PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026 Maintaining standards


Why quality data is so important


MCS is the go-to source for data on the uptake of renewables in the UK. Dan White, market development director at MCS, explains the importance of data to the industry and why it’s so important that installers input accurate data so that it can help to inform government policy.


This is particularly crucial as we are seeing record-breaking numbers in the uptake of renewables throughout the UK. Our data shows that 2025 is the best year in our history for certified installations across all technology types, and in October we surpassed the previous record set last year – 273,000. More than ever, our data plays


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a crucial role in the UK’s drive towards net-zero. We share it freely and it is used by stakeholders from across the sector to inform key strategic decisions, and the government uses it to inform policies that are designed to help grow our industry – such as the Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM), Home Energy Scotland (HES) grant and loan, and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).


Tracking growth MCS provides dynamic, near-real-time updates on the state of the renewables industry in the UK through our Data Dashboard. Here, users (for free) can track installation numbers across all MCS technology types. They can filter this by month and year, as well as regions, and it includes detailed information on key aspects of each installation – from the type of property, through to average cost and size of unit. The Data Dashboard is used by


stakeholders across the industry, including installers, to track growth, identify trends, and inform key strategic decisions. The data on the Dashboard uses the


information inputted into the MCS Installations Database (MID), which an installer uses to register each certified installation they complete.


Informing policy Crucially, government also uses MCS data to decide how it can best support the industry. This includes policies and incentives such as:


• The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS),


as only MCS certified heat pump installations are eligible for the grant of up to £7,500, and we work closely with Ofgem to monitor for fraudulent claims of the grant.


• HES Grant & Loan Scheme, as only


MCS certified heat pump installations qualify for the scheme.


• The Clean Heat Market Mechanism


(CHMM), for which MCS is the approved certification scheme. It is a requirement


t MCS, our mission is to give everyone confidence in home- grown energy in the transition to net-zero.


Business Matters


Tradespeople urged to check their insurance against tool theft


According to reports, tradespeople are facing an ‘epidemic’ of tool theft which costs millions per year, yet many may not be protected financially if they were to fall victim to the crime. Barry Marsh, an insurance expert at Trade Direct Insurance, warns that it’s important to have the appropriate cover in place to ensure financial reimbursement. Barry explains: “Tool theft is a serious


crime that impacts tradespeople on many levels. Not only do victims have to deal with the crime itself, but it could also impact their ability to work and earn for at least 48 hours, not to mention the ongoing mental health impact and psychological trauma of being the victim of a targeted crime. “On top of this trauma, we unfortunately


find that many tradespeople do not have the sufficient insurance in place to cover their tools, and in some cases they do not have any protection at all. “Insurance is an easy thing to overlook,


and tradespeople may want to save costs by reducing their cover and premiums. In addition, some insurers are not clear with


the level of protection that their policies offer, leading to confusion when choosing insurance that most suits your needs.” Barry urges tradespeople to check their


insurance policy to ensure they are adequately protected, as some policies are restrictive for when they will cover your tools, and in some cases they will not provide protection if tools are stored in your van overnight, the time when break-ins are most likely to occur. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/126/14


Wider use of online platforms


that all heat pump installations under this scheme are registered on the MID.


An installer’s role The data provided by installers when raising an MCS certificate is the root of all the reports and information that we provide. The accuracy and completeness of these entries is crucial as decisions on support and government engagement are often built on information such as installation numbers, capacity, cost and technologies from the MID. It is also important for end users,


as householders will often use the information on their certificate in conversations with energy suppliers or insurers. With that in mind, it is crucial that data


is accurate, true, and adheres to MCS standards. If you are unsure about any part of the certificate creation process, you should contact our Customer Support Helpdesk (tel: 0333 103 8130).


Maintaining quality A key part of driving consumer confidence in low-carbon technologies is providing them with grants and incentives that can help with the cost – a major barrier to adoption. To continue supporting consumers with technology they may not be familiar with, the government needs to develop and implement effective policies. MCS data is used to inform these


decisions, and, as it is installers that provide this data, you play a crucial role in the future of our industry in the drive towards net-zero. Together, we’re giving everyone confidence in home-grown energy.


Find out more For more information on the MCS data, please visit: www.mcscertified.com/low- carbon-landscape/mcs-data-dashboard


New research from City Plumbing has revealed that digital tools are now a standard part of how plumbing and heating engineers prepare for and manage the winter surge in boiler and heating breakdowns. Over 60% of installers say they use online platforms to identify and source boiler spares, and a further third say they are open to doing so in the future, while more than half (57%) are using digital tools to diagnose problems with boilers or other heating systems. The data, taken from research with


500 heating and plumbing installers, shows that digital support is fast becoming a frontline response to customer demand, helping engineers narrow down likely faults, confirm compatible parts and cut the risk of repeat visits when workloads climb.


The pressures behind this shift are


also reflected elsewhere in the research. More than 84% of engineers say that fast access to spares is now more important to them than in previous years, with rising customer expectations and tighter job turnaround times likely drivers. Roz Kane, MD for spares at City


Plumbing, comments: “Our research shows that many trades see the real value in digital tools that work alongside their own know-how. We would encourage anyone who is thinking about using them to give them a try.” With Spares Finder and Fault Finder (which City Plumbing customers can currently trial free for 30 days) the merchant is helping to ensure accurate diagnosis and fast access to parts. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/126/15


Branded vans can be a target for thieves


More than half of branded van owners in the UK say their vehicle signage has made them a target for thieves, according to new research from temporary business van insurance firm Tempcover. The survey of 500 van drivers found


that 54% of those with branded vehicles have experienced theft, attempted theft or vandalism they believe was linked to their signage. For some van owners, worries about theft and vandalism are serious enough to take action. Over two in five (42%) say they’ve removed branding from their van due to security concerns or related experiences, while a further 14% are considering removing their branding. Vans continue to play a vital role in


trades and small businesses across the UK, and for many, the vehicle doubles as a moving advertisement, with almost half


(47%) of van owners fully branding their vehicles and another 25% opting for partial designs featuring logos or contact details. Half of van owners said they use van


branding to create a professional image, and 48% said it helps them attract new customers or raise local awareness. However, almost a third (31%) avoid branding to stay discreet, while 29% worry about public complaints if their driving is criticised. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/126/16


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