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In this episode of BetaTalk, I talk about a subject I am deeply passionate about marketing within the UK heating sector.

The UK has the most competitive heating market in Europe, with the highest boiler sales across the continent. In such a competitive environment, marketing plays an essential role. I reflect on how, at times, marketing messages can move away from fundamental heating science. This is not about blame or intent, but about acknowledging how commercial pressure and fast-moving narratives can influence communication.

As scrutiny of the sector continues to increase from regulators, consumer bodies, and groups examining greenwashing, these gaps are becoming more noticeable. I talk about how this scrutiny is shaping conversations across the industry, including within marketing teams and trade bodies, where there can be tension between commercial expectations and technical accuracy.

I also share why I speak about my grandfather so often on this podcast, and how his influence shaped my views on engineering, responsibility, and honesty in how we communicate technical information.

This episode is a reflective discussion about marketing, science, and integrity, and how the heating industry can continue to communicate with clarity in an increasingly examined environment.

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BetaTalk Podcast Show Notes: Air-to-Air Heat Pump Pioneering with John 

In this landmark episode of BetaTalk, the host sits down with John Ewbank to discuss his pioneering and invaluable research into the domestic application of Air-to-Air Heat Pumps (A2A HPs).

This conversation marks a potentially historical inflection point for the UK heating sector, as Ewbank’s practical, data-driven work pushes the boundaries of efficient home heating.

 🔬 The Pioneers of UK Heating

The episode highlights a crucial lineage of highly skilled, 'geeky' homeowners and engineers who have collectively advanced the understanding and adoption of low-carbon domestic heating in the UK. Ewbank’s work stands alongside the incredible efforts of figures such as:

• Mick Wall
• John Cantor
• Trystan Lee
• Glyn Hudson

These individuals have performed & shared ground-breaking real-world research, often filling gaps left by industry. 

💡 Collaboration with Nesta

A significant element of the discussion is John Ewbank's collaboration with Nesta, the UK's innovation foundation and think tank.

The host expresses great satisfaction that Nesta is engaging directly with practitioners and heating engineers like Ewbank. Their approach is highlighted as being uniquely effective among Third Sector entities in actively supporting and utilizing the crucial data generated by this community of independent researchers.

This is a vital episode for anyone interested in heat pumps, energy efficiency, and the future of UK home heating. Dive into the conversation, share it widely, and join the discussion around this incredible, pioneering work!

https://www.youtube.com/@TimAndKatsGreenWalk Have Toshiba Haori set up -  Does interesting experiments.
https://x.com/timothymortimer Daikin Stylish installed very happy
https://x.com/jimmybb - Daikin Stylish installed very happy
https://www.youtube.com/@EVPuzzle has many videos on his air to air system
https://www.youtube.com/@MrEV - other perspective installed has mixed feelings, but thinks was system design. Units were not optimally placed or sized

My initial install & experience
https://johnewbank.co.uk/what-is-the-cheapest-way-to-heat-your-home/

My experience when I lived with it for a bit.
https://johnewbank.co.uk/living-with-an-air-to-air-heat-pump-installation-and-testing-notes/

COP calculations
https://johnewbank.co.uk/airtoairmonitoring/

Guild Patrons 

PrimaryPro CastRads UK Radiators Renewables Centre

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This week on BetaTalk, we're doing something truly special: the FIRST EVER exclusive interview with EDF Heat Pumps about their groundbreaking new "Express" initiative.

EDF's new "Express" initiative is hitting the accelerator, promising faster, smoother heat pump deployments that are directly comparable to the cost of a boiler install. 

We sit down with Clay Brown from EDF Heat Pumps behind to unpack:

• What "Express" really means for installers and homeowners.
• How they're streamlining the process from survey to switch-on.
• The vision behind this bold step for #RenewableEnergy.

Sign up to the BetaTeach newsletter to view heat pump installations from engineers in the Guild of Master Heat Engineers

GUILD PATRONS:

Primary Pro

Wolseley Renewables Centre

Castrads

UK Radiators

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In this episode Nathan chats to two of the Guild Patrons, Rob Nezard from UK Radiators and Nick Baylis from Castrads about the issue of radiators being sold in the UK with overstated power outputs. 

Rob and Nick have been working with the Manufacturers Association of Radiators and Convectors (MARC) and now have the help of the Government body:  Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), the National Regulator for construction products, enforcing the Construction Product Regulations. This level of government involvement is a significant development, and it validates the nearly nine-year campaign for transparency and accurate performance claims across the radiator and convector sector

Meet the Guild Patrons

Guild Patrons help support the Guild of Master Heat Engineers disseminate quality information about current good practice. Sign up to the Newsletter to see case studies from the Masters

Guild Patrons are:

Primary Pro

Renewable Centre

Castrads

UK Radiators 

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Welcome back to the BetaTalk podcast! I'm thrilled to be joined by Adam Chapman of Heat Geek for a deep dive into the buzz-generating Zero Disrupt initiative. In this episode, Adam shares the full story behind this new heat pump installation program, explaining how it aims to solve critical industry challenges, including improving affordability for consumers and giving homeowners greater choice on system efficiency. If you're keen to understand the strategy and hear what this bold move means for the evolving industry, this is a must-listen episode. 

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This episode of Betatalk features a detailed examination of a bespoke heat pump heating system designed by engineers within the Guild of Master Heat Engineers. We speak with Mark Denman of Custom Renewables and Alex Hilton, the homeowner and a wonderful guest who provides valuable insight into sustainability.

The engineers are leading heat geeks in the field, and this installation served as an excellent peer-to-peer learning opportunity for the community.

We also dedicate time to discussing Zero Disrupt, a new initiative from Heat Geek.

This heat pump podcast episode discusses the first case study on the BetaTeach website. Please click the Betateach link to view images and comprehensive details about the installation.

BetaTeach.co.uk

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Nathan is joined by Jonathan Siviter at Thermoelectric Conversion Systems (TCS), Ren Kang at Mixergy and Andreas Fechs at Kensa to discuss how innovation through the Heat Pump Ready projects has improved heat pump technology, the impact this could have on the market, and what future innovation is needed

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Nathan is joined by Zachary Gill at Energiesprong and Matthew Boyes at Hometree Finance to discuss the different innovative approaches that have been developed by Heat Pump Ready projects, the key lessons from the programme about finance models to support heat pump deployment and the insights into making finance affordable and attractive for consumers.

Disclaimer: 

All the views expressed in this episode do not represent the views of the Government or any of their departments.

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Nathan is joined by Christopher Taylor at Vital Energy, Richard Barwick at RJ Barwick and Russell Murchie at Nusku to discuss how innovation through the Heat Pump Ready projects has improved heat pump technology and the ease of installation of heat pumps in difficult to decarbonise homes, the impact this could have on the market, and what future innovation is still needed.

NEWS FLASH

The Guild of Master Heat Engineers is coming. Read more here and sign up to the newsletter

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A New Voice Meets Old Hands: BetaTalk's host Nathan, new to media, chats with his friends Joe Sharpe, Joe Dart and Andrew Gavid at Lyrical Communications

Episode Summary:

In this special episode of Trade Media Uncovered, host Nathan Gambling of the BetaTalk podcast steps into the world of long-standing trade journalism. Nathan, a new voice in the heating sector's media landscape, sits down with the pioneers who have shaped the industry's discourse for decades.

We delve into the fascinating history of trade media, from the glossy pages of published magazines to the fast-paced, digital world of today. This conversation explores how the way professionals communicate, learn, and do business has been transformed by technology. The discussion also takes a deep dive into the history of The Installer Show, the UK's largest heating and plumbing trade exhibition, and how media works alongside events and awards. We even discuss the future of AI in the industry, including the work Lorefully did with Nathan at the Installer Show.

Key Topics Covered:

• The unique role of trade media in the heating and plumbing industry, and how it has evolved from print to digital.
• A look back at the origins of trade publications, including the journey of Refrigeration News (1898) which became RAC Magazine, where our guest, Andrew, once worked before eventually joining the Installer team at Lyrical Communications.
• How the ABC Certification served as an  auditor for the circulation of print magazines.
• The pivotal shift from traditional print to digital platforms and the rise of citizen journalists and influencers.
• How media works alongside events and awards to build and sustain a community.
• We discuss the future impact of AI on the industry, and Nathan learns what the NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) is. 
• A "then and now" look at trade events, including the evolution of The Installer Show and its new counterpart, the Elemental Show.

The show also discusses the Guild of Master Heat Engineers 

Links & Resources:

• The Installer Show: https://www.installershow.com/
• The Elemental Show: https://elementallondon.show/
• BetaTeach Newsletter Signup:  https://www.betateach.co.uk/subscribe
• Lorefully AI Report: https://www.lorefully.com/cart

Call to Action:

Did you enjoy this conversation? Subscribe to the newsletter which is coming soon and will feature heat pump case studies from the Guild of Master Heat Engineers 

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Learn more about heat pump heating by following
Nathan on Linkedin, Twitter and BlueSky