PHAM NEWS | JULY/AUGUST 2026 8 News Review


OFTEC conference calls for a consumer-led low-carbon transition


The liquid fuel heating industry is in a strong position to support the transition of off- grid homes to low-carbon heating, with a clear focus on putting householders at the centre of decision-making. That was the key message from OFTEC’s annual conference, where manufacturers, training providers, technicians and fuel distributors gathered to explore practical and affordable renewable solutions for the UK’s 1.7 million oil-heated homes. OFTEC chairman Neil


Sawers opened the event by stressing the importance of the consumer narrative, arguing that policymakers must prioritise outcomes such as warm homes and affordable bills over purely technical or strategic debate. Tim Miller of the Future Ready


Fuel team highlighted a recent campaign that saw 16,000 responses to the government’s Alternative Clean Heating consultation in support of renewable liquid fuels, with backing from across the UK. He said householders must remain central to policy discussions. OFTEC marketing and external


Nostalgic theme for 90s roadshow


Throughout this summer, Grant UK is taking its 30th anniversary celebrations on the road with a special 90s Roadshow. The company’s sales team will be touring display vans, visiting merchants in July and August with a 90s themed Roadshow where visitors will not only see the company’s products on display but can also enjoy some retro treats. Each display van will be stocked with lots of


The OFTEC board at the 2026 conference


affairs director Malcolm Farrow addressed the evolving political landscape, calling for faster government decision-making on decarbonisation amid ongoing uncertainty and shifting political dynamics. Philip Hannon, CEO of the


Alliance for Zero Carbon Heating, provided an update from the Republic of Ireland, where plans for a 1.5% renewable fuel blend are progressing, while industry is pushing for higher ambition. Mark Williams, head of


training at City Training Cardiff, emphasised the critical role of


skilled technicians, noting that installation decisions are


ultimately made in


people’s homes and depend on competence, safety and consumer confidence. Concluding the sessions,


OFTEC CEO Paul Rose highlighted a technology-neutral future, welcoming more technicians into OFTEC’s heat pump registration scope and outlining plans to support a broader range of heating technologies. He said OFTEC aims to be a single point of contact for technicians working across off- grid heating solutions.


items designed to throw visitors back to the 1990s. These include throwback merchandise and iconic snacks from the decade so visitors will be encouraged to fully embrace the nostalgia. The vans will also have plenty of Grant products on display including an Aerona 290 4kW heat pump, an Aerona Smart Controller, an Afinia radiator sample and a Mag One DUO magnetic filter display. “Our sales team are looking forward to


taking the 30th Anniversary celebrations out on tour this Summer,” says Audrey Mannings, creative and events manager.


“2026 has been a special year for us, looking back at Grant UK’s achievements since 1996 and reminiscing about the memories made with customers over the years too. We wanted to extend our 90s themed celebrations to customers so this Roadshow will bring something fun and different to merchant branches over the coming weeks while also looking ahead to what is next in store for Grant UK.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/726/09


Scotland’s top apprentices demonstrate their talents


In the copper competition, which also serves as the Scottish qualifying heat for the UK-wide SkillPLUMB competition, Kai Gray of Cowie Plumbing and Heating and UHI Moray took first place. “Last year I came second, so to come first this time round is fantastic,” commented Kai. The leadwork title was won by Sweyn Macaskill of Moray Council and UHI Moray, who said: “I’ve put in a lot of effort practising for this event, so to win feels incredibly rewarding.” In the renewable technologies category,


Three of Scotland’s most talented plumbing and heating apprentices have been crowned winners at the 51st Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year (SPAY) competition, held at West College Scotland in Paisley. Organised by the Plumbing and Heating Federation (SNIPEF), the event saw 27 apprentices compete across the copper, leadwork and renewable technologies categories.


Entries now open for LPG Awards


Liquid Gas UK has opened entries for its Young Person in LPG Awards 2026, which recognise outstanding professionals aged 35 and under across the LPG and renewable liquid gases sector. Now in its sixth year, the awards highlight contributions in technical expertise, innovation, leadership, customer service and support for the industry’s transition to renewable liquid gases. Mark Wilkins, technology & solutions


portfolio director at Vaillant, which sponsors the event, says: “Young people are vital to the future of the LPG industry, and it’s exciting to be part of recognising and celebrating their achievements through these awards.” Entries close on 2nd October, with


winners and runners-up announced at Liquid Gas UK’s conference in Manchester on 5th November. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/726/10


Blake Lockhart of HF Mechanical and Electrical Ltd and South Lanarkshire College claimed top honours. Speaking at the event, Fiona Hodgson,


chief executive of SNIPEF, said: “It is fantastic to see the calibre of talent coming through our industry. The skill, professionalism and commitment demonstrated by every finalist reflects the bright future of the plumbing and heating profession.”


Heat pump gift


Ariston has donated a Nimbus Pocket 50 air source heat pump to the engineering department at Anglia Ruskin University’s Chelmsford campus, where it has been installed in the Marconi building to support teaching and research into sustainable heating technologies. The system will benefit students across several engineering disciplines, providing hands-on experience of heat pump technology and helping equip the next generation of engineers for the transition to low-carbon heating and cooling.


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