In this episode of the Howarth Timber & Building Supplies 1840 Podcast, host Paul Bullivant sits down with Barry Shorrock, Sales Director at Flex-R — one of the UK’s most proactive and trusted names in EPDM rubber roofing. From the surprising history of EPDM and its 60-year track record, to why it’s becoming the go-to solution for everything from extensions to garden rooms, Paul and Barry break down the myths, the methods, and the must-knows of modern flat roofing.

Packed with insights on durability, training, installation, new technologies, and the growing demand for flame-free roofing systems, this episode is a masterclass for builders, roofers, and homeowners alike — with a little dash of Ashes cricket chat thrown in.

Whether you’re curious about making the switch to rubber roofing, exploring Flex-R’s training options, or simply love hearing experts talk passionately about their products, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Subjects covered:

• What EPDM/rubber roofing is and why it’s so durable
• The history of EPDM and Flex-R’s role in bringing it to the UK
• Key advantages: flexibility, longevity, and fully cold-applied installation
• Why proper training is essential and how Flex-R supports contractors
• Common installation mistakes and how to avoid them
• When to choose ClassicBond vs ClassicBond Pro
• Using EPDM for extensions, garden rooms, sheds, and overlays
• Guarantees, certifications, and what homeowners gain from EPDM
• How technology and product innovation are shaping the future of flat roofing

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Flex-R products - https://www.howarth-timber.co.uk/search.php?search_query=epdm§ion=product&_bc_fsnf=1&Type=EPDM+Membrane&Type=EPDM+Tape-

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Watch the Episodes On Youtube: - https://youtu.be/lBokZGoz0wU

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ov5c0y78nezowFz07C5AU?si=4c70c4030522440b&nd=1&dlsi=bf8c82e6addc44f8

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-1840-podcast/id1789793386

Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/2bdccd00-1cc9-4173-be70-39544f923c80/the-1840-podcast

Website: https://www.howarth-timber.co.uk/1840-podcast/

Join us for a story of grit, friendship, and an unbelievable challenge about to unfold on the Atlantic Ocean - starting 24th January 2026.

Only around 2,000 people have ever rowed across the Atlantic. Soon, two more names will join that list: Johnny Towers and Shaun Phelps — lifelong friends whose bond was forged in the Royal Marines and strengthened through years of hardship, humour, and hard graft.

Johnny, a roofer by trade and a loyal customer at our Blackburn branch, is no stranger to tough weather and long days. Shaun, a former prison officer and now carpet fitter, is the man who set this whole expedition in motion.

Together, they're taking on 3,200 miles of open ocean in Danielle — a 24-foot boat already battle-tested by previous Atlantic crossings. Their mission isn’t just survival — it’s purpose. They’re raising money and awareness for two charities close to their hearts: Care After Combat and The Samaritans, supporting mental health and veterans in crisis. We are delighted to support and raise awareness of their journey.

So settle in for an inspiring and often hilarious conversation with two ordinary blokes taking on an extraordinary adventure.

Support their fundraising effort:

GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/changing-tides-row

Givestar: https://givestar.io/gs/changing-tides

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@changing_tides_row

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559805009592

Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/company/changing-tides-row/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/changing-tides-row/

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Roofing products - https://www.howarth-timber.co.uk/building-materials-drainage/roofing/

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Watch the Episodes On Youtube: - https://youtu.be/XcK4yGIXjQg

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ov5c0y78nezowFz07C5AU?si=4c70c4030522440b&nd=1&dlsi=bf8c82e6addc44f8

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-1840-podcast/id1789793386

Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/2bdccd00-1cc9-4173-be70-39544f923c80/the-1840-podcast

Website: https://www.howarth-timber.co.uk/1840-podcast/

Join host Paul Bullivant for a special episode of the 1840 Podcast, as we sit down with industry legend Andy Moore of Kronospan, alongside timber category manager Gary Froggatt. In this milestone conversation, Andy reflects on an extraordinary 45-year career in the timber and wood panel industry, clocking up over 1.3 million miles and witnessing seismic changes in the merchant market.

From his early days at Wayrock in the 1980s—navigating recession, innovation, and the quirks of the “Yellow Peril” Ford Cortina—to leadership roles at influential companies, Andy shares candid stories, career-defining moments, and the lessons learned from decades of transformation. Discover the origins of peel-off flooring, the impact of mergers and acquisitions, and the evolution of products from block board to MDF.

This episode is packed with insights on salesmanship, adaptability, and the importance of being a “chameleon” in business. Andy discusses the changing face of professionalism, the camaraderie of the timber trade, and the mentors who shaped his journey. As he approaches retirement, Andy offers advice for the next generation and reveals his plans for travel, adventure, and staying connected to the industry he loves.

Whether you’re a timber professional, industry newcomer, or podcast enthusiast, this episode delivers a rich tapestry of history, humour, and heartfelt reflection. Don’t miss Andy Moore’s “This Is Your Life” moment—celebrating a remarkable legacy in wood-based panels and merchant markets.

Subjects covered:

• Andy Moore’s 45-Year Career Journey
• Industry Evolution & Milestones
• Innovation & Invention
• Salesmanship & Professional Growth
• Personal Stories & Anecdotes
• Industry Challenges & Changes
• Advice & Reflections
• Sustainability & The Future

Timber sheet materials - https://www.howarth-timber.co.uk/timber/sheet-materials/

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Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://youtu.be/oMKdAzaJ51E

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ov5c0y78nezowFz07C5AU?si=4c70c4030522440b&nd=1&dlsi=bf8c82e6addc44f8

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-1840-podcast/id1789793386

Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/2bdccd00-1cc9-4173-be70-39544f923c80/the-1840-podcast

Website: https://www.howarth-timber.co.uk/1840-podcast/

In this episode of The 1840 Podcast, host Paul Bullivant sits down with Becki Hughes from Talasey to discuss the 2025 landscaping season: what’s shaping the market, which materials are leading the way, and what merchants and landscapers can expect heading into 2026.

From views on the market, why porcelain sales have overtaken natural stone, and Becki’s predictions on the trends for next year. She also opens up about the challenges the industry is facing, such as Red Sea shipping delays and extended monsoon seasons, and how Talasey is adapting.

Subjects covered:

• Market Overview
• Material Trends – Porcelain vs Stone
• Format Trends – What’s popular for 2026
• Colour Trends – Beyond Grey
• Quarry regulation and ethical sourcing
• Sustainability and UK pricing
• Market Forecast – 2026 and beyond
• Who drives garden trends? – homeowners or installers?
• Upskilling the trade Advice for merchants
• Branch of the future

For more on Talasey - https://www.howarth-timber.co.uk/talasey/?srsltid=AfmBOoqT3DZsGgwUXz-cRmaFEs2M8jsHAukDq2qkYm-PCizZTydmDPN1

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Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-V1a0YAQAzEvwoGnSpmZqDgVqX94ZInv

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ov5c0y78nezowFz07C5AU?si=4c70c4030522440b&nd=1&dlsi=bf8c82e6addc44f8

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-1840-podcast/id1789793386

Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/2bdccd00-1cc9-4173-be70-39544f923c80/the-1840-podcast

Website: https://www.howarth-timber.co.uk/1840-podcast/

In a comprehensive conversation, Kronospan's Andy Moore and timber expert Gary Froggatt from Howarth Timber & Building Supplies delve into the history, characteristics, and future of key engineered wood products—OSB, MDF, and chipboard. Drawing on decades of industry knowledge, they explore how these materials have evolved from basic substrates to high-performance components used across modern construction and manufacturing.

From technical advancements in moisture resistance and structural integrity to the growing emphasis on sustainability and recycling, this discussion offers valuable insights into the development of timber panels, the challenges the industry faces, and the exciting potential of timber frame construction in the UK. Whether you're in the trade or simply curious about how timber products shape our built environment, this is a must-watch for anyone interested in the past, present, and future of wood-based materials.

• Introduction: 0:00
• Evolution of Particle Board: 3:34
• MDF Development and Uses: 6:53
• OSB Characteristics and Applications: 10:03
• Kronospan Overview: 18:51
• Market Challenges and Competition: 25:54
• Future of Timber Frame Construction: 38:16
• Importance of Supplier Relationships: 44:34
• Sustainability and Recycling Initiatives: 30:56
• Market Outlook for 2026: 40:27

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-V1a0YAQAzEvwoGnSpmZqDgVqX94ZInv

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ov5c0y78nezowFz07C5AU?si=4c70c4030522440b

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-1840-podcast/id1789793386

Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/2bdccd00-1cc9-4173-be70-39544f923c80/the-1840-podcast

Website: https://www.howarth-timber.co.uk/1840-podcast/

Join us as we focus on our Cheadle branch with Branch Manager Stuart Wilkinson and Sales Executive Dipak Naran, as they share the stories and focus on the community spirit that make Cheadle a vital part of the Howarth family. Get a true behind-the-scenes look at what makes this branch tick.

The 1840 Podcast is back for Series 2. We kick off with Imogen Howarth-Waugh, Alistair Howarth & Louis Howarth who are the youngest generation of the Howarth family working in the business.

Starting from summer jobs in the branches in their teenage years they've seen how their family business has turned into one of the largest independent merchants out there.

In this episode, host Danielle is joined by her twin brother and Wrexham AFC footballer, Will Boyle. Instead of focusing solely on football, they dive into the value of learning skills outside your main trade. From coaching and counselling to studying for a degree, Will shares how expanding his skillset has shaped his journey—on and off the pitch. A relatable conversation for anyone navigating career growth in football, merchanting, or beyond.

Host: Danielle Boyle

Guest: Will Boyle