In this powerful episode of the Rothenberger Pipe Up Podcast, we sit down with Lee Wilcox, founder and CEO of On The Tools — the UK’s largest online construction community — to hear the remarkable story behind the brand that changed the way the trades connect, laugh, and speak up.

Lee takes us back to the early days of On The Tools, sharing how a simple idea grew into a media powerhouse representing hundreds of thousands of tradespeople. He opens up about the highs, the challenges, and the responsibility that comes with leading a platform that gives the trade community its voice.

But this episode goes deeper than business.

We also discuss The Lost City, the powerful mental health initiative highlighting a devastating reality: the suicide rate in the trades which is FOUR times the national average. So many skilled workers have taken their own lives that, collectively, an entire city could have been built by the tradespeople we’ve lost.

Lee shares why The Lost City matters, what needs to change, and how the industry can break the stigma around mental health — especially among men in construction.

This is an honest, hard-hitting, and inspiring conversation about community, purpose, leadership, and saving lives.

🎙️ Tune in for one of our most important conversations yet.

Welcome back to Pipe Up — and we’re kicking off Season 2 with a brilliant guest to start things off.

In this first episode, we’re joined by Liam Snellin, founder of Comodo Workwear and former contestant on The Apprentice. Liam shares the story behind building Comodo from the ground up, what it really takes to create a successful workwear brand, and the challenges of standing out in a competitive industry.

We also dive into his experience on The Apprentice — what it was like behind the scenes, the pressures of the process, and the lessons he took away from being on one of the UK’s biggest business TV shows.

A great listen for anyone interested in business, branding, workwear, or the reality of entrepreneurship.

🎧 Tune in now to hear Liam’s journey and kick off Season 2 with us!

In this episode of the ROTHENBERGER Pipe Up Podcast, we sit down with Adrian Ball, experienced plumbing tutor at Derby College, to talk about the real challenges plumbing students face in 2025 – especially when it comes to finding apprenticeships.

Adrian shares valuable insights into:

✅ Why apprenticeships are harder to find than ever

✅ What the modern plumbing course looks like in today’s colleges

✅ How students can stand out in a competitive industry

✅ The skills employers are REALLY looking for

If you're a plumbing student, a college tutor, or a business thinking about taking on an apprentice, this episode is packed with tips, advice, and real talk about the future of the trade. 💬

Brought to you by ROTHENBERGER

In this episode of Pipe Up, we’re chatting with Paul Clark – plumber, Rothenberger ambassador, and strong advocate for mental health in the trade.

Paul gets into the big stuff: mental health in the trades, how tool theft can turn your world upside down, and what life’s really like as a plumbing ambassador.

It’s an honest, no-filter chat about the pressures on and off the tools, building a following online, and why looking out for each other in the trade matters more than ever.

We also recorded this episode on an actual site where Paul was working!

Grab a brew and tune in — this one’s not to be missed.

In this episode of Pipe Up!, we're joined by Paul Bulliavant, Commercial Director at Howarth Timber and host of the 1840 Podcast.

Paul shares insights into the evolving landscape of building merchants, the importance of strong supplier relationships, and how Howarth Timber is staying ahead of the curve.

We also dive into his philosophy on podcasting, what inspired the Howarth Timber 1840 Podcast, and the value of storytelling in business.

It's a conversation packed with industry expertise, practical advice, and a few laughs, as usual!

In this episode, Rothenberger ambassadors The Peaky Plumber and Dan Tempest join UK Product and Training Manager Ant on the Pipe Up Podcast to share their real-world experiences from the plumbing world.

They dive into the state of the plumbing industry, share stories from site, and discuss a growing issue—tool theft—and how it's impacting tradespeople all across the UK.

A must-listen for anyone in the trade!

Pipe Up Podcast: Live from InstallerSHOW at the NEC Birmingham

In this special on-the-go episode, our host Ant takes you straight to the heart of the action at InstallerSHOW at the NEC Birmingham!

Join him as he walks the floor, chatting with industry pros, exhibitors, and installers to get their insights, stories, and reactions from the UK's biggest heating and plumbing event.

Expect real conversations, plenty of laughs, and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes InstallerSHOW a must-attend for any plumber.

This time, we’re joined by Sophie – a plumber, content creator, and now her own boss!

She talks us through her journey from being an apprentice to taking the leap into self-employment. We get into the highs, the lows, and the unique challenges women face in the trades, and what it’s really like to go out on your own. If you’re thinking about a career in the trades or just love a good real-talk success story, this one’s for you.

🎙️ Pipe Up Podcast – Episode 1

We’re kicking things off with Robert Lawton, Marketing & International Sales Director at Lawton Tubes, one of the UK’s top copper tube manufacturers.

In this episode, we chat about the history of Lawton Tubes, Rothenberger innovations, sustainability in the industry, and what the future holds for plumbing and HVAC.

If you’re in the trade—or just love hearing from the people shaping it—this one’s for you.