Chris manages NIBE’s training centres, in Chesterfield, South Lanarkshire and Exeter, supported by Installer Development Administrator, Lisa Saich who Chris says, “does a great job supporting the training department.”

“NIBE offers a range of different courses - from installation and commissioning to servicing and maintenance where engineers can come and learn more in depth knowledge of how the products are installed and maintained so they perform at their optimum,” says Chris.

“We also offer the Level 3 training courses to become a heat pump installer – we get lots of interest in these courses, particularly since the Heat Training Grant (HTG)!

“All heating engineers need to be thinking about becoming heat pump installers, or at least building their knowledge up. Heat pumps are set to be a big part of the future of heating in the UK and demand is only going to increase. There are lots of benefits to becoming a NIBE Pro Installer specifically. We train people to the highest standards – we deliver the LCL Awards & BPEC Level 3 heat pump courses.

“NIBE heat pumps are the leading brand in Europe, some of the most energy efficient and advanced on the market. NIBE Pro Installers benefit from the support of our in-house expert engineers – there’s always someone on the end of a phone should an issue arise. If extra support on site is needed, we can offer that too. We aim to provide the best support we can for our installers.

“Ultimately, the buck stops with us and it’s in our interest to ensure our NIBE Pro Installers have the correct training and support, so NIBE heat pump customers are satisfied with the end system. NIBE heat pump systems installed by a NIBE Pro Installer have a seven-year warranty.”

While some areas of training fell under Chris’s historic position, the Health & Safety element is something new. As the company has grown so has the H&S department, and Chris is now responsible for ensuring NIBE provides a safe and comfortable environment for all its staff.

Prior to working for NIBE, Chris was a Worcester Bosch Gas Engineer for ten years, where he first got involved with renewables. He joined NIBE in 2009. Over the past 15 years heat pump technology has vastly improved and the market has become more established, but there are still challenges ahead, says Chris:

“One of the biggest challenges is still cost. Even with government grants, the capital cost of a heat pump is more than a gas boiler. Running costs could be dramatically slashed, however, if the price of electricity was made comparable to gas. This would really help even the playing field and make long term heat pump ownership a much more affordable option.”

Chris says he enjoys working for NIBE because the working environment is pleasant and NIBE’s products are excellent, offering a lot to end users and installers.

“There’s a positive vibe in the NIBE office, it’s an exciting time in the heat pump sector and we’re all feeling enthusiastic about what’s going on in the wider world and at NIBE – we’re growing as a company and starting to really feel the benefits of growth in the heat pump sector. Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) in particular are getting a lot of interest.

“Watching the products develop over the years has been interesting – increases in efficiency and flow temperatures, and improvements to the overall control strategy have been a big learning curve for us all and the improvements just carry on getting better.”

What's the best thing about working at NIBE? 

The people you meet on a daily basis and the staff I work with.

How long have you been working with heat pumps? 

17 years

What helps you keep motivated? 

Having a challenging role that keeps me engrossed in what I do.

What qualifications do you have? 

A variety of building services related qualifications – I never had any interest in doing a degree.

What's your biggest achievement? 

Been happily married to my lovely wife for 33 years and I have two sons whom I am very proud of.

What do you do in your spare time? 

Seeing friends and family, walking, socialising, and the occasional bit of Golf.

Are you a dog or cat person? 

Dog.

How do you like your coffee? 

Iced, strong with cream on the top.

What's your favourite TV show or film? 

Film - Die Hard, show - Game of Thrones.

Does pineapple belong on pizza? 

It definitely does!!

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

Never take anything or anyone for granted and every day is a school day.

What advice would you give your younger self? 

Be happy in life whatever you do and listen.

What’s your favourite food? 

Food is my ultimate sin; I particularly love a good hot curry.

What’s your favourite drink?

Craft Beers and Single Malt Whiskies.