1. Home
  2. News

News

DTL says too few businesses are making a commitment to apprenticeships

DTL apprenticeship plumber

A leading provider to major construction and utilities firms, Develop Training Limited (DTL), says too few businesses are making a commitment to apprenticeships despite government initiatives to promote them.

DTL, which has centres in Linlithgow near Edinburgh, Romford, York, Derby, Bolton, Swindon and Lisburn, Northern Ireland, highlighted the issue while giving its backing to National Apprenticeship Week 2019, which runs from 4 to 9 March.

In the run up to the week, the government launched a new promotional campaign, Blaze A Trail, to convince more individuals, families and employers to embrace apprenticeships. Previous initiatives have included Trailblazer Apprenticeships in England and the controversial Apprenticeship Levy.

Pimlico owner rejects private equity bids to keep company family-owned on the back of strong revenue growth

Pimlico owner stood next to plumbing van

Pimlico Group, the UK’s largest independent home services company, achieved revenues of almost £44 million in 2018 following a strong second half of the year, which included a record-breaking summer.

This strong financial performance has been attributed to the continued investments made by its founder and Chief Executive, Charlie Mullins, who has pledged that the company will remain 100 percent family-owned after a number of approaches from investors. 

For the first time in its 39-year history, the period June to August 2018 saw income generated exceeding £10 million, with July and August’s figures contributing to sales of £22.67million for the final six months of 2018.

Jarrow MP toasts plumbing merchant's new Boldon head office

Jarrow MP toasts plumbing merchant's new Boldon head office

Flame Heating Group has welcomed a key dignitary to officially open its new Boldon head office.

Stephen Hepburn, MP for Jarrow, visited Flame’s premises on Boldon Business Park to tour the facility and meet staff. 

Flame, the North East’s fastest-growing heating and plumbing merchant, invested in the new head office in November 2018, having previously operated from Team Valley, which now acts as its lead branch. 

Established in 2011 with a single branch, Flame currently operates 11 trade counters across the region and in Scotland. 

New review site Recommend & Share promises to tackle bad practice

New review site Recommend & Share promises to tackle bad practice

A new online review platform has been launched to tradespeople and their customers first to tackle the scourge of bad workmanship, late payments and bad debtors costing the UK billions of pounds every year.

The platform recommendandshare.com aims to create an environment of proper transparency, honesty and accountability for businesses and consumers everywhere by focusing on building relationships rather than just leads.

Users create free business or consumer profiles where they can leave positive recommendations for either side as recognition, to show their appreciation that’s deserved based upon having had a great experience.

The new review-platform rewards good practice on both sides by displaying previous recommendations on users’ profiles.

Plumbers - Fix The Leak In Your Wallet!

Plumbers - Fix The Leak In Your Wallet!

Plumbers in the UK are over-spending on their van insurance when leaving it to the last minute, new data reveals.

According to data held by Confused.com, more than one in two (53%) plumbers buy their van insurance 48 hours or less before their renewal date, which is costing them a whopping £854.60, on average.

Meanwhile, those shopping around the three-week mark are benefitting from savings upwards of £145. According to the data, the cheapest day to buy van insurance is 22 days ahead of renewal, when premiums cost just £706, in comparison, on average. This suggests that being that little bit more organised could in fact save Plumbers £147 (17%), on average.

Telford Copper & Stainless Cylinders – Celebrating 30 years of success & innovation.

Telford Copper & Stainless Cylinders

2019 marks 30 years since Telford Cylinders was established by owner Neville Leonard & his partners including Richard Wightwick. Still owned and run by the Leonard family, and with Richard Wightwick still on board, Telford Copper & Stainless Cylinders has continued to grow and is now the largest UK-owned cylinder manufacturer.

Sanitary superheroes

Sanitary superheroes

On Monday 11 March, professional plumbers across the land can hold their heads up high, as we celebrate World Plumbing Day. Initiated by the World Plumbing Council (WPC) - of which the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) is a member - World Plumbing Day highlights the global water and sanitation crisis, while also promoting the important role that plumbing plays in the health and safety of modern society.

Tax Preparation Specialist Issues Tax Relief Guidance for Employees Who Incur Work-related Expenses

Tax preparation

Employees in the UK are being encouraged to explore their tax relief options to ensure they are not left footing the bill for their work-related expenses. Tax preparation specialist David Redfern, managing director of DSR Tax Claims Ltd, added his support to a HMRC Twitter campaign to ensure that employees are made aware of their entitlement to various tax reliefs which are open to them.

Polypipe saddles up for sponsorship of fledgling female cycling team

Polypipe's fledgling female cycling team

Polypipe has signed on as principal sponsor of a new all-female competitive cycling academy. The Doncaster-based manufacturer of plastic above and below ground drainage and water management systems will continue its support of developing talented sportspeople by backing the new Racescene Female Development Academy (RFDA) for the 2019 race season.

The RFDA is a Yorkshire-based female youth cycling team for young riders aged 12 to 16, who will be competing in regional and national road and town centre series races throughout 2019. 

The riders will receive expert racing and team management coaching, with access to sports nutritionists and psychologists, as the organisation looks to develop the female talent that can go on to compete in professional events.