The winners of the Heating Installer Awards 2023 were announced recently at the InstallerSHOW at the NEC.
James Bowen of Integral Plumbing and Heating in Stafford has been crowned winner and awarded the coveted title of National Heating Installer 2023. Having been recognised as regional winner for the West Midlands twice in the awards’ history, James has scooped the top spot this year after impressing the judges with his professionalism, problem solving, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Commenting on his win, James said: “After being recognised as a regional winner for two years running, I was delighted to have received such positive feedback from the judges this year. I was extremely proud of the project I submitted, and know how dedicated I am to my work, so to get some recognition felt amazing. But to win the national award is absolutely incredible – I’m speechless. Winning the national title will help me to grow my business, connect with manufacturers and do more work with others operating in the heating industry.”
Nick Irlam of Bolton-Le-Sands and owner of Irlam UK was awarded national runner up, having impressed industry experts with his technical expertise and customer-centric approach. Nick has also found success regionally in the awards prior, having overcome tough competition in the North-West.
This year’s Most Sustainable Installer Award, which recognises those doing everything they can to minimise the impact of their work on the environment, was presented to Liam Barry of Banbury-based Custom Renewables. The industry experts commended Liam’s knowledge and expertise in delivering energy-efficient solutions for customers, with a focus on helping them minimise utility bills as well as their carbon footprint.
On the win, Liam Barry commented: “Sustainability has been at the centre of everything we do at Custom Renewables so to win this award is a huge achievement and I feel truly honoured to have my work recognised by other professionals in the industry. Winning this award has inspired me to work even harder on making our industry more sustainable and I can’t wait to work with both young people and manufacturers to make an even bigger difference.”
Sophie Maquire claimed the highly esteemed Rising Star award, which recognises the apprentices in the UK installer community who are training and working hard to demonstrate real commitment and high standards.
Sophie commented: “After being shortlisted for the award in 2022, I am delighted to be taking the trophy home with me this year! I have seen what winning the Heating Installer Awards has done for other people in the industry and I will be using the recognition to continue inspiring other young people and women to enter an industry that I love so much. A huge thank you to everyone that helped me to get to this point.”
As winners of the awards James, Liam and Sophie will receive industry-wide recognition and a variety of prizes from a bundle worth over £10,000 courtesy of the awards partners, Big Wipes, CIPHE, Danfoss, LG, Stelrad and Polypipe Building Products.
