PHAM NEWS | JULY/AUGUST 2025 4 News Review


Bathroom fitter guilty of fraud


Call for common standards


The Heating and Hot Water Industry Council (HHIC), together with the European Heating Industry (EHI), has formally called on Miatta Fahnbulleh, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, to align the UK’s proposed heating product standards with those under development in the European Union. The request follows the UK government’s recent public consultation on ‘Raising Product Standards for Space Heating’, which runs in parallel with the European Commission’s revision of the EU Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Regulations for space and water heaters.


In a joint message, the HHIC and


EHI highlighted that alignment in key areas, including performance requirements,


energy class


definitions, Ecodesign thresholds, and certification protocols, will reduce compliance costs, simplify administration for manufacturers operating in both markets, and ultimately benefit consumers through lower costs and wider availability of renewable-ready, high efficiency products. “Diverging standards between the UK and the EU risk creating


Looking for trade talent


Screwfix’s annual search for the


tradespeople


nation’s most talented is once


again


underway. Now in its 16th year, Screwfix Top Tradesperson aims to uncover trade talent across the UK and Ireland and celebrates their dedication, professionalism and commitment to the industry. London plumber Mohammed Rahman claimed the coveted title last year, receiving a prize bundle of tech, tools, and training worth £20,000. Since being crowned, his business has gone from strength to strength on the back of the publicity and profile he has enjoyed. Reflecting on the positive impact the award has had on his career, reigning champion Mohammed says: “Winning Screwfix Top Tradesperson was


a significant milestone for me. I’ve always thought self-belief is so important when it comes to having a rewarding career, and it took a bit of courage to nominate myself and fill in the application, but it was one of the best decisions I ever made. “I would encourage anyone thinking about entering to just go for it – it gives you an opportunity to talk about why you are passionate about your trade and if you get shortlisted the business building benefits are great.” Tradespeople


from the UK unnecessary barriers for


manufacturers, many of whom produce appliances for both markets,” comments Stewart Clements, director of the HHIC. “A harmonised approach will provide clarity for investment, ensure product availability, and support the vital role our sector plays in the decarbonisation of heat. Alignment will also help consumers access affordable, energy-efficient products as we work towards our net zero goals.” The HHIC and EHI emphasised


that in a time of increasing geopolitical instability and rising global trade


tensions,


strengthening UK-EU market ties is more critical than ever for ensuring the resilience and competitiveness of the heating sector, which is central to achieving building decarbonisation and energy security. The industry bodies have offered


to meet with Miatta Fahnbulleh and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to further discuss how to ensure the UK’s heating policy


advances


decarbonisation while maintaining alignment with the EU to protect consumers and the industry alike.


A man claiming to be a professional bathroom fitter has been given a two-year prison sentence (suspended for two years) after defrauding customers out of thousands of pounds. A statement from North Yorkshire Police said Liam John Harbottle, 41, of Aiskew near Bedale, took thousands in advance payments from customers but failed to complete the work. Officers also found that he used


alias names and repeatedly changed the name of his business, evading bad reviews and presenting as a genuine bathroom fitter. The victims received pleading


texts from him that he was desperate for advance payments because he had not been paid from previous employers and needed help with his bills. However, the investigation found that his requests for money in advance coincided with spikes in his gambling debts.


In one case, an 85-year-old


woman gave him £2,500 to refurbish her bathroom. He failed to fit the bathroom. Despite giving six dates on which he would start the work, he didn’t turn up to any, and she did not hear from him again. Another customer paid £3,700 upfront for a bathroom that was never completed, while another paid over £7,500 upfront for multiple ensuite refurbishments in his hotel. He also pre-purchased bathroom fittings worth over £5,000 that Harbottle stole and went on to sell on ebay. The victim also suffered from lost revenue of around £20,000 due to the unfinished or substandard work carried out.


Commenting on the case, investigating officer PC Emily Blackwell said: “This has been a protracted investigation into Liam Harbottle who presented himself as bathroom fitter and conned vulnerable victims out of money. The kindness of the victims was completely exploited as he received additional payments by manipulating those generous enough to believe him.” Harbottle pleaded guilty to three


counts of fraud by false representation and one count of theft. He was sentenced at York Crown Court on 19 June 2025 where he was also ordered to repay the victims a total of £19,231 and carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.


BESA suspends member companies


The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has suspended 14 member companies for failing to comply with its independent audit process. The Association’s Council has stated that it was taking “robust action” in the interests of the whole building engineering sector and its clients. The companies concerned were all found to have


failed to reach the standard required to meet the Association’s Competence Assessment Standard (CAS) which covers business practices, financial solvency, insurance, health & safety, and technical proficiency.


“BESA has never been afraid to robustly defend


its remit and constitution,” says CEO David Frise. “We do not suspend members lightly but take our wider responsibilities to the industry and its


and Ireland can put themselves forward, or be nominated by employers, customers or friends, by filling out the online application form at screwfix.com/stt. Standout applicants will be shortlisted to the semi-final stage and invited to an interview in August. From there, just 10 will head to the final at Screwfix Live in Farnborough on 26th September, where they will go head-to-head in front of a panel of industry experts. They’ll also walk away with a trade bundle worth £20,000 made up of tech, tools, and training to boost their business. Jack Wallace, marketing director


at Screwfix, comments: “We have a long list of Top Tradesperson winners in our Hall of Fame, and we can’t wait to see who the 2025 champion is. I encourage all tradespeople from electricians to plumbers, builders to painters, and carpenters to roofers, to come forward and share their stories.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/725/03


ultimate clients – building occupants – extremely seriously.” The BESA audit, which is carried out by a UKAS


accredited independent part of the BESA group, asks prospective and existing members if they have all the skills necessary to deliver quality, safe work. It includes an on-site technical audit based on check lists linked to latest technical standards so clients, main contractors and the public can have confidence when appointing a BESA member firm. “We have never been afraid to suspend members who don’t meet our standards,” adds Frise. “It is always a last resort as we would much rather work with companies to help them improve, but when it is clear that is not possible, we have demonstrated that we will take the ultimate sanction.”


Connecting with installers


Designed to support installers across the UK, hib.pro is a new platform that provides members with expert tips, how-to videos, competitions and exclusive


product


updates. It also offers a space for trade installers to share their work and connect with like-minded professionals. Those who register will be able to showcase their best projects, learn from others in the field, and engage with a growing network of peers. “It’s our way of giving back to the installer community,” says Rochelle


Barratt, channel marketing specialist at hib. “Installers are at the heart of everything we do at hib – they’re the ones who bring our products to life in real homes. “We wanted to create a space that genuinely reflects their needs – a place


where they can find support, share their successes, and be part of a wider network that understands the challenges of the trade.” CEO Rob Ginsberg adds: “Over the past 35 years, hib has continued to


evolve and grow. Our dedicated installers have remained an integral part of our success. With the introduction of hib.pro, we’re now able to maintain a consistent flow of feedback, enabling us to enhance our products and services and make life easier for both installers and their customers.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/725/04


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