About HOCU
The Heating Engineers Kent Homeowners Trust
Learn more about HOCU, our values, and the people behind the work. A trusted team of Gas Safe registered engineers committed to delivering reliable heating and plumbing services with professionalism, care, and real attention to detail.
Our Story
Built on Trust, Experience, and Raising Standards
A decade of growth rooted in honest values, skilled craftsmanship, and a genuine commitment to every customer we serve across Kent and Sevenoaks.
April 2014
Foundation
HOCU was founded by Vincent Barrett with a clear and personal mission, to restore trust and raise the standard of workmanship across the plumbing and heating industry in Kent.
From day one, the focus was never on volume. It was on doing the job properly, treating every customer with respect, and building a reputation worth having.
2014 – 2016
Building Expertise
Recognising that a truly reliable heating company needed to offer more, Vincent qualified as a gas engineer during this period, expanding HOCU's capabilities and laying the technical groundwork for everything that followed.
It was an investment in the standard of service every HOCU customer would go on to receive.
2016 – Present
Growth and Development
Through consistent hard work and a team united by shared values, HOCU grew into a skilled group of Gas Safe registered engineers, each one chosen for their commitment to quality, reliability, and professionalism on every single job.
The team that serves Kent and Sevenoaks today is built on those same foundations Vincent set in place over a decade ago.
Today
Trusted Across Kent
HOCU is now a recognised name across Kent, built on repeat customers, word-of-mouth recommendations, and a reputation that speaks for itself on Checkatrade, Google, Trustpilot, and beyond.
Customer satisfaction remains our top priority. Every home. Every engineer. Every time.
Our Team
Why Customers Choose Us Across Kent and Sevenoaks
A quick look at what sets our team apart and why homeowners across Kent continue to trust HOCU with their heating, plumbing, and gas safety needs year after year.
Professional Installation
Every heating system and boiler we install is fitted with precision, care, and a commitment to workmanship that lasts, backed by our 12-month guarantee and the full manufacturer warranty.
Safe Decommissioning
When an old or faulty system needs to come out, we handle the removal safely, cleanly, and in full compliance with current gas safety regulations, leaving your property ready for whatever comes next.
System Upgrades
Whether it's improving efficiency, upgrading controls, or adapting an existing setup to work harder for your home, our engineers bring the knowledge and experience to make it happen properly.
Fast, Reliable Repairs
When something goes wrong with your heating or plumbing, our team responds quickly, diagnoses accurately, and gets your system back on track with as little disruption to your day as possible.
Power Flushing
We carry out professional central heating power flushing across Kent, clearing sludge, restoring circulation, and giving your heating system the clean start it needs to perform at its best.
Continuous Development
The heating industry moves forward, and so do we. Our engineers undergo continuous training to stay at the forefront of their field, so every HOCU customer benefits from up-to-date knowledge and the very best practice on every visit.
Trusted Partners
Only the Best Brands. Every Installation.
We install and service boilers from the UK's most trusted manufacturers, so your home is always fitted with equipment built to last.
FAQs
Your Questions About HOCU, Answered
A little more about who we are, how we work, and what you can expect when you choose HOCU for your heating and plumbing needs across Kent.
HOCU Plumbing and Heating was founded by Vincent Barrett in April 2014 with one clear purpose, to bring honest, high-quality workmanship to homeowners across Kent. What started as a personal commitment to raising standards has grown into a trusted team of Gas Safe registered engineers serving the whole of Kent.
We are based in Sevenoaks, Kent, and serve a wide area across the county including Maidstone, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, and the surrounding towns and villages. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, just give us a call, we are always happy to help.
Every engineer on the HOCU team is fully Gas Safe registered. All work is certified, compliant, and documented, and you will receive your paperwork on completion, every single time.
We offer a full range of heating and plumbing services including boiler installation, central heating installation, unvented cylinder replacement, smart control system installation, power flushing, and boiler servicing and certification. Every service is delivered to the same high standard, no exceptions.
Our reputation is built on the customers who know us best. You can read genuine reviews from homeowners across Kent on Google, Checkatrade, Trustpilot, Facebook, and Yell. We are also fully Gas Safe registered and carry the qualifications to back up every service we offer.
We will call or email you to find out a little more about your situation, then arrange a survey at your home. This gives us everything we need to recommend the right solution and provide an accurate, honest quote, no guesswork, no surprises.
Every installation comes with the full manufacturer warranty on your product, plus our own 12-month workmanship guarantee. You are covered from day one, and we are always here if you need us after the job is done.
Yes. We offer 18 months interest-free finance on Worcester Bosch boilers, making it easier to spread the cost of your new heating system. Subject to status and credit checks before work begins.
Yes. We support landlords across Kent with boiler installations, annual servicing, Gas Safe certificates, and all compliance documentation needed to keep rental properties safe and legally compliant.
Yes. We provide responsive support for urgent heating and plumbing issues across Kent, subject to availability. When something goes wrong, we will do everything we can to get to you as quickly as possible.
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