News | Published on 30th Jun 2016

HHIC’s Merchant group evolving to maximise unique position in supply chain

There are approximately 122,000 registered gas engineers operating in the UK, and lets not forget the builders, plumbers, tilers and other tradespeople all of whom often start the day by visiting their local builders merchants to purchase the materials needed for the day ahead.

Recognising the vital role merchants play in the route to market for most domestic heating and associated products, the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council, HHIC is working to strengthen its Merchants Group.

Stewart Clements, Director of HHIC said “We have made some changes to our Merchants Group that will not only help the Merchants themselves but their customers, the installers too.

Merchants occupy a key position within the supply chain market, linking manufacturers, installers and ultimately homeowners and these relationships cannot be underestimated.

Merchants play a vital role in keeping installers up to date with policy, regulation, legislation and indeed technological developments. In turn those installers then carry messages into UK homes. Last year some 1.6 million new gas boilers were fitted. If we really want to drive down UK emissions and energy bills these installers are the foot soldiers and the merchants are the Generals in the war on carbon

The Group will be chaired by Tim Pollard, Head of Sustainability at Wolseley UK Limited. Tim brings with him a wealth of experience and will support us to drive a more robust agenda, particularly in our discussions with Government departments like DECC.

To find out more about the HHIC Merchants Group please email Stewart Clements on Stewart@hhic.org.uk