Wirral heat pump venture Stiebel Eltron UK invests in its installation training centre to double space to 20,000 sq ft as it anticipates a surge in demand for technicians. Tony McDonough reports
Heat pump specialist Stiebel Eltron UK is looking to benefit from Government targets for heat pumps by doubling the size of its training centre.
Based in Bromborough in Wirral, Stiebel Eltron UK is a standalone division of its German-based parent company of the same name. It distributes the group’s heat pump products in the UK.
Britain’s commitment to decarbonise its economy by 2050 will mean the eventual phasing out of gas boilers with the Government favouring heat pumps installed in millions of homes across the country.
While the number of heat pumps installed in the UK is increasing year-on-year take-up remains behind other European companies. This sluggish demand had negative effects on Stiebel Eltron UK’s last full financial results.
Accounts filed on Companies House reveal that in the 12 months to December 31, 2023, revenues dropped to £11.8m from £13.5m in the previous year. Pre-tax profits also fell to just over £475,000 from more than £543,000 in 2022.
Stiebel Eltron said 2023 was a year of soaring domestic energy costs in the UK and claimed consumers had become “cautious and hesitant” about making the switch to heat pumps in their homes. There was also uncertainty over Government support.
However, a change of Government in July 2024 has seen a renewed focus on net zero and ministers are targeting 600,000 heat pump installations annually by 2028. To achieve this the UK would need 27,000 qualified technicians. There are currently just 9,000.
The company invested £350,000 to establish its training centre in Wirral in 2022 and has now invested further to double capacity to 20,000 sq ft. This will allow it to accommodate up to 32 installers at any given time. It trained 600 installers in 2024.
Mark McManus, managing director of Stiebel Eltron UK said: “If the UK is to successfully transition to renewable heating technologies, it’s crucial that we increase the number of installers equipped to fit them for both consumers and businesses.
“At Stiebel Eltron we understand the importance of not only supplying advanced technology but also empowering installers with the knowledge and skills to work with it confidently.
“That’s why we have expanded our training centre so that we can provide even greater support for professionals, whether they’re new to the industry or experienced veterans. We’re excited to welcome the next round of trainees.”
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Coinciding with the expansion, Stiebel Eltron has appointed Shaun Walsh, who joined the business three years ago, as training manager to oversee the company’s training operations and curriculum.
He first joined as a warehouse operative, before becoming a technical advisor, and will bring in-depth knowledge of heat pump technologies and their installation to the role.