Enhanced benefits for members

In the previous issue, I reported on the results of our CIPHE member research and said that we would be using that information to help shape and prioritise our next steps.

With that in mind, I am able to announce a significant addition to our membership that officially runs from January 2025 but that you can start to take advantage of immediately.

After telling us that you wanted member-only discounts and offers on products, the most popular request was an option for an online business directory listing to be included within the CIPHE membership fee. The first request requires us to liaise with suppliers and merchants and takes a bit more time – do watch this space – but the latter is entirely within our control and is now available for Associate (ACIPHE), Member (MCIPHE) and Fellow (FCIPHE) members in the UK and overseas.

What’s new?

Online business directory listings are now separated into two categories. Any qualifying member (ACIPHE/ MCIPHE/ FCIPHE) can have an Essential online directory listing, which includes:

• Listing by individual and business name
• Professional specialisms highlighted
• Full contact information displayed
• Proximity displayed to members of the public searching for a member
• Indicators for Registered Plumbing/Heating Company status
• Visibility of Approved Contractor Person status and WaterSafe registration, if applicable

A member already paying for the listing can now choose to have the above service at no additional cost or continue to pay the £50+VAT annual fee for a Premium online directory listing, which also includes:

• Eye-catching red premium frame around your listing
• Priority placement
• Space for more information about your business
• Facility to upload your logo

What to do next?

1. If you are a member who is not currently listed in the business directory and would like to be, log into your account on the CIPHE website and follow the on-screen instructions to set up an essential or premium listing, which will be live within three hours.
2. If you currently pay for a business directory entry but would like to keep the existing level of service without paying the additional fee, contact our membership team on 01708 463 116 or membership@ciphe.org.uk to have the charge removed before your next membership renewal.
3. If you are already paying for a business directory listing and want to take advantage of the extra benefits available to you for the same fee, log into your account at ciphe.org.uk and add the additional information and your company logo to further enhance your listing.

Each year, thousands of consumers use the CIPHE website to search for plumbers and heating engineers who they can trust. Now you can take advantage of your membership to make sure you are listed.

Time to upgrade your membership?

As we increase our services, you might think now is the time to upgrade your membership. If you have gained qualifications and/or experience since you last spoke with us, call 01708 463 116 to find out what category of membership could be right for you.

Take the lead-free solder pledge

WaterSafe is launching a campaign for all plumbers and installers to protect drinking water by only using lead-free solder.

The campaign is being launched to mark the World Health Organization’s International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week when plumbers and installers will be urged to sign a pledge to only use and carry lead-free solder.

The approved contractor register is also raising awareness of the risks of lead, urging consumers to question which solder their installer is using.

A survey of more than 400 plumbers has shown some still use lead solder on drinking water systems and two-thirds carry it in their bags.

Most plumbers said they use solder at least once a week, but only half have lead-free solder in their bags, leading to a risk of lead solder being used accidentally.

This is despite the use of lead solder in drinking water systems being illegal. Lead can dissolve into drinking water and cause health issues if it builds up in the body. Babies and young children are most at risk.

Worryingly, 26% of installers surveyed were unaware of the potential health risks, although WaterSafe-approved plumbers surveyed showed higher awareness than the general plumber population.

Julie Spinks, director of WaterSafe, said: “Always using lead-free solder is the only safe option, which is why we are calling for installers to sign our pledge.

“It’s a simple swap to avoid inadvertently using lead solder on drinking water systems and prevent lead from leaching into the drinking water of homes and businesses. There is no safe limit of lead so this is a simple step all installers can take to safeguard public health.”