PHAM NEWS | JUNE 2024 6 News Review


Contractors have turned a corner says report


Mechanical and electrical contractors are increasingly optimistic about their future growth prospects, according to a new report from the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). The Association’s latest annual


Top 30 Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Contractor report, produced in partnership with the construction consultancy GHCS/ GH Engage, found the sector’s largest companies in good spirits, despite most experiencing severe diffi culties over the past few years. Collective turnover is up by 16% on last year and most reported robust growth prospects for the next two to


Solar gain for Bristan


Bristan has installed 1,666 solar panels at its head office and distribution centre in Tamworth, Staffordshire. The new solar panels will generate over 600kW hours of electricity for the taps and showers brand, saving 100,000 kgs of CO2 per annum, and will also generate 56% of the site’s electricity needs (with 44% of the electricity generated being exported back to the grid). The


installation forms


part of the company’s wider commitment to sustainability initiatives and its ambitions to create an energy-efficient infrastructure. Paul Jones HSE and QMS and


facilities manager at Bristan Group, comments: “We remain committed to reducing our impact on the environment year- on-year through energy saving and renewable initiatives. This is a huge step forward for us, but there is still work to be done.”


fi ve years. While the report did refl ect on


the recent string of high-profile insolvencies suff ered by the sector, notably Michael J Lonsdale, it also found senior managers in a more hopeful frame of mind, with most fi rms saying they had “turned a corner”. Those interviewed said


that value was likely to increase over time as building engineering services became increasingly sophisticated and technology driven.


Growing pressure on clients to meet net zero targets and greater investment in refurbishment and retrofit of the existing building stock are contributing to better market conditions, according to the report. Minimum Energy Efficiency


Standards (MEES) legislation is also expected to fuel further growth as commercial building owners and managers look to avoid ending up with unlettable ‘stranded assets’. This will lead to more contractors working directly for end clients, according to the report.


Another key development is the


easing of infl ation pressures. While material and labour prices remain at historic highs, pricing stability has returned, making it easier for companies to plan.


Accolade for gas apprentice


Ethan Wynn, a 21-year-old apprentice gas engineer from Buxton, has been ‘highly commended’ following the two- day national final of Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2024. Representing apprentice gas


engineers working in rural locations, Ethan shone throughout the fi nal with his ambition to learn about his chosen trade and ability to overcome personal challenges to pursue his passion for plumbing and heating. The judges said that he clearly articulated the challenges facing areas such as Buxton when it comes to deploying renewable solutions for a more sustainable future.


Ethan’s innovative approach to the pre-fi nal task, in which he was asked to design a tool that would make a tradesperson’s life easier, saw him create a 3D printed prototype of a ‘Cut and Clean Pipe Slice’ invention, which impressed the judges. Speaking after the event, Ethan said: “To reach the final of


‘Living with Heat Pumps’ is the name of a new trial organised by Ideal Heating that aims to test how residents fi nd living with a heat pump, compared to a gas boiler, tracking factors like comfort levels, energy use and costs. Ideal Heating has worked with


Hull City Council and regional net zero campaign, ‘Oh Yes! Net Zero’, to install four of its Logic Air heat pumps in council homes in the city, as well as four new gas-powered combi boilers in neighbouring properties. John Jackson, Ideal’s heat pump


technical sales manager, oversaw the install and commissioning element of the heat pumps project. He says: “This project aims to demonstrate


Screwfi x Trade Apprentice was a great achievement, but to be awarded Highly Commended made it especially memorable. I absolutely love my job and, in the future, want to help others looking to build a career in the plumbing and heating sector.” The overall winner was Matthew


Rutherford, a 19-year-old apprentice carpenter from Bangor, County Down. Matthew walked away with the coveted trophy and a prize bundle of tools, tech and training worth £10,000. Jindara Scott, an apprentice electrician from Lisburn, was also ‘highly commended’.


that the transition from boilers to heat pumps is a simple one and one which shouldn’t impact on the way we live and use our homes.” The trial is taking place at eight


fl ats in east Hull. All of the properties are similar-sized and have the same level of energy efficiency and performance. Over the coming months, data will be collected from the homes’ air source heat pumps to measure their energy effi ciency and compare this to the effi ciency of combination gas boilers. Residents will be directly involved in


the project, sharing their experiences to better understand the day-to-day impact of transitioning to low carbon heating technologies.


Growing franchise project


Five new recruits have joined the Leak Detective franchise, which is looking to attract plumbers with a technical background. Franchisees become specialists in leak detection and remedial work using the company’s latest tools and software. Potential earnings are claimed to be up to £100,000 a year. The franchise fee is £15,995 and the total investment required could be up to £50,000, depending on existing business assets. Co-founder David Hunt, an ex-police offi cer, says: “Everyday


businesses and households are losing many thousands of pounds through water leaks. There is therefore a high demand for trained water leak engineers who have the skills to quickly trace the leak, stop it and rectify any damage as required.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/624/03


Hull trial will measure heat pump performance


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