In 2018 Polypipe Building Products and our Underfloor Heating team went about creating a brand-new technical office. This project wasn’t just about investing money in facilities, but about investing heavily in staff, all with the aim to meet customers needs and get accurate quotes turned around for customers within the appropriate time frames.
All in all, the technical office cost around £80,000 to complete and has led to the employment of several new Project Consultants, Estimators and more recently, two new Apprentices.
Having recently taken on the two new apprentices, Joe Smith and Nathan McNeil, and last year apprentice Richard Maycock, we wanted to sit down with their manager, Head of Technical and Customer Experience, Dean Asher, for a chat about the roles, the investment in the technical office and his time at Polypipe.
Dean Asher
How did the decision to invest in the Technical office come about?
When I first joined Polypipe, we used to do everything with a pen and paper believe it or not, so we made the decision to go digitally with significant investment in hardware and software to meet our customers growing needs. The team has also expanded significantly to allow extra focus on delivering a fantastic Customer Experience, the new technical office was planned and created to allow us to keep growing, not only that it’s a much more vibrant engaging workplace for staff that reside within it.
What does it mean for the business?
The investment in the technical office has really pushed us to the forefront of technical design. As we supply a host of system’s we can offer technical support and design to our customers for no charge, allowing our customers a much better chance of winning a Project and ultimately Polypipe winning the order.
Why do you feel apprentices are important for the business?
It's really important as a business that we invest in the future. The technical office is the breeding ground for a new generation of Estimators, Product managers, Sales Representative, Project Managers etc. and the beauty of an apprenticeship scheme is that we can embed our culture into the apprentices so they can progress onto bigger and better things within Polypipe.
What is planned for your apprentices in the coming year?
I am currently working with RNN (Rotherham College) in regard to a HNC in Construction and the Built Environment that both Joe and Nathan will be part of, along with our Junior Estimator Richard. This course will really give the guys an understanding of construction both from a practical on-site aspect as well as the design aspect. The course will also cover aspects of Building Information Modelling (BIM), which will be key part of projects in the future. Not only that, but we will also be teaching them all things Polypipe to give them a good grounding to progress.
What has surprised you about an apprentice you’ve worked with?
I sometimes think young people get a bad reputation, a “snowflake” generation I believe its called. From what I have seen of the apprentices to date, most certainly don’t exhibit any of those traits. They are polite, courteous, punctual and very keen to learn which as an employer is a really good base to work with.
Why should young people consider apprenticeships as a career choice?
It seems a logical choice to me. I started as an apprentice with British Gas - it gives you an opportunity to learn a career while teaching you “life skills” in a working environment. Apprenticeships offer a much more hands on route to a career. I often get frustrated when people think the academic route of university is the first choice to long and fruitful career… from my own experience this is most definitely not the case.
How long have you worked for Polypipe?
This is my 5th year at Polypipe now, it certainly has gone quickly. Seems like only yesterday I was getting picked up at the train station for my 1st day… lots has changed, and all for the better.
What does a typical day at Polypipe look like for you?
Good question, no day is the same. One day I’ll be trawling through data, looking at ways to improve, the next I’ll be in a meeting. One thing I do like to do though is just have a chat with my staff. It’s difficult to speak to them all unfortunately as they are based on multiple sites… but I like to think I am always on hand for them… they really do a great job.
What is your proudest moment at Polypipe?
There are so many to be fair - I think one that stands out was this office move and subsequent internal restructure. Lots of work, business plans, Capex submissions etc. It was really nice to finally move in and start working on the next plans…. who knows, I might need a new office again in a few years!
What are three words you associate with Polypipe?
Easy this one; People, Quality, Dedication.
What keeps you busy at the weekends?
Well I come from a trade background, so I do like doing DIY. I’m always knocking something down or building something up. I love football as well (much to my partners frustration); usually I have Sky Sports News on at the weekend watching my beloved Scunthorpe United lose (they win sometimes).
Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?
So many places; I love Mexico and the Dominican Republic. That said I’m equally at home camping in a field. As long as I’m with my family I’m happy.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us?
Ok tough one… I have a thing for Karaoke - I’ve even had a sing off on a train before. I got the whole carriage singing (I think I won!). Don’t get me wrong though I’m not great, I just think it’s rather funny. I’ve sung all over the world Greece, Prague.
We also sat down with Joe, Nathan and Richard to talk about their time so far at Polypipe. Keep checking back on the blog to see their interviews when they are posted.