PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2025 8 News Review Heat pump workforce growth report


A new report from the Heat Pump Association highlights that the sector is on track to train the future heat pump installation workforce needed to accelerate the deployment of heat pumps in line with projected targets, but certainty and increased consumer demand are needed to encourage trained individuals to become active in the workforce. The report suggests that to


meet the previous government’s target of 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028, over 41,000 full-time roles will be needed across the whole heat pump workforce, rising to 122,000 by 2035 to meet the target of 1.6 million heat pump installations per year. Covering not only heat pump installers but also the workforce


needed from the other trades, as well as the sales and admin resources required to support the transition, the findings outline the growth needed in the total heat pump market workforce to accelerate the deployment of heat pumps in UK homes.


With over 7,800 individuals completing a recognised heat pump qualification in 2023, a 133% increase on 2022 levels, and more than 7,000 having already completed training in the first three quarters of 2024, interest in the training is growing.


However, the report reveals


that despite positive growth in recent training rates, there is a gap between the number of trained individuals and active heat pump installers working in the market, with around 39% of those who complete a training course currently not going on to install heat pumps. Commenting on the report, HPA


chief executive Charlotte Lee says: “Although we have seen continued growth and interest in heat pump training, this momentum must continue. It is essential that action is taken to encourage those trained to apply their skills and gain the experience that must go hand in hand with the training if we are to have the competent workforce needed to deliver the required growth at scale and speed.” To read the full report, use the


online reader link below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/125/08


First recipients of the Heat Pump Accelerator payout


Ideal Heating and Gledhill are the first recipients of government funding from the Heat Pump Investment Acc e lerator competition, which will enhance production capacity for heat pump units at Ideal Heating’s Hull facility and hot water cylinders at Gledhill’s Blackpool site. Both companies, part of Groupe


Installer input at the awards


Entering its tenth year, the Heating Installer Awards has established a new Board of Trustees, making the scheme the only industry award judged by installers. Comprising five industry professionals, the Board will contribute technical expertise to the judging process and ensure the awards reflect industry realities. The trustees are: Phil Metcalf, Carl Ladd, Nick Irlam, Huw Jenkins and Karen Matthews. Each trustee will be heavily involved in the technical content and judging for the categories relevant to their individual areas of expertise. They will also work with the Awards’ sponsors and technical teams to evaluate entries and ensure the process continues to remain impartial, thorough and reflective of the highest industry standards. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/125/09


Atlantic, have been awarded nearly £5.2 million and have committed an additional £6.8 million, totaling over £12 million for heat pump production.


The funding is said to represent a significant step for British manufacturing as the government collaborates with leading heating sector companies to develop a domestic heat pump industry, enhance energy security and support low carbon jobs. Minister for Energy Consumers,


Miatta Fahnbulleh, recently visited Ideal Heating’s headquarters to highlight the funding, which will enable the production of 115,000 air source heat pumps and 120,000


The price of potholes on small business


A new survey has revealed that nearly half of small businesses in the UK have suffered financial losses due to pothole damage, prompting calls for targeted funding and efficient road repairs. Research from the Federation of


Small Businesses (FSB) indicates that 47% of small firms have been negatively impacted by potholes in the past year. Issues include damage to work vehicles and missed appointments, leading to lost business. The survey of 1,341 small


business owners found that 37% reported costs over £100 due to potholes, while 24% incurred over £300 in damages. More than 10% faced damages exceeding £500.


p Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh with Ideal Heating’s Jason Speedy (l) and Steve Hairsine (r)


pre-plumbed hot water cylinders annually by 2030. Jason Speedy, Ideal’s Heating’s


chief operations officer, says: “This funding is a vote of confidence in our business and our position at the forefront of the industry’s move to low carbon heating solutions.”


NEWS IN BRIEF


◼ Sureserve has merged its subsidiaries K&T Heating and Swale Heating to form a new entity, Sureserve Compliance South, which will be based in Dartford and led by K&T’s managing director, David Greenfield.


◼ To strengthen its ties with the local community, PJH has formed a partnership with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC as it opens a new distribution centre. The collaboration includes access to hospitality for home games, sponsorship of top scorer Matheus Cunha, and advertising opportunities at Molineux Stadium.


◼ Trust Electric Heating is providing a £300 discount on its electric radiators for pensioners impacted by the Winter Fuel Allowance reform. This initiative aims to support older residents facing increased financial pressures as they prepare for the colder months.


◼ The Advanced Manufac- turing Park Technology Centre in Rotherham is now home to Taconova, following its relocation from Sheffield. The move will enable the company to streamline operations and to collaborate with the manufacturing community based in and around the park.


◼ Stelrad Group has joined the United Nations Global Compact initiative – a voluntary initiative for the development of responsible business practices, meaning Stelrad aligns its operations with principles covering human rights, labour, environment, anti-corruption, and sustainable development.


◼ Geberit UK has been named one of the UK’s Top 100 best mid-sized companies to work for in 2024, ranking #61 overall and #3 in the manufacturing sector.


Partnering for sustainability


With an additional £500 million pledged in the Budget for road repairs, the FSB urges local authorities to allocate funds specifically for pothole maintenance and to publish clear plans about their use. It also advocates for a national pothole damage compensation


claim form and a reporting app to streamline the claims process. The FSB also recommends a


‘while you’re there’ approach for road repair teams, encouraging them to address all road defects in a given area to enhance efficiency and reduce long-term costs.


Mira Showers has become a partner of the Supply Chain Sustainability School (SCSS), a collaboration of some 225 UK construction industry organisations that aims to lead the built environment to a more sustainable future through better industry collaboration, information sharing, and problem solving. Having been a Gold level member of the SCSS for the past three years, Mira Showers has now partnered with the school, being the only shower manufacturer to do so. As a partner, Mira will have the opportunity to work with other industry leaders and join Leadership Groups to tackle core sustainability issues and drive the industry forward. This will enable Mira Showers to engage, improve, and monitor the sustainability skills and knowledge of its supply chain and workforce. Associates and supply chain members will be given the opportunity to attend CPD-accredited sustainability workshops and sustainability benchmarking sessions. Committed to leading the built environment towards a more


sustainable future, the SCSS aids in the development of training in all key sustainability topics. This will enable Mira Showers to upskill associates in major aspects of sustainability, with the overall aim of delivering more efficient and sustainable projects for clients.


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