The Vaillant Podcast

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 [https://dtederby.org/] 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 [https://www.instagram.com/dteregen/?hl=en] @electricdaisyderby [https://www.instagram.com/electricdaisyderby/] 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 [http://www.myrewards.uk.com] account. Got a plumbing story you’d like to share? Get in touch Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/vaillant.uk/] or Facebook [Facebook], or email us at thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com [thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com] Check out our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/user/VaillantUK] 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 [https://the-vaillant-podcast.captivate.fm/] Tell us what you think about The Vaillant Podcast on our socials or email us at thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com [thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com]

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 [http://www.myrewards.uk.com] account. Got a plumbing story you’d like to share? Get in touch X (Twitter) [https://twitter.com/vaillantuk], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/vaillant.uk/] or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/VaillantUK/], or email us at thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com [thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com] Check out our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/user/VaillantUK] 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 [https://the-vaillant-podcast.captivate.fm/] Tell us what you think about The Vaillant Podcast on our socials or email us at thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com [thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com]

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 [http://www.myrewards.uk.com] account. Got a plumbing story you’d like to share? Get in touch Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/vaillant.uk/] or Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/VaillantUK/], or email us at thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com [thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com] Check out our YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/user/VaillantUK] 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 [https://the-vaillant-podcast.captivate.fm/] Tell us what you think about The Vaillant Podcast on our socials or email us at thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com [thevaillantpodcastuk@vaillant.com]

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 year Whether 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.

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 systems If you’re looking to upskill, build confidence in new technologies or enhance your professional capability in 2025, this episode explores the options available.