Powered Now, the UK’s leading job management software for the trades, has announced the launch of brand-new AI-powered features on the platform, designed to help plumbing businesses spend less time on admin.

With the introduction of three different AI functions, users will now be able to proofread existing text, build on what has already been written, and generate brand-new text from a simple prompt. Better still, the AI can be customised to match each user’s tone and style, so everything sounds like you – just written faster.

The software update has also improved invoicing capabilities, with users now able to split quotes into sections and turn them into multiple invoices in just a few clicks – ideal for a staged job, or part-payments. Every invoice clearly shows what is due, whilst the online version updates live to show what’s been paid, and what’s still outstanding, allowing for easier cash flow management.

The other improvements to the software include:

• Ability to create documents straight from appointments – Users can jump from the scheduled job to paperwork in seconds, with no need to re-enter details.
• Fully customisable templates – Millions of configuration options across 28 templates to match each business’s branding and workflow.
• Upgraded text editor – Further formatting options across all text boxes for cleaner, on-brand documents.

The latest software upgrade comes as the HVAC sector gears up for the arrival of Making Tax Digital, with self-employed tradespeople having to digitally record income and expenses from 1^st April 2026.

On the launch of its latest update, Benjamin Dyer, Founder and CEO of Powered Now, commented: “With the HVAC sector facing more admin than ever before, it is crucial that businesses can easily keep their records accurate and accessible – particularly with Making Tax Digital on the horizon.

Our new AI-powered features are all about giving tradespeople back more time, ensuring admin doesn’t get in the day-to-day business running.

“We are continuously listening to feedback from our customers, whose changing needs have guided the latest developments of our software. We’re looking forward to working with existing, and new, customers to help them get the most out of our latest software update, and to unlock the true power that Powered Now has to offer.”

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.

Plumbers can begin a 14-day free trial now. To find out more about Powered Now, visit www.powerednow.com

Powered Now, the UK’s leading job management software for tradespeople, has launched its new ‘Friends with Benefits’ referral scheme which gives users the chance to win a range of top prizes while helping their peers discover a smarter way to run their businesses.

The scheme, which launches today, invites existing customers and prospective users to refer friends and colleagues who could benefit from the platform’s job management tools – including its vast paperwork template library, easy-to-use job scheduling function and handy customer update system amongst others.

Each successful referral rewards participants with a £50 cash bonus and automatic entry into a prize draw featuring a host of great giveaways — including SumUp card readers, a pair of AirPods Max, Just Eat vouchers, Powered Now merchandise gift packs, a range of tools and products from brands such as CT-1 and Fischer, and a PlayStation 5.

There is no cap on the number of referrals a participant can make, meaning there is no limit to the rewards that they can earn.

Referrers will also be entered onto a leaderboard and those leading will be entered into a special prize draw for the golden ticket prize, which can be collected in person at this year’s InstallerFESTIVAL on 19^th November at London’s ExCel.

Prospective customers are invited to sign up to receive a unique referral code. The code can then be shared with friends or colleagues who can sign up by entering their name, company, and contact details.

Commenting on the launch of ‘Friends with Benefits’, Benjamin Dyer, CEO and Founder of Powered Now, said, “Our customers are our biggest advocates, and word-of-mouth referrals continue to be our most powerful growth driver. With ‘Friends with Benefits’, we’re saying thank you to the tradespeople who support us every day — rewarding their loyalty and helping them grow their businesses.

“With top prizes of a brand-new PlayStation 5, a pair of AirPods Max and tools bundles up for grabs, it’s definitely worth entering –- you’ve got to be in it to win it!”

To sign up to the ‘Friends with Benefits’ referral scheme, visit the Powered Now website here. What are you waiting for?

UK trade businesses are losing an estimated £2.2 billion every year to unnecessary admin and wasted time. That’s up to 13 hours every week spent on repetitive tasks that don’t earn a penny. Powered Now has launched its most powerful update yet to give that time back to the people who keep Britain’s homes and businesses running.

Set and Forget is a new suite of smart automation tools designed to quietly handle everyday jobs in the background. Invoices go out automatically, appointments allocate themselves, reminders are sent on schedule, and tradespeople get more time on the tools. These features are live and available to all Powered Now users from today.

Set and Forget Features

• Recurring Invoices: Schedule invoices once and let the system send them automatically.
• Recurring Appointment Allocation: Automatically assign repeat appointments to the right team members.
• Enhanced Appointment Reminders: Send multiple reminders to reduce missed visits and improve customer follow up.

“Every hour spent on admin is an hour lost to earning. Set and Forget tackles one of the biggest drains on the trade sector’s productivity by running those routine jobs for you,” said Benjamin Dyer, CEO of Powered Now.

Other Improvements That Make Work Easier

• Multiple Image Uploads (Mobile): Upload several images at once directly from your phone for faster site reporting.
• Dual Sign: Both your team member and customer can sign customisable forms. This builds trust, gives customers confidence in the work, and provides businesses with a clear record of agreement.

New and Improved Certificates

• Extended Gas Safety Record: Double the appliances, with detailed logging for up to seven safety devices.
• Certificate of Chimney Sweeping: Record details for up to eight chimneys on one site.
• Chimney Sweep Warning Notice: A new form to improve safety and compliance.

More updates include:

• 16 new pesticides added to speed up Pest Control Inspection Reports.
• Reorder and change default logos on certificates.
• Layout and input improvements across almost a quarter of all forms.

The trade sector powers the UK economy, but too much of that power is wasted on admin that adds no value. With Set and Forget and Dual Sign, we are putting time and trust back into the hands of tradespeople. Best of all, these features are live right now,” concludes Benjamin Dyer, CEO.

If you’re new to Powered Now, you can book a demo to see how it all works in action.

WaterSafe, the UK’s free online search facility supported by the water industry to help customers find competent and qualified plumbers, is issuing a strong call to all plumbing professionals: make the switch to lead-free solder exclusively. This urgent appeal follows concerns raised in a recent WaterSafe podcast highlighting the hidden dangers of lead solder in drinking water systems, despite it being banned for such use since the 1970s.

The podcast featured Julie Spinks, WaterSafe Director, and Ruben Duggan, a WorldSkills silver medallist plumber. They discussed how, despite regulations, lead solder remains a risk due to its continued presence in plumbers’ toolkits for non-drinking water applications, leading to potential accidental misuse.

“Lead solder has been banned for use on drinking water systems for decades due to its harmful effects, particularly on babies and young children, where it can impact development and IQ,” explained Julie Spinks. “Our research shows that two-thirds of plumbers carry lead solder in addition to lead-free. While it’s legal for non-drinking water use, we’re deeply concerned about accidental cross-contamination.”

Even a small mistake can have significant consequences. Spinks shared an concerning case study where a school’s refurbished kitchen, was fitted with lead-soldered joints, which contributed to lead levels measured at the kitchen tap,  up to 18 times the UK legal standard.

Ruben Duggan echoed these concerns from a plumber’s perspective: “During my college years, we always used lead-free solder, but nobody really emphasised the dangers of accidentally using leaded solder,” he said. “It’s a two-minute mistake in picking up the wrong solder, and that joint can affect the drinking water system forever.”

WaterSafe is championing the exclusive use of lead-free solder to eradicate this preventable problem and ensure the continued safety of the UK’s drinking water, which is already among the best in the world. By only carrying and using lead-free solder, plumbers can eliminate the risk of accidental contamination and protect public health.

Listen to the podcast: https://bit.ly/lead-free-solder-podcast

More information: https://www.watersafe.org.uk/advice/is-your-plumber-lead-free/

Is tool insurance really worth it? Take a look at Kingsbridges guide for plumbers.

We’ve said it before – work tools are the backbone of a plumbers business. So why wouldn’t you get tools insurance for your equipment? Many plumbers still question “is tool insurance worth it?”. 

After carrying out some online research we’ve found plenty of plumbers asking if they should have tools insurance and if it’s really worth them insuring “small ticket items”. 

So, we’re here to look at the cost of tool theft in the UK, the benefits of tools cover and help you decide if it’s worth it. 

Cost of UK tool theft 

If you aren’t in the plumbing trade, a few hand tools or power tools being stolen might not seem business critical, however, when your business is solely reliant on your gear it will affect your business and your ability to work.

Looking on Google you can see the reality of tool theft and how it is gripping the UK.

London Car Boot sale April 2025

In April 2025, Essex Police reported £50,000 worth of tools were stolen. These were thankfully recovered, A car boot sale in Rainham uncovered 1,000 suspected stolen tools.

Welsh plumber’s tools stolen from van 

In July 2025, plumber Robbie Hawkins had more than £3,000 worth of tools stolen from his van overnight while it was parked near his home. Thieves used a master key to access the vehicle, stealing a £2,000 press gun along with various power tools, drills, and angle grinders.

Thief Caught on CCTV

In 2024, a thief stole approximately £2,700 worth of tools from a business on Doncaster high street, followed just three days later by the theft of another £1,000 worth from a van. Fortunately, the culprit was caught three months later and has since been jailed. Unfortunately, outcomes like this are rare. According to the BBC, Essex Police reported that fewer than 1 in 300 work tool theft investigations led to a charge last year.

That being said, it’s not all bad news. The Theft of Tools of Trade Bill is progressing through Parliament, and Direct Line has reported signs of an overall decline in cases in 2024 compared to earlier years.

With this in mind it is still clear that staying vigilant about protecting your tools remains essential.

The benefits of tool insurance

Even with all the right precautions, there’s always a chance the worst can happen, which is why having tool insurance is essential.

Listening to what tradespeople are saying online, it’s clear there’s still some uncertainty around tool insurance, particularly the question: “Is it really worth it?” One Reddit user commented “It’s worth it once you get your things stolen.”

To help alleviate concerts we’ve outlined the key benefits of tool insurance below.

Financial protection when it comes to tool theft

Many cases of tool theft involve thousands of pounds worth of tools. That’s can have a significant impact on small businesses and contractors if their own tools are taken or damaged because of theft (or even fire). 

Tools insurance covers the cost to repair or replace those tools that are damaged or stolen, so you don’t have to worry about how or when you can get back to work. 

Giving you peace of mind

With the increasing news coverage on tool theft and public discussions in the trade’s community, this may have plumbers feeling on edge wondering “could it happen to me”. Tools insurance cover would give you that reassurance that in the unfortunate event you were a victim of tool theft, you’d have the support to get back on your feet, being able to continue working and your tools would be protected. 

Faster Recovery

We’ve already highlighted the significant financial impact of tool theft, losing £1,000 or even £3,000 plus worth of equipment can be a major setback for most tradespeople and small businesses. Having insurance in place provides financial support when you need it most, helping you recover faster and get back to work with minimal disruption to your business.

Protect Your Income

One of the biggest hidden costs of tool theft is lost income, without your tools, you can’t complete jobs. While it’s important to note that tool insurance doesn’t directly cover lost revenue, it does help you replace stolen equipment faster. That means you’re less likely to cancel projects or lose clients, allowing you to keep your business running with minimal disruption.

Built for Tools of the Trade

A common claim online is that bringing your tools indoors means they’re “covered by home insurance.” While that might be the case, it’s important to check on your home insurance policy. Coverage can often be limited and may not fully protect high value tools.

In contrast to this, dedicated trades insurance for plumbers with tool cover is designed specifically for the risks tradespeople face. It offers more tailored protection for the equipment you rely on to do your job. Meaning that your tools are fully covered.

Insuring The Tools in Your Van

According to Freedom of Information data from the Met Police, tool theft from vehicles is around six times more common than from homes. If you regularly leave tools in your van overnight, having the right insurance could make a big difference.

Tools in Transit Insurance

Some specialised tool insurance policies (like Kingsbridge) also cover tools and materials while in transit, including protection against damage caused by road traffic accidents.

Here’s some of our Top tips: 

Check what your home insurance actually covers

If you only have buildings insurance, your tools likely aren’t covered. Even with contents insurance, make sure it includes items stored outside the main home.

Look out for exclusions on work-related tools

Some home insurance policies only cover personal belongings — not business or trade equipment. Always check the fine print.

Watch for lower claim limits on garages or outbuildings

If you store tools in a garage, shed, or outbuilding as many plumbers do, you should be aware that some insurers cap payouts for items stolen from these locations.

A re -occurring belief we are seeing online is that “Insurers devalue your tools”

This is a common concern and like many generalisations, it depends on the policy.

If your tool insurance is based on market value, then yes, your payout will reflect the second hand value of your tools, taking into account their age and condition.

But and it’s a big but many insurers, including Kingsbridge, offer tool cover on a “new for old” basis. This means you’re reimbursed for the full replacement cost of your tools, allowing you to buy brand new equivalents, with no devaluation.

“Tool insurance is expensive for what it covers”

This is a fair point to raise and ultimately, it’s subjective. However, before deciding whether tool insurance is “too expensive,” it’s important to consider the full picture of what it actually protects and the benefits that it can have for you.

At first glance, comparing the cost of insurance to the value of your tools might make it appear to be overpriced. For example, if you have £1,000 worth of tools but your premium is £2,000 a year, it can feel like poor value.

Tool theft isn’t just about replacing equipment. The true cost often includes losing work, missing deadlines, damage to your vehicle, and the effect that it has on your income until you can get back to work.

Taking this in to consideration tool insurance can be a valuable safety net, helping you minimise downtime, protecting your livelihood, and allowing a faster recovery from what can be a major setback.

For Context

Let’s break it down using a simple example based on day rates, imagine your tools are stolen, and you’re unable to work for four months, roughly 86 working days. At a day rate of £300, that’s £25,800 in lost earnings. Now add around £2,000 to replace the stolen tools, plus the cost of materials already purchased for jobs you’ve had to cancel, and it quickly adds up.

So, when you are contemplating whether tool insurance is “too expensive,” consider the full scope of what it protects, not just the tools themselves, but your ability to keep earning.

Looking Into Tools Insurance?

If you think tool insurance could be a smart move for your trade or business, make sure you understand what you’re buying. Carefully review your insurer’s policy documents to check what’s included and what’s not. That way, you’ll know you’ve got the right level of cover for your tools and peace of mind when it matters most.

A few tips: 

Always check the total value limit 

Look in to the types of tools and equipment insured

Be sure to understand the key exclusions and conditions 

Always take in to consideration special circumstances you need to insure e.g. tools in vans, tools left overnight, tools in transit. 

We have put together a full guide to tools insurance that breaks it down and explains tools insurance policies. 

As part of their sponsorship of The Plumber Awards 2026, Kingsbridge are offering an exclusive 10% off a Kingsbridge Trades insurance policy, to find out more information, please click here.

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Kingsbridge, a UK-based leading provider of specialist business insurance to contractors, freelancers, sole-traders, and the self-employed has partnered with The Plumber Awards.

Kingsbridge’s Trades insurance combines all the key basics like Public Liability and Employer’s liability – as well as optional covers like Hired in and Owned Plant, Contracts Works, and Professional Indemnity – into one easy, affordable package for ultimate peace of mind.

There are hundreds of thousands of self-employed tradespeople in the UK, all needing comprehensive and reliable insurance. Kingsbridge believes in doing right by each customer and being by their side on every step of their business journey. Its UK-based team of in-house brokers, claims managers, and customer agents are accessible, approachable and responsive, ready to help tradespeople with their industry-leading expertise, experience and insight.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Andy Robinson, Managing Director of Kingsbridge said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring The Plumber Awards and supporting such a fantastic celebration of the trade.

“At Kingsbridge, we ensure tradespeople have proper business protection available – cover that works hard to get them back on the job quickly if the worst should happen – which is why we’ve wrapped tools cover, amongst other benefits we think should come as standard, into our package liability policy.

“Partnering with The Plumber Awards is a natural fit for us and gives us the chance to back the very people we’re here for every day. We’re proud to stand right by the plumbing community and play our part in recognising the skill, dedication and professionalism that keeps Britain’s homes and businesses running.”

As a proud sponsor of The Plumber Awards, Kingsbridge is offering 10% off its Trades insurance package policy. Find out more here.

Prefer to speak to an in-house broker? Call 01242 808740 – make sure you mention The Plumber Awards to access your 10% discount!

Welcome to the team, Kingsbridge!

The spotlight will shine bright next summer on the winners of The Plumber Awards 2026 thanks to the support of InstallerSHOW!

The leading trade show, which takes place in June at Birmingham NEC, will play host to the winner’s announcement, allowing the best plumbers in their respective regions to take centre stage on InstallerPLAZA during the show, to find out who takes home the overall national title.

As a key awards partner, the team at InstallerSHOW will also be involved with the awards throughout the year, supporting on Judging Day which takes place at Polypipe Building Products’ Doncaster base, and featuring news about the awards on its website as the year progresses.

Speaking about the partnership, Joe Sharpe, head of content at Installer, said: “When new ideas come into the sector, and companies are innovating to raise standards and improve our world, it’s important that the sector gets behind them.

“It will be fascinating to see the entries to the new awards and see how plumbers use their knowledge and ingenuity to overcome problems and deliver the best outcome for their customers.

“We would encourage anyone interested to enter, as the competition will be fierce. Bring on the announcement at InstallerSHOW 2026!”

To enter, visit https://www.plumberawards.co.uk/enter/. If you feel you’d benefit from help with your entry, please state this in the comments box and a member of the administration team will call you to assist.

Strategic communications agency, Refresh, has partnered with The Plumber Awards to provide behind the scenes support and amplify the stories of the best plumbers in the UK.

Refresh specialises in PR to the trades and works with several of the UK’s most-recognised HVAC brands, alongside thousands of installers and plumbers. The agency will run the back-end administration and PR/communications campaign for The Plumber Awards, while the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering will regulate and moderate it. A match made in heaven, if we do say so ourselves.

Being backed by a specialist trade PR agency means that the awards can pull on the full weight of a specialised communications outfit to deliver for both sponsors and entrants. Outside of the awards, Refresh works with world-famous brands in the plumbing and heating sector to deliver true value and impact with its creative, engaging campaigns.

Refresh will be offering a day of free media training to the winner of the awards to ensure they have the right tools to capitalise on the win and can make the most of media opportunities, should they wish to.

Rick Hollister, associate director at Refresh, said: “Having supported the popular Heating Installer Awards for the past decade in a similar capacity, we’re ready to get our teeth sunk into The Plumber Awards. Tradespeople are in many cases the backbone of our society but often go unrecognised which is why awards such as these are so important.

“We’ve already got some fantastic sponsors on board, who all want to raise the profile of and give recognition to the best plumbers in the UK. It’ll be our job to share their stories and amplify what a great job our winners and finalists do to keep our homes comfortable.”

A brand-new awards scheme designed to celebrate excellence in plumbing has officially opened for entries on 1^st September 2026.

The Plumber Awards, sponsored by Polypipe Building Products, CT1, and Powered Now, The UK’s Best Job Management Software for the trade and partnered with the CIPHE, will recognise and unite those who are consistently pushing boundaries and delivering top-class services to customers across the UK.

In its inaugural year, at least 11 regional awards will be available for UK’s best plumbers to win. Bringing home the title of Best Plumber in the region has the potential to give plumbers a huge reputational boost that could transform their business. Everyone shortlisted will also be welcomed into a tight-knit community of top-tier plumbers.

Plumbers across the UK are being encouraged to enter now. Entry is online via the awards’ website. All plumbers will be asked to provide details of their training and qualifications, how they go above and beyond for customers, and examples of their work together with the products they choose and reasons why. This entry process allows judges to understand how each plumber works, what’s important to them and how they stay on top of ever-changing legislation to enable them to provide the best service to their customers.

All projects involving a domestic property can be entered, and judges welcome images and any more supporting evidence that plumbers may have to enhance their entry.

Entries officially open on 1^st September 2025 and close on 31^st January 2026. To be eligible, plumbers 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.

Those who put forward their names could become the first ever national winner of The Plumber Awards and enjoy exclusive prizes from big-name brands including Polypipe Building Products, CT1 and the CIPHE and more sponsors who will be announced soon.

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

Do you know someone who should enter, or would you like to enter yourself? More information on entries and sponsorship is available online here or by contacting the organisers on 0161 871 1188.