The Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE) held its AGM on Saturday 18 June, electing Paul Williams as the new national president and Geoff Westall as vice president.

At 39 years-of-age, Mr Williams has become one of the youngest Presidents in the Institute's 110-year history. A member for 21 years, he served as Branch Secretary for South Wales, is a trained Professional Standards Inspector and attained Master Plumber status in 2006.

In his address to over 50 delegates at the Tudor Park Marriott Hotel in Maidstone, Kent, Mr Williams talked about the early days of his career and how he took advantage of everything the Institute had to offer, including CPD training and gaining his Engineering Technician status.

He went on to talk about the work the Institute is doing at the moment and praised its latest venture; webinars.

"In May this year we launched a 'virtual branch' with a webinar on central heating system water treatment, best practice. This was an excellent presentation and was viewed by over 500 installers. This is an activity that I will be involved with this year, as we have presentations booked in for September, October and November, so keep an eye out and watch."

As well as being a plumber, Mr Williams has spent several years working as a plumbing lecturer and still visits colleges to recruit members. In his term of office, he said one of his priorities is to promote careers in the plumbing and heating industry.

He said he will undertake the responsibilities of President with honour and maintain the dignity and commitment that the role requires and is especially proud to be a professional.