Q1) Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into the heat pump industry?
I was raised in Sheepridge, Huddersfield and went to the local schools, Our Lady Of Lourdes and All Saints High School.
Never a great academic maybe nowadays I’d be labelled ADHD and dyslexic ( plenty spell checking going on right now )
Loved playing out and playing rugby for the local Deighton rugby league team. Back when the area had pubs and a community.
(Long time ago now). I didn’t have the grades to get into plumbing when I left All Saints so off I went to work with the old man on building sites.
Quite good really as a lot of my dads friends where ex Fartown Rugby League players or local lads who were proper grafters. They taught me a great work ethic.
I left that role around age 21. I won’t lie, I got into a bit of bother around that age. Nothing too serious but ended up at Huddersfield probation services.
This led onto discussion’s about my future and I told them I always wanted to be a plumber. Speeding up the story a little.
I got on a plumbing course, in year 2 we required a placement , yellow pages out and I got an opportunity with a new start company in Honley.
I served my apprenticeship with them. During this time we started to fit solar and heat pumps. I thought it was magic.
I’ve worked all over the country installing them. From Scotland to the south coast even to the isle of Mann.
I always believed that they had a big future in our country’s 2050 net zero targets. I set my own company up in 2017.
I sit here today in 280 sqm office / storage space with 18 members of staff. I’d love to tell you more but think we don’t have enough time.
Q2)What made you decide to start Heat Pump Installers in the Huddersfield area, and how has the business grown?
Its my home town. I want to make a difference, I want to employ people of my town. I want to show people I grew up with that you can do anything any one else is doing.
I help reduce carbon emissions with our systems and that give’s better air quality. Where else would I want to do that.
We help people save money on running costs once again why not my own area and people.
3) For people in Huddersfield who don’t know much about heat pumps, how would you explain the benefits in simple terms?
You own a heat pump already. Everyone does. Its your fridge. You go shopping, put the warm food in the fridge, the heat is then extracted and dumped onto the radiator on the back of the fridge.
A heat pump takes the heat from outside even at zero degrees and below and dumps it into you house. Simples. They run on electricity so no carbon emissions at your own property.
4) What’s the biggest misconception you come across with local customers about heat pumps?
That they cost more than a boiler’s to run.
That they are loud (a boiler flue is louder)
That your house won’t be as warm
They don’t work in old houses.
That you need to be on benefits to get the governments £7500.00 voucher. (its for all home owners)
5) What’s it like running a heating business in Huddersfield? How do our local properties and climate affect your work?
We have some great areas in Huddersfield and some real characters within them.
We love the different variety of houses we have. Grade 1 / 2 listed, 1600’s right though to modern houses built in the 2000’s.
We know the average person doe’s not have the luxury of upgrading the heating system if its not broken.
This is why we deal with over ten different manufactures of heat pumps. All at different price points.
There’s no company in Yorkshire with more experience than us in heat pumps. Hands down.
6) How important is word-of-mouth and local reputation in building your business around Huddersfield?
Massively important. Any business owner will tell you the same. We haven’t had the spare cash to spend on marketing or advertising. Our growth has been done with word of mouth, great workmanship and experience. Its what has got us to where we are today.
Great workmanship and experience. Which is what has got us to where we are today. Which has been hard work.
7) Do you work with other local tradespeople or suppliers in the area? How important are those Huddersfield connections?
We’ve built some great relationships with local tradesman / woman and suppliers. Its great use local businesses.
I always tell my staff to look locally before looking online, uniforms, printing, materials the list goes on.
Its about supporting each other.
8) Any advice for Huddersfield homeowners thinking about making the switch to renewable heating?
Come and see us. Come and visit our happy customers. We have 1000s. We will have fitted a system in a similar house to yours.
I’ve personally fitted over 600 heat pump systems ground and air source all over the country. A £14 million pound house to a mid terrace.
No problem. I have company’s contacting me for advice all across the country. Always happy to help the industry and public knowledge grow.
9) What’s the best thing about running your own business in our local area?
Pride. Knowing we are doing the planet a favour installing heat pumps. Employing local people.
I’ll be able to tell my grandkids I tried to help save the planet from global warming. I did my bit.
10) One thing you wish more people in Huddersfield knew about heat pumps?
They are more efficient that any heating and hot water system on the market today.
