How approved plumbers see work changing after the pandemic

approved plumbers

A survey* of approved plumbers by the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme (WRAS) has shown how they see the Covid-19 pandemic impacting the industry in the long term.
 
Two thirds (68%) of those surveyed said things will change forever after the pandemic ends, with over half (59%) saying they expect social distancing and more stringent hygiene practices to continue indefinitely.
 
The pandemic has also made plumbers reconsider working practices going forward. While 15% think they may have to increase how much they charge after lockdown, some said they could cut fees instead to drive much-needed business. 
 

Wilo UK announces eight-year framework with Thames Water

Reece Fryer signing eight-year framework

Leading manufacturer of water pumps and pump systems, Wilo UK, has been awarded the AMP7 framework to supply Thames Water with wastewater pumps and associated equipment and engineering for eight years, including innovative systems with anti-clogging detection. 

Wilo UK, part of the Wilo Group, is a leading premium provider of pumps and pump systems for building services, water management and industry, using smart solutions that bring together people, products and services. 

Thames Water has appointed Wilo UK to its framework for the design,  installation, product supply, maintenance, repair and site services of wastewater pumps and associated products. 

Most plumbers willing to work during pandemic but homeowners urged to follow guidance

plumbers willing to work during pandemic

Homeowners in need of plumbing work can breathe a sigh of relief, as the majority of plumbers (84 percent) have confirmed they are willing to work during the Coronavirus pandemic.
 
However, in the study conducted by the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme (WRAS) one in ten plumbers said customers are not observing the social distancing guidelines during visits, marking a cause of concern for some.
 
Whilst just over half (53%) felt current guidance on what constitutes as ‘emergency’ work is insufficient, leaving them to make their own decisions on what type of work to attend to, most (75 percent) are willing to tend to a burst pipe. The emergency jobs they are most willing to repair are:

Family owned plumbing merchant secures £1.5M CBILS loan from Ulster Bank

Plumbing merchant

Stevenson & Reid, a family-owned plumbing merchant employing 60 people in Northern Ireland, has secured £1.5million from Ulster Bank through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
 
The company, which has branches across Northern Ireland, says that the funding will provide it with essential cashflow and help secure jobs while many of its construction sector clients are not operating.
 
Founded in 1980, Stevenson & Reid has expanded to become one of the largest independent plumbing merchants in Northern Ireland with branches in Newtownabbey, Belfast, Newry, Bangor, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Omagh, Cookstown and Londonderry.
 

Master Plumber scheme goes from strength to strength

Three more members of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) have proudly become Master Plumber Certificate holders this year. 

Pre-coronavirus lockdown on Monday 2nd March 2020, Keith Robert Walklate EngTech MCIPHE RP, Andrew John Mensley EngTech MCIPHE RP and James G.S. Hendry EngTech FCIPHE RP were awarded their Certificates by the Livery Companies Skill Council (LCSC), at a ceremony held at Mansion House in London. 

Certificates on the day were awarded by The Rt. Hon The Lord Mayor, Alderman William Russell, with the customary handshake replaced by touching elbows. 

WATER SAVING WEEK 2020: WRAS issues reminder about use of compliant water saving devices

water saving devices

This Water Saving Week, the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme (WRAS) is reminding people about the importance of compliant water saving devices.  

Running from 11th until 15th May, Water Saving Week is an annual event which aims to educate consumers and tradespeople alike on the issues around water use, the challenges around water efficiency, and ideas and solutions to help achieve it. 

WATER SAVING WEEK 2020: WRAS issues reminder about use of compliant water saving devices

water saving devices

This Water Saving Week, the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme (WRAS) is reminding people about the importance of compliant water saving devices.  

Running from 11th until 15th May, Water Saving Week is an annual event which aims to educate consumers and tradespeople alike on the issues around water use, the challenges around water efficiency, and ideas and solutions to help achieve it. 

Businesses urged to take caution with plumbing work before re-opening premises

take caution with plumbing

As many of the UK’s businesses consider reopening their doors, the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) is encouraging business and property owners to take caution and consider the risks posed by their water systems sooner rather than later, to avoid health risks.

The restrictions placed on people and businesses to restrict the spread of Covid-19 since mid-March have meant many premises have been left closed or with minimal staff, meaning many water systems may have been left stagnant.

Celebrating ten years: Plumbing, People and Phones

celebrating ten years

As one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of anti-scald bathroom products celebrates ten years since becoming a stand-alone business, the directors at Intatec are reflecting on a decade of success, as they face challenges far removed from its launch day.

Created in 2002 as a small offshoot of another business, the aim of Intatec was to bring thermostatic control to the bathrooms of Britain. After a period of product development, and testing the market initially with TMV2 and TMV3 anti-scald valves and showers, in May 2010 around a dozen staff joined founders Cynthia Fisher, Barry Humphreys and Stuart Gizzi at a newly fitted out facility in Staffordshire to begin properly under the Inta brand. Since then Sales Director Darran Bougourd has joined the board.