GOVERNMENT NEWS
UK powers up green energy push
The Prime Minister and the First Minister of Wales have unveiled plans to enhance cooperation on clean energy projects. Both leaders highlighted the crucial role of investing in renewable energy to boost economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen the UK’s energy independence.
Builders’ output “slowly recovering”, says FMB
In its latest State of Trade Survey (Q2 2024) report, the FMB has revealed that:
- There has been a slight increase in total workloads with a slight decrease in total enquiries.
- The net change in workloads was up by 7% in Q1 2024, with slightly more members reporting an increase than a decrease.
- SME building firms are “reporting signs of stability”.
NMBS launches affiliate membership “to strengthen the independent merchants sector”
The NMBS has introduced a new “affiliate membership” category to assist businesses that don’t yet meet its membership criteria but have the potential to do so within the next three years. The scheme is aimed at start-up businesses that don’t yet meet the £750,000 minimum company turnover criteria for full membership.
Plastic waste from UK Construction is growing much faster than Europe
A new report reveals that plastic waste from the UK’s construction industry has grown 15 times faster than that of other European countries since 2004. According to analysis of European Commission data, UK construction companies’ plastic waste increased at an average rate of 210% every two years between 2004 and 2018, compared to just 14% for EU member states during the same period.
INSTALLER INSIGHTS
ComparePAL boiler cover platform launched
A new platform, ComparePAL, has launched to help plumbing and heating engineers generate future revenue through service and repair work while earning rewards for referring customers to boiler cover.
Average UK plumber drinks 2.4 cups of tea each day – Installer Online
According to a new survey, the typical UK plumber consumes an average of 2.4 cups of tea per day.
- Plumbers in the South West are the top tea drinkers, consuming an average of 2.79 cups per day.
- The North East follows closely with an average of 2.78 cups per day.
- Plumbers in the South East consume an average of 2.63 cups daily.
- Northern Irish plumbers drink the least, averaging just 2 cups per day.
Plumber’s leg has to be amputated after bending down to pick up a pack of screws
After losing his leg due to a work-related injury, plumber Mark Willerton is receiving help from Band of Builders, a national construction charity. Volunteers from across the UK are transforming his bathroom into a wheelchair-accessible wet room to improve his quality of life after multiple surgeries and a painful fall left him unable to do the work himself.
Young Brits eyeing green jobs
A new survey indicates that while traditional trades like plumbing and mechanics are still popular, more young people are exploring careers in renewable energy, such as solar panel installation and wind turbine maintenance.
PRODUCT NEWS
Boiler brand to change marketing practices following CMA action
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has secured commitments from Worcester Bosch to revise its marketing practices after an investigation found its claims about “hydrogen-blend ready” boilers potentially misleading. The brand will update its marketing to ensure consumers are not misinformed about the environmental benefits and futureproofing of its boilers.
HVP Magazine – Heat pump training numbers show sustained growth, HPA data finds
New data reveals a significant surge in interest in heat pump training across the UK. In the second quarter of 2024 alone, over 2,400 individuals completed heat pump training qualifications, bringing the total for the year to 4,875. This represents a 14% increase in trainees during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with a notable 37% rise in qualifications from Q2 2023 to Q2 2024.
In related news, August saw the first heat pump workshop tailored for gas installers take place.
New research highlights cost and environmental benefits of cutting limescale
New research emphasises the efficiency gains and cost savings homeowners can achieve by controlling limescale.The research shows that limescale build-up can decrease boiler efficiency by 12%, potentially adding an extra £139.05 to homeowners’ annual energy costs. Reducing limescale can also lower CO2 emissions by 0.5 tonnes per year, making doing so an environmentally sustainable option.
CONSUMER NEWS
Vast majority of people support plans for new UK solar farms
A recent survey shows that around 60% of people support the government policy of approving new solar farms. In addition, 68% approve the new ‘Great British Energy‘ initiative. However, 59% of people are against the removal of the winter fuel allowance for some pensioners.
Rogue traders affecting up to a third of households
Heating controls are cheapest way to reduce carbon emissions, Drayton research finds
New research reveals that fully zoned smart heating control systems are the most cost-effective way to reduce carbon emissions from heating systems. The study shows that these systems can save households £187 per tonne of CO2 emissions while also cutting energy bills, making them more efficient than other energy-saving measures like insulation.
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