Spotlight on Company Member Representative: Anthony Sanders
In our ongoing series of case studies, this time we share the story of IGEM Company Member Representative Anthony Sanders, Lead Engineer at Smart Heating EA Ltd.
After taking a leap of faith back in 2015 to launch Smart Heating EA Ltd, Anthony finally feels at home, supporting other gas professionals and pursuing sustainable avenues for the business.
Having started his career as a labourer in his twenties, he quickly understood that he would have to work hard and prove himself to be useful to pave his way in a manual industry.
He worked for free alongside a plumber to gain both knowledge and experience before building enough competence and confidence to obtain a paid role.
Anthony then completed his City and Guild plumbing qualifications, giving him the courage to then go out on his own and build a strong customer base.
On this journey, he began to understand the marriage between heating and plumbing and how they worked together, furthering his learning.
After some personal life changes, he moved back to Norwich and focused on his own personal development, gaining his gas qualifications. He also worked alongside an experienced gas engineer who saw his potential and his skills advanced quickly.
This led to the birth of his own business named Smart Heating EA Ltd. At first, it was just Anthony but fast forward to 2024 and he is now part of a team of six.
The team covers Norwich and surrounding areas where Anthony leads three colleagues out in the field and two others working on operations and other business needs.
Over the last few years, the company has introduced the use of a platform called Treekly which monthly plants trees based on the number of steps the team does. Furthering its support, the company plants trees from every boiler, heating system, or bathroom installation completed, proving its commitment to sustainability.
Continuing the success, Anthony was a finalist in Screwfix Tradesperson of the Year in 2023. The business also won boiler installation contractor of the year in the east of England at the Energy Efficiency Awards 2024 and most recently were shortlisted as finalists for best customer service at the National Entrepreneur Awards 2024.
Two of his employees are currently studying towards their gas exams which showcases the businesses dedication to supporting grass roots youth employment and apprenticeships.
Since launching the company, it has grown to embody a number of values which Anthony is particularly proud of. He said: “We work hard as a team to promote values of quality, reliability, sustainability and integrity. These values align with those of IGEM also.”
Joining IGEM felt like the next step for company to further expand its network and prove its competencies. Anthony shares that Company Membership felt the best fit for Smart Heating to access a wide variety of benefits.
“We have found IGEM membership to be an important tool in ensuring we remain professionally competent and up to date with codes of practice and technical standards.
“IGEM is also a central source of information and a knowledge centre to keep appraised on what is happening on a national, governmental and strategic level.
“We have also been able to access resources on how to conduct our business and how to provide the best value to our customers. We have then integrated that knowledge into the applicable solutions we provide for heating issues.”
Anthony also praises the variety of training and resources available to his company through membership which are free to attend and access, helping both him and his team members level-up their industry knowledge.
Looking ahead, the business hopes to play a key part in offering innovative heating solutions, smart technologies and energy efficient systems that align with the UK’s net zero ambitions.
“With our current focus on sustainable and smart heating, we can position ourselves at the forefront of the industry in this transition period while continuing to provide quality services and value to our customers.”