October has been a cold, busy month with a number of developments across the industry. We’ve seen enforcement action taken against a major UK stove manufacturer, some confusion around smoke control areas in the media, and some upcoming changes that may affect your area. The end of this month also draws us closer to our parent company’s – Cleaner Safer Group – first annual conference.

You may have seen some recent news or had some customers speaking to you about local smoke control area expansions. The most recent council to be disseminating information to residents regarding upcoming changes is Oxford City Council, who will be implementing a citywide smoke control area on 1 December 2024, replacing the current area which covers just under half of the city. This change follows a public consultation, where 51.92% of respondents were in favour of the expansion. HETAS will be sharing informational pieces to ensure consumers are not misinformed regarding the changes. It is important that we support  our industry by keeping the public well-informed and educating users on the importance of using new, efficient appliances, using dry wood fuel, using a HETAS Registered Installer, and regularly getting their appliance serviced and chimney swept.

HETAS is here to support you – the Advice Hub is an easy way to keep consumers informed and an invaluable resource. We will continue our work with all UK governments and devolved administrations to promote the cleanest, safest, and most sustainable practices, sharing any updates with you. These changes are in a select few areas, so it is likely you will have not seen the reports and you will not be affected. It’s good practice to keep up to date with your local authority and through our news section so you are aware of any changes as they happen. We are grateful of the work each of our registrants do to keep their customers informed, and your high-quality work represents our industry across the nation.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) – the UK’s product regulator – recently released a report detailing their enforcement actions taken between 1 April 2024 and 30 September 2024. This report contained details of enforcement taken against a major UK stove manufacturer, CVS ENERGY LIMITED t/a Clearview Stoves. HETAS supports full compliance with the relevant regulations and advise that registrants stay aware of such notices when recommending products, only recommending compliant products. Find out more about the enforcement action and the breach of regulations in our article. For greater assurance of appliance performance and to ensure minimised emissions, choose HETAS Cleaner Choice certified appliances.

Cleaner Safer Group is the new parent company of HETAS and Woodsure and I am pleased to announce that we will be holding out first annual conference on 14 November 2024. This conference will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and professionals dedicated to creating cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environments for all. Find out about Cleaner Safer Group’s mission, vision, and purpose, and hear from industry names you will recognise, including a speaker from DESNZ at our first annual conference. I hope to see you there – follow this link to sign up and confirm your attendance.

October’s spotlight highlights Dunsley Heat, a stove manufacturer that is well-known across the UK for their quality.  It’s great to read through these monthly features and I always look forward to the next one. Cleaner Choice manufacturers are innovating for the future, minimising their emissions to help us work together for a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment – it pleases me to see so many manufacturers making the cleaner choice. Read the full spotlight article here and, if you’re a manufacturer that is interested in a feature or learning more about Cleaner Choice certification, get in touch with the team.

The Welsh Government has announced upcoming changes to building regulations, due to come into effect 6 January 2025. Following a consultation held earlier this year, there are now additional requirements for where a carbon monoxide alarm is required, updated British Standards requirements, and a new stipulation encompassing all fixed flue combustion appliances, not just solid fuel appliances. It’s great to see the danger of carbon monoxide continue to be recognised and precautions put in place to help our industry prevent avoidable dangers. To find out more about these changes and the transitional period, read our recent article summarising the changes. The Technical team are also available on the Technical Helpline should you have any technical questions – they are more than happy to help you with upcoming building regulation or legislation changes. 

Wood Heat 2024 was a success, and I’ve heard excellent feedback from those that attended. Alan Young, HETAS Compliance Manager, was present, along with Helen Bentley-Fox of Woodsure, our sister company. The two spoke on the Industry Standards Panel, providing valuable insight to those in attendance. Conferences such has this are incredibly valuable for our industry, and I’d like to thank REA for hosting.

I look forward to meeting some of you at Cleaner Safer Group’s conference – Innovating for a Sustainable Tomorrow – on November 14, and I hope your schedules remain busy throughout the heating season.