Insidethis issue 3 SEPTEMBER 2025 VOLUME 63 ISSUE 7 Editor’s
Viewpoint by Chris Jones
The hidden costs of crime
This month’s cover story highlights the ongoing issue of tool theft – both from vans and on construction sites – and shows just how prevalent it is within this industry and other trades. Calls for harsher sentences and a government crackdown seem likely to fall on deaf ears, though, as there appears to be a widely held opinion amongst those responsible for our law enforcement that robbery and non-violent off ences should be considered relatively low priority. Such incidents are far from victimless crimes, however, with those targeted left dealing with the costs, both fi nancially and mentally. For anyone who needs their tools to earn a living, the loss of
equipment will obviously have immediate repercussions in being able to continue working without interruption – adding the likely loss of livelihood to that of the cost of replacing what was lost. But tool theft can also have long-term consequences for a victim’s mental health and wellbeing. Whether you’re a hardened trade professional or a vulnerable pensioner, having someone steal from you is bound to have an impact on general confi dence levels and your trust in other people. Even tradespeople who have not had any personal experience
of theft can be troubled by reports about such seemingly commonplace dishonesty. A recent survey from van storage solutions brand Bunker found that over a third of tradespeople felt that it was their biggest worry at work, while the online community ‘On The Tools’ has revealed that nearly 90% of tradespeople are worried about the perpetual threat of tool theft. The sad fact is, despite numerous campaigns for ‘something
to be done’, the only thing that is likely to ensure that tools and vans are kept safe from thieves is increased investment in security measures. Surveillance cameras, heavy-duty storage and sophisticated tracking systems might not be cheap but they can all play a part in providing some peace of mind. And what price can you put on that?
Special Features 21
Renewable Energy
Highlighting the benefi ts of heat pumps, solar energy and other low carbon solutions
Regulars
04 News Review 10 MCS Column 11 Merchant News 13 Energy Saving Awards 14 Gadgets & Tools 15 People on the Move 16 Training Update 18 Business Matters 19 Talent Show
Products in Action
30 Products in Action 38 Vans & Racking 43 Product News
Don’t forget to use our online reader enquiry service to quickly fi nd the web page you need
See page 30 for the latest case studies 32
Radiators & Towel Warmers
The latest designs in towel warmers and advances in radiators for low temperature systems
39 Gas Safety
The HHIC provides an overview of the latest legal requirements for CO alarms around the UK
Contributors
Hamid Salimi Renewable Energy
21
Why the transition to renewable technologies requires the industry to adapt a new mind set
Joe Roberts Radiators & Towel Warmers
36
How modern, heat pump-compatible radiators are able to deliver faster heating and cooling
PUBLISHING TEAM
The Essential Magazine for Plumbing, Heating & Air Movement Professionals
Incorporating: Plumbing & Heating News Plumbing & Heating Equipment News
Published by: Datateam Business Media 16 Hawkesyard Hall, Armitage Park, Rugeley, Staffordshire WS15 1PU Tel: 01889 577222
www.phamnews.co.uk
Editorial & Southern Sales Offi ce: PHAM News, 1b Station Square, Flitwick, Bedfordshire MK45 1DP Tel: 01525 716143 Editorial Email:
editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk Sales Email:
nathan@phamnews.co.uk
ISSN 1368-9061
Printed by: Precision Colour Printing Ltd. Origination by: Design & Media Solutions
© Copyright 2025 Plumbing, Heating & Air Movement News All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without written consent from the publisher. Attributed articles represent the views of the Author(s) and are not the necessarily those of the Editor. The publishers accept no responsibility for claims made by manufacturers or advertisers. This magazine includes a number of colour editorial photographs paid for by suppliers.
Managing Editor Chris Jones Assistant Editor Carol Hitchcock Consultant Publisher Chris Evans Southern Advertisement Manager Nathan Wood Production Paul Forster Design Consultant Tim Plummer
Lauren Gilbey Gas
Safety 41
Why it should not be possible to purchase a gas appliance without the right qualifi cations
ENQUIRIES: Tel: 01580 883844 Email:
pinede@c-cms.com
FREE SUBSCRIPTION
29,120 ABC Audited circulation Jan-Dec 2024
Look out for next month’s issue
Gas & Oil Boilers
Electric Heating
Tools & Workwear
Training Update
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
