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.”