Pipe Up! Podcast

In this episode of Pipe Up!, we’re heading over to ROTHENBERGER HQ in Kelkheim, Germany, to chat with Felix the Media team Lead. 🇩🇪🎙️

Felix gives us an insight into life behind the scenes at the ROTHENBERGER Group, including the differences between UK and German culture, how working life compares between the two countries, and what it’s like working at the German head office.

We also get into some of the projects currently being worked on in Germany, Felix’s role within the wider ROTHENBERGER Group, and how everything fits together across the business.

From the trade and social media side of things to the people and projects behind the brand, this episode gives a different look at ROTHENBERGER, working in Germany, and the wider group.

If you ever wondered the story behind the ROTHENBERGER tool that's in your hand, this is the episode for you!

In this episode of Pipe Up!, we’re joined by Keiran Yates, co-host of the Off The Job Podcast and one of the founders behind Trade Apps.

Keiran talks about his journey from working as a plumber to building Trade Apps. He shares what life was like on the tools, why he decided to start the app, and the challenges and lessons that came with growing a successful business.

We also dive into why brands need a human touch on social media, how authentic content helps businesses connect with tradespeople, and why having real people behind a brand makes a huge difference. Keiran explains how Trade Apps can help plumbers, electricians, builders, and other tradespeople with networking, opportunities, and growing their businesses.

Throughout the episode, we discuss the reality of starting a business in the trades, the importance of building a strong community, and how Trade Apps has evolved into a platform that supports tradespeople across the UK. Keiran also shares his thoughts on branding, content creation, Trade Wars, and the future of social media in the construction industry.

Whether you’re a plumber, electrician, builder, or anyone working in the trades, this episode is packed with practical insights, business advice, and an honest look at the journey from working on the tools to building a successful brand.

If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe, follow, and leave a review to support the podcast and help us bring more conversations with people shaping the UK trades industry.

#PipeUpPodcast #KeiranYates #TradeApps #Plumber #UKPlumber #Plumbing #ConstructionUK #TradesPodcast #BusinessPodcast #SocialMediaMarketing #Entrepreneur

In this special episode of the Rothenberger Pipe Up Podcast, the mic flips as Ant—our very own UK Product & Training Manager and familiar voice behind the show—steps into the guest seat.

Join us as we get to know the man behind the mic, diving into Ant’s life beyond Rothenberger, from what keeps him busy outside of work to the experiences that have shaped his career. He also shares insight into his role within the company, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how he helps drive product knowledge and training across the UK.

And of course, no chat with Ant would be complete without a bit of football talk, expect some small nods to his love for Aston Villa.

It’s a relaxed episode that gives listeners a fresh perspective on a familiar face at Rothenberger.

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.