The best thing about his role, says Graham, is helping installers progress: “Historically, it has been really difficult to go from being a gas engineer to a heat pump engineer. So much is different, from how you learn hydraulics to heat loss calculations. Our role is to help customers on this journey.”

Graham’s background was as a heating engineer and he carries that knowledge and skill through to his current role. “I see things as an engineer does. At NIBE, we’re product-minded and customer-focused – I love what we do and how we do it.”

There is plenty more that Graham likes about NIBE. “I like the fact that NIBE has always specialised in heat pumps – it’s not just a gas boiler manufacturer playing at being a heat pump manufacturer.”

“The products are key for me – NIBE offers a suite of its own products rather than buying something from the wider market that doesn’t meet the company’s exacting requirements. We have a real focus on high quality products, our components go through all the right checks and they are designed and manufactured in Sweden. This means they can handle the Swedish climate, which makes the UK weather seem much more manageable!”

Having worked in the heat pump industry for 12 years, first as a self-employed heating engineer back in 2012, Graham has watched shifts and changes in the industry with interest.

“The UK is still such a fledgeling market for heat pumps,” says Graham, “The only way forward is growth.” However, he does caveat that there are challenges the sector is facing, especially around the distraction of hydrogen fuels, and continuing discourse around gas boilers: “These are short-term distractions from heat pump goals.”

The trouble is, says Graham, it is hard to get heat pump engineers trained fast enough. “The average age of a gas boiler engineer is about 55 - if you were ten years off retirement, you’d probably be unlikely to be too interested in pouring time into learning something new. We need to get the younger generation engaged to fill the gap and show them from college that heat pump training is the way forward.”

“We’re seeing growth in the sector, and while this is brilliant, something we’re struggling with is carving out the time and resource to do everything we want to do. We need to be constantly adapting with the market, with a focus on getting installers up to speed faster.”

Graham likes NIBE products so much that he’s installing a S2125 heat pump in his own home : “It’s in my garage at the moment waiting to be fitted. It’s just an excellent piece of engineering, and brilliantly built in Europe using quality parts. This is our flagship air source product, really. A lot of years went into it, and it is made immaculately.”

“The SMO S40 controller is my other favourite product. Not only is it the best on the market with capabilities, but it’s also so easy to use.”

How long have you been working with heat pumps?

 12 years

What helps keep you motivated? 

I’m naturally quite a driven person, and I enjoy working out solutions and adapting to new challenges. I much prefer working collaboratively rather than independently, and others inspire me to think creatively too. I’m also just nerdy about heating!

What qualifications do you have? 

I have a BA in 3D design furniture and product, along with a variety of heating engineer qualifications including level 3 in heat pumps. Having been a heating engineer, I carried on with those so I can best do my job from a technical sales perspective.

What do you do in your spare time? 

I’ve just bought a new house so I’m back into the joyous cycle of renovating, including installing my heat pump! I also enjoy hiking, food, the coast and castles around Newcastle, and some travel.

Are you a cat or dog person? 

I like all animals equally!

How do you like your coffee? 

Black, strong and decaf. To be honest, I prefer tea.

What's your favourite TV show or film? 

Peep Show, and Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared

Does pineapple belong on pizza? 

Absolutely not.

What advice would you give your younger self? 

Care less about what others think.

What’s your favourite food? 

Good sashimi. I specify ‘good’, because it has to be.

What’s your favourite drink? 

Ginger beer.