From compliance to craftsmanship: Mike Jones Q1 winner of the Atlantis Tanks competition

As the Q1 winner of Atlantis Tanks’ 2025 Heating Oil Tank Installation Competition, Mike Jones of M Jones Plumbing and Heating has set the bar for excellence. We caught up with Mike to hear his reflections on the winning project, working with customers, and how he sees the domestic oil heating sector evolving.

Planning the perfect install:

What were the biggest challenges you faced with this installation, and how did you address them?

We were lucky with this one, the customer was more than happy to work around whatever I suggested.

Can you walk us through your planning process – how did you balance compliance requirements with customer needs?

We only really had one option in terms of positioning due to other features in the garden, and the customer had no objections to the work I said was required to make it meet regulations.

The existing wall needed to be raised by 300mm across the back, and a section of wooden fence was replaced with blocks. When any type of screening is mentioned, we always extend the pad to at least 600mm on those sides to avoid any future growth between screen and tank.

Why did you and the customer choose a steel tank, and what benefits have you seen in using steel in domestic installs?

We did go through various size and shape options, but the customer is a welder and fabricator so, as soon as I mentioned a steel tank, there was no looking back!

We tend to be fitting more steel now. It looks a lot cleaner and more compact and customers appreciate the solid nature of a steel tank; they seem to feel they getting more for their money.

Industry insights:

In your experience, how have customer expectations evolved in the domestic oil heating sector?

People seem to be looking for more value for the money they are investing into their home – regardless of the heat source they choose.

They are already familiar with oil and like the fact that they know what they’re getting, which is reliable heat, when they want it, with no surprise energy bills at the end of the month.

What advice would you give to newer installers tackling complex or tight-space installations?

“Just stick to your guns; If you can’t make it compliant, don’t be afraid to walk away.”

How important is compliance versus aesthetics in your approach to an install?

Compliance is always top of the agenda. Of course, there are times when certain settings can make that a challenge, but there’s such a choice in tanks now that, with a bit of head scratching, there’s usually a way to meet both to a satisfactory level.

Are you seeing changes in the volume or nature of domestic oil tank installations in your area?

We do a lot of work for various Estates that have large portfolios in the private rented sector, so most of our replacements are flagged through our annual servicing and the need for their properties to be kept up to regulations.

We don’t see a great deal of private replacements; but when we visit we always point out any areas of concern that may need to be addressed on a future visit.

On winning and recognition:

What does it mean to you to be recognised by your peers and Atlantis Tanks through this competition?

It was a real surprise to be recognised in this way. Again, I think we fell lucky on this one!

I’d just finished the installation when my Farr and Harris branch manager forwarded me an email about the competition, so I entered on a bit of a whim.

The customer was very happy, and I felt I’d done a good job but it’s always nice to know that someone thinks it looks alright!

How do you think awards like this help elevate standards and awareness in the industry?

Hopefully it will encourage installers to share photos of their work and their ideas a bit more. It’s good to see what others are up to and to see the creative ways in which they get around difficult situations.

The future for the industry:

What would encourage more young technicians or apprentices to enter the domestic oil heating trade?

I think that’s just an issue across the whole trade. We have an apprentice at the moment, and at this time of year we have a lot of enquires from young people who are starting courses in September and need to secure a work placement.

Without getting political, it’s the businesses who need support to give them the confidence to take an apprentice who’s already keen, rather than trying to persuade school leavers into it.

What innovations or trends do you think will shape the future of oil heating installations?

I would like to see smaller output boilers being made available, if possible; Not over-complicated, just smaller! My old boss used to say, “It’s just a fire in a box”.

Let’s face it, we can’t all go electric, but we do need to try and get the most from our oil systems, environmentally and economically.

Mike’s practical approach, commitment to compliance, and respect for customer needs exemplify what the Atlantis Tanks competition was designed to celebrate. His thoughtful responses reflect a grounded, forward-looking view of an industry that continues to adapt.

As the competition continues through 2025, installers like Mike show that excellence in oil tank installation is as much about smart planning and safe practice as it is about craftsmanship and care.

_{Image provided by Mike Jones}