News Review

Easy energy savings are being overlooked says BESA

Thousands of commercial and residential building owners are missing out on straightforward, low-cost ways to improve energy effi ciency, according to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). Quick and easy measures are not being widely adopted, says the Association, such as turning down thermostats and heating fl ow temperatures, having boilers and other plant serviced, improving insulation, and replacing ineffi cient light bulbs with LEDs.

While BESA welcomes the government’s recent interventions to help people cut their energy use, it argues for “more ambitious” financial incentives and policy measures to deliver the scale of building upgrades required to properly address energy costs and climate change.

New research from the Centre for Economic and Business Research (CEBR) has found that UK businesses and homeowners are missing out on over £3bn worth of savings every year due to lack of energy efficiency awareness and fi nancial incentives.

The ‘Powering Energy Effi ciency’ report published in collaboration with Grundfos found that 14% of the 500 businesses owners contacted have either never had a boiler service or have not had one in the last fi ve years, despite 75% saying they wanted to make their heating system energy efficient. 20% of business owners admitted they had not had an energy effi ciency audit for more than fi ve years – and many had never had one.

Of the 2000 homeowners surveyed for the report, 12% said they didn’t know when they last had their boiler serviced and 23% were not sure when their system was last checked for potential effi ciency upgrades – despite 64% saying their biggest concern was rising energy prices.

While welcoming the government’s energy saving information campaign, BESA argues that more incentives and longer-term investment could unlock far greater savings by improving the energy effi ciency of all UK buildings.

“We need to transition away from fossil fuel use in the built environment, and to decarbonise heating and cooling,” says chief executive David Frise. “This would make our buildings more resilient to climate change and improve long-term energy security – as well as delivering fantastic economic and societal benefits for future generations.”

Merchant sales driven by infl ation

Price inflation and not volume is driving sales of plumbing and heating products through merchant outlets, which saw 10.8% growth in Q3 of this year compared to the same time last year.

The latest Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report shows that volume sales remained fl at, with just a 0.3% rise compared to last year. With one less trading day this year, like-for-like sales were 12.5% up. Year-to-date value sales from January to September 2022 were 7.1% above the same period a year earlier.

Sales in the 12 months to September were 3% higher than the same period a year before (October 2020 to September 2021). Volume sales were 4.9% lower while prices were up 8.3%. With two less trading days in the most recent period, like-for-like sales were up 3.8%.

September’s value sales were 9.1% above the same month a year ago, but volume sales were down 3%, with price infl ation of 12.4%.

Mike Rigby, CEO of MRA Research, which produces the report, comments: “What we are seeing in quarter three seems to mark a return to normal seasonal trends, with the traditional ‘heating season’ giving specialist plumbing and heating merchants a bounce in sales. Double digit growth yearon-year looks remarkable given the country’s economic outlook and record lows in consuming confi dence, so it’s no surprise to fi nd that growth is essentially the result of inflation as volumes remain fl at.

“RM&I work has been knocked back in the mid to budget sectors as the aff ordability crisis forces younger and less well off homeowners to prioritise spending, but mainly older homeowners who have paid off their mortgages or are near to doing so are still spending.

“Both energy and water saving products are expected to benefi t as property owners seek to minimise bills with improved energy effi ciency and increasingly, water effi ciency too.”

Vaillant opens UK heat pump production line

Responding to increased demand for heat pumps, Vaillant has unveiled a new multi-million pound heat pump production line at its headquarters in Belper, making it the fi rst manufacturer to produce both heat pumps and higheffi ciency boilers in the UK.

Vaillant has been supplying heat pumps for the UK market since the early 2000s, but this latest addition to the Belper plant further enforces the company’s commitment to investing in the factory’s low carbon capabilities.

The new heat pump line will be dedicated to producing Vaillant’s aroTHERM plus air-to-water heat pump. The aroTHERM plus is the fi rst UK manufactured heat pump available in the market to use the natural refrigerant R290.

Marking the offi cial opening of the new heat pump production line: Vaillant MD Henrik Hansen (right) with plant director Joe Dunn (left) and John Forkin MBE, MD of Marketing Derby, and Pauline Latham, MP for Mid Derbyshire

Giving the inaugural tour of the new heat pump line, Henrik Hansen, MD of Vaillant Group UK & Ireland said: “Vaillant has seen many ‘fi rsts’ in its nearly 150-year history, and I’m delighted to now be announcing the commissioning of the company’s new heat pump manufacturing line in the UK. It’s a huge testament to our incredibly talented and dedicated team, and their vision and commitment to taking the business forward, that we are celebrating this latest milestone.

“This important move means we can help increase the availability of UK made heat pumps and further our support for installers via supply, training and installation guidance, as they make the shift to new heating technologies.”

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Oil boiler ban could cost MPs votes

The proposed ban on oil boilers from 2026 could cost sitting MPs votes at the next election, according to polling undertaken by the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA). The trade body says that many MPs will face the wrath of voters if they try to enforce the ban, with 85% promising not to support their MP if they enforced the ban. The ofgrid boiler ban is also viewed as “unfair discrimination” by 79% of those asked.

The EUA points out that a broken oil boiler is likely to cost the average home around £2000, but if a ban were to be put in place, a heat pump replacement would cost an extra £11,000.

EUA’s chief executive Mike Foster says: “The government consulted on this issue and has yet to publish its response, but the ban is part of their Heat and Buildings Strategy. It is due to start in 2026 and voters are not really aware of the consequences. It has not been spelt out to them that government is not going to pay; they, as homeowners, will have to fnd the extra £11 grand themselves to ft a heat pump.

“What is particularly unfair and discriminatory is that those who live on the gas grid won’t face a ban until 2035, and then only if heat pumps have fallen to the same price as a gas boiler. Those using oil or LPG have no such protection.

“Homes using oil or LPG are viewed as ‘low hanging fruit’, easy to pick of, but MPs have been warned. Rural homeowners are not fush with cash; they often live in hard-to-warm homes and frankly a heat pump may not be suitable for them. With 79% of voters arguing that such a boiler ban is unfair discrimination and 85% promising to withdraw support for any MP backing the ban, it really is a matter now for politicians to take notice.”

Easy access to BUS funding

MCS -certified heat pump installers should fnd it quicker and easier to apply for the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme funding thanks to the launch of a new online installer portal.

Up and running since the end of November, installers are now able to apply for the scheme on behalf of customers via the easyto-use portal, where they can check the progress of their application and review any outstanding actions.

Installers who have a Boiler Upgrade Scheme account with Ofgem should have received an email with login details in order to start using the portal. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/06

Connor does the UK proud

Connor Cruden, a gifted plumber from Aberdeenshire and Cowie Plumbing & Heating, represented the UK at the WorldSkills Plumbing competition, held recently in Germany. Although he ultimately fell short of winning gold, Connor came away with the Medallion for Excellence, ranking as 7th best in the world and just 13 points away from the eventual gold medal winner from Austria.

“We are all very proud of Connor and his achievements,” says Dale Thomson, SNIPEF training manager. “Receiving a Medallion for Excellence is an outstanding feat, and Connor performed fantastically and gave it his all. He is an excellent ambassador for the plumbing and heating industry, and is an example to anyone considering a career in our industry.”

Scheme to fund and support apprenticeship training

Screwfix has launched a new scheme to help fund the training of apprentices. Working in partnership with fexi-job apprenticeship agency, TrAC, Screwfix will cover the cost of training for apprentices looking to start a career in the trade. TrAC will match individuals with an employer, from plumbing and electrical apprentices through to other skilled trades. Both apprentice and employer will receive ongoing support and guidance, alongside receiving fnancial support.

Screwfix marketing director Jack Wallace says: “We recognise the industry needs more apprentices, so to understand more about the specific challenges facing apprentices and tradespeople seeking to hire one, we listened to what they had to say and how we can support them. This scheme is an initial step in helping tradespeople to take on an apprentice, and apprentices to start a career in the trade by overcoming one of the biggest challenges they both say they face – the cost of training.”

The pilot will initially be available in the Northampton and Bedford areas, with the aim to roll this out across the UK in 2023. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/07

NEWS IN BRIEF

◼ Low carbon and renewable technology specialist Green Building Renewables (GBR) has expanded its UK nationwide network into Oxfordshire and the South West by acquiring local business, Steve Cross Plumbing and Heating. ◼ The sealant and adhesive specialist, CT1, is now a corporate partner of Band of Builders (BoB), supporting the charity in its quest to help tradespeople battling illness or injury. BoB has just completed its 28th project and has plenty more in the pipeline for the coming year, so CT1’s support will go a long way in helping it continue its work. ◼ As part of an ambitious fveyear growth plan to double the size of the business, Hansgrohe is investing more than £5m into its UK subsidiary. The money will help it focus on increasing employee numbers across all functions, enhancing marketing programmes and developing a UK-specific product roadmap. ◼ Aquatronic Group Management (AGM), a provider of coldwater boosting installation and maintenance equipment and services in the UK, has been acquired by Stuart Turner. The move will expand the overall product range from Stuart Turner and bring servicing capability into the business. ◼ Ventilation manufacturer Manrose is increasing the use of recycled plastics from the circular economy in its products as it looks to cut the use of virgin plastics. The manufacturer is currently developing fans made from recycled sources, with 90% of the plastic used in its facilities to be from recycled sources by the end of 2025. Products made from recycled plastic will be clearly labelled.

Winners walk away with prizes and honours

The winners of SkillPLUMB 2022 have been announced, following a two-day final event at Middlesborough College. The Gold Medal went to Ruben Duggan, employed by Powerserv Ltd and trained by Coleg y Cymoedd, (pictured second from right) with the other finalists and Nic Drew of main sponsor Monument Tools (centre).

The Silver Medal winner was Sean Esslemont from McDonald & Munro Ltd, UHI Moray College and SNIPEF, while Bronze went to Royal Engineer Thomas Bentley from Mid Kent College. Finalist Charlie Oliver of Shrewsbury College and Bishton & Cowles Plumbing & Heating received a Medallion of Excellence. All finalists received prizes including two BPEC training manuals, CIPHE membership, cash vouchers, and tools and products donated by competition sponsors, alongside a SkillPLUMB framed certificate. Monument Tools provided all the finalists with a Pipe Bending Machine and McAlpine Plumbing products supplied knee pads.

Birmingham base to expand operations

Spirotech has invested in a new UK head office, centrally located in Birmingham, which will be home to the UK sales, marketing and technical teams, including newly appointed sales support and technical sales support representatives, with a particular focus on servicing and commissioning. The office will also house a training centre, where Spirotech experts will be delivering practical courses and workshops for heating professionals operating in both the domestic and commercial markets. The move follows the opening of a new 34,000ft2 Manchester distribution facility earlier this year. Plumbing and drainage manufacturer Wavin is bringing its range of products and expertise to merchants and installers across the UK in a national roadshow. Travelling in a custom mobile display vehicle, dubbed the ‘WaVan’, Wavin kicked off the tour partnering with Wolseley to visit 16 of the merchant’s distribution centres before the end of 2022, with further trips planned in the new year.

During the visits, experts will provide hands-on demonstrations with its products, including Hep2O, the Osma Soil & Waste range, as well as the rainwater systems. Visitors can pick up free samples and information guides to help them find out more.

Karen Stables, head of marketing communications at Wavin, says: “Getting the WaVan on the road has been a goal of ours for a number of years, providing us with an opportunity to meet our merchant partners and customers face-to-face and answer any queries in a more personal way. This van also means our experts have everything they need to provide the best possible experience for merchants and installers.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/08

Roadshow gets rolling

Showroom opening

Sustainability at heart of new HQ

As Grant UK continues to expand in the sustainable heating sector, the company has relocated to new premises, with the company’s head office, warehousing and training academy now based in Swindon, Wiltshire. Previously located in Devizes, the company’s new site includes offices and storage facilities that are three times larger than their previous premises, totalling over 80,000ft2 .

The new site has been developed with sustainability in mind. A biomass heating system has been installed to provide heating and hot water, while 768 solar panels and storage batteries have been installed as part of the 303kWp solar PV system. Fitted on the roof of two units, the PV system will meet Grant’s electricity demand while also feeding renewable electricity into the grid.

Film highlights importance of qualifications

A new film has been released by WaterSafe, the register of approved contractors working with drinking water, to urge people to always use a qualified plumber. It comes after a recent survey revealed that the average cost to put right shoddy plumbing work is £285.

The survey questioned 2000 consumers and found more than a quarter of people have employed a plumber who did not carry out the task properly. Most people then had to employ another plumber to fix the poor work.

WaterSafe director Julie Spinks says: “I’m concerned that with the cost of living crisis, people will be tempted to cut corners. We’ve made this film to reinforce the message that work on your home’s plumbing system should always be carried out by someone who is competent and qualified. If they’re not, there’s the chance your drinking water could become unsafe, putting you and your family at risk.”

The film can be accessed using the online reader link below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/09

Competition for young learners

Returning in 2023 for its 14th run, the HIP Learner of the Year student plumbing competition is calling for young learners to put their skills to the test for the chance to win the title and an array of prizes to help them start their career.

Organised by HIP Magazine, the competition is on the lookout for levels 2 and 3 plumbing students to compete in six regional heats across England and Wales. Each of the six winners will then go on to compete against one another in the Grand Final, taking place at the Worcester Bosch HQ in April.

Last year’s winner was Ruben Duggan from Coleg Y Cymoedd, who also won gold at this year’s SkillPLUMB finals (see page 8). Asked what he would say to someone who was thinking of entering the competition, Ruben said: “Definitely get in it! The competition is a fantastic opportunity. It’s a massive thing to put on your CV. I think it will impress any of the big manufacturers and it’s given me so much confidence.”

Females only

HIP has launched its first ever national Female Skills Competition for female plumbing learners. Levels 2 and 3 plumbing students of all ages, from colleges nationwide, will be able to compete in a live practical installation for the chance to win a place in the Grand Final, which will take place at Loughborough College on 30 March 2023. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/123/10

40 grand raised for NHS charities

A joint initiative between UK Plumbing Supplies Ltd and Vaillant has enabled them to donate a fantastic £40,000 to NHS Charities Together. Over a six-month period, Vaillant donated £10 for every one of its ecoTEC boilers purchased at a Grahams, HPS, Plumbase, Plumbcity, Gas Centre, Plumbstore, Willbond, Michael Pavis, MDS, UKPS and Plumbstop Profit Centre, which was matched by UK Plumbing Supplies.

This valuable amount will go towards providing extra support for NHS staff, helping them with wellbeing sessions, peer-to-peer support, and one-to-one counselling.

Steve Cipriano, Vaillant commercial director, says: “This latest joint initiative with UK Plumbing Supplies has proven extremely successful, and thanks as ever must go to UK Plumbing Supplies and the installers who got behind the campaign to support such a worthwhile cause.”