OFTEC strengthens inspection team with appointment of former technician

OFTEC has welcomed a former heating technician to its team of inspectors, further strengthening the trade association’s commitment to maintaining high standards and providing peace of mind for consumers.

Alex Newnham joins OFTEC with extensive experience as a heating engineer and business owner, working across domestic oil and gas installations and servicing in Somerset. He also lectured part-time at a trade college where he taught heat pump installation, giving him valuable cross-technology expertise.

Having been a technician and undergone OFTEC inspections himself, Alex brings a unique perspective and an understanding of the challenges registered businesses face. Alex will cover most of Somerset, Exeter as well as parts of Devon and Dorset in his role.

Highest standards

Speaking about this new role, Alex said: “I’ve always enjoyed working with oil systems and the training aspect of the job. Becoming an OFTEC inspector is a great opportunity to combine my technical knowledge with supporting technicians out in the field. I know what it’s like to being inspected and we’re not there to catch people out. It’s about helping them maintain the highest standards and giving customers the reassurance they deserve.

“It’s also an opportunity to share my knowledge and experience to the next generation of technicians, helping them uphold the highest standards of safety and quality that customers rely on. It’s an exciting time for the off-grid heating industry with the focus on supporting renewable liquid fuels as a low carbon heating solution. The inspection process will be vital in ensuring this is a smooth transition.”

Alex will focus on oil inspections, working alongside OFTEC’s existing network of 15 inspectors nationwide. The OFTEC inspection process is a core part of the organisation’s commitment to safety and quality. Inspectors act as a vital link between the registration body and its technicians, ensuring work adheres to Building Regulations and best practice. For consumers, it provides added reassurance that work has been undertaken safely.

Being OFTEC registered means technicians can self-certify their work, with OFTEC notifying building control on their behalf, which speeds up the process. The inspection process is therefore important in ensuring standards are being maintained amongst all technicians, particularly as new legislation and technical guidance is published.

The appointment of Alex is part of OFTEC’s ongoing investment in its robust inspection infrastructure. This network ensures that OFTEC can adapt to changes in the industry, such as the transition to new technologies including HVO and heat pumps, to ensure these complex installations are carried out safely and correctly.

Invaluable insight

“We are delighted to welcome Alex to our team,” said John Vinter, inspection services manager. “His extensive experience as an installer and practical understanding of the industry will be invaluable in supporting technicians and upholding the high standards customers expect. The OFTEC brand is built on trust and a commitment to safety, our inspectors are essential to protecting that reputation and ensuring homeowners have safe, reliable heating systems.

“This will be particularly important as we look to transition oil heated homes onto renewable liquid fuels, such as HVO, whilst also supporting technicians who want to diversity into heat pumps. This will enable them to offer the full suite of off-grid heating technologies to consumers through their OFTEC registration.”

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