Welcome to another insightful episode of Dudley Unplugged! In this episode, we delve into the world of plumbing and discuss the challenges encountered by manufacturers and suppliers in the bathroom industry. Hosted by Mark Morris, we are joined by Tom Reynolds, the CEO of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), and Jason Parker, the Managing Director of Thomas Dudley and President of the BMA. The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted banter between Tom and Jason, showcasing their camaraderie and humour. Tom provides an overview of the BMA, highlighting its role in supporting bathroom manufacturers and advocating for policy positions. The discussion delves into the complexities of engaging with politicians, the importance of long-term thinking in manufacturing, and the impact of policy changes on the industry.

The conversation also touches on the evolving trends in bathroom design, the shift towards water conservation, and the challenges faced by foundries in the UK. Jason shares insights into the pride and dedication of the workforce in manufacturing tangible products and the importance of supporting local charities. As the discussion progresses, the hosts explore the impact of global events on supply chains, the significance of diversifying supply chains, and the need for self-sufficiency in manufacturing. The episode concludes with a fun segment where the hosts speculate on what bathrooms would say about their human occupants and choose a product to be the association's mascot.

Overall, this episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the bathroom industry, highlighting the dedication, challenges, and innovations that shape the sector. Join us for an engaging and informative discussion on the issues faced by manufacturers and suppliers in the bathroom industry.

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Introduction to the Bathroom Industry: 00:00:00-00:02:08

Engagement with Politicians and Policy: 00:02:08-00:06:20

Challenges and Opportunities in Water Conservation: 00:06:20-00:11:06

Innovation and Trends in Bathroom Design: 00:11:06-00:18:10

Impact of COVID-19 on Business Operations: 00:18:10-00:27:46

Importance of Engaging with Installers: 00:27:46-00:31:20

Globalization and Supply Chain Challenges: 00:31:20-00:40:57

Charity Cycling Event and Community Engagement: 00:42:09-00:44:56

Humorous Reflections on Bathroom Products: 00:44:56-00:46:46

In this episode of Dudley Unplugged, we dive deep into the world of plumbing and water industry innovations with two industry experts, Rob Ewels from WaterFit and Ant McDonagh from Thomas Dudley Products. Rob Ewels, the MD of WaterFit, introduces the company's focus on manufacturing fittings for the water industry, emphasising their innovative products that streamline connections from water mains to households without disrupting neighbouring properties' water supply. The discussion highlights WaterFit's groundbreaking product, MultiFit, which significantly reduces installation time and offers a versatile solution for connecting various pipe sizes.

The conversation delves into the importance of water conservation and sustainability in the face of increasing water scarcity. Rob Ewels and Ant McDonagh discuss the challenges faced by the water industry, emphasising the need for proactive solutions and collaboration between companies, governments, and local councils to enhance infrastructure maintenance and streamline processes. The hosts share insightful anecdotes from their experiences, including humorous customer interactions and the importance of forming long-term partnerships with customers to drive innovation and address water conservation challenges effectively.

Overall, this episode of Dudley Unplugged provides a comprehensive look into the critical role of innovation in the water industry, showcasing how companies like WaterFit and Thomas Dudley Products are at the forefront of developing solutions that not only save time and effort for water companies but also contribute to sustainable water management practices. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of plumbing and water industry advancements on Dudley Unplugged!

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00:00:00 - Introduction to the podcast

00:05:30 - WaterFit's MultiFit product innovation

00:11:53 - Challenges and future outlook for WaterFit and Thomas Dudley

00:16:44 - Impact of COVID-19 on work dynamics

00:22:46 - Anecdote about a stolen washing machine

00:25:47 - Importance of water conservation and sustainability

00:31:07 - Collaboration between WaterFit and water companies

00:34:36 - Importance of communication and collaboration in infrastructure projects

00:38:13 - Discussion on the finite nature of water resources

00:40:22 - Benefits of WaterFit's products for water companies

00:42:37 - Customer interactions and feedback anecdotes

In this episode of Dudley Unplugged, I, your host Mark Morris, sit down with Helena from Pink Plumbing and Karen from KazGas to explore the growing trend of women entering the plumbing and heating industry. We kick off the episode with a lighthearted discussion about the challenges of driving through floods to reach the recording, setting a casual and engaging tone for the conversation. As we delve into the guests' backgrounds, Karen shares her impressive 25-year journey from British Gas to founding her own business, KazGas, while Helena recounts her transition from gas engineering to plumbing, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the industry.

The conversation takes a deeper dive into the motivations that led Karen and Helena to pursue careers in plumbing, shedding light on the unique challenges and barriers they faced as women in a predominantly male-dominated field. Both guests share their passion for their work and emphasize the importance of encouraging more women to consider plumbing as a viable career choice. We explore the changing attitudes towards female plumbers and engineers over the years, with Karen sharing her experiences of overcoming skepticism and breaking stereotypes in the industry. The episode also touches on the role of initiatives and programs aimed at promoting diversity in plumbing, highlighting the need for mentorship and representation to inspire the next generation of female plumbers. As the episode progresses, we delve into the guests' experiences as ambassadors for Thomas Dudley Plumbing Products, underscoring the importance of community and support in fostering inclusivity in the industry. The conversation takes a humorous turn as we share personal DIY disaster stories, showcasing the importance of hiring professionals for plumbing and gas-related tasks to avoid costly mistakes.

The episode wraps up with reflections on the valuable insights shared by Karen and Helena, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and support in empowering women in traditionally male-dominated fields. "Women in Plumbing and DIY Disasters" offers a candid and engaging exploration of the challenges and triumphs faced by women in the plumbing industry, while providing valuable advice on the importance of professional expertise in plumbing and DIY projects.

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Introduction to Plumbing Careers: 00:00:00-00:00:57

Journey into Plumbing: 00:01:24-00:02:09

Challenges Faced by Female Plumbers: 00:02:39-00:03:18

Motivation to Start Own Business: 00:04:31-00:05:51

Transition to Self-Employment: 00:06:17-00:06:48

Female Representation in Plumbing: 00:07:10-00:08:25

Encouraging Women in Plumbing: 00:08:25-00:09:11

Attitudes Towards Female Plumbers: 00:09:11-00:10:16

Recommendations for Aspiring Plumbers: 00:10:16-00:11:08

Importance of Hands-On Learning: 00:11:08-00:11:43

Memorable Plumbing Stories: 00:13:29-00:14:54

Water Conservation and Plumbing:...