Jerry Gorman, National Sales Manager - New Build

Jerry Gorman, National Sales Manager - New Build

Jerry Gorman joined NIBE in January 2024 as the National Sales Manager for New Builds. With his background as Head of Specification for a major shower manufacturer, in his new position, Jerry has been putting his significant knowledge and experience of dealing with housebuilders to good use, helping NIBE build-on its position in the market.

Jerry and his team are involved with training the contractors tasked with installing NIBE products in new builds, as well as performing checks once installations and houses are completed . His main role, says Jerry, is making sure the contractor, manufacturer and housebuilder are all kept in the loop and happy with the end result.

NIBE offers a “fully comprehensive service for housebuilders”, says Jerry. It starts with the design of the house, providing consultancy on which heat pump products will work best, and where they should be situated for optimal efficiency. His role comes to an end once the new house is finished and ready for sale, but NIBE’s doesn’t, with property handover packs and extended warranties on offer.

Prior to NIBE, Jerry spent 33 years at Aqualisa, working his way up to Head of Specification. There, he gained extensive experience dealing with housebuilders and has a very good idea of their expectations of suppliers.

“A key part of my job is understanding the journey housebuilders are on in terms of sustainability, in particular helping them meet their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals.” Jerry says that with the Future Home Standard 2025 regulation set to come in, housebuilders are increasingly focused on sustainability, and he is seeing them increasingly getting on board with heat pumps as a result.

“The housebuilding industry is quite traditional in the UK, and far behind the rest of Europe in terms of heat pump take-up. The challenge is getting people to embrace the concept of heat pumps through demonstrating all the benefits, rather than trying to force them to get on board.”

It’s not only housebuilders that Jerry has to take into account. “A key driver for people buying new houses is keeping running costs to a minimum, and efficient heating systems are a huge part of that. What we really need to catch up with the rest of Europe is a mindset change about the benefits of heat pumps over traditional solutions.”

The move to NIBE, says Jerry, has been a resounding success: “After many years at the same company its’s refreshing and invigorating to be doing something different, and I’m glad to be contributing to the transition away from fossil fuels. I feel confident I made the right move, to somewhere with such progressive values.”

“NIBE is a fantastic company. From when it brought the first heat pump to market back in the 80s, its heritage has been forward-thinking and innovative.”

Jerry’s favourite product is the Exhaust Air Heat Pump (EAHP), which NIBE bought to market way-back in 1981. Jerry says: “Exhaust Air Heat Pumps have always been a viable heating technology for the new build market,, but their popularity is growing in the new build sector. It ticks a specific box in high-rise developments where siting of an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) can be a challenge. EAHPs also have no impact on the external aesthetics of the building and provide ventilation too - an exceptional product.”

Looking ahead, Jerry is looking forward to some major regeneration projects coming up. “I can’t say much now, but we’re working closely with partners on some groundbreaking projects.” Watch this space!

What's the best thing about working at NIBE? 

It’s the people. The team is friendly and knowledgeable. Our management structure is non-hierarchical, and our ‘open door’ approach means help is never far away should you need it.

What helps you keep motivated? 

I love the industry and dealing with housebuilders, and I love being involved in a renewable and sustainable product that is actually making a difference.

What’s your biggest achievement? 

Establishing close relationships with customers and being there for them with integrity through the ups and downs. On a personal note, I’ve raised two children to the ages of 29 and 30 and I’m very proud of them.

What do you do in your spare time? 

With my own housebuilding project underway, at the moment I spend a lot of time researching and keeping abreast of styles, décor and design. Normally, though, I’d prefer to be skiing or sailing.

Are you a cat or dog person? 

I’m both really, but as we have four cats, I’d better say cats…

How do you like your coffee? 

Anything through the Nespresso machine.

What's your favourite TV show or film? 

Gladiator, and I hesitate to admit it but we’re in the middle of watching Below Deck at the moment.

Does pineapple belong on pizza? 

If you like it, go for it!

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

Enjoy the good times and be humble.

What advice would you give your younger self? 

Worry less!

What’s your favourite food? 

All Indian food.

What’s your favourite drink? 

A nice glass of red wine.