News

We’re giving women the opportunity to kick-start a fruitful career in plumbing.

To celebrate International Women’s Day and to shine a light on the chronic lack of females in plumbing, we have launched our new Plumbing HERoes campaign, offering an ambitious woman the chance to win a place on a fully-accredited training course.

The winner will also bag a haul of tools to set them on their way to a successful career in the trade.

We’ve teamed up with leading training provider Choice Training to offer the winner a place on its City & Guilds NVQ Level 2 Domestic Plumbing & Heating course, worth more than £3,000.

The Level 2 qualification is required to obtain a Plumbing JIB Card, which demonstrates proficiency.

Anyone interested in winning the prize can fill out the form below, explaining in no more than 200 words what they have been doing up to this point and why they want to enter the plumbing trade.

Any woman over the age 16 can enter. A team of judges will select a winner whose passion and determination catches the eye.

• Training will be delivered flexibly both online and in-person at Choice Training’s base in Dagenham.
• The winner will be able to start the course at their convenience.
• They will have three years to complete the training, but most people take between 10 and 12 months.
• The course typically entails 15 days of practical training, though more can be booked in if required.
• The course includes health and safety, plumbing processes, cold water systems, hot water systems, radiators and much more.

Plumbing is still an overwhelmingly male profession, with latest statistics showing less than 3% of the workforce are women.

Andrew Ingram, Managing Director at TG Lynes, said: “We are thrilled to announce our exciting Plumbing HERoes campaign to set one woman on the road to success in the plumbing industry.

“It’s incredible to think that the industry is so heavily dominated by males with, at last count, just 2.4% of roles being filled by women.

“I am sure there are many women who would thrive in the role and we look forward to finding a suitable candidate to kick start their journey by completing their Level 2 qualification.

“The winner will also benefit from a haul of tools to set them on their way.

“We’ll be looking for a woman that shows a hunger to start their plumbing journey.”

Choice Training offers a wide range of different courses and qualifications, inspiring students to achieve excellent results with its friendly approach, support and proven training methods.

Robert Tye, Director at Choice Training, said: “We’re delighted to partner with TG Lynes on this campaign.

“Here at Choice Training, we place an importance on supporting women in achieving a successful career in the construction industry - and we look forward to welcoming the competition winner on board.”

Any eligible female can enter the competition here - https://www.tglynes.co.uk/page/campaigns/plumbing-heroes-2024

TG Lynes has further improved the sustainability and versatility of its fleet by investing in a new electric dropside van.

The leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier has purchased a dropside Ford E-Transit, which is being used predominantly for daily deliveries into Central London.

The van has a range of up to 150 miles and a payload of 750kg.

It can be charged on-site at TG Lynes’ Enfield base. On a sunny day, all of the required electricity comes from the business’ high-performance solar panels.

John O’Connell, Transport Supervisor at TG Lynes, said the vehicle was already proving very useful.

“The E-Transit is very versatile and its range is easily enough to use for deliveries within Central London. It drives very well and we have found it particularly good in the W1 and EC postcodes where roads are constrictive and space is at a premium.

“We’ve moved towards dropsides in recent years as they are capable of carrying pipe up to six metres in length, compared to just four metres for panel vans.

“The most important thing for us is to have a fleet that is as versatile and as sustainable as possible. This new addition will help us to lower our carbon footprint even further, while improving service for our customers.”

John said the E-Transit was taking around two-and-a-half hours to charge to full.

TG Lynes has six different vehicle options available in its fleet, ranging right from Class 2 18 tonne DAF lorries to an e-bike.

More than 30% of the fleet is now powered by renewable energy, including two of the 18 tonne lorries which use HVO, a cleaner alternative to diesel that is manufactured from 100 per cent renewable and sustainable waste, including vegetable oil, tallow and used cooking oil.

“Sustainability is one of the core values of the business and it’s something we take very seriously,” said John.

“We will continue to analyse our delivery data to ensure our vehicles match the ever-evolving demands of our customers, while we are also examining the possibility of installing batteries on site to store power generated by the PV panels.”

The fleet also includes 7.5 tonne lorries in both long wheelbase and short wheelbase form and an express pick-up truck.

Though TG Lynes’ core customer base is in London, the business also makes regular deliveries to areas outside the M25 circular, including Oxford, Cambridge and Brighton. Less frequent deliveries are made to places such as Birmingham, Nottingham, Peterborough, Manchester and even Newcastle.

TG Lynes offers a daily delivery service, with the first vehicles on the road for 6am. This approach - significantly earlier than its competitors - means TG Lynes can often deliver vital products to places like Birmingham sooner than other companies based much closer.

It is common for there to be more than 20 TG Lynes vehicles out on the road at any time.

TG Lynes stocks industry leading brands and supplies thousands of products including valves, steel and copper tubes and fittings, press systems, composite and plastic plumbing, drainage solutions and support systems and tooling. An extensive plant hire service is also available.

Two sales professionals have been rewarded with a promotion for their hard work and dedication at leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes.

Jim Higgins has been promoted to Sales Manager from Area Sales Manager, while Gerry Wood is the new Assistant Sales Manager, moving up from Internal Sales Supervisor.

The promotions are part of a restructuring process at TG Lynes, to continue to enhance communication amongst the 11-strong Sales Team.

Jim, 34, has been with TG Lynes for eight years, having started with the plant hire team and on the trade counter.

He is looking forward to spending more time in the business’ Enfield office in his new role.

“I am over the moon to achieve this promotion,” said Jim, who lives in Essex.

“I’ve been on the road for six years so I’m really looking forward to being more office-based and having more face-to-face contact with the team.

“TG Lynes have really supported me in my progression, and I’ve completed a number of sales and leadership courses to get where I am today.

“The company is in a great place and I’m excited about the direction it is going.”

Gerry, 49, is celebrating his 20^th year with the business having progressed from the warehouse through to sales.

The Enfield resident said: “It’s great how TG Lynes supports people to rise through the ranks. It means you end up with people in leadership roles who really understand the business inside out.

“I originally moved to TG Lynes from a stock control job dealing with high-value products so moving into the plumbing and heating industry was very different, but once I got my head around it, I loved it.

“There are plenty of challenges in the industry at the moment, but TG Lynes is renowned for quality and that’s what stands us apart from our competitors.”

Joe Kane, Sales Director, congratulated the pair on their progression.

“Jim and Gerry are excellent examples of colleagues who have worked hard, bought into the TG Lynes ethos and have flourished,” he said.

“I wish them both well as they embark on the next chapter of their careers, and we look to improve the communication between sales staff in the office and those on the road for the benefit of our customers.”

TG Lynes stocks industry leading brands and supplies thousands of products including valves, steel and copper tubes and fittings, press systems, composite and plastic plumbing, drainage solutions and support systems and tooling. An extensive plant hire service is also available.

Tomas Figura has continued his progression through the TG Lynes ranks after being promoted to Estimation & Technical Sales Executive.

Tomas has been with the leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier for 12 years, starting out in the warehouse before moving onto the trade counter and later into the office as Sales Executive.

He has been rewarded for his hard work and commitment with his new role, which will see him take on additional responsibilities around tendering and estimating, as well as providing technical advice and follow-ups during the project period.

Tomas, who lives in Harlow, said: “I am delighted to have been offered this new opportunity within TG Lynes.

“I have held a number of different positions within the company since joining, from the warehouse to customer-facing on the trade counter and finally into the office which has given me an excellent overview of how the business works.

“This is an opportunity for me to further my career and to look after new customers, while seeking to bring in new business as well.

“I’m really grateful to the senior management team and the directors who have backed me all the way. They have helped me build my profile and I know I have their support whenever I need it.”

TG Lynes has an eight-strong sales team, headed by experienced Sales Director Joe Kane.

Tomas said the business has a strong culture where hard work is rewarded.

“It’s a good place to be and we have a great rapport amongst the team,” said the 36-year-old. “But when it’s time to get your head down, everyone is happy to do that.”

Joe said: “I’m really pleased for Tomas, who has worked hard to rise through the ranks and has built up strong relationships with many of our customers.

“He’s an important part of the sales team and I hope we can support him in taking his career as far as he wants it go in the coming years.”

TG Lynes stocks industry leading brands and supplies thousands of products including valves, steel and copper tubes and fittings, press systems, composite and plastic plumbing, drainage solutions and support systems and tooling. An extensive plant hire service is also available.

Donna Hart had extra reason to cheer at the start of 2024 as she celebrated promotion to Assistant Warehouse Manager at TG Lynes.

Donna - who has been with the leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier for three years - has been promoted from Warehouse Supervisor.

The Barnet resident said she was proud to be in a management role working within TG Lynes’ 20-strong warehouse team.

“I was delighted to be offered the new role,” said Donna. “I will be taking increased responsibility around health & safety within the warehouse, as well as supporting the Warehouse Manager, with staffing issues and covering the Manager role when he is off.

“We have a great team and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Donna is unfazed by being the only female in the TG Lynes warehouse.

“Warehouses are still predominantly male environments and I think there was some apprehension when I first started,” she said. “I had nine years of warehouse experience already under my belt, though, and the team soon realised I was willing and able to do everything that the men do.

“I love the busy atmosphere of warehouses and having a laugh with the guys.

“TG Lynes is a great company to work for and they’ve supported me in my growth. I enjoy the work ethic, its charity work and its commitment towards environmental responsibility.”

Donna said technology in the warehouse is moving forward at pace with the introduction of new picking equipment and electric vehicles.

Andrew Ingram, Managing Director at TG Lynes, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to reward Donna with this promotion as she continues her journey with TG Lynes.

“Donna has shown fantastic leadership skills and I’m confident she will flourish in this new role.”

TG Lynes stocks industry leading brands and supplies thousands of products including valves, steel and copper tubes and fittings, press systems, composite and plastic plumbing, drainage solutions and support systems and tooling. An extensive plant hire service is also available.

Leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes has launched a new website, making it easier for customers to manage their accounts and order products for next-day delivery.

TG Lynes has invested in a fresh online platform which offers its Trade Account customers modern, round-the-clock methods to place and manage their orders.

Andrew Ingram, Managing Director of TG Lynes, said: “We are renowned for our industry-leading stockholding and availability, our next-day delivery and our convenience. This new website allows our customers, old and new, to access our products and services even more easily, whether they are in the office, on site or away from the working environment.

“Of course, our phone lines remain open for queries, assistance and support, but we recognise the way people want to do business has changed. A modern web presence gives our customers more options and allows them to engage with us at a time that suits them.”

With the new website, customers with a Trade Account can access all of TG Lynes’ products within its 60,000sq ft warehouse and arrange next-day delivery. Alternatively, customers can organise collection from the business’ Enfield base from 5am the following day.

Customers can also change their delivery address and details of on-site contact, as well as viewing live, accurate stock levels.

Account documents including invoices, proof of delivery and quotes are all available at a touch of a button. Visitors can also view their balance and pay off their account with a few simple clicks, with automated receipts sent straight to their inbox.

All website activities are backed by the latest in online security features.

Andrew added: “We have trialled the revamped online system with selected key customers over the last couple of months and have had overwhelmingly positive feedback.

“Our mission is to make life as easy and stress-free as we can. This is a significant step forward and we look forward to welcoming existing and new customers onto the platform.”

TG Lynes offers a daily delivery service, with the first vehicles on the road for 6am. This approach means TG Lynes can often deliver vital parts across London and further afield to places like Birmingham sooner than many competitors.

It is common for there to be more than 20 TG Lynes vehicles out on the road at any time.

TG Lynes stocks industry leading brands and supplies thousands of products including valves, steel and copper tubes and fittings, press systems, composite and plastic plumbing, drainage solutions and support systems and tooling. An extensive plant hire service is also available.

Convenience is at the core of TG Lynes’ revamped plant hire offering, making the process of leasing tools and machines as simple as possible.

Six-figure investment in plant hire has significantly improved the range and quality of the tools available for short-term use.

Where TG Lynes can stand above traditional hire operators is its ability to deliver items to site at the same time as plumbing materials purchased from the business.

Steve Watts, Plant Hire Manager, explained: “Convenience is a big part of our offering and giving customers the chance to purchase their materials and complete their plant hire requirements in a one-stop-shop is a real benefit which many companies operating a solely hire offering simply can’t provide.

“This means customers only need to receive one delivery to site on a given day, which is far more practical and saves time, particularly on large sites or when working in multi-storey buildings.

“It also means that should any problems arise with either purchased products or hired items there is one point of contact.

“Whenever we talk to our regular customers we are telling them about hire as well.

“It is clear they are really enjoying the experience of being able to hire high quality, reliable tools at the same time as buying the materials they need for the job at hand.”

The renewed emphasis and investment on plant hire means TG Lynes now has 350 products available to hire.

These include pressguns, threading machines, access equipment, site safety gear and much more.

The cash injection has also allowed TG Lynes to achieve authorisation as the REMS service depot for the South East and surrounding areas.

TG Lynes has expanded its hire team to six – and recently built a new office for sales stuff, in turn allowing service technicians additional space to carry out services and repairs.

Steven added: “I’m privileged to have a strong, talented and knowledgeable team who are completely focused on delivering the best possible service to our customers and always ensuring reliability and availability of hire equipment.

“People buy from people and I couldn’t have asked for a better group to deliver our hire offering.”

Tools in high demand include crimping machines, which have been recently upgraded to the latest cordless battery models.

The team has also seen orders for Viega Tools increase, with competition hire companies even using TG Lynes to supply their own customers.

Threading machines, too, have proved popular, particularly for use on school projects in the London area.

Contact the plant hire team on 0208 216 1900 to discuss requirements.

TG Lynes has established itself as the go-to specialist for servicing, calibration and repairs of REMS tools in and around London.

Significant investment in plant hire has seen TG Lynes vastly improve the range and quality of the tools available for hire.

The cash injection has also allowed TG Lynes to achieve authorisation as the REMS service depot for the South East and surrounding areas.

REMS is a leading manufacturer of machines and tools for pipe working professionals, particularly sanitary and heating installers.

There are only three authorised REMS service depots in the country and previously the nearest to London was in Norfolk.

The TG Lynes hire team exceeded its REMS target by more than 300% last year, with customers flocking to Enfield for servicing and calibration requirements.

Steven Watts, Plant Hire Manager, said: “There are only three authorised REMS service depots in the country and previously the nearest to the capital was in Norwich, so to have one within the M25 is a huge benefit to customers.

“This year has seen huge growth for REMS servicing – and we have further plans to continue our expansion.

“We have had customers couriering their REMS products to us from France and Scotland, which is a real vote of confidence in our expertise.”

TG Lynes offers press tool calibration on REMS tools, running diagnostics and checking press force measurements.

The team can also carry out warranty repairs as well as general repairs and servicing, with certificates available once the work has been completed at TG Lynes’ modern workshop.

Three months warranty is offered on all repairs and only official REMS parts are used. Collections and deliveries are also available.

Steven said: “We have made the process as convenient as possible for our customers. Tools can be sent to us or we can arrange collection.

“We will then visually inspect the tool and run diagnostics to check for faults before producing a quote for the work required.

“The service or repair will be carried followed by test and inspection before, finally, return by either collection or delivery.”

Two members of the TG Lynes team - Nick Bryce and Gaetan Rene – travelled to Germany for an intensive three-day training course at REMS HQ to ensure they had all the knowledge required to service customers effectively.

Gaetan has been part of TG Lynes’ plant hire team for more than 45 years. He has an extensive knowledge about the equipment and was a perfect candidate to put forward for the training.

Contact a REMS press tool servicing agent for more information on 0208 216 1900.

Two daring colleagues are preparing to be strapped to the wings of a plane for a hair-raising charity fundraiser at 135mph.

Taylor Unwin, from Barnet, and David Batey, from Shuttleworth in Bedfordshire, are taking part in a wingwalking challenge in aid of Teens Unite.

The brave pair both work at leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes in Enfield.

While Taylor, a Warehouse Operative, insists he is undaunted about what lies ahead, David admits his knees will be knocking when the big day comes on December 9.

Taylor, a 20-year-old gym fanatic, said: “I’ve not really done anything like this before but I love the thought of danger and adrenaline.

“I’m pretty fearless to be honest so I’m sure I will enjoy it.”

Sales Executive David, aged 56, said: “I don’t like flying and haven’t been on a plane in more than five years.

“I will be extremely nervous, there’s no doubt about that, but once I commit to something there’s no turning back.

“It’s all for a good cause and I’m hoping I can somehow enjoy the experience!”

The challenge is taking place at Old Warden Airfield in Shuttleworth.

Both men are hoping to raise at least £600 each. Donations can be made at either https://www.justgiving.com/page/taylorwingwalk2023 or https://www.justgiving.com/page/davidswingwalk

Andrew Ingram, managing director at leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes, said: “I am full of admiration for Taylor and David pushing the boundaries and taking on this terrifying challenge.

“I hope people dig deep and support Teens Unite, which is a fantastic local charity we have had the pleasure of working with over the last 12 months.”

TG Lynes supported Teens Unite with £7,500 worth of product and labour through its Helping Hands campaign last year.

The charity provides people aged between 13 and 24 with the social, emotional, and physical support that is vital to their cancer recovery.

TG Lynes stocks industry leading brands and supplies thousands of products including valves, steel and copper tubes and fittings, press systems, composite and plastic plumbing, drainage solutions and support systems and tooling. An extensive plant hire service is also available.

Leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes has further enhanced convenience for its customers by introducing the option of online payment.

TG Lynes has partnered with Synertec to allow customers to pay their invoices online for the first time.

Payments are fully encrypted, and automated receipts are emailed to the customer within seconds.

Simone Dahlia, Credit Controller at TG Lynes, said Synertec's Vaultlink system had been in place for over a month and was already proving very popular with customers.

"The feedback we've had from our customers has been extremely positive," she said. "The system means people can pay their invoices quickly, easily and more securely.

"Until now, we have taken payments via Bacs or over the phone. We even still receive the occasional cheque.

"Many people feel more comfortable paying online than delivering their personal details over the phone.

"Most people are very familiar with e-commerce. It's what they've come to expect, and we're pleased to offer them additional convenience when trading with TG Lynes."

Vaultlink also allows customers to pay the invoice within 30 or 60 days.

Simone is on hand to guide customers through their first online transaction if they experience any difficulties.

Paul Swift, Commercial Business Manager at Synertec, said: "VaultLink provides a digital platform where customers can pay invoices or statements at any time.

"The platform also allows customers to self-serve in requesting copy documents or sending queries directly to the credit control team, all without the need to log in, like with traditional portal solutions.

"We are extremely pleased to have partnered with TG Lynes on this project and glad to see the great results being achieved, even at this early stage."

Payments will still be accepted by Bacs or over the phone for customers who prefer that payment method.

TG Lynes stocks industry leading brands and supplies thousands of products, including valves, steel and copper tubes and fittings, press systems, composite and plastic plumbing, drainage solutions and support systems and tooling. An extensive plant hire service is also available.

To find out more, please contact Synertec via 01823 652360, communications@synertec.co.uk or our website https://synertec.co.uk/

REVIEWS:

"I would just like to give you a big thanks for coasting me through the new payment website. It's quick and very easy to use, allows you to choose individual or full invoices, email your own receipt and stay on top of finances. Well done to you and your team for making this user friendly."

"We used Vaultlink for the first time last month to pay our monthly bill and found it extremely easy to use, quick and convenient. No need to call, which saves time and in the matter of a few clicks, the payment is made and received by accounts."

"Making a payment online was very straight forward and had the added benefit of increased security which is very important to us. Being able to access our statement anytime will be a big benefit allowing us to print off copy invoices if needed. All in all, a very user friendly system."