Independent merchants have joined the vital search for missing children across the UK as part of a partnership between The IPG and Missing People.
The IPG are a membership group for plumbing, heating and bathroom specialists. Through their network of local, independent businesses they have a presence in over 200 locations across the country so are well-placed to support with Missing People’s ongoing battle locating missing children.
The partnership formalises a working relationship between both organisations with the aim of developing industry qualifications, courses, learning materials and other appropriate areas in order to help raise skills and standards across the plumbing and heating industry in England and Wales.
Both organisations are not-for-profit and led by employers. BPEC (British Plumbing Employers Council) supports those who work within the Building Services Engineering sector to increase their knowledge and skills through providing qualifications, assessments and learning materials via a network of colleges, private training centres and industry stakeholders.
The UK Plumber of the Year 2018 competition (@UKPOTY), launched by JT, Bristan and Wolseley UK, has revealed the six individuals who have made it through to the final round of the competition.
Following weeks of public voting for the 18 selected finalists, the six plumbers below received the most votes to make it through to the final stage. The final six, in no particular order, are:
· Scott White, Scotland
· Matthew Stoves, North of England
· John Nicholls, Midlands and East
· James Elmy, London
· Steve Bartin, South of England
· Robbie Hawkins, Wales
New micro spray water technology from Hansgrohe, designed to engage all the senses. With warm and misty rain droplets in mind, the bathroom specialist Hansgrohe has developed the new PowderRain spray, designed to envelop the body in a gentle cocoon of water. With the advantage of micro spray technology, this new water method is designed to fall softly onto the skin without bouncing off. Beyond the physical sensation, it is also designed to be quieter than traditional showers, contributing to an overall experience of pure relaxation that indulges all the senses.
The self-sustaining system and its role in social housing
Stuart Doggrell, water heating general manager at Fabdec, discusses how developments in self-sustaining cylinder technology could be the ideal solution to heating in social housing projects.
When looking to revitalise existing social housing stock, or ensure quality in new-build developments, innovations in water heating technology have a key role to play. One such innovation, self-sustaining cylinder technology, is particularly of note as it can help drive energy efficiency and lower costs in social housing – two key considerations for social landlords keen to provide a reliable service to tenants while tackling the dual concerns of cost and sustainability.
Pimlico Plumbers’ founder and CEO, Charlie Mullins, has announced plans to open a dedicated training academy to realise his ambition of employing hundreds of apprentices.
The announcement coincides with the induction of the latest tranche of eight new plumbing and heating trainees, who join the company this week, taking the total number of apprentices in the business to 83.
Launching the Pimlico Apprenticeship Training Centre, which would be based at the company’s headquarters in Lambeth, South London, will enable the company to provide all the theory and practical skills required to qualify as a trade apprentice.
We’re zipping ahead to 2019, taking a look at the latest gizmos and gadgets that homeowners will want in their bathrooms. With the rapid rise of the smart home, it’s not surprising that smart bathrooms are following suit, using new technology to make all our lives easier and more luxurious than ever.
VictoriaPlum.com, the online bathroom specialists, have picked out their top 5 bathroom innovations which they believe will be popular in 2019.
1. Rimless toilets
When your business gets to a size and you can’t give your customers the personal touch - it becomes imperative to ensure that your staff is empowered with your knowledge and expertise.
System Knowledge: Alternative products: Upsell a boiler with a better rebate or out of stock, customer notes with personal preferences & special pricing, Don’t deliver before 9, the boss’s name is Jim, daughter Sally, CRM :Credit limit £10k max, To let you know when Jack from Smiths is in the building, Advise Jacobs of promos first, he only likes the blue ones, Related products – don’t sell tiles without grouting, make sure he takes the 13mm fixings kit
IPG today adds online to its services for independent plumbing, heating and bathroom specialists. From this month, members can upgrade their online presence with a professional, mobile-friendly website to help increase sales and in-store footfall, for less than the cost of a website design agency
Earlier in the year, The IPG surveyed and held a workshop for their members on digital marketing. Following that insight, The IPG worked alongside designers and website developers to produce a package that will help members easily and affordably create a professional and bespoke package. Several members have already signed up to the initiative.
The full package includes:
Vaillant Group, the leading heating and technology manufacturer, today announces a major investment in a new innovation centre which expands the business’ global headquarters as part of its concerted focus on the renewables sector.
The development has seen the creation of a brand-new, research & development centre at the business’ global headquarters in Remscheid, Germany. The new construction has cost in excess of 50 million Euros.
The new area comprises of a test centre which takes up over 9,000 square metres and two additional office blocks. The new development houses 570 Vaillant Group employees and all teams involved in key product development have moved into the new complex.