PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2026 10 Event Spotlight registrations now open Industry viewpoint 5 heating policy priorities


With the challenge of reducing emissions, improving efficiency and strengthening energy security, the direction of the UK’s heating policy is under increasing scrutiny. Here Stewart Clements, director at the HHIC, suggests five areas where the government needs to focus its attention.


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on Friday 25th September. Now in its 13th year, the three-day event


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brings together more than 200 leading trade brands, offering visitors the chance to get hands-on with the latest tools, products and innovations, all under one roof. Attendees can also shop exclusive event- only offers and enjoy giveaways, live product demonstrations, hands-on experiences, expert Q&A sessions, and much more. Free to attend, visitors can now register


to secure their place and receive a free goodie bag worth over £40 on arrival.


Top of the trades Screwfix Live will also host the final of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2026, where 10 finalists will go head-to-head in front of a panel of industry experts. One worthy winner will take home the ultimate £20,000 trade bundle of tools, tech and training designed to help take their business to the next level. The latest inductee into the Screwfix Top Tradesperson Hall of Fame was Martin Daly, a Motherwell-based builder who was the pride of Scotland when he claimed the coveted title last year. Since winning, Martin’s business, MD Builders Ltd, has continued to thrive thanks to the publicity he has enjoyed over the past 12 months. Martin comments: “Entering Screwfix


Top Tradesperson was one of the best decisions I ever made. The application process was simple and gave me the chance to share my personal journey in the trade. The exposure I got from winning has


helped raise the profile of my business, and I have been lucky enough to visit both the Scottish Parliament and the Houses of Parliament in London.”


Highlight of the year Screwfix MD Max Britten comments: “Screwfix Live is an absolute highlight of the year, where the trade community comes together under one roof with hundreds of suppliers showcasing their fantastic products. Last year we welcomed a record-breaking 30,000 visitors, and we’re delighted to open registrations for what promises to be another incredible event. Whether you’re an experienced professional or serious DIYer, there’s something for everyone at Screwfix Live and we look forward to welcoming visitors this September.”


Times and dates Screwfix Live 2026 opens on Friday 25th September from 8:00 until 17:00, Saturday 26th from 8:30 until 17:00 and Sunday 27th from 9:30 until 16:00.


Register now


To register for your free place, please visit screwfixlive.com or scan the QR code below:


n unmissable event for trade professionals and serious DIYers, Screwfix Live returns to Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference centre


ecarbonising heat represents a significant opportunity, but it is also a huge undertaking. Around 28 million homes use a wide


range of heating systems and have been built to very different standards, so there can be no one-size-fits-all solution. As Miatta Fahnbulleh MP – Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero – settles into her new role, what should be her top priorities?


1. Put consumers and affordability first The success of heat decarbonisation will ultimately depend on consumers. Heating is not an optional purchase, and replacing a heating system can represent a significant financial commitment for a household. Asking them to make substantial investments in new heating technologies without a clear understanding of the costs, benefits and long-term savings risks undermining confidence in the energy transition. Affordability therefore needs to be at


the heart of government policy. The UK’s housing stock is diverse, and


the cost and practicality of upgrading a property will vary considerably. The government needs to recognise these differences and develop policies that help consumers make appropriate choices rather than assuming that every household can follow the same pathway. If consumers can see that


decarbonisation can reduce energy use and costs, improve comfort and provide long-term value, they are much more likely to support it.


2. Maintain a technology-neutral approach Heat pumps have an important role to play in the UK’s future heating mix, and the industry is committed to supporting their successful deployment. However, they cannot be the only answer to the UK’s heating challenge. The diversity of the UK’s housing stock


means that different technologies will be appropriate in different circumstances. Hybrid heating systems, highly


efficient boilers, heat networks, direct electric heating and emerging low-carbon fuels can all contribute to reducing emissions. The most appropriate solution will depend on factors including the property, existing heating system, insulation, available space, local infrastructure and, importantly, the consumer’s circumstances. Government policy should therefore


concentrate on the outcome – reducing carbon emissions – rather than prescribing a single technology.


3. Target the least efficient heating systems first While the long-term transition to low- carbon heating is important, there are significant carbon savings that can be made immediately. One of the most


effective ways of doing this is to focus on the oldest and least efficient heating systems currently operating in UK homes. Ageing non-condensing boilers and


poorly performing heating systems can consume significantly more energy than modern, efficient alternatives. Replacing these appliances provides an opportunity to cut energy consumption and carbon emissions while improving reliability and comfort for the consumer. This is a pragmatic approach that should


not be overlooked in the rush to achieve longer-term targets.


4. Build consumer confidence through skills, standards and quality For consumers to embrace new heating technologies, they need confidence that systems will work effectively, that installers are competent and that they will receive appropriate support throughout the life of the product. This means continuing to invest in


installer training and competence, alongside robust product standards, quality assurance and consumer protection. The installer has a crucial role to play.


For many homeowners, the heating engineer is their most trusted source of advice. We also need to recognise that installation is not the end of the story. Annual servicing and ongoing maintenance are important for ensuring heating systems continue to operate safely and efficiently. The established Benchmark scheme provides a familiar framework for supporting this approach in traditional heating. Poor installation risks damaging not


only an individual consumer’s confidence but the wider public’s confidence in the energy transition.


5. Work with industry to unlock investment and growth The UK’s heating manufacturing sector is a major national asset. Manufacturers support thousands of skilled jobs, invest in research and development, and operate supply chains that extend across the UK. British companies are also developing technologies that are being exported to markets around the world. If the government wants the transition


to low-carbon heat to deliver economic growth alongside emissions reductions, it needs to work closely with the businesses that will deliver it. Manufacturers, installers, merchants


and the wider supply chain need clarity and confidence to invest. Developing new products, upgrading manufacturing facilities and training employees all require significant long-term commitment. Policy uncertainty can make that investment more difficult. Early and meaningful engagement with


industry can help government identify potential problems before policies are introduced and ensure that measures are realistic and deliverable on the ground. ◼ www.benchmark.org.uk


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