PHAM NEWS | JULY/AUGUST 2026 4 News Review


Some of the top trade frustrations revealed


Investment uncertainty


Many UK homeowners who can aff ord heat pumps are still choosing not to install them because they view the technology as a risky investment rather than a straightforward home improvement – that’s according to new research published by consumer organisation Which?. The report says that concerns over


performance, running costs and the impact on property values were discouraging uptake of low-carbon heating systems. Previous surveys have identified


upfront costs as the main obstacle to adoption. However, interviews and focus groups conducted for the study found that homeowners with suffi cient savings or income were also reluctant to switch, suggesting that psychological factors and uncertainty played a signifi cant role. The report concludes that many consumers regard heat pumps as a ‘high-stakes gamble’, weighing the cost of installation against doubts about effi ciency, future energy bills and the quality of workmanship. Existing gas and oil heating systems were seen as familiar and dependable, making a move to newer technology feel risky. Researchers also found concerns about the long payback period for heat


Mid-life opportunity


New data from training provider Logic4training shows an infl ux of candidates choosing to retrain as a plumber in their 40s. The trend has remained on an upward trajectory over the last few years, driven by the skills shortage, concerns about AI, and new ways into the sector for people with no previous experience. With an 80% increase in trainees on its new entrants plumbing course aged 40 – 49, the data suggests that disillusioned mid- lifers are looking for a change. Rughvir Bawa, 41, is one such candidate who sees the opportunity. He recently retrained as a plumber at Logic4training’s Northolt centre following a career in IT. He comments: “I wanted to switch to a future proof industry that will be unlikely to be aff ected


pumps and uncertainty over whether the investment would increase the value of a home. Some participants feared that financial arrangements linked to installations could complicate the sale of a property or be viewed negatively by buyers. Business models designed to remove upfront costs, including long-term service agreements and third-party ownership arrange- ments, often generate fresh concerns. Homeowners worry about losing control over heating and hot water and about being tied into lengthy contracts. The study found that awareness of


the Microgeneration Certification Scheme was low, while participants frequently compared the market to a ‘Wild West’ and said they wanted protections similar to those associated with Gas Safe or the former CORGI register. Recommendations by


the


researchers include lowering electricity prices by shifting environmental levies into general taxation, introducing a government- backed ‘Warm Homes Guarantee’, delivering promised low-interest loans and improving access to trusted information and advice. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/726/05


A new study by the trades business insurance specialist Markel Direct has revealed some of the homeowner behaviours that tradespeople fi nd most frustrating. The study, which surveyed 500 UK tradespeople on their experiences of working in someone’s home, found that the biggest frustrations centre around disruptions to agreed work. Joint top of the list is being asked


to carry out additional tasks not included in the original quote (cited by 31% of tradespeople), with nearly half (47%) saying they experience this regularly. Hovering or closely watching work is equally unpopular, also fl agged by 31% as a key annoyance. Price negotiation follows closely,


with over a quarter (26%) of tradespeople identifying it as problematic, and just behind at


of tradespeople say they have chosen not to work with a customer again due to their behaviour, while nearly a third (32%) of tradespeople report that they have been blamed for damage they did not cause.


Not surprisingly, when it comes


to what tradespeople value most from their customers, paying promptly ranks highest (47%). Following closely behind were being home and ready at the agreed time (45%), alongside trusting professional advice (44%). Commenting on the fi ndings, Rob


25% was not being home at the agreed-upon time. Beyond inconvenience, some


behaviours can pose a genuine risk to both tradespeople and homeowners. Pets or children getting in the way (23%),


alongside workspaces


that haven’t been properly cleared (18%), can create potentially hazardous environments where accidents, damage or injury are more likely. Poor behaviour can also cost


homeowners repeat access to tradespeople. More than half (57%)


Rees, divisional director at Markel Direct, says: “Many of the challenges tradespeople face in people’s homes come down to preparation and disruption. When workspaces are cluttered or pets and children are moving around, it not only slows the job down but can also increase the risk of injury or damage. “Homeowners can make a real


diff erence by clearing the area in advance, limiting interruptions and agreeing the scope of work upfront. These simple steps help jobs run more effi ciently and can reduce the likelihood of issues that lead to delays, disputes or insurance claims.”


Delivering a bigger and better catalogue


A new catalogue is always a big event for specialist plumbing, heating and gas spares supplier BES and this year’s issue, available now, is said to be bigger and better, with even more pages and new products.


John Quigley, marketing manager for BES, says:


“The launch is always a momentous occasion and is a direct result of all the hard work and eff ort put in by all the BES team over the last 12 months – without which our customers would simply not use us and trade elsewhere. In a challenging market, building up over 50 years of goodwill and custom does not happen by accident! The BES catalogue is a major part of our continued success and something we are all very proud of. It provides the backbone to our business for customers and staff alike.”


plumbing diploma. The ‘green revolution’ was also a


deciding factor for ex-dry cleaning business owner-turned-plumber, Farshad Forutan Sholi (41). He says: “I liked the idea of working in a fi eld that is evolving and helping move toward more energy solutions. It was defi nitely one of the factors that made the trades more appealing to me.” Logic4training says that the new


by AI. Coming from the IT industry, my previous job was under threat.” Rughvir is also a landlord, keen to work on his own properties and take


advantage of the


opportunities presented by the path to net zero. His next step is the Level 3 heat pump course, a natural progression route for candidates who have completed their Level 2


entrant plumbing diploma off ers a great option for would-be heat pump installers from outside of the building services sector, covering the qualifi cation and experience pre-requisites to go to the Level 3 heat pump course. With the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) estimating


that the sector will need nearly 48,000


additional workers


annually between 2025 and 2029, simply to meet baseline demand - it’s clear that a move into the building services is a good one at any stage of life.


The company prides itself on rapid selection and dispatch, with over 15,000 product lines available ‘next day’ to plumbing and heating engineers from its Birmingham-based warehouse. John adds: “Of course we also continue to invest in


technology. Our new website was a big game changer, making it even quicker and easier for customers to fi nd and purchase what they need from our extensive product ranges. The website is continuously being developed and improved, and over the next 12 months we are adding more features to give customers access to a variety of their account information, enhancing effi ciency and user experience.” For a copy of the new catalogue, please use the


online reader link below: ◼ phamnews.co.uk/726/06


JTL apprentice of the year


The highest accolade at this year’s JTL National Awards, held in June at the London Plaisterer’s Hall, went to Joshua Davies, an apprentice who is serving his apprenticeship with Sureserve Compliance. Joshua was crowned JTL Apprentice


of


the Year 2026, in recognition of his exceptional achieve- ments, commitment and professionalism. Nominated by JTL training offi cer Darrel Farmer, Darrel cited his


excellent communication and problem solving skills, plus his commitment to self-improvement and voluntary work for good causes. On receiving the Award, Joshua said: “Being named National Apprentice


of the Year is an incredible honour and a moment I’m extremely proud of. My apprenticeship has challenged me and helped me grow both personally and professionally, so to have that journey recognised at a national level means a huge amount. I’ve managed to overcome many challenges to get here today, so this is a reminder to other apprentices to always keep your eye on the end goal as you never know what you can achieve.”


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