We spoke with our resident plumbing and heating expert, Eddie Surtees, to get insights on upcoming trends and how installers can prepare.
Last month, Eddie was at the InstallerSHOW and spoke to Worcester Bosch. Eddie has been at BigChange for over 4 years and speaks to plumbing and heating companies every day about their challenges with industry changes.
Here's what you need to know to stay ahead in the industry.
The role of Hydrogen
Hydrogen is emerging as a potential future solution in the heating industry. According to Eddie:
"Hydrogen is coming, but it's not here yet. Most of our customers are careful not to get caught up in it. They are focused on what's making them money now."
While hydrogen boilers aren't an immediate replacement for current systems, they're part of the industry's long-term outlook.
Action step: Begin familiarising yourself with hydrogen boiler technology, but don't neglect your core business. Look for training courses and stay informed about developments in this area.
The growing importance of Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are becoming increasingly prevalent in the industry. Eddie is blunt about their importance:
"If you're not in the heat pump game, you're losing business."
This is echoed by BigChange customer, Gregg Cameron from Celsius Plumbing & Heating: "We've seen a real rise in demand for sustainable solutions. Heat pumps are a big part of that."
Action step: Invest in heat pump training immediately. Enhance your skills in this area to meet growing customer demand and stay competitive in the market.
Evolving regulations
The regulatory landscape in the UK heating industry sees important updates every few years. As Eddie points out:
"Big regulation changes don't happen every day, but when they do, they can really change documentation or reporting. In the Drainage and Waste Industry, mandatory Digital Waste tracking came in to force recently and we quickly released a template for them which has been a huge help for those customers."
Key areas to watch include updates to Building Regulations, particularly Part L on fuel and power conservation, and long-term goals like the phasing out of gas boilers in new homes by 2025.
Action step: Set up a reminder to review industry regulations annually. Pay attention to government announcements about energy efficiency and carbon reduction goals. Consider using job management software that helps you implement regulatory changes across your business.
Managing rising costs
The industry is facing significant cost pressures. Eddie gave us his insight:
"It's tough out there. But our most successful customers are finding ways to cut costs without affecting their service levels."
Carl Yeomanson from BigChange customer Plumbing & Gas Solutions shares: "In the first week of using BigChange we saved many hours of time scheduling jobs and had a more streamlined approach to our billing system!"
Action step: Focus on operational efficiency. Use job management software to optimise routes, reduce wasted time, and manage your business effectively. This can help offset rising costs.
Educating customers
With rapid industry changes, customer education is becoming increasingly important. Eddie's approach is straightforward:
"The companies doing well are the ones taking the time to educate their customers. Just explain things in plain English."
BigChange customer Stuart Blackhall from P Blackhall Plumbing and Heating adds: "BigChange allows us to capture and record information and share it within the business to inform decision making, and with our customers to improve service levels."
Action step: Position yourself as an industry expert. Use email marketing to educate customers about new heating technologies and available financing options.
Conclusion: Adapting to change
The heating industry is evolving rapidly, presenting both challenges and opportunities. As Eddie puts it:
"The firms that are willing to adapt are the ones that'll come out on top."
By staying informed, investing in training, and using the right tools, you can turn these industry changes into competitive advantages.
Want to see how other heating professionals are using technology to navigate industry changes?
Get a demo to see how BigChange's all-in-one plumbing & heating software can help you adapt to industry changes efficiently.
