Wolseley at Westminster

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, the report shows that heat pump installations must increase fifteen-fold to meet the UK’s net zero targets.

The transition from gas boilers to heat pumps requires the largest step change in the way installers and homeowners approach heating of any renewable technology. The Climate Change Committee states 1.5 million heat pumps must be installed annually in 2035 to achieve buildings related emissions reductions in Carbon Budget 7.3 This recommended target will require increasing the supply of heat pumps by nearly 15 times in 10 years. For this to occur consumers will need to be confident in the technology and be able to access financial support until the market can sustain itself. Installers will need to feel compelled to enter the heat pump market and invest in upskilling into a new field and have the confidence to successfully navigate the installation process from start to finish. To facilitate a successful journey for both consumers and installers, the industry will have to adapt to support them throughout their journey. This includes providing accessible, high-quality training, establishing reliable logistics and supply chains, and offering clear, expert guidance to simplify the transition and build trust in the technology. This report sets out Wolseley’s view on the changes required for the transition from gas boilers to heat pumps to be a success. The report covers the transformation needed in the logistics supply chain and across the heat pump workforce at a regional and national level. It also highlights the key challenges and opportunities in engaging installers and consumers to make the switch to heat pumps. Through this, Wolseley aims to set the scene for a merchant’s view of the transition.

The report has the following key messages and findings:

1. Greater supply chain capacity is needed to achieve a heat pump home retrofit. The transition to heat pumps will double pallet volumes moving through the supply chain by 2035, demanding a bold rethink and transformation of logistics.

• Heat pump baskets1 are nearly 15 times heavier than a gas boiler.
• More warehousing space will be required.
• Logistics must adapt to delivering the majority of air source heat pump baskets to site as installer collection is impractical.

2. Regional differences in workforce needs create challenges for meeting the recommendation of 1.5 million annual heat pump installations by 2035.

• Urgent workforce expansion is essential to achieve the recommended 2035 heat pump installation level.
• Acute regional workforce gaps persist to meet forecasted heat pump demand by 2035.

3. The transition to heat pumps offers clear benefits for both installers and consumers, but there are still practical and structural hurdles to overcome.

• Increased consumer confidence and incentives are needed to encourage heat pump purchases and attract more installers into the sector.
• The current workforce is ageing but bringing in younger and more diverse tradespeople can help close the gap and speed up the transition to heat pumps.
• Practical experience with heat pumps helps build a confident, skilled workforce whilst also encouraging consumer uptake.
• Financial incentives can encourage installers to switch to heat pumps, but the process must be made quicker and less complex.

4. To support the Government’s ambitions to deliver low-carbon heating in buildings, Wolseley has developed a series of services which will facilitate this transition at scale.

• End-to-End Support for Installers: Wolseley’s Renewables Centre is a dedicated brand supporting heating professionals through the low-carbon transition. It offers a fully integrated solution through accredited training, Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)-certified design, technical support, and access to high-quality renewable products.
• Building a Skilled, Confident Workforce: In partnership with NAPIT, Wolseley is delivering five accredited training courses across eight UK locations, aiming to train 5,000 new installers by 2030. It funds training in Wales and Scotland, complements the Heat Training Grant in England, and supports new installers with free MCS designs. The Nesta-backed Start at Home scheme provides hands-on experience, enabling installers to build confidence by installing a heat pump in their own homes.
• Simplifying Delivery and Installation at Scale: Wolseley offers fast estimates, MCS-compliant designs, and administrative support. This reduces paperwork and streamlines access to grants. Recognising the logistical demands of heat pumps, Wolseley is transforming its logistics model from local collection to final mile delivery, backed by centralised warehousing and real-time stock visibility to support scalable deployment.

To read the report in full, including the policy overview, transforming logistics within the supply chain, navigating the heat pump journey and recommendations for the government visit: https://tinyurl.com/ywnyea4e