A free pop-up event for tradespeople will open at Cardiff’s Par 59, for one day only on 30^th 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.

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, 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/

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.”

The 14th World Plumbing Conference (WPC26) will be jointly hosted by awards partner, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), and the World Plumbing Council.

Careful planning has meant that the conference will take place during InstallerSHOW at the NEC, Birmingham, from 23–25 June 2026.

For the first time, this globally recognised conference will be hosted in the UK, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, manufacturers, educators and professionals from across the plumbing and water sector under the theme “Worldwide problems – Global solutions”.

Across three days, the WPC26 will tackle the most critical challenges facing the sector and explore the solutions needed to create safe, sustainable and inclusive water and plumbing systems worldwide.

Visitors can attend all three days of the conference, or just the day that holds the most relevance to their role and interests.

Tuesday 23^rd June – Governance, trust and workforce development
Focused on leadership, regulation and people, day one explores how strong governance, public trust and workforce development are essential to the future of plumbing. Sessions will examine skills, standards, professional recognition and how to build confidence in water and plumbing systems.

Wednesday 24^th June – Technology and system performance
The second day focuses on the technologies, practices and frameworks that underpin safe, efficient and future-ready water and plumbing systems. Delegates will hear about innovation, system design, digital solutions and the tools needed to improve performance and resilience.

Thursday 25^th June – Inclusion and access
The final day explores how water and sanitation systems can be designed to serve everyone, addressing equity, accessibility and global challenges around safe water and sanitation. This day highlights the social impact of plumbing and the role the profession plays in protecting communities and public health.

Delegates can choose how they attend:

• Individual day rates

• Full three-day conference pass including the conference social programme, gala dinner and afternoon tea

This flexible approach allows attendees to tailor their experience to their interests, availability and budget.

Why attend WPC26?

• Hear from global experts and industry leaders
• Gain insight into international best practice
• Explore new technologies and ideas
• Network with professionals from across the world
• Be part of shaping the future of plumbing

Co-located with InstallerSHOW, WPC26 offers a unique opportunity to combine world-class conference content with access to the UK’s leading trade exhibition.

Join CIPHE and the World Plumbing Council at the NEC Birmingham for this landmark international event.

Find out more and register: www.wpc2026.com

Entries for the first ever Plumber Awards are now in their final stages, with organisers announcing a short deadline extension to give plumbers until 14 February 2026 to submit their entries.

The completely free-to-enter awards celebrate the best plumbers in the UK and not only give tradespeople the chance to be recognised for their amazing work, but also to win fantastic prizes from sponsors including CT1, Kingsbridge, Polypipe Building Products, Powered Now, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering and Refresh.

There are 11 regional awards up for grabs, with the winner from each region going through to the final stage of the competition to be in with the chance of being crowned the national winner.

Plumbers are being encouraged to enter to showcase their work and make the most of the business, media, and brand awareness opportunities that come with winning an award such as this.

The winners will be determined through a combination of judges’ scores, a public vote, and then a technical challenge to decide the national winner. The judging panel is made up of industry experts, professional bodies, and fellow plumbers including key people from the CIPHE and Watersafe, as well as award-winning plumbers.

Regional winners will be announced in March 2026, with the national winner crowned live on stage at InstallerSHOW 2026, held at the NEC Birmingham in June.

Think you have what it takes to be named the best plumber in your region or even the UK? Entries close on Friday 14 February 2026.

Enter now at: www.plumberawards.co.uk

The awards are for plumbers working on domestic projects only, and to be eligible, they must be 18 years old or over and hold an NVQ 2 or 3 in England, Wales and NI or an SNVQ3 only in Scotland as a minimum.