We’ve just wrapped up an exciting two days at InstallerSHOW 2025 at the NEC in Birmingham – and what a show it was. The event continues to grow in size, ambition and energy each year, and this year was no exception. With thousands of professionals from across the heat, water, air, energy, and built environment sectors in attendance, the atmosphere was buzzing with ideas, innovation, and opportunity.
For the IMS team, it was two jam-packed days of conversations, networking, catching up with old friends – and making plenty of new ones. With so much going on, it was easy to forget why we came in the first place… but we had not one, but two very special reasons for being there.
Celebrating Our Rising Star
First, we were proud to support our apprentice installer, Kris Main, who was a finalist in the Heating Installer Awards in the Rising Star category. While he didn’t take home the award this time, he fully embraced the experience – connecting with exhibitors, exploring the latest tech, and making his presence known in all the right ways.
Kris is full of potential, with a great attitude and a genuine passion for the industry. We’re incredibly proud of how far he’s come already, and we have no doubt he’ll be back on that finalist list again in the future – possibly even as a regional winner next time around!
A Surprise Recognition for Our Managing Director
The second reason for our visit was a little more secretive.
We were thrilled to help orchestrate a surprise presentation of a Merit Award to our Managing Director, Emma Bohan – a recognition given by the InstallerSHOW organisers to individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the industry.
To say Emma was surprised would be an understatement. It was a rare moment of speechlessness for someone who’s normally the one doing the presenting – and a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.
Emma works tirelessly behind the scenes, not just leading IMS, but actively shaping the future of the sector. From championing installers and mentoring emerging talent, to speaking out on key industry issues and driving progress across the board, her commitment is as impressive as it is impactful.
We were proud to play a part in recognising that commitment, and even prouder that she’s part of our team.
Industry Insights from the Front Line
As if that wasn’t enough, Emma also joined a panel discussion live from the show floor:
“View from the Front Line LIVE – What will it take to convert gas engineers to heat pumps?”
Joined by Andy Gibbs (GasManGod), Ian Briggs (IRB Heating) and Emma Morris (Renewables RBM, Vaillant), the session tackled one of the industry’s most urgent transitions with honesty, humour and plenty of lived experience. It was a lively, practical discussion that left the audience with plenty to think about.
Thanks and Looking Ahead
We’d like to say a big thank you to the entire InstallerSHOW team for putting on such a well-run and energising event. Thanks also to the Heating Installer Awards team for making Kris’s finalist experience so memorable and for continuing to spotlight emerging talent across the industry.
We’re already looking forward to InstallerSHOW 2026. If it’s anything like this year, we know it’ll be another event to remember.