Having been at NIBE for ten years, Alan is a big advocate for the company’s values: “What drew me to NIBE initially was the products – it’s the Rolls Royce of heat pumps. NIBE is a really forward-thinking company and every six months there is more interesting technology coming out that we get to learn about.”

Passionate about exploring new technology, Alan’s favourite NIBE product is “always the latest one!” He is especially excited about the Exhaust Air Heat Pumps (EAHPs). “They’re the future of heat pumps. The key thing with them is that we can get them into most houses and flats without the need for installing extra pipework or fans.”

Alan started his career at the age of fifteen, when he joined his father on plumbing jobs. Over the years he discovered a knack for explaining plumbing to other people, which led him to become a Technical Manager at heating manufacturers, Giacomini, then Hepworth, for a total of 15 years. At Giacomini, Alan graduated onto heat pumps as the natural next step in chasing new improved technologies.

Alan can pinpoint his move into a training role to a specific moment at the Great Yorkshire Show. He was there to set up two Agas for Mary Berry, and while one arrived in time, the other was late. Alan was tasked with setting up the late Aga while Mary was cooking and found himself explaining the process to the interested people around him. After that, he never stopped training.

Alan feels that as a country we are moving in the right direction with heat pumps, but slowly. “We’re scratching the surface of the number of heat pumps we could be fitting. A couple of hundred thousand are installed in a year, which is more than ever before but nowhere near the number of boilers still being fitted.”

The biggest challenge for NIBE, says Alan, is opposition from the oil and gas industry. “There is a lot of misinformation about heat pumps going round, and a lot of the people I speak to and train have preconceptions about them. A big part of my role is educating them and winning them round.”

“There’s no denying climate change now, we’ve got to do something. Electrifying our heating has got to be the future. We need to be fitting more heat pumps both to match the government’s targets, and to minimise burning gas which is a huge contributor to emissions.”

What helps keep you motivated? 

Meeting new engineers that don’t know about heat pumps and seeing the lightbulbs coming on above their heads as they learn more. Especially motivating is getting people who were anti-heat pumps to realise the benefits.

What's your biggest achievement? 

I lost a significant part of my hearing in my early 30s, but I have continued to fight to progress in my role. For someone with hearing difficulties, answering phone calls and speaking in public is very difficult, but I keep fighting!

How long have you been working with heat pumps? 

Fifteen years

What do you do in your spare time? 

I love to play in my band, especially at gigs – we’ll play anything that gets people up and dancing.

Are you a cat or dog person? 

Probably more of a dog person. I’ve got a little cockapoo who makes me smile every day.

How do you like your coffee? 

I prefer it to taste like tea!

What's your favourite TV show or film? 

I’ve recently been binging Clarkson’s Farm. I tried to eke it out over several nights but just couldn’t stop.

Does pineapple belong on pizza? 

Absolutely not, that’s an abomination.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt in life? 

Change is inevitable, and nothing is forever. Embrace it!

What advice would you give your younger self? 

Wear earplugs to rock concerts…

What’s your favourite food? 

Paella.

What’s your favourite drink? 

Jack Daniels.