PHAM NEWS | NOVEMBER 2026 Business Matters Costs quell investment


Policy check before starting hot works


As temperatures drop and people switch their heating back on, gas and heating engineers face their busiest period. Kingsbridge Contractor Insurance is urging contractors to check their policy conditions before undertaking hot work, warning that non- compliance could leave claims unpaid. Max Bennett, head of schemes at Kingsbridge,


says: “Engineers shouldn’t assume that simply holding an active insurance policy means every hot-work activity is automatically covered. When using soldering irons, blowtorches or heat guns, underwriters attach specific conditions to policies. If these aren’t met, a claim could be declined.”


Nearly eight in ten tradespeople (79%) are having to balance or compromise on at least one business decision because of financial pressures, according to new research from trades insurance provider Tradesman Saver. The report, The Cost of the Trades, found that more than a third (37%)


are reconsidering which jobs to take on because of costs, with some turning down work as it becomes less profitable. Investment in equipment, training and business growth is also being


affected. Almost a third (30%) are weighing up purchases of new tools, while 19% are reconsidering further training and qualifications. Meanwhile, 18% are affected in their recruitment decisions, and the same proportion are cutting back on advertising and marketing. Fuel and transport costs are the biggest financial pressure, affecting


45% of respondents, followed by household inflation (39%) and energy bills (34%). You can download the report using our reader link below. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1126/17


advised to review five key areas: 1. Hot-work requirements: Check whether


permits or specific conditions apply before starting. 2. Fire precautions: Remove combustible materials, keep appropriate fire-extinguishing equipment available and follow any required


precautions during and after the job. 3. Exclusions and limitations: Confirm which activities are covered, particularly when


undertaking new or higher-risk work. 4. Subcontractor cover: Check whether subcontractors are protected under existing insurance arrangements rather than assuming


cover extends to everyone on site. 5. Insurer updates: Inform your insurer or


broker if the nature, scale or risk profile of your work changes. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1126/18


Subcontractor payments Nearly eight in ten UK


subcontractors (79%) are almost always paid late, while 73% regularly experience disputes over payment applications, according to new research from Payapps, an Autodesk company. The report surveyed 127 industry professionals, highlighting the financial and administrative pressures facing subcontractors. Unagreed variations are a leading


cause of payment disputes, cited by 79% of respondents, while 74% point to valuation differences and


lengthy negotiations. Meanwhile, 55% spend more than 20 hours a month on general administration. Poor payment processes are also


affecting business relationships, with 29% of subcontractors having avoided working with contractors whose application processes were too difficult. Payapps says greater standardisation, transparency and digitalisation could reduce administrative burdens and help rebuild trust across the construction supply chain. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/1126/19


How to Take Pressure Off Your System HEATING EXPANSION VESSEL


Key Features:


Nitrogen-filled diaphragm helps reduce corrosion and extends vessel life


5-year warranty for long-term reliability EXPANSION


VESSEL HV12C


Available in capacities from 8–800 litres to suit a wide range of applications


Suitable for temperatures up to 120°C and compatible with glycol mixtures


Tested to BS EN 13831 for quality, safety and reliability 15 To help protect their livelihoods, engineers are


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