1.4K
Downloads
42
Episodes
Welcome to the NHIC podcast, from the National Home improvement Council. Connecting industry, government, and householders on the pathway towards zero carbon homes.
Episodes
Friday Oct 25, 2024
Friday Oct 25, 2024
Episode Overview:
Join us in a compelling discussion on the evolution of building control and its impact on the construction industry. Hosted by Anna Scothern, this episode features Lorna Stimpson, CEO of Local Authority Building Control, who shares insights into the sector's transformation, the importance of education and training, and LABC's ongoing corporate renewal process.
Key Topics Covered:
- Impact of Building Control on Professionalism and Mental Health: Exploring how building control careers support professional development and mental well-being.
- Advocacy for Higher Standards: The push for improved professionalism across the building control sector.
- Training Initiatives and Corporate Renewal: Unpacking LABC's initiatives to employ trainees, enhance training, and undergo a significant corporate renewal to better serve the industry.
- Building Control as a Career Path: Promoting building control as a rewarding and positive career choice.
- Public Education on Building Rights and Responsibilities: Discussing efforts to educate homeowners about their rights and the importance of building control in ensuring safe, compliant construction.
Featured Guest:
- Lorna Stimpson, CEO of Local Authority Building Control.
How to Get Involved:
Join the conversation about the importance of building control and how it shapes the construction industry. Engage with us through our social media channels, share your thoughts, and learn more about how you can contribute to improving building standards.
Resources and useful links from the episode:
The NHIC Door Step Digests: Free Consumer Guides on the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/doorstep-digests/
https://www.labc.co.uk/ - Discover more about building regulations and LABC's services.
https://www.labc.co.uk/about-labc/careers - Explore career opportunities and join the team at LABC.
https://labcfrontdoor.co.uk/ - LABC’s FrontDoor: Practical advice on home improvements
https://labcfrontdoor.co.uk/ask-anna - LABC’s Ask Anna: Frequently asked questions about home improvement projects
https://nhic.podbean.com/e/building-control-consumer-advice-and-the-nhic-consumer-voice-working-group-with-anna-thompson-from-labc/ - Building Control, Consumer Advice podcast episode with Anna Thompson from LABC
Sign up to the NHIC Newsletter: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/t/C6DC7614CCDAEE50
Our sponsors - CORGI Services, Recticel and EnviroVent:
https://www.recticelinsulation.com/en-gb/home
Visit the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/
Monday Oct 07, 2024
Monday Oct 07, 2024
🏡💼 Join us on this episode, part of Retrofit Action Week as we dive deep into the transformative world of home retrofitting.
Hosted by Anna Scothern, this episode features insights from Graham Lock of Low Carbon Homes, discussing the challenges, innovations, and crucial strategies for retrofitting homes for energy efficiency and sustainability.
Key Topics Covered:
- Importance of Retrofitting: Explore why retrofitting reduces energy consumption and improves home sustainability.
- Challenges in Retrofitting: Graham Lock discusses common obstacles homeowners face, including financial barriers, finding skilled tradespeople, and understanding the right measures to implement.
- Innovative Solutions: Highlighting new technologies and approaches that make retrofitting more accessible and effective.
- Government Initiatives and Support: Overview of current government schemes that support retrofitting efforts.
- Call to Action: Encouraging listeners to take proactive steps towards retrofitting their homes during Retrofit Action Week.
Featured Guest:
- Danny Graham, an expert in sustainable building practices and an advocate for energy-efficient homes. Learn more about Graham and his work at Low Carbon Homes.
We encourage all our listeners to actively participate in Retrofit Action Week by exploring ways to retrofit their homes and attending local events. For more ideas on how to get involved and make a difference, visit the Retrofit Action Week’s official website linked above.
Resources and useful links from the episode:
The NHIC Door Step Digests: Free Consumer Guides on the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/doorstep-digests/
Retrofit Action Week Events - Join events and webinars throughout the week to get involved and learn more: https://actionretrofit.com/retrofit-action-week-greater-manchester-2024
Low Carbon Homes website – Find comprehensive resources and information on retrofitting and energy efficiency: https://lowcarbonhomes.uk
Government Energy Grants Guide - Details on available grants and how to apply: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/find-energy-grants-for-you-home-help-to-heat
Sign up to the NHIC Newsletter: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/t/C6DC7614CCDAEE50
Our sponsors - CORGI Services, Recticel and EnviroVent:
https://www.recticelinsulation.com/en-gb/home
Visit the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
🏗🏘🏡 Welcome to the sixth episode in our special series of the NHIC podcast, brought to you in collaboration with HIES Consumer Code and DGCOS - The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme.
The discussion aims to address various operational challenges faced by tradespeople, small businesses, and sole traders, and to provide insights into efficient operational practices.
This episode, hosted by NHIC Chief Exec Anna Scothern, covers the day-to-day operations of businesses in the RMI and Home Improvement sector and includes, planning, time management, budgeting, and accounts, and the impact of being part of schemes like DGCOS, HICS, and HIES.
Joining us are Thom Emerson, Managing Director at Ideal Window Solutions (IWS), and Faisal Hussain, Chief Executive of DGCOS, HICS, and HIES.
Resources and useful links from the episode:
Ideal Widow Solutions website: https://www.idealwindowsolutions.co.uk/
HIES Consumer Code: https://www.hiesscheme.org.uk/
Our sponsors – DGCOS the Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman, HICS Consumer Protection and HIES Consumer Code:
https://www.hiesscheme.org.uk/
Sign up to the NHIC Newsletter: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/t/C6DC7614CCDAEE50
Doorstep Digests - free consumer guides on the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/doorstep-digests
Visit the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
🏗🏘🏡 Welcome to the fifth episode in our special series of the NHIC podcast, brought to you in collaboration with HIES Consumer Code and DGCOS - The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme.
In this episode, we discuss the various aspects of financial management, including sales and marketing activities, costing, profit analysis, and the importance of keeping on top of finances.
We also explore the impacts and benefits of being part of schemes such as DGCOS, HICS, and HIES, and covered strategies to help businesses navigate financial challenges effectively.
The discussion includes practical advice on setting up processes, understanding percentages, and adapting to changing market conditions to ensure profitability and business growth.
This episode is hosted by NHIC Chief Executive, Anna Scothern, and is joined by Paul Clifton, a Sales and Profit Coach, and Faisal Hussain, Chief Executive of DGCOS, HICS, and HIES.
Resources and useful links from the episode:
Windows Installer Sales Lab: https://windowinstallersaleslab.co.uk/
HIES Consumer Code: https://www.hiesscheme.org.uk/
Our sponsors – DGCOS the Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman, HICS Consumer Protection and HIES Consumer Code:
https://www.hiesscheme.org.uk/
Sign up to the NHIC Newsletter: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/t/C6DC7614CCDAEE50
Doorstep Digests - free consumer guides on the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/doorstep-digests
Visit the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/
Thursday Jul 18, 2024
Thursday Jul 18, 2024
🏗🏘🏡 Welcome to the fourth episode in our special series of the NHIC podcast, brought to you in collaboration with HIES Consumer Code and DGCOS - The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme.
In this episode, we're discussing the latest changes to building regulations and how these impact businesses in the home improvement sector and consumers.
Joining us on the episode are two guests: Jon Vanstone, Chair of the competency scheme CERTAS and Faisal Hussain, Chief Executive at DGCOS - The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme.
After the Grenfell tragedy, changes were made to the Building Safety Act to improve how things work in the construction sector in the UK covering the entire built environment. We’ll discuss what these changes are, how they impact you and how to begin navigating through this changing landscape.
Resources and useful links from the episode:
CERTAS: https://www.certass.co.uk/
The Building Safety Act: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-building-safety-act
HIES Consumer Code: https://www.hiesscheme.org.uk/
Our sponsors – DGCOS the Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman, HICS Consumer Protection and HIES Consumer Code:
https://www.hiesscheme.org.uk/
Sign up to the NHIC Newsletter: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/t/C6DC7614CCDAEE50
Doorstep Digests - free consumer guides on the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/doorstep-digests
Visit the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
🏗🏘🏡 Welcome to the third episode in our special series of the NHIC podcast, brought to you in collaboration with HIES Consumer Code and DGCOS - The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme.
In this episode, we're exploring incentives and grants, what they are, how to find them and why they are important within the sector, for both businesses and consumers
We’ll look at
- Levers that the government can utilise to incentive behaviour change
- How incentives and grants can stimulate markets
- How they can stimulate and create innovation
- How they support consumers
Joining us on the episode are two guests: Stew Horne, Head of Policy at Energy Saving Trust, and Faisal Hussain, Chief Executive at HIES Consumer Code
Resources and useful links from the episode:
Energy Saving Trust: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/
HIES Consumer Code: https://www.hiesscheme.org.uk/
Our sponsors – DGCOS the Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman, HICS Consumer Protection and HIES Consumer Code:
https://www.hiesscheme.org.uk/
Sign up to the NHIC Newsletter: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/t/C6DC7614CCDAEE50
Doorstep Digests - free consumer guides on the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/doorstep-digests
Visit the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/
Thursday Jul 04, 2024
Thursday Jul 04, 2024
🏗🏘🏡 Welcome to the second episode of a special series of the NHIC podcast, brought to you in collaboration with HIES Consumer Code and DGCOS - The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme.
In this episode, we’re discussing selling and marketing in a sector that has been impacted by the cost-of-living crisis and consumers are looking for lower prices and are open to unregulated work for cash, which can lead to a drop in quality.
This can make it harder for professionals to succeed.
We're joined by Gemma McGougan from HIES Consumer Code, and Daniel Harrison and Rhys Jones from TrustMark. Together, we'll explore a range of topics crucial for small businesses and sole traders, from USPs to new technologies in our sector.
Resources and useful links from the episode:
HIES Consumer Code: https://www.hiesscheme.org.uk/
TrustMark website: https://www.trustmark.org.uk/scheme-provider
ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/auth/login
Sign up to the NHIC Newsletter: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/t/C6DC7614CCDAEE50
Our sponsors – DGCOS the Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman and HIES Consumer Code:
https://www.hiesscheme.org.uk/
Visit the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/
Free Doorstep Digests consumer guides on the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/doorstep-digests
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
🏗🏘🏡 Welcome to the first episode of a special series of the NHIC podcast, brought to you in collaboration with HIES Consumer Code and DGCOS - The Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme.
In this episode, we're shining a light on the solar industry, exploring the pivotal role of collaboration across the supply chain and beyond.
Joining us are two distinguished guests: Jonathon Moorhouse, Head of Business at HIES, and Jack White from Segen, the UK's leading renewables distributor.
In the solar sector, where technology and market demands evolve rapidly, collaboration isn't just beneficial; it's essential.
By working together, we can standardise practices, share knowledge, and drive innovation, ensuring that the industry grows sustainably and remains competitive.
Resources and useful links from the episode:
Free Doorstep Digests consumer guides on the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/doorstep-digests
Segen website: https://www.segen.co.uk/
Sign up for the NHIC Newsletter: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/t/C6DC7614CCDAEE50
Our sponsors – DGCOS the Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman and HIES Consumer Code:
https://www.hiesscheme.org.uk/
Visit the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
🏡💼 Our latest episode features Brian Green from Barbour ABI and in this episode, we delve into the trends and economic impacts on the UK home improvement sector.
🎧 Discover what's happening behind the scenes in the home improvement market. From economic downturns to surging demands, Brian provides an insightful analysis based on the Barbour ABI Home Improvement Report. Don’t miss out on expert insights that could shape your decisions in this ever-evolving industry! 📊
Barbour ABI will be launching the 2024 Home Improvement Report at InstallerSHOW 2024 on the 25th of June at the NEC, in Birmingham. Don’t miss this insightful report on the sector!
Resources and useful links from the episode:
The NHIC Door Step Digests: Free Consumer Guides on the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/doorstep-digests/
Visit the Barbour ABI website: https://barbour-abi.com/
Sign up to the NHIC Newsletter: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/t/C6DC7614CCDAEE50
Our sponsors - CORGI Services, Recticel and EnviroVent:
https://www.recticelinsulation.com/en-gb/home
InstallerShow2024: https://www.installershow.com/
Visit the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/
Thursday May 30, 2024
Thursday May 30, 2024
🏠 Did you know that the air inside your home can be more polluted than the air outside?
Clean Air Day is on the 20th of June 2024. Join us as we dive deep into the importance of maintaining good air quality in your living spaces.
In this episode, Anna Scothern is joined by Larry Soper from EnviroVent, who brings his expert insights on common issues like mould, condensation, and invisible pollutants.
Discover practical tips and innovative solutions to ensure your home is not just safe but a sanctuary for your health.
📅 Released just in time for Clean Air Day on June 20th, our latest episode is packed with advice, stories, and a look at the cutting-edge products from EnviroVent that are leading the way in air quality innovation.
Resources and useful links from the episode:
The NHIC Door Step Digests: Free Consumer Guides on the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/doorstep-digests/
Visit the EnviroVent website: https://www.envirovent.com/
Clean Air Day 2024: https://www.actionforcleanair.org.uk/campaigns/clean-air-day
Sign up to the NHIC Newsletter: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/t/C6DC7614CCDAEE50
Our sponsors - CORGI Services, Recticel and EnviroVent:
https://www.recticelinsulation.com/en-gb/home
InstallerShow2024: https://www.installershow.com/
Visit the NHIC website: https://nhic.org.uk/