Leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes has increased its support for colleagues by significantly improving its family leave policies.

TG Lynes has brought in a series of changes to enhance conditions for colleagues who are either welcoming new children into their family or having fertility treatment.

Most notably, maternity leave and adoption leave has been dramatically hiked from six weeks’ full pay to 16 weeks, followed by 23 weeks’ statutory.

Paternity leave has also been doubled to two weeks’ full pay, while fertility leave has been bolstered.

Colleagues will be able to take five paid days’ leave per cycle of IVF or egg freezing, alongside the usual flexibility to attend appointments. If a TG Lynes employee has a partner receiving fertility treatment who works outside of the company, they will also be able to take three paid days leave per cycle.

Andrew Ingram, Managing Director of TG Lynes said: “We are proud to be offering our colleagues these improved conditions which reflect our commitment to being a supportive and rewarding employer of choice.

“Starting or growing a family – or seeking help to try to – are significant life milestones and we believe this additional leave will support people as they adjust to their new circumstances.

“Our people are our biggest asset and this move follows feedback from our regular dialogue with colleagues.

“It will also help to ensure we continue to attract the best talent within the sector to support our growth plans and service our customers.”

TG Lynes is based in Enfield and has more than 70 staff working in roles across the office, delivery and warehouse.

The company, which has a rich heritage dating back to 1912, carries out a confidential survey of staff each year and the results help to shape policy and strategy moving forward.

Andrew added: “There is still room for improvement and we will continue to find new ways to support our workforce, but we are proud of the progress we have made over the last decade and the culture we have created within a thriving business.”

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.

Up-and-coming female plumbers and electricians are being encouraged to put their skills to the test to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The fifth annual ESG & Friends All-Female Plumbing & Electrical Competition takes place at Oakland College in St Albans on Friday March 7.

The event will see up to 10 women going head-to-head in the plumbing skills challenge, which will include a strong press-fit element. A press-fit masterclass is delivered by Geberit and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE) prior to the challenge.

Leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes is again backing the competition by supplying more than £1,000 worth of materials.

Bob Noseda, Sector Skills Advisor at organisers ESG, said: “This competition is now in its fifth year and TG Lynes has been a sponsor since day one. It’s a fantastic partnership that we truly value.

“A recent report found that the number of women in construction roles has declined in the last year. This is such a shame as a lot of hard work has been done over the last decade to make the industry more inclusive.

“This competition seeks to shine a light on some of the talented women in the plumbing and electrical trades. For the plumbing side of things, the women will be given an hour-long masterclass from the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating in press-fit installation before being given five hours to complete the challenge.

“It’s fun and educational as the competitors will learn new skills they can take forward in their careers.”

This year’s winner will scoop a gas analyser, worth in the region of £400.

The 2024 champion, Daisy Turner of Barking & Dagenham College, went on to win two national plumbing competitions.

Andrew Ingram, Managing Director of TG Lynes, said: “We are delighted to again support this great competition. TG Lynes has been in existence for more than 110 years and we are passionate about the heating, plumbing and air movement industry.

“It’s vital that we continue to see new people entering the sector to address the skills shortage and it would be brilliant if more women would consider it as a career.

“This event proves that there are some very talented women out there who are developing their plumbing skills.”

Anyone wanting to take part can enter Oaklands College from 8.30am on March 7, or email bnoseda@esglimited.com for more information.

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.

Three good causes in the Enfield area are celebrating after winning a share of a £15,000 jackpot.

The terrific trio - Edmonton Scouts, Strength & Learning Through Horses and Teens Unite – have each won £5,000 in TG Lynes’ Helping Hands campaign.

The leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier invited sports clubs, community groups and charities to apply for financial support through the annual initiative.

The three winners were selected by judges from the dozens of applications.

Andrew Ingram, Managing Director of TG Lynes, said: "A huge congratulations to our winners. We received some exceptionally strong entries this year and it was extremely difficult to make a decision, but we were very impressed with the work these three organisations do in their communities.

“I have visited each group personally and I have no doubts the money they will be able to invest will make a huge difference to their service users.

“We are a business with more than 110 years of history – and the last 20 years have been spent in Enfield. It’s tremendous to be able to share our success and to help people within the area.”

The 10th Edmonton Scout Group runs weekly meetings for children aged from six to 14 at Churchfield Recreation Ground in Edmonton, helping to develop skills and encouraging them to make better life choices.

Volunteer Karen Fletcher said: “This funding will make a huge difference to us. Our building is 50-years-old this year and needs some urgent repairs, including new wooden doors and modernised electrics.”

Strength and Learning Through Horses, based in Barnet, offers alternative education and equine therapy to vulnerable young people, helping them make positive changes in their lives, as well as improving mental wellbeing and educational prospects.

Louise Gibson, of the charity, said: "Working with horses can be really beneficial for young people struggling with poor mental health, anxieties and social isolation.

“We moved to Greengates Stables last year. This generous funding will allow us to improve the drainage at the site, creating safe, dry spaces for horses, young people and staff.”

Hoddesdon-based Teens Unite supports young people aged between 13 and 24 whose lives have been impacted by cancer through a full annual calendar of in-person and digital events.

Lesley Lowden-Smith, of Teens Unite, said the money would be used to kit out an integrated sports storage facility.

“This will help promote physical activity, wellbeing and confidence," she said. "We have been fortunate to receive past support from TG Lynes and we are again extremely grateful.”

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.

The only all-female football club in Kent has hit the back of the net with a new sponsorship.

Gravesham Girls & Women’s Football Club’s under-16s team has been backed by leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes.

The team, which plays in the Kent Girls/Ladies Football League Under 16 Division Three, has received a smart new home kit carrying the TG Lynes logo on the front.

Team manager Terry Brown said: “We are very grateful to TG Lynes for this significant sponsorship, which has enabled us to buy much-needed new kit for our under-16s. The girls are delighted.

“All the players pay subs but we try to keep costs as low as possible so it is as inclusive as it can be. We rely on the support of the local community to continue to thrive as a club and it is gratefully received.”

Based at Culverstone Recreation Ground, Gravesham Girls and Women’s Football Club is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

The club runs three youth teams at under-14, under-15 and under-16 level, as well as a senior women's team.

Terry added: “We strive to provide girls with the opportunity to play competitive football at a family-friendly, all-inclusive club. We currently have 100 players signed up to play, which is fantastic.”

Andrew Ingram, managing director of TG Lynes, said the business was pleased to support a sports club within its operating area.

He said: “Gravesham Girls & Women’s Football Club is a fantastic volunteer-led organisation that has been offering sport in the area for more than two decades.

“We’re delighted to be able to help them and I hope the girls enjoy their brand new kit.”

Operating primarily across London, the South East, East Anglia and the Midlands, 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, support systems and tooling. An extensive plant hire service is also available.

Reliance Valves has launched a new range of Anti-Legionella Valves in a variety of sizes, making it compatible with a wider range of expansion vessels from 2 to 500L. Suitable for applications including point-of-use water heaters, to plant rooms and cold water storage.

Anti-Legionella Valves prevent Legionella bacteria from contaminating stored cold water within an expansion vessel.

These valves circulate water to prevent stagnation and to reduce the risk of contamination, which can lead to severe health issues such as Legionnaires' disease.

Features and benefits of the new range are:

• Simple method for converting a standard single connection expansion vessel into a ‘flow through’ type
• Integrated ball valve and drain off valve for easy servicing
• Union connections for fast and simple installation
• Manufactured from durable DZR brass
• Available in connection sizes: 1/2", 3/4", 1" or 1 1/4"
• 1" or 1 1/4" sizes feature tamper-proof lockable handles
• WRAS and NSF REG 4 Approved

Find out more about the new range by RWC here. 

For any inquiries contact us directly via mobile at: 02082161900 or email: sales@tglynes.co.uk

Historic railings at an Enfield school have been restored thanks to a team of volunteers from a leading supplier of heating, plumbing and air movement materials.

Eight colleagues from TG Lynes rolled up their sleeves to spend two days sanding, priming and painting the old iron railings at the front of Southbury Primary School on Swansea Road. TG Lynes – based in Enfield for more than 20 years – also provided all the materials for the project.

Headteacher Rebecca Panteli said: “We are extremely grateful to our friends at TG Lynes for their invaluable support. The railings look much better and have given everyone a lift as they enter our building, which is 120 years old in parts but much loved.

“We are determined to provide the very best environment for our pupils, but it is difficult to budget for work like this when there are so many other demands. It’s fantastic that a local business like TG Lynes is willing to get involved and help us.”

Southbury Primary School’s relationship with TG Lynes began when the school won £5,000 through the business’ Helping Hands initiative in 2023. This is the second time TG Lynes has sent a team to work on the old railings.

Each member of staff at TG Lynes receives two paid volunteering days each year, which they can use to support good causes in the area.

Managing Director Andrew Ingram, who personally took part in the recent railings project, said: “I’m really proud of our colleagues’ fantastic work at Southbury Primary School. We’ve developed a very positive relationship with the school since they won our Helping Hands competition last year.

“We’ve been part of the Enfield community since moving to the area two decades ago. Most of our team lives close by and we’re committed to giving back where we can.”

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, support systems, and tooling. An extensive plant hire service is also available.

We’re proud to be throwing our support behind Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice’s autumn appeal – and you can get involved too.

TG Lynes has been a Noah’s Ark charity partner since 2022, during which time we have raised over £25,000 to help fund the phenomenal work the hospice does for seriously ill children and their families.

We’ve raised money through a variety of events, including a glitzy gala dinner and golf days. Earlier this year Sales Executive Louis Zaidman added £725 to the pot by completing a gruelling 54-mile cycling challenge from London to Brighton, and we also sent a team of volunteers to Noah’s Ark base in Barnet to help tidy the garden.

Now we are supporting the charity’s From That Moment campaign, which aims to raise £1 million to provide vital services in the community.

Everything raised in the appeal will be doubled by Noah’s Ark on October 20.

We're asking our colleagues, customers and suppliers to dig deep and donate via our dedicated fundraising page: https://www.charityextra.com/fromthatmoment/tglynes

‘From that Moment’ refers to the heart-wrenching instant where everything changes for a family when they know their child is seriously unwell.

It’s from that moment that everyone at Noah’s Ark rallies to help and support children and families. They are there from the point of diagnosis and every step of the way in their journey by offering a full range of holistic support.

You can rest assured the money will be well used by Noah's Ark:

• £10,000 could fund the total cost of supporting a child who is seriously unwell and their family for a year.
• £30,000 could fund a Noah’s Ark specialist carer for a year, providing clinical, emotional and practical care for babies and children.
• £50,000 could fund a Noah’s Ark specialist nurse for a year, providing care for those babies and children in most acute need.

So please help us raise money for this amazing charity.

Thank you

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.