In this issue, I am delighted to share memories and photos from this year’s EW Awards, which took place in September at the beautiful Chelsea Harbour Hotel. Unlike last year’s event, the weather was kind to us, and it was great to catch up with industry friends and colleagues over a prosecco, in the sun, on the balcony. You can see the full list of winning and highly commended entrants on page 21, along with photos and comments from the winners. Congratulations all round for your amazing achievements.
Elsewhere in the issue, energy efficiency and the path to decarbonisation have been a common theme. On page 26, we share insights from Baxi’s fourth annual Installer Skills Survey, which reveals that while more than half (59%) of UK heating engineers are either already working with or likely to work with other companies to develop heat pump competencies, lack of consumer demand remains the number one barrier to heat pump uptake.
Heating is the UK’s biggest energy challenge, according to Griff Thomas, managing director at GTEC Training and Heatly, and in this issue he shares his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities of heat pumps in the drive to decarbonisation. “Heat pumps are no longer experimental technology…For the UK, they are essential to decarbonisation, energy security and affordable bills,” he said. Read more on page 28
And on page 30, Mike Collins, managing director of Ovia Lighting, looks at some of the essential lighting control technologies that can help provide energy-saving solutions for contractors.
Bryony Andrews, Editor
