Hambleside Danelaw Leeds College of Building

Ruminating on a Ruby: 40 Years of BBAs

Written by Bethany Smith on . Posted in News.

 

This January we took some time to reset, archived some paperwork, and dusted the decaf coffee jar.  In the process of this we reflected that 2024 was the 40-year anniversary of Hambleside Danelaw’s first BBA certificate for our GRP valley troughs, which was issued in 1984.

1984…just picture it:

  • Apple released the Macintosh, their first personal computer, priced at $2,495 (equivalent to buying power of $7,576.08 in 2025),
  • Wham’s Wake Me up Before You Go-Go is number one for two weeks in June,
  • Gremlins, Ghostbusters, and The Terminator are box office hits,
  • Lycra, leg warmers, and shoulder pads…

2/3rds of Hambleside Danelaw’s marketing office hadn’t yet been born.  The other 1/3 was 12.

Paul Lambert, Field Technical Support, was training to be a nightclub manager (with a rat’s tail and frosted white tips, which he assures us was cool at the time).  John Godley, Technical Manager, was spending his evenings at a theatre, changing the backdrop after productions.  1984 was the year Anne, our credit controller/accounts assistant, got married (happy 40-year anniversary!); and Sharon, purchase ledger/accounts assistant, was in college studying short-hand and typing!  Quite memorably: Ian Weakford, Sales and Marketing Director, was an official photographer for the Boomtown Rats tour in universities (he is ambivalent to Mondays).

It was a different world back then, and we have enjoyed (those of us who weren’t around) hearing about what was acceptable in the 80s.

So happy 40th anniversary to our valley trough BBA – here’s to another 40 more!  The current BBA (certificate 87/1915) for our valley troughs can be found on the relevant product pages.

Hambleside Danelaw have reduced net emissions for the third year running

Written by Esther Cope on . Posted in Blog, News.

Hambleside Danelaw have reduced
net emissions for the third year running

It’s been more than three years since Hambleside Danelaw started the process of collecting data to measure the company’s carbon footprint via the Carbon Reduce Programme. We have now received our annual report from Achilles which confirms that, for a third year running, we have reduced our net emissions (tCO2e).

The collected data set covers the period 1st January – 31st December 2023 and shows that Hambleside Danelaw have reduced their direct emissions, achieved, in part, through a switch to LED lighting in the offices and warehouse.  In addition to this, Hambleside Danelaw upgraded their solar PV system to allow for increased energy generation which is now being used to charge the fleet of electric forklift trucks.  No gas-powered trucks are now deployed on site.  We, of course, use our rooflights in the warehouse to utilise the daylight, reducing the need for electric lighting in production and warehouse.

The main source of 2023 emissions, as could be expected, is electricity, which is used to power the manufacturing process.  As a part of our commitment to the goal of reducing our use, Hambleside Danelaw have invested in a new injection moulding machine, a Borche Bi400, to replace an older model.  This machine, which is coupled to a robotic handling unit, takes 20% less time per cycle than the previous model, while producing an increased volume of inventory.  This has significantly improved the efficiency, both in terms of labour, and electricity, with Borche stating that the new machine is “equipped with an intelligent control system that optimises cycle times and improves product consistency”.

We have also successfully implemented a pallet site reclamation scheme. Pallets used for Zenon rooflights can be as long as 16m, so where we have multiple deliveries we now collect used pallets to be re-used in the future. In 2023, we were able to recycle the equivalent of over 1km of wooden pallets! In 2024, we have continued this programme and are now looking at how to reduce the amount of timber used in our packaging

Hambleside Danelaw remain committed to reducing our carbon footprint, maintaining consistent progress through the implementation of achievable goals.  Ian Weakford, Sales and Marketing Director, stated: “We are incredibly proud to be continuing our journey in reducing Hambleside Danelaw’s carbon footprint.  The topic of sustainability remains exceedingly important to us and our customers, and it is rewarding to see the impact our efforts have made so far.” 

Hambleside Danelaw have department champions to focus on their respective areas in an effort to collectively reduce our carbon footprint.  There are several areas we will be addressing this year, and we look forward to further reductions being made in the years to come. 

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Welcome Esther Cope

Written by Bethany Smith on . Posted in News.

 

Hambleside Danelaw are excited to welcome Esther Cope as our new Junior Graphic Designer.  Esther graduated from BCU with a degree in graphic communication, during which she developed an interest in analogue design and creating physical designs within a company.

With a fondness for the colour purple, Esther will have a great time with our branding!  She also describes herself as a bookworm and a burger lover. We look forward to her future at Hambleside Danelaw and wish her all the best in her role.

Welcome Joel Price

Written by Andy Clark on . Posted in News.

Hambleside Danelaw are delighted to welcome Joel Price to the team! Joel has joined us as our new ERP Junior Analyst. Joel has recently graduated from University of Portsmouth with a degree in Business Information Systems. During his time there he has developed an interest in how businesses can use technology to improve and efficiently manage their processes, enabling them to grow further.

Being new to the manufacturing industry, Joel is keen to continue learning and developing his skills here at Hambleside Danelaw, as well as help the business get the most out of the recent ERP system.

We look forward to witness Joel flourish his skills and his growth within his role.

Platinum Customer Satisfaction Award for Dryseal Sales Team!

Written by Andy Clark on . Posted in News.

We are pleased to announce that Dryseal recently attained a 96% customer satisfaction score!

An independent assessment by Customer Surveys Ltd, carried out as a requirement of ISO TS10004:2018 QMS, produced a 96% overall satisfaction score, with some extremely positive feedback:

  • “We have not had to return any project with issues since using the system. This has not been the case with other systems”.
  • “The best flat roofing system on the market”.
  • “A brilliant company. Always friendly and very efficient”
Dryseal Manager Andy Fell said “Reading the report and hearing the level of our technical support and product longevity rated as Excellent by 74% of respondents with 84% likely to recommend us to a friend or colleague, I am delighted to give a hearty “Thanks and really well done” to the whole of our Sales and Marketing team. Onwards and upwards!”

Workplace Anniversaries!

Written by Andy Clark on . Posted in News.

Been a good few weeks for workplace anniversaries!

Emma Hart joined Hambleside Danelaw in March 2003, so 2024 sees her 21st year at the company, what an achievement!

Kim Killips joined in 2016 on the 29th of February, making this leap year her 2nd workplace anniversary (granted it is technically 8 years, but starting a job on the leap year only comes once in a blue moon…).

Bethany Smith joined in 2021, so she has hit the 3 year mark.

And finally, Nicoleta, who started exactly one year after Beth, has now worked here for two years (no leap years this time!).

Congratulations to all four fantastic team members; we look forward to celebrating next year…just a shame that Kim has to wait until 2028 for her 3rd year anniversary!

Innovation strikes again!

Written by Bethany Smith on . Posted in News.

& 

Hambleside Danelaw are delighted to announce their new state of the art lead alternative GRP Roll Top Ridge and Hip Systems: SwiftRidg™ and SwiftRidg™+.

The patent pending SwiftRidg™ and SwiftRidg™+ (GB Patent Application No:  2308115.1) offer a light and durable alternative to lead, zinc, copper, and galvanised steel roll systems. They are designed for use with slate and plain tile roofs at pitches from 20º to 50º.

Tested by BRE to resist wind speeds exceeding 110mph, SwiftRidg™ and SwiftRidg™+ come with a 20-year service life guarantee and are compliant with the requirements of BS 5534 and BS 8612. There is no toxic or contaminated run off and can therefore be used in rainwater harvesting systems.

These roll top ridge and hip systems comprise of a 3m GRP roll profile suitable for use on both the ridge and hips with bespoke 3m fixing kits including a new and unique omega bracket. The SwiftRidg™+ kit includes an additional vent roll component to provide a ventilated option along the ridge in accordance with BS 5250 where required.

Hambleside Danelaw are a British manufacturer, with their Danelaw brand producing a wide range of ancillary pitched roofing products in their factory in Northamptonshire.  Hambleside Danelaw have a passion for innovation, bringing new products to market to maximise the quality and choice available in the roofing industry.

To find the SwiftRidg™ and SwiftRidg™+’s data sheet and installation recommendations head over to our page. For any questions, please get in touch at techelp@hambleside-danelaw.co.uk.

Congratulations Evelin

Written by Andy Clark on . Posted in News.

Hambleside Danelaw are delighted to have promoted from within and welcome Evelin Szabo aboard! Evelin moved to the UK 11 months ago from Italy and started her career here at Hambleside Danelaw as a Production Line Operative. She has now joined the Sales team as a Sales Support Administrator!

Evelin loves dogs and has an 8-month-old puppy which keeps her constantly on her toes! She used to be a professional handball player and several years later she joined a soccer team and was given the amazing opportunity to represent her country for a whole summer! She cannot imagine a life without sport. Evelin is always cheerful and has a very positive outlook on life, she loves to travel, however, she has found her home right here in England!

Welcome to Matt Coe

Written by Andy Clark on . Posted in News.

Hambleside Danelaw are delighted to announce the addition of Matt Coe as our new Injection Mould Shop Manager.

Matt has join Hambleside Danelaw with 17 years experience in the plastics industry from fast paced packaging to fantasy figures. Matt is excited at the opportunities Hambleside Danelaw has presented to keep his personal development within the industry driving forward. When Matt has not got plastics on the brain you’ll usually find him on two wheels, with or without an engine, or alongside his pair of furry four legged hounds.

Paving the Road(show) – Zenon Rooflights

Written by Bethany Smith on . Posted in News, Zenon Rooflights.

In November, Hambleside Danelaw were privileged to partner with Euroclad Group and Tata Steel Colorcoat in hosting ‘Constructing a Sustainable Future: Industrial & Logistics Buildings Roadshow’.  The aim of the all-day event at the iconic, world class conference facility at Silverstone Race Circuit was to develop the discourse surrounding sustainability in the built environment with a particular focus on buildings in the industrial and logistics sector.

The event featured two guest speakers; first was Tim Ward, CEO from Chetwoods Architects.  Tim focused on ‘Regenerative Design’, homing in on steel and refurbishment.  He highlighted challenges such as the disconnect between supply and demand – in particular the fact that, while there are a large number of architects eager to use reclaimed steel, the steel from deconstructed buildings is only available for a short period of time prior to entering the metal recycling stream.  He raised the issue that the industry needs to develop a network with clear communication to ensure this steel is reused.

Justin Searle, Technology Director from SPECIFIC, delivered the second guest presentation, ‘Renewable Technology and Integration’, which offered an in-depth breakdown of refurbishment options – considering installation of heat pumps and photovoltaic panels.  Justin also emphasised the need for data-driven results, focusing on performance monitoring while evaluating previous project solutions.

Alongside these two excellent guest speakers, chairperson Paul Hanratty introduced Gary Southgate, Rhian Blake, and Dave Taylor.

Gary Southgate, Business Development and Specifications Manager for the Zenon GRP rooflight division of Hambleside Danelaw, delivered ‘Sustainability from Natural Daylight in the Built Environment’.  The many recognised benefits of natural daylight and how it can be used effectively in buildings, particularly those in the warehouse and logistics sector, are often overlooked.  Gary’s presentation highlighted the importance of the key specification characteristics of rooflight assemblies and how these can affect and reduce the building’s operational and embodied carbon emissions.

Rhian Blake, National Business Development Manager at Euroclad, engaged the audience with the aptly titled ‘Building a Better Future Together’.  Speaking about Euroclad’s ‘Planet Passionate Programme’, Rhian identified the Group’s carbon reduction targets through which they have already achieved so much.  From plans to fit all three production units with PV panels, to focusing on renewable energy contracts; Euroclad’s ambitions for a sustainable future are clear to see.

The final partner presentation was by Dave Taylor, Business Development Manager for Tata Steel Colorcoat.  Dave gave the audience a comprehensive insight into ‘Lowering the Embodied Carbon in Steel Intensive Buildings’.  The methods of decarbonising this energy intensive material were most informative.

Throughout the event, the clear message was that ‘together we make the difference’.

As well as a fantastic lunch, delegates had the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of the Silverstone racetrack (during a test day, no less!).  A panel discussion brought the event to a close.

Hambleside Danelaw had a very rewarding day, with some interesting ideas and forthcoming developments.  Working in an industry as collaborative as this one is a privilege – the future of sustainable construction looks bright! (With diffused natural daylight of course!).

 

 

Just made it easier to find a profile!

Written by Andy Clark on . Posted in News.

Zenon are thrilled to announce their new Profile Finder Tool! This tool provides a database of wall and roof sheet profiles. Follow the guidance given to search for your desired profile using the required dimensions.

Whether you’re in the midst of a construction project, refurbishment, or simply exploring roofing options, our platform simplifies your search.

For further information, please visit out contact page

Fundraising for Movember

Written by Andy Clark on . Posted in News.

Unit B have completed a fundraiser for Movember to support all the dads, brothers, sons, and friends in all our lives.

They have raised a total of £645 which will contribute towards three causes, mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. Thanks to their incredible efforts and generosity, Hambleside Danelaw has successfully matched the total donations made by our employees, resulting in a cumulative pot now sitting at an impressive £1,365!

Movember help men live happier, healthier, longer lives and they have funded more than 1250 men’s health projects around the world. Congratulations to the guys which have taken part in this and for the funds they have raised to support this cause!

David Howgate said ‘Your dedication to the Movember cause, whether through sporting a new facial feature or contributing to the campaign, has made a big impact. Movember’s mission to raise awareness about men’s health issues, such as mental health and prostate cancer, is crucial, and your participation in this campaign reflects our collective commitment to supporting these important causes.’

Congratulations Danny O’Brien

Written by Andy Clark on . Posted in Blog, News.

Hambleside Danelaw would like to congratulate Danny O’Brien for completing his Howitt training ‘Certification in Construction Product Sales’ and for being awarded a Distinction! Paul Hanratty, National Sales Manager for Zenon said ‘’I’ve been very impressed at the thoroughness of the course and, more importantly, the evidence-based assessment.

Danny’s Howitt training has been, in the main, very relevant to his role. Where it doesn’t quite mesh with his current duties, it’s given him an insight into the wider aspects of the specification contractual chain and has led him to liaise with colleagues to fill out his knowledge gaps.

He’s used many of the frameworks and techniques to open up new relationships and strengthen existing ones, and he has been able to play more efficiently to his many strengths by planning his sales approach in a structured, yet adaptable, way. Hambleside Danelaw and Danny have both benefited from that.

I guess the thing that has impressed me most, though, has been Danny’s application to the task against the background of an extremely challenging year. Well done!’’

This is what Danny O’Brien, Regional Area Manager has said about his experience with the training ‘’This course was very beneficial for me, being new to the industry, the course allowed me to gain vital knowledge on both sales within construction, routes to market but also in relation to specification.

It was a very intense course over a 12 month period which has been a great help in my progression at Hambleside Danelaw. ‘’

Welcome to Sharon Mortimer

Written by Andy Clark on . Posted in News.

 

Hambleside Danelaw are delighted to announce the addition of Sharon Mortimer as Purchase Ledger and Accounts Assistant in the Finance Team.  After a long and varied career in HMRC for over 35 years, Sharon then spent time in the finance department of a local charity.

With a passion for learning, Sharon joined the accounts team at a very busy time; but she hit the ground running and hasn’t looked back!  She has two daughters and five grandchildren, and likes to spend her time reading, walking, or stretching out on a yoga mat!  Sharon has an interest in anything mid-century and has a keen eye for vintage goods!

Hambleside Danelaw are very excited about Sharon’s role and wish her every success in her future with the business!