News

How Smartphones Will Change The Trade Industry

We are living through an unprecedented time of technological change. It’s not just smartphones, which have seen the fastest ever adoption of any technology in the world’s history. There is also ever cheaper solar power, self-driving and electric cars, drones, not to mention breakthroughs in artificial intelligence. Benjamin Dyer of Powered Now focuses on just one of these - smartphone technology – and looks at how this is going to change things in the plumbing trade.

Independent study hails HomeServe as the UK’s most improved company for Customer service

In-depth Institute of Customer Service survey of some of the UK’s biggest brands reveals HomeServe is the country’s most improved for Customer Satisfaction in the “Services” sector since records began in 2009.

HomeServe is the most improved of all companies in “Services” sector since 2014 when Martin Bennett became UK CEO and the only company to have consistently improved since then.

Walsall-based home assistance provider HomeServe is leading the way when it comes to improving Customer service, according to a satisfaction survey looking at some of the UK’s biggest brands.

A leading North East service company has launched a new, environmentally-friendly division to support homeowners and businesses in the region

0800 Repair Gas is now offering insulation services, in addition to heating and plumbing maintenance and repairs, which will provide customers with energy efficient solutions, including cavity, loft and external wall insulation services, to the energy and retail sectors, as well as to homeowners.

Supporting its team of Gas Safe registered heating engineers and boiler repair specialists; the Houghton le Spring-headquartered firm, which forms part of the Pacifica Group, has appointed an experienced Insulation Technical Manager to oversee the newly-formed division, with plans to create additional roles in the near future.

Pimlico Plumbers loses court battle over worker status

A Court of Appeal ruling could signify huge changes for businesses in the gig economy.
Garry Smith wished to reduce his working hours with Pimlico Plumbers following a heart attack but the firm refused and he claims he was dismissed.
The court of appeal has now agreed with an employment tribunal that he was entitled to basic workers’ rights despite being self-employed.

The landmark decision, which is sure to affect other sections of the gig economy such as Uber - which lost the right to designate its drivers as self-employed last year - has been welcomed by the workers' union, GMB.

APHC to go on the road to run regional workshops

The Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) have teamed-up with Baxi to host a series of free technical workshops to be held at various locations across England and Wales.

The workshops will be geared towards the interests of plumbing and heating contractors and due to differences in legislative developments there will be slightly different agendas for England and Wales.

English Technical Workshops

Topic 1 – Building Regulations Part L “The Future of Heat: Domestic Buildings”

InSinkerator® Expands The Showroom Collection

InSinkErator®, the global leader and inventor of food waste disposers and major player in the steaming hot water tap market, has expanded their exclusive Showroom Collection with the addition of two brand new steaming hot water taps.

CIPHE President Visits Fernox Head Office And CIPHE Approved Training Centre

Global water treatment and filter manufacturer Fernox has been rewarded with CIPHE approved training centre status by the CIPHE President, Paul Williams. This follows a £1.5 million investment in its new training and technical and research facility, with three state-of-the-art product specific and demonstration laboratories.

Top tips and ideas for storing tools and supplies in your van

There is a huge amount of aftermarket accessories and add-ons for vans, both for the exterior and interior, that can help not only keep you organised, but also keep your tools and supplies secure.

We take a look at Filplastic’s top storage suggestions and tips for tradesmen who spend their days working from their van:

1. Use wall-mounted tilt-bins
Installing wall-mounted tilt bins or shelving can help keep your van clutter free, which ultimately means you will be able to tools or supplies much faster. There are many options, and they are often designed to be on-the-move, meaning they have securing mechanisms to stop all of the contents emptying onto the floor of your van as you move from job to job.

New Mild Steel INTTRA Towel Warmer By Vogue (UK)

Leading British designer and manufacturer of luxury radiators and towel warmers, Vogue (UK), proudly launches the new Mild Steel INTTRA Towel Warmer from its Contemporary Collection: a ninety degree corner design in high quality mild steel.

Perfect for the most compact bathroom or ensuite, INTTRA in Mild Steel is innovatively angled to present a heating design that will fit neatly into a corner. This feature also makes it perfect in the kitchen, where cupboards and worktops may reduce the amount of available wall space.

New MGS Matt Rose Gold MB289 Single Lever Basin Mixer

Epitomising the true mark of Italian design and style, Grange Design introduce the new Matt Rose Gold finish by MGS, seen here on the MB289 Single Lever Basin Mixer.

A highly industrial yet indulgent finish, new Matt Rose Gold by MGS embodies longstanding trends from Europe, with blush metallics first being appreciated across quality jewellery and beauty accessories in the early 19th century.

Now available for use in the bathroom, this understated yet luxurious finish is raising the bar for contemporary brassware design in the modern home.

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