" />InstallerSHOW 2025 marked a milestone moment for the HVAC and plumbing industry. Not only was it the 10th anniversary of the UK’s largest trade show for installers, but it also celebrated a decade of the Heating Installer Awards – a landmark programme championing excellence in heating.
As a PR and marketing agency working at the forefront of the built environment sector, we were thrilled to attend, connect with clients, support a number of announcements, and champion the people and organisations shaping the future of the industry.
Held at the NEC in Birmingham from June 24–26, this year’s event broke new ground, offering three packed days of networking, knowledge sharing, innovation and recognition. From cutting-edge product launches and community-driven campaigns to international events and awards, here’s a look at our highlights from InstallerSHOW 2025.
CIPHE’s Skills Revolution – a bold response to the industry’s skills gap
Before InstallerSHOW 2025 even kicked off, we supported the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE) in hosting an evening dedicated to one of the most pressing challenges in the plumbing and heating sector: the growing skills gap.
At the CIPHE Skills Revolution event on Monday night, hosted in partnership with Polypipe Building Products and Danfoss, key figures from across the industry gathered to pledge their support for change.
Kevin Wellman, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), addressed attendees with a passionate call to action:
“The future of public health, safety, economic growth, and the housing supply depends on decisive action. The Skills Revolution is a community-led movement and everyone has a role to play.”
With 73,200 new recruits needed by 2032, the Skills Revolution campaign encourages installers, manufacturers, and educators to pledge their support. Whether it’s visiting a college, offering 30 minutes of mentorship, or supporting apprenticeships, the campaign is about making small commitments that add up to transformative change.
Backed by CIPHE’s 2025–2027 manifesto and working with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE), the campaign is further powered by the CIPHE Academy, providing resources and training to those looking to grow their skills or give back. Those who pledge receive digital assets, exclusive event invites, and become ‘Skills Revolution Ambassadors’ — a growing community shaping the future of the trade.
The World Plumbing Conference 2026 kick-off party
Another standout moment came on Tuesday afternoon at InstallerPLAZA with the official launch of the World Plumbing Conference (WPC) 2026, set to be hosted in the UK for the first time in its history.
Under the theme “Worldwide Problems – Global Solutions”, the 14th WPC will take place alongside InstallerSHOW 2026 and is already generating global buzz.
The launch event, open to all InstallerSHOW attendees, introduced the global stage for tackling the sector’s biggest challenges:
- Sustainability
- Skills Development
- Supply & Conservation
- Safeguarding Public Health
Kevin Wellman and Mike Costain, MD of Lyrical Communications, unveiled early details of the programme, which will include expert-led sessions, global speakers, and innovative product showcases. The annual event is aimed at solving global issues through plumbing innovation. With many countries already confirming their delegations, WPC 2026 is set to be a landmark moment for the international plumbing community.
Samsung Climate Solutions – a look at the future of heating and cooling
In Hall 5, Samsung Climate Solutions drew crowds with exclusive reveals, product demos, and a first look at its new installer loyalty programme – the Samsung Climate Club.
Installers visiting the stand were among the first to pre-register for the scheme, which offers points for purchases of Samsung outdoor units and rewards such as exclusive prizes and Samsung electronics.
Jon Brigly, Marketing Lead at Samsung Climate Solutions, said:
“The Climate Club represents our commitment to supporting and rewarding our network of installers. It’s an exciting step in growing our installer community.”
Samsung also showcased new innovations, including:
- SmartThings Pro: A powerful platform designed for commercial energy management, featuring cost-saving algorithms like Pricing Response Control.
- EHS ClimateHub & Hydro Unit: Compact, AI-enabled heating and hot water systems.
- FN Controller & Cascade Controller: Intuitive multi-zone heating and cooling controls.
- WindFree™ Avant S2 Black: AI Auto Comfort with Samsung’s signature no-draught cooling.
- Training Initiatives: News of a new Chertsey training centre and free online modules.
The SmartThings Pro demo was a particular highlight, offering a glimpse into the future of connected, sustainable building management.
And if you didn’t get the chance to have your selfie put on to the top of a nice hot frothy coffee, you really missed out.
Polypipe Building Products – announcing its Ambassadors for 2025
Polypipe made a big impact this year both on the exhibition floor and at the InstallerPLAZA. On Thursday, we supported the brand with the official launch of its new training website: www.polypipetraining.co.uk
This site is home to a growing portfolio of BPEC-accredited courses and CPD modules, designed to upskill professionals and foster continuous learning. Our team at Refresh worked on the launch PR to drive awareness and uptake ahead of and during the event.
At Stand 5D45, visitors were encouraged to grab a free sample of PolyPlumb Enhanced, Polypipe’s latest innovation in push-fit plumbing solutions.
Meanwhile, the “Inspiring the Next Generation of Installers” panel event, featuring Joe Thompson (Technical Training Manager, Polypipe Building Products), Matt Williams (MD, Polypipe Building Products), and Jerry Whiteley from CIPHE, delved into how the industry can better support its future workforce.
Another key moment came at 2pm on Thursday with the announcement of the new Polypipe Ambassador scheme, further cementing the brand’s commitment to training and mentorship.
Heating Installer Awards 2025 – celebrating a decade of excellence
In a packed InstallerPLAZA filled with emotion, cheers, and pride, the Heating Installer Awards 2025 ceremony celebrated the UK’s top talent, marking 10 years of recognising exceptional work in the heating sector.
Meet the 2025 Winners:
- UK’s Best Heating Installer 2025: Craig Gilhome (Northumberland)
- Best HVAC Installer: Craig Gilhome (Northumberland)
- Best Sustainable Installer: Shaun Bone, Blue Flame MK Ltd (Loughton)
- Rising Star 2025: Jessica Rose (Herefordshire)
- National Runner-Up: Joshua Bond, Off Grid Plumbing & Heating Ltd (Cornwall)
Craig Gilhome stood out for a technically complex project and his commitment to whole-home comfort. Winning both the national title and the Best HVAC Installer category, Craig expressed gratitude:
“I’ve seen how winning this award can change the future for an installer. I’m so happy that the work I put in has been recognised – thank you, everyone.”
Winners were selected based on three key criteria:
- A submitted project completed for a homeowner
- A technical challenge created by an industry-leading installer
- Public voting to assess popularity and impact
Judged by a panel of industry sponsors, including CIPHE, The IPG, Polypipe, Samsung Climate Solutions, Stelrad, Powered Now, and Refresh, the awards received hundreds of entries this year, making competition fierce.
Looking ahead – the launch of The Plumber Awards
To celebrate a decade of success and expand the recognition of talent across the industry, Refresh proudly announced the launch of The Plumber Awards 2026, a sister programme to the Heating Installer Awards.
Launched at the Heating Installer Awards stand, The Plumber Awards will spotlight excellence in plumbing-specific projects and individuals. Watch this space for updates on how to enter, judge or sponsor this exciting new programme.
In summary – a show that looked ahead
InstallerSHOW 2025 was more than an exhibition, it was a call to action, a celebration of community, and a platform for progress. From CIPHE’s call for a Skills Revolution to Samsung’s forward-thinking loyalty scheme and Polypipe’s commitment to training and mentorship, this year’s event put the spotlight firmly on the future.
As a proud partner to many of the brands and initiatives represented at the show, we left InstallerSHOW 2025 inspired, energised and excited for what’s next.
To all those shaping the future of plumbing, heating and HVAC: thank you. We’ll see you at InstallerSHOW 2026, and at the inaugural Plumber Awards!
If you’d like to get involved with future campaigns, launch your latest innovation or sponsor a prestigious awards programme, contact our team today.
To sponsor The Plumber Awards or Heating Installer Awards 2026, please email Laura at hia@refreshpr.co.uk
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