A CHALLENGING roofing project has been successfully completed using a brand new liquid coating system, PermaRoof 500 (P500), developed by leading supplier of innovative building products PermaRoof Commercial, part of PermaGroup. The University of Leeds is the first PermaRoof Commercial client to benefit from the P500 liquid polyurethane overlay –
BUILDING on the success of the past 18 months, PermaRoof Commercial, part of PermaGroup, has grown tenfold after making several key hires in response to demand. Since its inception in December 2020, PermaRoof Commercial has gone from strength to strength, completing a total of 62 projects, equalling approximately 21,000m2 of
DESPITE the industry’s ongoing stock shortages, leading supplier of specialist building products, PermaGroup, has continued to pride itself on providing permanent solutions to age old problems – stepping outside the box to successfully navigate the sector’s challenges. Although there is little that can be done to improve the supply chain
FOLLOWING a 12,000 ft² expansion, Mincon Carbide, leading tungsten carbide specialist manufacturers, enlisted the expertise of RB ALLAN & SONS Ltd and PermaRoof Commercial, part of PermaGroup, to secure its three-acre UK site in Sheffield. The site, which has been the home of Mincon Carbide’s offices and factory for more
PERMAGROUP – which houses innovative brands that provide permanent solutions to age-old problems – has appointed an apprentice and area sales manager as the firm continues to grow its team and well-established brands. Nicole Parkes has joined PermaGroup, which has its head office in Alfreton, Derbyshire, as an apprentice in internal sales, while Tony
DERBYSHIRE roofing firm Permaroof has taken unprecedented steps to protect its workforce by investing £2,000 in coronavirus safety equipment. Permaroof has installed three Radikal Health systems – which purify and eliminate viruses and bacteria from the air – at its head office in Alfreton and will also carry out twice
AFTER dominating the domestic EPDM rubber flat roofing market for the past two decades, Permaroof – the UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover – is expanding into the commercial sector. Building on its past experience of supplying rubber membranes to its customer base working on commercial projects and its expansion into modular projects during the UK-wide lockdown this
PERMAROOF, the UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover, is celebrating its most successful May and June in its 19-year history despite the nationwide challenges faced by all businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic. With a 26% increase in sales in May 2020 compared to 2019 and a staggering 86% increase when comparing June 2019 to 2020,
THE UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover roofing products, Permaroof, has appointed Lily Chadwick as marketing co-ordinator as it continues to grow the number of brands and services it offers to merchants as well as direct to trade. With the addition of The Skylight Company, Permalawn and Permafence
THE past few months have been a time of massive upheaval for installers across the UK following the coronavirus lockdown – with contractors having to adapt to new ways of working in an extremely short space of time. On Sunday, 10 May, Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled a ‘conditional plan’
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
A CHALLENGING roofing project has been successfully completed using a brand new liquid coating system, PermaRoof 500 (P500), developed by leading supplier of innovative building products PermaRoof Commercial, part of PermaGroup. The University of Leeds is the first PermaRoof Commercial client to benefit from the P500 liquid polyurethane overlay – a highly elastomeric waterproofing solution. The project, which was started and completed in June 2022, involved coating approximately 250m2 of the original asphalt roof of the helium recovery suite at the university’s Woodhouse site, due to general weathering causing a number of failures to the roof. Sunny Lotay, national commercial manager at PermaRoof, said: “The P500 system successfully tackled major challenges the roof presented, as there was a high number of plant units and other obstructions, and a complex, uneven surface to contend with. The challenge caused by the increased obstacles meant the liquid coating system was the best choice for the job because of its adaptability to be installed in a single layer with excellent adhesion to all types of surfaces.” PermaRoof Commerical was initially contacted in 2021 by the University of Leed’s technical officer, Chris Wade. Sunny Lotay then undertook a thorough on-site survey, produced a roof condition report and recommended using the P500 system. Sunny also recommended a PermaRoof Registered Installer (PRI) contractor to undertake the works due to the in-depth training received by each PRI member ensuring a guaranteed high-quality installation. The innovative P500 system is a continuous waterproofing membrane that also serves as anti-skid and anti-slip surfacing. Liquid roofing allows for a much better fit within a complex area, and its rapid curing means it is resistant to rain within 30 minutes of application with only one layer applied. Sunny added: “It was fantastic to see the system in use for the first time and I am pleased it provided the ideal solution for our client. The project was completed quickly with minimal issues and the roof now has a life expectancy of 25 years. All roofs should be able to stand the test of weather and time, particularly for important educational and research facilities.” Samuel Moore, managing director at Samuel Moore Roofing, was brought onto the project following a successful collaboration with PermaRoof Commercial previously at the new Hull ICU unit at Hull Hospital. Samuel said: “Following a full roof conditional report and meeting with Sunny and the building developer, Tilbury Douglas, we opted for the P500 liquid system as the best solution for this project. Our installers have undertaken rigorous training to become fully registered and be able to effectively install the system. “We were fully supported by PermaRoof from the outset with Sunny arranging the site surveys,meetings, and keeping us updated every step of the way. Other members of the PermaRoof team ensured delivery was taken care of and that the project ran smoothly. We absolutely loved installing the P500 system – it was so easy to use, and we are already pricing other projects to continue using it.” For more information on PermaRoof Commercial, please visit permaroofcommercial.co.uk or call 01773 608839.
BUILDING on the success of the past 18 months, PermaRoof Commercial, part of PermaGroup, has grown tenfold after making several key hires in response to demand. Since its inception in December 2020, PermaRoof Commercial has gone from strength to strength, completing a total of 62 projects, equalling approximately 21,000m2 of roofs laid across the country – the equivalent of more than 80 tennis courts. Among its extensive list of completed projects are contributions to several significant developments, including Hull ICU, Leeds University and The Leys in Surrey. Sunny Lotay, national commercial manager, said: “I’m incredibly proud of how far PermaRoof Commercial has come since its inception, and the fact that we’ve been able to attract so many talented individuals is a testament to the division’s success. We’ve welcomed new recruits within sales, logistics and commercial areas of the business, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the needs of our customers, while also growing our capabilities and cementing our expertise throughout the industry.” Some of the department’s recent key hires include: Paul Stapleton – commercial logistics manager; Rob Hunt – senior technical manager; Neiah Slater – commercial sales support; Scott Roberts – commercial logistics manager; and, Blake Clay – rooflights specifier. The external sales team has also grown, with the appointment of further experienced sales managers, Ian McKenzie, Tony Pitts, Paul Mullen and Simon Nicholls, who are responsible for delivering PermaRoof Commercial’s services across the country. So far, they have secured several unique projects, including Scottish Business Park, St. Andrews in Northampton, Churchill Medical Centre, and many more. Adrian Buttress, managing director, said: “I’m thrilled to see PermaRoof Commercial continue to forge ahead and deliver consistently strong projects. The calibre of tenders we are securing is thanks to Sunny’s hard work and commitment to establishing the foundations of the division, and we’re delighted to bring our new hires into the company as PermaRoof Commercial continues to grow and develop.” Sunny added: “This is an incredibly exciting time for us, as we’re currently working on 25 active projects and have tenders for a further 89 in the pipeline. We have great ambitions for the next 12 months as we continue to strengthen the commercial team with more new additions, both internally and externally, while simultaneously nurturing the existing team. “We have no intention of resting on our laurels either, as we also want to maintain this momentum and continue our winning streak by securing more supply chain tenders and doubling the number of installers within our PermaRoof Registered Installer (PRI) network. “Our ever-growing team is going to be fundamental to realising our goals and I’m incredibly excited to see where the next 18 months take us as we enter an exciting new chapter.” For more information on PermaRoof Commercial, please visit permaroofcommercial.co.uk or call 01773 608839.
DESPITE the industry’s ongoing stock shortages, leading supplier of specialist building products, PermaGroup, has continued to pride itself on providing permanent solutions to age old problems – stepping outside the box to successfully navigate the sector’s challenges. Although there is little that can be done to improve the supply chain issues, aside from waiting for the worst to pass, PermaGroup has continued to follow its unique approach to ensure customers are still catered for. Adrian Buttress, managing director of PermaGroup, said: “I’m proud of the way we have responded as a company to the stock shortages, which have been an issue since early 2020. We’ve taken decisive action to support our customers and stayed flexible to allow us to respond quickly to the changing circumstances.” Having implemented a three-pronged approach at the start of the crisis, involving purchasing in bulk, establishing CPD seminars to upskill individuals and rewarding customer loyalty, PermaGroup’s strategy has paid off, reaching all of its key KPIs, and exceeding many, in the first four months of the year. The first quarter of 2022 also saw PermaGroup expand its board, welcoming new investment and expertise to support and bolster the company’s ambitious plans for growth and strengthen its leadership team – safeguarding the business’ future. Adrian added: “Recently, I made the decision to sell some of my shareholding to a private equity company and bring on new board members – something that had always been part of my plans when I became MD. Now was the perfect time to implement this, as it has allowed us to reset targets, adapt our strategy and prepare confidently for the coming years.” James Wooster, director of Owner Venture Managers, the additional shareholder alongside Adrian, said:” PermaGroup is an innovative business and I’m eager to join the board to support its future success as it continues to grow from strength to strength to service more customers than ever before. Adrian’s remarkable leadership has seen it thrive, despite the challenges of the past couple of years, and it’s a journey I’m excited to be on.” Adrian added: “The coming year is full of possibilities for us and, as we look ahead, I want to continue delivering the best possible solutions to our customers, no matter the obstacles. As a business, this is our number one priority and, with several potential acquisitions on the horizon, alongside the introduction of a southern and northern base as well, there’s a lot to look forward to.” To find out more about PermaGroup, visit: www.permaroof.co.uk/permagroup. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
FOLLOWING a 12,000 ft² expansion, Mincon Carbide, leading tungsten carbide specialist manufacturers, enlisted the expertise of RB ALLAN & SONS Ltd and PermaRoof Commercial, part of PermaGroup, to secure its three-acre UK site in Sheffield. The site, which has been the home of Mincon Carbide’s offices and factory for more than 70 years, has recently been refurbished by contractor RB ALLAN & SONS Ltd, to ensure it is waterproof and secure for years to come. The site redevelopment began in 2019 with the demolition of a derelict building, which was on the company’s grounds, making way for an extension of 12,000 ft² taking the full surface area to 35,000 ft². Meanwhile, work on the roofing stage of the project began in June 2021, for which the PermaRoof Commercial team was appointed by RB ALLAN & SONS Ltd and Firestone to provide consultative and installation support, and is expected to be completed in phases over the next four years. Sunny Lotay, national commercial manager for PermaRoof Commercial, said: “It is essential that prominent companies, such as Mincon Carbide, invest in their infrastructure to prevent potential issues from developing that, in turn, require potentially costly repairs. The refurbishment Mincon Carbide has undertaken at its site in the heart of Sheffield’s industrial region shows significant forward planning in the future-proofing of its operations from a structural perspective.” As leading suppliers of roofing solutions and services, PermaRoof Commercial is working alongside RB ALLAN & SONS Ltd, who is responsible for the installation of a comprehensive Firestone RubberGard EPDM waterproofing system and Firestone HD Coverboard throughout the duration of the four-year project. Craig Glasby, director of RB ALLAN & SONS Ltd, said: “We were thrilled to work with PermaRoof Commercial on this project for engineering leaders, Mincon Carbide. PermaRoof has supported with logistics surrounding materials and installation advice, ensuring the right solution was found for the challenges faced on site. The adaptability of the EPDM rubber roofing products that were specified means the job can be completed with confidence.” The Firestone HD Coverboard was laid first on the corrugated roof to create a safe and workable space that could take foot traffic during the refurbishment works. Fixed roof ladders posed a unique challenge for standard rubber roofing as it was inflexible in the space, which could have led to potential waterproofing issues. However, PermaRoof Commercial utilised the qualities of liquid rubber to effectively seal the gaps around the fitted ladder, overcoming the issue of waterproofing in a difficult space. Sunny continued: “The benefit of utilisng Firestone products with a PermaRoof Registered Installer (PRI) is the 20-year BBA approved warranty. By equipping our PRIs with the training and knowhow to make recommendations for challenges faced on each project, particularly renovations, it means projects that require our support, such as Mincon Carbide has with installers RB ALLAN & SONS Ltd, have the peace of mind in knowing their investment will survive the seasons for years to come.” For more information on PermaRoof Commercial, please visit permaroofcommercial.co.uk or call 01773 608839.
PERMAGROUP – which houses innovative brands that provide permanent solutions to age-old problems – has appointed an apprentice and area sales manager as the firm continues to grow its team and well-established brands. Nicole Parkes has joined PermaGroup, which has its head office in Alfreton, Derbyshire, as an apprentice in internal sales, while Tony Pitts has become part of the firm’s ever-expanding sales team. The apprentice role appealed to Nicole, who has a passion for learning and developing others, due to PermaGroup’s commitment to training its team members and its strong progression scheme. She said: “PermaGroup is a growing business, which has repeatedly hit targets and achieved its growth plans even throughout the pandemic. I also love that the staff here speak so highly of each other and the firm as a whole; everyone respects one another, and it makes a great place to work.” Tony has joined PermaGroup with an impressive portfolio and has five years’ managerial experience to bring to the team. PermaGroup’s well-known product ranges peaked Tony’s interest in the job, as well as PermaRoof’s one-of-a-kind roofing system. He said: “Joining PermaGroup has been really interesting and I’m really enjoying learning about all the fantastic brands and products within the umbrella company. The PermaGroup team are a great support and I’m delighted to be here as I further my career.” PermaGroup has grown rapidly since it started trading in 1999, currently employing more than 50 people. The firm started as a felt roof company, before setting up PermaRoof – one of the largest importers and distributors of the revolutionary Firestone RubberCover and single ply EPDM rubber roofing systems. Since then, the company has expanded into a growing group of brands all operating under the PermaGroup umbrella, including: PermaFinance, PermaFence, PermaLawn, PermaKit, PermaRoom, PermaRoof and The Skylight Company. Managing director Adrian Buttress said: “Nicole and Tony’s appointments reflect the growth we have experienced in the past year, with demand still remaining high for our products even after the pandemic. We are so pleased to have onboarded both exceptional team members and we’re looking forward to seeing them grow and develop with the company.” For further information on PermaGroup, please visit www.permaroof.co.uk.
DERBYSHIRE roofing firm Permaroof has taken unprecedented steps to protect its workforce by investing £2,000 in coronavirus safety equipment. Permaroof has installed three Radikal Health systems – which purify and eliminate viruses and bacteria from the air – at its head office in Alfreton and will also carry out twice weekly Covid lateral flow testing for its 17 office-based employees. The team includes both office and warehouse-based staff, ranging in roles from marketing and sales to warehouse operatives and delivery drivers. Adrian Buttress, managing director of Permaroof and the wider PermaGroup, said: “Throughout the entire pandemic, the safety and wellbeing of every single member of our team has been of paramount importance. “For those employees who are unable to work from home, we have implemented a strict set of Covid-19 measures, including restricting access to our headquarters to staff members only, regular temperature checks, and daily cleansing of all surfaces and door handles. “This month, we also installed one Radikal Health anti-viral air and surface sanitising machine in our main sales rooms, which covers our staff on reception and those in customer services, and another in the accounts office. The third captures all of the air in corridors and remaining side offices. “We want to eradicate as much risk as possible, which is why we have invested in the air purifying machines and regular testing, as well as placed a huge emphasis on creating a Covid-secure environment. “Not only are we committed to keeping our staff and their families safe, some of whom are very vulnerable to the virus, we also want to protect the business as, if a breakout occurred at our head office, we would have to temporarily close, which would cost the business six-figure sums.” In 2020, Permaroof celebrated its most successful year in its two-decade history after maximising the lockdown effect on the DIY market and quickly diversifying in the face of the pandemic. The firm added products to its portfolio, including a disinfectant spray to help customers work safely. At the same time, it worked closely with modular companies for the first time, which included supplying fast flat roofing solutions to four emergency NHS projects during the first month of lockdown. Simultaneously, the business recruited a new marketing co-ordinator to push out a formal communications strategy and partnered with a mindset and coaching programme for the sales team, which has helped them adapt and understand customers’ challenges and provide bespoke solutions. Adrian attributes the success of the past year to a fast response to Covid-19, investment in an already solid team and diversification into new services and products. He said: “We had to rewrite our business plans, raise funds for the unknown and rework all our numbers while adapting the business to ensure it was Covid-secure for the Permaroof team and its customers.” Permaroof offers products and services that provide “permanent solutions to age-old problems”. It offers this through a variety of products – its central offering of Firestone RubberCover EPDM roofing – as well as artificial grass through its PermaLawn brand and maintenance-free fencing via PermaFence. This is in addition to PermaTile promenade tiles, rooflights through The Skylight Company and, most recently, steel framed buildings. For more information on Permaroof UK, please visit www.permaroof.co.uk or call 01773 608839.
AFTER dominating the domestic EPDM rubber flat roofing market for the past two decades, Permaroof – the UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover – is expanding into the commercial sector. Building on its past experience of supplying rubber membranes to its customer base working on commercial projects and its expansion into modular projects during the UK-wide lockdown this year, the business – which was set up in 1999 and is based in Derbyshire –now offers design, specification and installation on commercial projects using the proven and durable rubber membrane Firestone RubberGard EPDM. Adrian Buttress, managing director of Permaroof and the wider PermaGroup, said: “During our time specialising in domestic flat roofing projects, we’ve proven ourselves in the residential sector and gained unrivalled expertise of the industry. “After hitting our 20-year-old company milestone and with a record year in 2020, we were ready to expand our offering. The next logical step was to use our knowledge and move into the commercial sector – further increasing our portfolio of providing permanent solutions to age-old problems. Our vision is to become a leading commercial flat roofing supplier within just two years.” As part of the firm’s strategy to increase the delivery of large-scale installations, Permaroof has hired experienced national commercial manager Sunny Lotay to lead its new commercial flat roofing division. Adrian said: “While we’re not new to EPDM, having specialised in Firestone membranes for the past 17 years, residential rubber roofing and commercial flat roofing are two very different animals. Because of this, we’ve recruited an experienced national commercial sales manager, who will lead our new commercial flat roofing division and work with the Firestone technical team to ensure its global reputation is maintained. “Permaroof will be following Firestone’s proven business model, which has led to some very prestigious jobs around the world, totalling millions of square metres. “Through our national contractor stockist network, we have extensive access to commercial projects, which will enable us to organically tap into this source. We know we will be able to make a substantial difference in the number of projects we can bring flat roofing solutions to and we are thrilled to now be offering design, specification and installation to the commercial sector.” Sunny – who has more than 14 years’ experience under his belt – started his career at SIG Roofing where he spent almost seven years as a business development manager, followed by one year as a specification manager at SIG Design & Technology. He then moved to Saint-Gobain/Jewson as head of flat roofing. A five-year stint was followed by almost two years as a regional specification manager at Flex-R. He said: “The launch of the commercial flat roofing division in partnership with Firestone is part of Permaroof’s continued success story, which is steeped in providing waterproofing systems and solutions to its customers. “Because of the number of waterproofing solutions available for commercial flat roofing, building owners and project managers need to think in the long term and research the economics of their decisions, and this is where we can help. Our industry knowledge and experience combine to make us perfectly placed to support customers in finding the best commercial roofing system for their premises. “I’m incredibly excited to start working closely with customers to help them get the most value from their roofing system investment. From the initial design right through to the end user walking into the building, we’re on hand throughout the entire lifecycle of a built environment project, providing an excellent waterproofing solution with full technical assistance, and a warranty to back it up – providing peace of mind.” Firestone RubberGard is a high performing synthetic flat roof membrane that has an expected lifespan of more than 50 years. The system offers a unique combination of features, including superior weatherability and durability, low lifecycle cost, and high flexibility and elongation. The material is available in standard grade at 1.14mm and premium grade at 1.52mm for heavy duty installations and can be custom cut to size. Adrian added: “Since their introduction, Firestone EPDM membranes – which are backed by more than a century of Firestone experience in rubber technology – have dominated the single-ply roofing market through their proven performance, durability and flexibility over a wide range of building types. “EPDM – which has a low lifecycle cost, requiring little to no maintenance once installed correctly on a well-prepared substate – is proving to be the leading flat roof material for the future, particularly due to its environmental properties. “If you are an architect, specifier or building owner, please do get in touch with our team of experts, who can fully explain how Firestone RubberGard can benefit your commercial project.” Permaroof offers products and services that provide permanent solutions to age-old problems. It offers this through a variety of products – its central offering of Firestone RubberCover EPDM roofing, as well as artificial grass through its Permalawn brand and maintenance-free fencing via Permafence. This is in addition to Permatile promenade tiles, skylights and rooflights through The Skylight Company and, most recently, steel-framed buildings. In 2020, Permaroof celebrated its most successful year in its 20-year history, after maximising the lockdown effect on the DIY market as well as quickly diversifying in the face of the pandemic. Its positive end to the year follows several record months including a 26% increase in sales in May 2020 compared to 2019 and a staggering 86% increase when comparing June 2019 to 2020. For more information on Permaroof UK, please visit www.permaroof.co.uk or call 01773 608839.
PERMAROOF, the UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover, is celebrating its most successful May and June in its 19-year history despite the nationwide challenges faced by all businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic. With a 26% increase in sales in May 2020 compared to 2019 and a staggering 86% increase when comparing June 2019 to 2020, it’s been two amazing consecutive months for the Derbyshire-based team with the likelihood of a healthy July too. This follows reports of 2019 being its most successful year to date with 24,000 orders completed: the highest figure in its history. Adrian Buttress, managing director of Permaroof, attributes the success to a fast response to Covid-19, investment in an already solid team, and diversification into new services and products. Adrian said: “Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic – such as supply issues, merchants closing, and roofing projects being delayed or put on hold – our team has managed to buck the trend and deliver amazing results that are a true testament to the service they offer, as well as the strong relationships we have with customers nationwide.” After increasing its warehouse capacity in 2019, as well as broadening its offering by acquiring The Skylight Company and becoming the sole distributor of Permafence, the team met the challenges posed by coronavirus rapidly and decisively. Additional stock had already been purchased in preparation for Brexit, ensuring ample supply to meet any level of demand from contractors, many of which still needed to fix damaged and leaking roofs in need of urgent maintenance. New products were also added to Permaroof’s portfolio including a disinfectant spray to help customers work safely, while investment in the team was crucial with a strong focus on marketing and a new marketing co-ordinator recruited to push out a formal communications strategy. At the same time, Permaroof adapted its offering to work closely with modular companies for the first time, supplying fast flat roofing solutions to four emergency NHS projects in the first month of lockdown. Adrian continued: “Clear communication to both staff and customers has been vital. Pushing forward with marketing has allowed us to do this while reinforcing our brand and putting out messages of stock availability at a really important time. I have no doubt that this has been crucial to breaking our sales records during the UK lockdown. “I hope that our success proves that there is still opportunity out there for UK SMEs and that the building and construction sector is ready to bounce back and thrive. We’re certainly committed to supporting both the contractors and merchants we work with and hope that the next quarter is as positive for them all.” Permaroof offers products and services that provide “permanent solutions to age old problems.” They offer this through a variety of products – its central offering of Firestone RubberCover EPDM roofing – as well as artificial grass through its Permalawn brand and maintenance free fencing via Permafence. This is in addition to Permatile promenade tiles, skylights and rooflights through The Skylight Company and most recently, steel framed buildings. For more information on Permaroof UK, please visit www.permaroof.co.uk or call 01773 608839.
THE UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover roofing products, Permaroof, has appointed Lily Chadwick as marketing co-ordinator as it continues to grow the number of brands and services it offers to merchants as well as direct to trade. With the addition of The Skylight Company, Permalawn and Permafence names to its offering, Lily is tasked with further strengthening each individual company in addition to the parent Permaroof UK Ltd brand, heading up all communications activity and implementing formal marketing strategies. Lily said: “Permaroof is a leading name in the flat roofing market; it has a strong reputation for strategic growth at an impressive rate. It was this market position and the company’s move into new markets, such as fencing and artificial grass, that held great appeal as a marketeer. “Permaroof is run as a really tight-knit friendly business, which extends to its relationship with customers. This is not only enjoyable as an employee, but it’s a fantastic basis for the formal marketing strategy that will be rolled out throughout 2020.” Permaroof, which has its head office in Alfreton, Derbyshire, has grown rapidly since it started trading as a family business in 1999. Over the past five years, the firm has tripled its turnover. In 2019, the business celebrated its most successful year to date with 24,000 orders completed; the highest figure in its 19-year history. This significant milestone followed four consecutive record sales months and a raft of exciting investments. The company added 22,000 sq ft of warehouse space with 60,000 sq ft of racking to its Derbyshire head office in early 2019, allowing the addition of new product lines, as well as increasing its sales force by eight to form a nationwide team of 37. Managing director Adrian Buttress said: “Lily’s appointment reflects the growth that we achieved in 2019 and our ambition to keep down this path with the aid of a clear and recognisable brand. I’m delighted to welcome Lily to support the evolution of our products and services which continues to progress quickly, even during the coronavirus pandemic.” During the outbreak, Permaroof reacted swiftly to adapt its offering to begin working closely with modular companies for the first time, supplying fast flat roofing solutions to four emergency NHS projects in the first month of lockdown. As a result, Permaroof is now supplying its Firestone RubberGard EPDM roofing system to four different modular projects – including Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guilford, Bristol Royal Infirmary and Chesterfield Royal. For further information on Permaroof UK, please visit www.permaroof.co.uk.
THE past few months have been a time of massive upheaval for installers across the UK following the coronavirus lockdown – with contractors having to adapt to new ways of working in an extremely short space of time. On Sunday, 10 May, Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled a ‘conditional plan’ to reopen parts of society – highlighting construction and manufacturing as an example of an industry where returning to work would now be explicitly encouraged. With this in mind, Adrian Buttress, managing director at Permaroof, the UK’s leading importer and distributor of Firestone RubberCover, shares his top tips on how traders can continue to work effectively and safely with both suppliers and customers. He said: “Many roofing installers have continued to work throughout the pandemic and now, the rest of the industry is being encouraged to return to their jobs. We recommend contractors strictly implement the government’s social distancing requirements and avoid public transport to minimise the risk of spreading the virus and keep the public – as well as themselves – safe.” Be organised when collecting materials “Despite lots of workers now being encouraged to go back into their workplace, this doesn’t mean everything will go back to as it was pre-pandemic straight away. “At the moment, you’re probably not going to be able to go to a trade counter and decide what you need while there. You will need to know exactly what you want beforehand and pre-order the stock so the guidelines in place can be strictly adhered to. It’s also important to stay on top of stock checks so you know exactly what you have already to avoid placing unnecessary orders.” Expect delays “Most businesses are running on skeleton staff who will be working different shifts and will have changed their ways of working to continue trading, meaning processes may be slower. When ordering from the merchant counter, it’s likely your order may take longer to fulfil than normal. To avoid this impacting on your business, forward plan and place orders before stocks become critically low.” Organising quotations “When carrying out quotations, it’s important to communicate with customers clearly. Tell them to stay inside while you get up the ladder and take the measurements. The quotation can then be sent over email – offering a completely contactless service.” Offering a contactless service “Once you’ve got the materials and secured the job, work to pre-arrange any electricity extensions to be put outside the building so you don’t have to go inside the home. Also, it’s worth thinking about toilet facilities and how you’re going to access these safely while staying away from the customer. “Sadly, tea and coffee should be off the cards too and make sure you’re sanitising as you go along. Not only is all of the above good practice in terms of health and safety, it’s all good for the customer to see that you care about their wellbeing. “When it comes to roofs, things can go wrong and urgent maintenance and repairs sometimes need to be carried out without further delay to avoid problems down the line. However, it’s vital that these take place safely to avoid the further spread of the virus.” For more information on Permaroof UK, please visit www.permaroof.co.uk or call 01773 608839.
