News

IronmongeryDirect survey sheds new light on wellbeing of tradespeople

Too much work, time pressures and unprepared customers – these are the top three causes of stress at work, according to a new survey of almost 600 tradespeople by IronmongeryDirect.

Work-related stress and mental illness now account for over half of all lost work days in the UK*. However, despite this, the survey found that only 11% of tradespeople have taken any time off work in the last year because of mental ill-health. With over a third (34%) reporting regularly feeling stressed, this research paints a worrying picture.

CIPHE renews calls on Government to make TMVs compulsory

The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering - CIPHE - is talking tough on TMVs as it renews calls on the Government to change the legislation surrounding the devices.

According to the latest hospital admission statistics from NHS Digital, the most vulnerable in society continue to be at a grave risk from household scalds and burns. Admission figures show that scalds from tap water remained a significant issue for the old and young in 2018/19, with:

Plumbing hero rewarded for not-for-profit business

Plumber James Anderson, who has been rewarded after the brilliant story of his not-for-profit business

Leading insurance specialist for tradespeople, Rhino Trade Insurance, has rewarded self-employed plumbing and heating engineer, James Anderson, with a range of free insurance policies, after hearing the brilliant story of his not-for-profit business, which hit national headlines earlier this month.

An invoice of Mr Anderson’s went viral online after it showed a call-out charge to a 91-year-old lady with leukaemia as £0, with the accompanying note:

“No charge for this lady under any circumstances. We will be available 24-hours a day to help her and keep her as comfortable as possible.”

Plumb Inn successfully launch their IPG flagship store in Enfield

It was an exciting week for Plumb Inn (the plumbing, heating and bathroom specialists in Enfield) as they unveiled their IPG flagship store last week.

The launch, which took place from the 2nd – 6th September, saw Plumb Inn reveal a brand-new look to their Enfield branch, following their partnership with The IPG.

Plumb Inn is one of three flagship stores that The IPG, the largest and fastest growing membership group for plumbing, heating and bathroom specialists is supporting across the UK. The store opening with Plumb Inn marks the second flagship location for The IPG, in just a few short weeks.

Reverse VAT Charge Delay Welcomed

Man using calculator to work out finances for reverse VAT charge

HMRC to Delay Implementation of Reverse VAT Charge until October 2020

The decision by HMRC to delay the introduction of the reverse VAT charge for construction services until October 2020 has been welcomed by businesses across the construction industry. David Redfern, tax preparation specialist and Managing Director of DSR Tax Claims Ltd commended the government's decision as a much-needed respite for the construction industry sector, already under pressure from uncertain economic conditions and agreed that the industry required additional guidance in order to ensure that the reverse VAT charge is rolled out without causing undue harm to the construction sector.

"OK Google, Find Me A Plumber"

Brits are shunning trusted and approved sources when searching for a plumber, according to new research. Just under 5 percent (4.65%) would go to their water company to find a plumbing professional, the figures have shown.

In fact, a higher percentage (6.8%) are more likely to ask strangers on Facebook.

While more than half (53.7%) would ask friends and family for a recommendation, a fifth (17.5%) admit to blindly searching online.

The study, by the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS), asked homeowners about the process they go through when seeking out a new plumber. The findings show that consumers could be failing to do thorough research before commissioning plumbing work in their home.

Aqualisa Launches New Installer Club To Reward Plumbers

Plumber happy because of the Aqualisa Installer Club

Installing one of Aqualisa’s showers can now instantly earn plumbers and shower installers rewards for their loyalty.

The Aqualisa Installer Club has relaunched to offer premium benefits to plumbers who know the value of Aqualisa’s quality and easy-to-install showers. Members of the loyalty programme can also get access to a priority installer hotline for on-the-spot support, fast-tracked entry to training courses and many more benefits.

Manchester tool company secures national TV show investment

Manchester based start-up, pipeEasy Limited, has received a £41,000 investment after appearing on BBC Two’s Dragons’ Den.

Former floor-fitter/salesmen and founder of pipeEasy Limited, Teirnan McCorkell, went into the Den hoping for a £41,000 investment in exchange for a 15% stake in the business and his patent-pending product.

The inventor showed the Dragons prototypes of his surfacing measuring tool and explained how the money would be spent on producing the tools for the DIY and trade markets.

EV fleet adoption tips for businesses making the switch

By Tom Preston, Managing Director, Hippo Leasing

The transport sector is the fastest growing contributor to climate emissions. However, the impending EV revolution is aiming to slow this concerning trend and unlock new business benefits for those adopting electric over traditional fossil fuels.

In fact, by 2020 it’s estimated there will be over 1 million Electric Vehicles (EVs) on the UK’s roads. The government has also just announced an extra £2.5 million for EV charging points to ensure the country’s infrastructure matches the rising demand.

Loanhead Company Makes Positive MPACT on Mental Health in the Construction Sector

MPACT staff on Mental Health in the Construction Sector course

Building services specialist MPACT Group Ltd is continuing its campaign to tackle the “hidden secret” of mental health problems in the construction sector with an in-house training course that has already led to direct intervention for one member of staff potentially at risk.

About a dozen employees ranging from site and office staff to managers and directors recently took part in a programme run by the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) to help recognise the signs of poor mental health. Coached in techniques on how to discard the stigmas attached to mental health problems, participants were also advised on best listening techniques and what actions to take if a colleague is in distress.

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