The Heating Installer Awards is now in its third year and over the years the awards has changed significantly.

The most noticeable change at the moment is with the sponsors. Whilst we were over the moon to welcome long term sponsors Sentinel, Vaillant, Danfoss and Installer Magazine back, you will have noticed a few newcomers.

Polypipe, experts in plastic plumber and underfloor heating has come on board to sponsor the awards, something we are very excited about.

We are also welcoming Wolseley to the awards, which has been invaluable in providing great prizes and is also giving us to opportunity to get on the ground and chat with installers as they visit branch.

Avanti Gas, which provides LPG solutions for homes and commercial projects, is also sponsoring the awards and we’re very lucky to have their support.

Last, but by no means least, is Installers First. Installers First firmly believes in all the same values we do and we couldn’t imagine a better match.

On top of all this, we have listened to your advice and made some changes to the awards and how they’re ran so that they truly reflect what the installer community wants and needs.

1. Anonymised Judging

We want to make the judging process as fair as possible and to do this we are making all entries anonymous ahead of judging day. When our panel of expert judges sits down to select each regional winner in March, they will have the full entry in front of them with everything except the name and company of the installer. This means that each application is judged purely on merit, and not popularity.

2. Support

This year, each regional winner will receive a support pack. This will include marketing advice, social media support, an artworked poster and flyer, details of your nearest printing service and much more. This means every regional winner will have everything they need to promote themselves, generate votes and be in with a fair chance of winning the coveted prize.

3. Giveaways

As well as our official sponsors, this year we have also had the support of other companies that want to provide prizes for the competition. Big Wipes will be giving each regional winner an additional prize and PLS has kindly provided THIRTY pairs of workwear boots for us to giveaway. We have a competition giving away ten pairs right now! Head to our Twitter page to find out more.

4. Winners prizes

It’s safe to say that year on year our regional and overall winner’s prizes get better and better. This year, we’re even giving away a minibreak, which is an added incentive to get those entries in!

But while change is always a good thing, some parts of the competition are staying the same.

1. Dedicated hotline

Not everyone is a wordsmith; we understand that. To help with this, just like every year we have a dedicated hotline you can call where we will take your entry over the phone, and we promise to capture the passion you have for your projects and the industry within your entry. You can DM us on Twitter to arrange a time for a call, or just give HIA HQ a call on 0161 871 1188.

2. Free of Charge

The Heating Installer Awards is, and always will be, free of charge to enter. Our sole aim is to spread the positive news about the industry so we’ll never ask you for your bank details or payment. If someone calls, saying they’re from the Heating Installer Awards and asks for this information, send us a DM on Twitter or email [email protected].

3. Fun

Whether it’s having a laugh on Twitter, jumping in our ball pool at the  Installer exhibition or bumping into us at our sponsors’ offices, the Heating Installer Awards is all about having fun and celebrating the industry and this, we promise, will never change!

This week is Road Safety Week, the UK’s biggest road safety event coordinated by the road safety charity, Brake. As installers you spend a lot of time on the road, so we want to ensure that all of you are aware of the key issues that the event highlights and the necessary steps needed to keep yourselves and others safe on the road.

• You spend hours traveling from job to job, looking out for your community. Therefore, it’s essential that your vehicle is serviced to ensure that it is in safe condition to protect you and others around you
• The theme for this year’s Road Safety Week is ‘Speed Down, Save Lives’. Speeding is still a major issue in the UK and kills and injures many. Stay safe and look after others around you by sticking to the speed limits, no matter how pushed for time you are
• Everyone can get involved with Road Safety Week and help raise awareness. Make sure you’re being great ambassadors in your community by sticking to speed limits and adjusting your driving dependent on weather conditions
• If you feel like your brakes have seen better days, don’t wait for a service. Keep all parts of your vehicle in top shape
• From one brake to another. If you’re on the road all day, you’re bound to get tired. Take a break and recharge before you get back behind the wheel

You never know, your good work and consideration for the community could result in you being nominated for the Heating Installer Awards.

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]The regional winners of the second Heating Installer Awards have been revealed, leading to celebrations up and down the country.

The ten finalists of the Heating Installer Awards 2017 were selected by a panel of experts from the industry earlier this month, and will now face an online, public vote to decide the national winner.

The regional winners are:

• North West – Nick Irlam, Nick Irlam Ltd
• North East – Dean Foster, Dean Foster Plumbing and Heating
• South West – Ben Bowers, Ben Bowers Heating Solutions Ltd
• South East – Barry Primett, Source Heat Pumps Ltd
• East Midlands – Peter Booth, G V Booth Plumbing and Heating
• West Midlands – Stuart Woodward, HomeServe Walsall and Sutton
• Yorkshire and the Humber – Lee Brown, Smart Renewable Heat Ltd
• East of England – Mark Partridge, Bright Green Renewables Ltd
• Wales – Garry Lloyd, Blue Flame Gas Solutions Ltd
• Scotland & Northern Ireland – Scott Murray, McInnes Group Ltd

Votes can now be cast to decide the national winner – the UK’s Best Heating Installer 2017 – at www.heatinginstallerawards.co.uk/finalists.

Representatives from Continental Underfloor, Danfoss, Graham The Plumbers’ Merchant, LG, Pegler Yorkshire , Sentinel, Vaillant UK and Installer Magazine – the awards’ sponsors – attended the judging day, whittling down hundreds of entries down to just a top ten. The panel were also joined by Dennis Hollingworth, winner of the inaugural Heating Installer Awards in 2016.

The judges considered each entry against four criteria: technicality, professionalism, expert service and happy customers. The winners selected each demonstrated a desire to go to great lengths in order to deliver incredible levels of service for their customers, using innovative solutions that improve the quality of life of families and businesses across the UK.

Working together with the award sponsors, trade bodies and other renowned organisations in the industry, the aim of the awards is to raise standards even higher, unveiling the superstars who often go unnoticed.

With an outstanding calibre of entries received, the judges were compelled to also offer runner up positions in each of the ten regions. Those scooping the worthy second place positions are:

• North West – Andrew Beatty, Greenfields Heat and Power Ltd
• North East – Scott Findlay, Scott Findlay Plumbing & Heating
• South West – Jamie Streeter, SolarGeo LTD
• South East – Sam Heathcote, Essential Heating
• East Midlands – Aaron O’Dell, O’Dell Heating & Plumbing Ltd
• West Midlands – Ian Smith, IJS Trade Services
• Yorkshire and the Humber – Neale Jackson, Swift Gas
• East of England – Richard Goodyear, Chelmsford Gas Services LTD
• Wales – Ashley Carlisle, Warmserve Plumbing & Heating Limited
• Scotland & Northern Ireland – Stuart Sugden, Sugplumb Ltd

Judge Neil Davies, representing Sentinel, said: “This is the first year Sentinel has joined the Heating Installer Awards team, and we’re thrilled to see so many high quality entries be submitted for consideration. It was a joy to be a part of the judging day, and be intrinsic to selecting the ten regional winners.

“These particular installers are the type that homeowners turn to in an emergency; to improve the comfort in their home and change their lifestyle by having energy efficient heating solutions – those they know are 100% reliable. They’re an inspiration to young people looking to forge a career in the industry, and a shining example of the outstanding quality delivered by UK heating installers each day.

“Everyone at Sentinel is excited to see the outcome – don’t miss out on your chance to vote!”

Samantha Canfield, judging on behalf of Graham the Plumbers’ Merchant, said: “We already know the industry is filled with tradespeople who build heating solutions of outstanding technical quality and provide exceptional customer service as a given.

“However, being a member of the Heating Installer Awards judging panel was an excellent opportunity to see just how seriously the UK’s plumbers and heating installers take their jobs. The winning regional entries were outstanding; each installer is not only a credit to their region, but the UK as a whole. We’re looking forward to seeing who will take the title of the UK’s Best Heating Installer 2017 – I think it will be a very close final!”

Judge Steve Keeton, representing Vaillant, said: “This is the second year Vaillant has sponsored the Heating Installer Awards, and the quality of entries just seems to get better and better! The judging day – though tough – was a brilliant reminder of just how special the UK heating industry is.

“The 10 regional winners act as gatekeepers to the industry – they set the high standards all other installers should aim to achieve. Their entries were prime examples of the outstanding customer service delivered that makes us proud to be a part of the heating industry.

“I wish each of the regional winners every success in the national heat – it’s a tough competition. May the best person win!”

Judge Bjorn Sejr Nielsen, representing Danfoss, said: “I was unsure of what to expect from the judging day; this is our first year involved with the awards, and I was hopeful the standard of entries would be truly representative of the high standards of work we know are undertaken each day in the industry. The entries did not disappoint!

“The Heating Installer Awards acknowledges the unsung heroes of the industry – the one man bands and small businesses who depend on word of mouth and positive reviews to succeed. I wish the best of luck to all 10 regional winners – I can’t wait to see the outcome in May.”

All regional winners will now be put forward to compete for the title of the UK’s Best Heating Installer, which will be announced at Installer2017 in May following the online public vote.

Those wishing to vote should visit www.heatinginstallerawards.co.uk/finalists.

The deadline for votes is 9pm on 30^th April 2017. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]If you’re crowned the winner of the Heating Installer Awards 2017 you’ll win over £3,000 worth of fantastic prizes, to benefit you and your business!

This year’s sponsors have each donated towards the national winner’s fantastic prize, which will include:

• An AMG and 4×4 driving experience at Mercedes-Benz World
• A FitBit
• £200 experience day
• A Valliant ecoFIT Pure Boiler (in your choice of system, combi or open vent)
• UKATA Accredited Asbestos Awareness Course
• £100 worth of Graham the Plumbers’ Merchant vouchers
• £100 worth of Continental Underfloor vouchers
• Selection of Sentinel products
• A bundle of goodies from LG
• A Danfoss Heating Efficiency Pack, which includes a TPOne-RF wireless room stats, 6 TRVs and a lockshield and wheel head valve

And there’s more! The 11 regional winners will win an Amazon Echo Dot, Music Flow Bluetooth Speakers, £50 Graham the Plumbers’ Merchant vouchers, Sentinel product packs, a Valliant branded Dickies jacket and polo t-shirt, a TPOne-B programmable room thermostat and £100 worth of Continental Underfloor vouchers!

With a Valliant t-shirt, a Sentinel goodie bag, a Continental Underfloor goodie bag, TPOne-B programmable room thermostat and even the choice of a Bluetooth FM transmitters, MP3 player or hands free device for the regional runners up, you’ve more reason than ever to enter!

Entries close for the final time at 5pm on 24^th February 2017, when an expert panel of judges will select the best heating installer from 11 regions of the UK. The winners will then go head-to-head with the other area champions in a public vote to decide the UK’s Number One Heating Installer, announced in May at Installer2017 in Coventry.

Enter for free today![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]If you settled down with your evening meal around 7pm on Wednesday night, you may have seen a familiar face appear unexpectedly on your screens.

That’s because the inaugural winner of the Heating Installer Awards, Dennis Hollingworth, appeared live on BBC’s The One Show to share with the nation his story of being crowned the first ever Number One Heating Installer in the UK.

Competing in a game of Charades, which saw famous British comedian Jack Whitehall having to guess the accolade awarded to Dennis through the art of mime, Dennis explained to the studio audience and viewers at home that his title came as a result of outstanding customer service, all year round.

After Jack successfully guessed Dennis’ occupation and champion status, the Stockport-based heating installer said: “This isn’t just about the number of heating installations; it’s all about great customer care.”

Dennis scooped last year’s top prize as a result of submitting an entry which demonstrated his calibre of service, professionalism and ability to install energy efficient heating solutions that are proven to make a different to families and homeowners.

Encouraging other heating installers and plumbers across the country to enter the 2017 competition, Dennis said: “It’s been a great year for me. From being known as a local businessman in Manchester, to being announced as the Best UK Heating Installer, and then appearing on The One Show; it’s surreal really. My phone has been going off none stop since the show with new business enquiries.

“I’d definitely encourage other installers to get their applications in for the Heating Installer Awards, as it’s a great campaign to acknowledge the outstanding work those in our industry carry out every single day. Completing a simple entry form can bring out brilliant things.

“But there’s one thing for sure – there’s no way I’m going back on TV again.”

Sponsored by Continental Underfloor, Danfoss, Graham The Plumbers’ Merchant, LG, Pegler Yorkshire, Sentinel Protects and Vaillant UK, the Heating Installer Awards will work to unearth the UK’s best plumbers and heating installers who continually demonstrate expert technicality and skill, deliver exceptional customer service and use the most innovative technology in their installations.

Entries are open until February, when an expert panel of judges will select the best heating installer to represent 11 regions across the country. Following the announcement of the regional winners in March, it’s over to the public to decide the UK’s Number One Heating Installer which will be announced at the industry’s leading plumbing and heating show, Installer2017, in May 2017 at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena.

You can see Dennis’s appearance on The One Show, by clicking here and fast-forwarding to 36 minutes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]An awards recognising the efforts of tradespeople who go above and beyond for their customers each and every day, is now open for entries.

Sponsored by Installer Magazine, Danfoss, Graham The Plumbers’ Merchant, LG, Pegler Yorkshire and Vaillant UK, the Heating Installer Awards will work to unearth the UK’s best plumbers and heating installers who continually demonstrate expert technicality and skill, deliver exceptional customer service and use the most innovative technology in their installations.

Entries are open until February, when an expert panel of judges will select the best heating installer to represent 11 regions across the country. Following the announcement of the regional winners in March, it’s over to the public to decide the UK’s Number One Heating Installer which will be announced at the industry’s leading plumbing and heating show, Installer 2017, in May 2017 at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena.

Ian  Kenny, marketing director of Heating Installer Award sponsor Graham the Plumbers’ Merchant, said: “It’s fantastic to be involved with such an innovative awards scheme which will work to champion plumbers and heating installers who make it their mission to bring credibility to the industry, by delivering outstanding customer service on a daily basis.

“When so much uncertainty is facing our sector, now is the time to shine a spotlight on those who work tirelessly to make it a success. We’re looking forward to seeing the entries flood in, and to see who will eventually be crowned the UK’s Number One Heating Installer.”

Bjorn Nielsen, marketing director of Danfoss Heating, also sponsoring the awards, said: “We’re facing an age when energy-efficient solutions that also allow users to choose comfort are becoming the norm and as such, the nation’s plumbers and heating installer are having to continually upskill themselves, using ever-more technical practices to meet customer demand. This must be celebrated!

“Danfoss is proud to be working with the Heating Installer Awards and in unison with other sponsors, to ensure the UK’s heating industry continues to be recognised as the best in the world, thanks to the relentless work of our expert tradespeople.”

Kamlesh Vadukul at Heating Installer Awards sponsor LG UK, which offers renewable energy heating solutions for the home, said: “Anyone working in the heating industry – whether a plumber, heating installer, or company supplying tradespeople with the products and tools they need to deliver an exceptional service – knows there are a number of highly skilled professional tradespeople out there. It’s common knowledge that there are skills gaps in the UK and the heating sector doesn’t escape these, so recognising high quality people in the industry and encouraging young people into the sector to fill those gaps and replace the older tradespeople who are retiring and leaving the sector is a great thing to do.

“We at LG are happy to play our part in trying to ensure that we have the people we need in the heating industry to maintain the high standards that most installers work to, day to day. We hope this scheme will help the public identify and celebrate the highly skilled tradespeople already in the industry, as well as encouraging more young people to see it as a viable, long-term and rewarding profession to join.”

To enter, plumbers and heating installers should visit www.heatinginstallerawards.co.uk and fill in the short form, detailing a project the installer is particularly proud of, or which demonstrates going above and beyond for the customer. Providing additional information such as images and even video footage of a job well done will help the judges to rate the work carried out. Entries with extra detail and information on how the installation changed the daily lifestyle of a customer will be judged favourably.

The deadline for entries is 5pm on 17^th February 2017.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]