PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2025 8 News Review


Installer-led platform simplifies MCS scheme


Qualified installers can now access Ideal Heating’s new MCS umbrella scheme, designed to remove the cost, complexity and paperwork usually tied to BUS-eligible heat pump installations. Ideal InstallPRO is run with


dwellow, whose digital platform manages design, compliance and paperwork so installers can focus on customers. It provides fully supported access to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, system design and commissioning support, a project management platform, and a seven-year warranty. The scheme is installer-led:


installers retain full control of customer relationships, pricing and materials, while the platform handles compliance, paperwork and support. A simple app gives real-time guidance, job estimation tools, branded customer portals and visibility across the whole process.


New advice on waterless traps


The BPF Pipes Group has issued updated guidance on waterless traps for those involved in housebuilding, construction and renovation. Traditional water traps have long provided protection from foul gases entering buildings, but their seals can fail for various reasons. Waterless traps, also established in the market, offer an alternative through a self-sealing membrane. They open during use and close once wastewater drains through, maintaining a seal even when water use is intermittent. The updated guidance reviews


different types of traps, best practice for specifying, installing


There are no subscriptions or


joining fees – just one low fee for design and umbrella services. “Ideal InstallPRO represents the


next step in making low-carbon heating more accessible,” says Mark Derbyshire, MD (sales and marketing) Groupe Atlantic UK, ROI & NA. “It’s about giving installers the tools, training and confidence to grow with the market and helping decarbonise UK homes.” The scheme includes: Accredited


training at over 30 UK sites via Ideal’s Expert Academy; a seven- year warranty on every heat


pump installed; technical support via phone, WhatsApp, video or in person; and award-winning customer service, rated ‘excellent’ by Investor in Customers. Run in partnership with dwellow,


InstallPRO covers the full lifecycle of BUS-eligible installations, from survey and design to Ofgem paperwork. Installers simply complete


eligible training and meet basic joining criteria to get started, unlocking the app and access to BUS-funded installations. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/925/06


‘Compliance paradox’ in UK water regulations


Nearly half of UK homeowners have installed water fittings in the last five years, yet 52% have never heard of the UK Water Supply Regulations 1999, according to new research by public health body NSF. The survey of 2,000 adults highlights a dangerous gap in awareness that places both public health and water safety at risk. Under the law, homeowners


and installers are responsible for ensuring compliance, but many lack the knowledge to assess it. The study also found 30% wrongly assume all products sold in the UK are compliant, and one in ten buy low- cost fittings from overseas retailers. The consequences of non- compliance


include water


contamination, health risks, property damage, invalid insurance and even prosecution. NSF warns of a ‘compliance


paradox’: manufacturers and merchants can supply non-compliant


products legally, while the legal burden falls on installers and property owners. To address this, NSF’s REG4 certification programme validates fittings against UK regulations, providing a trusted compliance standard. The research calls for clearer responsibilities across the supply chain and better education for homeowners and installers. “This research reveals a


fundamental disconnect between knowledge and responsibility that creates significant public health risks,” says NSF’s Samantha Duffy. “When 80% of homeowners have never checked their water fittings for compliance, and only 7% fully understand the regulations, we have a serious problem that needs addressing.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/925/07


Live video support for troubleshooting


and maintaining waterless versions, and relevant regulations. It also outlines the advantages, disadvantages and applications. Guidance (Issue 2) is free to download from the BPF Pipes Group website using the link below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/925/08


BESA annual conference


The 2025 BESA Annual Conference will take place on October 16 at the Brewery in London. This one-day event will focus on business growth, helping building engineering firms identify new markets, drive innovation and develop their workforce. Two strands will run throughout the day: theatre one, sponsored by


Mitsubishi Electric, will focus on the day-to-day business of running a firm; theatre two, sponsored by Schneider Electric, will focus on equipping employees with skills for current and future challenges. A new ‘Meet the Expert’ feature offers one-to-one sessions on legal


and contractual issues, employment and education, competence and compliance, legislation, and building safety. Hands-on workshops and discussions will explore outcome-based procurement, long- term value, and whole-life performance, alongside technical topics like AI, water quality and heat pump performance. Keynotes include Build UK CEO Suzannah Nichol, exploring supply chain efficiency and sustainable, safer buildings through collaboration. Access the full programme and registration details using the reader link below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/925/10


To strengthen customer service and provide better support for installers, Viessmann has introduced a remote visual assistance platform from TechSee. By enabling technical support teams to view exactly what the customer or installer sees through a smartphone camera, the platform has transformed Viessmann’s service operations by allowing issues to be resolved directly through the helpline, reducing the need for engineer callouts. During a session, Viessmann staff


can guide engineers in real time by annotating live video, highlighting key components, identifying testing points and sharing relevant documents. This enhanced level of interaction has streamlined support for both Gas Safe engineers working on complex installations, such as


Supporting WorldSkills


Reinforcing its commitment to the next generation of HVAC engineers, Baxi has announced a four-year principal sponsorship of WorldSkills UK. The move builds on its partnership with Primary Engineer, which brings STEM into classrooms and inspires future engineers. WorldSkills’ mission is to raise standards in apprenticeships and technical education through international best practice, helping more young people and employers succeed. The UK sponsorship is funded by the BDR Thermea


heat pumps, and end-users who need assistance with product controls. Although primarily designed for


installer support, the system is also helping homeowners resolve minor issues without needing a site visit. Customers can be sent a video call link by text, enabling a technician to


walk them through a solution remotely. Internally, the platform has also improved efficiency by enabling senior technical staff to support junior colleagues in real time, avoiding delays caused by unnecessary problem escalation. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/925/09


on a clear pathway to decarbonise homes and buildings. That requires new technologies and skills to replace gas boilers with clean heat solutions such as heat pumps, hybrid systems and heat networks. Supporting skills development contributes to accelerating the energy transition, which is the Foundation’s main goal.” Ian Trott, Baxi’s head of UK training solutions, adds: “We have to invest today to create


Foundation, owner of Baxi’s parent company BDR Thermea Group, and aligns with the Foundation’s two- decade support of WorldSkills in the Netherlands. Robert van Roijen of the BDR Thermea Foundation says: “The UK is


the skills needed for a decarbonised future.” The full partnership begins in


2026, but Baxi is already backing this year’s WorldSkills National Finals in Wales, 25-28 November. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/925/11


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