Page 18 - Plumbheat Magazine

Newleaks
SPONSORED COLUMN
REGISTRATION MAKES
GOOD BUSINESS SENSE
AS OFTEC’S Competent Persons Scheme marks its 15th year, registration numbers have hit
a four year high, underlining a growing recognition of the value and business benefits registration brings.
Since its launch in 2002, OFTEC’s Competent Persons Scheme (CPS) has expanded beyond its oil roots and now offers registration services to technicians and businesses also working in solid fuel, renewable and electrical trades.
As a result, and boosted by a buoyant domestic oil heating market which saw boiler sales
rise by 15% last year, registration numbers for individual technicians have reached the highest level since 2013. OFTEC has also welcomed an increasing number of new solid fuel technicians, highlighting the growing popularity of this registration option.
Part of this overall rise in numbers is due to a surge in registrations across Scotland following the launch of the Home Energy Scotland Loan scheme which requires all technicians working on the initiative to hold OFTEC registration.
Similarly, the Warmer Homes Scotland fuel poverty scheme also states that only technicians who have, or are working towards, a PAS 2030 certification can be employed. So it makes good business sense to become OFTEC registered and capitalise on this extra work on offer.
In Northern Ireland, the Affordable Warmth grant scheme also recommends that all oil boiler installation and maintenance work is carried out by an OFTEC registered technician, again providing a solid business reason
By Paul Rose OFTEC CEO
to renew or take out OFTEC registration.
Although OFTEC registered technicians in Scotland and Northern Ireland are not able to benefit from the opportunity to self-certify installation work like their counterparts in England and Wales, the ability to prove competence is no less important here.
Consumers are becoming ever more aware of the importance of employing qualified tradespeople and those heating businesses who can display the OFTEC
logo as an endorsement of their professionalism will remain one step ahead in what can be a competitive market.
Further benefits of OFTEC registration include access to
free technical advice; discounts at OFTEC’s online shop and
free listings on OFTEC’s ‘Find a technician’ online search facility and on the Competent Persons Forum website. Useful discounts on business services such as website design and fuel cards add to the value of registration.
A branded range of consumer- friendly marketing leaflets are
also available to help registered technicians publicise their business to potential customers which can be easily downloaded from the OFTEC website or ordered as hard copies.
The heating market is evolving and as an organisation, OFTEC will continue to listen and respond to the changing needs of its registered technicians and members to ensure their interests are fully supported, both now and in the future.
For further information on OFTEC registration
call 01473 626298,
email registration@oftec.org or visit www.joinoftec.com •
16
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Autumn 2017