Gas and heating engineers are the most trusted traders in Britain. They are also one of the most highly trained, talented and scrutinised professions of all the trades, the backbone of the industry that keeps hot water running and UK homes warm.

The camaraderie within the HVAC industry plays a huge role in keeping standards high and the installer community up to date. Some may see it as just a bit of a laugh and whilst it is that too, for many, the relationships installers have with each other can make all the difference to their business success.

#VanPoolKaraoke is an initiative founded by Drew Styles Plumbing and Heating and Installers First one typical Tuesday on Twitter, following a rather demotivating time on the social media platform.

Here’s what Drew has to say about it;

“I wanted to keep the good vibes going after the success of #HeroesOfHeat, after briefly losing the centre of the Twitter community that was GMG. I think everyone needs a little light hearted fun to just make you smile and forget all the rubbish. Let's make Twitter and the wider community great again.

YOU, me and your friends are going to have the best Vanpool Karaoke session ever! Best part? You could win a BOSCH Radio and the eternal admiration of the industry.”

Laurah Hutchinson-Strain, Head of Media, Installers First said;

“Behind all of the banter and high jinks lays a community that takes pride in its work, driving up standards and improving safety. Members of the gas and heating installer community offer an invaluable resource to each other, constantly sharing ideas and best practice. It’s really quite something to witness.

So why are we launching #VanPoolKaraoke? Well, we know that these initiatives motivate the community, they also offer an opportunity for installers to network with each other. Oh, and Drew Styles needs to get rid of the radio. It’s that simple.”

To enter;

1. Choose your song and your #VanPoolKaraoke friend if you have one
2. Film the Sing-a-long whilst remaining safe and within the law at all times.
3. Upload to Twitter
4. Use #VanPoolKaraoke and tag @stylesplumbing and @installersfirst

Entries open 10.7.17 and close at midnight on 31.7.17 and will be judged by an independent panel. One grumpy judge, one comedy judge and two well turned out judges. Which one is which, you decide. Judges will be announced daily from Tuesday 11.7.17. ** see below for announcements**

Top 4 entries will then go to our semi-final public poll on 7.8.17 with the winner announced on 14.8.17.

Good luck.

Judge 1- Simon Whysall, Digital Sales Director, Vaillant Group.

Background- Selling Stuff in the Plumbing & Heating industry for over 20 years.

Likes- Cycling & Beer (Not at the same time #Obvs #Promise)

Dislikes- Spelling and Grammar

‘I was super pleased to be asked to be a #VanPoolKaroake judge. I love this industry and some #Bantz. This a great way of bringing us all together and have a right good laugh…. #LOLZ P.s I bet Vaillant & Glow-worm installers can sing really well … ‘

Judge 2- Becky Bates, Self-employed plumber at BB Plumbing

Background- Becky Bates has 8 years experience in the industry. Becky specialises in Bathroom installations and loves the challenge of making small bathroom spaces work in creative ways.

Likes- Becky is a snapback wearing, comic book reading, cycling & hiking fanatic.

“I agreed to become a judge because Drew asked me :) I’m joking of course. Drew has become a great friend through Twitter and has shown me how much fun there is to be had within the industry. Since being on TTwitterI’ve felt part of a great community, which is really nice when you are self employed. “

Judge 3- Jonathon Hallam, #HeroesOfHeat Engineer providing plumbing & heating to charities across the UK and empowering others when/where possible.

Background- Ex sole trader and lecturer, 24 years in the heating industry

Likes- #heroesofheat, Viessmann technology & Plumbase, supporting others.

Dislikes- Poor manners, bad pipe clipping, Denzo tape

“I am thrilled & touched to be appointed a judge of #VanPoolKaraoke, excited to be watching you and your colleagues perform!”