Polypipe Underfloor Heating allows you more freedom over the design and temperature of your rooms than ever before and what's more we have a system available to suit every style of project; whether you are looking to fit out just a single room or completing a much larger whole house project our underfloor heating systems will scale to your requirements and are adaptable for any new build or renovation project. 

We recently sat down with our Head of Technical and Customer Experience Dean Asher to discuss his new apprentices and investment in the Polypipe Technical team.

Following this we spoke to Joe Smith, one of the new members of Dean's team, to find out more about him, his advice for people considering apprenticeships and to find out about his time at Polypipe so far.

What apprenticeship are you studying at Polypipe?

Technical Design

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

I didn’t want to go to university to study something and build up a debt. An apprenticeship offers me paid learning and chances to get qualifications that benefit both myself and the company. I wanted to pursue a career similar to what I am in now and didn’t want to waste years studying a subject at university, instead I wanted to begin working and learn the job, hence why I believe this apprenticeship is right for me.

Why do you think it is beneficial for companies such as Polypipe to offer apprenticeships?

Apprenticeships have been proven to create loyal and committed staff, increase productivity, and boost the morale of existing employees who feel the skills they can share are valued and essential.

If you could offer advice to other people considering an apprenticeship, what would you say?

I would recommend choosing an apprenticeship over going to university as it allows you to learn a job role, get qualifications and valuable work experience whilst getting paid.  I personally believe that an apprenticeship is far more beneficial than any other pathway when entering a workplace because it means you are getting qualifications whilst earning a living - in contrast to being a student with little income and lacking the experience of how a workplace operates.

How would you sum up your time at Polypipe so far?

Good – I feel I have been welcomed into the company and have been given the right support from my mentor to help me learn as much as I can.  I have enjoyed getting to know everyone on my department and feel engaged with the work as I have been trusted to work on jobs myself.

What does your role entail? 

My role entails providing customers with a Bill of Material for different areas of pipework, for example drainage systems and rainwater systems. I am also required to answer phone calls and reply to queries customers have regarding our products, providing quotes for merchants to provide an accurate estimate for the pricing of products in order for them to win jobs. I regularly use IFS9 which is a software we use to see what jobs need completing and also when jobs have been sent to our customers.

What has been your most notable experience at Polypipe so far?

Seeing the process of how our products are made and how things happen in the factories. This was the most notable experience for me because it gave me an insight to how the business is run outside of the office and also it gave me a chance to physically see the products I am estimating.

If we asked you when you were 10, what you wanted to be when you grew up, what would you say?

Footballer

What was your favourite subject in school?

PE, because I could play football and not be stuck in a classroom.

What keeps you busy at the weekends?

I regularly enjoy going out at the weekends drinking with friends. I also enjoy music and attend gigs whenever I can.

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

Ibiza

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us?

I have a large collection of trainers that have never been worn, they are still in the boxes with tags!

St Stephen’s CE Primary School in Willington has helped Jimmy the Pekin Duck walk again thanks to a teachers genius idea to create her a walking frame.

Jimmy, who is actually female, was a school favourite before her health started to decline and vets advised euthanasia. She was taken in by the school's business manager Mrs Wilson who, as a keen crafter, created the frame and harness out of Polypipe fittings.

Head teacher Alison Richardson said:

“It was never in our plan to become duck parents but we all fell in love with Jimmy.”

The school is fundraising to buy equipment to cater to Jimmy’s needs and plan to eventually reintegrate her with the flock.

To find out how to donate call 01388 746426.

This blog post is referenced from an article by the Northern Echo.

With many preconceptions surrounding underfloor heating, it’s time to set the record straight. Here you’ll find the facts, the benefits – indeed everything you need to know about the best way to heat your home.

There are two main types of underfloor heating; water-based and electric. Both can have valid applications, but here we outline why a water-based system might be the smarter choice.

Polyguard barrier pipe and fittings have been designed to ensure the safe delivery of drinking water through redeveloped sites that may have been contaminated by previous industrial use.

As its name suggests, Polyguard guard’s essential drinking water against a wide range of potential contaminants, including organic, inorganic, corrosive and toxic elements.

A comprehensive range of both pipe and brass-ware fittings provide a complete potable water supply solution.

Polypipe barrier pipe and fittings:

• Are Kitemarked to BS 8588: KM692343
• Conform with Type A: WIS 4-32-19: Polyethylene pressure pipe systems with an aluminium barrier layer for potable water supply in contaminated land
• Comply with BS6920 Water Quality Testing
• Are approved under Regulation 21 of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000

Polyguard pipe is constructed from 2 layers of flexible polyethylene adhered to a layer of aluminium providing the impermeable barrier to the ingress of contaminants. The inner layer of polyethylene carries the water and the outer layer provides protection for the aluminium layer from damage. Brown stripes on the outer layer ensure the pipework is easily identifiable.

The Polyguard range is completed by an extensive selection of specialist fittings, each incorporating a special insert designed to ensure a perfect seal. Tees, elbow and both standard and transition couplings are available for use with each of the three Polyguard pipe sizes:

25mm

32mm

63mm

25 and 32mm pipe is available in 50m coils whilst 63mm is available in 25m, 50m coils and 6m straight lengths.

You can find out more about our Below Ground Products here.

We recently went to visit the Doncaster, Rotherham and District branch of the RSPCA to see a project involving local Primary school children which utilises Polypipe pipe.

Pupils from Crookesbroom Primary Academy were approached by the RSPCA to help create an enriched sensory space for the dogs in need of new homes at the facility. It sounds like the pupils jumped at the chance and our visit was their first chance to implement their plan.

The children’s enthusiasm and excitement was infectious as they threw themselves into planting the shrubs, moving around the large pipes and even testing the tunnels for themselves!

Polypipe were not the only local business donating product to the project with Castle Park Rugby Club donating topsoil and HMP & YOI Hatfield donating plants.

We even got to see some of the cats at the RSPCA on the day. We’ve compiled a little video of our Instagram stories into the video below.

If you would like to support the RSPCA you can do here.

Find out more about Chris Mitchell, Area Sales Manager for the Scotland North area at Polypipe Building Products.

What is your position at Polypipe and how long have you been there?

ASM Scotland North and I have been here a year and a half.

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

Every day is different, albeit the same if that makes sense? I cover from Fife, all the way up to the Scottish highlands and islands. Therefore, I am in a different part of our beautiful country every day, but having the same strategy, which is more of a demand creation role currently, to create demand with contractor and end user, to back sell into merchants. There is also the account management side to my role, which involves GAP filling with our merchant network, promoting current initiatives with the branches, and being the point of contact for all contract support, and terms enquiries.

What are three words you associate with Polypipe?

Professional

Reliable

Innovative

What is the best part of working for Polypipe?

There are many positive aspects to the company; the people that you deal with on a regular basis, nearly everyone is always happy to help, regardless of how busy we all are. There is also the training available to people, which stands out to me, that the company are always looking to develop its people further.

What is your proudest moment at Polypipe?

It would have to be actually starting the job; my background previously had been plumbers merchant, so I knew all about Polypipe, having sold the range for years, and I was over the moon to land the role, as it’s a great recognised brand throughout the industry.

What keeps you busy at the weekends?

My 5-year-old keeps my weekends packed; she has a better social life then me!

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

Nothing extravagant - I enjoy going to Spain with my family. Playing on the beach with my youngest daughter is one of my happiest times.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us?

I have never ate a fish supper.

Polypipe Building Products are pleased to announce Tariq Ahmad as our new Sales Director. Tariq has a wealth of industry experience across a number of senior roles and will be taking up his new position from 1^st August 2019.

Tariq has worked at Polypipe for 3 years moving from Business Development Director to his new position of Sales Director – Polypipe Building Products.

We sat down to talk to Tariq about his new role and his time at Polypipe.

Hi Tariq, congratulations on the new role.  How do you think this will differ from your previous position(s) at Polypipe?

Managing one of the largest sales teams in our sector & marketing makes my new role a far more strategic one than before. I will now be looking at Building Products as a complete entity and delivering value through giving clear leadership by product, solution & most importantly customer.

What are your plans for the role?

One of my first plans is to meet our internal and external teams and customers and find out what they have to say. I will look to manage, coach and develop our sales teams to ensure they remain the best in our industry and organise our teams to add value to Polypipe Building Products as well as the customers we serve.

I would like to create a clear vision and direction to grow sales and profitibility, maximise our brand values and solutions via social media and associated platforms and ensure we are visible and engaging with our customers to deliver joint growth plans.

Finally I plan to identify, anticipate and satisy market needs through new product introduction (NPI) and strong product launches to differentiate Polypipe Building Products and become the 'brand of choice'.

What do you like most about Polypipe?

I have felt very at home since the day I started - we have a very inclusive culture that allows for a good work-life balance. The people at Polypipe have been collaborative, supportive and very welcoming from the start. I feel very energised working for a growing and successful business and team. The greater the challenges the greater the rewards. There are so many opportunities to capitalise on that - I’m always busy, but thats how I like it.

I rely on a several people; as they are experts in their field. I in turn have been learning from them exponentially, all the time. It’s very fast paced here, full of variety, and there are no spare minutes; being organised and focused are therefore really important.  

And to get to know a bit more about you…

Where was the last place you went on holiday?

Kalkan, Turkey.

What keeps you busy on the weekends?

Spending time with my beautiful wife Beccy who I’ve been with for 33 years, as well as my 4 lively, incredible children. I enjoy golfing, playing tennis, hiking and following our family band.

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

Mohamed Ali, my late Father & Mary Berry to cook the dessert.

Tell us something about you that might surprise us?

I’m a fluent Dutch Speaker – “ik hoop dat je een goede dag hebt”.

Polypipe Building Products are pleased to announce Tariq Ahmad as their new Sales Director. Tariq has a wealth of industry experience across a number of senior roles and will be taking up his new position from 1^st August 2019.

Tariq has worked at Polypipe for 3 years moving from Business Development Director to his new position of Sales Director – Polypipe Building Products.

Building Products sat down to talk to Tariq about his new role and his time at Polypipe...

The weather has been so hit-and-miss of late that we thought it was the perfect time to talk Polypipe rainwater!

We offer one of the most comprehensive rainwater offerings in the UK, with nine different profiles available in five colour options - making it easy to find the right solution to compliment any new build or replacement project.

Rainwater Systems Key Benefits:

• Nine gutter profiles available
• Five downpipe profiles available
• Available in five colour options (standard)
• Comprehensive range of sizes including 75mm, 112mm, 117mm, 130mm and 150mm
• Half round profiles certified to BS4575
• All remaining profiles certified to BBA standards

Not only this but we offer our unique Elegance Colour range; engineered with the creative, inspired and imaginative homeowner in mind. We have a solution for every customer!

Practical doesn’t have to be boring

Our Elegance Colour range of engineered rainwater systems proves that even the most functional products can be transformed with a splash of colour. As well as colour, you can choose from two finishes: matte or a traditional cast iron look in either a Square or Sovereign profile.

Selecting a profile

 Our Square system is stylishly crafted, with a guttering profile designed to drain a roof area of up to 144m².

 Our Sovereign system is a beautifully crafted guttering profile that can drain a roof area of up to 284m².

Selecting a colour

Before Elegance colour, there were just your conventional colours for guttering and downpipes such as black, white, grey. Now you can finally stand out by personalising the exterior of your home.

What will it be? Heritage, Contemporary or Coastal?

10 Year Guarantee

Our elegance colour range includes our unique Anti-Chip Technology and a 10-year guarantee to ensure protection from stone damage, corrosion and general wear-and-tear. Our team of experts apply your chosen colour and finish by hand so once installed, minimal maintenance is required in the future.

Download our Elegance Colour brochure or request a colour sample to explore the range further.

Since our founding back in 1980, there’s been a passion within us to support the Plumbing and Heating industry at every stage of its growth.

From single-piece moulding technology to solvent seal security, we have one of the most comprehensive and technologically advanced ranges available for the residential sector – engineered to provide confidence in the installation. We invest heavily in innovation and manufacturing techniques to enable us to establish more inventive solutions.

One such solution is our new PolySoil range.

Developed to include the latest innovations, the PolySoil range is the most advanced ring seal soil system in the UK residential market, offering excellent durability and outstanding performance.

Constructed as a single-piece moulded unit with an integrated Ring Lock Seal, the range has been engineered for quick, simple fit and forget installation – with no risk of distortion, slippage or drop-through.

You can find out more about PolySoil, its features and benefits and view videos of the product here.

We recently sat down with our Head of Technical and Customer Experience Dean Asher to discuss his new apprentices and investment in the Polypipe Technical team.

Following this we spoke to Nathan McNeil, one of the new members of Dean's team, to find out more about him, his advice for people considering apprenticeships and to find out about his time at Polypipe so far.

What apprenticeship are you studying?

Technical Estimator Apprentice – HNC At Rotherham college.

What’s something you wanted to do when you were younger?

Quantity surveying.

Favourite subject in school, and why?

PE - I use to love the physical activity.

Maths - I feel mathematics was the one subject that I clicked with and advancing through the levels was fulfilling.

Why are apprenticeships good for companies?

Investing in people is good for many reasons such as; loyalty to the firm that you work for which motivates you, increases productivity and office morale. Financial subsidies from the government. Knowledge can be brought back from the college into the office that doesn’t only benefit the apprentice but everyone surrounding them because potentially the apprentice can teach senior members of staff on the new material. Future planning, when the senior members are looking to move on/retire there will be a qualified and experienced member of staff ready to pick their job up.

Why was an apprenticeship right for you?

University wasn’t the lifestyle that I wanted to live however with an apprenticeship I can work hard and reap the benefits. Upon completion of the apprenticeship I’ll have experience and the right qualification in the field that I want to go into. The opportunity to learn as you work is priceless in my opinion because gaining a degree for a job that you’ve never done before or had experience in could mean you’ve wasted 4 years at uni studying for something that you don’t enjoy doing but with an apprenticeship it’s the opposite, you’re learn for the job that you know that you enjoy.

What’s some advice you’d give to young people thinking about doing an apprenticeship?

Consider your strengths and weaknesses, what you enjoy and what you’re good at. By establishing this common ground you can look into a sector suited to you, at 18 not many people know exactly what they want to do but as soon as you know the direction that you want to head in an apprenticeship is perfect because opportunities will come up and you can take the right route for yourself.

How have you found Polypipe?

I found Polypipe when I was browsing estimator/QS apprenticeships. I saw the apprenticeship so I had a look into the company, I found out that Polypipe has earned awards for investing in people which instantly took my interest. After further reading on the job spec and Polypipe website I decided to apply.

What is your general role at Polypipe?

Underfloor heating technical estimator apprentice- designing UFH positioning and providing cost estimations predominantly on a domestic scale.

What’s something you do every day at Polypipe?

Morning meetings daily to discuss workload, management briefings and important matters in order to have good communication within the office. Using CAD systems to provide estimations to customers and as an apprentice every day I’m learning new ways to become more productive and improve my knowledge.

What has been your most notable experience at Polypipe so far?

The most notable experience so far has been undertaking the 2 day BPECC underfloor heating installation course at the professional development centre at the Kirk Sandall site. The course provided me with an essential basic knowledge on underfloor heating which I’ve implemented every day since, understanding how the system works is much more useful than just seeing it on a computer screen.

What keeps you busy at the weekends?

My girlfriend takes up a lot of time, Sheffield United FC and socialising with friends.

Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?

Canery Islands or Beleric Islands

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us?

I use mayo instead of butter on my sandwiches.

In October 2018, Polypipe Regional Sales Manager Gary Foord, together with a team from Wolseley UK, took part in the Challenge Adventure Charities Annecy challenge.

This year, the team returns for the CAC’s 2019 challenge which will see them cycling over a 4 day period from Ouistreham in Northwestern France, to Mont Ventoux in Southern France - a distance of 620 miles!

This years team will be made up of:

Gary Foord – Polypipe Building Products

In the last two years I have lost and maintained a 4 stone weight loss thanks to Slimming World. As part of my mid-life crisis and renewed energy I now ride regularly with Canterbury Bicycle Club and run with the Stour Strider Running Club. After completing the Mont Ventoux Challenge, the following weekend I will be participating in the Royals Parks Half Marathon, running on behalf of Anthony Nolan.

In a moment of madness, I also await a decision on running the 2020 London Marathon!

Keith Driscoll – Wolseley UK

Keith once again joins the team. Keith has cycled several previous challenges and whilst always willing to put the effort in on the bike, also likes to fill the car with his dirty laundry and the great smell of cycling!

On the challenges can be found holding court in a bar; normally with a bottle of red!

David Right – Right Gas

“2 years ago I decided being 14.5 stone and getting larger in a fairly inactive lifestyle was no way to continue. I started running as I had enjoyed it when younger, this then became Triathlons and I did my first Sprint Triathlon at the beautiful Blenheim palace, I then did the Olympic distance at Woburn Abbey. 

“I have now lost all the excess weight and I am training for my first Iron Man in Wales this September. I am really looking forward to getting stuck in to the Mount Ventoux Challenge.”

Paul Needham –Hi Tec Heating

From Lands End to John O’Groats, Paul has now completed several demanding cycling challenges and for the first time joins the Polypipe Team to complete the Mont Ventoux Challenge.

The kit is now officially on order so this is what the team will be wearing for the challenge:

Special thanks to the following companies for their donations towards the kit:

• Fernox
• Honeywell
• Stelrad
• Adey
• Intergas
• Bristan
• Myson
• Baxi Potterton
• Rightgas
• Hi Tech Heating

The team is cycling to help raise money the Challenge Adventure Charities, and of course our fantastic charity partner Help for Heroes. Any donation is appreciated no matter how big or small, as it all goes towards some great causes.

You can donate to their Just Giving page here.

Follow Polypipe Building Products on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram to keep up to date with the team as they take on the challenge.

For the third year running, Polypipe Building Products will be sponsoring the Heating Installer Awards, the industry famous competition to find the best heating installer in the UK.

Now in its fifth year, the Heating Installer Awards runs annually to create a positive talking point in the industry. The award scheme recognises the efforts of installers who go above and beyond for their customers and deliver exceptional work and customer service, day in day out, yet are often underappreciated.

Installers are encouraged to nominate a project that they are particularly proud of which demonstrates problem solving skills, knowledgeable product selection and exceptional results with the overall winner decided by a combination of expert judges, peer reviewed technical challenges and a public vote.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Eleanor Johnson, Senior Marketing Executive at Polypipe, said:

“At Polypipe, we work closely with plumbing and heating installers, seeing first-hand the fantastic work they do. We’re therefore proud to be sponsoring the Heating Installer Awards which champions those who go the extra mile and provide customers with high quality service and heating solutions.

“We’ve really enjoyed playing our part in the awards over the last few years, and we saw some truly incredible entries last year and Tony Dumble was a worthy winner. We’re delighted to be back on board for another year and we’re excited to see who will take the crown from Tony.”

Tony Dumble, Winner of the 2019 Heating Installer Awards, pictured with Area Sales Managers Luke Greenwod and Chris Pritchard.

Entries for the Heating Installer Awards 2020 open on the 1^st October with the overall winner announced at industry trade show Installer 2020 in May. To hear more about the awards, including the latest information on some exciting new features, follow @HIAwards on Twitter, @heatinginstallerawards on Instagram or visit: www.heatinginstallerawards.co.uk

Some say that Friday the 13^th is unlucky for some… well not for us at Polypipe Building Products. It turned out to be quite a busy day out and about across the business.

Regional Sales Manager Gary Ford attended the Builders Merchants Federation’s London and South East Regional Meeting at the Tottenham Hotspur football stadium. The event seemed extremely well attended with a packed agenda.

General Manager for Underfloor Heating Rachel Smith and Underfloor Heating Sales Support Sam Howcroft attended the NMBS #WomenInIndustry conference in London. There were some great discussions and lean-in sessions covering a wide range of topics.

A team at our Broomhouse Lane manufacturing site went litter picking again in and around the local area. This was once again arranged our Environmental Manager by Dora Zielinski.

We caught up with Grand Designs where Polypipe Underfloor Heating featured in a £1,000,000 project in Lincolnshire. The episode featured a cameo from our Area Sales Manager Bill Wood and one of our Auto-Balancing manifolds. The project featured our staple system on the ground floor and our overlay system throughout the rest of the property.

Keep up to date with things at Polypipe Building Products as they happen by following us on social media:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/polypipetrade

Instagram: www.instagram.com/polypipetrade

Facebook: www.facebook.com/polypipetrade

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/showcase/housing-and-selfbuilder