It’s almost time for kick-off. The Heating Installer Awards is launching for the eighth year running with entries opening to installers on Monday 3 October.
This year it’s even bigger and better than ever with brand new categories and more chances for talented installers up across the country to showcase their incredible skill sets.
For eight years now the awards have shined a spotlight on those within the heating industry who often go unnoticed, despite their hard work and incredible installations. This year, it was important for the awards to capture and recognise a topic that has been on everyone’s minds in recent times – a move to more sustainable methods. For the first time, two winners will be awarded for their commitment to more sustainable practices with one winner being crowned the most sustainable installer in the north, and one being crowned the most sustainable installer in the south.
Last year’s winner of the sustainability category, Alan Dean Marcon, commented: “My ultimate rule is to start saving the planet before I even get to work, my fossil free 9-year-old van that runs on HVO that is entirely sustainable. There is no point fitting heat pumps and then driving a diesel vehicle. If we say we are sustainable installers, er have to practice what we preach. Doing this means you’re thinking of every way to save the planet from the moment you get in your van.’’
Sponsor Danfoss added: “We are delighted to support the awards for the seventh year running and to now get to also celebrate the knowledge installers possess in improving the energy efficiency of their customer’s homes.”
Of course, the search to find the best installers in each region of the UK will continue with an exceptional engineer being awarded for their work in every corner of the nation. All entries will also be verified by the adjudicating panel through a testimonial and/or contact with the homeowners of each winning installation. Regional winners will then be crowned in April, before heading to an exclusive regional winner’s event to celebrate their achievements. The winner from each region will then go on to do a technical challenge set by the previous national winner and moderated by award’s partner, CIPHE, in a bid to be crowned the National Heating Installer of 2023.
The awards will also continue to recognise the industry’s apprentices, and those still in training, with the Rising Star award which celebrates the next generation of Heating Installers and commends them for their hard work and commitment to the trade. Last year’s Rising Star Winner, Josh Bentley, urged future up and comers to “Focus on the basics and the high standards… take pride in what you do, that should be your top priority.”
The year’s events are supported by industry leading businesses Danfoss, Polypipe, Stelrad, CIPHE, Big Wipes and Refresh PR making the awards completely free to enter and giving installers the chance to showcase their work to potential customers. Polypipe spoke of their excitement for sponsoring the year ahead sharing: “It’s been a pleasure to be part of something that is growing bigger and better each year and celebrates the best installers in the industry.”
There is a prize bundle worth over £10,000 on offer for the finalists, including a vast array of product from sponsors and partners as well as money-can’t-buy prizes such as a trip to Danfoss HQ in Denmark.
After entries close in February, an expert judging panel made up of industry experts, professional bodies, and award-winning installers will choose the Regional Finalists, as well as an initial, shortlist for the three category winners – Sustainability – North, Sustainability – South and Rising Star.
The overall winners will then be decided by a combination of judges’ scores, peer-reviewed technical challenges and a public vote, with the three category winners plus the national winner and runner up announced in June at the NEC.
Sponsor Stelrad said: “The entries were absolutely brilliant last year and we can’t wait to see the amazing installations that will be submitted in 2023!”
To enter, heating installers should visit www.heatinginstallerawards.co.ukand fill in the short entry form. Or if you prefer, give the awards team a call on 0161 871 1188 and they’d be happy to take your entry over the phone.
To hear more about the Heating Installer Awards and to find out about this year’s exciting developments, plus to watch out for competitions from the awards’ sponsors and partners, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
