“Congratulations Agent, you’ve secured your pack.”

Polypipe Building Products have officially launched our Summer campaign with PolyMax!

Max has gone rogue, and he only has one thing on his mind – to infiltrate Polypipe’s headquarters and capture an exclusive cache of PolyMax sample packs for himself. Fortunately, there’s still time for you to get one of the packs yourself, before Max can get his hands on it.

Due to the covert nature of the mission, the specific contents of the sample pack are highly confidential. However, it is known to include a comprehensive selection of PolyMax fittings and accessories, making it ideal for use in the field.

To find out more about the campaign and get your hands on one of the sample packs…

ACCEPT MISSION

You can also WIN a ‘Max’ experience by purchasing any product from the PolyMax range!

There’s a different thrill-seeker prize up for grabs each month, and a grand prize of a three-night trip to Paris for two.

All you have to do is purchase ANY product from the PolyMax range between 13^th May and 31^st August 2019 and upload a photograph of your receipt here.

At the end of each month, you could be a winner!

PolyMax. Your partner in the field for renovation and retrofit missions.

Whatever happens, you’re still a winner with PolyMax. Leak-proof, attractively designed, quick to fit and once they’re on, they’re on. The perfect plumbing range for exposed use and compatible with our sealed stiffener for added security – PolyMax is the professional solution to get the job done fast.

Key features

• Sleek, attractive white design is perfect for exposed use

• Extremely secure, only removable with the special release tool

• Full range of domestic sizes, 10mm, 15mm, 22mm and 28mm

• Suitable for most hot and cold-water supply and heating applications

• Use with either Polypipe polybutylene pipe or with copper pipe

• Compatible with our sealed stiffener for added security

• Push-fit, leak-proof design

Terms & Conditions apply, samples available while stocks last.

In 2018 Polypipe Building Products and our Underfloor Heating team went about creating a brand-new technical office. This project wasn’t just about investing money in facilities, but about investing heavily in staff, all with the aim to meet customers needs and get accurate quotes turned around for customers within the appropriate time frames.

All in all, the technical office cost around £80,000 to complete and has led to the employment of several new Project Consultants, Estimators and more recently, two new Apprentices.

Having recently taken on the two new apprentices, Joe Smith and Nathan McNeil, and last year apprentice Richard Maycock, we wanted to sit down with their manager, Head of Technical and Customer Experience, Dean Asher, for a chat about the roles, the investment in the technical office and his time at Polypipe.

Dean Asher

How did the decision to invest in the Technical office come about?

When I first joined Polypipe, we used to do everything with a pen and paper believe it or not, so we made the decision to go digitally with significant investment in hardware and software to meet our customers growing needs. The team has also expanded significantly to allow extra focus on delivering a fantastic Customer Experience, the new technical office was planned and created to allow us to keep growing, not only that it’s a much more vibrant engaging workplace for staff that reside within it.

What does it mean for the business?

The investment in the technical office has really pushed us to the forefront of technical design. As we supply a host of system’s we can offer technical support and design to our customers for no charge, allowing our customers a much better chance of winning a Project and ultimately Polypipe winning the order.

Why do you feel apprentices are important for the business?

It's really important as a business that we invest in the future. The technical office is the breeding ground for a new generation of Estimators, Product managers, Sales Representative, Project Managers etc. and the beauty of an apprenticeship scheme is that we can embed our culture into the apprentices so they can progress onto bigger and better things within Polypipe.

What is planned for your apprentices in the coming year?

I am currently working with RNN (Rotherham College) in regard to a HNC in Construction and the Built Environment that both Joe and Nathan will be part of, along with our Junior Estimator Richard. This course will really give the guys an understanding of construction both from a practical on-site aspect as well as the design aspect. The course will also cover aspects of Building Information Modelling (BIM), which will be key part of projects in the future. Not only that, but we will also be teaching them all things Polypipe to give them a good grounding to progress.

What has surprised you about an apprentice you’ve worked with?

I sometimes think young people get a bad reputation, a “snowflake” generation I believe its called. From what I have seen of the apprentices to date, most certainly don’t exhibit any of those traits. They are polite, courteous, punctual and very keen to learn which as an employer is a really good base to work with.

Why should young people consider apprenticeships as a career choice?

It seems a logical choice to me. I started as an apprentice with British Gas - it gives you an opportunity to learn a career while teaching you “life skills” in a working environment. Apprenticeships offer a much more hands on route to a career. I often get frustrated when people think the academic route of university is the first choice to long and fruitful career… from my own experience this is most definitely not the case.

How long have you worked for Polypipe?

This is my 5^th year at Polypipe now, it certainly has gone quickly. Seems like only yesterday I was getting picked up at the train station for my 1^st day… lots has changed, and all for the better.

What does a typical day at Polypipe look like for you?

Good question, no day is the same. One day I’ll be trawling through data, looking at ways to improve, the next I’ll be in a meeting. One thing I do like to do though is just have a chat with my staff. It’s difficult to speak to them all unfortunately as they are based on multiple sites… but I like to think I am always on hand for them… they really do a great job.

What is your proudest moment at Polypipe?

There are so many to be fair - I think one that stands out was this office move and subsequent internal restructure. Lots of work, business plans, Capex submissions etc. It was really nice to finally move in and start working on the next plans…. who knows, I might need a new office again in a few years!

What are three words you associate with Polypipe?

Easy this one; People, Quality, Dedication.

What keeps you busy at the weekends?

Well I come from a trade background, so I do like doing DIY. I’m always knocking something down or building something up. I love football as well (much to my partners frustration); usually I have Sky Sports News on at the weekend watching my beloved Scunthorpe United lose (they win sometimes).

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

So many places; I love Mexico and the Dominican Republic. That said I’m equally at home camping in a field. As long as I’m with my family I’m happy.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us?

Ok tough one… I have a thing for Karaoke - I’ve even had a sing off on a train before. I got the whole carriage singing (I think I won!). Don’t get me wrong though I’m not great, I just think it’s rather funny. I’ve sung all over the world Greece, Prague.

We also sat down with Joe, Nathan and Richard to talk about their time so far at Polypipe. Keep checking back on the blog to see their interviews when they are posted.

Over the coming weeks, all orders of the UG402 110mm coupling will be sent our improved product.

As part of Polypipe Building Products initiative of continuous product improvement, we listen to our customers and make the changes needed to ensure our products are suitable for all applications.

The key changes made from the old product to the new are:

• Reduced fitting length for easier on site installation
• Deeper sockets allowing jointing with the correct expansion allowance
• Introduction of a full centre stop to replace the previous wide flange
• Robust one piece moulding with captive high performance EPDM seals
• BBA approved for use in all underground applications

If you require any further information regarding the above, please contact your Area Sales Manager who will be happy to assist you.

Area Sales Manager Peter Cook (pictured above in the centre alongside Mike Sullivan and Gary Foord) has recently celebrated 30 years at Polypipe Building Products.

Next year is Polypipe's 40th Birthday so this really is no mean feat! 

Peter receives his long service award from Regional Sales Manager Gary Foord.

We sat down with Peter to talk about his time at Polypipe, find out more about himself and to see what has changed over the years.

What is your favourite thing about Polypipe?

Working for a great company.

What has been the biggest changes to Polypipe over the years?

The biggest change has been how big Polypipe has grown over the years.

If you had to work in another department, which one would you choose?

None.

Why?

I like it where I am.

Who is your favourite person at Polypipe?

The whole of the SE2 region.

How is your perfect Sunday morning spent?

Playing golf.

If you had to say your worst nightmare, what would it be?

Being out of work.

Since starting work at Polypipe, did you think you'd end up doing what you do now?

Yes.

Peter host some training with staff at a branch of Buildbase.

How has your most challenging day here helped you?

It's helped me improve and get better at what I do.

If you could only watch one flm on repeat, which would you choose?

Armageddon.

Name something you can't live without?

My wife and family.

How long does it take you to get to work?

As I am road-based, it depends.

When did you last have our 'Out Of Office' on?

At Christmas while I went away on holiday.

How would people describe you?

I think people would describe me as 'easy going'.

What's been your best day at Polypipe?

The day I started!

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

Steak.

Peter at the Epsom branch of HPS for their 'Turkey and Tinsel' Christmas dinner which they hold for customers each year.

What has been your biggest achievement in life?

Being married for 48 years as of this year.

What do you do when you first start working?

Make a cup of tea.

What do you do for fun?

Play golf.

What's something everyone should know about Polypipe?

What a good company it is to work for.

How many phone calls do you get each day?

It varies.

When and where is your next holiday?

In August I am going to Aruba.

Is there anywhere in the world you would really like to visit?

Scotland to play golf.

What time do you go to sleep?

About 10.30pm.

L-R. Regional Sales Manager Gary Foord, Area Sales Manager Richard Annis and Area Sales Manager Peter Cook.

If you could have a dinner party with any 3 people, dead or alive, who would you choose?

Tiger Woods, Ian Poulter and Alex Ferguson.

Tell us something about you that might surprise us?

I do all of my own DIY.

Would you do it all again?

Yes.

Several members of the Polypipe Technical office are to attempt the SimplyHealth Great North Run later this year to try and raise funds for charity.

The 13.1 mile route from Newcastle’s city centre to the coast in South Shields will take place on Sunday 8^th September and will be broadcast live on the BBC.

The team, dubbed as ‘The Polypipe Wolfpack’, is made up of:

Dean Asher – Head of Technical & Customer Service

Gemma Byrne – Project Consultant, Underfloor Heating

Gavin Stubbs – Senior Project Estimator

Sam Howcroft – Underfloor Heating Sales Support

Matthew Stubbings – Underfloor Heating Design Technician

They will be running to raise funds for Help for Heroes, which is the official charity partner of Polypipe Building Products, with two of the team also raising funds for their chosen charities, MIND and The British Heart Foundation.

If you could spare any funds and want to support the Polypipe Wolf Pack and these fantastic charities, please check out their Team Fundraising page over on Just Giving.

When John Wainwright of DAA3 saw the opportunity to turn a wide beam canal boat in to a luxurious living space in the heart of central London, he knew it was too good not to be missed.

The Dusty Parakeet is a masterclass in maximising useable space. It sits at a compact 12ft wide by 60ft long, allowing the largest possible living area, whilst still being small enough to navigate London's locks. So whilst, you could always up anchor and set sail, you may want to make the most of the barge's current mooring at St. Katharine Docks. As central London's only Marina, the busy community boasts great transport links; a vibrant mix of retail, office and restaurant outlets; and a number of festivals and markets throughout the year.

When approaching the renovation, John drew on his wider construction experience and knew exactly what heating system the boat required. John chose Polypipe's Overlay^TM system which could be fitted directly on the boat's floor deck, whilst adding just 18mm in height. John then laid a handmade low profile ply kaboon floor, which is specially made for boats. The two together provided the perfect solution for when ceiling height is at a premium.

Adding underfloor heating also meant that every bit of wall space was available for other uses, and in the main liing room John has cleverly managed to fit in a practical kitchen, storage space and seating areas. The boat is completed in an airy bedroom and a sleek bathroom. The finished effect is suprisingly spacious.

John says,

We think this is the first barge with UFH. Having spent time on houseboats before, the proximity to the water means the floors can get cold in winter, and usually radiators fail to take the chill off the floor. Underfloor heating gives us a whole heating solution which also addresses a houseboat's problem areas of cold floors and limited space.

If the Dusky Parakeet has caught your imagination, DAA3 are available to turn your project into a reality.

To find out how cost-effective and easy it can be to add underfloor heating to your next project, contact the Polypipe Underfloor Heating team via design@polypipe.com.

We've been litter picking for #WorldEnvironmentDay!

If you're Doncaster based you might have seen us on Broomhouse Lane, Lords Head Lane & Edlington pit top.

The day was organised by our Environmental Manager Dora Zielinski as part of many initiatives she has planned for the year and resulted in many bags of rubbish - most of which has seemingly been discarded out of car windows onto the side of the road!

The aim of World Environment Day is to raise awareness of the environment and specific environmental issues as appointed by the United Nations. This year the aim was air pollution which has not only health consequences but also a massive environmental impact.

Peter Fletcher (Divisional Sales Director at Polypipe Residential System) and Jonathan Eyre (Business Development Director at Polypipe Building Products) recently attended the annual PHG supplier awards at the Carden Park Hotel and Golf Resort in Chester.

The purpose of the event was to celebrate another successful year of trading between PHG and it’s suppliers. PHG member companies voted on the awards in each category and we were delighted to come away with two awards.

Awards on the night were Heating Supplier of the Year for 2018, Bathroom Supplier of the Year for 2018, Plumbing Supplier of the Year for 2018, Instinct Supplier of the Year for 2018, New Supplier of the Year for 2018, Innovation Award for 2018 and Supplier of the Year for 2018.

Polypipe Building Products won Plumbing Supplier of the Year 2018 and Overall Supplier of the Year 2018!

It was a great event and we would like to congratulate everybody who won an award.

(Pictured above are David Pochin - Chairman of PHG, Peter Fletcher, Jonathan Eyre and Gordon Jackson - Managing Director of Richmonds Plumbing and Heating Merchants).

Peter Fletcher (Divisional Sales Director at Polypipe Residential System) and Jonathan Eyre (Business Development Director at Polypipe Building Products) recently attended the annual PHG supplier awards at the Carden Park Hotel and Golf Resort in Chester.

The purpose of the event was to celebrate another successful year of trading between PHG and it’s suppliers. PHG member companies voted on the awards in each category and we were delighted to come away with two awards.

Awards on the night were Heating Supplier of the Year for 2018, Bathroom Supplier of the Year for 2018, Plumbing Supplier of the Year for 2018, Instinct Supplier of the Year for 2018, New Supplier of the Year for 2018, Innovation Award for 2018 and Supplier of the Year for 2018.

Polypipe Building Products won Plumbing Supplier of the Year 2018 and Overall Supplier of the Year 2018!

It was a great event and we would like to congratulate everybody who won an award.

(Pictured above are David Pochin - Chairman of PHG, Peter Fletcher, Jonathan Eyre and Gordon Jackson - Managing Director of Richmonds Plumbing and Heating Merchants).

June is officially Below Ground Drainage month across the Polypipe Trade social media accounts so as part of this we want to highlight the UG510 Cover and Frame.

The Polypipe UG510 lightweight polypropylene cover and frame is suited for use in lightly loaded areas. Designed for use with all Polypipe 460mm chambers, the cover and frame is rated at 15kN, but can withstand a loading of 35kN for use in domestic driveways when surround by a full concrete surround.

The 65mm deep frame allows straightforward installation in block paved areas. The tread pattern and cast-iron effect offer a slip resistant surface complying with the requirements of BS EN 124:2015. The integral removable 350mm reduced access ring allows use on chambers deeper than 1.2m.

The UG515 finned gasket optionally provides a seal between the cover and riser.

Key Benefits:

• Made from hard wearing, weather resistant black polypropylene, lightweight design for easy handling
• Deeper 65mm frame for installation in block paving, cover with anti-slip tread pattern and cast iron effect
• Rated at 15kN/1.5T (A15) for use in lightly loaded areas such as domestic gardens and footpaths.
• Can withstand 35kN/3.5T for use in domestic driveways when surrounded by a full concrete surround (see installation details below).
• Single seal with integrated removable 350mm restrictor ring for chambers deeper than 1.2m.
• Sewers for Adoption 7^th Edition and Sewers for Scotland compliant

Installation Details

Bookings have now officially opened for the 21st annual Polypipe regatta!

Our annual yacht race returns to Port Solent in Portsmouth on Thursday September 5th. The aim of this event is to bring together the building, construction and plumbing sectors to take part in some friendly competition and raise money for charity.

A fleet of 49 boats took to the Solent to participate in the 20^th annual Polypipe Regatta. The regatta was raising money for Polypipe’s charity partners Help for Heroes and the John Merricks Sailing Trust, with almost £10,000 raised during the course of the event.

Cameron McLellan, MD of Polypipe Building Products, said:

“This event is the perfect chance for our customers and friends to get together and enjoy the festivities. Our 20^th anniversary regatta was a tremendous success and raised thousands of pounds for charity. We hope to do just as well this year and raise vital funds for these worthy causes while having some friendly competition on the Solent.”

A choice of yachts is available for guests and the entry fee includes places on a yacht, a skipper, breakfast, afternoon tea, waterproofs and regatta entry.

Last year the crew from Elliots took home the Grand Prize over second placed Squire Patton Boggs and third placed Williams.

The crew from Elliots are presented their prize from Polypipe Building Products Managing Director Cameron McLellan.

Guests are also invited to join Polypipe the night before sailing for a 21^st celebrations evening on Wednesday 4^th September at the Port House. These celebrations include street food supper, a welcome drink and plenty of entertainment to pass the night away.

For more information and to book your place visit here.

Polypipe recently took part in the annual Rudridge 7 a side football tournament at Selhurst Park in London, Home of Crystal Palace Football Club.

The 20 teams that entered were made up of a mixture of staff and customers. Team Polypipe was represented by our Commercial Manager Dan Love and ex pro Marcus Bent.

Other ex-professionals playing on the day were Peter Beadsley, Matt Elliott, John Solako, Clinton Morrison, Phil Babb, Paul Walsh and Steve Lomas.

Polypipe’s Mike Sullivan and Gary Foord (pictured below with Dan) were also there on the day to support the team.

The Polypipe team won 1 game and drew 3 which unfortunately was not enough to reach the knockout stage of the tournament but feedback was that it was a really great day overall!

If you haven’t heard us shouting about it yet online, Polypipe are proud principal sponsors of the Racescene Female Development Academy (RFDA).

The RFDA is a Yorkshire-based female youth cycling team for young riders aged 12-16 who are competing in regional and national road and town centre series races throughout 2019.

The riders have been taking part in races up and down the country and the girls have been clocking up some fantastic achievements so far this year. See how they’ve done in our half-year update.

All of the girls have had a fantastic 6 months so far and we can’t wait to see what they get up to in the rest of the year.

To follow the updates from the RFDA as they happen you can follow them on:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/racescenefda

Facebook: www.facebook.com/racescenefda

Instagram: www.instagram.com/racescenefda

Polypipe Surestop have recently released their i-water control system which enables you to control your water any time, any place, any where in the world using a desktop or mobile device.

The system enables multiple valves to be paired to a single hub giving zonal control in a property.  Not only this, but multiple hubs can be controlled via the web portal, giving you the ability of controlling water remotely in separate individual properties. Perfect for housebuilders and landlords!

According to leading insurer Direct Line, the average household cost for damage caused by a burst water pipe is £7000, with the smallest of leaks quickly becoming an expensive issue to rectify. If you own or manage more than one house that experiences a leak, these costs would significantly mount up.

The Surestop i-water control is perfect to use in conjunction with products such as the Honeywell Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector.

The Honeywell leak detector could notify you of any leaks in your property, then within seconds you can turn the water off in your property with the Polypipe Surestop i-water control app.

Reduced Risk

Whether it be a single or large housing stock, in a one-floor or multi-floor property, damage caused by water leaks can be extremely costly. The Surestop product offers a cutting edge solution to reduce water damage caused by leaks and reduce repair costs due to out of hours emergency repairs.

Flexibility

Our ability to pair multiple valves to a single Surestop hub gives the ability to control water in zones. The WEB portal also allows users to have multiple hubs associated to a single portal enabling external water control over various properties. Our Android and IOS app mirror the WEB portal giving further external control and flexibility for those times when computer access isn’t available.

Simple and Quick Installation

The product takes 30 minutes to be installed and is suitable for all trades. No mains electrical installation will be required.

High Quality Product

Surestop products are patented and every product is manufactured, and 100% pressure and function tested from their facility in the West Midlands. This helps to ensure customer expectations of quality and performance are achieved with every product.

Network of UK Stockists

Surestop have a nationwide network of reliable stockists who sell our products in-branch and online. For help on finding your nearest stockist or for further information about Surestop, visit their website.

The Polypipe range of ductile iron inspection chamber covers has been designed to combine high strength and light weight and includes additional features such as the unique, slip-resistant Polypipe cover tread pattern and other safety enhancements.

Key Benefits

• All fully comply with BS EN 124:2015 and carry the BSI Kitemark
• Suitable for intensity of traffic in either Class A15 or B125 applications
• Manufactured in the UK from quality assured and highly durable ductile iron
• Unique, slip resistant Polypipe cover tread pattern
• Easy removal with slide out design
• Engineered keyways for life long access
• Range of frame depths including 70mm square (UG520) ideally suited for installation in block paved locations

Product Range Class A15 – 450mm Round

UG419– Class A15 450mm round ductile iron inspection chamber cover and 30mm deep frame capable of withstanding a 3.5 tonne test load.

• For use in areas where pedestrians and pedal cyclists have access
• May also be used in driveways which are only subject to light vehicular traffic when the frame is fully supported by a 150m deep concrete collar
• A15 covers may not be acceptable for adoption by some water companies

Product Range Class B125 – 450mm Square

UG513– Class B125 inspection chamber cover with 40mm deep frame, capable of withstanding 12.5 tonnes test load.

• Suitable for driveways, footpaths, pedestrian and comparable areas, car parks and car parking decks
• B125 is the minimum class of cover accepted by some water companies for adoptable areas

UG520 – Class B125 inspection chamber cover with 70mm deep frame, capable of withstanding 12.5 tonnes test load.

• Complete with 350mm reduced access frames for suitable block paving
• Suitable for driveways, footpaths, pedestrian and comparable areas, car parks and car park decks
• B125 is the minimum class of cover accepted by some water companies for adoptable areas

Product Range Class B125 – 450mm & 320mm Round

UDC750– Class B125 inspection chamber cover with 30mm deep frame, capable of withstanding 12.5 tonnes test load.

• Suitable for driveways, footpaths, pedestrian and comparable areas, car parks and parking decks.
• B125 is the minimum class of cover accepted by some water companies for adoptable areas.

UDC700– Class B125 inspection chamber cover with 50mm deep frame, capable of withstanding 12.5 tonnes test load.

• Suitable for driveways, footpaths, pedestrian and comparable areas, car parks and parking decks.
• B125 is the minimum class of cover accepted by some water companies for adoptable areas.

You can find out more about our range of covers and frames here.