Net Zero Heating Show

2026 is a special year for Grant UK who are celebrating three decades of heating Britain’s homes. This is a 30th anniversary special episode of the Net Zero Heating Show, bringing together four long-standing members of the Grant UK Team who have been with the Company for much of the past 30 years. Anna Wakefield takes to the hosting seat and is joined by Paul Wakefield, Mike Toms and Mike Brownless to enjoy a relaxed trip down Grant UK’s memory lane.What’s discussed: Looking back to where it all started for Paul Wakefield and Grant UKMilestones over the years since 1996Memories and highlights from the last three decadesLooking ahead to the next 30 years! Useful resources:Explore an interactive company timeline to view the history of Grant UK and the Grant brand by visiting www.grantuk.com/about/heritage/. You can view all of the current Grant product portfolio here - www.grantuk.com/professional/products/. You can also join the conversation on social media so follow Grant UK on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!In this special anniversary episode of the Net Zero Heating Show, you will hear from Paul Wakefield (Grant UK’s Managing Director), Anna Wakefield (Head of Internal Sales and Marketing at Grant UK), Mike Toms (Grant UK’s Business Development Manager Channel Islands & Spares) and Mike Brownless (Quality Manager at Grant UK). This episode was recorded on 25th February 2026.

What is driving the shift to R290 refrigerant? Listen to this episode for some of the answers. In this episode of the Net Zero Heating Show, Matthew Beales, one of Grant UK’s Regional Sales Managers, is joined by Kelvin Kelly from Business Edge Ltd, and Rob Dyer, a Technical Sales Support Engineer at Grant UK, to discuss the adoption of R290 refrigerant in air source heat pumps and what it means for installers. Plus, listen to on-the-ground insight from InstallerSHOW 2025 to hear interviews from installers who have worked with the Aerona 290 heat pump and its controls. What’s discussed:The differences between R32 and R290 refrigerant What installers need to know about working with R290 heat pumpsLegislation and standards Feedback from installers who have fitted a Grant R290 heat pump in their homesUseful resources:Grant UK’s Aerona 290 heat pump range launched in 2024 and features five R290 heat pump models, available in outputs from 4kW up to 15.5kW – discover the range here: www.grantuk.com/professional/products/air-source-heat-pumps/r290/. For free heat pump training, Grant UK’s Training Academy deliver a 1-day Aerona 290 Heat Pump Installer Course – enquire here: www.grantuk.com/professional/training/courses/grant-aerona-r290-air-source-heat-pumps/.Kelvin Kelly is the Training Director for Business Edge Ltd, Chairman of the Air Conditioning Industry Board Training and Skills Committee, and a Fellow of the Institute of Refrigeration. For over 40 years, Kelvin has been working in the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump industry and specifically in training and assessment for 35 years. He was involved in the creation of the current F-Gas assessment for two out of the three schemes in the UK and has also been involved in supporting training and assessment schemes in developing countries. Rob Dyer has been working in the heating industry for over 20 years, starting his career with specialising in controls wiring and HVAC systems in the commercial sector before moving into the domestic and commercial renewables sector as an installer. With experience in MCS installations, Rob has worked with a wide variety of renewable heating systems from biomass and solar PV through to solar thermal and air source heat pumps. In 2022, Rob joined Grant UK as their Technical Sales Support Engineer for the East of England and the Midlands, providing on-site heat pump and controls support for installers and other customers. This episode was recorded on 7th July 2025.

Join Rob Dyer, one of Grant UK’s Technical Sales Support Engineers, who talks to Damon Blakemore, of Blakemore Renewables, to discuss the important role that controls play in an air source heat pump system. During this episode, Rob and Damon talk about the different types of heat pump systems, load compensation and the heating curve, and the ways a heat pump controller can positively or negatively affect a system. Damon also shares insight into some of his recent heat pump installations and installing Grant’s Aerona Smart Controller. What’s discussed: S-Plan and Open Loop air source heat pump systemsThe role of correctly set-up heat pump controlsInstalling the Aerona Smart Controller and its core featuresUseful resources:To read more about the Aerona Smart Heat Pump Controller and to access the technical specifications and manual for this product, please visit www.grantuk.com/professional/products/air-source-heat-pumps/aerona-controls. If you are interested in product training on the Aerona Smart Controller, which is provided in the free 1-day Aerona 290 Installer course, please visit www.grantuk.com/professional/training/courses/grant-aerona-r290-air-source-heat-pumps or contact Grant UK’s Training Team directly via [email protected]. Damon Blakemore has been working in the plumbing and heating industry for nearly 20 years. In recent years, he has discovered a real passion for renewables and Damon has been recognised as one of the leading renewable specialists in the North of England, winning Installer of the Year for Yorkshire and the Humber in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Based in Sheffield, Blakemore Renewables has completed projects nationwide and Damon’s dedication to the renewables sector has also seen him receive several national awards, including winning Silver National Winner and Most Sustainable Installer 2024.This episode was recorded on 29th August 2024. To watch this episode of the Net Zero Heating Show, please visit Grant UK’s YouTube Channel to view the video - www.youtube.com/MyGrantUK. 

Join Matthew Beales, Regional Sales Manager at Grant UK, and Rob Muldoon from the Mind Your Head Podcast as they talk about the important subject of mental health and wellbeing in the heating sector and wider construction industry. Matthew and Rob openly discuss the stresses faced by professionals working in these sectors as well the support available.What’s discussed: Common worries and stresses for heating professionalsPersonal experiences and the importance of talkingResources available to support mental wellbeingUseful resources:A wide range of help and support is available, whether you need someone to listen and talk to or want to access online resources. Follow the links below to view the extensive resources available to help mental health in the workspace:Mind Your Head Podcast – www.themyhpodcast.co.ukConstruction Industry Helpline - www.constructionindustryhelpline.com Samaritans - www.samaritans.org Lighthouse Club - www.lighthouseclub.org Mind - www.mind.org.ukRob Muldoon has been involved in the construction industry for 24 years, starting his career as an apprentice brick layer and now working as Project Manager. Rob founded the Mind Your Heat Podcast to help everyone who is working in the construction industry, whatever sector. Through his podcast and his nationwide talks, Rob strives to raise awareness about mental health, giving hope to listeners and letting people know they are not alone.This episode was recorded on 22nd May 2024.

Join Terry Townend, Area Sales Manager at Grant UK, as he welcomes Griff Thomas from GTEC and Jez Climas from City Plumbing Supplies to discuss how the heat pump sector will achieve the installation targets set for the coming years. Terry, Griff and Jez discuss the opportunities and challenges around upscaling air source heat pump installations for heating engineers and merchants. What’s discussed: Government targets and legislationBoiler Upgrade Scheme and MCSHeat pump training for installersUseful resources:Grant UK supply the award winning Aerona³ R32 air source heat pump range, the innovative Aerona Smart Controller and heat pump installation accessories. Discover their products here: www.grantuk.com/professional/products/air-source-heat-pumps. To access further information about the courses delivered by Grant UK’s Training Academy, please visit www.grantuk.com/professional/training.Griff Thomas is a renewables expert having overseen the development of many national renewable technology standards. He is the Managing Director at GTEC, a leading renewables training provider, delivering courses for heat pumps, solar and much more. Griff is also the MD for Heatly, an app which is in development that will provide a one-stop solution for the survey, design, installation and commissioning of heat pump systems. Jez Climas is the Head of Business Development for Renewables at City Plumbing Supplies. His career in renewables includes being a Building Services Consultant for 15 years before joining the merchant sector where he strives to make the lives of installers much easier when it comes to heat pump and renewable installations. This episode was recorded on 28th May 2024.

Join Matthew Beales, Regional Sales Manager at Grant UK, who talks to Paul Williams from Homely and Neil Sawers, Commercial Technical Manager at Grant UK, to discuss Homely optimisation controls and their compatibility with Grant Aerona³ R32 air source heat pumps. During this episode, Matt, Paul and Neil discuss the heat pump controls and their role in setting up and managing an efficient heat pump system. What’s discussed: An introduction to HomelyOptimisation controls and the core features of HomelyInstalling Homely with Grant Aerona³ R32 heat pumpsUseful resources:To help heating professionals learn more about installing Homely controls with Aerona³ R32 heat pumps, a free online training course is available via the Grant eLearning Academy – simply visit www.grantelearning.com to login or create a new account, use the enrolment key PODCAST22. To learn more about Grant’s air source heat pump range, please visit www.grantuk.com/products/air-source-heat-pumps. Paul Williams is the Business Development Manager at Homely and has over 24 years experience in the HVAC industry, starting as an apprentice installer and progressing into sales and business development roles with HVAC manufacturers. Paul is responsible for the key strategic partnerships across the UK and Europe for Homely. This episode was recorded on 20th September 2023. 

Join Helen Rishworth, Content and Communications Manager at Grant UK, along with Stuart McWhinnie and Steve Burton from Grant UK’s in-house Design and Specification Team as they talk about all things relating to underfloor heating. Stuart and Steve discuss the features and benefits of underfloor heating systems as well as exploring the key factors relating to designing and installing this type of heat emitter. What’s discussed: The benefits of an underfloor heating systemThe different types of UFH – traditional screeded, low profile & dry solutionsThe key considerations when it comes to UFH designs & installationUseful resources:Grant UK supply a broad range of UFH systems, accessories and controls so view the full Uflex offering here: www.grantuk.com/professional/products/underfloor-heating. To support customers with planning, specifying and designing underfloor heating systems, please contact their Design Team here - www.grantuk.com/professional/support/design. Stuart McWhinnie is Technical Design Manager at Grant UK and heads their Design and Specification Team. Stuart’s background is in electromechanical engineering and he has been working in the heating industry for over 20 years. Steve Burton is the Assistant Design Manager at Grant UK and works alongside Stuart and the team of Specification Technical Advisors. Steve ran a plumbing and heating company for 20 years installing gas, oil and renewable heating systems and laid his first UFH system over two decades ago.This episode was recorded on 29th March 2023. 

Join Matthew Beales, Regional Sales Manager at Grant UK, as he interviews one of the leading female figures in the sustainable heating sector – Emma Morris, Underfloor Heating and Renewables Sales Consultant at E. Tupling distributors. In this episode, Matthew chats with Emma to learn more about her career, some of the challenges she has faced and her outlook on the industry in the years to come. What’s discussed: Emma’s career so far – how it started & a typical day in her current roleA look at the heating sector – what has changed & what needs to changeWorking towards Net Zero & the support needed Useful resources:Grant UK deliver an extensive range of free online training for merchants and other heating professionals via the Grant eLearning Academy – follow the link here to read more: www.grantuk.com/professional/training/elearning-academy. And to discover their full range of sustainable heating products, please visit www.grantuk.com/professional/products. Emma Morris started working in the heating sector in 2017 and now specialises in renewables in her role at Tuplings where she provides support to merchants and their customers on air source heat pumps and renewable installation projects. She is currently training to be a gas engineer and is also aiming to be a fully qualified renewable heating engineer within the next eighteen months. This episode was recorded on 31st March 2023.

Join Matthew Beales, Regional Sales Manager at Grant UK, Rich Cartwright, Director and Innovator at Heat Engineer Software Ltd, and Neil Sawers, Grant UK’s Commercial Technical Manager, to explore the retrofit market, discussing the energy saving measures existing housing stock can adopt as well as looking at heat pump and hybrid solutions for retrofit installations.What’s discussed: Insulating our homes and reducing heat lossRetrofit heat pump installations – what to rememberHybrid technologies & their opportunities Useful resources:Grant UK deliver a range of resources to help homeowners and installers learn more about renewable heating. Homeowners can visit www.grantuk.com/knowledge-hub and heating professionals can head to www.grantuk.com/professional/training. Rich Cartwright has 15 years of heat pump experience within different engineering roles and he is Director and Innovator for Heat Engineer Software Ltd who develop software which is user friendly, helping installers with heat pump sizing and heating designs. This episode was recorded on 31st October 2022. 

This episode explores a selection of common myths and misconceptions about air source heat pumps. Kevin Ellis, Renewables Sales Manager at Grant UK, picks up this conversation with Roly Gurner from Oceanair Distribution and Neil Sawers, Grant UK’s Commercial Technical Manager, who discuss the facts when it comes to heat pump technology. What’s discussed: Heat pumps’ suitability for new and existing homesHeat pump installation and running costsMaintaining heat pumps – servicing & lifespanUseful resources:For support specifying and designing heat pump systems, please visit www.grantuk.com/professional/support/design. To read more about heat pumps, legislation and more, visit our Home Heating Blog: www.grantuk.com/about/blog. Roly Gurner has been involved in the heat pump and renewables sector for 12 years, working for an installation and maintenance company before joining Oceanair Distribution, an Air to Water Specialist who support installers with heat pump designs, installation and technical support.This episode was recorded on 31st October 2022.

In this episode, part of Series II of the Net Zero Heating Show, Kevin Ellis, Grant UK’s Renewables Sales Manager, is joined by Steve Alldritt, Technical Director for the City Plumbing Energy Efficiency Team, and Jack McGovern, Managing Director of Lincolnshire installation company The Glow Group Ltd, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the heating sector. What’s discussed: Key changes in the heating sector in recent yearsLooking ahead with low carbon heating – education, infrastructure & 2025In-depth perspectives from a merchant and an installerUseful resources:To complete online training about renewable heating and more, join Grant UK’s eLearning Academy: www.grantuk.com/professional/training/elearning-academy. For specification resources for Grant renewable heating products, head to: www.grantuk.com/professional/specificationhub. Steve Alldritt has been involved in the heating industry for 35 years, specialising in renewables and underfloor heating systems for the last two decades, and working within the City Plumbing Supplies business for 10 years. Jack McGovern has been installing heating systems for over 15 years and is the Founder and Business Owner of The Grow Group Ltd who are an installation and servicing company working with heat pumps and boilers. This episode was recorded on 13th October 2022. 

In this episode, Matthew Beales, Regional Sales Manager at Grant UK, is joined by Ken Bone from Your Energy Your Way to discuss how to maximise the potential of an air source heat pump installation. We chat to Ken about system design and the benefits of combining technologies as well as learning more about some of his recent heat pump installations.What’s discussed: Steps involved in designing a heat pump systemInstalling heat pumps with plate loaded cylinders and solar thermalAdvice for experienced heat pump installers and those new to heat pumpsUseful resources:Subscribe to Grant UK’s YouTube Channel and watch their video tutorials on heat pumps and more here - www.youtube.com/MyGrantUK. To join the low carbon heating conversation, join us on our social channels by searching @mygrantuk. Ken Bone has been involved in the heating industry for thirty years and has been installing heat pumps for around fifteen years. Ken has extensive experience working with air source heat pumps and other renewables and is passionate about promoting the benefits of all types of renewables.This episode was recorded on 31st January 2022. 

This episode of the Net Zero Heating Show explores an alternative low carbon heating solution – biofuels. Helen Rishworth, Grant UK’s Assistant Marketing Manager, is joined by Neil Sawers, Commercial Technical Manager at Grant UK, Malcolm Farrow, Head of Public Affairs at OFTEC, and John Weedon, Director of Mitchell & Webber Ltd, to discuss the role biofuels can play in helping decarbonise hard to heat homes. What’s discussed:What are biofuels and where do they sit in the road to Net Zero?Field trials researching the use of HVO in oil boilersWhat needs to be done to persuade Government to consider HVO?Useful resources:To read more about the trials researching the use of HVO, please visit www.grantuk.com/about/blog. You can also access additional resources about biofuels here: www.grantuk.com/support/biofuelheating. Malcolm Farrow is part of OFTEC’s strategic management team and is closely involved in their heat policy work and oversees OFTEC’s online, PR, marketing and publishing activity. Mitchell & Webber Ltd are a fuel distribution company based in the South West of England who also have a heating services division and John has been actively involved in the HVO trials for the Oil industry, being on the UKIFDA & OFTEC steering team since the start in 2018.This episode was recorded on 26th January 2022. 

In this episode, Kevin Ellis, Grant UK’s Renewables Sales Manager, is joined by Neil Sawers, Commercial Technical Manager at Grant UK, and Jamie Vickers, Director of LPS Renewables Ltd, to discuss air source heat pump installations using a low-loss header. With plenty of technical discussions, the guests explore some of the challenges heat pump installations can present and how a low-loss header and system volumiser can provide the solution. What’s discussed: Key differences between a traditional heating system and an air source heat pumpField research and the development of Grant’s low-loss headerAn installer’s perspective of using low-loss headersUseful resources:You can discover the full range of Grant products and accessories here: www.grantuk.com/professional/products. To keep up to date with our latest updates, please subscribe to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/dvcjqj Jamie has been working in the heating industry for nearly twenty-five years and his company, LPS Renewables Ltd based in Leeds, are a renewable installation company who are passionate about efficient home heating solutions. This episode was recorded on 27th January 2022. The recording took place remotely and in a couple of instances, the audio is affected by background sounds. 

This episode takes a look at how two installation companies have adapted their businesses in the ever-changing landscape of the heating industry. Matthew Beales, Regional Sales Manager at Grant UK, is joined by two G1 Installers – Tom Smith and Arwel Sharp – to discuss how they have developed and grown their companies by transitioning them into the renewables sector and embracing the opportunities presented by sustainable heating systems. What’s discussed: Routes of getting into the heating sector and renewables trainingHurdles and opportunities with heat pumps and renewable installationsAdvice for upcoming heating engineers Useful resources: To start your heat pump and renewables training, please visit www.grantuk.com/professional/training. If you are ready to take the next step and join the G1 Installer Scheme, please head to www.grantuk.com/professional/g1-scheme. Tom Smith Plumbing and Heating is based in Cornwall, specialising in renewable products as well as oil and gas boilers with Tom having a decade’s worth of experience installing renewable heating systems. Based in Carmarthenshire, Sharp Plumbing and Heating was established in 2010 starting in gas and oil boilers before adding renewables and today, Arwel is MCS registered for heat pumps, solar thermal and biomass systems. This episode was recorded on 27th January 2022.

In this first episode of the Net Zero Heating Show, Grant UK’s Renewables Sales Manager, Kevin Ellis, is joined by Tim Pollard, Principal of Pollard and Pollard consultancy, and Patrick Wheeler, Director of VitoEnergy and Heat Geek, to discuss the Government’s strategy to decarbonise home heating. They discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the Heat and Buildings Strategy as well as exploring the important role installer training will play in order to deliver Government targets for heat pump installations.What’s discussed:Is the Government’s strategy achievable and does it go far enough?Are heat pumps the best solution and what benefits can they deliver?How can we upskill heating engineers to feel confident with heat pumps?Useful links: Visit www.grantuk.com/knowledge-hub for consumer focused content on sustainable heating solutions. Heating professionals can sign up to the Grant eLearning Academy via www.grantelearning.com and use the enrolment key PODCAST22. Pollard and Pollard is a consultancy service working in the fields of sustainability, energy and resource efficiency in the built environment and Tim has a breadth of knowledge that stretches across a wide range of sustainable technologies. VitoEnergy is a renewables installation company in Surrey specialising in heat pumps and hydrogen fuel cells and Heat Geek is an online training academy for heating professionals so Patrick has a wealth of understanding from the installer’s perspective. This episode was recorded 26th January 2022.