INDUSTRY UPDATE THE IPG Supporting Independents THE TILE ASSOCIATION COLUMN


TTA celebrates National Apprenticeship Week


Welcoming Pete Banham, The IPG’s New Commercial Director!


e are delighted to announce that Pete Banham is our new Commercial Director! With Pete on board, we’re all set for an exciting new chapter at The IPG. Pete comes to us with an impressive background, having held both executive and non-executive roles across a wide range of industries, from Plumbing & Heating to Aerospace, Chemicals, and Textiles. His extensive experience gives him a unique perspective and a deep understanding of our sector.


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Over the past five years, Pete has been a driving force in the Plumbing & Heating market, leading sales teams across the UK and implementing innovative strategies that have driven real growth in trade counters and showroom businesses. He’s known for his talent in developing new business supply chains and infrastructure, making him a key player in supporting and expanding the UK’s Plumbing & Heating landscape. Beyond his professional achievements, Pete holds a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry from Manchester Polytechnic, blending solid academic credentials with hands-on experience. Outside of work, Pete is a devoted family man, married with two sons and has a remarkable past as a national and international swimmer. These days, you’ll find him enjoying cricket and football from the sidelines or hitting the golf course – though he admits he plays with “more enthusiasm than skill!”


“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Pete Banham to our team,” says Andy Cottee, Managing Director. “His proven leadership, broad industry knowledge, and fresh perspective are exactly what we need to keep driving our business forward.” Please join us in giving Pete a warm welcome to The IPG family! Here’s to great things to come!


s National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is taking place from 10th to 16th February to uplift apprenticeships and the value they bring, The Tile Association (TTA) wishes to use the opportunity to spotlight tiling apprenticeships and their importance for both the apprentice and the employer. TTA members play a crucial role in delivering tiling apprenticeship schemes. For individuals, a tiling apprenticeship is an effective way to gain hands-on experience working alongside industry professionals, as well as ‘earn while you learn’. For employers, Government funding incentives make apprenticeships a cost-effective way to close skills gaps and create a job- ready workforce. Anthony Parrott, TTA Board Director and member of TTA’s Training Committee, comments: ‘One of the biggest issues facing our industry is labour shortages. I think it is therefore imperative that all companies have a dedicated apprentice programme to train the next generation of skilled tilers. ‘We at W.B. Simpson & Sons (Midlands) Ltd have had an apprentice programme for nearly 20 years. It started with James Mason in 2006 who joined us as a 16 year-old and is still with us. Today, he is capable of carrying out all porcelain and stone works including


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swimming pools, and we believe he


Anthony Parrott, Managing Director of W.B. Simpson & Sons (Midlands) Ltd


is one of the best tilers in the country. The following year, Shanbir Grewall joined us along with Mark Maguire as 18 and 16 year-olds, respectively. Both progressed to become very skilled tilers capable of holding down large commercial projects. Over the last 4 years, Mark has progressed to be our Senior Contracts Manager, running several jobs at a time, some up to a value of £2,000,000. We have also taken on the sons of some of our senior tilers as the next generation of apprentices, which is great to see.


Nike Lovell Marketing Director (The IPG) www.the-ipg.co.uk


 For further information or to join TTA visit www.tiles.org.uk/join


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‘While it takes effort, time and money to have an apprentice programme, it has been very successful for us and a worthwhile investment. As a Managing Director I would argue it was not only essential for us to do this but very rewarding to see the apprentices progress through to highly skilled tilers. I would strongly recommend those not yet taking on apprentices to begin as soon as possible. If you need any help or guidance, feel free to contact me as I firmly believe this is an important focus for our industry.’ TTA provides free training support for all members. Email training@tile.org.uk or call 0300 365 8453.


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