News

High-performance solar panels on the roof of TG Lynes have saved the equivalent amount of carbon as planting more than 1,500 new trees.

The solar PV system at the Enfield base of the heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier was switched on two years ago to the day.

Sustainability champions at the business have been crunching the numbers to celebrate the anniversary and have revealed the solar PV system has so far saved 25,129.03 kg of carbon – the equivalent to 1,518 trees planted.

Andrew Ingram, Managing Director at TG Lynes said: “The investment in this state-of-the-art solar PV system was a significant move by the business. We knew in theory that the panels would make a significant dent in our carbon footprint and would help us be more self-sufficient.

“Two years on and we now have solid data to work from and I am absolutely delighted that they have performed so well and are making such a huge contribution towards the business’ overall energy consumption.

“Coupled with the low-consumption LED lights that were installed at the same time, we have saved well in excess of 30,000 kg of carbon.”

The solar panels have produced in excess of 130 MWh of electricity since inception – and are currently providing more than 35% of the energy required for the business’ operations.

A sunny July last year saw the system produce the highest amount of energy so far – more than 10 MWh.

A total of 24.25 MWh has been returned to the grid, helping to meet the nation’s ever-increasing demand for energy.

Some of the excess energy produced by the solar panels is used to power TG Lynes’ company car fleet, which is now 100% hybrid or electric, with 40% full EV.

Other sustainable initiatives introduced at TG Lynes include switching to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in two of its 18 tonne Euro 6 vehicles. HVO vehicles create around 195kg of greenhouse gas CO² for every 1,000 litres burned, compared to 3.6 tonnes of GHG CO² for every 1,000 litres of diesel burned.

TG Lynes also has a rigorous waste management procedure and has introduced sustainable workwear made from 100% recycled plastic.  All plastic wrap and bags used by the business are made from recycled plastic.

Andrew added: “We are doing fantastic work to get the business moving towards a truly sustainable future.

“We have made huge strides over the last few years and have plans to keep progressing by looking at every aspect of our operations, from energy to delivery and sourcing stock to waste.”

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 plant hire offering of leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes has been enhanced by a substantial six-figure investment.

The Enfield-based business has used the investment to further increase the size and variety of its range.

More than 350 products are now available to hire from TG Lynes including benches, compressors, dehumidifiers, drills, gas bottles, pressguns, grinders, ladders, hand tools, staging and trestles.

Steven Watts, recently appointed Plant Hire Manager at TG Lynes, said: “This is a significant development for our plant hire offering which already has a strong reputation for reliability and excellent customer service.

“Extending our range will make a real difference to the day-to-day work of commercial heating and mechanical services engineers, particularly when they are seeking a piece of equipment they are using sparingly.

“Convenience is a big part of our offering and giving customers the chance to purchase their materials and complete their plant hire requirements in a one-stop-shop is a real benefit which many companies operating a solely hire offering simply can’t provide.”

Further investment is planned for 2023.

Amongst the manufacturers that feature strongly in the TG Lynes hire range are Armorgard, Viega and REMS, for which TG Lynes is an authorised service depot, the only one in London and the South-East.

All products are tested before each hire and are available on a minimum one-week agreement.

Steven heads up a five-strong hire team at TG Lynes, including Gaetan Rene – part of TG Lynes Plant Hire for more than 45 years – and REMS service and calibration technician Nick Bryce.

Leighton Hibbert specialises in Armorgard products while Cyrett Campbell focuses on customer service and latest hire trends.

Steven added: “I’m privileged to have a strong, talented and knowledgeable team who are completely focused on delivering the best possible service to our customers and ensuring reliability and availability of hire equipment at all times.

“People buy from people and I couldn’t have asked for a better group to deliver our hire offering.”

A highly-experienced finance professional has become the first female director at leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes.

Sarah McMahon has been appointed Financial Director at the Enfield-based business and will head up a team of five.

Sarah has more than 20 years of experience in various financial roles, as well as at director level at global companies.

She will oversee TG Lynes’ cashflow, budgets, forecasts and strategy.

Sarah, who lives in St Albans, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have taken up this new role at TG Lynes.

“I was looking for a new opportunity as my previous employer made the decision to exit the UK. The opportunity with TG Lynes came up and it’s been a very easy transition. Everyone has been so friendly.

“I am looking forward to working on the business’ long-term strategy and to getting out and meeting customers.”

As well as being TG Lynes’ first female director, Sarah is the second woman to join the company’s senior management team, following in the footsteps of Commercial Manager Gurcu Karakurt.

Sarah added: “The company’s values - sustainability, community, integrity and quality – run through the core of all activities. There is a great work-life balance and the whole team is very engaged.”

Sarah is replacing Jon Player as Finance Director, who is retiring after nine years with the company.

Jon said: “Having been involved in the selection process and now having the pleasure of working with Sarah in her first few days at TG Lynes, I can see what a huge benefit she will be to the business.

“I will obviously miss the outstanding people and working environment that makes TG Lynes so special but in the end those golf balls don’t hit themselves.”

Andrew Ingram, Managing Director at TG Lynes, welcomed Sarah to the team.

“Sarah has a wealth of experience and we look forward to drawing on her extensive knowledge as we continue to drive TG Lynes forward,” he said.

Sarah, a twin herself, has twin 17-year-olds and another 15-year-old child.

When she’s not crunching the numbers, Sarah enjoys holidaying and walking. 

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.

An experienced salesman with vast knowledge of the plumbing industry has joined the TG Lynes team.

Damian Farrell has today started his new job as Area Sales Manager at the leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier.

Damian joins the Enfield-based business after more than 17 years with commercial piping manufacturing giant Polypipe Building Services, where he was Regional Sales Director.

“I am absolutely delighted to be joining TG Lynes,” said Damian. “I worked alongside TG Lynes for many years while at Polypipe and it is a company I have always respected. Its customer service is second to none.

“It’s always been clear to me that TG Lynes puts its people and customers first and is a genuinely caring business. In my first few days here, I have been made to feel so welcome and already feel like part of the TG Lynes family. I’m very excited about the challenges ahead.”

Damian, from Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, said he believes he can help TG Lynes continue to grow by bringing in new business.

“As Area Sales Manager I will be looking after key accounts and using my knowledge within the industry to explore new opportunities,” he said.

“I have particular expertise in the drainage arena so that will be an area I look to grow.

“The industry is challenging at the moment, but the project book looks very positive and it is an exciting time to join TG Lynes.”

Joe Kane, Sales Director at TG Lynes, welcomed Damian to the team.

“I have worked with Damian for many years and I know him to be an excellent professional within the industry,” he said.

“He joins us armed with extensive knowledge of the industry and a real understanding of the TG Lynes ethos.

“I have every confidence that Damian is going to flourish with us and help to continue our growth trajectory.”

Away from work, father-of-two Damian enjoys golf, skiing, football and travel.

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.

Birdies, eagles and fundraising were the order of the day as TG Lynes held its annual charity golf day for customers and suppliers.

Almost £2,250 was raised when the leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier staged its popular event at the famous Woburn Golf Club.

The money has been donated to TG Lynes’ nominated charity, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice and its match-funding From That Moment campaign, unlocking a further £2,250 for the hospice. 

Noah’s Ark provides support to babies, children, and young people with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions, and their families, across London.

Almost 50 golfers took to the course in beautiful conditions, playing in a team of four competition as well as an individual contest with a Stableford format.

Joe Kane, Sales Director at TG Lynes, said: “Our charity golf day is always one of the highlights on the fundraising and social calendar.

“It was a magnificent day and an opportunity to thank our key customers and suppliers for their continued support throughout the last 12 months.

“Everybody dug deep to support Noah’s Ark, which will make a big difference to the tremendous work the charity does in our local community.”

The winning team was made up of Billy Jolley, Danny Akers, James Knight and Mike Whitehurst, with 86 points.

Billy Jolley was the individual supplier winner with 35 points, while Danny Akers (handicap +2) was the individual winner with 36 points.

Anna McGrath, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice Philanthropy and Partnerships manager, said: “A huge thanks to everyone who took part in this popular golf day, which was once again a resounding success.

“TG Lynes is a valued partner and has already raised more than £25,000 for our hospice. This money will help us support more babies, children and young people who are seriously unwell and enable their families to make the most of every day.”

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.

As Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 draws to a close, TG Lynes’ psychodynamic counsellor Elliot Chapman offers his top tips for dealing with anxiety.

TG Lynes is proud to offer all colleagues the chance to access in-house mental health support with Elliot as part of the business’ commitment to supporting a healthy workforce.

Elliot, of Lexden Counselling, has been working alongside TG Lynes for two years on a fortnightly basis to deliver one-to-one sessions for anyone who needs them.

During that period he has helped more than 30 colleagues to make a real difference to their lives.

Elliot said: “It’s a real pleasure to work with TG Lynes and to help their people with whatever problems they are facing, whether that’s depression, anxiety, relationship issues, anger, low self-worth or stress.

“Many of these people wouldn’t have accessed professional help had it not been available through work, so TG Lynes can feel very proud of that.

“The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week this year has been anxiety, which is very normal to experience and ultimately is something that keeps us safe. It’s like an in-built alarm system but it can create a sense of nervousness or restlessness, as well as making us nauseous.

“The key to dealing with anxiety is to try to understand where these feelings are coming from and to deploy effective coping strategies.”

Elliot’s tips for managing anxiety

General health

Overall health can play a big part in anxiety. Ideally, we need to be exercising multiple times a week, whether that’s as simple as walking or playing sport. Moving is very important as a by-product of exercise is endorphins, which are happy hormones.

Sleep is also hugely underestimated and plays a massive role in our mood and our physical and cognitive function. Minimal caffeine and alcohol are key to a restful sleep.

Eating a nutritional balanced diet, as well as not snacking, helps to avoid dips in blood sugar, which can have an effect on cortisol, ultimately feeding into stress and anxiety.

Keep hydrated to ensure the body can work at its most efficient level and ensure you leave enough time in your life for social engagement with friends, family and loved ones.

Breathe

Conscious breathing allows you to alter your nervous system, changing it from a parasympathetic nervous system to a karma state. Simply inhale for four seconds and exhale for eight to increase calmness. Aim to do this for between two and five minutes.

Meditate

Meditation helps to bring you back into the present moment and prevent you from getting caught in the future or past. Meditating on a daily basis, even when you’re not feeling anxious, is good practice.

Journaling

Journaling can be very therapeutic. Something special happens when the brain and hand connects and you write about your feelings and thoughts in a very open way. The process helps you to think about what is going on in your life.

Nature
Being in the fresh air and around natural elements can create an energy shift and help you to calm down.

Self-talk
Self-talk and reassuring yourself that you are safe can be really useful in situations when you’re feeling anxious. Whether it’s in your head or out loud, repeat the mantra ‘I am safe’, possibly with your hand over your heart and tummy.

Talk to others

Whether it’s with a therapist, a friend, a co-worker, a family member or a loved one, talking about your feelings can relieve pressure and is very beneficial.

Challenge the thoughts

If you have a persistent thought and it feels like one-way traffic, take a second to challenge it. How do you know this to be true? This helps to create a bit of space between you and the negative thought.

Senses

Draw attention to your senses. What are five things you can see at that moment, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste?

Consumption

We’ve talked about what food we put into our bodies, but what we feed our brains is also important. Think carefully about the media you consume mentally – and how often.

Leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes has further enhanced convenience for its customers by introducing the option of online payment.

TG Lynes has partnered with Synertec to allow customers to pay their invoices online for the first time.

Payments are fully encrypted, and automated receipts are emailed to the customer within seconds.

Simone Dahlia, Credit Controller at TG Lynes, said Synertec's Vaultlink system had been in place for over a month and was already proving very popular with customers.

"The feedback we've had from our customers has been extremely positive," she said. "The system means people can pay their invoices quickly, easily and more securely.

"Until now, we have taken payments via Bacs or over the phone. We even still receive the occasional cheque.

"Many people feel more comfortable paying online than delivering their personal details over the phone.

"Most people are very familiar with e-commerce. It's what they've come to expect, and we're pleased to offer them additional convenience when trading with TG Lynes."

Vaultlink also allows customers to pay the invoice within 30 or 60 days.

Simone is on hand to guide customers through their first online transaction if they experience any difficulties.

Paul Swift, Commercial Business Manager at Synertec, said: "VaultLink provides a digital platform where customers can pay invoices or statements at any time.

"The platform also allows customers to self-serve in requesting copy documents or sending queries directly to the credit control team, all without the need to log in, like with traditional portal solutions.

"We are extremely pleased to have partnered with TG Lynes on this project and glad to see the great results being achieved, even at this early stage."

Payments will still be accepted by Bacs or over the phone for customers who prefer that payment method.

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.

To find out more, please contact Synertec via 01823 652360, communications@synertec.co.uk or our website https://synertec.co.uk/commercial-offering/

REVIEWS:

"I would just like to give you a big thanks for coasting me through the new payment website. It's quick and very easy to use, allows you to choose individual or full invoices, email your own receipt and stay on top of finances. Well done to you and your team for making this user friendly."

"We used Vaultlink for the first time last month to pay our monthly bill and found it extremely easy to use, quick and convenient. No need to call, which saves time and in the matter of a few clicks, the payment is made and received by accounts."

"Making a payment online was very straight forward and had the added benefit of increased security which is very important to us. Being able to access our statement anytime will be a big benefit allowing us to print off copy invoices if needed. All in all, a very user friendly system."

Mental Health Awareness Week is taking top priority at leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes, with colleagues being offered breakfast, tips on improving fitness and boxes filled with stress-busting goodies.

TG Lynes, based in Enfield, is a long-time advocate of helping its people towards good mental health.

The business has lined up a series of events to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from May 15 to May 21 and this year focusses on anxiety.

Previously a mentor for vulnerable people, Simone Dahlia, Credit Controller at TG Lynes, has been leading the celebration plans along with the other mental health first aiders.

“It’s fantastic to work for a company that puts such a strong emphasis on mental health,” said Simone.

“We’ve aimed to set up a series of small events each day during the week to reinforce the message that the company is here to help people when they need support.”

The week-long celebrations begins then a free breakfast for all staff, followed by physical and nutritional health tips, a fresh fruit platter and, finally, donuts.

Colleagues will also receive a calm gift box including a blindfold, teabags, chocolate and advice booklets, with mental health charity Mind receiving £1 for each box handed out.

Throughout the week there will also be opportunities to make donations to TG Lynes’ charity of the year, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.

TG Lynes’ commitment to support colleagues with mental health has been demonstrated by training six mental health first aiders within the team.

The first aiders offer initial support to colleagues who are experiencing difficulties, signposting them to professional agencies as required.

TG Lynes also offers free, regular access to psychodynamic counsellor Elliot Chapman, of Lexden Counselling, who delivers one-to-one sessions to assist with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, anger, low self-worth and stress.

Elliot has worked alongside more than 30 people since he started working with TG Lynes two years ago.

Financial advice and volunteering opportunities are also available to employees throughout the year.

Andrew Ingram, managing director at TG Lynes, said: “TG Lynes has made massive strides in the way it supports people throughout the business.

“We are striving towards a place where everyone feels comfortable and confident to be themselves while at work – and somewhere people know they will receive additional support when it’s required.

“The world can be a tough and unforgiving place, so we’re committed to giving our employees opportunities to improve their personal lives, as well as their work.”

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.

Colleagues at leading heating, plumbing and air movement materials supplier TG Lynes got their hands dirty to help refresh the garden of a Barnet children’s hospice.

Seven employees from TG Lynes visited Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice to help weed and tidy the outside areas in time for summer.

TG Lynes was keen to offer practical support to Noah’s Ark as its charity partner of the year.

The business raised £24,000 for the hospice over 12 months of activities headlined by a gala dinner.

Lindy McChesney-Tilley, management accountant at TG Lynes and one of the volunteers, said: “We were delighted to offer practical support to Noah’s Ark, which does such amazing work to help the children in its care.

“I’m proud that the company has raised so much money for Noah’s Ark and it’s great to complement that with hands-on assistance.

“The garden areas are a lovely space for families to have fun and reflect. A few hours of hard graft from our team really helped to make them look much better for everyone.”

Noah’s Ark is one of the UK’s leading children’s hospices, providing care for over 350 babies, children and young people with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions every year.

Alison Goodman, deputy chief executive officer of Noah's Ark Children's Hospice, thanked TG Lynes for its ongoing support.

“TG Lynes is part of the Noah’s Ark family,” she said. “The Ark requires a lot of money and manpower to keep going, so we are extremely grateful when businesses in the community decide to get involved and support us.

“We’re committed to supporting babies, children and young people who are seriously unwell, and their families, to make the most of every day.

“The gardens are a vital part of what we do and I’m really pleased that they are looking good just as we head into the warmer months. A huge thank you to everyone involved.”

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.

You’re a pretty new company. Tell us a little bit about Flexigas

Flexigas was born out of a desire to challenge the current market leaders, and the challengers themselves. The team, formed of founders with a wealth of experience in construction and mechanical engineering, wanted to produce a product of equal, if not better, quality, but at a price point that was more affordable. That’s something Flexigas has been very successful in achieving.

What stands Flexigas apart from its competitors?

Our innovation on products, from our safety features like the FG Bond (earthing terminal), convenient features such as the FG Wrap (launching soon) and the fact we offer the widest range of fittings on the marketplace. We also give away the amalgamating tape for free with every coil sold. Our double-sleeved version can be used in so many projects and not just for ventilation purposes, so thinking about the installer sets us apart. 

What do your customers most commonly say about Flexigas products?

The wide range of choice, the quality and the price point is what most will comment on.

Many of your products are patented or patent-pending. How do ideas develop from concept to reality?

As our founders are engineers and property developers we can quickly design new features in-house and get them manufactured. We hold product forums twice a year and discuss all ideas. We are always interested in developing new safety features.

What’s it like to work for Flexigas?

We are such a nice company with a good culture for the individual. We have worked hard as a company to recognise the needs of the individual to then inspire them to look after the needs of the business. So far this philosophy has worked to help us grow in the marketplace.

What is Flexigas doing as a business to minimise its carbon footprint?

Out of all the CSST manufacturers, we are the leaders in this! We have invested heavily on solar panelling, making 75% of our production produced from green electricity, something we are very proud of. We have also changed our fitting bags to 100% plant-based, meaning that we are not leaving any nasty microplastics behind. Our stainless steel is 100% made from recycled stainless steel.

What does the future hold for Flexigas?

The future is bright for Flexigas. Growth is happening quickly in our field and we have recently recruited new members of staff to our team! We envisage our team growing along with our sales in the UK. We are developing new products and intend to be the leaders in the green development space. 

How’s the relationship with TG Lynes?

Flexigas and TG Lynes work well together. Our staff get on, we understand each other's processes and we communicate well. Flexigas is so pleased to have a company as prestigious as TG Lynes stocking our products and representing us.

And finally, tell us something we wouldn’t know about Flexigas?

We are launching a new product line in June! Also, our promotion of winning a free holiday for two to Fiji is about to be launched.