Shows
The 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionMastering Rubber Roofing with Flex-RIn 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 m...
2025-12-1438 min
The 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionCustomers & Comrades - Two Friends, One OceanJoin 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 of...
2025-11-3055 min
The 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionAndy Moore - 1.3 Million Miles in TimberJoin 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...
2025-11-1644 min
The 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in Construction2025 Landscaping ReviewIn 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 OverviewMaterial Trends – Porcel...
2025-11-0239 min
The 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionUnderstanding Timber Panel Products: Evolution, Innovation, and the FutureIn 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 fr...
2025-10-1950 min
The 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionSeason 2 - #2 - Branch Focus - CheadleJoin 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.
2025-09-2235 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionHowarth Timber Merchants - The Next GenerationThe 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.
2025-09-0856 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionThe Season Review as all of the Season One hosts returnThe first season of the 1840 Podcast has flown by and in the final episode of season one the hosts return to take a look back at their favourite moments.
2025-08-0431 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionIt’s Okay to Talk: Inside Andy’s Man ClubHowarth x Andy’s Mans Club. We recently chose the UK’s fastest-growing men’s suicide prevention charity for our company charity and in this episode, we have Lucas Whitehead their head of Marketing and Partnerships. Him and our host Paul, dive into why men, especially in construction, still struggle to talk.
Lucas shares how the charity grew from one group in Halifax to 300 nationwide, supporting nearly 6,000 men each week. This isn’t just about mental health awareness, it’s about real conversations, breaking stigma, and saving lives.
You can learn even more about ANDYSMANCLUB at andysma...
2025-07-2142 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionThe Future of IT - The Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI)Host: Paul Bullivant
Guests: Paul Cornford & Professor Alan Timothy
AI - the buzzword everyone's talking about. In this episode, Head of IS Paul Cornford and Professor Alan Timothy, CEO of Bubo.AI, explore its origins, real-world impact, and what it means for the future of work and business. Tune in to discover how AI can empower not replace, and why understanding it is key to staying ahead.
2025-07-0746 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionLearning skills outside of your Trade with Wrexham Footballer Will Boyle 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
2025-06-2343 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionThe Art of Telephone Conversations in Business - Audrey BodmanHost: Paul Bullivant
Guest: Audrey Bodman
Speaking to people on the telephone has largely been replaced by Whatsapp and endless texts, but in the workplace it is still an art worth mastering. Audrey tells Paul how she goes about training people to get the most out of telephone conversations, from the start to the end of calls.
Audrey trains people in sales, customer service and employer engagement and sees the difference that confidence and success on the telephone gives both businesses and individuals. And, it's all to do with mindset.
2025-06-1658 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionImpact Inspire - addiction and the path to recoveryEver wondered about the fine line between control and chaos in our lives? In episode 20 of the 1840 podcast, we're joined by Reece Casey and Sam Lowe for what turns out to be an emotional, educational, and ultimately inspiring conversation about the impact of gambling addiction and the remarkable path to recovery.
2025-06-091h 05
Leeds Business PodcastRunning a £300m turnover business with Nick Howarth, Howarth Timber GroupToday’s guest runs a 1000 staff, 45 location, £300m turnover business. AND he’s a 6th generation family owner.Hear the fascinating story of Howarths Timber, the successes and failures of the business, how you manage such a huge entity and the family-owned aspects that power it. There's also learnings from the failures the company have experienced too.From sawing down trees to AI, this episode is one worth listening to….If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons...
2025-06-0448 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionDavid Campion - sports coaching lessons applied to business & personal developmentIn episode 20 of the 1840 podcast, host Paul Bullivant is joined by David Campion, the former England Squash Coach. Under his leadership, England secured 25 medals across four Commonwealth Games, became World Team champions five times, and European Team champions 42 times at both junior and senior levels.
We talk about some of the lessons David has learnt through elite coaching over the last 20+ years and how they can be applied to any sport, business and personal development.
2025-06-021h 05The 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionA Day In The Life - Sales ExecutiveHost: Paul Bullivant
Guests: Nicola Ryan and Jason O'Hara
In episode 19 of the 1840 podcast, host Paul Bullivant is joined by Nicola Ryan (Rochdale) and Jason O’Hara (Fallowfield) to discuss a day in the life of a sales executive. We talk about the highs and lows of the role and what the crucial traits are to being successful and interestingly where do they find the resilience to keep bouncing back from rejection!
2025-05-2656 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionLet's Talk Air Source Heat PumpsHost: Paul Bullivant
Guests: Jim Stafford, John Houston.
Paul is joined by Tim Whitehead and Jim Stafford from E.Tuplings and our P&H Category Manager John Houston to talk Air Source Heat Pumps and dispel some common myths about them.
We also look back at the history of builders merchants and ask the question - where have all the builder merchant smock jackets gone?!
2025-05-1958 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionThe psychology of colour with Anjie Carless from Cortex TrainingHost Gavin Knowles
Guest: Angie Carless
Explore the language of colour with Anjie Carless from Cortex Training.
By recognising customers, colleagues or even family members' different colour energies, it can help you to improve your own communication and how you come across to others.
Anjie helps guide us through the Insight Discovery psychometric tool rooted in Carl Jung's psychology that utilises a four colour model: Firey Red, Sunshine Yellow, Earth Green, and Cool Blue... which colours is yours?
2025-05-1236 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionHow to get the younger generation to choose the construction industry as a careerHost: Alix Maude
Guest: Ginny Brown
Ginny Brown, Regional Sales Manager at Restec Roofing Systems, joins us to discuss how we can encourage young people to choose the construction industry as a career.
From her own second-career journey to her work promoting the industry in schools, Ginny shares insights on changing perceptions and attracting fresh talent to the trade.
2025-05-0526 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionPlumbing & Heating in the Builders Merchants WorldHost Paul Bullivant
Guests: John Houston, Matt Binney & Simon Parker
In this episode, we’re getting into the history of Plumbing and Heating at HTBS: how it all kicked off, when it started, and how it’s grown over the years.
With Plumbing & Heating Category Manager John Houston, Barnsley P&H Manager Matt Binney & Grimsby P&H Manager Simon Parker they get stuck into the Builders Merchant vs. Plumber’s Merchant debate — chatting about what works best for customers, and the little (and not-so-little) frustrations that come with each.
2025-04-2857 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionWhat is Behavioural Science?Host: Gavin Knowles
Guest: James Ballinger
Supermarkets deliberately ensure the smell of fresh bread makes it way on to the aisles to encourage us to buy fresh bread.
James Ballinger from the Behavioural Agency takes us on this journey to briefly explains of how businesses use behavioural sciences and customer bias' to influence behaviour.
2025-04-2135 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionHow Do We Attract More Young People Into The Building Materials IndustryHost: Paul Bullivant
Guests: Hayley Parker & Tom Howe
Our heritage goes back all the way to 1840 with some members of staff serving over 40 years of service but how do we encourage the younger generations into this old-school, well-established industry.
Hayley and Tom are two of our youngest Branch Managers both completing the BMF diploma in merchanting which helped them progress through their career and they give their insight on what we can do to get younger people on board.
2025-04-141h 01The 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionThe Evolution of IT in HTBS – 1987-TodayWith Paul Cornford and Jonathan Read they talk about how IT has changed since they joined the business in 1987…pre smart phones and the internet!
What challenges they faced to get PC’s in each branch and the various systems we’ve adopted between then and now.
2025-04-0758 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionLandscaping, What Do Merchants & Suppliers Think of Each Other? The Impact of Social Media on Children, with Ben Jewell – HolcimBen Jewell joins Paul Bullivant to talk about his experiences on both sides of the merchant and supplier fence.
And, very topically with the news at the moment, Ben also discusses social media and the adverse impact that it can have on our children.
2025-03-3159 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionBranch Spotlight - WakefieldWith Martyn Hughes and Steve Baxter, a Wakefield branch focus talking about what makes the branch stand out in the business.
Learning all the stories of the branch past and present!
2025-03-2448 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionCustomer Focus with CatioKingPaul is joined by Chris Allen, our 1st customer focused episode where he talks about his transition from his time in the Army to creating bespoke timber cat enclosures and the mental effects that had on him.
Chris also talks about the importance of social media is promoting his business.
2025-03-1757 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionWomen in Merchanting - Part TwoHost: Alix Maude
Guests: Rebecca Hughes & Lauren De Meester
With special guest host Alix, she is joined by Rebecca Marketing Director at Talasey and Lauren De Meester, National Account Manager at Soudal. They talk about the challenges they have faced during the course of our careers, as well as how things have changed over the years, from being predominately male dominated to moving more towards a 50/50 split of women & men.
2025-03-1030 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionWomen in Merchanting - Part OneHost: Danielle Boyle
Guests: Ashley Rice & Alice Stafford
With special guest host Danielle, she is joined by two Assistant Branch Managers, Ashley and Alice. The topics include what it’s like to be a female working in such a male dominated industry, the pro’s and the con’s and how do we make the industry more friendly to female staff and customers.
2025-03-0337 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionBranch Spotlight - EnfieldHost Paul Bullivant
Guests: Aron Ford & Adrian Kaczor
A spotlight on our Enfield Branch with Regional Director for the South and new Branch Manager. Learn about how our branches in the south differ to the north.
2025-02-2448 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionA day in the life - Regional ManagerHost: Paul Bullivant
Guests: Cameron Reid & Rob Bailey
Join our newest Regional Managers, Cameron Reid and Rob Bailey, as they share a day in their lives and reflect on the challenges of transitioning from Branch Manager to Regional Manager.
2025-02-1756 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionThe history of HowarthHost: Paul Bullivant
Guest: Nick Howarth
Learn the story behind Howarth Timber & Building Supplies and its history, straight from our Managing Director, Nick Howarth.
2025-02-1043 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionBranch Spotlight - OldhamHost: Paul Bullivant
Guests: Jang Yunis & Paul Fearns
A Spotlight on our Oldham branch—hear the real story from the Branch Manager and the new Sales Executive.
2025-01-2747 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionWelcome to The 1840 PodcastHost: Paul Bullivant
Guests: Gavin Knowles & Stephen Hudson
Why would a builder’s merchant start a podcast? And who would even want to listen?
In this episode, we share the story behind the podcast, and most importantly, our ‘why.’
2025-01-1339 minThe 1840 Podcast - Building Knowledge in ConstructionThe 1840 Podcast is coming soon!Paul Bullivant quickly introduces Howarth Timber & Building Supplies new podcast, The 1840 Podcast.
The first episode follows shortly, so stay tuned.
For more information on Howarth Timber, please visit: www.howarth-timber.co.uk
2025-01-1001 min
Tracks Of The DamnedApocalypse 2021 - A Tracks of the Damned Halloween Mix"Remember last year, when we were worried that Halloween in 2020 wouldn't feel like Halloween? 'We can't bob for apples, the season is ruined!' Well now some time has passed, it's October again and I haven't even seen an apple in 7 months." - Micah Bravo, host of Tracks of the Damned You think this year was a clusterfuck, you ain't see nothing yet. Live, from the radio station of the third most prestigious community college in the greater Baton Rouge area, DJ Micah Bravo (Regina Linn) surveys a decimated post-nuclear landscape and does what they do every...
2020-10-271h 25
Making It With Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett and David PicciutoEpisode 140: Social SchmediaThis week Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett and David Picciuto talk about SOME of the people we love to watch. What We’re Working On Jimmy Diresta Finished Axe Class David Picciuto Making new wedding rings Bob Clagett Cake (is a lie) Plate Links: Motorcycle sawmill Making It Dubstep Peter Brown This Old Tony Chris Salomone – Four Eyes Furniture Ben Uyeda Modern Maker Podcast Frank Howarth Samurai Carpenter Andrew Huang FixThisBuildThat Made For Profit April Wilkerson Laura Kampf Mike Boy – Learn Quick The Hot Ones Trustin Timber Evan and Katelyn What we’re watching: David’s Pick of the Week: Peter Brown Bob’s...
2017-10-201h 04
The Business HubHow Do You Have a Successful First Year in Business - Howarth Timber explain!Happy Birthday to Howarth Timber and Building Supplies! They celebrated their first birthday at the beginning of August and have had a brilliant first year. How can you make sure your start up has a brilliant first year?
2016-08-0802 min
The Home & Garden ShowGarden Trends - with Howarth TimberIf you're a bit embarrassed by your #garden and think it could do with a revamp, have a listen to whats hot and whats not in the world of gardens with Garry from #HowarthTimber ahead of the 1st birthday next month. #artificialgrass #patio #decking #StrayLiving #Harrogate
2016-07-1505 min