Insidethis issue 3 APRIL 2025 VOLUME 63 ISSUE 3 Editor’s
Viewpoint by Chris Jones
Building a workforce
With its focus on loosening the binds of planning regulations, it seems that the government may have initially overlooked a big potential stumbling block to realising its new housing ambitions. Without a skilled workforce to actually build the properties, any development plans might as well remain on the drawing board as neither a pipe nor brick is likely to be laid down. At least the recent announcement of a £600m investment over four years to help fund training (see this month’s cover story) is an acknowledgment of the size of the challenge and is a sum not to be sniff ed at given the Treasury’s current call for belt tightening in all government departments. However, the lack of skilled tradespeople in the UK is of
course an historical problem that is unlikely to be addressed with the wave of a chequebook. The country has long relied on workers from overseas to construct its buildings, but the recent determination to restrict freedom of movement has seen the door closed to that particular source of labour. So now the government must try to overcome a general negativity to those who decide to earn a living with their hands which has probably infl uenced the career decisions of multiple generations. Schools and universities have successfully colluded in
persuading school leavers and their parents that academic study to degree level is the only sure way to nail down a rewarding occupation, but few would argue that this has been good for the country. And the number of workers with degrees now earning a living in coff ee shops and fast-food outlets suggests that it has not been good for individuals either. It is therefore hoped the welcome pledge for funds to help improve skills in the construction sector is not just being viewed as a quick-fi x but as a realisation that we need to truly value the engineers, housebuilders and tradespeople of tomorrow.
Special Features 19
Energy Saving Products
Heating controls and energy saving products designed to minimise the impact of rising energy bills
Regulars
04 News Review 11 Business Matters 12 Talent show 12 People on the Move 13 Merchant News 14 Letters 14 Energy Matters 15 Exhibition Review 17 Training Update
15 Exhibition Review
26 Products in Action 36 Product News 37 Competition 38 Information Centre
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Some of the highlights at ISH 2025 27
Radiators & Towel Warmers
Research suggests that radiators can help to lower running costs when used with renewable heating systems
31
Tools & Workwear
Why cordless tools can help to make work quicker, easier and safer for professional tradespeople
Contributors Luboš Michlík
Energy Saving Products
20
The key role that pumps play across a wide range of applications in promoting energy effi ciency
Look out for next month’s issue
John Klee Radiators & Towel Warmers
28
The key considerations when fi tting radiators to work with heat pumps and other low temperature systems
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Managing Editor Chris Jones Assistant Editor Carol Hitchcock Consultant Publisher Chris Evans Southern Advertisement Manager Nathan Wood Production Paul Forster Design Consultant Tim Plummer
Jason Cunningham Tools & Workwear
32
Expert advice on selecting some of the best tools to use when working on a heat pump system
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