Recycling roll out

A recycling trial by Polypipe Building Services with Wolseley UK has proved so successful that it is now being rolled out across 11 of the specialist merchant’s branches within the UK. The trial began in three of the specialist merchant’s branches — in Brimsdown, Trafford and West Bromwich — with Polypipe drivers dropping off dedicated empty collapsible pallets to be filled with PVC piping offcuts, obsolete products, plastic packaging, and bulk bags.

The drivers would then pick the full ones up on their next delivery to each branch and since January 2022, the PVC drainage manufacturer has collected more than 2,700 kilos of recycled waste.

Alex Ashton, the supplier’s Environmental & Sustainability Manager, said the newly expanded service was just one of a number of ways the Kent-based firm is working to improve the sustainability of the business and minimise the impact to the environment.

He said: “We had been looking at ways we could help customers with their waste reduction as part of our own measures on site at Aylesford to stop anything going to landfill, and when we approached Wolseley with the idea they jumped at the chance.”

Alex added: “We’ve already had interest in the trial from several of our other distributors as it really is a win-win for them, their customers and our environment, and we have employed two dedicated recycling staff to sort all the different recycling streams.”

Luchiana Laza, Category Manager at Wolseley, said: “When Polypipe Building Services told us about its trial scheme we were delighted, as internally we had been looking at different recycling schemes to support our customers. We have weekly deliveries from Polypipe so the volume of waste which we can now recycle means this scheme also makes good financial sense due to the cost saving on skips.”

Heat pump skills gap

City Plumbing says that its latest research “lays bare” the UK’s heat pump skills gap with only 18% of installers currently installing them and 44% not knowing where to go for training. Commissioned by Energy Efficiency at City Plumbing, and conducted by Censuswide, the survey polled installers about their current knowledge of renewable technologies and whether they planned to become certified to install them.

The results show there is significant work to provide installers with all the information they require about the topic, inspire them to seek training, and address their concerns. The government has a target for 600,000 heat

Henshaws join NBG

Founded in 1985 and bought by MD Adrian Shelley four years ago, Greater Manchester-based Henshaws Roofing & Building Supplies is looking to take another step forward by joining National Buying Group. Turnover has grown three-fold since Adrian’s takeover and during this time, the business moved from its original Stretford location to a ‘superbranch’ at Trafford Park, opened new premises in Rochdale, and diversified from being solely a roofing merchant.

Phil Bonar, New Partner Development & Recruitment Manager at NBG, said: “Henshaws has already made waves in the Greater Manchester area, and we’re keen to help it continue its upwards trajectory. As an NBG Partner, we’re very confident the company will go from strength to strength, and we appreciate the trust Adrian has placed in us to help take Henshaws to the next level.”

Rainy Day Trust anniversary

The Rainy Day Trust is kicking off a year of fundraising as it celebres its 180th birthday. And the charity, which grew out of two benevolent funds for the industry, says it has been on hand to support vulnerable people in the home improvement sector ever since.

pumps to be installed per year by 2028 in a bid to achieve national Net Zero targets. However, last year the figure was between 60,000 and 70,000 — and installers need more information on how to get involved.

Adam Foy, MD of Energy Efficiency at City Plumbing, said: “As an industry we need to make training more accessible. The underlying interest is there — our survey revealed that 49% of installers would consider becoming MCS certified if there was a course available locally. Moreover, when we asked installers if becoming certified would be good for their careers, 82% agreed.”

CEO Bryan Clover said: “The way we have helped people during the last few years hasn’t really changed — vulnerable people who find themselves in difficulty, and often don’t know where to turn. What has changed is the increase in the number of people needing help and the number of businesses who have welcomed us into their premises to talk openly about how we can help.

“It isn’t just about money but also advice.”

To mark the RDT’s special birthday, numerous activities are being planned to raise funds through donations and sponsorships. Bryan added: “We want this year to be the biggest on record, helping as many people as possible.”