May 2002

• Two million barrier
• IoP Conference 2002

IoP websites storm through the two million barrier

Latest figures show that the Institute of Plumbing's two websites are averaging over 200,000 visitors per year. This equates to well over two million hits (a hit is when a visitor to a website performs an action such as viewing a page or downloading a file).

On average, around 530 people per day visit www.plumbers.org.uk and www.registeredplumber.com. The most popular time of day for visitors remains between 1pm and 4pm.

Registered Plumbers in business listed on the websites have reported an increase in the amount of calls they have received from consumers looking for a professional plumber in their area. This is probably due to the media coverage given to the sites by consumer magazines and national newspapers.

Andy Watts, the Institute's Chief Executive, commented: "Yet again we have seen a huge increase in visitors to our sites and the amount of hits has nearly doubled since last year with more people going on-line every day. I have no doubt that by the end of the year we will see an even bigger improvement on these statistics."

ENDS (Approx 185 words)
MAY 2002
The Institute of Plumbing is the UK plumbing industry's professional body with the principal aim to raise the standards of plumbing in the public interest. The Institute is a registered educational charity with around 11,000 members, all of whom have had to prove their competence via formal qualifications or extensive experience. For more information on the Institute or this press release, please contact , tel: 01708 463114 (direct line), fax: 01708 448987 or email: carolc@plumbers.org.uk

Brighton awash with Plumbers!

It's not just the wide expanse of water that will be drawing plumbers to Brighton from around the UK on 6th-9th June. They will be attending the Institute of Plumbing Conference 2002, which will take place at the Hilton Brighton West Pier.

As many consumers will appreciate, it is getting more and more difficult to find a professional plumber these days. That is because there is a huge skills shortage in the industry. The Construction Industry Training Board estimate that another 29,000 plumbers will be required over the next five years, so the situation is obviously going to get a lot worse before it gets better.

Youngsters are often encouraged to go to University without being given advice and information on a craft-based career, such as plumbing. There are great prospects for young people coming into the industry these days, unfortunately the profession has not been promoted in the same way as some, such as the IT industry.

It is expected that around 200 delegates and partners will be attending the Conference, which will centre on Learning and Skills. Delegates range from self-employed plumbers to Plumbing teachers. Guest speakers include Ursula Russell MBE, Chair, Learning & Skills Council Coventry & Warwickshire and David Smith Director of Operations, Learning & Skills Council Sussex.

ENDS (216 WORDS)
MAY 2002
The Institute of Plumbing is the UK plumbing industry's professional body with the principal aim to raise the standards of plumbing in the public interest. The Institute is a registered educational charity with around 11,000 members, all of whom have had to prove their competence via formal qualifications or extensive experience.
For more information on the Institute or this press release, please contact , tel: 01708 463114 (direct line), fax: 01708 448987 or email: carolc@plumbers.org.uk

• Two million barrier
• IoP Conference 2002