News Review

from June 2021

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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 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

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 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

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.”

Installer role vital in water conservation

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.”

Brexit ruling could hurt radiator sales

The Manufacturers Association of Radiators and Convectors (MARC) has condemned a ruling by the UK government that could see the majority of radiators on sale in the UK stripped of a valid test be sold legally. Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government decided to invalidate current CE Mark test certificates from the end of this year.

This could mean that UK homeowners will be unable to purchase and install new or replacement radiators from

January . Isaac Occhipinti, head of external affairs at MARC, explains: “Since changes to CE marking were announced, the radiator industry has been working with the understanding that for existing products a transfer of test certificates would be possible. We have since been informed that this is not the case, even though the

European standard tests are identical to the UK standard EN . As it stands, in order for products to start using the new UKCA mark, they will need to be completely retested using a UK test lab.

“There are currently thousands of radiator products on sale in the UK with a valid CE mark, but there is only one test laboratory in the UK. Even with a heroic a very small percentage of radiators currently legally on sale in the UK.

“It will be impossible for all products to be tested by the deadline. The industry now faces the reality that the majority of radiators on sale in the UK few months’ time, and therefore unable to be sold legally,” concludes Isaac Occhipinti.

Second-hand stolen tools going strong

More availability of boiler spares

Six in ten tradespeople say that they have been approached by or seen someone they suspected of selling stolen second-hand tools, according to new research by Direct Line business insurance.

According to the survey, % of tradespeople became aware of a suspicious seller through word of mouth, and % said the person selling the tools was a friend.

The majority ( %), however, refused to buy tools from the suspicious seller. Some of them went on to inform a trade authority ( %) or the police ( %). One in ten still bought the tools despite their suspicions, and over one quarter considered purchasing them but didn’t go through with it.

The second-hand tool market, where equipment is available more cheaply and quick to source, is helping to drive tool theft across the country. % of UK consumers say they have bought tools secondhand, with 6% doing so on multiple occasions, showing the strength of the market. Nearly half of these buyers ( %) have acquired tools from a car boot sale, % have got them from a friend, and almost a third have bought selling second-hand goods.

A new network of spares stockists has been launched by Intergas to improve the availability of its boiler spares. The company says an IT-led system has been implemented to ensure that stock supplies remain resilient and responsive. There is now a dedicated web page, highlighting the location of the nearest Intergas spares stockists, which can be accessed using this link: phamnews.co.uk/

Trailer to visit merchants nationwide

Embarking on a nationwide tour of the UK’s plumbing and heating merchants, Glow-worm is encouraging installers to register for its Mystery Trip which will see Glow-worm Club Energy installers secure two places on the all-expenses paid trip to a top secret destination, set to be revealed next year.

The Mystery Tour trailer will be visiting 88 merchants over the coming weeks, spreading the word on how to get involved. Visitors will be able to step inside the Airstream trailer to get up close with the very latest Glow-worm boilers and controls, win a host of instant prizes, sign up to the Club Energy loyalty programme, and meet their regional business manager.

To sign up for the Mystery Trip and to receive a personalised target, installers must be a Glowworm Club Energy member, with the qualification period running until stMarch a plumbing merchant in your area, visit the website below. phamnews.co.uk/

Geberit declares a duck hunt

In the spirit of Cadbury’s hunt for a gold Crème Egg, Geberit is bringing its own search to installers as it gives away a selection of top prizes as part of a new ‘Find the Duck’ promotion.

To be in with a chance of winning, installers just need to visit a participating retailer and purchase either a Geberit or Twyford ‘Grab and Go’ pack (Twyford Option and Alcona, or Geberit Selnova ranges). A number of rubber ducks have been hidden in a selection of boxes, with prizes including holiday vouchers for Canopy & Stars, Love Shop vouchers, a in television as well as Geberit-branded merchandise. Purdie Proudman, channel marketing manager for Geberit, says: “We want to reward our customers’ loyalty and this promotion is the perfect way to do that. There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs – look out for the rubber ducks in your Grab and Go packs!”

For more information on Geberit’s ‘Find the Duck’ promotion use the link below. phamnews.co.uk/

Get help with

A new campaign has been launched by training provider JTL, aimed at guiding employers through the process of taking on an apprentice in government grants.

The ‘six simple steps to taking on an apprentice’ promotion aims to alleviate any worries employers may have about taking on an apprentice, while also reminding employers of the opportunity to claim an incentive grant of for apprentices hired between April and September regardless of their age, which is in addition to the existing payment for all new to -year-old apprentices.

Taking inspiration from popular online dating platforms, the campaign positions JTL as the matchmaker between an employer and the apprentice. The training provider, which currently works with learners and employers across England and Wales, apprenticeship programme, from the first getting matched with the perfect apprentice, to funding advice and getting support from a

Cathie Foster, head of marketing and communications at JTL, says: “The campaign comes at a crucial time as the easing of lockdown restrictions continues and the government funding is still available. We now more than ever want to encourage employers to take on an apprentice to ensure a pipeline of skilled tradespeople continues. hand to speak to employers who are keen to invest in the training and development of an apprentice, and to help employers make the which is at its highest level ever and is available until the end of September.”

Employers will need to set up an account on The Apprenticeship Service portal in order to access the funding, which JTL can assist with. For more information on finding the right apprentice in six simple steps and for help on accessing government funding, just use the readerlink below. phamnews.co.uk/

Resideo adds value to the trade

Home comfort and security solutions specialist, Resideo, is collaborating with TradeHelp – a UK trade network providing installers with purchasing, customer of heating service plans. plans, from straightforward boiler servicing to full boiler monitoring with priority call outs. Installers set their own pricing and can view their customers’ online subscriptions and monthly payments through easy-to-use software.

Each service plan comes with the option to include a Honeywell Home thermostat from Resideo – this also includes discounted prices on replacements – while the full boiler monitoring option (Smart Home Comfort Plan) includes the Honeywell Home T6 Smart Thermostat which is powered by Resideo’s remote appliance monitoring software (RAM).

“We are always looking for new ways to support heating engineers in today’s competitive market,” adds TradeHelp’s MD, Martin Jones. “Service plans are not an easy thing to deliver for a smaller company – until now that is! It’s a huge opportunity for heating engineers to take their businesses forward, with the security of a consistent income stream.”

Find out more by using the link below. phamnews.co.uk/

Heat pumps hit the road

Expect Distribution has been named transport and logistics partner by NIBE for delivery of its heat pump products. The deal will enhance service to installers with improved product tracking and delivery timescales.

Sales and marketing director Robin Adderley comments: “We are taking every step we can to support installers so they can deliver heat pumps into homes across the country, and our partnership with Expect Distribution is a huge part of our efforts to improve deliveries and product lead times.”

Expect Distribution’s warehousing facility is based in Bradford adjacent to the M , perfectly to meet the needs of NIBE installers and customers across the UK. In a new promotion aimed at a free insulation jacket with any purchase of its SpiroCross AX range of hydraulic balancing units. Any heating engineer will be able to claim the insulation jacket between now and th July when they buy one of the brass units.

The -in- SpiroCross AX combines deaeration, dirt separation and hydraulic balancing in one, to improvements across both new build and refurbished heating, cooling and process systems. promotion and to claim a free insulation jacket, installers should speak to their local merchant.

The British Refrigeration Association (BRA) has published the sixth version the Jointing of Pipework for Refrigeration Systems guide. This latest issue is the edition.

Recognising the importance of brazed of refrigeration and air conditioning systems, the BRA developed the simple approval for jointing copper pipework for refrigeration systems. a practical means of assessing an individual’s competence to braze joints for refrigeration and air conditioning pipework in accordance with national standards used by the industry and relevant legislation. This revision has incorporated high strength copper alloy pipe in recognition of its adoption on R systems and is also applicable to A L refrigerants.

Mark Woods, president of the BRA, says: “The need to maintain safe working practices throughout any brazing process is paramount both in the workplace and when carrying out training and endorsed by the Technical Committee of the Institute of Refrigeration and the BRA hopes that it will continue to be the accepted industry standard.”

The new guide can be downloaded free of charge using the readerlink below. phamnews.co.uk/