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Kingsbridge Pledges Support for The Plumber Awards for a Second Year

The Plumber Awards has announced a renewed Plumber Awards partnership with specialist contractor insurance provider Kingsbridge, continuing its backing of the programme for a second consecutive year.

Having supported the inaugural Plumber Awards in 2026 -which saw Louchavan Lemard crowned UK Plumber of the Year – Kingsbridge is backing the programme again, as it returns to recognise the exceptional plumbers working across the UK.

The Plumber Awards was created to give plumbers the recognition they deserve, celebrating not only technical ability and the quality of their work, but also professionalism, customer service and the commitment they show to their customers and businesses.

Kingsbridge announced as official sponsor of The Plumber Awards 2027

A Plumber Awards partnership built for the trade

For Kingsbridge, supporting the people behind the trade is a natural fit. As a leading provider of specialist business insurance for contractors, freelancers, sole traders and the self-employed, the company understands the challenges faced by tradespeople running their own businesses and the importance of having the right support and protection in place.

Commenting on the continued partnership, Andy Robinson, Managing Director of Kingsbridge, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting The Plumber Awards for a second year running. After seeing the fantastic response to the inaugural awards, we’re proud to continue backing an initiative that shines a light on the skill, dedication and professionalism of the plumbing community.

“Plumbers are the people we’re here to support every day, so it’s important to us that we play a part in recognising the individuals who work so hard to deliver for their customers. The Plumber Awards provide a fantastic platform to celebrate that work, and we’re looking forward to seeing this year’s entries.”

Laura Mashiter, founder of The Installer Awards, said: “We’re thrilled to have Kingsbridge back as a partner for the second year of The Plumber Awards. Their support in our inaugural year helped us establish the awards and we’re delighted that they’ve seen the value in the programme and wanted to continue the partnership.

“Kingsbridge understands the realities of life as a tradesperson and shares our passion for supporting and celebrating the plumbing community. We’re very thankful for their support and are looking forward to working with them again to celebrate another year of the UK’s best plumbing talent.”

About Kingsbridge’s cover


Kingsbridge’s package brings together essential business protection, including public liability and employers’ liability, alongside optional covers such as hired in and owned Plant, contract works and professional Indemnity. To find out more, visit the website or call Kingsbridge on 01242 808740.

Entries for 2027 are now open

Entries for The Plumber Awards 2027 are now open, with plumbers from across the UK invited to put themselves forward for the regional awards and ultimately compete for the national title of Plumber of the Year – following in the footsteps of finalists like James Bell-Taylor and Steve Gray. Whether you’ve completed a technically challenging project, found an innovative solution to a customer’s problem or simply take pride in delivering an exceptional service every day, the awards are an opportunity to showcase what you do.

Entries close on 22nd December 2026 and you can enter The Plumber Awards 2027 for free – good luck!

Hove plumber Steve Gray named among the best in Britain at national awards

Steve Gray holding his Plumber Awards 2026 Bronze Winner trophy

A Hove plumber who helps maintain one of Brighton’s most famous landmarks, the Royal Pavilion, has been recognised as one of the UK’s top plumbing professionals after finishing third in the country’s first-ever Plumber Awards.

Steve Gray, owner of Steve Gray Gas Services Ltd, finished in the top three in The Plumber Awards 2026 after impressing judges with his decades of experience, exceptional customer service and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of workmanship and compliance.

Having already been crowned the best plumber in the South East earlier this year, Steve went on to compete against regional winners from across the UK. Following a rigorous judging process, technical challenge and public vote, he secured his place among the competition’s top three finalists.

From a royal landmark to social care settings

Judges praised Steve’s extensive expertise and dedication to serving both his customers and the wider community. His award-winning entry highlighted his work maintaining plumbing systems at Brighton’s historic Royal Pavilion, helping to preserve and protect one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, as well as his work within a social care property, where he successfully installed and maintained plumbing systems that support residents’ comfort, safety and wellbeing.

Speaking about his achievement, Steve said: “Being part of the awards in its first year, and being named best in the South East, is a real honour. To then be in the top three in the UK is obviously a real highlight! The awards process is thorough and judges look at so many different parts of your work and your business – it’s not an easy award to win. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for me – I had a great time at the event and spent time with many passionate professionals from across the industry. Now it’s back to the day job!”

Laura Mashiter, founder of The Plumber Awards, said: “Steve’s entry stood out because of the breadth of his experience and the positive impact his work has on the people and communities he serves. From helping to maintain an important historic building, to delivering vital plumbing services in social care settings, he consistently demonstrates the skill, professionalism and dedication that define the very best of the industry.”

Setting the benchmark in the awards’ first year

The Plumber Awards was launched this year to celebrate the exceptional skill, professionalism and dedication of plumbers across the UK. The programme was created by the team behind the long-standing Heating Installer Awards, which has spent more than 10 years recognising excellence among heating installers and promoting best practice across the industry.

Designed to shine a spotlight on plumbers who consistently deliver outstanding workmanship and customer service, the free-to-enter awards aim to champion a profession that plays a vital role in keeping homes and businesses running safely and efficiently. Judges commented that the standard of entries in the awards’ inaugural year was exceptionally high, setting a strong benchmark for future competitions.

Steve Gray shakes hands with Pointy the Plumber (Robert Clark) at the Plumber Awards 2026

Celebrated at InstallerSHOW 2026

Steve received his award at InstallerSHOW 2026 at the NEC Birmingham in June, where leading manufacturers, installers and industry professionals gathered to celebrate innovation and excellence across the sector. As one of the competition’s highest-performing entrants, he also received prizes from the awards’ sponsors including CT1, Kingsbridge, Polypipe Building Products, Powered Now, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering and Refresh.

Could you be one of our 2027 winners?

The search is beginning for the exceptional plumbing professionals who will follow in Steve’s footsteps. The Plumber Awards is free to enter and open to plumbers across the UK who can demonstrate outstanding work, technical skill, problem-solving and customer care.

Pre-register for The Plumber Awards 2027 and put your work forward for national recognition.

Alnwick plumber James Bell-Taylor named runner-up in national Plumber Awards

James Bell-Taylor holding his Plumber Awards 2026 Silver Winner trophy

A plumber from Alnwick has been recognised as one of the best in the UK after finishing runner-up in the country’s first-ever Plumber Awards

James Bell-Taylor, owner of JBT Plumbing and Heating Ltd, secured one of the top three places in The Plumber Awards 2026 after impressing judges with his technical expertise, problem-solving skills and commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.

Having already been crowned the best plumber in the North East earlier this year, James went on to compete against regional winners from across the UK. Following a rigorous judging process, technical challenge and public vote, he was named national runner-up in the inaugural awards.

A bespoke solution under real constraints

Judges were particularly impressed by James’ ability to tackle complex projects and deliver bespoke solutions for his customers. His award-winning entry detailed a full bathroom and heating upgrade within a flat in a listed building. Despite the challenges posed by limited space and listed building regulations, James successfully transformed the property’s heating and hot water system, significantly improving comfort and efficiency for the homeowner.

Speaking about his achievement, James said: “I’m extremely proud of what I’ve achieved and it was a real highlight being able to bring this trophy home to my family, who are the people I’m doing all this for! Thank you to everyone who’s been in touch to congratulate me. This industry really is filled with brilliant people so I’m humbled to have been rated so highly.”

Laura Mashiter, founder of The Plumber Awards, said: “James demonstrated exactly the qualities we were looking for in our finalists. His entry showcased outstanding technical knowledge, excellent problem-solving and a real commitment to delivering the best possible outcome for his customer. To finish as runner-up in the first-ever Plumber Awards, against such strong competition from across the UK, is a fantastic achievement and one he should be incredibly proud of.”,

Setting the benchmark in the awards’ first year

The Plumber Awards was launched this year to celebrate the exceptional skill, professionalism and dedication of plumbers across the UK. The programme was created by the team behind the long-standing Heating Installer Awards, which has spent more than a decade years recognising excellence among heating installers and promoting best practice across the industry.

Designed to shine a spotlight on plumbers who consistently deliver outstanding workmanship and customer service, the free-to-enter awards aim to champion a profession that plays a vital role in keeping homes and businesses running safely and efficiently. Judges commented that the standard of entries in the awards’ inaugural year was exceptionally high, setting a strong benchmark for future competitions.

Celebrated at InstallerSHOW 2026

James received his award at InstallerSHOW 2026 at the NEC Birmingham in June, where leading manufacturers, installers and industry professionals gathered to celebrate innovation and excellence across the sector. As one of the competition’s top-performing entrants, he also received prizes from the awards’ sponsors including CT1, Kingsbridge, Polypipe Building Products, Powered Now, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering and Refresh.

James Bell-Taylor receiving his Plumber Awards 2026 trophy at InstallerSHOW

Could you be one of our 2027 winners?

The search is beginning for the exceptional plumbing professionals who will follow in James’ footsteps.

The Plumber Awards is free to enter and open to plumbers across the UK who can demonstrate outstanding work, technical skill, problem-solving and customer care.

Pre-register for The Plumber Awards 2027 and put your work forward for national recognition.

Industry professionals gather for The Plumber Awards 2026 presentation at InstallerSHOW

Clerkenwell plumber Louchavan Lemard crowned UK Plumber of the Year 2026

Louchavan Lemard holding the UK Plumber of the Year 2026 trophy

Clerkenwell plumber and PH247 Ltd co-founder Louchavan Lemard has been crowned the UK’s first-ever Plumber of the Year after winning the inaugural The Plumber Awards 2026.

Louchavan secured the national title after progressing from Central London Regional Winner to compete against outstanding plumbing professionals from across the UK.

His victory followed a rigorous judging process assessing entrants’ technical ability, problem-solving, workmanship and customer service, followed by a technical challenge and public vote.

A national title earned through technical excellence

Judges praised Louchavan’s technical expertise, attention to detail and commitment to finding the right solution for every customer. His entry demonstrated not only his ability to complete work to an exceptional standard, but also the positive difference a highly skilled and conscientious plumber can make to customers’ homes and everyday lives.

Laura Mashiter, founder of The Plumber Awards, said: “Louchavan is a fantastic ambassador for the plumbing profession. His entry demonstrated exceptional technical ability, but what really stood out was his commitment to finding the right solution for his customers and delivering work to the highest possible standard. Competition was incredibly tough, so to be named the first-ever national winner of The Plumber Awards is an incredible achievement. It’s clear that he is keen to go much further on the back of the win, and I hope more will support the fundraising campaign.”

Using his win to support the next generation

For Louchavan, plumbing represents much more than a profession. It provided him with an opportunity to rebuild his life following a challenging childhood. He has now chosen to use his national recognition to help young people facing similar barriers.

Louchavan said: “When I was growing up, after a challenging childhood, the plumbing industry gave me a second chance and helped me rebuild my life. Part of my winner’s prize was a £1,000 holiday voucher from Powered Now. I’ve chosen to donate this to Euston Skills Centre to inspire another youngster and future plumber. My aim is to help disadvantaged young adults attend the WorldSkills Competition in China so they can see what is possible if you work hard and have a dream. Since, CT1 has also added the same amount to the fund, which I’m very grateful for. If anyone else would like to help, please get in touch so we can help as many disadvantaged youngsters as possible.”

Celebrating the UK’s leading plumbing professionals

The Plumber Awards was created to recognise plumbers who consistently demonstrate outstanding workmanship, technical knowledge, professionalism and customer service. Around 150,000 qualified plumbers work across the UK, helping to provide clean drinking water, safe sanitation, reliable heating and efficiently operating homes and businesses.

Louchavan Lemard receiving the National Winner trophy at InstallerSHOW 2026

Despite the importance of their work, exceptional plumbers do not always receive the recognition they deserve. The free-to-enter awards aim to change that by celebrating the individuals raising standards and representing the very best of the profession.

The programme is run by the team behind the long-established Heating Installer Awards, which has spent more than a decade recognising excellence and promoting best practice across the heating industry.

Celebrated at InstallerSHOW 2026

Louchavan received the national trophy live at InstallerSHOW 2026 at the NEC Birmingham, surrounded by leading manufacturers, installers and plumbing industry professionals.

Alongside the national title, he received a prize package supported by The Plumber Awards’ industry partners, including CT1, Kingsbridge, Polypipe Building Products, Powered Now, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering and Refresh.

Louchavan’s name now enters The Plumber Awards’ history as its first national winner, setting an outstanding benchmark for future entrants.

Could you be one of our 2027 winners?

The search is beginning for the exceptional plumbing professionals who will follow in Louchavan’s footsteps.

Industry professionals applaud as the Plumber Awards 2026 winner is announced at InstallerSHOW

The Plumber Awards is free to enter and open to plumbers across the UK who can demonstrate outstanding work, technical skill, problem-solving and customer care.

Pre-register for The Plumber Awards 2027 and put your work forward for national recognition.

Bolton pop-up event to offer free ‘Advice on Tap’ to local tradespeople

Running a trade business can be full-on.

Long days on site. Evenings catching up on quotes, invoices and paperwork. Often doing it all on your own.

That’s exactly why The Plumber Awards sponsor Powered Now is bringing its ‘Advice on Tap’ event to Bolton next week,  creating a space for tradespeople to get together, talk business, swap advice and enjoy a proper evening off the tools.

Following a successful first event in Cardiff, Advice on Tap lands at Harvester Horwich Park, Bolton, on Wednesday 3 June 2026 (4:30pm–8pm).

The free event is open to tradespeople across the region,  including heating installers, plumbers, electricians, pest controllers and other trade business owners.

Expect:

  • Free drinks
  • Tool marking
  • Professional photos
  • Honest trade chat and networking
  • Practical advice on running a better trade business

Powered Now’s team will also be on hand to chat about common trade business headaches, from admin overload and paperwork to upcoming HMRC tax changes linked to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.

Benjamin Dyer, Founder and CEO of Powered Now, said:

“We work with so many tradespeople who are now under more pressure than ever before and, with the trades often working alone, it can become a lonely job. When a growing pile of admin and paperwork gets thrown in the mix, it’s no surprise that tradespeople everywhere are feeling stretched.

“Advice on Tap is our way of bringing together the tradespeople of Bolton, and speaking discussing how to run a trade business in a language they understand. Beyond networking, Advice on Tap is all about offering practical advice and reminding tradespeople that they’re not alone.”

As long-time supporters of the Heating Installer Awards and The Plumber Awards, Powered Now continues to back the wider trade community, not just through award sponsorship, but by helping installers and plumbers run stronger businesses off the tools too.

Powered Now’s software is built specifically for trade businesses, helping users manage quotes, invoices, scheduling, certificates and payments all in one place.

Reserve your free place here: here.

And if you can’t make it? Powered Now is also offering the Heating Installer Awards and The Plumber Awards community 50% off for 2 months.

https://powerednow.com/resources/benefits/installer-awards

Plumbers: when did you last check your insurance?

Let’s be honest, sorting insurance is probably somewhere near the bottom of most plumbers’ to-do lists.

When you’re busy quoting, ordering materials, managing customers, chasing invoices, and actually being on the tools, reviewing your insurance isn’t exactly exciting. Most people set it up, renew it, and move on.

But here’s the thing, plumbing businesses change.

Maybe you’ve taken on an apprentice. Maybe you’ve brought in extra help on bigger jobs. Maybe you’ve invested in more tools, upgraded the van, or your workload looks very different to what it did a year or two ago.

And when that happens, it’s worth asking a simple question: does your cover still match the business you’re running today?

Because in this trade, when something goes wrong, it can get expensive quickly.

A van break-in can wipe out thousands of pounds’ worth of tools overnight. An issue on-site can delay work, affect customers, and create a lot of unnecessary stress. Even a short period off the tools can have a knock-on effect if jobs need to be rescheduled.

It’s not something anyone likes thinking about, but it’s part of running a business properly.

That’s why we wanted to share an exclusive offer from our sponsor, Kingsbridge, who work specifically with trades businesses across the UK.

They’re currently offering 10% off Trades Insurance for plumbers through The Plumber Awards, with cover designed around the realities of being on the tools.

That includes:

  • Up to £2,500 tools cover included as standard
  • Next business day payout on accepted tool theft claims
  • Claims paid for tools stolen from a secured van overnight
  • Support from their UK-based team
  • Cover built around trade businesses
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

The key point isn’t to sell insurance for the sake of it. It’s simply to remind you – trade professionals – that if your business has changed, your cover may need to change too.

Good plumbing businesses protect more than just their workmanship, they protect the business behind it as well.

If you haven’t reviewed your insurance in a while, now’s probably a good time to have a look.

Exclusive offer for plumbers

Get 10% off Kingsbridge trades insurance through The Plumber Awards:
https://www.kingsbridge.co.uk/plumber-awards/

Prefer to speak to someone directly?
Call 01242 808740 and mention The Plumber Awards.

Powered Now launches free ‘Advice on Tap’ event for local tradespeople in Cardiff

A free pop-up event for tradespeople will open at Cardiff’s Par 59, for one day only on 30th April from 5:30pm to 9pm. The ‘Advice on Tap’ event, hosted by job management software, Powered Now, promises to bring together tradespeople from across the city.

The first-of-its-kind event is designed to create a community for tradespeople such as plumbers, installers, electricians, and pest controllers, who often work in isolation or rely on social media for communication with others in their industry. Attendees will be able to enjoy a free game of mini golf, a goody bag giveaway, and drinks as well as free tool marking by SelectaDNA for the first 30 sign-ups.

The Powered Now team will be on hand to provide advice and actionable tips on how to streamline admin, digitalise their business and get on top of their tax, particularly following the arrival of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.

There are 50 free tickets available to people working in the trades. Tradespeople can register for a free ticket to Advice on Tap Cardiff online at: https://powerednow.com/advice-on-tap/

Speaking of the launch of Advice on Tap in Cardiff, Benjamin Dyer, Founder and CEO of Powered Now, commented: “We work with so many tradespeople who are now under more pressure than ever before. With the trades often working solo, it can at times be a lonely job – add to this a growing pile of admin, invoices and paperwork, and it’s no surprise that many tradespeople are feeling stretched.

“Advice on Tap is our way of bringing the trades together in Cardiff, with a proper evening out that’s worth them turning up for. It’s about offering practical advice, a few laughs and reminding tradespeople that they’re not alone with real talk on running a trade business.”

Powered Now is an all-in-one job management software designed specifically for trade businesses. With a dedicated, UK-based support team, the app allows businesses to invoice, quote and scheduling jobs and teams – all from one app.

Tradespeople can also begin a 14-day free trial of Powered Now today at www.powerednow.com.

UK’s best plumbers announced: The Plumber Awards’ first ever winners are revealed

The regional winners of the UK’s first ever Plumber Awards have been announced.

The inaugural awards, brought to the sector by the same team as the long-running Heating Installer Awards, celebrate the very best plumbers in the UK, who go above and beyond for their customers and deliver fantastic work, every time.

With entry free of charge, the awards are possible thanks to sponsorship from brands in the sector, which this year includes CT1, Kingsbridge, Polypipe Building Products, Powered Now, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, Installer and Refresh.

Winners were selected by a panel of industry experts, professional associations and experienced plumbers after a full day of judging. The team commented that entries were of an incredibly high standard, setting a high bar in the awards’ first year.

Congratulations to all 2026 regional winners:

  • Central London: Louchavan Lemard, PH247 Ltd
  • East Midlands & East Anglia: Karl Donovan, Independent Water Solutions
  • Northern Ireland and Scotland: Jack Fenton, Reid Energy Solutions Ltd
  • North East: James Bell-Taylor, JBT Plumbing and Heating (Alnwick) Ltd
  • North West: Miroslav Tomcisak, Plumbisimo Ltd
  • South East: Steve Gray, Steve Gray Gas Services Ltd
  • South East Highly Commended: Tom Twomey, Gas Tech Heating Ltd
  • South West: Sally King, Sally’s Pipe Dream
  • Wales: Jack Ashley, JA Plumbing and Heating Services Ltd
  • Wales Highly Commended:– Zakeer Hafiz, Nova Plumbers Ltd
  • West Midlands: Ashley Kirby, Kirby and Co. Luxe Renovations Ltd
  • Yorkshire & Humber:  Luke Thomson, Luke The Plumber

All regional winners now face two additional steps in their quest to be crowned the national winner of The Plumber Awards 2026. A public vote is now live, and to support the plumber you feel is most deserving of the national title, you can vote here.

In addition, the regional winners will complete a technical challenge set by the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE). This puts all finalists on a level playing field where their problem solving and knowledge will be put to the test.

Regional winners also receive a bundle of prizes from the sponsors including discounts off products and services, free membership of the CIPHE and more!

Commenting on the standard of award entries this year Jerry Whiteley, technical manager at the CIPHE said: “We’ve been blown away by the standard of entries in the first year of the awards. Entrants have demonstrated true commitment and continued determination to doing an amazing job for their customers.

“We work with plumbers every day so we personally know the integral work these tradespeople are doing within peoples’ homes, however, winning this award means they’ll also get well-deserved recognition from outside the sector too. Well done to each and every one of the regional winners, all whom are doing an amazing job in raising standards and setting a fantastic example for this profession.”

The national winner will be crowned on stage at InstallerSHOW 2026, held at the NEC in Birmingham in June 2026.

Powered Now launches ‘Here Is My Work’ website builder designed to help plumbers stand out and win work

Powered Now, the UK’s leading job management software for the trades, has launched its brand-new website building platform, Here Is My Work, which enables plumbers to create a professional website from real jobs, in minutes.

The free to join platform enables users to upload unlimited photos and videos of their work, add descriptions, and use its AI-powered automation features to create a professional, shareable website to help them demonstrate the quality of their jobs and win more work.

Powered Now has built the platform specifically for UK tradespeople, as a response to common challenges faced across the trades such as difficulties presenting work online, website management fees, an increasing reliance on third-party review platforms, and standing out in a crowded marketplace.

Key features of the platform include:

• Portfolio builder – Tradespeople are able to upload photos, descriptions, locations, organise work into collections such as kitchens or bathrooms, and customise the look and feel to match their brand. Portfolios can be set up in as little as five minutes.

• AI-powered automation – Users can upload a photo, add a few words, and use AI to generate a professional description, saving hours of admin time. Free users can enjoy one AI description a month, with Premium users having access to unlimited AI writing.

• Ownership of reviews – Tradespeople can display their Google Business reviews, collect reviews directly through their portfolio, reply publicly, and retain ownership of their reputation rather than being tied to third-party platforms.

• QR codes and easy sharing – Each portfolio includes a unique web link and QR code, making it easy to share work with potential customers via business cards, van signage, invoices, quotes, WhatsApp, and social media.

• Invoice import – Automatically import completed jobs from invoicing software including Powered Now, Tradify, and PDF invoices. AI software extracts the job details, allowing users to review and publish with a single click.

• Mobile app for easy uploads – Users can update their portfolio whilst on the job by installing Here Is My Work on their phone, with camera-first uploads, offline access, and push notifications for new messages and reviews.

• Built-in contact forms – Customers can contact tradespeople directly through their portfolio

On the launch of Here Is My Work, Benjamin Dyer, Founder and CEO of Powered Now, commented: “At Powered Now, we see fantastic work being done by tradespeople up and down the country, but often this isn’t being showcased to its full potential.

“We know that tradespeople rely heavily on word of mouth, however it is essential that potential customers can easily access examples and see the quality of their work. Here Is My Work offers exactly this, giving tradespeople a simple, professional way to present completed jobs, manage reviews, and turn past work into new enquiries.”

“The platform has been built around real feedback we’ve received from Powered Now customers, with the aim of helping them to stand out and win more work, without the cost, complexity or reliance on third-party platforms, so their best work can keep working for them long after the job is finished.”

For plumbers who want to further enhance their portfolio, the platform offers a Premium plan option at £100 per year, with additional features including custom domains, advanced customisation, SEO tools, WhatsApp integration and priority support. Premium users of Powered Now’s job management software will have access to these features free of charge.

For an additional £50, per year, users can also create a professional email address using their domain. All users receive a 14-day free trial of Premium features.

To learn more about Here Is My Work and start your free subscription, visit: https://hereismywork.com/

CIPHE and WCoP supported project transforms water access for rural Nepal community

Four members of the CIPHE/WCoP Plumbing Professionals Development Scheme have completed a trip to Nepal to install a gravity-fed, 24-hour safe water supply

Four members of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) and the Worshipful Company of Plumbers (WCoP) Plumbing Professionals Development Scheme (PPDS) have successfully completed a community-led water supply project in rural Nepal, delivering a 24-hour gravity-fed water supply to a remote mountain community.

Volunteering as part of the Bokhejunda Water Distribution Project, Ruben Duggan, Daisy Turner, Ollie Salmon, and Ethan Wynn upgraded a gravity-fed water system, which now provides 24-hour access to safe running water for the village in the remote Rasuwa District. The new system will improve hygiene, health and quality of life for the rural community of 60 people.

Before work began on the water system, the four volunteers visited local plumbing schools and training providers to meet students and donate educational resources. The project demonstrates CIPHE’s commitment to professional development, knowledge exchange, and strengthening relations between the UK and Nepal’s plumbing communities, ahead of the organisation hosting the World Plumbing Conference 2026.

While Nepal’s mountainous terrain makes water infrastructure projects particularly challenging, upgrades to the village pipelines, storage tanks and system components will now provide a sustainable, long-term supply of water to the community.

Commenting on the Nepal project, Kevin Wellman, Chief Executive Officer at CIPHE, said: “This project is a shining example of how skilled plumbing professionals can make a meaningful and lasting difference to communities in need. I would like to congratulate our four PPDS volunteers on the outstanding success of their trip. Their dedication and professionalism have delivered vital improvements to the quality of life for residents in Bokhejunda.

“Knowledge sharing is a key focus for CIPHE, and we understand the crucial role it plays in advancing both plumbing standards and public health. This project demonstrates how our profession can contribute to real change globally.”

The project was made possible thanks to the generous support of City & Guilds Foundation, Nineteen Group (InstallerSHOW), Mark Vitow, Intergas Heating and Catchpole & Rye, whose support helped fund essential project costs.

CIPHE will continue to share updates on the project’s long-term impact, with the volunteers presenting their experiences at InstallerSHOW and the World Plumbing Conference 2026 at Birmingham’s NEC.

To find out more about the team’s trip to Nepal, visit: https://www.ciphe.org.uk/news-and-advice/blog-articles/ppds-water-supply-charity/

Quotes from four participants

Ruben Duggan

“This trip has been a life-changing experience. Applying my plumbing skills to help create a consistent and safe supply of water shows the power our trade has to improve lives around the world. The sense of community in Bokhejunda was incredible and seeing the impact of the new system on daily life is something I’ll carry with me for years to come.”

Daisy Turner

“Being part of this project in remote Nepal has truly shown me what positive change through plumbing really looks like. Using our skills and expertise to support a community so far from the UK was both challenging and hugely rewarding. The welcome and thanks we received, and knowing the water supply will make a lasting difference has been truly inspiring.”

Ollie Salmon

“Applying our trade in the mountains of Nepal was something I could never have dreamed of. It was a privilege to work with the group and community to improve its future. Knowing that the system we installed will give families access to safe, running water day and night is something I am immensely proud of. It is an experience that will stay with me forever. It’s a fantastic example of what plumbing can do for people’s lives”

Ethan Wynn

“This project has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever taken part in. Using my plumbing skills to support a village that previously had limited access to clean water showed me just how life changing our trade can be. The village’s gratitude was humbling. I am grateful to have played a part in making a positive difference to the lives of so many people.”