Heating Installer Awards 2023 winners revealed

James Bowen of Integral Plumbing and Heating in Stafford has been awarded the coveted title of National Heating Installer 2023. James scooped the top spot after impressing judges with his professionalism, problem-solving and commitment to customer satisfaction. He had been a regional winner for the West Midlands twice before.

James says: “I was delighted to have received such positive feedback from the judges this year. I was extremely proud of the project I submitted, and know how dedicated I am to my work, so to get some recognition felt amazing.

“But to win the national award is absolutely incredible – I’m speechless. Winning the national title will help me to grow my business, connect with manufacturers and do more work with others operating in the heating industry.”

Nick Irlam from Bolton-LeSands, owner of Irlam UK, was the national runner-up, having impressed with his technical expertise and customer-centric approach. Nick has also found regional success previously, having overcome tough competition in the North West.

This year’s Most Sustainable Installer Award went to Liam Barry of Custom Renewables in Banbury. The award recognises those who are doing everything they can to minimise the impact of their work on the environment. The judges commended Liam’s knowledge and expertise in delivering energy-efficient solutions, with a focus on helping people minimise their utility bills as well as their carbon footprint.

Sophie Maquire is this year’s Rising Star, which recognises apprentices who are training and working hard to demonstrate real commitment and high standards. Sophie wowed the judges with her dedication to problem-solving and successful outcomes for customers.

Sophie says: “After being shortlisted for the award in 2022, I am delighted to be taking the trophy home with me this year. I have seen what winning the Heating Installer Awards has done for other people in the industry and I will be using the recognition to continue inspiring other young people and women to enter an industry that I love so much. A huge thank you to everyone who helped me get to this point.”

Coming soon: Tech Talks by Gas Safe Register

Look out for a new way to stay up to date with the latest essential gas safety information. Tech Talks will see Gas Safe’s Technical Team sharing hot topics, as well as some of the latest questions received on its engineer helpline.

Tech Talks will be available as a YouTube video and via Gas Safe Register’s social media channels. Gas Safe is also looking at other ways to deliver its content to you – more on that as we have it.

The new way of sharing technical information follows on from RGE Open Channel. It will take place every other month, and you can find links to current and previous topics on our website www.registeredgasengineer.co.uk

Gas Safe Register welcomes your feedback and encourages your input into the new Tech Talks. If there are topics you’d like to know more about, or you have any questions you’d like to put to the team, please send them to: Technical@GasSafeRegister.co.uk

Worcester Bosch’s new “Like a Bosch” campaign aims to empower consumers to make the change to lower-carbon heating. It showcases heat pumps, hybrid systems and hydrogen-ready boilers, accompanied by a catchy song.

A cast of characters and puppet pals play their part in turning to responsible home heating solutions. Ronnie the Raccoon stars alongside a heating engineer fitting a greener home heating system, while Bernie and Beatrice Bee get a buzz from energy saving, and the Barnes-Owls love to help energy efficiency soar.

Marketing director Victoria Billings says: "We are so proud of our new Like a Bosch campaign. It is our responsibility to raise awareness and help inform consumers of their greener heating choices. This campaign aims to do that in a creative and fun way that draws attention to such an important topic.”

Talon adds PipeSnug to range

PipeSnug has joined the Talon family. The manufacturer of pipe clips, collars and covers has agreed a licensing deal with PipeSnug, which helps heating engineers comply with the Building Regulations by sealing around pipework inside and out.

Dean Heathfield, Talon’s commercial director, says: “The addition of these innovative pipe sealing products into the Talon family really does make perfect sense. Talon will help accelerate the Snug family of products’ growth through increased distribution, next-day delivery, more product development and even more marketing support.

“This is a significant step for us as we widen our product range even further."