The Vaillant Podcast

Hosted by Vaillant

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Apr 2026

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About the show

The Vaillant Podcast is a heating industry podcast designed to support installers with every aspect of their working lives. From mental health to marketing, and from fitness to finances, installers can tune in to learn how to enhance their learning, earnings and wellbeing.

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29 recent

April 23, 202642 min

A conversation with founder and entrepreneur Jamie Quince-Starkey

In this episode of The Vaillant Podcast, host Mike Lacey - Vaillant’s Head of Digital Technologies - interviews Jamie Quince-Starkey, entrepreneur and founder of Down To Earth Derby. Jamie’s mission is to bring nature-based regeneration to the heart of Derby, which is the main driving force of Down to Earth and it’s growing range of initiatives and events. What began as an idea in his own garden has grown into a thriving Community Interest Company (CIC), shaped along the way by mentorship from Sir Tim Smit, co-founder of the Eden Project.Throughout the episode, he shares his journey of starting Down to Earth, lessons he’s learned along the way and any advice he would give to anyone who’s thinking of starting their own business.Follow Down To Earth on Instagram at @dteregen @electricdaisyderbyWant to know more?For industry hot topics, stories and more about how Vaillant is supporting installers, please visit the news section of your myREWARDS account.Got a plumbing story you’d like to share? Get in touch Instagram or Facebook, or email us at thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.comCheck out our YouTube channel About The Vaillant PodcastThe Vaillant Podcast is your gateway into industry insights, bringing guest speakers from across the industry and from around Vaillant, to dive into key topics that matter to you, our customers. We aim to deliver advice and knowledge to the experts, from the experts.Listen to more episodes of The Vaillant PodcastTell us what you think about The Vaillant Podcast on our socials or email us at thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com

March 6, 202627 min

Celebrating women in the industry

International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements. This year’s theme, ‘give to gain’, aims to encourage a mindset of generosity and collaboration.To celebrate women making a difference in the heating and plumbing industry, Laura Thomas, Head of Training at Vaillant UK, leads a special episode of The Vaillant Podcast. She’s joined by Emma Morris, Regional Business Manager at Vaillant UK, and Leah Johnson, The Gas Lass, as they share their careers, milestone moments, and what it means to be a woman in business.Want to know more?For industry hot topics, stories and more about how Vaillant is supporting installers, please visit the news section of your myREWARDS account.Got a plumbing story you’d like to share? Get in touch X (Twitter), Instagram or Facebook, or email us at thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.comCheck out our YouTube channel About The Vaillant PodcastThe Vaillant Podcast is your gateway into industry insights, bringing guest speakers from across the industry and from around Vaillant, to dive into key topics that matter to you, our customers. We aim to deliver advice and knowledge to the experts, from the experts.Listen to more episodes of The Vaillant PodcastTell us what you think about The Vaillant Podcast on our socials or email us at thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com

February 19, 202620 min

Heat pump support with Vaillant’s MCS Partner Programme and myVaillant install

We know that heat pumps have been a topic of interest in the last few years, and this isn’t going to change in 2026. That’s why, Vaillant has developed schemes to support installers who wish to make the transition to heat pumps.From extensive training available and expert teams, such as System Sales & Design, to our newer schemes like myVaillant install and the MCS Partner Programme, we aim to provide reassurance and support for you and your business.In this episode of The Vaillant Podcast, Mike Lacey, Vaillant’s Head of Digital Technologies, is joined by Don Graham, National Sales Manager for Renewable Systems at Vaillant and installer Marcus Reardon, Owner and Director of Lake District Air Source.Marcus was one of the first installers to utilise both schemes to install his first heat pump at his own home. Tune in to hear his thoughts on the process, support from Don, and how it’s transformed his business.Want to know more?For industry hot topics, stories and more about how Vaillant is supporting installers, please visit the news section of your myREWARDS account.Got a plumbing story you’d like to share? Get in touch Instagram or Facebook, or email us at thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.comCheck out our YouTube channelAbout The Vaillant PodcastThe Vaillant Podcast is your gateway into industry insights, bringing guest speakers from across the industry and from around Vaillant, to dive into key topics that matter to you, our customers. We aim to deliver advice and knowledge to the experts, from the experts.Listen to more episodes of The Vaillant PodcastTell us what you think about The Vaillant Podcast on our socials or email us at thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com

February 11, 202619 min

Enhance Your Knowledge: Apprenticeships & Skills for Life

In the second half of our two-parter 'Enhance Your Knowledge' episode of The Vaillant Podcast we are focusing on apprenticeships and the role they play in building skills for life across our industry.In this dedicated episode, we hear directly from two of our apprentices about why they chose the apprenticeship route, what learning on the job looks like in practice, and how earning while they learn is shaping their early careers.Mike Lacey, Vaillant’s Head of Digital Technology, is joined by Ruby Barnes, Business Apprentice, and Josh Nichols, Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprentice.Together, they explore:• Why apprenticeships continue to matter• The balance between structured learning and hands-on experience• How partnerships with colleges support future skills• What the apprenticeship journey looks like year by yearWhether you’re considering an apprenticeship or looking to understand how apprenticeships support long-term industry capability, this episode offers real insight from those experiencing it first-hand.

February 11, 202638 min

Enhance Your Knowledge: Training, Upskilling & Future Skills

To kick start 2025, the first half of our two-parter episode of The Vaillant Podcast focuses on training opportunities and professional development across the industry.Mike Lacey is joined by Graeme Heron, Training Operations Manager, and Tom Thorley, Renewables Technical Coach, to explore how installers can enhance their knowledge through product training, digital learning and in-centre courses.The episode covers:• The role of structured training in professional development• Online learning through the Vaillant Academy• Hands-on courses at Centres of Excellence• Preparing for future technologies and low carbon systemsIf you’re looking to upskill, build confidence in new technologies or enhance your professional capability in 2025, this episode explores the options available.

January 29, 202657 min

Enhance your knowledge in the new year

To kick start 2025, this episode of The Vaillant Podcast explores how you can enhance your knowledge and boost your career with training opportunities. We discuss how Vaillant can support you and your business with product training, whether that’s online with the Vaillant Academy or at one of our Centres of Excellence dotted around the country. We also hear from two young apprentices about how they are starting their careers with the route of an apprenticeship and are earning while they learn.In this two-part special, Mike Lacey, Vaillant’s Head of Digital Technology, is joined by Graeme Heron, Training Operations Manager at Vaillant, Tom Thorley, Renewables Technical Coach at Vaillant, Ruby Barnes, Business Apprentice, and Josh Nichols, Low Carbon Apprentice. So, whether you’re looking to upskill and start the new year with training or are looking down the apprenticeship route, this episode has you covered.Want to know more?For industry hot topics, stories and more about how Vaillant is supporting installers, please visit the news section of your myREWARDS account.If you have any questions on training or apprenticeships from Vaillant, email us at thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.comAbout The Vaillant PodcastThe Vaillant Podcast is your gateway into industry insights, bringing guest speakers from across the industry and from around Vaillant, to dive into key topics that matter to you, our customers. We aim to deliver advice and knowledge to the experts, from the experts.Listen to more episodes of The Vaillant PodcastTell us what you think about The Vaillant Podcast on our socials or email us at thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com

December 19, 20251 hr 0 min

Our festive episode of The Vaillant Podcast

The festive season is here, and to celebrate, we’ve dedicated our December episode of The Vaillant Podcast to traditions, celebrations, and laughter. In this episode, our host, Mike Lacey, Vaillant’s Head of Digital Technology, is joined in the studio by friends and colleagues, Jo Salt, Vaillant UK’s Heat Pump Product Manager, and Charlotte McCorriston, Vaillant Area Sales Manager. Together, they discuss all things festive, from favourite Christmas songs to family traditions on Christmas Day. They share their personal stories and much more.About The Vaillant PodcastThe Vaillant Podcast is your gateway into industry insights, bringing guest speakers from across the industry and from around Vaillant, to dive into key topics that matter to you, our customers. We aim to deliver advice and knowledge to the experts, from the experts.Listen to more episodes of The Vaillant PodcastTell us what you think about The Vaillant Podcast on our socials or email us at thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com

October 8, 202522 min

We're back! How remoteGO mini can support with heat pump installs

In this episode of The Vaillant Podcast, we discuss the customer support available with our remoteGO mini and Appliance Function Check (AFC) services. We explore how both of these services can support you and your business, what the benefits are from using them and generally how to gain access.  Joining Mike Lacey, Vaillant’s Head of Digital Technology, are three experts from the Vaillant team in the UK: Hannah Greene, Digital Product Manager; Liam Brooks, Technical Assistant; and Lee Johnson, Training Manager. Each guest shares an alternative view on the development of remoteGO mini, detailing the product trials that have contributed to making it a great proposition and how these services can give installers and contractors the confidence that their heat pump installations are of the highest quality.  Want to know more?  For industry hot topics, stories and more about how Vaillant is supporting installers, please visit the news section of your myREWARDS account at https://www.myrewards.uk.com/  Got a plumbing story you’d like to share? Get in touch X (Twitter), Instagram or Facebook, or email us at thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com  Check out our YouTube channel  About The Vaillant Podcast  The Vaillant Podcast is your gateway into industry insights, bringing guest speakers from across the industry and from around Vaillant, to dive into key topics that matter to you, our customers. We aim to deliver advice and knowledge to the experts, from the experts.  Listen to more episodes of The Vaillant Podcast  Tell us what you think about The Vaillant Podcast on our socials or email us at thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com 

February 23, 202422 min

Amazing installer stories

In this episode of The Vaillant Podcast, we’re celebrating the plumbing and heating industry with some amazing installer stories.Mike Lacey is joined in the studio by Todd Glister, co-host of the Heating & Plumbing Show on Fix Radio – sponsored by Vaillant – for a chinwag about some weird and wonderful tales from installers and colleagues.The pair spill the beans about embarrassing rookie mistakes, youthful mishaps and getting up to mischief on the job.Plus, there’s amusing animal encounters and a tribute to those customers who go the extra mile.Produced by Ed Adams, First TouchWant to know more?Follow Todd on Instagram, X (Twitter) and FacebookFor industry hot topics, stories and more about how Vaillant is proudly supporting installers, please visit our In The Know installer hubGot a plumbing story you’d like to share? Get in touch on X (Twitter), Instagram or Facebook, or email us at thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.comCheck out our YouTube channelAbout The Vaillant PodcastThe Vaillant Podcast is a heating industry podcast designed to support installers with every aspect of their working lives. From mental health to marketing, and from fitness to finances, installers can tune in to learn how to enhance their earnings, learning and wellbeing.Listen to more episodes of The Vaillant PodcastTell us what you think about The Vaillant Podcast on our socials or email us at thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com

January 26, 202424 min

Business planning for the year ahead

It’s a new year and a new start – so in this episode of The Vaillant Podcast, we’re talking about business planning.How can installer businesses get organised and put plans in place to help them take on 2024 in the best possible shape?Joining host Mark Wilkins is Lee Tilbury of Hampshire-based Neater Heat, who brings some brilliant business planning advice to the show.They chat about managing increased workloads during the winter months, how using technology helps Lee to keep on top of tax, and look ahead to new legislation that’s affecting the industry this year and beyond.Plus, Lee explains why it’s vital to get out to trade shows and reveals his favourite Vaillant products.Produced by Ed Adams, First TouchWant to know more?We always recommend talking to your accountant for financial advice about the tax issues discussed in this episode.Find out more about MCS, the Future Homes Standard and the Boiler Upgrade SchemeCheck out the trade shows coming up in 2024: PHEX, Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Fully Charged Live and InstallerSHOWDiscover the aroTHERM plus heat pump and the ecoFIT pure combi boilerFor industry hot topics, stories and more about how Vaillant is proudly supporting installers, please visit our In The Know installer hubFollow Vaillant on X (Twitter), Instagram or FacebookCheck out our YouTube channelAbout The Vaillant PodcastThe Vaillant Podcast is a heating industry podcast designed to support installers with every aspect of their working lives. From mental health to marketing, and from fitness to finances, installers can tune in to learn how to enhance their earnings, learning and wellbeing.Listen to more episodes of The Vaillant PodcastTell us what you think about The Vaillant Podcast on our socials or email us at thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com