Meet The Team

Tim Whitehead, Managing Director

Number of years with the business

14

Expertise

Sales director BPEC qualified / 10 years business development with a specific focus on making UFH accessible to our Northern merchant base and offering client consultancy on individual projects.

What are you passionate about?

Achievement, family and living life to the full. In a working environment I am passionate about attention to detail, getting things right the first time and providing a service to an industry that needs a consistent and uniform approach.

What inspires you?

Possibilities - can we achieve this? Courage inspires me such as the courage shown by our armed forces. Dedication to a cause and ultimately my children inspire me.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

I would swap places for a day with Donald Trump just so I could build a wall around him!!

I'd also swap with Nick Faldo, a childhood golfing hero who showed courage and dedication albeit in a sporting amphitheatre to walk away from his profession to rebuild from scratch with the objective to be the best. In an era where his financial security was never assured he walked away and started again. His record thereafter proved he got it about right.

Sally Stuffins, Business Services Director

Number of years with the business

8

Expertise

Commercial Director / Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a strong commercial acumen, MSc qualified in Construction Project Management achieved under previous employ with Laing O'Rourke.

What are you passionate about?

Bad grammar! Geeky I know but as a nation we’re so bad at it. Oh and cheese....

What inspires you?

Dedicated sports people who train all day everyday in all weathers to be the best in the world. Leaving nothing to chance - “marginal gains”. Complete focus and commitment. E.g. Steve Redgrave, Chris Hoy, Serena Williams, Jessica Ennis-Hill.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

The Prime Minister - would love to know all the secret security stuff we never get to find out about, the amount of information thrown at them everyday that they have to process and make big decisions on. Plus I’d like to “have a word” with Boris Johnson!

Ross Duncanson, Commercial Director

Number of years with the business

4

Expertise

Commercial Director / MBA qualified / ex Regional Sales Director of FloPlast Building Products, key skills in drainage / rainwater and all above ground building plastics.

What are you passionate about?

Structure and organisation. I am sad enough to admit my Filofax (old skool I know) goes everywhere with me! I love music as it keeps me sane during the countless miles I travel in the car. Away from work I am an avid Sport’s fan (well more watching than participating) and I have a particular interest in Football. Lastly and most importantly I love my free-time on a weekend to spend with my wife and children (Josh, Ben & Sophia). We often go cycling to exhaust the kid’s endless amounts of energy!

What inspires you?

In the 1980’s and at the age of 50 my Grandparents took a massive gamble by leaving home and setting up a Bar Café in Majorca. Alongside my children, my Gran and Grandad's courage and love for life is my greatest inspiration.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

I've always been full of admiration for Barack Obama. I am in awe of his presence and incredible speaking ability. His calmness and confidence, even under the most severe pressure, is something I would happily experience even if it was just for 24 hours.

Claire Briars, Marketing Manager

Number of years with the business

1

Expertise

Marketing Specialist with 19 years experience in varying B2B and B2C roles.  BA (Hons) in Marketing and a Post-graduate CIM DipM in Marketing and Business Management. Previous positions include BT, Expedite, Claire Sky Marketing, and Hurst Accountants where the roles centred around maximising the customer experience and their journey.

What are you passionate about?

Living in the moment, enjoying everything that life has to offer and laughing a lot ! Oh and jumping into my PJ’s at the end of the day.

What inspires you?

People who are genuine, wear their heart on their sleeve, and are kind, generous and just an absolute blast to be around ! Generally, any person who makes the world a better place.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

Being sensible (not my first instinct!) I’d have to say Mahatma Ghandi, to experience his passion that changed the world. However, being truthful... I’ve got to say the wife of Chris Hemsworth, I mean come on… Who’d not want a hug inside those arms !!

Adam Taylor, Underfloor Heating Sales Manager

Number of years with the business

1

Expertise

Formerly an Area Sales Representative at FloPlast, previous experience in various Account Management and Customer Service roles over the past decade. BSc in Business Studies and Finance.

What are you passionate about?

Being the best you can be and giving it your all. I’m not one to stand still and rest on my laurels, I’m always looking to better myself. At work, I’m passionate about customer delight; customer satisfaction is good, but if your customers are delighted, they will keep coming back! I enjoy solving problems for customers too and sometimes having to think outside the box to find a solution. Outside of work, I love spending time with my fiancée, my two kids and our Cockerpoo, Oscar.

What inspires you?

My two children, Edie and Ezra, inspire me and they are the reason I get up to go to work in the morning.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

What a question! I’d have to say someone with access to lots of money so I could send some to myself! Maybe Jeff Bezos? Or even better, his accountant!

Chris Yarwood, Plumbing & Building Products Sales Manager

Number of years with the business

3 months

Expertise

Formerly working in Retail Management and National Account Management, I have gained a large amount of experience within management and have had huge experience within Sales and Customer Services.

What are you passionate about?

My main passion is my family, I strive to ensure I can provide them with a warm and enjoyable upbringing. From a personal point of view, my main passion is to continually develop and improve myself on a regular basis, working hard to achieve great things for not only myself but also the teams I work in.

What inspires you?

The emergency services and volunteers who help keep our communities safe inspire me, solely giving their life to a work environment which at times can be dangerous and emotionally draining is something which I have huge respect for and certainly don’t take for granted. Our NHS has been a beacon of light for many years and this has been highlighted more in the past couple of years, it’s only when you have time to reflect you realise how much of an inspiration they all are.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

If I could swap places with anybody it would be Gareth Southgate at the World Cup Final 2022 (I know I am being optimistic), not only to pick the starting 11 but to get that thrill of leading the country out to their most historical win since 1966 would be something most people could only dream of.

Steve Ramsbottom, Warehouse Supervisor & Stock Control Supervisor

Number of years with the business

18

Expertise

Being the longest standing member of staff, I have grown with the company and have a vast range of product knowledge.

What are you passionate about?

Learning Spanish. Making sure my children have everything they need. I love sports and going to the gym, and most of all going for a pint!

What inspires you?

Early retirement and moving to Spain with my family.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

Nobody!

Paul Barton, Operations Supervisor

Number of years with the business

4

Expertise

37 years plumbing experience.

What are you passionate about?

Golf!

What inspires you?

Working hard to achieve a nice home for the family.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

Dustin Johnson, the day he won the masters!

Ken Condron, Warehouse Supervisor & Delivery Coordinator

Number of years with the business

3

Expertise

Ability to do all aspects of the job requirements and multi-task.

What are you passionate about?

Organisation and communication.

What inspires you?

The growth of the business and where we can be in 12 months time!

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

Ross Duncanson, my Commercial Director, I admire the relationships he derives inside and outside of the business... but I'd still show him how it's done ;)

Alex Barton, Office & Accounts Administrator

Number of years with the business

3

Expertise

Office and Accounts Administration.

What are you passionate about?

Organisation. I am not ashamed to admit I have a fondness over keeping all of our files neat and tidy and knowing exactly where everything is. I am a big believer in taking on new challenges and being able to expand my skills to become a stronger member of the team. Out of work, I am very into my gardening, I am growing a reputation of being the plant lady because I can never stop talking about it.  

What inspires you?

It’s a very cliché answer, but my parents inspire me. They are extremely hardworking and driven. Always willing to put someone else before themselves. They have shown me the best examples of how to work hard in life. Although I still have a fair bit of catching up to do. (I still believe Sunday is the day of rest.) 

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

It would have to be Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. An American Politician who is never afraid to be the voice for the people. She has been a personal hero of mine and I would love to see how her day operates and who she’s coming up against next. 

Duane Collins, Customer Services Coordinator

Number of years with the business

6 months

Expertise

Customer Service and striving for Sector-leading Customer Service!

What are you passionate about?

Outside of work, I am passionate about family and dancing; and that’s all styles of dancing. I currently train a local Morris Dancing Troupe and I am also a massive fan of watching and partaking in Latin & Ballroom (albeit a complete Novice!)

In my working environment, I am passionate about our Customers happy and returning. Nothing makes my day more than being able to make somebody else’s day!

What inspires you?

What inspires me is a Management structure which believes in building people’s confidence and empowering them to work efficiently and effectively. A lot can be said for someone who is happy and content in their role and the organisation and what this brings both inside and outside of work.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

Barak Obama – I’d absolutely love to spend the day with Michelle! I am a huge fan of hers and what she advocates for. I absolutely adore what they’ve both achieved from and where they’ve come from.

Jodie Macleod, Sales & Process Administrator

Number of years with the business

2

Expertise

Customer service and sales.

What are you passionate about?

Food and money!... On a serious note, making sure I try my best in everything I do. I am also passionate about helping people.

What inspires you?

My mother Paula, she has done everything for me and is the hardest worker I know. My little dog, Alfie, also inspires me.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

Eminem, he has been through a lot and I'd like to take a few tips from him!

Karolina Zalewska, Operations & Process Administrator

Number of years with the business

9 months

Expertise

Office and sales administration.

What are you passionate about?

Nature, in a nutshell. I love being out and about away from big cities and noise. I love to travel and explore new places but going for a walk in the countryside is enough to recharge my batteries.

What inspires you?

My husband and his drive for excellence. Being the best in what he does and constantly developing his skills. He is a very hard working and dedicated person which makes me very proud of him, and ultimately pushes me to be the best in what I do to likewise make him proud. 

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

This is a really hard one… Astronauts I suppose. This is something that I know I will never be able to do, but I’d love to see our beautiful planet in its full glory from space. I also admire how intelligent astronauts are, they are so extremely clever and in very dangerous situations they are trained to be super cool and engineer a way out of any trouble they encounter.

Karen Rotherham, Sales Support Administrator

Number of years with the business

6 months

Expertise

Delivering Excellent Customer Service

What are you passionate about?

My family, particularly my 3 grandchildren Oliver, Samuel and Jessica, my partner, and my dog Marley. Treating everyone as an equal. Trying to shop with local independent businesses.

What inspires you?

Life, waking up to see another day, being happy and content.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

HRH Queen Elizabeth, so I could hear her private conversations, hear what she really thinks about things and have a good nosey around Buckingham Palace.

Simon Parker, Warehouse Coordinator

Number of years with the business

3

Expertise

Warehouse organisation

What are you passionate about?

Amateur radio, and messing about with cars, I'm never happier than when knee deep in an engine bay. Oh, and toast! There's black magic involved in turning bread into a delicious slice of hot, buttered toast!

What inspires you?

Family.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

Marconi.  I'd love to have heard that first radio signal!

Mike Roylance, Warehouse Operative

Number of years with the business

3

Expertise

15 years as a Delivery Driver / Multi Drop Driver covering all of the country and abroad, working for companies such as Nightspeed, Amtrak, DHL and XPO.

What are you passionate about?

I actually enjoy getting up at daft o clock and going into work, I can honestly say I do enjoy my job. I'm always setting myself targets and little challenges, and for me failure isn't an option.

Away from work I enjoy living life to the full, laughing, and joking. I totally agree with the saying; 'we're here for a good time and not a long time'. I also enjoy running and mountain biking and spending lovely weekends away with my fiancee.

What inspires you?

My family are my biggest inspiration especially my fiancee without their support I wouldn't be where I am today. I have been fortunate enough to have my Mum and Dad out with me in the van travelling the country, for me they'll be forever memories.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

Great question to ask... without a doubt its World Record Marathon Runner Eluid Kipchoge, the only man on the planet to run a marathon in under 2hours a true gentleman and an ambassador to the sport. I'd have loved to have been him on the day that he achieved that.  

Jordan Sheridan, Warehouse Operative

Number of years with the business

2

Expertise

Warehouse duties.

What are you passionate about?

Football (Liverpool), Formula 1, and cars (mechanics).

What inspires you?

Family.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

Steven Gerrard or Ant Middleton!

Sam Wright, Warehouse Operative

Number of years with the business

4 months

Expertise

Picking orders.

What are you passionate about?

Moving forward, progression is addictive. Sourcing the rarest vintage clothing items, and travelling the world.

What inspires you?

The ability that anything is possible.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

Simon (my colleague) so I can have the same feeling about toast as he does!

Mati Konkiel, Warehouse Operative

Number of years with the business

3 months

Expertise

Warehouse co-ordination, multi-tasking and ensuring full accuracy within my work.

What are you passionate about?

Football! However I am also a keen car enthusiast and I love travelling with my family.

What inspires you?

My family, sports, a good book and people who give off positive energy.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich Football Player).

Dave Houghton, Driver

Number of years with the business

1

Expertise

Driving and customer relations.

What are you passionate about?

Sailing offshore, and competition pool.

What inspires you?

Being the best I can be, in whatever I do.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

Alex Thompson, professional yacht skipper.  Currently skippering the Hugo Boss Venelex Globe around the world race.

Nick Hart, Driver

Number of years with the business

3

Expertise

I take great pride in handling and delivering our customer orders. I enjoy the many different areas that we deliver to.

What are you passionate about?

Chocolate! 

What inspires you?

Fast cars.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

Batman !

Tammy Walsh, Driver

Number of years with the business

6 months

Expertise

Awesome driver!

What are you passionate about?

Driving and superbikes, and my grandkids.

What inspires you?

Meeting new people and seeing different places.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

None - unless it is a rich person ;-) 

'Wilf', Driver

Number of years with the business

2

Expertise

Driving.

What are you passionate about?

Nothing ! ;)

What inspires you?

Nothing!

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

My Dad, he's the man I respect the most.

Mark Francis, Driver

Number of years with the business

5 months

Expertise

Driving, warehouse, and caring for my disabled wife.

What are you passionate about?

Driving, meeting people, and spending time with my family.

What inspires you?

My brother - he was a hard worker, I also like helping people.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

Noone, I enjoy what I do.

Barry Jackson, Driver

Number of years with the business

1

Expertise

20 years Greenkeeping, and playing Golf in Cat. 1 for 40 plus years.

What are you passionate about?

Golf & Manchester United.

What inspires you?

Talent.

If you could swap places with somebody for a day, who would it be?

Nobody, I'm happy as I am!