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Warehouse veteran Barry Lines has this week celebrated a stellar 35 years at TG Lynes - and reflected on two decades of the business being based in Enfield.

Having joined the company in 1989, Barry is one of six people still with the business to have worked at TG Lynes’ old home on Caledonian Road in King’s Cross.

“My brother was working for the company at the time and let me know they were looking for staff,” said Barry, now 58. “I had my interview with General Manager Bob Taylor and started straight away.

“I found myself in the warehouse unloading vehicles and picking orders. It was hard graft but it was a fantastic business to work for – and still is. We were a very close-knit team and many of us knew each other’s families.”

Barry was one of the first individuals to be transferred over the new premises when TG Lynes relocated to Enfield in 2004.

“The King’s Cross base was three buildings knocked into one with the warehouse in the basement,” remembered Barry. “It was difficult working conditions and there was stock all over the place.

“Parking was a nightmare in the area. It got to the point where the company was paying for customers’ parking fines.

“Enfield was completely different. I remember moving in and it was just an empty shell with all the shelving ready for us.

“Everything changed straight away. We could work smarter and much more efficiently in a clean and calm environment.

“It’s allowed the business to move to the next level and for us to vastly increase the number of orders we process.

“I just can’t believe it’s been 20 years, time has flown by.”

Despite having 35 years under his belt, Barry is only the fourth longest serving member of the TG Lynes team.

"It's great that there are so many long servers at the business," said Barry, a keen Wycombe Wanderers fan. "I've known Gaetan Rene, Michael Brett and Joe Kane for 35 years - we've grown up together.

"The company has always been very supportive. I've hardly had any time off but last year I was in hospital following a stroke. They allowed me to ease myself back into the warehouse, part-time at first before building back up.

 "I am still enjoying it and plan to keep going for a while yet!"

A 25-year-old woman from Northampton is ready to kick-start a career in plumbing after winning a place on an accredited training course – and a bumper haul of tools.

Ashleigh Stent was crowned champion in TG Lynes’ Plumbing HERoes competition and is now in the process of enrolling onto the City & Guilds NVQ Level 2 Domestic Plumbing & Heating course with training provider Choice Training.

The course is worth more than £3,000 and the tool bundle a further £600.

Leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes launched Plumbing HERoes to help encourage more women into the trade, which is still heavily male dominated.

Ashleigh was selected as the winner by a team of judges from a clutch of entries.

Ashleigh said: “I am absolutely over the moon to win Plumbing HERoes. It’s a huge opportunity for me to take the next step in my career.

“I was working as a labourer for a small company was encouraged to try a variety of trades.

“I found it really empowering and enjoyed working with my hands. Plumbing interested me most and I started fitting wet rooms in social housing before moving to repair and maintenance in facilities management.

“I have since completed a diploma in plumbing. This prize will allow me to develop my skills further and obtain the NVQ qualification I need to get out there and launch my career as a residential plumber. It’s so exciting!”

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

Training will be delivered flexibly both online and in-person at Choice Training’s base in Dagenham.

Ashleigh will also receive a huge array of tools to help accelerate her career, including pipe cutters, spanners, hacksaws and wrenches.

Andrew Ingram, Managing Director at TG Lynes, said: “Plumbing HERoes was a brand new initiative for us and one we are extremely proud of.

“Plumbing is still an overwhelmingly male-dominated profession, with latest statistics showing less than 3% of the workforce are women. We want to encourage more women to consider a career on the tools, which can be very rewarding and fulfilling.

“We had some excellent entries but Ashleigh stood out due to the work she has already put in to get her foot on the ladder and her ambitions for the future.

“I’m really looking forward to following Ashleigh’s career as she grows and develops.”

The course includes health and safety, plumbing processes, cold water systems, hot water systems, radiators and much more.

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 were delighted to partner with TG Lynes on this innovative 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 Ashleigh on board, providing her with the knowledge and skills required to progress in whichever direction she wishes.”

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 bolstered its growing sales team with the addition of two new recruits.

Tony Porter is the new Area Sales Manager while Liam Waller has been appointed Sales Executive.

Tony, 35, has worked in the industry for eight years, including most recently two years at Georg Fischer.

He will oversee sales in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

“I had regular dealings with TG Lynes while at Georg Fischer and built up a rapport with some of the team, including Sales Director Joe Kane,” said Tony, who lives in Ickenham.

“The job specification and location of the role were ideal for me and I was delighted to join the team.

“TG Lynes has everything under one roof with impressive levels of stock and a reputation for first-class customer service. That was a major pull for me.

“There is a lot of uncertainty in the industry at the moment and a battle over price, but TG Lynes remains steadfastly committed to service and availability.”

Liam, meanwhile, has been working in trade kitchen sales for 14 years, most recently as Assistant Manager at Howdens.

The 34-year-old was impressed with the vision and drive of Sales Manager Jim Higgins and Joe Kane.

West Ham United fan Liam said: “I have worked in sales within the trade for a long time, so I am familiar with what customers expect.

“I met with Jim and Joe and was really impressed with their passion for TG Lynes and plans for the future. I am expecting my first child later in the year and it felt like the right time to make the move.

“It’s amazing how many people have been at the business for 10 years or more. It speaks volumes for how they treat their people.

“It is also great to see how TG Lynes has invested in the future with electric vehicles and warehouse automation.”

Joe Kane said: “We are delighted to welcome Tony and Liam to TG Lynes. They both have excellent experience in sales and they will offer industry-leading service to our customers.

“We are pleased continue growth and investment in our team.”

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.

A TG Lynes Sales Executive is nearing his £1,000 fundraising target after completing a gruelling 54-mile cycling challenge from London to Brighton.

Louis Zaidman, from Tottenham, departed the capital at 6am and arrived at the seaside at 1.30pm with regular pitstops for food and stretching.

Cycle novice Louis was taking on the legendary ride in aid of Noah’s Ark. He smashed his original fundraising target of £350 and is hoping to burst through the £1,000 barrier as donations continue to come in.

Noah’s Ark provides support to babies, children and young people with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions and is TG Lynes’ charity partner of the year.

Louis, 28, said: “I really enjoyed it and I think I'll probably do it again - but it was definitely harder than I was anticipating.

"There were a couple of pulled muscles and thigh cramps, but I was pleased with my finish time.

"People have been very generous and I'm genuinely thrilled to have raised so much money for a fantastic cause."

TG Lynes has raised more than £25,000 for Noah's Ark since partnering with the charity in 2022.

Louis recently bought a new bike through the Cycle2Work scheme and has been travelling 10 miles a day to and from TG Lynes’ headquarters in Enfield.

The furthest he had cycled before the London to Brighton challenge was 40 miles.

To add to Louis’ total, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/louis-zaidman-1705565764762

Andrew Ingram, Managing Director at TG Lynes, said: “We are so proud to have so many colleagues that are committed to fundraising and helping charities in our local community.”

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.

Enfield Cricket Club has been bowled over by the support of a local business.

The thriving Lincoln Road club has received £1,000 of sponsorship from leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes.

The money will be used to buy new training wear for the cricket club’s junior members.

TG Lynes is celebrating 20 years of being based in Enfield having moved from King’s Cross in 2004.

Steve Cokell, of Enfield Cricket Club, said: “We are thrilled to receive this generous backing. TG Lynes is renowned as a business that gets involved with the local community and supports good causes. It’s great to see.

“We currently have around 100 junior players at the club and this new training wear will be well received.

“Fundraising is a constant battle for sports clubs so we are very grateful to the TG Lynes team.”

Enfield Cricket Club has around 350 members and also has football, tennis and darts teams.

The club has four men’s cricket teams, with the firsts flying high in division two of the Middlesex County Cricket League.

Andrew Ingram, Managing Director of TG Lynes, said: “We’re pleased to support Enfield Cricket Club, which plays an important role in the local community for many people.

“This month we are celebrating 20 years of being based in Enfield. It’s become an integral part of our 111-year history as a business. We are proud to call the town home and we are committed to helping good causes in our vicinity whenever we can.

“I hope the junior players enjoy their new kit and have a fantastic summer of cricket.”

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.

Managing Director Andrew Ingram has reflected on the “huge strides” TG Lynes has made since relocating to Enfield 20 years ago.

Andrew was appointed as Transport and Fleet Manager just five months before TG Lynes moved from King’s Cross to its purpose-built new premises in north London in 2004.

Since then, the business has grown to become one of the country’s leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials suppliers.

“King’s Cross was an extremely restricted site to work from,” remembered Andrew. “It was an old, listed building with narrow corridors and it backed onto private properties.

“Noise complaints from neighbours were a constant challenge and vehicles had to be parked off-site and quite some distance away.

“Moving to Enfield was an immediate game-changer. The new building was so much larger and I do remember when we first moved in wondering how we’d ever fill it. It was almost an embarrassment of riches.”

The business has, however, dramatically increased the amount of stock it holds – and has added a mezzanine to the building, with further plans to extend.

TG Lynes’ business was largely based around in-person trade counter purchases but the focus has changed significantly since moving to Enfield.

“When I joined the company it was a roughly 70/30 split in terms of trade counter and distribution,” said Andrew. “Tradespeople would spend a considerable amount of time queuing out of the door.

“Today, it is around 95/5 in favour of delivery, with lesser volumes on the trade counter. That is largely because of a change in society and what customers expect. We are distributors now rather than just stockists.

“Being in Enfield also means we can load the vehicles far earlier without disturbing neighbours. Today, daily operations start at 2am so the first orders can be out of the door by 5 or 6am.

“The business has made huge strides and it’s great that there are a good number of people who have been with us for a long time on that journey.”

Andrew said the move had also brought about huge benefits for employees.

“It is a much more comfortable environment for our people,” he said. “Our employees work hard so it’s important for them to have good spaces in which to relax and recover.

“King’s Cross played a huge role in the history of the company, but Enfield is a far superior location and has allowed the business to move to the next level.”

A plant hire specialist is celebrating an incredible 45 years of service at TG Lynes.

Margaret Thatcher was just 11 days into her premiership on May 15 1979 when 18-year-old Gaetan Rene started working at what was then known as Lynes Plant Hire in King’s Cross, London.

Four-and-a-half decades on and Gaetan, now 63, is Plant Hire Supervisor at the leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier – and still loving his work.

Gaetan said: “When I left school, I was set on working in a garage and did a car mechanics course. I couldn’t find an opening though, so I ended up at the Job Centre and was put in touch with Colin Lynes, who owned Lynes Plant Hire.

“I was offered £45 per week to start straight away and bit his hand off! Plant hire was a booming industry at the time and growing at pace. 

“I certainly didn’t expect to still be at the business 45 years later, but it has been an excellent company to work for and it has been a huge part of my life.”

Gaetan started out in the repair department, specialising in diesel powered machines.

The father-of-four said he has grown up with many of his fellow long-serving colleagues at TG Lynes.

“It’s always felt like a family,” he said. “In the beginning, King’s Cross was absolutely buzzing and we were often out together in the pubs and restaurants. Even on the weekends, we were regularly round each other’s houses.

“When I was married in 1982, Colin Lynes attended our wedding.

“There are quite a few of us who have been with the business for many years. People like Joe Kane (Sales Director) has been part of my life for more than 20 years.”

Gaetan said the industry has changed considerably since 1979 but he is pleased to see TG Lynes’ renewed emphasis on its plant hire offering.

He said: “There have been many transitions and ups and downs over the years. The business is much bigger and more structured now, but you have to accept change and I’ve always valued my work.

“People come and go and I’ve always enjoyed training the new people joining the team.

“Over the last couple of years there has been considerable growth and investment in plant hire at TG Lynes and that's been great to see.”

Andrew Ingram, Managing Director at TG Lynes, said: “Gaetan has been an important part of the team for such a long period of time. He brings a huge wealth of knowledge and experience to the plant hire team, as well his brilliant personality. We’re fortunate to have him in the business.

“We have a number of colleagues who have been with us for more than 20 years – and that is testament to the value we put on our people and the way we treat them.”

TG Lynes has invested more than £150,000 in its plant hire offering over the last two years, primarily on new equipment, boosting the number of products available to 350 and improving reliability.

Heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes has become one of the first businesses to operate a 7.5 tonne electric truck on the streets of London.

Enfield-based TG Lynes is leading the sustainable transport charge by investing in a UK-manufactured Tevva battery-electric truck to carry out local deliveries around the capital.

Fully electric 7.5 tonne trucks are just entering mass production and there are only a few currently operating within London.

Despite accounting for just two per cent of vehicles on the roads, heavy-duty trucks (HDVs) are responsible for over a quarter of road transport emissions.

Andrew Ingram, Managing Director of TG Lynes, said the business was proud to be at the forefront of investment in green transport.

“We are delighted to take ownership of this state-of-the-art Tevva truck, which is the next step in our journey towards achieving the ultimate goal of net zero,” said Andrew.

“While battery electric vehicles are becoming commonplace in the passenger car market, electric commercial vehicle sales are lagging behind. As HDVs make up significant amount of all emissions, it’s vital more businesses consider making the switch.

“It’s fantastic that TG Lynes is the first in our sector to have an operational electric truck, and I’m particularly pleased to be backing British manufacturing by purchasing from Tevva.

“We will, however, not rest on our laurels and will do all that we can to limit the impact that we as a business have on the planet.”

Tevva’s 7.5t battery-electric truck travels up to 140 miles (227 kilometres) from a single charge of its 105 kWh battery.

The Tevva truck is just one of three electric vehicles weighing between 4,250kg and 12,000kg to have secured government plug-in truck grant (PITrG) eligibility.

Tevva Business Operations Director Kay Jarvis said: “Road transport in general, and HDVs in particular, are one of the largest sources of air pollution, which causes 350,000 premature deaths per year in Europe. Adding electric trucks to fleets will make a considerable difference and will help Britain towards its net zero targets.

“We know first-hand that demand for electric trucks is growing at speed, as we have been inundated with requests for our 7.5t battery-electric truck since going into full production.”

The introduction of the battery-electric truck is the latest step on the road to net zero for TG Lynes.

Last year the business introduced low carbon Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) vehicles to its 18-tonne fleet, making them 90 per cent more carbon efficient as they carry out daily deliveries to sites across London, the South East, East Anglia and the Midlands.

The business has also installed a 10,000 litre HVO tank at its base for easy on-site refuelling, along with a new electric dropside van.

TG Lynes also has a 110kw solar system installed on the roof of its headquarters, providing more than 50% of the energy required for operations.

Andrew added: “From fuel combustion to being sustainable when purchasing electricity and recycling to choosing ethical suppliers, we are taking decisive action to ensure we are doing everything we can to lower our impact on the environment.

“Sustainability is not just a buzz word for TG Lynes - it has authenticity.”

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.

A large school in Enfield has been given a spring facelift after volunteers from a leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier got their hands dirty to revive its historic railings.

Ten colleagues from TG Lynes spent a day sanding and priming the old iron railings at the front of Southbury Primary School on Swansea Road, ready to be freshly painted.

TG Lynes, on Brancroft Way in Enfield, also provided all materials for the job.

The school has 420 pupils and faces a constant battle to maintain its building, parts of which are almost 120 years old.

Enfield-based TG Lynes previously supported Southbury Primary School with £5,000 through its Helping Hands initiative last year and was keen to extend the partnership.

Headteacher Rebecca Panteli said: “We are so grateful to TG Lynes for its incredible support, first with the cash donation and now by helping us revitalise our railings.

“The team worked extremely hard throughout the day and completed an impressive amount of work to dramatically improve our kerb appeal.

“We are determined to provide the very best environment possible for our pupils, but it is no secret that school budgets are a challenge.

“To receive the support of TG Lynes means so much and will make a significant difference.”

TG Lynes, a leading stockist for plumbing and heating professionals, has four company values that run through the core of all activities: sustainability, community, integrity and quality.

Colleagues are given two days a year of paid leave to volunteer and help the local community.

The team has previously helped transform a garden at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice and has completed litter picks around Enfield.

Andrew Ingram, Managing Director of TG Lynes, said: “I’m really proud of our colleagues’ fantastic work at Southbury Primary School.

“We forged a strong relationship with the school through Helping Hands as it was obvious that they do everything they can to make the learning experience as good as it can be for the pupils.

“These refreshed railings will make a huge difference and will undoubtedly help to lift everyone’s spirits.

“We have been an important part of the Enfield community since moving to our purpose built facility 20 years ago. It’s great to be able to give something back and we plan to work with the school again in the future.”

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.

A cycling novice is preparing for a gruelling 54-mile challenge from London to Brighton to raise money for charity.

Louis Zaidman, a Sales Executive at heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes, is taking on the legendary ride from the city to the South Coast in aid of Noah’s Ark on June 16.

Noah’s Ark provides support to babies, children and young people with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions and is TG Lynes’ charity partner of the year.

TG Lynes has raised more than £25,000 for Noah's Ark since partnering with the charity in 2022.

Louis, from Tottenham, said: “I recently bought a new bike through the Cycle2Work scheme and have been travelling 10 miles a day to and from TG Lynes in Enfield.

"I've started to quite enjoy it so jumped at the opportunity of taking part in the London to Brighton challenge.

"The furthest I've ever cycled to-date is 40 miles so it's going to be tough, but I'm hoping the adrenaline will carry me through.

"I'd like to do it in under four hours. I think that's achievable with a fair wind."

Louis, who is 28-years-old and has been with TG Lynes for six months, has always had a competitive edge.

“I used to row at a good level,” he said. “I think there are some similarities with rowing and cycling in that you are going from point to point and having to push yourself over a long distance.

“I’m always looking for the next challenge and a new way to raise money for charity. I think Tough Mudder might well be next on the list.”

Meanwhile, daring TG Lynes colleagues Taylor Unwin and David Batey are taking part in a wingwalking challenge this weekend in aid of Teens Unite.

Andrew Ingram, Managing Director at TG Lynes, said: “We are so proud to have so many colleagues that are committed to fundraising and helping charities in our local community.”

To sponsor Louis, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/louis-zaidman-1705565764762