APHC

AND AT RISK OF DANGEROUS HOME IMPROVEMENTS

The immediacy of consumer expectations and rise of the ‘I want it now’ culture is putting householders at risk of dangerous and sub-standard work, according to new research from the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC).

The leading trade association for the plumbing and heating industry found that over 50% of 2,000 householders questioned would only be prepared to wait for two weeks for the start of a major home improvement before looking for another tradesperson with more availability – potentially sacrificing quality for a job done quickly.

APHC has expressed doubts about the feasibility of plans for the development of vocational qualifications, following a speech made by Phil Beach CBE in collaboration with Ofqual last week. Speaking at the GovNet Skills and Employability Summit, Mr Beach discussed the development of vocational qualifications and assessments, suggesting how trust in them might be maintained in a period of reform.

Mr Beach begun his speech by detailing the many changes occurring in the vocational qualifications sector, in particular the Post-16 Skills Plan which has been designed to provide 16-19 year olds with valued routes into the workplace and the new trailblazer apprenticeship standards.

Following a new survey by the Federation of Small Businesses, which reveals that small firms are more pessimistic than positive about the future for the first time in four years, the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) is reminding industry members of the many business advantages to be had from belonging to a trade organisation.  

The report, which involved surveying 1,035 small firms between July and August this year, revealed the second largest fall in confidence in the Index’s history and was also the first survey undertaken by the Federation of Small Businesses since the Brexit vote. The results mark the third quarter in a row that confidence amongst small businesses has fallen.

Small Business Minister Margot James and Philip King, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management have confirmed new measures to support the Prompt Payment Code in a letter sent to the code’s signatories this week.

Over 1,800 firms have signed up to the Prompt Payment Code, agreeing to maximum payment terms of 60 days and a target payment time of within 30 days as part of their commitment to the fair and equal treatment of suppliers.

Under the code, companies whose payment terms stretch beyond 60 days must be able to demonstrate that exceptional circumstances apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

As the plumbing and heating industry enters its busiest period of the year, The Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) is encouraging installers to come together to support its annual campaign Quality Plumber Week, running this year from 3rd – 9th October.