News

Plumb Inn successfully launch their IPG flagship store in Enfield

Staff at Plumb Inn launch

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"

Plumber on an iPad

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 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

EV fleet vehicles on charge

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.

Plumber Earnings Heat Up In July

Plumber under sink - Plumber Earnings Heat Up In July

Weekly earnings for self-employed plumbing contractors continued to grow last month, according to the latest figures released by Hudson Contract

Analysis of July payroll data for more than 2,200 construction companies in England and Wales reveals a month-on-month rise of 0.6 per cent to an average of £1,139.

This is equivalent to an annual salary of more than £59,000, putting plumbers into the top 6 per cent of households by income.

The rise builds on the 4.7 per cent increase seen in June.

Year on year, weekly earnings showed a 2.2 per cent improvement compared to July 2018, highlighting the strong underlying demand for plumbers.

Pimlico Plumbers - Real Business Forum August

Charlie Mullins - Pimlico Plumbers - Real Business Forum August

‘Money makes the world go round’, Liza Minnelli once sang in the musical Cabaret. It appears though, the lyric ‘late payment makes the world grind to a halt’ would be more appropriate and chime true with a lot of SMEs.

The latest Business Confidence Monitor, released this month by the bean counters at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), reveals the stark picture that late payments are on the rise.

According to the research one in five businesses flag late payment as a challenge rising to around 25 percent especially for SME firms. This is an increase on last year.

This a problem across the board for business, but of nine sectors examined by the ICAEW, six of them are seeing late payment as a growing issue. 

Introduction of New VAT Rules to Target Fraud due in October 2019

Introduction of New VAT Rules to Target Fraud due in October 2019

Businesses which provide construction services are urged to make themselves aware of changes to the way VAT is charged prior to the introduction of reverse VAT charging later this year. Changes to VAT charging are being introduced in order to tackle the growing problem of VAT fraud in the construction industry. Tax preparation expert and director of DSR Tax Claims Ltd, David Redfern, cautioned construction contractors to be aware of the new reverse VAT charge coming into effect in October 2019 and to ensure that their businesses are prepared for any potential impact, with smaller businesses likely to be more significantly impacted.