The 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.

The 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.

Howarth 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 andysmanclub.co.uk

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.

 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

Ever 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.