Central to the initiative is the HVCA Business Plus web site (www.hvcabusinessplus.co.uk) to attract Internet users searching for a particular type of service or product (such as holiday pay, pensions, training or debt recovery), without necessarily knowing that it can be found within one of HVCA’s seven established brands — plus HVCA itself.
The web site highlights that many products provided by HVCAS are available to non-members, although members generally receive preferential rates.
Seven services are available.
• Building Engineering Services Competence Accreditation (BESCA) operates a competent-persons scheme under the Building Regulations.
• Building Engineering Services Training (BEST) is the leading training provider active across the HVACR and plumbing industries.
• Engineering Services SKILLcard is the recognised personnel and qualifications register for the mechanical-services sector.
• HVCA Publications provides a broad range of titles covering the technical, commercial, educational and employment aspects of HVACR activity.
• Piper Assessment provides gas, oil and electrical competence assessment, along with a wide range of practical training solutions.
• REFCOM operates a voluntary register of companies that can provide independent proof of their competence in the safe handling of refrigerants.
• Welplan provides comprehensive employee benefits for building-services-engineering contractors.
Robert Higgs, chief executive of HVCA, says, ‘The HVCA Business Plus web site will inform a wider audience of the variety of products and services the HVCA group offers — many of which can help businesses significantly improve their efficiency and profitability.’
