BPEC Strengthens Industry Partnerships at InstallerSHOW and the World Plumbing Conference 2026

BPEC enjoyed a productive and inspiring week at InstallerSHOW 2026 and the inaugural UK-hosted World Plumbing Conference, joining industry leaders, manufacturers, training providers, installers and international delegates at the NEC, Birmingham.

For the first time, the World Plumbing Conference was held alongside InstallerSHOW, bringing together a global audience to explore the future of plumbing, heating, water, sustainability and skills development under the theme Worldwide Problems – Global Solutions.

Building relationships across the industry

The week began with the CIPHE Welcome Reception, where BPEC CEO Neil Collishaw, Chairman Duncan Wilson, Trustees and Directors met with customers, partners and colleagues from across the sector.

Among those attending were representatives from Smart Energy Training, including Paul Drew and Matt Stonehouse, Mario Dodic from Croatia’s HVAC education sector, leading Welsh installer Daniel Davies, Jason Clark, President of CIPHE, and many other familiar faces from the plumbing and heating community.

The reception set the tone for a week built around collaboration, partnership and a shared commitment to developing the industry’s future workforce.

Contributing to important industry conversations

Throughout the week, the BPEC team attended a wide range of technical sessions and industry events, including the World Plumbing Council Annual Meeting and the World Plumbing Conference.

Highlights included the thought-provoking Plumbing as a Catalyst: Driving Systemic Change session, featuring environmental campaigner Feargal Sharkey, alongside discussions exploring the future of water, sustainability, public health and skills development.

BPEC also supported Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, during her presentation on Scotland’s successful Start at Home heat pump project, demonstrating how collaboration and practical experience can accelerate the adoption of low-carbon heating technologies.

On the final day of the conference, the team attended an inspiring presentation from young volunteers involved in the PPDS project, who shared their experiences of helping deliver a life-changing clean drinking water supply to a community in Nepal. Their stories served as a powerful reminder of the wider social impact the plumbing profession can have around the world.

Championing skills and apprenticeships

Supporting skills development remained a central theme throughout the week.

Neil Collishaw joined Sarah Fry (APHC), Daniel Roberts (APHC), Richard Perrins (APHC), Mark Antrobus (APHC and SkillPLUMB Lead Judge) and Carl Orme (JTL) on the InstallerPLAZA stage for the panel discussion – No Apprentices, No Industry: Why the Skills Gap is Now Our Problem.

The panel explored the challenges facing employers across the plumbing and heating sector, with particular emphasis on supporting small and medium-sized businesses to recruit apprentices and raising the profile of vocational careers to ensure apprenticeships achieve genuine parity of esteem with academic routes.

The BPEC team also visited the International Skills Challenge in Hall 4, where Andrew McCann proudly represented Team UK against competitors from across the world. The standard on display reinforced the importance of investing in high-quality training and encouraging young people to pursue careers in the plumbing and heating profession.

It was equally rewarding to catch up with former SkillPLUMB medallists Jack Fenton and Dillon Newton, both of whom continue to build successful careers within the industry. The pair later received further recognition during the Worshipful Company of Plumbers Annual Lecture, celebrating their continued achievements.

Strengthening partnerships

InstallerSHOW provided countless opportunities to strengthen relationships with longstanding industry partners and develop new connections.

The BPEC team spent time with Andrew Johnson and the team at Ideal Heating, where BPEC Trustee and accomplished installer Mark Antrobus took part in Ideal’s popular boiler versus heat pump speed trial challenge.

The team also met with Nic Drew and colleagues from Monument Tools, visited the NAPIT stand to discuss future collaboration, and spoke with Jonathon Hallam about the continued development of the Warriors of Warmth initiative.

Throughout the exhibition, BPEC caught up with manufacturers, approved centres, installers, customers and former colleagues, while also spending time with friends from APHC and SNIPEF, whose support and collaboration continue to strengthen the wider industry.

Recognising excellence

The week concluded with the World Plumbing Council Gala Dinner, celebrating outstanding contributions to the plumbing profession.

BPEC was delighted to see Paul Dodds recognised for his exceptional contribution to plumbing skills competitions over the past three decades, while Ross from the Dundee SNIPEF branch also deserved special recognition for his enthusiasm, professionalism and outstanding ambassadorial role throughout the week.

Looking ahead

InstallerSHOW and the World Plumbing Conference demonstrated the strength, resilience and collaborative spirit of the plumbing and heating industry.

From discussions around skills, apprenticeships and sustainability to celebrating international excellence and lifelong achievement, the week reinforced the importance of working together to address the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

BPEC would like to thank everyone who took the time to meet with the team throughout the week and looks forward to continuing to support the development of skills, qualifications and assessment across the plumbing, heating and renewables industries.