Febuary 2003
Record figures prepare IoP for new website
The number of visitors to the Institute of Plumbing's (IoP) main website www.plumbers.org.uk hit record figures in January 2003. On Monday 20th January the site smashed all previous records by receiving 1,648 visitors, with www.registeredplumber.com receiving 127 visitors all on the same day. In the last year the Institute's main site has attracted 170,827 visitors with over 652,500 pages viewed. With January 2003 having an average of 920 visitors a day, the Institute believes its website's popularity is set to grow further with the launch of its new and improved website on Monday 10th February.The website remains at www.plumbers.org.uk but now has a vibrant new look and includes new and updated sections. Old favourites such as the search facility to find a Registered Plumber, the discussion forum and information on the Institute remain on the site along with most of the existing pages. The Consumer Advice section has been updated and expanded to now include pages on how to find a professional plumber, frequently asked questions and an extended Top Tips section.
Members of the Institute will now have their own password protected section on the website. The Members Only section will include technical information and publications such as Dataflow sheets, membership services, online recruitment and work based advertising, a Branch Guide, information on the role of PSIs, information on the Master Plumber Certificate, IoP branded supplies/merchandising and a facility to register change s to contact details.
The IoP has added a Public Health section including information on Asbestos, Legionnaire's disease, Weil’s disease, Cryptosporidium, Lead Poisoning, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, Black Dust and Safe Water and Sanitation - the need for regulation. Other new sections provide information on plumbing magazine, Institute publications and work covered by the Technical Services Board.
Kevin Wellman, Operations Director, commented that, "Ever since we started an Internet presence in 1995, the Institute's website has always been extremely successful with its facility to find a Registered Plumber and its ever popular Forum. The new website not only looks good but is easy to navigate and includes a wealth of up-to-date information of use to plumbers, the industry, journalists and the public alike. The Institute would like to thank webmaster James Robshaw AIP RP for his time, knowledge and expertise in creating the new site".
ENDS (384 WORDS)
FEBUARY 2003
The Baroness Gale backs women in plumbing
The Institute's Women in Plumbing Group held its fifth meeting on 28th January at Millbank House, London, opposite the House of Lords, courtesy of The Baroness Anita Gale.
Lady Gale has taken an interest in the Group, whose main aim is to raise awareness of the opportunities open to women in the plumbing industry. After listening to a short presentation on the reasons why there are so few women plumbers in the UK, she said that it was important to bring the message into schools.The Group also has the backing of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Patricia Hewitt, who sent a letter of support containing the following passage: "This is vital work, as it is addressing the skills shortage, training issues and the longstanding issue of under-representation of women in the industry, by promoting the role of women plumbers, assisting women who are keen to become plumbers and representing their needs."
Members of the Women in Plumbing Group come from different areas of the industry and include, a plumbing lecturer, a training officer, hands-on plumbers, directors and trade journalists. Anyone wanting more information on the Group and its aims and objectives should contact the Secretary, on 01708 463114 or email carolc@plumbers.org.uk.
ENDS (212 WORDS)
FEBUARY 2003