Bruce Allen steps down as CEO at HETAS 

After almost two decades at HETAS, Bruce Allen is stepping down as CEO of HETAS, formally retiring in September 2025. Bruce’s career at HETAS has guided the organisation through growth, with a range of new schemes, initiatives, and changes taking place under his leadership. 

We wish Bruce a happy and relaxing retirement and thank him for his hard work over the last 18 years. His impact across the organisation and the solid fuel and biomass sector has been monumental. 

From the sole employee to over 60 

Since Bruce’s appointment as CEO of HETAS in 2006, HETAS has seen extensive growth. Now, 18 years later, over 60 employees are employed by the organisation and HETAS is the industry leader in solid fuel and biomass training, setting the benchmark for installers, retailers, servicing technicians, and sweeps across the UK. 

Bruce’s leadership has led HETAS to become a trusted advisor to government, informing various government departments such as Defra, DESNZ, and MHCLG on best practices, utilising years of expertise to set the standard for responsible domestic solid fuel and biomass heating. 

Business growth 

During Bruce’s time as CEO of HETAS, a number of new initiatives and schemes that promote the cleanest, safest, and most sustainable practices for solid fuel and biomass have been successfully launched.  

The HETAS competent person scheme for installers was launched prior to Bruce starting as CEO in 2006, and Bruce’s involvement in the business has helped grow the scheme to the success it is today. The HETAS scheme remains the only competent person scheme specialising in the installation of solid fuel and biomass appliances. 

Although there have been very significant changes in the regulations, and in the way schemes operate, Bruce has been pivotal in the development and launch of various of initiatives, including the: 

• Sweep and Service scheme, enabling sweeps and servicing technicians to further advocate for more environmentally responsible burning and keep households safe. 

• Retailer scheme, highlighting knowledgeable experts in the trade that can keep their customers informed on the latest developments across industry to help them heat their homes. 

• Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), providing comprehensive knowledge on the supply, design, installation, commissioning, and handover of microgeneration technologies. 

• Product approval schemes, including Cleaner Choice and HETAS Approved Products, enabling consumers to find products they know they can trust following robust test methodologies. 

• Ready to Burn (MSF) scheme on behalf of Defra, ensuring only the least-polluting smokeless fuels are available to purchase in England. 

• Exempt appliances for smoke control areas on behalf of Defra, following regulations and ensuring emissions are minimised. 

Bruce’s leadership has enabled HETAS to become an industry-leading organisation it is today, setting the benchmark across the sector to advise on legislation, advocate for responsible burning, and provide expert technical advice. A dedicated focus on safety has been underpinned by passion and care, creating a positive culture across HETAS that will be felt for years to come. 

Almost two decades of hard work has created an incredibly strong foundation for the future of the organisation, helping HETAS to achieve its goal of creating a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment. 

Bruce commented on his retirement, stating: 

It has been a pleasure to spend almost two decades at HETAS, and I am incredibly proud of the work each and every employee has put in to getting us where we are today. The industry has changed a lot since I joined in 2006 and there have been many challenges over the years, but I have been lucky to have been supported by a team of passionate, knowledgeable individuals who put the organisation’s goals first. 

“I’m looking forward to doing loads of things that I have on my bucket list, most of which means spending more time with my family and enjoying my retirement. I’d like to extend my best-wishes to our dedicated registrants across the UK. Your consistently high-quality work is the foundation of HETAS.