Warmup Heads Technical Committee of UHMA 2009
Warmup Plc
Tel: 0845-345-2288
Fax: 0845-345-2299
Email: uk@warmup.com
Dr Simon Newberry: Raising the profile of electric UFH
The R&D Director of Warmup® Underfloor Heating, Dr Simon Newberry, has been elected the new Chair of Technical Committee of UHMA for 2009.
It is the first time an electrical UFH committee member is holding this post.
Dr Newberry has been an active committee member for several years while representing Warmup, and has a wealth of experience dispensing advice on electrical issues as part of the UHMA Technical committee.
As part of his new role, his duties will include providing direction for technical issues for the coming year and helping to coordinate general UHMA matters.
Since the majority of the members comprised manufacturers of hydronic UFH, the association has naturally focused more on wet systems. In his new capacity, Dr Newberry aims to raise the profile of the electrical side of the industry, ensuring regulatory changes are not detrimental to the industry as a whole and that consumers get correct technical information from the committee.
Thanks to stringent prerequisites, all UHMA members are already proven safe in terms of product quality and installation methods. Now that Dr Simon Newberry is involved in regulatory changes, Warmup® Underfloor Heating systems can be counted on more than ever to be of the highest standards in material excellence and orthodox practices.
Here is a quick interview with the man himself:
How did you come into this position?
I was asked to do it as I have been an active committee member for several years.
Who nominated you & why did the position become available?
I was nominated by Chris Ingram the 2009 Chairman of the UHMA, and then voted in at the last AGM (10th December 2008) by the General UHMA Committee (which comprises all the members).
Is this for a contracted period only or a permanent position?
This position is an annual posting (in this case Jan 1st 2009 to Jan 1st 2010), though I could be asked or nominated to do it again.
What was your role previously?
I represented Warmup as a committee member of the UHMA. I was also on the Technical committee and advised on Electrical issues.
What will you be responsible for now?
Chairing the Technical Committee. Also in providing direction for technical issues for the coming year. I will also be helping to coordinate general UHMA issues.
You are R&D Director at Warmup; how will you balance your responsibilities with Warmup with the interests of other underfloor heating companies?
All the members are Directors or senior managers of underfloor heating companies.
Although I am there as a member due to Warmup, my role is to represent the industry as a whole and to ensure technical issues are handled correctly and fairly. If a conflict arises, the welfare of the industry must be the primary consideration.
What are the criteria for joining UHMA?
To join the UHMA, the company needs to have the correct credentials. They have to provide proof that all their products are “sound”, compliant with all the relevant regulations and that the company provides all the appropriate materials to ensure safe and proper implementation of their systems.
What are the benefits of being a UHMA member?
Representation in the industry via regulatory boards and committees as opposed to being a passive industry member. This leads to being involved and advised on regulatory changes.
Promotion of UFH while ensuring fair practice.
Are there new changes you plan to implement? What are the key objectives/issues you’ll like to tackle as the new Chair of Technical Committee?
As the UHMA has been predominantly hydronic UFH, my aims are as follows:
To promote the inclusion of the electrical side of the industry
To ensure regulatory changes are not detrimental to the industry as a whole
To ensure consumers get correct technical information from the committee
Who are the members made up of currently?
A full list is available at http://www.uhma.org.uk/members
Award-winning Warmup is the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of electrical underfloor heating products, having sold over 650,000 heaters since 1994. Warmup® systems have been designed with simplicity in mind, using the latest technology to deliver internationally certified, quality products at exceptional value, backed by unrivalled after-sales service and warranties.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Winnie Chua
Marcomm & Advertising Manager
Warmup PLC
Phone: 0208 453 6842
Fax: 0845 345 2299
Email: winniechua@warmup.com
Web: www.warmup.co.uk
# # # Jan 2009