News

'Customers put price first', according to new tradespeople study

More than half of tradespeople (56%) have revealed that the most common question they are asked by customers is based on the cost of their services, according to research into the industry.

In a poll of tradespeople, ranging from electricians, plumbers and heating engineers to builders and gardeners, it was also revealed that just over a fifth of customers were most interested in availability (21%), with the range of services they provide being the third most common question asked (6%).

Other common questions asked by customers included whether the tradesperson could provide references (5%), the source of their materials (5%), if they are a family firm (4%) and if they used apprentices (3%).

The Evolution of Ground Source Heating

Kensa’s Evo Series Secures UK Release

The widely anticipated ErP A++ rated Evo series of ground source heat pumps from British manufacturer Kensa Heat Pumps has received full MCS accreditation enabling its UK wide distribution via Kensa and its installer network.

Having recently been confirmed as the UKs largest supplier of ground source heat pumps for the fifth year running (BSRIA 2017), the Kensa Evo series is described as a ‘transformative and evolutionary’ tribute to its predecessor, the Kensa Compact series, which has been supplied to thousands of properties since its launch in 2002.

North East heating bosses in the running for prestigious awards

Two North East-based heating and plumbing entrepreneurs are in the running for prestigious Institute of Directors (IoD) awards.

John Savage, Managing Director and founder of trade supplies merchant Flame Heating Spares, and Phil Pallister, Managing Director of 0800 Repair Gas, have been shortlisted in two categories at the 2017 IoD Yorkshire and North East Director of the Year Awards.

John, who is the current IoD North East Young Director of the Year, is a finalist in the Director of the Year Award (SME Company) category, while Phil is up for the Young Director of the Year Award.

The awards ceremony will take place at the Principal York Hotel on July 5.

Doby Verrolec welcomes new Regional Sales Manager

Doby Verrolec is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Judd as Regional Sales Manager. The new position increases the UK sales team with Steve specifically covering the Southern Region.

Steve has vast sales experience within the construction industry and has worked with an established stockist network and direct contractors.

Sentinel is Centre of Excellence for Builders Merchants Federation

Sentinel’s state-of-the-art training facility, which is located within the company’s substantial headquarters in Daresbury, Cheshire, has been awarded Centre of Excellence status by the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF). The modern space will be used to host builders’merchants, including specialist plumbing and heating merchants, attending regional BMF events, which deliver support in areas such as training and development, business advice, and policy representation.

HomeServe Membership saddles up for new five-year partnership with Walsall Football Club

Walsall-based UK home assistance provider boosts its support for its home town club, extending its status as principal partner until the 2021/2022 season

New deal includes shirt branding for the next five years as well as other itinerary

Walsall-based home assistance provider HomeServe Membership has put pen to paper on a new deal to continue as the principal partner of Walsall Football Club for the next five years.

The deal will see the club’s new 2017/18 shirt, which will be unveiled in June, adorned with HomeServe branding on the front and back as well as other itinerary.

Plumb Center launches first commercial online hub

Plumb Center has launched a dedicated commercial plumbing and heating section on its website designed to make life easier for installers looking for commercial-grade products and helpful advice.

The site, which features more than 2,500 products and growing, has been launched in response to customers asking for more sector-specific products to be all in one place. The hub also allows Plumb Centerto collate the branch network’s extensive knowledge and commercial insight into one, regularly updated hub with best practice advice on the following sectors; education, healthcare, hotels and leisure, office and retail, security, and sports and fitness.

RedRing to launch 3 year warranty on new showers

Following in-depth focus groups with installers, Redring has listened to customer feedback and is pleased to announce a new 3-year warranty package on a host of new showers set for launch later this year.

Three new generation showers, including the Bright, Glow and Simple Care models, will be officially launched later this year and the new 3-year warranty package offers a further guarantee to customers that Redring is a brand installers can trust in terms of reliability, ease of installation and performance.

Salamander Launches New Right Pump Range

SALAMANDER Pumps has re-engineered its centrifugal range of shower, bathroom and whole house pumps, launching them under the new Right Pump label, which includes the quietest pump in the UK, and delivering a host of new benefits.

The new Right Pump range replaces the company’s former ESP, RHP, RSP and RGP range, and much of the redevelopment has been done in response to installer feedback, in line with Salamander’s focus on listening to its customers.

Should businesses be using clean energy? 40% of the UK public say yes

● Over 40% of people believe businesses should source their energy from renewable sources

● 33% say they would pay more for energy from renewable sources

● Leading UK energy comparison site Love Energy Savings has released a guide revealing the fuel mixes of the UK’s biggest energy suppliers

New research carried out by leading energy price comparison website Love Energy Savings has revealed that over 40% of people believe businesses should source their energy from renewable sources.

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