PHAM NEWS | MARCH 2025 6 News Review


Heat pump applications still rising


The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) received 3,661 applications in January, marking a 79% increase from the same month last year and the second highest total since the scheme began. “This increase reflects the


growing number of consumers investing in low carbon heating technologies as seen on the MCS Data Dashboard,” says MCS CEO Ian Rippon, “which shows 4,902 heat pump installations recorded in January 2025 – up 21% on January last year.” Gav Murray, Hive Heating director at Centrica, adds: “An


increase in applications in January sets a strong precedent for 2025. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme remains the driving force behind heat pump adoption in the UK and is key to helping households reduce their energy bills and carbon emissions. “To unlock the scheme’s full


potential this year, and encourage more homeowners to adopt heat pump technology, policymakers must take bold action. Last month’s funding increase, together with the removal of planning permission restrictions and boundary rule


changes announced in the Warm Homes


Plan, is a positive step to make the technology more accessible – but there is still a long way to go to make the technology aff ordable for everyone.” While also welcoming the rise


in BUS applications, Vishavjeet Sodhi, general manager at LG Business Solutions, argues that the dial still needs to be turned up on heat pump installations. “The


Climate Change


Committee’s warning that half of homes need to be upgraded with heat pump technology means that we need to be installing them at pace. And whilst heat pump sales jumped by 63% in 2024, with nearly 100,000 units sold – it is nowhere near enough. According to MCS, the total number of certifi ed heat pump installations in the UK is around 275,000 – meaning progress is being made but we still have a long way to go.”


NEWS IN BRIEF


◼ Water treatment manu- facturer Fernox recently partnered with its local council for a community tree planting event. Fernox employees, customers, partners, and children from a local infant school all joined the eff orts to plant 300 bare root whip trees and four fruit trees.


◼ Installers are invited to claim a complimentary gilet by registering newly installed Sanifl o products. This scheme activates the five-year warranty while helping to keep the Sanifl o database up to date, with registration made easy through a QR code and short online form.


Advice on handling non- refi llable LPG cylinders


New industry guidance has been developed to support the safe storage and transportation of LPG and propylene non-refillable cylinders in the plumbing and heating sectors. Although designed for blowtorches and widely used for soldering, brazing and general heating applications, non-refi llable cylinders can often be mistaken for consumer camping gas canisters, which have different storage/ transport requirements. The new guidance sheet, known


as GS40, has been developed by Liquid Gas UK in collaboration with European standard bodies and the


Department for Transport to provide a clear point of reference for UK businesses to safely store, transport, mark and dispose of the cylinders. Richard Hakeem, director of technical and safety policy at Liquid Gas


UK, says: “This new document is designed to give free, practical guidance for where trade professionals and the public purchase non-refi llable cylinders. It also serves as a resource for local authorities and Trading Standards teams to assess compliance when inspecting businesses.” To download a free copy of GS40, use the online reader link below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/325/01


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◼ Apprentice Ashton Cliff ord, who was sponsored by Ideal Standard, has been named Apprentice of the Year at the 2025 BiKBBI Awards, recognising his dedication to ski l ls development in bathroom supply and installation.


Search is on for trainers


Renewable training provider GTEC is launching a recruitment drive for 65 trainers to join its expanding team. Following a partial acquisition by United Living Group (ULG), GTEC has increased its nationwide presence through partnerships with companies like City Plumbing and SolarEdge. With growing demand for


renewables training – especially in heat pumps and battery storage – GTEC aims to upskill installers for a low carbon future. The company, which has specialised in renewable technologies for nearly 20 years, is


introducing new courses, including a fully funded online Heat Networks introductory course. Trainers from the building


services and construction sectors with relevant experience and qualifications are encouraged to apply. Suzanne McNamara, talent acquisition business partner at ULG, says: “We are looking for new recruits who share our passion for building services and construction, particularly in renewables.” Candidates can apply using the


online reader link below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/325/02


◼ The Hansgrohe Group has been awarded the EcoVadis Platinum Medal, ranking in the top 1% of companies for sustainability for the third consecutive year. EcoVadis evaluates companies on their environmental, labour, ethics, and procurement practices.


◼ Installers can currently earn up to £800 in gift cards through the Worcester Bosch loyalty programme. Rewards are offered for fitting qualifying gas and oil boilers or heat pumps, with options for gift cards or points. The offer runs until the end of April.


◼ Ideal Heating has been recognised for its commitment to employee wellbeing, receiving the Manufacturing Matters prize at the Make UK Manufacturing Awards 2025.


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