Wolseley Group has published a new report highlighting both the scale of the UK’s transition to heat pumps and the “real opportunity this presents for the installer community.”
Shared at a Westminster reception hosted by Matt Western MP, the report shows that heat pump installations must increase fifteen-fold to meet the UK’s net zero targets. Hitting this target means rapidly expanding the trained installer base and removing barriers that currently make the switch harder than it needs to be.
Key findings from the parent company of Plumb Centre and Renewables Centre include:
The UK will need seven times more trained installers by 2035, with some areas, like Lancashire requiring an eight-fold increase
Installers moving into heat pumps could earn £9,145 more per year than those focusing solely on boilers
Consumer interest is growing: 26% of homeowners are now likely to install a heat pump, up from 19% in 2021
Wolseley states that it has already begun scaling up to meet demand. The business has invested in a 100,000 sq ft fulfilment centre, opened Renewables Centre locations across the UK, and trained more than 250 installers since June 2025. Its Nesta-backed Start at Home scheme, meanwhile, is said to give installers access to free training, up to £7,500 worth of materials and full MCS support, giving them “confidence and practical experience” by fitting a heat pump in their own home.
John Hancock, Chief Operating Officer at Wolseley Group (main image, above), said: “Installers are at the heart of the UK’s low-carbon future and they can’t be expected to make the transition alone. Our report highlights not just the scale of the challenge, but the practical support needed to get there: training, investment in supply chains, and clear long-term policy signals.
“We’ve seen this kind of transformation before, when Wolseley helped drive the rollout of gas heating in the 70s and 80s. Now we have an opportunity to do it again, supporting the trade to grow their businesses and lead the shift to low-carbon heating.”
The specialist merchant’s policy recommendations include:
- Extending the Heat Training Grant to March 2029 and rolling it out across Scotland and Wales
- Publishing clear timelines for the Future Homes Standard and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
- Strengthening consumer protection and supporting a flexible approach – so installers can choose the right solution for each home.
Click or tap here to read the full report.
