News

Green IQ: Helping Installers Build Business

Steve Keeton, Marketing and Technologies Director at Vaillant, highlights the strategic thinking behind the company’s Green iQ mark – an industry-first label that distinguishes well-engineered, energy efficient products of outstanding quality, which are also sustainable and networked for the future.

In order to maximise business opportunities, today’s heating installers aim to consistently deliver customer satisfaction courtesy of reliable, flexible and high performing heating solutions.

As product technology advances and consumer habits change, installers can maintain customer loyalty by providing access to the very latest innovative heating solutions that reflect and support how people are living their lives today.

F & P, Primaflow & Connections announces extended warranty for boilers

F & P, Primaflow & Connections, a leading UK distributor of plumbing, heating and bathroom materials, has announced a warranty extension on its exclusive Procombi Essential boiler.

Customers will now benefit from an additional 12 month guarantee on all Procombi Essential boilers through the Club Energy loyalty programme, increasing the warranty to three years, with the option to extend to 6 years where required.

The cost-effective Procombi Essential boiler is produced by Glow-worm and was launched following a new F & P partnership with the boiler manufacturer. The new boiler boasts an improved design and is rated A under the Energy related Products (ErP) directive, says Shane Knight, Category Director Heating at F & P.

Press thick-walled steel pipes quickly and securely with Megapress

Viega, the global market leader for metal piping systems, has introduced the innovative Megapress to the UK market. The carbon steel press fitting system offers a fast, effective alternative to traditional methods such as welding. A highly effective pressing method, Megapress connections can be made in less than seven seconds – helping to achieve a 60% reduction in installation time.

Compatible with heating and cooling systems, the Viega Megapress system is an effective tool for pressing pipework. This achieves a cleaner and safer method of connection and avoids the need for oils, heavy threading equipment or open flames. The simple to use pressing tool means that even difficult installations such as overhead pipework can be completed safely and effectively.

PlumbStock broadens trading scope with the launch of Luton branch

PlumbStock, the dedicated heating and plumbing brand of the Ridgeon Group, continues to expand its offering with the launch of a new standalone trade counter in Luton. PlumbStock has opened fourteen new branches throughout 2015 and early 2016; all of which provide an unrivalled, focused service to plumbing and heating professionals.

The PlumbStock brand was created by the Ridgeon Group, who recognised a need for plumbing and heating tradesmen to be supported by a specific team, with relevant industry experience. PlumbStock is set to continue expansion throughout 2016, with additional branch openings in Bury St. Edmunds and Kings Lynn.

Research finds students waste more than two bathfuls of water a day

With many freshers starting university this autumn, a national drainage specialist is cautioning new students to watch their water usage to avoid falling into wasteful habits.

In a study of 18-24 year olds commissioned by Lanes Group, it was found that of those who are currently attending university or college, the average student needlessly uses 180 litres of water a day - that’s the equivalent of more than two baths of water.

Returnable packaging company PPS are making waves with their new sustainable wash system

A UK based plastic packaging specialist has teamed up with a global well established industrial wash machine supplier to bring the latest technology to the packing industry.

PPS, a plastic pacing specialist, have been known in the industry for over a decade to provide returnable packaging solutions such as crates and pallets. This year they teamed with UK based Industrial Wash Machines (IWM) to create an innovative new wash machine for their re-useable pallets.

IWM operate from their centrally located office and production facilities in the UK. They worked with PPS, located in the east of the UK and the midlands, to create a bespoke bulk bin washing service machine. One of a kind in the UK.

Flomate iBoost - The ultimate solution to low water pressure and flow

INTRODUCING THE NEW iBOOST

Poor water pressure and limited flow rates can be a real problem for many households. In a larger property with multiple bathrooms and en-suites, these issues frequently result in poor performing showers at key times of day and can make showering a miserable event rather than the invigorating experience that it should be!

UK public finding it harder to source skilled tradesmen

The construction sector is being urged to create more apprenticeships and find ways to attract workers to the sector after new research found that over half of the UK population are struggling to hire a tradesperson.

The study by IronmongeryDirect, surveyed 1,000 people who have required the services of a trade professional over the past year. Results showed that for one in six people (16%), it took more than three weeks to find a suitable tradesperson, while 13% said it took up to two weeks, and almost a quarter (24%) had to search for a week to get someone on board.

InSinkErator® unveils sleek satin black steaming hot water tap

InSinkErator®, a major player in the steaming hot water tap market, has unveiled a sleek new finish to add to their popular range of 3N1 steaming hot water taps with filtered steaming hot, hot and cold water. The Satin Black finish of the 3N1 complements a number of consumer styles and décor ideas, making a statement as part of a modern monochrome kitchen, or adding a contemporary accent to oak or wooden worktops. Black is already seen as a ‘safe’ colour choice for clothing and is now becoming increasingly popular in interior design, with a growing number of new appliances finished in the bold statement shade.

Using technology to get your evenings back

Benjamin Dyer of Powered Now examines the way that plumbers can get their evenings back with the help of technology, even if technology turns them off!

The mobile revolution

Looking back, it took a surprisingly long time for mobile phones to get to saturation. In fact, it took twenty years. During that long period, lots of people rubbished the phones and said they would never catch on. Every new technology that eventually becomes ubiquitous still goes through a period of disbelief.

In contrast to mobiles, smartphone penetration has been much quicker and the comparison should teach us some lessons.

INTRODUCING THE NEW iBOOST

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