BUILD Q2 2019

BUILD Q2 2019 60 Apr19112 ustainable design is, by all regards, a thriving market in the greater construction industry as firms start to relish the challenges and unique opportunities that eco-friendly alternatives offer. Sometimes, like in the case of Lightweight Tiles, environmentally-friendly products are objectively better than their counterparts, as Bruce takes a moment to explain. “Our tiles are easy to install, and easy to cut with a saw or a cutter. They are strong enough to be walked on without being damaged and our granulated tiles weigh just 6kg per square metre – 3 tiles- with our budget tiles weighing 5kg per square metre. More importantly, the tiles are made from half-re- cycled plastic and the tiles can be recycled at the end of use.” Integral to Lightweight Tiles’s success is their ability to cater to difficult building projects, as Bruce continues: “We special- ise in providing roofing solutions where pitch and weight are limited. Our tiles have excellent sound absorption properties, are non-corrosive and offer good thermal insulation. Moreover, being made from polypropylene, they are less inclined to con- densation problems as with other systems. We’ve found that our products are great for over roofing and offers the perfect solution to replacing conservatory roofs, making the area usable all year round without the need to remove the existing structure.” “We have grown organically as a company with very little advertising. Word of mouth has been a very significant platform, with sales through our office, website and eBay to both trade and DIY customers.” Yet, despite the company’s significant product offering, Bruce emphasises the importance of the team dynamic in securing their success. After all, outstanding customer service comes from the day to day interactions with staff not only from the quality of the core product. “Without the help, support and ded- ication of the staff, this business would not be what it is today. Ensuring every tile is produced with care, customer support is paramount in everything we do. Every customer is treated individually, all requirements are taken seriously, and questions with queries dealt with as swiftly as possible. Customer service is key from initial enquiry to post installation.” Innovation and Sustainable Design are the Secrets to Success for Lightweight Tiles Lightweight Tiles Ltd are a manufacturing company that specialise in providing handmade, lightweight polypropylene roofing tiles. Earlier in the year, the company was recognised in BUILD’s 2019 Design and Build Awards as the ‘Best in Roofing Products & Solutions’. We spoke with Lightweight’s Director, Bruce Bennett, to find out more about their products and outstanding dedication to customer service. S “We are a small company that really cares about every customer and every roof application. From the smallest porch to the largest building everyone is given an incredible customer experience from start to finish.” Bruce hopes that, as the industry moves ever more towards sustainability, Lightweight Tiles’s future will be secured. “With people becoming more ecologically aware we are confident that our product will reach the target audience we are aiming at. The use of recycled plastic and the reduction in landfill our product offers we are confident that people will see us as a real alternative to traditionally less environmentally aware products reducing the carbon footprint.” For the time being at least, Bruce and his team are laying the groundwork and making efforts to expand their client base more organically. “Over the next year, production will be increased. Education and awareness of the system will be raised through increased marketing and advertising. More approved installers will need to be recruited across the country and more trade outlets will hopefully be stocking our products. Breaking through into the homebuilding and renovation market is also planned to offer a more environmentally friendly option of roofing system.” Company: Lightweight Tiles Ltd Name: Bruce Bennett, Director Address: Unit 138, Lydney Industrial Estate, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 4EJ, United Kingdom Website: www.lightweighttiles.co.uk Telephone: +44 (0)1594 715777