Ireland's Plumbing and Heating Magazine Issue96

The only bi-monthly journal for the plumbing & heating industry in Ireland

DIGITAL ISSUE

IN THIS ISSUE

INDUSTRY NEWS INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS HEAT PUMPS NEW APPOINTMENTS MERCHANT NEWS

ISSUE 96 - JUL/AUG 2020

Albion Ultrasteel AMAZONVOUCHERS GUARANTEED WIN!

Amazon.co.uk e-gift voucher, when you purchase a qualifying product, offer applicable in UK and RoI.

For more information visit the website at: kingspancylinders.com

Promotion runs 15th June to 30th September 2020. Excludes contract work, for full T&C’s visit www.winwithkingspan.com

Save timeandenergy withDynamical ®

DynamicRadiator Valves

The DYNAMICAL ® dynamic radiator valve combines a thermostatic valve, pre-regulation valve and differential pressure control valve to fully control radiator heating power. Available in straight & angled versions Suitable for use with ECOCAL ® thermostatic head

Altecnic Ltd - Caleffi group www.altecnic.co.uk For further details: oemsales@altecnic.co.uk +44 (0) 1785 218208 or Chris Reilly, Country Manager for Ireland, on 00353 (0)85 2152288, chris.reilly@altecnic.co.uk or Gary Swann, Northern Ireland Sales Manager, on 07760 596727 or e-mail gary.swann@altecnic.co.uk

CONTENTS

In this issue...

Issue 96 - July/Aug 2020

10 Firing on all cylinders

27 Virtual reality Plumbmaster teams-up with eCommonSense to offer customers an exciting new e-Commerce platform 28 Green light for Cavan Greenline Plumbing Supplies celebrate 3rd anniversary and the opening of a new branch 36 ‘We’re here to help’ Find out why great customer service is part of the MacBlair DNA

43 Sanbra Group grows The name’s familiar, but the company’s new, Tucson Pumps Ltd 45 High demand for DGA Book your SERC DGA assessment course early or risk missing out 54 SKY’s the limit How SONAS decided to spread word via the small screen

Kingspan’s Albion Ultrasteel promotion proves that sometimes it can be good to get yourself into hot water 14 Harnessing the brand Steven Allaway lifts the lid on Aqualla’s takeover of Adamsez 18 ‘Life’ skills Pipelife announce the opening of a new distribution and training centre in Dublin

THE TEAM: Managing Director Karen McAvoy Publication Manager Jacqui Fairley Editor Roger Anderson Editorial Heather Campbell Advertising Karen Jess Production Manager Julie Anne Guiney

CONTACT US: The Forge, 13b Lisburn Road, Moira, Co. Armagh BT67 0JR T: Moira: 028 9261 2990 T: Dublin: 01 696 8319 E: plumbing@kmpltd.co.uk www.plumbingmag.com

plumbing & heating magazine

plumbing & heating magazine @plumbingmag plumbingmag

Digital Creative Manager Jo Wilson Digital Content Editor Cathal Delea Accounts Samantha Watterson Photography Gordon McAvoy

Plumbing & Heating Magazine is published on a bi-monthly basis and distributed throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland on a controlled circulation.

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C R E A T I N G A Q U A L I T Y E N V I R O N M E N T U A L I T Y E V I R E T C R E A T I A

COMMERICIAL HEATING SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT SUPPLY • COMMISSION • SERVICING I I I I

Technical Support Team C&F Quadrant offer a full support and service package from offering the correct heating system to ensure the system continues to run at optimum efficiency. rt C&F Quadrant supply a full support and service package from offering the correct heating system to ensuring the system continues to run at optimum efficiency. i l

FOR ENQUIRES: (NI) C&F Quadrant, unit 15 Abbey Business Park, Mill Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 7BA T: +44 (0)28 9036 5555 - F: +44 (0)28 9036 5565 E: Michaelc@cfquadrant.com www.cfquadrant.ie FOR ENQUIRES: (NI) C&F Quadrant, Unit 15 Abbey Business Park, Mill Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 7BA T: +44 (0)28 9036 5555 - F: +44 (0)28 9036 5565 E: Michaelc@cfquadrant.com

FINALIST - COMMERCIAL BUILDING SERVICES PRODUCT OF THE YEAR - HEATMASTER 120TC

COMMISSIONING ENGINEERS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

NEWS

G rant continues to lead the way with its popular home heating design service. This free service saves time for those working on new build or retrofit projects by having the property’s full heating requirements professionally designed, quoted and supplied under one reliable roof. The service involves full room-by-room SR:50 heat loss calculations. This is followed by the specification of the main heat source best suited for the property and identification of appropriate supporting technologies including hot water storage and heat emitters. Grant’s home heating design service gives plumbers and installers peace of mind to know that the exact heating requirements are being met by its experienced technical team. In addition, the service will not only help new properties on the journey to zero carbon, but will also help to verify NZEB standards now required by all new buildings in the Republic of Ireland. Visit www.grant.eu for further details. GRANT’SHOMEHEATING DESIGNSERVICE PROVINGPOPULAR

Pilgrim Guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly pictured at the launch of the first St Patrick’s Way Walk alongside Dr Tim Campbell, Director at the Saint Patrick Centre, and Gillian Orr from Phoenix Natural Gas who provided their support to help keep participants safe while on the walk.

T he first ever St Patrick’s Way PilgrimWalk got off to a safe start thanks to a partnership between the Saint Patrick Centre, Downpatrick, and Phoenix Natural Gas, who provided high-visibility safety vests for everyone taking part in the new ‘camino’ style walk. Setting off from the Saint Patrick Centre, the 22km walk called at Inch Abbey, Saul Church, Slieve Patrick, Struell Wells and St Patrick’s Church before finishing at the patron saint’s graveside in the grounds of Down Cathedral. Led by pilgrim guides - former BBC political correspondent Martina Purdy and former barrister, Elaine Kelly - walkers had an opportunity to learn about the rich local history. Tim Campbell, Director at the Saint Patrick Centre, said: “Keeping walkers safe at this time means working with smaller groups so we can ensure social distancing. We want to thank Phoenix Natural Gas for their support in providing the high-vis vests to keep participants visible along the route.” www.phoenixnaturalgas.com PILGRIMWALK-ERSASIGHTTOBESEEN THANKSTOPHOENIXNATURALGAS

Grant’s home heating service is grand by design

D ermot Bannon was one of the big names that took part in InsideOut, a virtual charity event, sponsored by SONAS Bathrooms. The show took place over July 25-26 and celebrated the best of Irish home and garden designs across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in a bid to raise €50,000 for the charity Friends of the Coombe. The funds will be used to buy two transport ventilators and two transport monitors which will be used when taking premature or very unwell babies from the delivery room or operating theatre to the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit. Richard Sloan, MD SONAS Bathrooms, said, “We are proud to sponsor such a worthy cause as Friends of the Coombe, a charity that was set up to assist the development of the Hospital’s vital research programmes and enhance the care it gives to patients and their families.” www.sonasbathrooms.com SONASBATHROOMSGOES INSIDEOUTFORCHARITY

InsideOut designer, Dermot Bannon (left) with Richard Sloan, MD SONAS Bathrooms who sponsored the virtual home show. Photo: Finbarr O’Rourke

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VIEWPOINT

T H E D I G I T A L A G E

THERE ARE MORE THAN 120,000 REASONS TO JOIN THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION AT IRELAND’S PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE… Fast and furious

I n response to the Covid-19 crisis, just about everyone and their dog climbed on board the digital express. Both in their professional and personal lives, suppliers, consumers and employees were left with no option but to embrace digital technology like never before. “Covid-19 was the digital accelerant of the decade’, is how cloud communications platform provider Twilio described this technological by-product of the pandemic. Some 92% of UK businesses now say their organisation is ‘very’ or ‘somewhat likely’ to further expand their digital communications channels, with Coronavirus accelerating digital strategies by a worldwide average of six years. Maurice Mortell, Managing Director for global data centre Equinix in Ireland, agrees, give or take 12-months. “Before Covid-19, the digital journey was still at an embryonic stage for many Irish enterprises. Many businesses

have made rapid progress since then, with some cramming 5-year digital plans into less than a year, or a matter of weeks in some cases.” At Ireland’s Plumbing and Heating Magazine we’ve witnessed this digital transformation first-hand. Of course, we had enjoyed a sizeable growth in our online and social media networks before the lockdown, but recent months have just been ‘mad’, to quote our Digital Manager Cathal Delea. Take June for example. In that single month alone we had 123,574 social media impressions (each time a post is viewed). That’s a four-fold increase on the previous four weeks. And if you’re not impressed by ‘impressions’, maybe the 6,152 unique monthly web visitors, 15,641 social media followers and 3,282 subscribers to our E-zine are more to your liking. The Covid-19 story still has some way to run. The full impact and lasting implications of

the pandemic have yet to unfold. What we do know is that industry has found a way of adapting by fast-tracking the digital revolution. Digital is the key to communications with stakeholders and customers, with more than a third of UK business decision makers revealing that their digital transformation budgets had ‘dramatically’ increased since Covid-19 and would continue to do so. There are still those who will resist change and the bad news for any heel draggers is that technology moves forward at pace, never back at any speed. The digital transformation is happening now, before our very eyes, and no one can remain blind to the benefits.

“The digital transformation is happening now, before our very eyes, and no one can remain blind to the benefits.”

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NEWS

T he stage is set for Dowds Group to team- up with the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust on the Ulster Hospital’s Theatre 8 Project. Beginning with building demolition and removal of redundant mechanical and electrical services, the added challenge will be to dovetail the works with a live hospital environment. The project involves the strip out and reconfiguration of the existing Endoscopy Suite to provide the new Theatre 8 and associated procedure rooms. Remaining works include internal drainage connections, structural support works, floor levelling, formation of new partition walls, decoration and finishes, new internal doors and screens, new mechanical and electrical systems, provision for new fixed furniture and provision of new flooring and new ceilings throughout. Dowds Group’s Build Department will partner with the company’s M&E division to provide a total project solution, with this challenging project scheduled for completion early in February 2021. DOWDSMAKEADATE FORTHEATRE8

Spirit of NI Award nominee Angeline Murphy with her husband Fergal and sons Luke and Eoin

A ngeline Murphy has been nominated for a Spirit of Northern Ireland Covid-19 Heroes Award. A Marketing Manager with natural gas company Firmus Energy, Angeline was at the forefront of a campaign to produce scrubs for frontline NHS staff. Replacing the annual awards event, The Sunday Life and Ulster Bank has teamed-up to honour the men and women who made special contributions during the pandemic. The judging panel - that includes boxer Carl Frampton and Derry Girls star Jamie-Lee O’Donnell - singled out the mother of two’s story. “I was shocked to hear about the nomination and I would just like to thank the lovely folk who nominated me. I really enjoyed the NI Scrubs journey and just got stuck in with the challenge. A group of amazing individuals came together to make it really work and I met incredible people during this time - for that I am truly grateful. This same group of ladies and gents are now making a difference with the NI Big Community Sew.” SEAMSTRESSNOMINATEDFOR SPIRITOFNI AWARD

F lair Showers, the specialist manufacturer of quality shower doors has appointed Ciara Nolan as Sales Representative for the Leinster territory. Ciara joins Flair Showers having already amassed over 15 years’ experience in the industry. Her extensive career includes working with brands such as Mira, Daryl and Kohler. Embracing her new role based in Kildare, Ciara will maintain and build upon customer relationships in Leinster. The mum of two is an avid mountain biker and currently races for the Giant Dublin Off-Road Team. Ciara is looking forward to building even more new relationships in the industry while nurturing Flair’s existing market base. FLAIRSHOWERSAPPOINTNEW SALESREPFORLEINSTER

Ciara Nolan, Sales Representative Leinster Territory T: +353 (0)87 116 8389 - E: ciara@flairshowers.com www.flairshowers.com

Ciara Nolan, Sales Representative Leinster

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NEWS

STOTHERSTOPLAY APART INGROUND- BREAKINGMEDICAL RESEARCHPROJECT

S tothers (M&E) Ltd is set to start MEP services on a specialist, world-leading Institute of Development & Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) medical research building in Oxford. The Belfast company will be responsible for both the new research centre and an ancillary plant/ support building. The £35m project is expected to take approximately 18-months to complete and will bring together 220 leading researchers from Oxford and around the globe, each focussed on the human body’s ability to repair itself. Situated in Oxford University’s Old Road Campus, the project first gained planning permission in 2019 and will provide 6000 sq metres of floor space with laboratories, offices and shared facilities. The IDRM building will sit behind the recently completed Innovation Building and forms a gateway between the Campus and the suburb of Headington. One of the challenges facing the Stothers on-site team will be negotiating the increased volume of construction traffic, with the Old Road Campus’ Kennedy Institute also scheduled for work. www.stothersm-e.co.uk

Heat Merchants Group has been recognised again by The All-Ireland Business Foundation as Overall Best Enterprise 2020. Pictured is Alan Hogan receiving the award in 2019.

H eat Merchants Group has double cause for celebration. The company has recently become the first two-time winner of The All-Ireland Business Foundation’s Overall Best Enterprise Award. If keeping a tight grip on the McAniff Enterprise Trophy wasn’t enough, Heat Merchants has also been recognised as a Business All Star accredited company and included as a TRIBE (The Register of Irish Business Excellence) participant. Business All-Star accredited companies are defined as: progressive, indigenous Irish businesses which meet the highest standards of verified performance, trust, and customer centricity. “We are very proud to have accomplished this outstanding achievement as it recognises the continued hard work and dedication of our team in providing a best in class service to our customers,” said Managing Director Alan Hogan. “In achieving this accreditation, we join a unique group of businesses and we believe this continues to demonstrate our commitment to improving our service to our customers and suppliers.” www.heatmerchants.ie HEATMERCHANTS JOINTRIBEOF ALL-STARS

An artist’s impression of the IDRM medical research centre being built in Oxford.

LIMERICK’SHEITONBUCKLEYREBRANDSTOCHADWICKS

C hadwicks Group nationwide rebrand continues with Heiton Buckley, Limerick becoming the 18th branch within the Group to undergo a refresh. The extensive refurbishment has vastly improved the layout of the store. It’s now a much better customer experience, bringing all plumbing, building and DIY supplies together in one space. The bathroom showroom has been completely updated displaying the latest styles and brands, along with the door and floor showrooms. The branch has had a long history in Limerick, stretching back to the 1930s. Since then, it’s gone from strength- to-strength and now offers a one-stop shop supplying everything professional plumbers and other trades need. There may be a new name above the door, but the team who has served the people of Limerick for many years remain. The expert team receives regular training to ensure its customers stay on top of the latest trends in the industry. www.chadwicks.ie

Chadwicks Group gets rebrand done in Limerick

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COVER STORY

ALBION ULTRASTEEL INSTANT WIN GUARANTEES PRIZES FROM £25 TO £250...

Everyone’s awinner with anUltrasteel cylinder

T he hugely popular Kingspan Water & Energy Instant Win promotion returns for a third year, with everyone who buys an Albion Ultrasteel unvented hot water cylinder between June 15 and September 30, a guaranteed winner.

smash that this year, with lots more gifts set aside for even more winners. It’s been a great success so far, with a three-fold increase in the number of claims compared to last year. But hurry, the offer closes at the end of September. Claiming your guaranteed Instant Win gift is as easy as ever. Simply buy an Albion Ultrasteel unvented hot water cylinder between June 15 and September 30, 2020, scan the QR code that can be found on the special Instant Win Card supplied with the cylinder and your prize will be revealed instantly. Fill in your details, upload a

pic of your invoice, and that’s it - your gift will be on its way! Or if QR codes are not your thing, just visit www.winwithkingspan.com instead and type in your code. Eamon Clarke, Kingspan Water & Energy’s National Sales Manager, said, “We weren’t sure that we would be able to run the promotion this year, with everything that’s going on, but knowing how popular the promotion is with our customers we had to try. The return of our Instant Win promotion is just one of the ways we are trying to get things back to normal and, in a little way, say a big ‘thank you’ to all our

With holidays off the table, due to international travel restrictions, the market-leading hot water product

manufacturer has revamped its popular Instant Win promotion for 2020; now with guaranteed prizes starting at £25 to £250 of amazon.co.uk e-gift vouchers. The total value of the prize pot in 2019 was over £15,000, but Kingspan aims to

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COVER STORY

• Outstanding build quality • High grade Duplex stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance • Well-insulated and economical to run • Low reheat times for fast availability of hot water • Mains pressure hot water regulated to 3bar for powerful showers • Various sizes and diameters available to suit all needs. For example: slimline, horizontal, compact. • All cylinders have ¾” male bosses to enable them to be used with imperial copper • High flow rates for fast filling baths. • Ideal for properties with multiple bathrooms • 25-year guarantee on inner vessel; two years on parts AlbionUltrasteel Cylinder Key features “The return of our Instant Win promotion is just one of the ways we are trying to get things back to normal and, in a little way, say a big ‘thank you’ to all our installers for their loyalty and trust in our Albion Ultrasteel cylinders.”

installers for their loyalty and trust in our Albion Ultrasteel cylinders.” For over 60 years, Kingspan has been designing and manufacturing products that store and deliver consistently reliable hot water throughout people’s homes. The practical Albion Ultrasteel cylinder range has been one of Kingspan’s most popular stainless steel hot water cylinders since their launch in 2008. Made from high-grade engineering materials such as Duplex stainless steel, the cylinders’ functional features strike the perfect balance for installers and homeowners between reliability, aesthetics and good value. Quick recovery coils mean homeowners have low reheat times for the fast availability of hot water. High flow rates are perfect for multiple bathrooms and energy- efficient insulation keeps running costs low. As well as the high level of customer service you’d expect, Kingspan offers a technical helpline aimed at instilling

confidence in their products and the reassurance that they can support you over the lifetime of your product and beyond. If you buy or bought an Albion Ultrasteel cylinder (from June 15, 2020) and it’s missing its Instant Win Card, just give Kingspan Water & Energy a call on +353 (0) 429 690022 and they’ll do the rest. The Kingspan Instant Win promotion, excludes contract work. For full terms and conditions visit: www.winwithkingspan.com.

Kingspan Water & Energy Ltd, 180 Gilford Road, Portadown,

Co. Armagh, BT63 5LF T: +353 (0) 429 690022 E: ireland.sales@kingspan.com www.kingspan.com

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

AN UPDATE FROM OFTEC IRELAND MANAGER, DAVID BLEVINGS... Irish energy policy – what lies ahead P ost Covid-19 many pundits may think that climate change has slipped suitable for a heat pump with an average cost of €60,000* and before any form of grant aid?

down government’s agenda but if anything, consumers’ are welcoming the lack of vapour trails, smog and exhaust emission reductions from reduced traffic flow and many would rate climate action and environmental issues as top priorities going forward. However, if you ask consumers how much they are prepared to pay to go ‘green’ there is a clear disconnect between the want to reduce emissions and the willingness to pay for it. A survey carried out by OFTEC last year showed that 62% of consumers here would be unwilling to pay any more to “decarbonise” home heating, with 30% claiming they would only be willing to pay less than €250 per year to move to a lower emission fuel source. So, as governments want to reduce carbon emissions across the island, they face a huge dilemma. In the Republic can they really afford to pay for every house in Ireland to be deep retrofitted making them

Can ESB afford the millions required to upgrade Ireland’s electrical infrastructure to make it suitable for the proposed mass heat pump installations that government is seeking through its Climate Action Plan? Will the Commission for Regulation of Utilities in Ireland (CRU) and the NI Utility regulator permit these works without increasing costs to end user or will government pick up the tab? While the headlines roll in around the green agenda, there are so many unanswered questions. In the North, work continues on the proposed new NI Energy Strategy. The Department for the Economy recently published the responses to its consultation, and they are wide ranging and far reaching. The policy is expected to be ratified by the Minister in 2021 but will it be as ambitious as the Climate Action 2019 Plan in the Republic? OFTEC’s view is that the Northern

David Blevings, OFTEC Ireland Manager.

Biogas could play a role in the gas network and we believe they will be open to alternative solutions for off grid homes that are less thermally efficient.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

BIOFUELSAREASOLUTION

Ireland Executive will seek to introduce heat pump technology for new build and homes that are thermally efficient. Biogas could play a role in the gas network and we believe they will be open to alternative solutions for off grid homes that are less thermally efficient. A separate solution for on grid and off grid would give the Assembly options and a fuel mix that brings its own security of supply benefits. The reality is that post Covid-19 both governments in Ireland will be focusing on the economy, rebuilding businesses and getting new jobs on the ground. The Republic is under more pressure than NI in terms of carbon reductions as the new coalition has embraced the 7% annual reduction target and could be subject to the ‘New Green Deal’ which is aiming for a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels). Cracks are starting to appear in the Republic’s energy strategy. In May, Robert Watt, from the

Department of Public Expenditure raised serious concerns about the plan’s credibility, saying, “One major element of the plan to retrofit 500,000 homes to a high energy standard and install 600,000 heat pumps instead of oil and gas boilers was simply not affordable”.

the largest reductions (87-96%) in emissions compared to kerosene. When the overall costs are considered the research revealed that, of the options compared, a 100% liquid biofuel (B100) reduced carbon at the lowest annualised overall cost (£122 per tonne compared to £321 for air source heat pumps and £411 for ground source). That is a fact and something we will be putting to both governments over the summer months to offer them a simple but effective solution to reducing emissions in the off grid sector. Our proposals will prove far less costly and less disruptive for the consumer and don’t require millions in capital up front spend – a win, win in our book! *www.superhomes.ie. The average cost of a full scale deep retrofit to BER A3 standard in 2019 was €60,000 before grants.

SOWHAT IS THE ANSWER?

OFTEC firmly believes that biofuels are a solution and will play a major role in the heating requirements for off grid homes in both NI and the Republic. We have proven that B30K (FAME) works and trials of a 100% liquid fuel made from waste are commencing. Biofuels offer serious reductions in carbon emissions and research to date has shown that biogenic options from waste steams offer

“Biofuels offer serious reductions in carbon emissions… research to date has shown that biogenic options offer the largest reductions (87-96%) in emissions compared to kerosene.”

David Blevings, OFTEC Ireland Manager on T: +44 (0)28 9186 2916 Sean McBride, Ireland Representative on T: +44 (0)7540 502 304 (NI) or +353 (0)87 241 7041 (RoI) www.oftec.org

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COMPANY NEWS

MANAGING DIRECTOR STEVEN ALLAWAY GIVES IRELAND’S PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO HOW AQUALLA ACQUIRED ADAMSEZ AND ITS AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR THE FUTURE OF BOTH BRANDS...

Traditionmeetsmodernity

N ot long after the acquisition, Aqualla’s Sales and Marketing team joined the company’s R&D department for a spot of ‘site’-seeing at Adamsez. Established just nine-years earlier,

Aqualla had completed what back then would have been

inconceivable - the takeover of an iconic bathroom brand dating back to 1880. In fact, you could forgive the need for something tangible just to make it all feel real. “We took all of their baths down from the shelving, unboxed them and looked at each one of the models,” said Steven Allaway. “We all came away really, really impressed with the product quality and excited by the opportunity. When we started our journey nine-years ago I didn’t think we’d be acquiring such an historic brand. I’ve known Adamsez since I started out in the industry 20-years ago, but never thought I’d get this opportunity.” Aqualla has undoubtedly come a long way in a short space of time. Built from scratch in 2011, the company now has 28 employees and revenue 25-times greater than year one. Although always forward- thinking, the timing of the Adamsez takeover, slap bang in the middle of a global pandemic, may still have raised a few eyebrows. For most, this was a time to hold what you have, not expand. So why did this merging of old and new happen now? “Discussions have been going on for about a year or so,” added Steven. “We expected things would get quieter in the run-up to lockdown and during previous discussions we’d identified the things we thought could enhance the brand and add some value going forward. The timing felt right for a number of reasons and we’re really privileged to have the opportunity to steer the Adamsez brand for the foreseeable future.” In

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COMPANY NEWS

‘Superb brand meets superb brand’ was just one of many positive industry reactions to Aqualla’s acquisition of Adamsez.

reality, both brands were already pointed in the same direction. “There’s a major customer overlap. I would say 60% of the customers that we trade with between the two companies have both Aqualla and Adamsez accounts. There’s another 40% who are either Aqualla or Adamsez.” The aim now is to integrate the best of both worlds in a way that ultimately benefits the end-user. That means channelling contemporary ideas about brand development into an established company without losing sight of its brand heritage. “Some of the things our team has brought to the Aqualla brand, such as fresh eyes from a marketing perspective, we hope to employ with Adamsez. At the same time, we will be respectful and understand the value of the brand,

keeping that to the forefront. We believe that a more modern approach to sales, marketing and product thinking will hopefully move the company forward. We’re harnessing the Adamsez brand name.” All this talk of takeovers and harnessing brands bucks the current trend, with the Covid-19 crisis appearing to dictate a more conservative approach. That’s not how Steven and his management team see it. “Aqualla was born out of the last recession. If that hadn’t happened in 2008/9 I don’t think we’d be here. We’re taking the same approach now in the current circumstances, viewing it as an opportunity. I was in the industry during the last recession and the companies that thrived were the ones who innovated and

invested rather than battened down the hatches and tried to protect what they had.” With that in mind, Aqualla plans to invest £1m into its recent acquisition over the next 12-months. Utilising their marketing suite, there will be a new Adamsez brochure boasting fresh ideas, a revamped layout and contemporary lifestyle photography. A new website will be launched, offering technical and support data alongside inventory. And there will also be new products added to the Adamsez portfolio that have been in development over the past few months. Late October, early November is the timeframe. “Adamsez has a great history with a skilled and knowledgeable workforce,” said Aqualla’s Sale Director, Noel Daly. “Adamsez brings a fantastic

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COMPANY NEWS

complimentary product offering to the existing Aqualla portfolio, and we aim to breathe new life into this historic brand by investing in its products and service.” ‘Superb brand meets superb brand’ was just one of many positive industry reactions to Aqualla’s acquisition of Adamsez. It’s a response that Steven appreciates. “It’s reassuring to know that we’ve been doing the right things over the last eight or nine years in terms of customer service, supporting the people who are supporting us. If we can now transfer some of the things that made us successful into an iconic brand like Adamsez it would make us all very proud.” Despite uncertainty about what the future holds, Aqualla is confident their model of investment and innovation is the

way forward. “The market is now a fashion industry and trends are changing all the time. It’s important to keep up with them and that’s something I think Adamsez has done well. They have some fantastic products that they maybe haven’t been shouting loud enough about.” So what is Steven’s assessment of the current situation, and how prepared is Aqualla for what lies ahead? “There’s a bit of a gold rush at the minute, but that is because of the lockdown and will subside at some point. When and by how much is the big question. If it does turn into a more difficult time we’re prepared and ready to deal with it. We’re already working on several different strategies that will open up new revenue streams without impacting our ability to gain market share. We’ve built

up a solid foundation in all aspects of our business that will allow us to invest now with confidence, regardless of how things develop over the next six to 12-months.” Aqualla has just appointed three new Regional Sales Managers, more than doubling the UK team. The blueprint for growth remains unchanged, with plans also including the launch of a re-branded, revitalised Adamsez across the Irish Sea. However, that’s for another day. Focus now is firmly fixed on galvanising a great brand on the island of Ireland. “The Adamsez acquisition feels like we’re starting a business all over again,” Steven explained. “The team of people we’ve assembled at Aqualla, right throughout the business, are passionate about what we’re doing and they share in the excitement this opportunity with Adamsez brings. There’s a real positivity about the place at the minute.” No wonder there’s an air of positivity. Aqualla has just recorded its busiest two weeks… ever! We’d say that’s a pretty decent start to this new alliance with old.

Aqualla Brassware Ltd, Units 3&4, 16 Crawfordsburn Road, Newtownards,

County Down BT23 4EA T: +44 (0)28 9182 8000

E: info@aquallabrassware.com www.aquallabrassware.com

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COMPANY NEWS

AGAMECHANGER Pictured L-R at the new Dublin depot are Conor Manning, Operations Director, Padjoe Barry, National Sales Manager, Michael Geary, Technical Sales Manager, Timmy Mullins, Marketing Executive with the Pipelife Dublin team.

P ipelife Ireland is delighted to announce the opening of our new state-of-the- art 20,000 sq ft distribution centre at Unit 1B, Damastown Way, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15. The opening of this new distribution centre will help Pipelife offer an exceptional level of service in Dublin and the greater Leinster area and Northern Ireland - resulting in greater efficiencies for our customers. Despite the current Covid-19 situation and the uncertainty that it has brought to the economy, Pipelife made the decision to push ahead with expansion plans. “The opening of our new distribution centre is a game changer both for the company and the industry in general. Pipelife will now be in a position to offer next day deliveries to our customers in Dublin and its surrounding areas, our strong product fulfilment rate ensuring Pipelife will have the stock available and ready to go. The new sales distribution centre will radically improve our delivery service from

PIPELIFE IRELAND ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW DISTRIBUTION AND TRAINING CENTRE IN DUBLIN...

the current three-day turnaround from time of order,” explained Padjoe Barry, Pipelife Ireland’s National Sales Manager. “Now we can offer it in 24 hours. If required, you can have same-day delivery. So, if it is an emergency situation, the plumber can ring in their order in the morning and they’ll have it by the afternoon. Our aim is to be the first person to call when contractors and installers have a new contract for a heat pump underfloor heating insulation.” “The depot will be managed by Trevor Carew who previously worked with Pipelife as a Sales Representative. He brings to the role a wealth of experience and knowledge, something we feel is essential. Selling exclusively through merchants, the service is designed to make the supply of renewable products and services easy, professional and painless.” Padjoe added: “These are really exciting times for Pipelife. We have always had a strong focus on customer service and the launch of our new distribution

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COMPANY NEWS

centre will allow us to take that service to another level. In addition to ensuring prompt delivery, we also believe the location is ideal, and with access to the M50 only a short drive away we can take advantage of the transport system. These advantages will enhance our ability to ship efficiently to more locations and provide customers the products they need, when they need them.” GAME CHANGER “Pipelife will be stocking the full range from our market leading Qual-Pex Plus+ ‘Easy-Lay’ Pipe & ‘Easy-Crimp’ fittings, Heat Pumps, Underfloor Heating, M.D.P.E Pipe and much more. Plus with new product ranges due to come on-line in the coming months this really is a game changer.” “Two major things we offer that are not standard in the industry are a 50- year guarantee on all our manufactured pipe products and extended warranties on all our traded products,” said Padjoe. “We give full design indemnity insurance on all our designs for underfloor heating and

heat pump systems. We also provide full electrical drawings and full layout drawings for the piping and manifold locations and settings. When you get a job from us, everything is specified and the contractor can talk to the actual designer. If any problem occurs after the home-owner takes possession of the house, we are still available. We’ve been around for 50 years and we are willing to stand over the quality of our pipes to give a further 50-year assurance. We can do that because our traded products only take in heat pumps and fittings from people we have vetted. There are also further plans to incorporate an innovative training centre at our new premises in Dublin. Of course with the current Covid-19 crisis still ongoing we won’t be operating training days until it is safe to do. When we do get the green light, it will allow us to offer customers FREE extensive product and hands-on training by members of our Technical Team. Courses are available to installers, service engineers, plumbers, merchants, architects, local authorities and BER

Assessors. By offering a valuable insight into each of our heating technologies, those who attend our courses will be equipped with the best product knowledge and installation techniques. Going forward Pipelife Ireland envisages moving from what we would traditionally have been purely a pipe manufacturer, into a full-service provider for renewable heating technology - primarily air-to- water heat pumps, underfloor heating and low-temperature radiator systems.” The company is determined to offer contractors and installers the skills, support and service they need to thrive in the renewable heating sector. Pipelife Ireland is certainly planning for the future and looking forward with confidence to better days ahead. Pipelife Ireland (Dublin distribution and training centre) Unit 1B, Damastown Way, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15. Dublin +353 (0) 1 9619226 Cork T: +353 (0)21 488 4700 E: ireland@pipelife.com www.pipelife.ie

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FEATURE

HEATPUMPS f

GRANT ENGINEERING’S A-RATED PRE-PLUMBED CYCLINDERS ARE THE PERFECT PARTNER FOR RENEWABLE HEAT SOURCES... Save time on installation

S electing suitable supporting Grant. In addition to providing a highly efficient heat source for the property, Grant also specifies and supplies supporting technologies and accompanying heat emitters, under one roof, to ensure the best suited heating solution with maximum efficiencies. Supporting technologies include Grant’s high-performance wave cylinders which have been designed to heat water quicker and more efficiently, making it a perfect partner for technologies for a home heating system couldn’t be easier with renewable heat sources like the Grant Aerona³ R32 air source heat pump range and the Grant Vortex condensing oil boiler range. In addition to offering

indirect single and twin coil cylinders in both 200-litre and 300-litre, Grant also offers a 200-litre pre-plumbed and pre-wired cylinder that allows quick and convenient installation. The A-rated pre-plumbed and pre-wired water cylinder comes configured for two heating zones and a domestic hot water zone, with an option to add an extra heating zone. Grant’s pre-plumbed and wired cylinders are becoming increasingly popular amongst plumbers throughout Ireland thanks to pre- configured electronic wiring that allows the installer to connect controls, pumps and motorised valves together in a simple to understand manner. The wiring centre also does all the complicated cross wiring during installation.

Grant’s Aerona³ R32 heat pump

“Grant also offers a 200-litre pre-plumbed and pre-wired cylinder that allows quick and convenient installation.”

CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CORRECTLY SIZING A HOT WATER CYLINDER

BENEFITS OF INSTALLING A GRANT HOT WATER CYLINDER • 10 year guarantee (subject to T&C’s) • 3kW immersion • 22mm & 28mm compression fittings • Fast recovery stainless steel corrugated coils • Digital thermostat and pressurised kit supplied with all cylinders

• The main heat source • Property size • Number of bathrooms • Suitability of the water supply • Number of occupants the cylinder will service • The demands of the end user

Grant offers those working on new builds or deep retrofits the opportunity to save time by having the full heating system designed and correctly sized by technical specialists. This free home heating design service includes, room-by-room heat loss calculations in line with SR:50 guidelines. Grant also advises on heat emitters and the most efficient supporting technologies. To avail of this offering send house plans, a contact number and heat emitter preferences to heatpump@ grantengineering.ie

Installation of the Grant Wave Cylinder range.

Grant’s range of Wave cylinders are manufactured from duplex stainless

steel and are indirect, mains water cylinders. The single and double coil cylinders are high gain, leading to faster heating times and quicker recovery. Installing a hot water cylinder is step one to maximising a property’s efficiency, however, it is vital to correctly size hot water cylinders. Too small and there will be limited water for the property - too big and energy will be wasted.

Contact the Grant Technical Team: T: 0800 0443261 (NI)

T: +353 (0)57 9126968 (ROI) E: info@grantengineering.ie www.grantengineering.ie

Grant pre-plumbed cylinder

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FEATURE

HEATPUMPS f RENEWABLE DIVISION – WATERFORD STANLEY

WATERFORD STANLEY REOPENS TRAINING CENTRE AND KICKS OFF RENEWABLE ROADSHOW... ForWaterfordStanley the future is green

W ith travel restrictions lifted, Ireland. On display is their Stanley SEAI approved air-to-water heat pump HP7 external unit, WSL 141 and 142 internal units, SOLIS K1700+ central heating pellet stove Waterford Stanley is bringing its Renewable Roadshow around and working SOLIS K100 pellet stove. Alternatively, you can visit their Training Centre in Waterford to view the working heat pump, internal and external unit with radiators and underfloor heating. Also on display are working Stanley pellet, gas and electric stoves and fires, plus classic cast iron and contemporary Ecodesign 2022 wood-burning models. Contact them if you’re interested in the Renewable Roadshow coming to your location or want to visit their Training Centre, which has now reopened with social distancing protocols in place.

PROGRAMME With a proven track record in residential heating - an impressive 84 years and counting - Waterford Stanley is your ideal renewable heating partner. Their Renewable Partner Programme is designed to maintain the highest standards of practice and performances, helping you grow your business through the extra credibility that comes from working with a market leader. The Stanley Renewable Partner Programme also offers a range of benefits, including: • Listed as an approved installer on Waterford Stanley’s website • Opportunity to generate revenue on the sale/installation of a WSL renewable product • Opportunity for on-going revenue for the servicing of installed units (annual service recommended on all our renewable products) • Access to full technical support and back up fromWSL • Access to on-going product training at the WSL dedicated training centre • Access to marketing materials

STANLEY SOLIS PELLET STOVES Waterford Stanley’s pellet stove range is extremely efficient - up to 96% - electronically controlled through remote control or in-built programmer and offers an environmentally friendly, beautiful heating option for your home. There are five room heating models available in different colour finishes and provide between 3kW and 9kW heat output to the room; all are balanced flued. The central heating pellet stoves heat from eight to 16 radiators depending on model, and all three models have large internal hoppers and self-cleaning burners, meaning less refuelling and reduced waste in your ash pan. They are fully adjustable in terms of time and temperature including sleep timer and programmable controller with up to six on/off times per day.

RENEWABLE PARTNER

T: +353 (0)51 302 300 E: heatpumps@waterfordstanley.com www.waterfordstanley.com

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PRODUCT REVIEW

MARK MOGEY, HEAD OF OEM SALES UK & ROI AT ALTECNIC, DEBUNKS SOME COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT PRESSURE REDUCING VALVES INCLUDING DYNAMIC AND STATIC PRESSURE… UnderstandingDynamic vs Static Pressure

Mark Mogey, Head of OEM Sales UK & ROI at Altecnic

A Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) is a frequently misunderstood product. The operating principle is simple enough; they reduce the incoming pressure from a mains supply or a boosted supply within a building. Their purpose is equally obvious – limiting high- pressure water that can seriously damage components in a heating and potable water system, which can lead to damage or even burst pipes and seals. A PRV reduces the pressure to a required value, but what frequently causes confusion is the difference between dynamic and static pressure. WHY DO I NEED PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE? PRVs are installed in residential, semi- commercial and public buildings to reduce and stabilise the inlet water pressure. If the differential pressure is too high it may prevent control valves from operating or isolating and on potable water application, the force of water from the tap or other outlet may be too fierce which could cause localised flooding. PRVs are designed to reduce water pressure and maintain it to a set level preventing damage to those components installed downstream of the PRV. PRVs are generally used on water and potable water applications. Some PRVs are also used on compressed air, natural gases and natural non-adhesive fluids. Importantly, they should not be used on salt water, petrol or diesel.

STATIC PRESSURE Static pressure is the head or pressure of water in a system when that water is at rest. Static pressure control is therefore the maintenance of a set pressure within a system when there is no demand, i.e. no flow. This is particularly useful for single point of use outlets, especially where protection is required due to low pressure rating of, for example, washing machines and showers.

DYNAMIC PRESSURE Dynamic pressure, in comparison, is the static pressure of the body of water but it also includes the momentum of the fluid in motion. Therefore, dynamic pressure control is the maintenance of a set pressure within a system when the water is moving. The key difference is that a dynamic PRV will only control the pressure when water is moving. If there is no demand the pressure can creep up without regulation. Setting is done using a Pressure Gauge installed in the pipework or in the valve. Ideally the Pressure Gauge should be upstream of the valve.

“Limiting high-pressure water that can seriously damage components in a heating and potable water system.”

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PRODUCT REVIEW

“A PRV reduces the pressure to a required value, but what frequently causes confusion is the difference between dynamic and static pressure.”

WHICH PRV SHOULD I USE? There is a selection to choose from based on the application (cold water or hot and cold water service), with or without a pressure gauge, set using a screwdriver or a Dial up setting. When it comes to static control valves, the Caleffi PRESCAL 535 series of pressure reducing valves are a high quality WRAS approved example. This series of pressure reducing valves have the feature to be pre-adjustable. The pressure reducing valve can be set to the desired pressure value before installation, using an adjustment knob with a pressure setting indicator. After installation, the system pressure will automatically adjust itself to the set value. The internal cartridge containing all the regulating components is pre-assembled as a “self-contained unit”, to facilitate inspection and maintenance procedures.

PARTS CODES AVAILABLE 533841H, 533851H, 533861H – 15mm, 22mm, 28mm PRVs inc gauge 535041-535091 ½” – 2” PRV inc gauge All products available via local distribution

CALEFFI PRESCAL SERIES 533H PRV

CALEFFI PRESCAL SERIES 535 PRV

Mark added, “At Altecnic we pride ourselves on being industry product specialists and have developed a number of useful technical overview documents on topics such as PRVs, Expansion Vessels, Thermostatic Mixing Valves, Safety Relief Valves and Water Treatment. These are all available to our customers upon request from your local sales manager”.

The Caleffi PRESCAL 533H series is a high quality WRAS approved example of a dynamic pressure control valve. Mark explained, “The 533H series was designed for small systems, such as apartments, and to protect water storages, where size and lack of noise are important aspects. This specific series of pressure reducing valves is certified according to the EN 1567 standard for operating with inlet water temperatures of up to 80°C”.

For more information, contact Chris Reilly, Country Manager for Ireland, on 00353 (0)85 2152288 or e-mail chris.reilly@altecnic.co.uk or Gary Swann, Northern Ireland Sales Manager on 07760 596727 or e-mail gary.swann@altecnic.co.uk or visit the website at www.altecnic.co.uk

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