Baxi supports growing campaign to cut boiler VAT

Baxi supports the growing industry campaign to persuade the Government to cut the rate of VAT charged on high efficiency boiler installations and passive flue heat recovery systems.

At the moment, boilers are subject to the full 20 per cent rate, but other energy saving equipment such as controls, insulation, combined heat and power systems, biomass boilers, heat pumps and solar panels attract a special lower rate of five per cent. The reduced rate applies to energy saving installations in all residential properties and commercial buildings used by charities. Installations of these systems in new properties are zero VAT rated.

"A temporary cut until the Green Deal scheme that comes into effect in October 2012 would help the industry bridge a potentially difficult funding gap.  The beauty of giving a quick boost to boilers is that the Government will see immediate results," said Sarah Brook, marketing director of Baxi.

"Gas consumption and carbon emissions will fall; householders will enjoy smaller bills and many jobs in the heating sector will be preserved.  And it could boost UK manufacturing as most domestic boilers sold here are also made here."

The HVCA is also backing the campaign and its head of sustainability David Frise said cutting the VAT could be a well-timed move. "With rising inflation and increasing global uncertainty about energy prices, this would send a strong signal from the Government that the best investment you can make at the moment is in energy efficiency."

Information sourced from http://www.baxi.co.uk/

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Plumbing new - PTS makes life easier for customers...

PTS has extended its renewable specialist branches as a distribution solution to improve lead times and make life easier for installers sourcing energy efficient products.

Three additional branches are now open in Warrington, Plymouth and Coatsbridge and mark the start of a rolling programme of openings set for 2011.

Supporting the original Aylesford renewable branch, the new branches are unique in being dedicated to stocking and distributing renewable products in convenient regional locations, meaning customers can purchase and have renewable technology delivered in a similar timescale as traditional products.

Kelvin Stevens, managing director for PTS, said: “As customer demand for renewable technology increases, installers will be under pressure to source the right products quickly and effectively. This is where PTS can help. We want to make life as easy as possible for our customers and see no reason why they shouldn’t be able to order their renewables at their local trade counter and receive them via next day delivery with their other conventional purchases.

“By implementing this new logistics solution, customers can rely on PTS to be a one-stop-shop for everything they need, no matter what sort of job they are working on. We are looking forward to opening more regionalised renewable specialist branches as the year progresses.”

PTS is also looking to expand its specialist external sales knowledge of renewables in the coming months, providing customers with additional advice and guidance of these new technologies.

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Dorian Harvey - South West’s Apprentice Plumber 2011

Dorian Harvey, 20, from Illogan near Redruth was awarded with a Milwaukee Power Tools set worth £350.

“I’m overwhelmed. I was up against some awesome competition, everyone did really well," he said.
"I’m an apprentice in the family firm, Heatwave Heating, and I’m proud to be going home to tell my dad I did it for the company. To be honest I’m relieved it’s over and now I can look forward to the national finals in May.”

It’s the second year a Cornwall College apprentice has won the regional competition. Danny Teare went on to win the national title in 2010.

Organised by HIP UK - the UK’s leading regulatory body for electrical contracting and leading construction industry publisher SNG, the event saw the best young plumbers and electricians from across the South West competing for the coveted title of best in the South West and a place in the national finals.

The finals are set to take place over two days, May 11 and 12, in Swindon where Dorian will be up against the best apprentices in the UK battling it out for the title of UK Apprentice Plumber of the Year 2011 and a prize of trade vouchers to the value of £1,000 for himself and £500 for the College.



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Taxman outlining a tax "amnesty" for plumbers, gas fitters....

The main story that is dominating industry chatter this week centres on the taxman offering plumbers, gas fitters and heating engineers an opportunity to come clean on their tax affairs, outlining a tax "amnesty" for tradesmen.

Under the Plumbers Tax Safe Plan, traders who have tax to pay, which they have not yet told H M Revenue & Customs; have until May 31 to tell the department of their intention to disclose what they owe. If they make a full disclosure, most will face a low penalty rate of 10%, with a maximum of 20%, rather than up to 100%, and threat of prosecution, which can otherwise apply.

Elsewhere in other news, Sharp is calling on the government to consider its decision to review the Feed-in-Tariff for installations over 50kW; the Construction Products Association has written to the Chancellor in advance of his Budget statement this month, encouraging him to introduce a range of measures that will help deliver the government’s growth strategy and speed up the country’s economic recovery; and the ‘Wolf Commission on Youth Education and Training’ report on apprentices is the “blueprint for the future of Britain,” says Pimlico Plumbers’ boss Charlie Mullins.

Source Plumbzine

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