PHAM NEWS | JUNE 2025 8 News Review


The burdens of working by yourself


New research from Mira Showers has revealed signifi cant loneliness and workload pressures faced by UK installers. Surveying 500 sole traders, including 300 installers and plumbers, the study found one in fi ve installers feel lonely at work, with over half attributing this to a lack of social interaction. Nearly half reported that the absence of team collaboration adds to their isolation, while long working days were aff ecting 44%, with a quarter


saying they can spend up to 90% of the day working alone. Many installers also struggle


with work-life balance (34%) and sharing work-related concerns


(39%). Feelings of stress and being overwhelmed were reported by around a quarter of respondents. The business and administrative side of running their operations


causes diffi culties for 65%, often extending into personal time. Sadly, 75% of installers said working excessive hours led to burnout, negatively impacting social life and sleep quality. In response, Mira Showers is expanding support beyond its products through its InstallerPRO platform. This resource offers practical advice designed to help installers manage business tasks, improve skills, and balance their lives. The platform aims to reduce isolation and provide guidance, showing installers they are not alone in handling the demands of their work. Sign up to InstallerPRO using the


online web address below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/625/03


Caschback from a combi


For a limited time only – until 30th June – installers can earn £30 cashback for every warranty-registered installation of the Navien NCB300 combi boiler. Installers who qualify for the cashback will then receive their reward via a prepaid e-Mastercard (B4B), which can be used in most retailers. They will also be able to save Navien Choice Plus points for every registered installation, allowing them to benefi t from both immediate rewards and ongoing loyalty perks. “We’re proud to support the hardworking professionals who help


make Navien the brand of choice,” comments Jason Davies, sales director at Navien UK. “The NCB300 range is an ideal, cost-eff ective solution for smaller properties, and this off er is our way of saying thank you for choosing Navien.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/625/05


Join the priority queue


Ideal Heating has introduced MAX Priority, a new service enhancement for all registered and in-warranty MAX boilers. The service off ers faster support through priority call handling and next-working-day engineer call- outs, subject to availability. MAX Priority is designed to reduce


downtime and improve customer experience by automatically placing eligible calls in a priority queue. Owners of Logic MAX and Vogue MAX boilers, which come with warranties of up to 10 and 12 years respectively, will benefi t from


quicker access to assistance. When a service visit is needed,


next-day appointments will be offered, depending on engineer availability. Chris Jessop, customer service director at Ideal Heating, says the initiative aims to reward loyalty and make support faster and more reliable. “We’re giving our customers an even quicker route to help and off ering installers an extra level of reassurance when they recommend or fi t one of our MAX boilers,” he comments. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/625/04


Baxi Works loyalty scheme members can now benefit from a £500 cashback offer for every qualifying Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) Baxi HP40 air source heat pump (ASHP) installation. Launched in May, the promotion runs until the end of April 2026, with cashback uncapped and available once installations are


commissioned and


registered on the Baxi Works platform. The initiative builds on the company’s significant investment in training, including the opening of its flagship Solutions Academy at Warwick HQ, which offers BPEC-accredited courses such as ASHP and Low Temperature Hot Water Heating Systems.


◼ phamnews.co.uk/625/06 NEWS IN BRIEF


◼ The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) will change its name to The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists (BIFIS) on 1 October 2025, ahead of its 20th anniversary. This rebranding aligns with strategic initiatives to enhance its industry role and consumer awareness.


◼ Heat pump manufacturer Qvantum Energy Technology has appointed Fischer as a key distribution partner in the UK. Fischer will supply Qvantum’s heat pump solutions from its Leicester centre.


◼ Specialist business advisory firm FRP is seeking a buyer for Range Cylinders Limited, a Wakefi eld-based manufacturer of hot water cylinders, following its administration. Despite facing challenges, the business retains its 90 employees and offers a strong product range and established customer base, making it an opportunity for strategic investors.


◼ Kooltech has achieved MCS Design Certification for air source heat pump installations. This certification expands Kooltech’s expertise into domestic and light commercial markets, enhancing support for customers and solidifying its position in the low-carbon transition in the UK.


◼ The Approved Plumber Scheme for Anglian Water, APLUS, is the latest to become part of the UK’s largest approved contractor scheme – the Water Industry Approved Plumbers’ Scheme (WIAPS).


◼ A new distribution partner- ship has been struck between PJH and VitrA, enabling PJH to offer an extensive selection of VitrA bathroom products across its retail network.


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