PEOPLE 10 MINUTES WITH: What is your job title? Country Manager UK at Steinzeug Keramo
How long have you been in this role? This is a brand-new position for Steinzeug Keramo and I joined the business in January this year.
What are the main functions of your role?
My main focus is to build a business for Steinzeug Keramo in the UK by introducing the company as an alternative clay pipe and fittings supplier to the UK market, through events, meetings and the media.
What’s one thing people might misunderstand about the industry? Historically, there were two UK clay drainage producers, and now there is only one. With 170 years of experience making vitrified clay pipes and systems, we are building awareness to meet the growing demand for sustainable and long-lasting wastewater solutions with vitrified clay pipes. We have made a major investment in producing a full system of pipe and fittings with EPDM couplers compatible with Naylor Densleeve profiles.
What appealed to you about the industry? My first role in the industry was nearly 30 years ago was with Instarmac. Since then, I have worked with manufacturers, contractors, plant hire and merchants, with a large part working with pipe producers for specialist applications. Clay is one of the most sustainable construction products in whatever
LEON WOODS Country Manager UK at Steinzeug Keramo
form it’s used, be it roofing, ceramic tiles or in drainage and sewer applications.
What have been the highlights of your career so far? There have been many, from working on major motorway schemes like M6 Toll, M27 and M42, airports and major sporting event infrastructure, to travelling to the Middle East to supply specialist products to a prestigious client, then more lately learning about the world of trenchless installation. My latest highlight is being part of the team helping to launch Steinzeug Keramo’s Kera vitrified clay pipes to the UK market.
What are the main issues for builders merchants and for the construction industry at the moment?
Time is a major issue in all aspects of our industry, with technology playing a big part in providing faster services. As a society, we’ve grown used to 24-hour delivery in both our personal and professional lives, but with that convenience, we lose the virtue of patience and often forget to take time to plan more effectively for the future.
For the past few years, we have seen more headlines in the UK about failing assets, leakage and the replacing of ageing infrastructure at a slow rate. If we carry on at the rate we are currently working at it could take about 2,000 years to fully replace wastewater pipelines. Clay is looked upon as being ‘old-fashioned’, but actually, it is the clay pipelines that are standing the test of time. So, sometimes the old ways might be the best ways.
Lords, the builders and plumbers merchant group, has appointed Matthew Webber as Chief Operating Officer for the Plumbing and Heating division. He will also join the Group’s Operating Board. The new role will see him take responsibility for the P&H businesses: APP Wholesale, Ultimate Renewables, HRP Trade, Direct
Heating, and Mr Central Heating.
Homeleigh Timber & Building Supplies has appointed Grahame Combs as procurement development manager. With 30 years of expertise in the building products sector, Combs’ primary role will be to develop market opportunities for the Group and to build on its strong partnerships with its merchant and distributor networks.
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What are the best things about this industry?
Our industry is a community, there are people that I have known for many years. Even when I’m dipping in and out of certain areas of the industry, the relationships remain, which is really helpful for me right now. The level of support and the will for people to succeed in life is palpable. It’s still a people-centric industry. People buy from people, so if you have built a level of trust, that will carry you a long way.
If you could make some major changes to the industry right now, what would you do?
Good question. Planning for longevity and sustainable development, whilst future- proofing existing assets, is the ideal scenario, but how? Price and availability of products are two major drivers when it comes to products in the supply chain, and often they override the aspirational targets for sustainability. So, a stronger understanding for asset owners and design teams is needed when asking the contractors and the supply chain to achieve certain criteria, as there may be added upfront cost to deliver the long- term goals.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in this industry? Don’t be afraid to ask for help and remember there’s always someone who knows more than you. So, value their experience and draw from it. When you are that person, share to strengthen someone else’s knowledge. Keep learning, every day is a school day. BMJ
ON THE MOVE
Toolstation, part of Travis Perkins Group, has announced the appointment of Lakhvir Sanghera as its new managing director. She will be part of the Group’s leadership team and succeeds current managing director, Angela Rushforth, who is retiring after 10 years with the group. Sanghera was previously finance, property & distribution director for Toolstation, having joined Travis Perkins plc in 2011.
Naylor has announced the appointment of Christopher Ainger as the new managing director of Naylor Drainage, Specialist Plastics and Technical Solutions. Ainger brings over 25 years of industry experience having held leadership roles in a number of leading manufacturing businesses.
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net September 2025
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