Plumbers are being called to adopt a collective approach to the many challenges facing plumbing and heating businesses.

The Scottish & Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) Chief Executive, Robert Burgon, focused on how organisations with the same interests can work together to address issues, rather than trying to solve them separately.

He used the recent formation of the Plumbing and Heating Contractors’ Alliance, between Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) and SNIPEF as an prime example.

“Working together is better than working independently, especially when one knows that others have similar interests,” Burgon said.

“I firmly believe there is a future in working together. The ways in which associations collaborate might need to adapt to changing circumstances but the principle of seeking success through collective activity will not change.”

Representatives from both APHC and SNIPEF met to discuss future joint working opportunities at the recent PHCA first Annual General Meeting.

Tim Keeler, APHC Chairman, commented “We are currently exploring and developing a number of opportunities to work together for the benefit of all contractors across the UK. There are exciting times ahead for our two organisations.”

PHCA is an overarching body for Plumbing and Heating businesses, created in 2011 by the APHC and SNIPEF.