News

Inspired by nature: PowderRain welcomes a new showering experience

New micro spray water technology from Hansgrohe, designed to engage all the senses. With warm and misty rain droplets in mind, the bathroom specialist Hansgrohe has developed the new PowderRain spray, designed to envelop the body in a gentle cocoon of water. With the advantage of micro spray technology, this new water method is designed to fall softly onto the skin without bouncing off. Beyond the physical sensation, it is also designed to be quieter than traditional showers, contributing to an overall experience of pure relaxation that indulges all the senses.

The self-sustaining system and its role in social housing

The self-sustaining system and its role in social housing

Stuart Doggrell, water heating general manager at Fabdec, discusses how developments in self-sustaining cylinder technology could be the ideal solution to heating in social housing projects.

When looking to revitalise existing social housing stock, or ensure quality in new-build developments, innovations in water heating technology have a key role to play. One such innovation, self-sustaining cylinder technology, is particularly of note as it can help drive energy efficiency and lower costs in social housing – two key considerations for social landlords keen to provide a reliable service to tenants while tackling the dual concerns of cost and sustainability.

Pimlico announces plans for Apprenticeship Training Centre to support recruitment target of 350+ apprentices

Pimlico Plumbers’ founder and CEO, Charlie Mullins, has announced plans to open a dedicated training academy to realise his ambition of employing hundreds of apprentices.

The announcement coincides with the induction of the latest tranche of eight new plumbing and heating trainees, who join the company this week, taking the total number of apprentices in the business to 83.

Launching the Pimlico Apprenticeship Training Centre, which would be based at the company’s headquarters in Lambeth, South London, will enable the company to provide all the theory and practical skills required to qualify as a trade apprentice.

Top 5 bathroom innovations for 2019

We’re zipping ahead to 2019, taking a look at the latest gizmos and gadgets that homeowners will want in their bathrooms. With the rapid rise of the smart home, it’s not surprising that smart bathrooms are following suit, using new technology to make all our lives easier and more luxurious than ever.

VictoriaPlum.com, the online bathroom specialists, have picked out their top 5 bathroom innovations which they believe will be popular in 2019.

1. Rimless toilets

The Sharp-aX software to enhance your plumbing business

When your business gets to a size and you can’t give your customers the personal touch - it becomes imperative to ensure that your staff is empowered with your knowledge and expertise.

System Knowledge: Alternative products: Upsell a boiler with a better rebate or out of stock, customer notes with personal preferences & special pricing, Don’t deliver before 9, the boss’s name is Jim, daughter Sally, CRM :Credit limit £10k max, To let you know when Jack from Smiths is in the building, Advise Jacobs of promos first, he only likes the blue ones, Related products – don’t sell tiles without grouting, make sure he takes the 13mm fixings kit

Helping Independents Stand Out From The Crowd Online

IPG today adds online to its services for independent plumbing, heating and bathroom specialists. From this month, members can upgrade their online presence with a professional, mobile-friendly website to help increase sales and in-store footfall, for less than the cost of a website design agency

Earlier in the year, The IPG surveyed and held a workshop for their members on digital marketing. Following that insight, The IPG worked alongside designers and website developers to produce a package that will help members easily and affordably create a professional and bespoke package. Several members have already signed up to the initiative.

The full package includes:

Valliant Group Announces Major Investment In German Headquarter

Vaillant Group, the leading heating and technology manufacturer, today announces a major investment in a new innovation centre which expands the business’ global headquarters as part of its concerted focus on the renewables sector.

The development has seen the creation of a brand-new, research & development centre at the business’ global headquarters in Remscheid, Germany. The new construction has cost in excess of 50 million Euros.

The new area comprises of a test centre which takes up over 9,000 square metres and two additional office blocks. The new development houses 570 Vaillant Group employees and all teams involved in key product development have moved into the new complex.

Dangers Of Confined Spaces Highlighted At Safety Event Hosted By DTL

The dangers of working in confined spaces were highlighted at a meeting of the international risk and safety body IIRSM, hosted by Develop Training Limited (DTL).

DTL consultant Steve Smith introduced delegates at the East Midlands annual meeting to the particular risks posed by working in confined spaces and how to train operatives to cope with them. He explained that working in confined spaces is more common than people generally suppose, with examples occurring in many industries from marine to construction.

To train people for the experience, DTL operates fixed and mobile confined spaces training units, providing practical experience for delegates from its customers, which include household names in construction, utilities and energy.

5 tax entitlements you could be missing out on

Whether you’re self-employed or an employee in the plumbing industry, you may be surprised at what expenses you can claim back and the money you can save in your pay packet each month.

Here’s a simple guide to what tax relief you could be missing out on and how to claim:

Professional memberships

Not only can signing up to a professional membership help you move quicker up the career ladder – and get paid more - you may also be due money back on any fees.

If you’re a member of a professional body and pay the subscription fees yourself, you can make a claim…worth 20 percent to a basic rate taxpayer.

Big Changes in Financial Services will make your life easier

When it comes to managing the business, never have plumbers had as many reporting obligations and demands for their time. Getting your finances right is no laughing matter when you’re self employed or a contractor working for a single or multiple employers, when you’re being paid electronically, by BACS, direct debit and of course in cash. An average plumber processing scores of invoices a week can take a couple of hours, usually on the weekend, to format and mail invoices, file receipts and expenses, reconcile bank accounts and prepare material for the accountant. Sound familiar?

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