOR GAS ISOLATION/PROVING SYSTEMS, THE GASGUARD RANGE BY FLAMEFAST....

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lamefast is a flexible gas and carbon monoxide detection system that is suitable for use in a wide range of projects.

For industry, in schools, in labratories, in catering kitchens and in boiler houses, Flamefast’s patented technology is regarded as an ideal solution for creating a safe environment.

Flamefast’s Gasguard products are technically and commercially the most effective products currently available and come with four degrees of protection to suit different applications, such as full gas proving and interlocking for school’s laboratories, basic interlocking with extraction systems in commercial catering establishments, where compliance with BS 6173 is required, in boiler house applications and also gas control in hospitals.

VITAL Robert Forsythe, C&F Quadrant, said the Flamefast range continues to be a main seller in this marketplace.

“We have been Flamefast’s distributors for a number of years. These are vital pieces of equipment and, in safety terms, are essential, so high quality and reliability is a must and that is what Flamefast deliver.”

The GasGuard Automatic Gas Proving

Gas and Carbon Monoxide detection system System provides complete protection from leaks and critical loss of pressure. It also provides a full pressure test of all supply pipework and, unlike other systems using weep bypass methods, it detects all levels of leaks.

The system is quick and easy to install and does not require extra pipework for weep bypass venting.

The system consists of a wall mounted control panel and a self-contained actuator/ pressure sensing unit. The actuator unit is easily fitted into the main gas supply and no intervalve pipework is required thus maintaining low installation costs.

The interface between the control panel and actuator only requires a five-core cable.

Gas availability times can be set manually from one to nine hours (in one hour increments) and also on a continuous setting if timing is not required. This is particularly useful in catering and boiler house applications.

The system can easily be interfaced to a kitchen extraction system using a Flamefast differential pressure switch. Additional

emergency stop buttons can be fitted remotely to the control panel to isolate the gas supply immediately, in the event of an emergency.

The GasGuard system has fitted, as standard, a Fire Alarm Interface and a Gas Sensor Interface, which allows for the monitoring of unburned hydrocarbons, eg natural gas or carbon monoxide. It can also be interfaced to existing BMS systems.

All this is combined with low installation and commissioning costs compared with other systems such as Weep By-Pass technology while excessive electronic control makes GasGuard the ideal gas isolation/proving solution.

There is a growing market for these products in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and C&F Quadrant are well placed to meet the needs of customers in both markets.

For more information, contact C&F Quadrant, telephone +44 (0)28 9036 5555. or (ROI) 01 6305757 or visit www.cfquadrant.ie

“Flamefast’s patented technology is regarded as an ideal solution for creating a safe environment.”

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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GAS AND GAS SAFETY

Kidde argues the case for installers offering to fit carbon monoxide alarms whenever working in homes…

SAFER SERVICE C

arbon Monoxide (CO) is odourless and colourless. It bonds with haemoglobin in the blood to gradually replace essential oxygen and prevent its uptake into the blood. It results in headaches, nausea, unconsciousness – and finally death.

The dangers are often far from obvious and CO comes from a surprisingly wide variety of sources. Typical appliances include boilers, wood burning stoves and extended use of fireplaces. But unfixed appliances belonging to occupants, including charcoal or gas grills and LPG or paraffin heaters, are also a danger in enclosed areas.

New Risks Today, risks could be increased by installation of double or triple glazing and the push for sealing-up buildings for energy conservation, reducing air ingress. Other sustainability measures can also pose surprising risks, such as the lethal build-up of CO in wood pellet storage for bio-fuel heating or the use of mobile bottled gas heaters where passive heating fails to deliver.

We simply cannot predict all the possible causes of CO in a dwelling and the impact of changes over time. It is therefore important to fit CO alarms in any home.

Building Regulations call for CO alarms to be fitted in any rooms where combustion appliances are installed, except those for cooking. But in the Republic of Ireland they are also required in every bedroom or nearby in the corridor and also in habitable rooms where a flue system passes through.

However, the latest guidance on CO alarms in domestic and other residential premises – BS EN 50292:2013 – does not distinguish between cooking and other appliances.

10 YEAR GUARANTEE According to all the Regulations and BS EN 50292:2013, alarms can be powered either by batteries designed to operate for the whole working life of the alarm or hard-wired mains.

Fitting a battery-only CO alarm may be the simplest solution and of course, uninterrupted performance is key – addressed by the latest generation of alarms. For example, Kidde’s 10LLCO range offers a full 10-year guarantee covering both alarm and sealed-in lithium battery, as well as tamper-resistant fixings.

Manufacturers that produce their own CO cells – the key component – rather than buying them in, can apply tighter quality controls as well.

Although not requiring interconnected alarms,

“Customers today are far more aware of the importance of CO alarms through extensive public awareness campaigns”

BS EN 50292 does highlight the essential requirements for the alarm sounder to alert or wake occupants. To achieve this, Kidde’s 4MCO and 4MDCO hard-wired CO alarms can be interconnected with each other and also with the company’s new Firex range of hard-wired smoke and heat alarms, using the ‘Smart Interconnect’ feature. Crucially, the CO and Firex alarms share different, distinct alarm sounder patterns for carbon monoxide and fire, as required by BS 5839 Part 6:2013 – supported by different display messages on the digital CO alarm.

RIGHT CHOICE So, without the need for any further operation of the system (such as remote switches), Smart Interconnect automatically alerts occupants of the specific hazard that confronts them. This allows them to respond quickly, making the right choice from the very different alternative actions for either fire or carbon monoxide. Using Smart Interconnect, Kidde CO alarms in bedrooms can act as sounders for the Firex smoke/heat alarm system as well as warning of carbon monoxide. This solves the problem of limited audibility of landinglocated smoke alarms at the bed-head, without the need for smoke alarms inside bedrooms.

Customers today are far more aware of the importance of CO alarms through extensive public awareness campaigns and regard them as essential. But fitting a CO alarm also gives installers the reassurance that they have taken one extra step to ensure that their customers’ homes are safe.

T: (NI) 01753 766392 or (RoI) 0044 1753 766392 E: sales@kiddesafety.co.uk

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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GAS AND GAS SAFETY

Andrew Sands, Calor’s Domestic Sales Representative.

Visit us on Stand 5 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

INSTALLER INCENTIVES AND CUSTOMER OFFERS PROVIDE EVEN MORE REASONS TO SWITCH TO CALOR…

Powerful incentives from Calor

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nstallers bringing domestic leads to Calor are being offered attractive incentives when their customers make the switch to Calor.

There are more benefits to their customers too, with a 12-month customer price freeze promise and an offer of 1,000 litres of Calor gas free, to ensure that customers who make the switch do not feel burdened with too many costs when installing LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas).

But, there’s more to the Calor story than financial benefits. Gareth Thompson, Director of Armagh-based GT Gasworks, works closely with Calor’s Domestic Sales Representative, Andrew Sands, and finds there are many more positives to working with Calor Gas. “We find Calor to be very professional – both through their work with us and with our customers,” said Gareth. “There’s been a phenomenal switch to LPG as systems become more economical, and working with Calor ensures a quick turnover on jobs, which is also important to us as an installer.”

“Calor is very good on the promotional side of things too, which also makes our job easier,” added Gareth, whose company delivers a comprehensive range of plumbing, boiler and gas services to domestic and commercial customers throughout the province.

“We take great pride in our speed of service, quality of work and highly competitive rates - something that we have in common with Calor,” concluded Gareth.

Liaising in close partnership with installers to arrange the full switch process, Calor also offers support in terms of training and engineering support. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of working with Calor, then contact Domestic Sales Representative, Andrew Sands.

T: (NI) 07702 368074 (RoI) 01 850 812 450 W: www.calorgas.ie

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DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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GAS AND GAS SAFETY

FREE ANTON SPRINT MOBILE APP MAKES WORKING DAY EASIER FOR BUSY INSTALLERS…

Fast action from Anton app

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nton has developed a smart new app aimed to improve the way you create and present your FGA reports to your customers and help you to manage your customers and business more efficiently. Free to download on the Google Play Store, the Anton Sprint Mobile app provides useful gas rate, pipe size, ventilation, radiator output and energy conversion calculators for all engineers, whether you own an Anton Sprint eVo3 Bluetooth enabled analyser or not.

If you do own an Anton Sprint eVo3, then Sprint Mobile also provides seamless interaction with the analyser, unlocking the full functionality and features of the app.

The full range of gas, pressure, temperature and CO room safety reports can be emailed directly to your customers. The reports are tailored to your business with your company name, company logo and full contact details embedded in the app to create personalised PDF versions of all the reports.

Landlord certificates, safety notices, gas rate calculations and other forms can be created quickly and easily, saving you time and money, whilst also conveying a very professional image of your company to your customers.

Sprint Mobile also provides reminders for you to book annual boiler servicing with each customer and now Anton have

WIRELESS REPORTS FROM YOUR FGA TO YOUR MOBILE DEVICE.

Visit us on Stand 25 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

added accounting functions to the app: quotations, invoicing and receipts are easily created and emailed and even helps with taking payments quickly and securely whilst on site. The Sprint Mobile App is available on Android only, with other

platforms possibly supported in the future. Anton products are available from Hamilton Gas Products.

T: (NI) 028 9146 1111 or (RoI) 048 9146 1111 E: enquiries@gasproducts.co.uk W: www.gasproducts.co.uk

Specialists in the repair and calibration of test and measurement equipment Fast efficient and professional service. Fully trained engineers and service centre is equipped with the latest calibration instrumentation.

HAMILTON GAS PRODUCTS LTD 2 Balloo Place - Balloo Industrial Estate - Bangor.

T: 028 9146 1111 - E: sales@gasproducts.co.uk www.gasproducts.co.uk AUTHORISED DISTRIBUTOR AND CALIBRATION CENTRE FOR

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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OIL STORAGE REGULATIONS

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T: 028 9039 6945 - F: 0191 4999626 E: info@polariswp.com

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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OIL STORAGE REGULATIONS

DO NOT FALL FOUL OF THE CONTROL OF POLLUTION (OIL STORAGE) REGULATIONS AS DEADLINE FOR COMPLIANCE LOOMS, SAYS OFTEC…

December deadline for change in bunding regulations

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he trade organisation for oil installers is urging commercial operators to ensure their oil tanks meet the requirements of the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations, Northern Ireland which came into effect on March 20, 2010.

While the legislation was implemented several years ago with a stepped timeline for compliance, OFTEC is concerned that many users are not aware of the new requirements that apply to any oil storage at commercial premises over 200 litres, which comes into effect from December 31, 2015.

David Blevings, OFTEC Ireland Manager, said, “We are keen to ensure that commercial operators are aware of the deadline relating to secondary containment (or bunding) of commercial oil tanks. If you own a single skin oil storage tank that serves a commercial premises for heating, refrigeration or any type of oil storage, we urge you to act now and make sure your oil storage is bunded (or has secondary containment). If it doesn’t, it won’t meet the new regulations and the penalties for

non-compliance are severe and range from a £20,000 fine to imprisonment.

“If you own a single skin oil storage tank that serves a commercial premises for heating, refrigeration or any type of oil storage, we urge you to act now and make sure your oil storage is bunded (or has secondary containment). If it doesn’t it won’t meet the new regulations and the penalties for noncompliance are severe and range from a £20,000 fine to imprisonment.”

“An OFTEC registered technician can assess and provide advice to any commercial company storing oil and unsure of whether their existing oil storage is sufficient. “

A spokesperson for Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), added, “It is mandatory for all companies that store more than 200 litres of oil to provide more secure containment facilities for tanks and drums. This is to prevent oil escaping into the environment and causing pollution.

Even a small quantity of oil can cause a lot of damage to the environment and threaten human health and ecological systems.”

The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations not only apply to commercial premises but also to businesses, churches and commercial workshops that use an oil storage tank fitting the criteria. From December 31, 2015 all tanks, fixed or mobile, must be compliant with the provisions of the Regulations.

T: David Blevings, OFTEC Ireland Manager (NI) 0845 6585 080 or (RoI) 0044 845 6585 080 W: www.oftec.org

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OIL STORAGE REGULATIONS

Kingspan Titan urges businesses not to be caught out by new regulations at Kingspan Stadium Breakfast Briefing with Ulster Rugby stars Luke Marshall, Franco Van De Merwe and Louis Ludik alongside Pat Freeman, Managing Director of Kingspan Environmental and Abbey Scott, Regional Sales Manager NI, Kingspan Titan. Picture

by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

KINGSPAN TITAN URGES BUSINESSES NOT TO BE CAUGHT OUT BY NEW REGULATIONS

Talk to the Titan experts

K

ingspan Titan has found that some 70% of businesses* in Northern Ireland do not currently comply with new fuel storage regulations that come into force on December 31 this year.

From that date, business owners must ensure any fuel at their premises is stored in a bunded - or double skinned - tank with owners facing hefty fines of up to £20,000 or even imprisonment for non-compliance.

The regulations, which were prompted by the high level of oil related pollution incidents in Northern Ireland, will apply to ground oil storage facilities of 200 litres or more on industrial and commercial sites including shops, churches and hairdressers to manufacturing plants and offices.

Pat Freeman, Managing Director of Kingspan Environmental, spoke of the awareness raising initiative at a breakfast

briefing at Kingspan Stadium where the company hosted business representatives in the company of Ulster Rugby players.

“The cost of oil spillages to both business and the environment can be heavy and the Government has taken action to bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the United Kingdom. It is imperative business owners are made aware of this regulatory change and the consequences of non-compliance. Business owners are also often unaware that they will be responsible for the cost of any clean up required due to an oil spill on their premises, costing many thousands.”

Spillage incidents often result from leaks from tanks caused by inadequate equipment, poor installation or management and human error. So far, 70% of commercial sites assessed by

Visit us on Stand 37 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

Kingspan Titan have not been compliant and therefore require a replacement before the regulations kick in on December 31.

The Kingspan Titan Fuel Regulations Team are experts in legislation, standards and oil and fuel storage solutions and are working with businesses across Northern Ireland to upgrade their tank as required by offering a free site assessment.

Abbey Scott, Regional Sales Manager NI, Kingspan Titan, commented, “This event marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to ensure all businesses have the required tank to comply. This regulation will help ensure our environment is protected from damaging oil spills and we aim to help business owners be aware to avoid a heavy fine or imprisonment.”

For further information on the regulations visit www.kingspanenviro.com/nifuelregs

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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OIL STORAGE REGULATIONS

TUFFA TANKS INCORPORATE FIRE PROTECTION INTO THE DESIGNOF TUFFA FIRESTOP TANK…

Tough on fire protection

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eplacing oil tanks that are close to boundaries or buildings can be a bind. First, there is the hassle of building protective walls and then the administration of certifying the installation for Building Control. Tuffa Tanks has now made both parts of the task easier.

The Tuffa FireStop tank can be installed in the same position as the old oil tank, as the tank incorporates its own fire protection. In addition, the installation of this revolutionary new tank can be approved through a competent person’s scheme.

Whether it’s a standard bunded heating oil tank, or one with integrally fitted fire protection, Tuffa is at hand to help, whatever the tank requirements.

The company has distributors available in Northern Ireland to cater for your tank storage needs too, backed up with a friendly sales team who are always happy to help.

Tuffa Tanks have been manufactured in the UK for more than 30 years.

Tanks are available in both plastic and steel, and come in a variety of sizes from 1,350 litres up to 200,000 litres.

The Tuffa® range of products is quite diverse which sets it apart from its competitors. The company’s stateof-the-art UK manufacturing facilities means Tuffa Tanks can manufacture bespoke items to meet client’s specifications, and offer technical support and advice to customers.

Features that can be built into a tank’s design to add to safety and improve ease of use include Armco barriers, lockable access, product metering management and, for hazardous sites, steel shielding to protect the tank from site damage.

This quality of product is enhanced by an after-sales service that is second to none, with a comprehensive sales team covering the UK. T: (NI) 01889 567 700 or (RoI) 0044 1889 567 700 E: sales@tuffa.co.uk W: www.tuffa.co.uk

“Whether it’s a standard bunded heating oil tank, or one with integrally fitted fire protection Tuffa is at hand to help.”

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boilers

SLIM JIM ELECTRIC BOILER OFFERS QUICK AND EASY INSTALLATION…

Slim Jim – the space-saving solution

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upplying a comprehensive range of electric boilers, The Electric Heating Company’s Slim Jim electric boiler has been designed using the latest technology.

The compact design of the boiler makes it ideal for heating applications where space is at a premium, and is traditionally installed by professional heating engineers in properties such as apartments, domestic dwellings, holiday homes and light commercial properties.

The Slim Jim is a fully controllable electric flow boiler, designed to maximise cupboard space.

The versatile outputs are 4, 7, 10, 12, and 14.4kW. It can be installed as a conventional sealed system, comprising circulating pump and sealed system kit (also available from EHC).

However, it can also be installed as an open-vented system. A typical heating installation would comprise the Slim Jim boiler complete with standard wet system radiators, thermostatic valves, programmer and room thermostat.

As no flue is involved and no gas analysis required, the installation of the system will be potentially quicker than that of a gas boiler.

EHC now offers competitively priced pre-plumbed cylinder packs with its range of Slim Jim electric boilers. The pre-plumbed, stainless steel unvented cylinders, which can save up to 70% on installation time, incorporate pre-wired controls, automatic by-pass, auto air vent, wiring centre, combination valve, temperature and pressure relief valve, tundish, 2x2 port valves, filling loop, and circulating pump , where required. They are designed with the busy installer in mind, as all plumbing and electrical connections are prepared for an instant fit.

T: (NI) 01698 820533 or (RoI) 0044 01698 820533 info@electric-heatingcompany.co.uk www.electric-heatingcompany.co.uk

New Slim Jim image.

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project profile

M&E Contractor The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University

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M&E contractor takes central role in BIM development to meet the demands of this highly complex building…

Pioneering innovation from Harvey Group

nnovation and the Harvey Group go hand in hand and this proved essential at the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine (WWIEM) where Harvey Group delivered almost £8million of complex building services in challenging circumstances.

This project has become another example of the high quality, highly serviced buildings that Harvey Group has become associated with – a reputation that goes back to the Waterfront Hall and includes landmark projects like Titanic Belfast.

Harvey’s is one of the pioneers in the use of 3D modelling technology in Northern Ireland, successfully using it to award-winning effect at Titanic Belfast. Back in 1996, Harvey’s developed and utilised these specialist skills to successfully prefabricate pipework in curved plant areas at the Waterfront Hall - a project that the company has since returned to as part of a major extension. The latest development in this process was the extensive use of BIM (Building Information Modelling) at WWIEM. Each project has its own challenges and the WWIEM was no exception. Harvey’s task was to incorporate a considerable quantity of complex building services into the building; achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard; address concerns about the choice of pipework for chilled water and heating; and carry out the complex commissioning process within a tight timescale.

To help meet these challenges, Harvey’s developed a full BIM model for the building services. The model will be used by Queen’s University to inform its BIM strategy for design, construction and building maintenance.The company deployed an established team, led by Robert Hall and David Bennett, with site supervisors Danny Nugent and Johnnie Clark. This team has worked together for some time at projects like Ravenhill Stadium, Titanic Belfast and the AFBI research establishment at Hillsborough.

Robert Hall, M&E Project Manager for Harvey Group, said, “With regards to the overall footprint of the building, this was

“Harvey Group was one of the pioneers of 3D modelling technology in Northern Ireland.”

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project profile

Harvey Group’s BIM Level 2 Building Services model.

Complex systems Harvey Group had to incorporate an array of systems within the WWIEM building, including:

one of the most complex, highly serviced projects we have ever worked on, and the use of BIM throughout gave us the ability to plan the installation process in detail.”

The desired BREEAM Excellent was achieved by the use of several novel design features, including passive heating of the envelope and the use of waste heat recovery to contribute to the underfloor system.

Stainless steel pipework was used for the chilled water and heating systems while the company’s decision to pre-commission whenever possible, or carry out early commissioning, also paid off as it avoided potential bottlenecks later in the project.

Throughout this whole process, the design and construction teams collaborated to maximise the use of BIM, and this approach proved successful.

Ken Geary, Director at Ostick + Williams, commented, “Utilising BIM made a significant difference to the overall success of this project and helped us to eradicate any problems before we moved on site.”

Stuart Kyle, Senior Partner at WYG, added, “This project is a shining example of making the best use of a BIM model to achieve certainty that the M+E installation will fit, and be accessible.”

Joe Dowden, Senior Manager at Flowtech, said, “The choice of stainless steel materials resulted in a ‘clean build’ which led to a very smooth and satisfactory flushing and commissioning sequence.”

Pre-commissioning the large BMS system at an early stage paid off also by allowing hundreds of man hours to be worked earlier than normal.

Robert Hall, Harvey Group, concluded, “We acknowledge the co-operation of, and support of, both the design and construction team and the client’s team, and we look forward to continuing to provide ‘soft landing’ support for the complex.

“I would also like to say well done and thank you to our own team, including our supply chain partners who combined to deliver this project to such a standard.”

Mechanical • Gas-fired LTHW heating • Gas-fired Combined Heat & Power • VAV ventilation systems • Air conditioning systems • Cold room installations • Biological safety cabinets and associated fume extraction systems • Fume cupboards and associated fume extract systems • Car-park smoke extraction system • Basement smoke extraction system • Smoke damper control system • Chillers and chilled water system • Mist fire suppression system • Rainwater harvesting system • Borehole extraction and chemical treatment system for potable water • Domestic water and sanitary systems • Medical gas systems • Medical gas detection system • Natural gas and gas detection systems Electrical • LED Lighting and PIR controls system • Emergency LED lighting system • Solar PV panel installation • Standby generator installation • IT installation • Fire alarm system • Vesda alarm systems • Intruder alarm systems • Door access control system • CCTV system • Disabled toilet alarm system • Disabled refuge system • Power factor correction • Power perfector • Car-park barrier and control systems • Lightning protection system

Harvey Group, 14 Glenwell Park, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim. BT36 7RF T: 028 9034 2444 – E: info@harveygroup.co.uk www.harveygroup.co.uk

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project profile

LABORATORY GAS EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University

Specialist service from Pipeline Solutions

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ipeline Solutions supplied and installed all the laboratory gases on the WWIEM project – Nitrogen, Oxygen, Argon and Carbon Dioxide, as well as a cryogenic CO2 tank.

“Both our companies - Pipeline Solutions NI Ltd and Cryotanks Ltd - specialise in the supply and delivery of specialist gases and cryogenic tanks to laboratory, pharmaceutical and medical institutions,” explained Managing Director, Gareth McClean.

“We provide high purity equipment and pipelines in both degreased copper and stainless steel that meet the specialist requirements for the innovative research within WWIEM.

“As a specialist subcontractor, Pipeline Solutions has worked closely with Harvey Group on several challenging projects where we can draw on each other’s experience to produce high quality state-ofthe-art installations. We also worked closely with consultant, WYG during the design stage to ensure that the researchers at the building receive a quality product to meet their exact specifications.

Pipeline Solutions takes pride in offering a high quality, personal and competitive service, operating throughout the UK and Ireland, with a core installation team who have many years of experience within the industrial, laboratory and medical gas industry.”

Pipeline Solutions NI Limited, 16 Kylestone Rd, Donaghadee, Co Down, BT21 0PR T: (NI) 0788790 2333 or (RoI) 0044 7887902333 - E: sales@pipelinesolutionsni.com www.pipelinesolutionsni.com

DUCTWORK The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University

Competitive quality from Brankin Engineering

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ewtownabbey firm, Brankin Engineering supplied the ductwork systems at the new WWIEM building.

“We pride ourselves in providing competitive quality ductwork systems,” said Contracts Manager, Ian Conway. “Our ductwork systems are produced at our workshop in Newtownabbey from the latest production machinery, to the highest standard and to the DW144 specification.

“From estimating through management, production, installation and commissioning, we take pride in our ability to provide our clients with a quality product, on programme and cost effective.

“Our project engineers and draughtsmen ensure that the CAD/CAM drawings produced will ensure the best in economic return, but also that installation is speedy and above all safe.

With a regional office at Broxburn, in Scotland, Brankin Engineering Ltd is one of the leading companies in the UK and Ireland in the manufacture and installation of ventilation/air conditioning systems.

Whilst mainly producing galvanized sheet metal ductwork, Brankin is also an approved manufacturer and installer of BW11 fire rated ductwork and the Kingspan Koolduct system.

Brankin Engineering Ltd, Aercon Works, 556 Antrim Rd, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, BT36 4RF T: (NI) 028 9083 7441 or (RoI) 048 9083 7441 – E: irl@brankin.co.uk www.brankin.co.uk

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project profile

PUMPS SUPPLIER The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University

Quality service from BSS

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enowned in the industry as a first class merchant, combining quality with service, BBS Industrial supplied the top class Grundfos pumps specified for the new Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine building.

“We also supplied a range of other products, including Mapress copper, valves and black iron pipe,” explained Declan Small, Branch Manager at BSS Belfast.

As usual, Declan and his team were able to offer a fast and efficient service to main contractor, Harvey Group. With an excellent and extensive product range, the Belfast store was able to provide everything asked for in a speedy fashion, proving yet again to be the perfect partner for a prestigious

project such as the WWIEM build.

BSS is the UK’s leading distributor of pipeline and heating solutions, offering a product range and a level of service that is second to none.

“Our business is quality driven, from the world-class brands we sell, to the outstanding service levels we offer to our customers,” said Declan. “We can provide our customers with a single source solution for specific technical product ranges such as pumps, plastics, controls and industrial valves.

“We remain dedicated to offering the widest choice, the most reliable technical advice and the most comprehensive customer service in the industry.”

BSS Industrial, 36-38 Duncrue Road, Duncrue Industrial Estate, Belfast, BT3 9BP T: (NI) 028 9078 4000 or (RoI) 048 9078 4000 – E: 1910.sales@bssgroup.com www.bssindustrial.co.uk

COMMISSIONING SYSTEMS The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University

Building service solutions from Flowtech Enviro

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pecialist building services commission company, Flowtech Enviro, provided pre-commissioning cleaning of the LTHW and CHW pipework systems at the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine building, as well as balancing and commissioning of the LTHW and CHW systems and balancing and commissioning of the ventilation ductwork and associate ventilation plant.

“Our experience assisted in the co-ordination and programming of the commissioning works alongside Harvey Group’s site team and the Project Commissioning Manager,” explained Flowtech Enviro’s

Director, Joe Dowden.

“This helped ensure that all works were completed on time and in line with industry standards.”

With headquarters in Paisley, Scotland, Flowtech Enviro is owned and run by Joe Dowden and Gary Wilson, both of whom have in excess of 20 years’ industry experience. The company has carried out work in Northern Ireland for many years, and due to recent success has opened an additional office based in Belfast.

Flowtech Enviro Ltd specialises in all aspects of water treatment and commissioning in the building services industry.

Flowtech Enviro Ltd, Office Suite 3, 2nd Floor, 77 Botanic Avenue, Belfast, BT7 1JL T: (NI) 028 9059 2860 or (RoI) 048 9059 2860 – E: info@flowtech-enviro.com www.flowtech-enviro.com

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project profile

CONTAINMENT PRODUCTS The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University

Scientific approach from DSS

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uct and Scientific Services (DSS Ltd) supplied and installed a range of containment products on the WWIEM project.

These ranged from high quality fume cupboards to microbiological safety cabinets for operator protection and containment of dangerous pathogens.

“We are a very specialist company with lots of experience working in laboratories,” said Managing Director, Martin Ryan. “We attended a number of meetings with QUB Estates department and the project’s mechanical consultant, WYG to discuss the project in detail at the very early stages of design. The criteria for the new building was very high in that

it had to comply with BREEAM for energy conservation and it had to be the best facility within the UK. “The design specification was very complex. For example, in order to comply with BREEAM, all microbiological safety cabinets (MBSCs) had to be very energy efficient with a running current of less than 200 Watts. This was achieved by installing MBSCs by Contained Air, who specialise in high-quality high-efficient MBSC.” Boasting industry-leading expertise and the ability to handle large scale projects, DSS is staffed by qualified engineers with vast experience in building services, exhaust ventilation, mechanical and electrical maintenance.

Duct & Scientific Services Ltd, Unit 4, Lisburn Enterprise Centre, Enterprise Crescent, Ballinderry Rd, Lisburn, BT28 2BP. T: (NI) 028 9266 9220 or (RoI) 048 9266 9220 E: sales@dssni.co.uk www.dssni.co.uk

UNDERFLOOR HEATING The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University

Heating & Energy Solutions have the answer

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allymena company, Heating & Energy Solutions, designed, supplied and installed the underfloor heating system on the ground floor atrium and the first, second and third floors at the new Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine building.

“Quality is the hallmark of our company, and to this end we used our LK underfloor heating system, along with controls from OJ Electronics,” said Jonathan Duff, owner of Heating & Energy Solutions.

LK underfloor heating is a complete system that has been developed, tested and tailored to Scandinavian conditions,

comfortably exceeding UK needs. “This is a versatile Swedish company, offering lots of system solutions, combined with good technical backup and support,” explained Jonathan.

LK systems use only the company’s own unique pipes, manufactured to the highest quality in its own factory.

“In addition to the quality, LK floor heating is also flexible and is easily installed in new build such as at the WWIEM. That made it a straightforward job for us, helped along by the fact the team at Harvey Group are very professional to work with,” concluded Jonathan.

Heating & Energy Solutions, Unit4a Woodhill Commercial Park, Ballymena Road, Cullybackey, Ballymena BT43 5QS.T: (NI) 028 2588 2288 or (RoI) 048 2588 2288 E: info@heatingandenergysolutions.co.uk www.heatingandenergysolutions.co.uk

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Visit us on Stand 40 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

boilers

Visit us on Stand 38 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

Turco unveils new smart technology, as standard, on wood pellet boiler range alongside INNOVATIVE auger fill option…

Woodsman i-Gen – the original and the best

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he Woodsman i-Gen – the original external wood pellet boiler range – just got better, with the addition of smart technology as standard.

The new boiler control for the Woodsman i-Gen will be unveiled at the Plumbing & Heating Trade Event in Belfast where you can take a closer look at the qualities that keep this range so popular.

The boiler design team from Turco were the first to manufacture an external wood pellet boiler back in 2007. A concept initially derided by some, deemed not credible by others, the Woodsman external boiler designs have become undisputed market leaders in the UK. Today over 3,000 Woodsman external units have left Turco’s manufacturing facility in Cookstown to be installed in UK social housing and private properties.

But Turco is not a company to rest on its laurels and the boiler design team continues to create new market-leading innovations, with the new boiler control and the patent pending external auger fill option and patent pending SLIM boiler models perfect examples of this.

In particular, the new boiler control and external auger fill option put the homeowner more in control than ever before.

The innovative auger connection system

makes the Woodsman the only external boiler capable of using bulk storage, giving the home-owner additional options when it comes to fuel purchasing and storage.

The ultimate in boiler control, the i-Gen enables ‘out of the box’ installation with fuzzy logic PID control that greatly simplifies the commissioning process.

Combined with Lambda, the advanced algorithm within the i-Gen’s firmware means that the Woodsman i-Gen is one of the easiest boilers to install and commission on the market.

Installers and home-owners can receive full reports on the fuel usage and operating performance, both available as standard, while remote access and control is available via GSM or WiFi, should technical support or customer service be required.

Other features of the i-Gen include: • Remote monitoring and control facility • 7-day programmer • Monitoring report logs via e-mail • Comprehensive reports menu, eg fuel usage report • Easy to understand graphics • Simple to operate in bright colour • Low fuel level warning • Notification to clean ash pan and service boiler

This new boiler control is just another reason why the Woodsman i-Gen remains ahead of its competitors. With the SLIM and S models alongside the Woodsman i-Gen is the most comprehensive external boiler range on the market. The Woodsman SLIM, in particular, is a firm favourite with local authorities, housing associations or those home-owners who do not have a building to locate their boiler, while both the SLIM and S models come in a choice of hopper capacities.

Rather than simply modifying an internal unit, the Turco team has designed the Woodsman i-Gen range specifically for the UK market and for external use, with each unit coming complete with weather-proof IP rated casing.

Each boiler in the range can fit through a standard door width, making them the most compact units on the market, while each unit comes with Lambda control, automatic burner cleaning (models 15/18/28kW), and automatic heat exchanger cleaning all as standard. Also as standard on each model is a ceramic igniter, energy efficient variable speed pump and a frost stat.

All this comes with a two-year parts guarantee, giving customers complete peace of mind.

Turco Boilers, 14 Tullylagan Road, Sandholes,Cookstown, BT80 9AZ T: (NI) 028 8676 3372 or (RoI) 048 8676 3372 – E: info@turco.co.uk www.turco.co.uk

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Visit us on Stand 40 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

power flushing

CORROSION INHIBITOR NOW AVAILABLE IN LARGER PACKS FOR GREATER ECONOMY…

Systemsafe-DM Concentrate now in bigger packs

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ower flushing specialist Kamco has responded to demand from customers to make Systemsafe-DM Concentrate corrosion inhibitor available in larger packs for speed and convenience when treating larger heating systems.

The new 2.5 litre ‘Five pack’ contains enough corrosion inhibitor to treat a heating system with more than 40 radiators, and the new 10 litre value pack will treat 2,000 litres of heating or cooling system water.

The reduction in packaging costs has been passed on to customers to give them useful savings and lower treatment costs.

The 2½ litre packs have a clear strip down the front marked in steps of 500ml, so engineers can accurately decant the chemical into smaller packs when treating smaller systems.

Systemsafe-DM Concentrate is a balanced blend of corrosion and scale inhibitors that has passed the Buildcert/DWTA

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performance classification, and can be guaranteed to give effective protection, as required by BS7593 and Part L of the Building Regulations.

It gives complete protection against corrosion, sludge and scale formation in heating systems, preventing internal pitting and galvanic corrosion, which can lead to pin-hole corrosion and leaks. The formation of black iron oxide sludge, which accumulates in low flow areas to give flow problems and cold spots on radiators, is also prevented.

Systemsafe-DM Concentrate quickly disperses throughout the heating system and extends system life, whilst maintaining operational efficiency to minimise fuel costs.

It may be used with all metals commonly used in heating systems, including steel, cast iron, brass, copper and aluminium.

T: (NI) 01727 875020 or (RoI) 0044 1727 875020 E: info@kamco.co.uk www.kamco.co.uk

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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news

news in BRIEF

Worcester reveals new website

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orcester, Bosch Group has revealed a brand new, mobile-friendly website, which has been developed to provide installers with a host of useful tools and resources, including its very own ErP label generator.

Ahead of the launch of the ErP Directive this September, the new website will provide installers with a free, simple-to-use online tool to assist with the production of an energy efficiency label for heating systems comprising multiple products. Using the intuitive new tool, installers simply need to either select the Worcester products being fitted, or input the performance data of other manufacturers’ products, to produce a label which can be saved, printed, or emailed to their customer.

In addition to the ErP label generator, Worcester’s new website has also been optimised for smartphone use; making it extremely responsive for those installers wishing to use it as a go-to resource for all product details, technical assistance, and contact information both during and between jobs.

Boasting a comprehensive catalogue of integrated helpful videos, installers can familiarise themselves with a number of technical procedures with ease. Meanwhile, a simple troubleshoot tool for homeowners and easy to follow videos on Worcester’s range of controls are the perfect resources for installers to point their customers towards during the handover process.

T: Ray McClay, Regional Sales Manager, Worcester Bosch Ireland, on (NI) 07767 432567 or (RoI) 0044 7767 432567 W: www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

Commercial and domestic heating, ventilation, air conditioning and heat pump specialists, Air Cool Engineering (NI) Ltd, has launched new purpose built offices in Limavady.

Formerly a local NI Water Board depot, the company has transformed the derelict site by demolishing the existing building and creating a working ‘showroom’ and offices for the HVAC contractor.

The UK’s first small-scale biomass heating and cooling system, manufactured by local company BS Holdings, has been installed at Blackburn’s Volkswagon dealership, part of leading UK automotive retailer and distributor Lookers plc.

The long-established car dealership has made the move to renewable technology in a bid to reduce its impact on the environment in which they operate, and to allow for additional focus on continuing their commitment to providing the highest quality customer care and after-sales service, for which they are renowned in the area.

Fear of theft prevents branding of vans

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survey of 200 tradespeople across the UK has found that, while 60% are happy to promote their business and trade association membership on the side of their van, 40% like to keep their van anonymous.

Astonishingly, 25% keep their van brand-free from fear of being targeted by thieves.

The survey, undertaken by ECIS, the employee benefits, tradesman and van insurance provider for the construction sector highlights the risk workers face every day from having their tools stolen – to the extent that some firms are missing out on the opportunity to promote their business and industry credentials.

The trade profession most worried about theft, citing that as a reason for keeping their van brand free, were heating and ventilation contractors followed by plumbers and electricians.

Over 30% of those that took part in the survey have had their vans broken into, with 30% of heating, ventilation and plumbing engineers being the victims of attempted or actual theft. Given these figures, it is surprising that nearly half of plumbers (46%) do not bother to take their tools out of their van at night, despite what any signage on the vehicle might say.

Phil Scarrett, Sales and Marketing Director for ECIS, said, “Given how vital the van and the tools they carry are to tradespeoples’ livelihoods, any steps to reduce the risk of theft are worth taking, but going ‘brand-free’ means tradespeople are missing out on an easy opportunity to promote their skills and trade association membership.

“Simply emptying the van of essential tools at the end of the shift is worth considering, particularly as our own research has found that the average claim for theft from a van is £5,091. While insurance cover will provide some protection, there is the excess to consider, along with the inconvenience of having to quickly replace tools.”

W: www.ecins.co.uk

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appointments

Meet Mark neeson at northern ireland’s plumbing & heating Trade event, belfast...

Mark Neeson.

Sanbra Fyffe appoints new Area Sales Representative in Northern Ireland

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anbra Fyffe Ltd, a market leader in the supply of plumbing and heating products and manufacturers of the Instantor brand of compression fittings, has made a key new addition to its sales team in Northern Ireland.

Mark Neeson has been appointed new Area Sales Representative for Northern Ireland. A customer focussed, dedicated sales professional, Mark has over 28 years’ plumbing and heating experience in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

During his time with Neeson Agencies in the ’80s and ’90s, Mark acted as a distributor for Sanbra Fyffe’s Instantor compression fittings.

This is a significant appointment for Sanbra Fyffe, and highlights its commitment to providing an improved service to its ever

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growing customer base in Northern Ireland.

The extensive range of plumbing and heating products provided by Sanbra Fyffe include brands such as Tucson Pumps, Eirline Taps, Rangemaster and Leisure sinks and taps, to name a few. The company also offers a hugely successful OEM (original equipment manufacture) service.

A specialist in the stamping, casting and machining of brass and copper alloy components, Sanbra Fyffe manufactures both part and fully finished components for many industries, including the plumbing sector.

Visit Mark at stand 26 and enter Sanbra Fyffe’s competition to win a free 64GB Apple iPad mini.

Visit us on Stands 26-27 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

T: Mark Neeson (NI) 07495 212961 or Sanbra Fyffe (RoI) 01 842 6255 E: markneeson@sanbra.ie or sales@sanbra.ie www.sanbra.ie

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RENEWABLES

Future looks bright for Ireland’s solar energy industry Bord na Móna announces plans to build pilot solar energy farm in Offaly while Lightsource Renewable Energy wants to invest several hundred million euros into Irish sector…

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ord na Móna is currently in talks with a number of potential development partners with a view to gaining a foothold in the growing subsector of the new energy market.

Mike Quinn, Chief Executive at Bord na Móna, said the company’s solar energy plans are at a “very early stage” but that the business will definitely build solar farms on its landbank in the midland counties in the coming years.

The company confirmed they have been speaking with a number of parties in relation to forming a developmental partnership or joint-venture to take its solar plans forward.

The chief executive also confirmed the company plans to launch a pilot solar farm project — as part of its new Mount Lucas windfarm in Offaly — next year. All solar energy generated from future projects will be used for the Irish market, with no energy export plans currently being mooted.

“Our intent, over the coming years, is to optimise growth to become the leading player in every market that we operate, ensuring we are able to maintain current employment levels into the future, critical to the long-term future of the midland communities in which we operate,” Mike said.

Bord na Móna recently reported a near 7% drop in pre-tax profits for 2014 to €37.2m

and a 2.2% drop in turnover to €417.4m.

It saw operating profit grow by over 4% to €52.4m and it paid the State a dividend of €11.2m for the year. A loss of almost €8m was incurred on the termination of the group’s loss-making Anua environmental business.

It has also been suggested that Bord na Móna has been talking to Lightsource Renewable Energy, the world’s third largest solar energy company outside of China and the biggest in Europe which plans to invest several hundred million euros into Ireland over the next five years. The company, which employs about 350 people in the UK and has a small Irish office, develops stand-alone solar farms and pairs with property owners who rent out their land or property to host solar panels.

Lightsource installs and maintains the panels during their operational lifetime.

According to Nick Boyle, the Antrim-born founder and Chief Executive of Lightsource, the firm is considering investment in Ireland as it has similar radiation levels to the UK which, in turn, has similar levels to Germany, the biggest solar market in the

world. He added that solar development in Ireland could be very rapid if conditions are favourable.

Solar energy is one of the lesser-used sources of renewable energy in Ireland, which currently has no commercial solar farms. The Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) recently said at least 3,000 jobs could be created with the installation of 500 megawatts of solar energy in Ireland over the next five years. In a consultation for a Government Green Paper, the ISEA said that with the right policy framework, “solar energy could account for 10pc of renewable energy generation capacity by 2020, representing 500MW of installed generation capacity”. It added: “This will make a significant contribution to Ireland’s 2020 carbon reduction targets, create a minimum of 3,000 jobs and solidify Ireland’s position as a centre of excellence for Renewable Energy.” The organisation also put forward an argument for allowing solar to qualify for a renewable energy feedin tariff, which currently applies for sources of renewable energy including biomass and wind.

“Solar development in Ireland could be very rapid if conditions are favourable.”

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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THINK BOILERS.

THINK GRANT. The Grant Vortex Ireland’s award-winning condensing oil boiler .

Helping homeowners save up to 30% on heating bills* Cost effective home heating solutions from Grant including condensing oil and condensing wood pellet boilers, solar and solid fuel.

Reliable. Efficient. Affordable.

Grant Vortex boilers are available from all leading plumbing and heating merchants in NI.

www.grantni.com Hotline: 0800 279 4796 *

Depending on age and efficiency of oil boiler Subject to terms and conditions

BOILERS

GRANT NI GIVES SOME TIMELY ADVICE ABOUT THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE NEW ERP DIRECTIVE FOR INSTALLERS…

Energy efficiency now as clear as day

G

rant NI has consistently been ahead of the curve when it comes to creating products that reduce noise, energy usage and emissions and, for that reason, Grant’s range of Vortex and Euroflame condensing oil boilers are now compliant with the Energy Related Products Directive (ErP) that comes into effect at the end of September.

Part of this new legislation is the Energy Labelling Directive which requires energy labelling for all space heaters, combination heaters, packages of space heater, temperature control and solar device and packages of combination heater, temperature control and solar device. The appliance’s energy efficiency rating will be clearly displayed on the appliance.

Under the new legislation manufacturers will be responsible for supplying a product fiche and a compliant energy label with a detailed efficiency rating within their product

packaging from September 26, 2015.

To ensure compliance with the new directive, Grant NI has been incorporating energy Visit us on labels and product Stand 39 fiche in all packaging at Belfast’s since July 2015. Grant Plumbing & Heating NI products affected Trade Event by this change include the Vortex oil-fired Q. What does the ErP deadline mean? boilers and Euroflame condensing oil Products placed on the market after fired boilers.

September 26, 2015 must comply with ErP All of these Grant NI products already directives. Any boilers, heat pumps, solar meet the ErP energy efficiency thermals, cylinders etc will have to have their requirements, meaning the only energy label and product fiche incorporated difference to the products will be the new within the product’s packaging. The ErP labelling system with ‘ErP Ready labels’ also specifies that advertising and technical on display on product packaging. Grant’s promotional material for energy-related Vortex and Euroflame condensing oil products must include a reference to the boilers will also continue to offer a saving product’s efficiency class and therefore will of up to 25% compared to a traditional be present in all of Grant NI’s advertising and oil boiler. technical material.

As it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to ensure products put on Q. Can retailers sell unlabelled heating the market after September 26, 2015, products after September 26, 2015?

Grant NI has created a simple Q&A for Only if the unlabelled product was already in the information of installers and retailers. stock before the September deadline. It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to ensure their Q. What changes will the ErP product complies fully with the ErP legislation Directive implement? from the deadline date. Any products placed The ErP details energy efficiency on the market after September 26th must requirements which appliances must meet the directive have a product fiche and meet or exceed. Manufacturers are also energy label. responsible for supplying a product fiches (data tables) and compliant energy Q. What requirements will affect labels within their product packaging. display products in showrooms?

The ErP directive states that dealers shall Q. Which products will be affected? ensure that space heaters, combination The new legislation will affect the majority heaters, packages of space heater, of heating products from oil and gas temperature control and solar device and boilers to cylinders, heat pumps and solar packages of combination heater, temperature thermal kits. Biomass boilers are exempt control and solar device, bear the labels on from this round of changes but will be the outside and front of the appliance at point included at a future date. of sale.

Q. What does the energy efficient If you have Grant NI products in your label look like? showroom and require additional labels, Pictured is a sample of the energy label contact Grant NI on 0800 2794796 or that will be placed within the product e-mail info@grantni.com packaging of Grant products.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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project profile

Mechanical Contractor Schomberg House, Museum of Orange Heritage, Belfast

As one of the leading names in the mechanical sector, MSL delivers a tailored package for new Museum and Interpretative Centre...

Solutions based approach from Maurice Stevenson Limited

M

aurice Stevenson Limited (MSL) found the perfect balance between a variety of requirements at the new Museum of Orange Heritage, Belfast.

Appointed by main contractor, TAL Ltd, as the preferred mechanical services contractor, MSL welcomed the opportunity to further cement a well-established working relationship. Combining technical skills and expertise, MSL again demonstrated its proficiency in delivering excellence and, in partnership with TAL Ltd, provided a solution that exceeded client’s expectations.

The project included the refurbishment and building extension at Schomberg House to accommodate a new state of the art Museum and Interpretative Centre. It is part of the Reaching out through Education and Cultural Heritage (REACH) project, funded through the European PEACE III Programme.

As well as the Museum and Interpretative

“MSL also provided a tailored solution to meet the specialist needs of the archives stores.”

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project profile

Centre, which is open to the public, the building also houses offices and staff welfare facilities - so MSL had to integrate a solution that met these different requirements.

The mechanical work consisted of a major refurbishment of the existing systems, with MSL replacing and upgrading services throughout the building.

The company also completed a new mechanical services installation in the building extension.

A new natural gas-fired combination boiler was installed to provide LTHW to the existing section of the building alongside a new domestic hot water system and space heating throughout the building.

In the Museum and Interpretive Centre, separate space heating zones were created for both the permanent interpretative exhibition and the temporary interpretative exhibition spaces, as well as the ground floor administration offices and the entire

second floor. This system is separate from the remainder of the building. A new split airconditioning system, consisting of two indoor units and one outdoor unit, was installed to serve the first-floor exhibition space and lecture theatre. In addition, a heat recovery ventilation unit was installed to provide cooling in the most energy efficient manner possible.

MSL also provided a tailored solution to meet the specialist needs of the archives

stores. The company installed a split airconditioning system to provide the complete close control of humidity and temperature, which is vital to protect the many archives accommodated on the second floor.

The final result was testament to MSL’s ability to collaborate with the entire project team to develop and deliver a mechanical package that best serves the needs of the client.

Maurice Stevenson Ltd (MSL), 32 Annesborough Industrial Estate, Lurgan, BT67 9JD T: 028 3832 7636 – F: 028 3832 4311 – E: mech@mauricestevenson.co.uk W: www.mauricestevenson.co.uk

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project profile

SANITARY WARE Schomberg House, Museum of Orange Heritage, Belfast

EXTENSIVE RANGE OF QUALITY SANITARY WARE FROM A TRUSTED SUPPLIER…

Ideal service from Stevenson & Reid

F

or a building of such importance as the Museum of Orange Heritage, it was essential that the facilities and fittings were of a high standard too.

When it came to sanitary ware, it was to Newtownabbey company, Stevenson & Reid that the contract for this part of the build was awarded.

As one of the largest independent plumbers’ merchants in Northern Ireland, with a reputation for delivering contracts on time and to a high standard of service and reliability, Stevenson & Reid was the preferred choice of supplier for main contractor, TAL. The contracts team from Stevenson & Reid supplied a range of WCs, urinals and wash hand basins, as well Doc M WCs and wash

hand basins, for both public and staff areas.

“The range selected was from Ideal Standard, whose products we have always found to be both stylish and of high quality – just what was required for the Museum of Orange Heritage,” said Sam McCammond, Stevenson & Reid.

Ideal Standard is one of Europe’s leading contemporary brands, known in the industry for its innovative products and good design, with each piece of porcelain made to the highest standards.

FAMILY BUSINESS Founded in 1980 in Newtownabbey, Stevenson & Reid has expanded and developed to become one of the largest independent plumbers’ merchants in

“We believe we meet the needs of our contractors with quality branded goods at exceptional value for money.”

the province. It continues to be a family business with an extensive network of branches across Northern Ireland, located at Newtownabbey, Belfast, Bangor, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Cookstown and Omagh.

All branches carry a full range of plumbing, heating and bathroom equipment that can be viewed in modern bathroom showrooms and trade displays. Orders are delivered and serviced from the local branches, helping to ensure a prompt, competitive and friendly level of service.

“We believe we meet the needs of our contractors with quality branded goods at exceptional value for money,” continued Sam. “We are pleased to stock and sell goods by some of the world’s leading manufacturers, including brands such as Myson, Quinn, Grant, Bartol, Ideal Standard, Mira, Twyfords and Flair. For the specifications of the project at the Museum of Orange Heritage, the range from Ideal Standard was just that – an ideal choice.”

Stevenson & Reid, 15 Prince Regent Road, Belfast, BT5 6QR T: (NI) 028 9040 2225 or (RoI) 048 9040 2225 Branches at Ballymena, Ballymoney, Bangor, Belfast, Cookstown, Newtownabbey and Omagh www.stevensonandreid.co.uk

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HEATING CONTROLS

HEating Controls

ggg

New Salus app advances remote control of heating and hot water

F

ollowing the phenomenal success of the iT500 - the first internet-enabled thermostat, launched by Salus - the industry leader has launched a new and updated app that offers home-owners enhanced remote control of their heating and hot water to match their lifestyles.

Suitable for use with all smart phones, tablet devices and computers, and downloadable via both iTunes and Android stores, the free app comes packed with features and innovative functions. These include hot water scheduling with three on/off times, a hot water boost for up to three hours, and easy-to-add heating schedules based on all, five or two individual days. Geolocation also alerts when the home-owner is a set distance from their home.

Wireless heating control – easier than ever

In addition to the latest features, the new app retains many of its original functions that proved to be a huge success when first launched. These include video tutorials, step-by-step instructions for set-up and usage, and a colour coded UK map that is location specific. Specification sheets for parts, as well as an iT500 product manual, may also be downloaded.

The iT500 heating control features a

Danfoss builds customer base in Northern Ireland

D

R

eplacing heating controllers is always going to be easier with wireless control, but after you’ve persuaded the customer to pay the premium price for the wirefree convenience, you’ll want to be certain of supplying a top quality product.

The TRT47 digital room thermostat from Timeguard fits the bill. Guaranteed for three years, it’s easy to use and can transmit up to 60 metres away, depending on installation.

T: (NI) 020 8452 1112 or (RoI) 0044 208452 1112 E: sales@timeguard.com W: www.timeguard.com

touch-sensitive master control unit that can be positioned anywhere in the home, either table-top or wall-mounted, to sense the room temperature. It also boasts a contemporary slimline design with a unique black LCD. T: (NI) 01226 323961 or (RoI) 0044 1226 323961 E: sales@salus-tech.com W: www.salus-tech.com

James Pollock, Area Sales Manager for Northern Ireland.

anfoss is looking to build its customer base in Northern Ireland with the appointment of James Pollock as Area Sales Manager for Northern Ireland.

Born and bred in the province, 35-year old James brings 10 years of trade sales experience with Wolseley UK to his new role and has also previously managed sales for nine Plumb Center branches across Northern Ireland.

As Danfoss’ first Area Sales Manager in Northern Ireland, James is looking forward to meeting the country’s many existing Danfoss customers and developing new business relationships.

He sees significant potential for increasing sales of Danfoss products right across the region, from standard dial thermostats right through to intelligent time and temperature controls.

T: (NI) 01234 320257 or (RoI) 0044 01234 320257 W: www.heating.danfoss.co.uk

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HEATING CONTROLS

The Wave App allows remote adjustment of heating and hot water performance.

The Wave, from Worcester.

MARTYN BRIDGES, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT AT WORCESTER, BOSCH GROUP DISCUSSES THE LATEST INNOVATIONS IN INTERNETENABLED CONTROLS

So you think you’re smart?

T

he past 12 months have been exciting for the heating industry, with a huge number of ‘smart’ products entering the market - so many, in fact, that I’ve started to question what the term really means.

In many cases, smart can be used as a general description for any piece of technology able to connect to the internet.

Interacting with thermostats via the internet or a smartphone app allows home-owners to turn their heating on and off remotely, and this has, so far, constituted a smart control.

Being able to contrl heating from afar is undoubtedly a really useful facility, but saving money as a result of this technology is not necessarily guaranteed. For example, homeowners who happen to be leaving work earlier than normal - and therefore turn the heating on remotely in readiness for their return home - will actually be using more energy.

For controls to be smart in the truest sense of the word, I’d encourage installers to look for intuitive or built-in elements which lessen the fuel consumption of the boiler as well as offering the convenience of allowing the end-user to operate the heating system from afar. Additional features have been developed that can enhance a control and allow for greater controllability. For example,

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our smart controller, the Wave, will modulate the flow and return temperatures of the boiler, via both load and weather compensation, to make sure it operates as low in temperature as possible and therefore condenses as much as possible.

Load compensation takes into account the current room temperature and only fires the boiler at the necessary level for a more efficient use of fuel, maintaining peak efficiency levels while still achieving the desired room temperatures. Weather compensation meanwhile, boosts efficiency even further by referencing the property’s postcode to determine local weather conditions. This negates the need to install a north facing sensor externally to the property, making planning and installation simpler too.

EXTENDED RANGE At Worcester, we’ve extended our range of controls on the premise that not every end-user is the same, and have provided a variety of controls to meet a wide variety of home-owner preferences. Alongside the Wave internet-connected device is the full range of Greenstar Comfort controls that can be tailored to the needs of each customer.

The Greenstar Comfort controls are not

internet-enabled, but the room temperature control models connect to the timer or boiler base unit using a radio frequency signal rather than being ‘hard wired’. As a boiler manufacturer accustomed to the demands of the industry, we’ve created a range that interacts with the boiler with precision, so that installers can offer a range of options depending on preferences, and technological habits and abilities.

At present, what constitutes a truly smart device is still wholly subjective. Nevertheless I’d encourage installers to look closely at the range of controls available to decide for themselves which features truly meet the needs of their individual customers, which in turn will enable them to make bespoke recommendations.

The best controls give homeowners the opportunity to take a closer look at their energy usage on an ongoing basis. It’s therefore vitally important that we as an industry continue to educate on the benefits of using more intelligent technology, which will result in the better management of energy use and offer the potential for reduced energy bills as a result.”

T: Ray McClay, Regional Sales Manager, Worcester Bosch Ireland, on (NI) 07767 432567 or (RoI) 0044 7767 432567 W: www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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HEATING CONTROLS

THE ERP DIRECTIVE BRINGS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR INSTALLERS TO EDUCATE HOMEOWNERS ON THE BENEFITS THAT CONTROLS HAVE TO OFFER, SAYS JON PHILLIPS, HEAD OF PRODUCT MANAGEMENT AT BAXI… Visit us on Stand 21

Control issues?

at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

T

he arrival of the long anticipated ErP Directive on September 26 will not only help to reach the targets set by the Government to cut carbon emissions by 20% by 2020, but also opens up new avenues for installers – providing they get on board with the latest technologies.

For the first time, ErP will bring total transparency across the Europe-wide heating market, giving consumers one single criterion to compare heating solutions on a like-for-like basis to help make an informed choice.

Despite this, research shows that unfortunately, consumer awareness of heating controls remains low. Over 95% of homes have a boiler but of these, 800,000 have no controls at all, almost eight million have no room thermostat and over 70% lack the minimum levels of controls specified in the 2010 building regulations.

This is despite the fact that heating controls can vastly improve the energy efficiency of homes across the UK and Ireland. According to the Energy Saving Trust, installing and correctly using a room

“Baxi offers installers hands-on Nest product training to become a Nest Pro.”

thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves in a typical three-bedroom, semi-detached home heated by gas could result in average savings of £80-£165 (around €110 – €235) a year – and up to 680kg of Carbon Dioxide would be saved too.

As well as these predicted energy savings, the addition of controls can also have a positive impact on the efficiency rating of a heating system under the ErP Directive.

Controls have the capability to improve the package energy efficiency rating – especially smart controls, which receive more credits.

ENERGY ADVISORS With all this in mind, it is more important than ever for installers to get on board with the latest technologies when it comes to controls, and reposition themselves as ‘energy advisors’ to ensure both they and the end user are reaping the rewards of the new legislation.

Even though we know there are many homes without even basic controls, there is a growing appetite for advanced home technology – which is why we are working with Nest. The Nest Learning Thermostat takes away the hassle of programming; it is simply turned up and down like a manual thermostat for about a week, and then Nest will create a personalised schedule that is

refined over time. With its built-in sensors, it knows when no one is home, so Nest’s Auto-Away feature can automatically turn down the temperature, helping to save even more energy. The temperature can also be controlled from a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Through the partnership, Baxi offers installers hands-on Nest product training to become a Nest Pro as part of our free Baxi one-day boiler courses, and feedback from installers attending has been very positive.

With all of the evidence in hand, installers need to start considering their options and match these recommendations to each customer. Whether it’s the traditional on/off room thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves or a more sophisticated smart control, the benefits of controls to both the installer and the end user are clear.

With more support for installers on offer than ever before, coupled with the new opportunities that the ErP Directive brings to the table, installers should be taking advantage of this to ensure both they and their customers are maximising the financial rewards.

T: (NI) Sharon English on 079 6658 5902 or (RoI) 01 459 0870 E: (NI) sharon.english@baxi.co.uk or (RoI) sales@potterton-myson.ie W: www.baxipottertonmyson.ie

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competition

LAST CHANCE TO ENTER JG SPEEDFIT’S ‘EVERY METRE COUNTS 2015’ PROMOTION…

Win a Kawasaki bike with JG Layflat pipe

J

G Speedfit is reminding all its customers of their last chance to enter the ‘Every Metre Counts 2015’ national promotion, featuring the iconic JG Layflat pipe.

This year’s competition celebrates the fact that JG Speedfit is the official title sponsor of the GBmoto Kawasaki team competing in the 2015 MCE British Superbike Championships, which competes under the name of JG Speedfit Kawasaki. This makes it no surprise that the big prize for this year’s JG Layflat promotion is a Kawasaki ZX-10R motorcycle.

By purchasing any coil of JG Layflat pipe you have the opportunity to win the brandnew Kawasaki ZX-10R bike. To enter the competition, all you need to do is fill in your contact details on the back of the card found in each JG Layflat coil and send it back to JG Speedfit. Alternatively, you can register for the prize draw online at the dedicated Layflat competition page on the company website. When registering for the competition online, don’t forget to enter the

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Visit us on Stand 22 at Belfast’s Plumbing & Heating Trade Event

unique code found on the back of the card.

For those who wish to register through their smart phone, just scan the QR code underneath.

The bike will be a road-going version of the JG Speedfit Kawasaki competing in the BSB Championships, which makes the

prize even more exciting.

The promotion ends on September 30, and the lucky winner will be announced on October 12.

T: (NI) Mark Mills 077538 332211 or (RoI) Ian Kelly 07753 832211 W: www.speedfit.co.uk

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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commercial heating

Soaring heating efficiencies to new heights, the Firebird Enviromax Supreme is more than just a highly efficient boiler…

A supreme boiler from Firebird

T

Visit us on Stand 24

at Belfast’s he Firebird Plumbing & Heating Enviromax Trade Event Supreme is more than just the most efficient boiler in Europe.

Designed to give constant efficiency throughout the year, this recently launched boiler is saving even more money on heating bills for end-users.

But while it is taking heating efficiencies to new heights, the Firebird Enviromax Supreme offers even more.

To begin with, the unbeatable efficiency is due to the product exceeding cap limits on both full and part load. Firebird Enviromax Supreme also incorporates innovative condensing technology and pioneering heat recovery.

At the heart of the Firebird Enviromax Supreme is the innovative technology, including the latest clean burn blue flame technology and pioneering heat recovery.

Blue flame is new to Ireland and the UK, with Firebird becoming the first oil company in these areas to launch blue flame within this market. German designed and engineered, it has a true blue flame burner that delivers low NOx emissions.

The Firebird Enviromax Supreme is also futureproofed and is already ErP ready to meet these new regulations.

The heat recovery unit, which is unique to this range, resourcefully passes air through the boiler to increase its efficiency and heat recovery. This unique design has changed the technology within oil boilers, with Firebird now a leader in the design and implementation of this innovation.

This type of forward-thinking is reflective if Firebird’s success over the last 35 years, with the company designing and manufacturing the latest heating technology from its base in Cork.

T: (NI) 028 3088 8330 or (RoI) 026 45253 E: firebirdproducts@hotmail.co.uk W: www.firebird.ie

“Firebird Enviromax Supreme also incorporates innovative condensing technology and pioneering heat recovery design.”

TAKING BOILER

EFFICIENCY TO NEW HEIGHTS

Firebird’s

Enviromax Supreme is the most efficient boiler available as rated No.1 by SEAI

• Most efficient boiler in Europe saving even more money on your heating bills • Unbeatable efficiency • Latest Blue Flame Technology • Future proof • Designed and manufactured in Cork to the highest quality standards • Increased heat recovery • Available outputs 20kW and 26kW For supplier and technical details, please contact: Firebird heating Solutions Shean, Forkhill, Newry, BT35 9SY T: (NI) 028 3088 8330 (RoI) 026 45253 E: firebirdproducts@hotmail.co.uk

www.firebird.ie WORKING TOWARDS A GREENER PLANET

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BOILERS

Small in size, but big on performance, the new wall-hung boiler range makes the most of restricted spaces…

Hevac launches new Sime Murelle Domestic range

A

new generation of wall-hung boilers, Hevac’s Murelle Pro HE IE range fulfils the requirements of modern domestic environments where space must be used in the best possible way Small in size but big on performance, the new range from Hevac features an elegant design and ease of use which further improves the user experience while, over time, home-owners will also appreciate the quality and reliability that Sime incorporates into all of its products.

Hevac has supplied Sime boilers to the Irish market for over 35 years. The new Murelle Pro HE (IE) range of wall-hung gas boilers is the latest addition to the Sime portfolio. Available in outputs ranging from 5kw to 40kw, there are four system boilers (25kW, 30kW, 35kW and 40kW) and one combination boiler (25kW to heat/30kw to hot water) within the range. All are fully modulating and HARP A rated.

Specifically built for the Irish market, the Sime Murelle Pro He (IE) range boasts several features and benefits including: • Extremely compact dimensions: 70cm high by 40cm wide by 25cm deep • Gas adaptive valve: This makes conversion from natural gas to LPG simple with a parameter change on the control panel being the only requirement.

There is no need for changeover kits • Self-commissioning setting for ease of installation • Adjustable pressure switch • In-built service timer option • Simple fault diagnosis • Three-piece casing for ease of servicing • Simple to use • Modulation of 1:5 • Weather compensation option • Five-year warranty (terms and conditions apply) Boiler manufacturers have always worried about adjusting the more efficient and environmentally-friendly combustion. The

passing of time often cancels out these efforts, lowering the quality of the combustion due to uncontrollable physical drifts. However, with the Sime Murelle range, an active control of the combustion allows the system to be maintained within the predefined limits of efficiency, safety and emissions.

The system is based on two essential components – the ignition electrode and the control electronics. The electrode immersed in the flame works as a control sensor of the combustion, providing feedback to the electronics to continuously control the combustion. Upon ignition, the boiler works in optimum combustion conditions. During operation, the combustion undergoes drifts that may lead it outside of the predefined field. However, the system detects this drift and automatically runs a new calibration to go back to working at the pre-defined set.

The launch of the new Sime Murelle Domestic range is indicative of the success of Hevac.

Hevac is a family owned 100% Irish company supplying everything necessary for the heating market - from copper fittings and tube to large industrial boilers, fired on biomass, oil, gas and dual fuel. The Hevac group includes Hevac Limited and three sister companies, Origen Energy Limited, Polytherm Heating Limited and Tube Company of Ireland Limited.

The company was formed in 1974 and celebrates 41 years as Ireland’s premier supplier to the entire heating and plumbing sector.

Hevac is committed to improving the range of products, level of service, technical and commercial support, so essential in any supplier-customer relationship.

When it comes to sourcing heating

“Hevac offer clients, specifier’s and installers a formidable armory of solutions, irrespective of the application, fuel or specific requirement they may need.” products, Hevac offer clients, specifier’s and installers a formidable armory of solutions, irrespective of the application, fuel or specific requirement they may need.

The composition of the company’s product portfolio has been carefully structured to ensure that all needs can be satisfied with high quality, brand-leading products from some of the world’s foremost manufactures.

Package boiler houses, complete district heating systems, cast iron or steel boilers, steam boilers, oil, gas and dual fuel burners, air heaters, water heaters, pumps, boosters, radiators, gas detection, heat metering and billing, flue supply and flue installation are just a selection from the product portfolio.

T: (RoI) 01 419 1919 or (NI) 00353 1 419 1919 E: info@hevac.ie W: www.hevac.ie

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NEW! NHC STAINLESS STEEL CONDENSING BOILERS

• Condensing Efficiency of 101% • CE, SEDBUK & HARP Certified.

• High efficiency stainless steel heat exchanger that prevents corrosion from condensate and ensuring a longer life expectancy.

• Remote Control with multiple management functions to control the boiler from within the home.

• Built in remote switch function by phone • Built in neutralising filter and trap to convert acidic condensate to neutralised water.

• Easy service and maintenance capability.

• Self Diagnostic function with digital display to identify boiler function.

Eco Friendly and Highly Efficient Condensing Boiler will save your Energy and Money…

The Saturn Range is distributed exclusively in Ireland by Saturn Heating Limited Shercock Road, Carrickmacross, Co.Monaghan

Tel +353 (0) 42 9692032

www.saturnheating.net

training

Increase in numbers wanting to join the Saturn Approved Installer Network…

Training with Saturn Heating proves popular

M

ore and more installers are joining the Saturn Approved Installer Network, with only a limited number of places left on the company’s training courses.

Poor installation can mean that end users don’t get the best out of their product.

For this reason, Saturn Heating products are only distributed through a network of approved professional installers throughout the UK and Ireland.

And it is clear that more and more installers are keen on joining the approved network, with a rise in the numbers taking part in the official training course.

“We have had a great response from our training courses, with a lot of participants saying it is the most hands-on course they have ever taken,” explained Stephen Duffy, Saturn Heating. “All our training courses are booking up fast, so if you are interested in joining our installer network please get in touch as soon as possible, so we can schedule you in for training.”

By controlling the installation process, Saturn Heating can ensure high quality installation and maintenance service through the life of the product.

The Saturn Approved Installer Network

system offers definite advantages to installers, with leads generated by Saturn Heating passed on to local installers. It also allows Saturn to control and maintain the high standards the company is renowned for, not only in its product range, but also in installation and servicing, which also benefits home-owners.

To become an installer on the Saturn Approved Installer Network, a specific training course must be completed. On qualifying, the installer will then be approved to install, commission and service the Saturn NHC stainless steel oil boiler range.

Stephen added, “By insisting on our own training, we can offer added assurance to home-owners that they will receive a high quality installation service that we can stand by, and also a full service back-up throughout the life of the product.”

As part of a global organisation, Saturn Heating has been making its mark with heating professionals since 1978, manufacturing for markets across Europe, Asia, America, Canada and Russia.

The company offers Ireland’s first range of all stainless steel condensing oil boilers, with the NHC boiler using an all stainless steel condensing heat exchanger - the only one of

its kind available on the market today.

Other innovative features include intuitive remote control with multiple management functions to control the boiler from within the home, providing simple and efficient management.

“Eco-friendly and highly efficient, it’s no surprise the NHC stainless steel condensing boiler is popular on such a global scale,” said Stephen. “Our NHC boiler is unique. We are confident that it will save home-owners money and energy, in addition to enjoying a long service life. It’s the only boiler that includes a neutralising filter and trap to treat the corrosive condensate.”

T: (RoI) 042 969 2032 or (NI) 00353 42 969 2032 E: info@saturnheating.net W: www.saturnheating.net

New boiler controller coming soon! g Saturn Heating continues to innovate and the company is set to launch a new boiler controller with weather compensation in September!

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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Did you know?

By the time you complete and colour below...

You could have bought a van from US!

THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL...

2015 PRE-REG NEW RENAULT Trafic SL27, 120bhp Business + (all the toys and go faster bits) Subject to availability

SAVE over £7,000 on list price

165 Dromore Road, Hillsborough, bt26 6ja. E: bridgecommercials@hotmail.com www.bridgecommercials.co.uk

vans

AXA OFFERS SOME HANDY HINTS TO ENSURE YOU STAY SAFE ON THE ROAD…

Top tips for van drivers

G

ood driving and road safety are a priority for the thousands of van drivers on Northern Ireland’s roads.

When you get behind the wheel of your van, you need to consider if you are fit to drive.

Here are some common causes of accidents and some helpful tips to stay safe on the road!

• Driver fatigue - Van drivers sometimes can’t avoid long days and extended journeys so, if you are travelling for a long time, make regular stops along the way. Also, if possible, try and share the driving with others to avoid driver fatigue.

• Alcohol - You should never drink and drive!

It’s also important to remember that alcohol can be present in your body for hours after

consumption; therefore, you may still be over the legal limit. To avoid putting yourself and others at risk, you should plan ahead and make alternative arrangements.

• Ill health - If you are suffering from ill health or you are feeling unwell you should avoid driving, as this could affect your concentration and ability to drive, which could increase your chances of having an accident. Regardless of how important the journey is, you should never take unnecessary risks on the road.

• Insurance - It’s important to get the right cover for your vehicle in case you have an accident, particularly if you rely on your vehicle to keep your business running.

Your insurance could give you cover for a

replacement vehicle or personal injury cover, which can be a great benefit to business owners. You may also be able to add restricted open driving to your van insurance policy which can allow you to add drivers between the ages of 25-70 to drive your van, allowing you to take the pressure off and share the load.

AXA provides cover to van drivers across Northern Ireland and has a dedicated team based in Belfast to help get you the right cover for you and your van. AXA also has a local claims team and 15 branches across Northern Ireland, so you will never be far from someone to help, if you need it.

For more details about van insurance, contact the AXA Insurance Van Team on 028 9002 0419.

FREE BREAKDOWN ASSISTANCE

with AXA Van Insurance AXA Insurance limited is authorised by Central Bank of Ireland, and authorised and subject to limited regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details about the extent of our authorisation and regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority are available from us on request.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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new products

Flux pots runneth over with overfill promotion

Myson towelTitle rails fit for a palace

n Giving merchants even more opportunity to offer customers value for money when purchasing its bestselling flux, LA-CO is running an overfill promotion in October and November.

With 15% extra free in each special promotion pot, LA-CO’s regular soldering Flux lasts longer than ever before, while offering merchants the chance to increase their order value in the run-up to the end of the year.

T: (NI) 0121 705 7987 or (RoI) 0044 121 705 7987 W: www.brianhyde.co.uk

n Three classic towel warmer models from Myson’s exclusive Design Collection have been installed in the bathrooms of one of Scotland’s most iconic palaces.

Creating a luxurious environment whilst preserving the integrity of the palace, Myson Dee, Inn and Saxby towel warmers were fitted in the en-suite bathrooms.

The traditional style and high quality finish suited the setting perfectly, creating a warm and comfortable environment.

T: (NI) 0845 4023434 or (RoI) 0044 845 4023434 W: www.myson.co.uk

Pegler Yorkshire launches range of CPD modules n Pegler Yorkshire has launched a portfolio of Continuous Personal Development (CPD) modules, suitable for a wide cross section of people, from installers and contractors to specifiers and consultants, with more modules coming soon.

The online training modules, which can be accessed via ‘My PY’ on the company’s new website, cover general topics such as central heating, taps and mixers, metal push-fit and commissioning.

W: www.pegleryorkshire.co.uk

Sentinel Hub Title is centre of attraction for installers

Uponor in full control with Smatrix

n Providing installers with free and instant access to a massive range of valuable water treatment training, sales and analysis tools, as well as alerts to current trade-only merchant offers, the new Sentinel Hub is fast becoming a hit among the plumbing and heating community.

It is easily accessed via Sentinel’s website and designed specifically for installers to help them grow both expertise and business.

T: (NI) 01928 704330 or (RoI) 0044 1928 704330 www.sentinelprotects.com

n Designed to meet the needs of installers and home-owners alike, Uponor has developed Smatrix – a new portfolio of fully integrated control systems, specifically designed to partner with all radiant heating applications including underfloor heating (UFH). Easy to install, configure, maintain and use, the new Smatrix portfolio offers a fully integrated and easily expandable system for both wired and wireless controls. What truly separates Smatrix from other control solutions is its unique built-in autobalancing technology.

T: Warren Smyth, BDM Ireland, on (NI) 07824 435216 or (RoI) 0044 7824 435216 E: warren.smyth@uponor.com W: www.uponor.co.uk

JG Layflat takes a lucky plumber to Holland n JG Speedfit has named Paul Pickering, from England as the lucky winner going to the British Superbike Championship race in Holland this September.

The prize is part of JG Speedfit’s national promotion ‘Every Metre Counts 2015’, featuring the iconic JG Layflat pipe, which is still offering the chance to win a brand new Kawasaki ZX-10R bike by purchasing any coil of JG Layflat pipe.

W: www.speedfit.co.uk

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DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: PLUMBING & HEATING TRADE EVENT 16-17 SEPTEMBER, BELFAST

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