Courses available in one of the following areas

• Solar Thermal Installer
• Solar PV Isntaller
• Heatpump Installer
• Renewable Energy Awareness
• Rainwater Harvesting

and many more.......

We now have training centres in

• Leeds
• Exeter
• Bristol
• Leamington Spa
• Shrewsbury
• Sevenoaks

With centres coming soon in Sutton, Huddersfield and Falkirk

For full details on course dates and locations please click here

The training facility at St Andrews Trading Estate in Avonmouth, Bristol will offer a range of electrical and renewable technology courses. Working installations of renewable technologies such as biomass, solar PV/thermal, heat pumps and the latest combined heat and power unit, demonstrate a diverse range of sustainable heating solutions, while the courses themselves will delve into all the technical detail required to become a certified installer.

Displays also show solar panels and evacuated tube collectors on different types of roof, highlighting the broad range of potential applications for solar thermal and solar PV.

Simon Allan, Renewables Director, Plumb Center talks about the role of the centre in creating a low carbon economy:

“The Renewable Heating Incentive and Green Deal are massive opportunities for renewables to enter the mainstream – installers will be driving that change, so for those who want to stay ahead, now is the time to get on a training course.”

Ms Leslie, who is the MP for Bristol North praised the centre as exactly the kind of initiative that is needed to help boost the economy and create local jobs as well as striving towards carbon reduction targets. The partnership has opened similar training centres in Leamington Spa, Sevenoaks, Leeds, Orpington and Exeter.

In addition to installer courses, the centre will present career options and opportunities for homeowners to see the technologies in action before committing to any investment.

NAPIT Group Director Michael Andrews spoke of the day’s success:

“I am delighted that we have opened a training facility in the South West and would like to extend an open invitation to the surrounding community to come and view our Centre. We will be working hard over the coming months with local businesses, school, colleges and universities to educate all ages and involve them in what is a most exciting industry.”

Get trained now as this course will be increasing in price in 2012 and run over 3 days.

Courses will be taking place at our following centers

• Leamington Spa
• Shrewsbury
• Sevenoaks
• Bristol
• Exeter
• Leeds

Please click here for a list of available dates at each location.

Places are going fast so please call our booking hotline on 0845 2871970 to secure your place today!

Full terms and conditions apply, please click here for full details

*Customers will receive a £150 money off voucher from Kingspan
redeemable against their solar products and a £40 cash back voucher from Sentinel redeemable against either their Frost Check or Solar Check Kit. Vouchers will only be redeemable at Plumb Center
Insert text here.

Click here for full dates

Click here for the key dates

£60 grants available to qualifying companies

APHC Training Ltd, a registered charity, is donating £20,000 to support plumbing and heating companies who wish to keep their existing qualified employees up to date on their training. All companies – APHC members and non-members alike – will be able to apply on a first come first served basis for a one-off £60 grant towards training on selected courses. The scheme opens to applications on 3 May.

Glen Evans, Chairman of APHC Training Ltd, said:

“We believe it is about time someone paid attention to the good, conscientious companies who understand the need to train their employees in order to keep up with their legal requirements, legislative developments and new product innovations. Every penny counts at the moment as companies seek to survive the challenging economic environment, so we are pleased to be able to offer a contribution to these companies to help them maintain their high standards.

 

“The £60 grant is available to all bona fide plumbing & heating companies. The grant is available to train one existing qualified operative per company and cannot be used towards fast-track training nor towards apprenticeships but can be used on a wide range of continued professional development courses.”

Any interested companies, both members and non-members, should email info@aphc.co.uk on or after 3 May 2011, putting ‘Training Grant’ in the subject line. They will be sent a form to fill in, which also details the scheme’s operating conditions. After they have completed a course (which must be done by the end of the year), applicants send a copy of their invoice from the training provider along with their certificate of successful completion of the course, and APHC will put the £60 straight into their business

Click here for full details

New Renewable Training Course Dates for March 2011

Dates released for Solar PV, Solar Thermal and Renewable Energy Awareness for March 2011

Click here for full details

From mid March, the Wolsely Sustainable Building Center will be offering a range of courses at their newly developed, BPEC accredited training center.

Joan Walley MP, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee said:

“The Sustainable Building Center is a shining example of the kind of eco-entrepreneurialism that is needed to revitalise Britain’s economy – and I am delighted to be re-opening it after its refit.

“Climate change is often talked about in terms of gloom and doom, but with innovative businesses like this we can turn this problem into an opportunity.

The SBC has now been transformed into a Plumb Center training and skills facility which will provide people with the skills to become installers of new sustainable home technologies – such as solar panels or ground source heat pumps. Members for the Environmental Audit Committee were given a presentation and tour by Tim Pollard, Head of Sustainability, during their visit.

The £3.2 million SBC, which is the UK’s first commercial showcase for sustainable building products and construction methods, is constantly evolving, and this latest phase has recently been completed.

Simon Allan, Renewables Director, Plumb Center said:

“The SBC has been upgraded from a living, interactive centre enabling visitors to experience the latest technologies and the widest range of sustainable, energy-efficient and recycled building products, to include facilities to offer a range of renewable training courses including both product training and courses on legislation and safety requirements.”

The building itself features 170 types of products, including photovoltaics, solar thermal systems, ground and air source heat pumps, biomass, rainwater harvesting, water saving devices and sustainable urban drainage. It also features other sustainable technologies such as a sedum roof, e-glazing, natural and low energy lighting, a variety of insulation and green floor coverings.
The remit of the Environmental Audit Committee is to consider the extent to which the policies and programmes of government departments and non-departmental public bodies contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development, and to audit their performance against Government targets on climate change and the environment.

The guide not only provides installers with all the product information they need, but it also gives installers important information on the key events and schemes they should be looking out for in 2011.

Installers will be pleased to hear that the latest guide includes a new and improved Radiator Valves section as well as an updated Copper & Fittings section, featuring our most competitive compression fittings yet. They will also find extensive information on the new Solar PV ranges and updated Oil and Flue information. And of course, the new Boiler Bundles are all detailed in the guide.

Without a doubt, the event of the season is Ecobuild 2011, which takes place at the beginning of March. Plumb Center will once again be giving visitors hands-on-access to the latest in renewable technologies at Practical Installer – something not to be missed by any installer who is looking to familiarise themselves with renewable technology. Details of Practical Installer can be found in the guide.

Installers will also be able to learn more about the new and improved A1 LCS Fuel Switching scheme – revisions to the scheme mean that installers will now receive £100 cashback for every eligible fuel switch they complete. This direct installer incentive comes on top of the customer grant funding, making it without a doubt a win-win situation.

The Plumb Center Trade Price Guide is available in branch or can be ordered online 24/7 at www.plumbcenter.co.uk. An interactive CD version of the price Guide can also be ordered online. Call 0870 1622557 to find your nearest Plumb Center branch.

This installer incentive comes in addition to the grant funding of up to £520 which installers are able to access for their customers through the scheme. Being able to access this funding will give installers a distinct business advantage over their competitors, allowing them to offer more competitive quotes and in turn pick up more business.

The A1 LCS Scheme has been around for a number of years and although the details of the scheme have changed, the premise has remained constant – to encourage the installation of low-carbon, high-efficiency heating systems in the privately-owned residential housing sector. Homes where an electric or coal-fired heating system is replaced with a new less carbon intensive gas, oil or LPG A-rated boiler - purchased from Plumb Center, a key partner of the scheme - are all eligible to apply for the grant.

Plumb Center is also pleased to confirm that eight leading boiler manufacturers are involved in scheme – Worcester Bosch, Valliant, Baxi Potterton, Vokera, Alpha, Glow Worm, Ideal and Grant UK.

Registering with the A1 LCS Fuel Switching Scheme is fast, easy and importantly, free of charge. Installers can simply call 0845 6000337, or go online at www.a1-lcs.co.uk and complete the new installer registration form. Terms and conditions apply.

Following the huge success of Practical Installer at Ecobuild 2010, Plumb Center, the UK’s number one supplier of heating and plumbing products, is once again giving   visitors hands-on access to the latest renewable technologies at the 2011 show.

Practical Installer 2011, the focal point of the Ecobuild Installer zone promises to be even  bigger and better, with expanded working zones and more in-depth live displays, with cameras on location to capture all the action for broadcast on large screens.

In the energy zone there will be live and interactive demonstrations of solar thermal and solar PV installations on a low-level roof structure. Plus, there will be a display wall, featuring solar rigs from the leading brands, including cylinders, pump stations, controls and mini panel, where visitors will be able to make like for like comparisons. There will also be demonstrations on how to tackle the 'fill and flush' of a solar system.

Heat pumps will be under scrutiny with demonstrations of the installation, including connection to all the internal systems, and maintenance of air source heat pumps and the opportunity to see a working ground source heat loop display.

Also, visitors will be able to see SmartRad and underfloor heating installations showing how technologies can work together to maximum effect and a live working zone showcasing biomass, CHP, pumps, cylinders and wireless controls with a hands-on practical area and experts on hand to give technical advice and informal demonstrations.

In the water zone there will be a live showcase featuring a tank, rain water collection and pump system. This zone will include technical presentations, supply / flow control and installation guidance.

There will be presentations on how a grey water unit operates plus water efficient showers, sanitaryware, brassware and other washroom features will be featured in working displays with exposed pipe work and connections demonstrating ease of installation and performance against standard products.

Ecobuild Installer, sponsored by Plumb Center, is designed to help installers take advantage of the growing demand for renewable technologies boosted by the Feed in Tariff launched earlier this year and the forthcoming Renewable Heat Incentive.

The exhibition features hundreds of suppliers of renewables and micro-generation systems. Plus, visitors will be able to take the opportunity to attend the 50+ free training sessions and seminars providing essential information for anyone who wants to develop their business and skills to include renewable technologies through two connected seminar and training streams, Installer Business and Installer Skills.

Visit www.ecobuild.co.uk for more information and to register.

Recognition by the Leamington Society for our building is a significant achievement in that it is a community award assessed by local people who have a real interest in how the town develops and the contribution buildings like ours make to its future.

I was particularly pleased that there was a real understanding of why the SBC was constructed and that sustainability is the future of construction.

The awards presented to the SBC were among 17 presented by the Mayor of Leamington, Councillor Robert Cunliffe, on behalf of the Leamington Society, which holds a biennial ceremony to promote high standards of planning and architecture in the town.

Empowering communities to generate their own energy on a large and a small scale can not only bring in an income but also help save money on fuel bills and increase domestic energy security.

Homes, schools and businesses are already guaranteed cash payments through the ‘feed-in tariff’ for producing their own green electricity through technologies such as solar panels or small wind turbines, as well as for selling it to the national grid.

Around 100,000 homes and organisations have installed this kind of technology so far. The Government wants to see what more it can do to help develop the industry, create more job opportunities, and make sure customers can trust the green technology they buy.

Greg Barker said:

I want to see more homes, communities and businesses generating their own energy. We can literally bring power back to the people. Microgeneration is a key part of this vision.

By becoming more self sufficient we can create sustainable local energy economies. People and communities can save money on their fuel bills at the same time as generating an income and cutting carbon. I want to work with industry to overcome the challenges it is facing. Together we will create a marketplace for jobs and prosperity alongside products and advice which people trust.

The consultation on the Microgeneration Strategy will look at four key areas for development:

1. Quality: ensure consumers have confidence that equipment and installation is reliable and adheres to the highest standards; 
2. Technology: examine how to improve products through more trialling of technologies new to the UK; 
3. Skills: develop the microgeneration supply chain to ensure it is properly equipped with the right people to meet the expected rise in demand, as well as creating and sustaining jobs in the UK; 
4. Advice: provide more accessible advice and information about microgeneration to homeowners, communities and small businesses.

Chief Executive of the Micropower Council, Dave Sowden, said:

We’re delighted the Government is embarking on the development of a new vision for a true mass market UK microgeneration industry and bring sustainable energy self-production in reach of every citizen. Greg Barker, Chris Huhne and Charles Hendry have long supported this exciting new industry and we welcome the clear wish now they are in Government to see this industry thrive and grow through a brand new Microgeneration Strategy.

Microgeneration is already a notable British manufacturing, servicing and export success story. It brings a unique personal touch for citizens to “do their bit” in tackling the country’s energy efficiency and sustainability needs, as well as helping supply security, fuel poverty relief and creating thousands of green jobs in recent years. We look forward to working closely with the Government on a new policy framework to allow every citizen, business, school, hospital, community and other organisations to grow their own energy.

More information can be found on the Microgeneration Strategy consultation web page.

To read the full press release please CLICK HERE to visit the Micropower Council’s website.

With the weather hotting up, leading to the inevitable focus on water consumption and a new government finding its feet and contemplating energy policies, installers will find the very latest in renewable and sustainable technologies in this issue. From solar panels to heat pumps, underfloor heating to water harvesting, the products and brand names that make renewables such a rewarding opportunity are featured in a new and improved Renewables section.

To complement Plumb Center’s new SolarReady™ solar roofing installation service, the guide also includes details of their exclusive A1 Solar funding scheme. Once you have registered, there is up to £300 grant funding available to offer off your customer’s price when they have a solar installation through the A1 Low Carbon Solutions scheme. Call 0845 6000 337 or visit www.a1-lcs.co.uk to find out more.

In the plumbing section, new ranges include the exclusive nabis Stratus Whirlpools, with the Luxury system featuring 6 directional jets plus two spinner jets and Chromatherapy light technology, all controlled by an easy to use touchpad, Center shower enclosures which offer superb quality at an affordable price and the Twyford Outfit shower enclosure, exclusive to Plumb Center, featuring Twyford’s Total Install ™ technology. Ideal Standard’s Alto brassware range is also new this season, with smooth curves and a modern vibe that would suit any contemporary bathroom.

Look out for the latest price guide in your nearest Plumb Center and pick up a free copy or visit www.plumbcenter.co.uk and order it online. An interactive, CD version of the price Guide can also be ordered online. 

With over 480 conveniently located branches across the UK and with an unrivalled national distribution network, Plumb Center’s extensive product range is in stock, on time, and can be delivered next day* wherever the customer needs it. Call 0870 1622557 or click here to find your nearest Plumb Center branch.

*Terms, conditions and additional fees may apply.

Mick Satchwell, Environmental Manager for Jaguar Land Rover, was at the showcase building on Thursday morning (June 24) for a tour which was diverted to the foyer for the surprise presentation by Wolseley UK's Head of Sustainability, Tim Pollard.

He received a bag of gifts, including a pen and a framed certificate from Tim Pollard and the SBC team, who had decorated the reception area during the tour to mark the occasion.

Mr Pollard said:

When we opened the SBC just two years ago we were aiming for one customer visitor a week - now we're doing one a day! It was a visionary idea and there is still nothing quite like it anywhere else, which is why, I believe, it has been so successful and will continue to be so as it evolves and changes on a regular basis with the result that there is always something new to see.

Mr Satchwell said:

I was surprised and delighted to be the lucky guest although the whole visit was something of an occasion as the SBC was a real eye-opener to the range of possibilities in sustainability.

We were delighted to welcome Paul Morrell to the SBC and to have the opportunity to highlight how Wolseley has taken the lead in the field of sustainability by establishing a UK-first facility. We also demonstrated how well-placed the company is to address the sustainability agenda, with access to a substantial range of products and technologies, and an efficient and established supply chain.

Mr Morrell said:

We know our current development model has to change and that we have to adopt a more sustainable approach to reduce the demand on resources and the environment because of the way we produce, use and waste those resources.

I firmly believe that the construction industry can make a huge contribution, for example in carbon reduction, but the market as a whole still needs to wake up to what is possible, which is where the SBC can play such an important role.

Michael Ankers, Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association, who has been a regular visitor to the SBC added:

With the new government in place, the Association believes there is a great opportunity for the industry to make its case and possibly influence the political agenda on a range of issues facing the industry, not least sustainability.

GM Procure’s aim through the tendering process (via the OJEU procedure) was to look at innovative ways of sourcing the required materials in order to offer a consistent pricing model for customers.

The areas currently benefiting from the new contract are Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cumbria and the North East of England. As it develops it could eventually include other geographical areas and involve additional working relationships.

The agreed model between GM Procure and Wolseley will represent savings for landlords and will lead to a more cohesive purchasing method, removing the need to ‘shop around’ for materials and thereby leading to a more cost effective and time efficient way of acquiring materials.

Commenting on the new contract with Wolseley, Chief Executive of GM Procure, Mike Brogan said:

The contract was awarded to Wolseley for several reasons, not least as their Internet based ordering process and stock checking system is in line with our own system based approach, but also because of their sustainable building centre, which will be an important addition with sustainability remaining a key issue for landlords.

Mr Brogan added:

All spend through the framework will have a 1% contribution to the regeneration policy, projects and spend.

The partnership will be audited regularly to ensure that the agreed model is being followed and that customers are guaranteed consistent savings on the purchase of materials.

Tim Pollard, Wolseley’s Head of Sustainability, said:

We were delighted to welcome the Shadow Secretary of State to the SBC and have the opportunity to demonstrate Wolseley’s commitment to sustainability. The SBC is a UK-first facility and features many products in a real working environment – allowing visitors to experience the benefits of sustainable, energy-efficient and recycled building products at first-hand.

Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Caroline Spelman said:

I have a particular interest in energy efficiency and have called for more energy efficient measures to be included in new homes. The Wolseley Sustainable Building Center is an inspirational resource for those involved in the construction industry and built environment – giving them the opportunity to learn more about the products and construction methods that will allow us to move forward to a more sustainable future.

Michael Ankers, Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association (CPA) who also attended the tour of the SBC said:

The Conservatives have recognised that reducing carbon emissions from housing is an urgent challenge and today’s visit has demonstrated that the products and solutions that will deliver this already exist. What is also clear is that whoever wins the next Election will need to be far more proactive in encouraging the take up of these solutions if the ambitious climate change challenge targets that the UK has set are going to be met.

The CPA would like to see the government incentivising the use of these products and technologies to encourage a wider take-up in improving the country’s existing housing stock, for example, accelerating the replacement of the most inefficient central heating boilers.

Hilary Benn MP has visited Wolseley’s Sustainable Building Center (SBC) in Leamington Spa.

The Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs had a tour of the SBC – a showcase of the latest sustainable products and renewable technologies – as part of a visit of Defra-related businesses and organisations in the region.

Tim Pollard, Wolseley’s Head of Sustainability, said:

We were delighted to welcome the minister to the SBC and have the opportunity to highlight how Wolseley has taken the lead in the field of sustainability by establishing a UK-first facility. We also demonstrated how well placed the company is to address the sustainability agenda, with access to a substantial range of products and technologies, and an efficient and established supply chain.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said:

The Wolseley Sustainable Building Center is a fantastic resource for those in the construction industry to learn about new sustainable products and construction methods that are available today.

Anyone involved in the built environment - from architects to developers, to construction workers - can benefit, and it’s exactly these sorts of initiatives that will help us make the transition to a more sustainable society.

Michael Ankers, Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association (CPA), also attended the tour of the SBC. He added:

It’s exciting to see the variety of innovative products, which are available today, in their working environment.

The distributor of plumbing and heating products, also a supplier of construction materials, won the prestigious title in Interserve’s annual ‘Best of the Best’ awards, in recognition of its achievements in the fields of ‘Partnership’ and ‘Innovation’.

‘Partnership’ reflects Wolseley’s close collaboration with Interserve to establish a successful dedicated maintenance store in Slough. This provides products and materials solely for the maintenance and repair requirements of Interserve’s client.

‘Innovation’ recognises Wolseley’s work in the field of sustainability, with the investment in its Sustainable Building Center in Leamington Spa. This UK-first facility showcases the latest renewable technologies and sustainable products available today.

Grant Richardson, Sales Director - Wolseley Heavyside division, said:

It is always great to receive external recognition, but to win an award from a customer is extra special and is a credit to the teams involved.

Jon Crump, Procurement Director, from Interserve added:

Partnership and innovation are two of Interserve’s key values and are important factors when we choose to work with suppliers. Wolseley was not only nominated for this award by our operational teams but also clearly demonstrated these values during the last twelve months and are therefore a deserved winner of this award.

The showcase of sustainable materials and renewable technologies beat stiff competition to triumph at the Edie (Environmental Data Interactive Exchange) Awards for Environmental Excellence. Now in their second year, the Edie awards recognise companies making practical improvements to the environment and the way they do business.

The SBC, which officially launched in June, enables all those involved in construction – from architects through to jobbing builders – to experience the latest technologies and the widest range of sustainable, energy efficient and recycled building products.

The judges commented:

The SBC has potential to influence a wide slice of the construction sector.

The news follows the SBC’s success in another highly sought after and established environmental award scheme, the Green Apple Awards. The SBC was crowned silver award winner in the ‘Pollution Prevention’ category.

Wolseley UK’s environment team also triumphed in these awards, scooping gold in the ‘Distribution & Logistics’ category for the company’s waste backhauling project, which has seen its recycling rates increase from three to around 40 per cent in only 18 months. The entry has also been put forward for consideration in the European Business Awards for the Environment. The Green Apple Awards is one of a handful of qualifying, accredited feeder schemes.