EDITOR’S COMMENT & CONTENTS The experts’ take on the skills gap


T


he demand for construction and building services in the UK is high, largely as a result of an expanding population, urbanisation, and rapid infrastructure


development. However, the sector is failing to attract and retain skilled workers, holding back progress in important projects, raising costs and even possibly leading to a fall in quality. It’s no secret that one of the key contributing factors is an ageing workforce where experienced workers reach retirement age but without enough young talent to fill a widening gap.


In an ideal world, knowledge of experience workers would transfer seamlessly to new workers entering the industry, but instead we have a difficult-to-fill void. To make matters worse, many young people entering the workforce, don’t perceive building services to be a desirable career.


8 16 To address the skills crisis, industry stakeholders,


government bodies, and educational institutions will need to join forces to promote the sector. We need training and apprenticeship opportunities, and good incentives in order to tip the scales in the favour of building services for young people just starting out. By investing in skills development and creating a supportive environment for workers, the sector might be able to overcome the existing challenges and secure a brighter future.


This month’s Bridging the Gap Supplement features several key companies and bodies who are leading the charge in ensuring we achieve that future. These include City Plumbing, Ideal Commercial,


Carrier, BESA, Logic4Training and GTEC. The feature starts on pg 19.


Heather Ramsden, Editor


19 From the Editor


Editor: Heather Ramsden hramsden@datateam.co.uk Tel: 07974 903 726


Business Director: Jacqui Henderson jhenderson@datateam.co.uk Tel: 01622 699116


Circulation and Subcription enquiries: Curwood CMS Ltd datateam@c-cms.com Tel: 01580 883844 Subcription charges:


UK and Europe (£97), Overseas (£130)


The Editor and Publisher do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors, nor do they accept responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matter in this publication. In all matters, the Editor’s decision is final. This issue includes editorial and imagery provided and paid for by suppliers.


ISSN 1042-310


Published by Datateam Business Media Limited 15a London Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8LY Tel: 01622 687031


Printed in Great Britain by Precision Colour Printing


Colour reproduction: Design & Media Solutions. © Datateam Business Media Ltd


4 News & Appointments Industry news, appointments and quotes


7 Industry Comment Why awards can offer more than individual reward


8 Ventilation Ventilation ducting: overlooked & undervalued


10 Water Treatment Water treatment and conditioning in commercial heating systems sector


12 Cover Story Why plastic water supply systems are on the rise


14 Water Treatment, Drainage & Piped Services Water efficiency in public sector bathrooms


16 Water Treatment, Drainage & Piped Services Record-time piping system installation at Manchester’s newest office block


18 Industry Comment What will be key to building the homes of the future?


19 Bridging the Skills Gap Supplement Bridging the heat pump gap


24 Bridging the Skills Gap Supplement The apprenticeship opportunity


26 Bridging the Skills Gap Supplement Where are the gaps?


30 Combined Heat & Power Integration of all energy sources is the key


33 Installation News Electric hoist crucial to gin distillery


30


CUT CARBON, CUT COSTS WITH SOLAR THERMAL


System Design & Supply, Installer Training, Commissioning & Service For Commercial Building Projects


- HEAT PUMPS - SOLAR THERMAL - ELECTRIC BOILERS - LIVE METERING - CYLINDERS -PACKAGED SYSTEMS - PLANT ROOMS - GAS WATER HEATERS - 01252 551 540 enquiries@adveco.co Adveco.co Adveco qp BSEE Apr25.indd 1 Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk 10/3/25 10:12 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER APRIL 2025 3


THIS MONTH


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42