Following the Prime Minister’s call for a General Election on June 8, 2017, the Institute of Domestic Heating and Environmental Engineers (IDHEE) has moved its annual conference to June 20.
David Matthews, IDHEE CEO, said: “Moving the date provides a real opportunity, with a new government in place, to discuss and review where the domestic heating sector goes over the coming years; and what messages we need to take forward with the government and the heating industry. So much is happening with the growth of smart and low carbon technologies and changes to apprenticeships. If we, as a country, change our approach to the buildings we use, then we can have warmer, fresher and cheaper-to-run accommodation.”
Under the theme: ‘The Smart Future,’ the conference will look at how the latest smart technology will impact on the domestic central heating market. There will also be a focus on how heating engineers can ensure they are well placed to provide their customers with the best service.
David continued: “The growth of smart heating controls over the past few years and increasing demand from the house building sector is bringing new opportunities for the heating industry and more choice for the consumer.
“Central heating is installed in around 92% of UK homes, but as the connected home and smart heating technology become more popular with householders who want to make their homes more energy efficient and be able to control their heating from a tablet or phone, there are great opportunities for installers. Consumers may be more aware, but the technical knowledge and skills required by this more sophisticated technology is where installers can become their trusted expert.
“As this technology becomes even more intuitive, it is essential that heating engineers have the knowledge, technical skills and understanding. This is so they can provide the best possible service to their customers, from advice on the most appropriate solutions to meet their needs and budget, through to installation and aftercare. Being equipped, prepared and eager to stay ahead will help them to maximise on this trend and grow their business.
“The IDHEE is committed to supporting innovation. We constantly review and update our training and information tools to ensure our members have the necessary knowledge and skills to give more people better access to efficient, sustainable heat for their homes. Our 2017 conference will provide a great forum for debate, learning and hearing the latest developments that heating engineers need to understand to benefit their business.”
Speakers from the main industry influencers, including the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and Every Home Counts, will join senior representatives from the controls, metering, storage, certification and skills sectors to share views and highlight how the industry can benefit from and work with the next new generation of technology.
An open forum led by the speakers will give delegates the opportunity to ask questions and raise issues affecting the industry, to gain further insight into the future of domestic heating in the UK.
Delegate costs:
IDHEE members: £30/person (excluding VAT – £36 inclusive)
Non-members: £50/person (excluding VAT – £60 inclusive)
You can book online at Eventbrite, here: the-smart-future-idhee-conference-2017-tickets.eventbrite.co.uk and pay by debit or credit card, or click other payment options under the ‘order now’ button and pay by BACS/cheque.
If you are interested in sponsoring this event, email: david.matthews@idhee.org.uk or call: 01895 820 954.