Heating Installer Awards appoints new Board of Trustees

HIA Board of Trustees

11/12/24

In Awards, Heating Engineers, Plumbing

To mark its tenth anniversary, the Heating Installer Awards has appointed a brand-new Board of Trustees, making it the only awards scheme in the industry that is run and judged by installers themselves.

The Board of Trustees will play a significant role in the scheme by working alongside the organisers and sponsors to bring practical, technical and hands-on experience to the process, ensuring it remains grounded in the realities of the heating industry.

The Board comprises five industry-acclaimed installers that have previously won national or category awards, or have been recommended by reputable industry bodies.

Each trustee will be heavily involved in the technical content and judging for the categories relevant to their individual areas of expertise.

Introducing the 2024/25 Heating Installer Awards Trustees:

Libby Zbaraska, Director of the Heating Installer Awards, commented: “As a team, we are always looking at how we can continually improve the awards. As part of this, we regularly ask installers for their feedback to ensure we retain the integrity of the scheme.

“Recently, installers have requested that more engineers - that remain on the tools – are also involved with the judging process. So, we’ve listened and put their feedback into action.

“While we have always had previous winners and technical representatives from manufacturers and partners, such as the CIPHE, on board to judge entries, we understand that installers themselves have experience of industry nuances, a wide variation of products and regularly overcome challenges on site - after all they live it day in and day out! So, we’re delighted to be introducing our Board of Trustees this year.” 

The Board of Trustees will work with the Awards’ sponsors and technical teams to evaluate entries and ensure the process continues to remain impartial, thorough and reflective of the highest industry standards.

When it comes to the technical challenge, which all finalists must undertake to demonstrate their abilities, the installers will use their real-world experience to design and score a challenge that mirrors the practical realities of the job faced by heating engineers.

Finally, they will support rising stars with mentoring and college visits, while also supporting at key trade events such as InstallerSHOW 2025 to help raise the profile of the Awards and further support the profession.

Libby added: “Each year we hear stories of how the Awards have had a life-changing impact for the winners. Businesses grow as a result of winning, and installers working on their own on site each day are able to join a community of like-minded professionals. The Awards really are a key part of the sector.

“We therefore have a real responsibility to maintain the integrity, professionalism and reputation of the Awards in the future. Adding a Board of Trustees means it will remain THE Awards for heating installers to win.

“Thank you to our five Board members: we’re looking forward to working with you!”

Supported by The IPG, Polypipe Building Products, Powered Now, Samsung Climate Solutions, Stelrad, CIPHE, and Refresh, the awards are free to enter and allow installers to showcase their work to potential customers.

To enter or find out more, visit: https://heatinginstallerawards.co.uk/enter/