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PHAM NEWS | JUNE 2021
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News Review
Domestic boiler sales bounce back from Covid Sales of domestic gas boilers bounced back from the Covid downturn, the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC). The numbers show that (&(# looks set to be a record year for gas boiler sales, with year-to-date sales up %#% from (&(&, with a #(-month average sales figure increasing by #%%. Commenting on the figures, the director of HHIC Stewart Clements says: “Sales have certainly bounced back from (&(&, and consumers are once again investing in home renovation as they see the light at the end of the dark Covid tunnel. “We expected this April to be better than last year, when sales fell off a a massive increase in sales. This is great news for the UK manufacturers who make the appliances, for the whole supply chain that gets them ready for the home, and for the #)& &&& Gas Safe registered installers $
news for the consumer as they get homes, helping to keep bills down. If (&(# continues this way, our UK-based industry will see a record breaking year.” In total, !% & ) units have been this year, compared to just %! %! in the same period in (&(&. The HHIC has also revealed that over 8&% of the boilers sold are combi boilers.
Fleet runners Bathroom distributor PJH has invested in three new regional distribution centres – in Enfield, Thirsk, and Bristol – bringing a significant expansion in its Next Day Delivery Service to retailers, to include up to "#% coverage of UK postcodes. This increased capacity will enable PJH to reduce the number of deliveries out of its Cannock central hub, relieving site congestion and improving efficiency. It also reduces the number of miles travelled further by reducing the potential impact of traffic or bad weather. In addition to the Cannock distribution centre and the new Enfield, Thirsk, and Bristol sites, PJH also operates from Bolton, Worcester and Glasgow regional locations.
Report shows decline in new recruits A new report released by Skills Training Group has revealed that the number of people entering the plumbing and heating industry has declined by %$#"% from #'! %&& to #'& && over the last #6 years. The Trade Trends Report (&(# analysed #6 years worth of data from the Office for National Statistics to assess the state of the UK workforce and shows that plumbing is one of a number of key trades declining in numbers. Data forecasts show what the future may look like for trades if the average decline continues. Based on current numbers, it is predicted that by (&%" workers in the plumbing and heating trade could fall to #)( #% – a drop of #'$!'%. Commenting on the research, Mark McShane, MD at Skills Training Group, says: “For many industries, young people entering the workforce early in their careers means they can learn the craft and make it a long
term career – with many being business owners by the time they are )&. But in order to encourage young people to make these choices, businesses need to engage with young people, sharing their success stories to encourage a new workforce. “Communication and marketing needs to be a big part of each of the $
and recruit new talent, its image needs to adapt as well. Companies and industries that make a noise, engage with social media and shout about what makes their trades great will see the tide change in the amount of people wanting a job.” To read the full Trade Trends Report (&(#, use the readerlink below. phamnews.co.uk/
Travis Perkins brokers sale of plumbing arm
Installer role vital in water conservation
The builders merchant group Travis Perkins has announced that its plumbing and heating arm (P&H) will be sold to a private equity firm, HIG Capital. The deal, valued at *)(' million, is expected to be completed within the next three months. P&H operates under its primary trading brands City Plumbing Supplies (CPS) and Plumbing Trade Solutions (PTS), alongside several specialist online outlets including The Underfloor Heating Store, Direct Heating Spares, PlumbNation, and National Shower Spares. Dave Evans, CEO of P&H, says: “The sale to HIG is great news for P&H and its stakeholders. We are well positioned to push forward with our plans for growth by developing more customer-focused propositions delivered by over )&&& dedicated team members. I look forward to building an even stronger business in the coming years.”
The key role installers can play in spreading the word about water conservation in the home was a key theme at the first Water Matters virtual conference, recently hosted by the Unified Water Label (UWL). The conference explored how the bathroom industry can work together to better inform customers about using water efficiently. UWLA CEO Yvonne Orgill says: “There was clear agreement from our contributors that the world is changing and the environmental impact of how we use water in the home is increasingly important. “Those in the supply chain that have a direct interface with the consumer, such as installers, have a unique opportunity to take up this challenge and influence and educate consumers on the options available. They are well placed to promote products that are UWL registered and advise on the performance aspects, reassuring consumers that water saving does not mean reduced performance. Installers can also help with any compatibility issues, helping consumers make the right choices for their water systems and lifestyle. “There is also a commercial gain for those that can offer quality products and advice to those consumers looking to make the right environmental choices when investing in their home.”
