Impra Gas, founded by Joseph Valente, the 2015 winner of TV series 'The Apprentice', has joined the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) as a Licensed Member.

APHC members are qualified, professional businesses who are committed to high standards of workmanship and customer service. Only those plumbing and heating businesses that have passed the Association's quality assurance criteria are accepted as members, providing consumers with peace of mind and confidence that any work is conducted by competent tradespeople.

Since going into partnership with Lord Sugar following Mr Valente's success on 'The Apprentice', Impra Gas is set for rapid expansion into new geographical areas. Established only three years ago, the focus of the Peterborough-based business is on domestic housing from developers to main contractors, social housing and private homeowners.

In addition, Mr Valente will be working with APHC to promote workplace apprenticeships, as they have played a key role in his own career path. APHC has a long established history with City & Guilds in shaping plumbing apprenticeships and training that provide the skills and experience essential for a successful future in the plumbing and heating industry.

Mr Valente commented: "Being part of a recognised association provides us with increased credibility in addition to offering industry support and advice. We pride ourselves on offering a high standard of workmanship and service and hope this accreditation will offer new customers reassurance and peace of mind as well as opening up avenues for new contracts."

APHC membership is only open to plumbing and heating businesses that work to a minimum trading standard with their customers. The business must have appropriate levels of insurance and ensure that only competent operatives are employed to undertake plumbing and heating work with a minimum level of qualifications or work experience.

It is compulsory that APHC members operate a customer complaints procedure and must adhere to the APHC Customer Charter, which sets out the minimum trading standard requirements when dealing with customers.