Product Performance, Service and Training on display at Brian Gow Supplier Day
Midland Lead was delighted to attend the recent Supplier Day hosted by Brian Gow Roofing Supplies at their Haywards Heath branch on Thursday 18th June.
Representing Midland Lead on the day were Sales Director Kyle Hazeldine and Sales Executive Julie Moore, alongside Paddy McKnight, tutor of The Master Roofers. The event provided an excellent opportunity to engage with roofers, leadworkers, merchants and industry professionals from across the South East, discussing everything from lead supply and technical support through to training and skills development.
Throughout the day, visitors were invited to learn more about Midland Lead’s extensive product range, discuss current projects and challenges, and watch live leadwork demonstrations using Midland Lead sheet.
One of the key highlights of the event was giving roofers and leadworkers the opportunity to weld Midland Lead material first-hand. These practical demonstrations allowed attendees to experience the material for themselves and reinforced an important message within the industry – there is no difference when welding machine cast lead compared to milled lead. Many visitors welcomed the opportunity to test this first-hand, ask technical questions and gain confidence in their lead welding techniques.
The demonstrations were supported by Stewart Rowles, Managing Director of The Master Roofers, who helped address one of the most common misconceptions within the industry regarding lead welding.
“There is still a perception among some roofers and leadworkers that machine cast lead and milled lead behave differently when it comes to welding. The reality is that when you’re working with quality lead sheet manufactured to the correct standards, there is no difference between the two products for this application. The demonstrations at Brian Gow allowed roofers and leadworkers to experience that for themselves and see first-hand how effectively Midland Lead’s machine cast lead performs.”
The event also sparked valuable conversations around leadwork training and skills development. As the roofing industry continues to face a shortage of skilled tradespeople, the importance of upskilling existing staff has never been greater. Discussions focused on the benefits of providing roofers with fundamental leadworking skills, particularly in areas such as lead welding and bossing, helping to improve workmanship, confidence and long-term career development.
Working alongside The Master Roofers also enabled visitors to learn more about the growing range of training opportunities available across the UK, highlighting the increasing demand for practical, hands-on leadwork education.
The day also provided an opportunity to showcase the latest innovation from MRUK Tools – the recently launched BunkerBox. Designed by roofers for roofers, the BunkerBox is a robust, portable and self-contained lead welding station, developed specifically for professional leadworkers. Combining practicality, durability and portability, the BunkerBox attracted significant interest from attendees and generated plenty of discussion throughout the day.
Stewart added: “We were delighted with the level of engagement throughout the day. Giving roofers and leadworkers the opportunity to get hands-on and weld the material themselves is the best way to demonstrate that there is no difference between welding machine cast lead and milled lead. We were also pleased to showcase the new BunkerBox from MRUK Tools, which has been designed specifically with leadworkers in mind. The feedback we’ve received since launch has been fantastic.”
“If you’re still unsure about welding machine cast lead, or would like to see the process demonstrated in person, speak to Midland Lead. They can organise demonstration days through local stockists across the UK, giving roofers and leadworkers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and build confidence in their welding techniques.”
In addition to discussing technical aspects of leadwork, Midland Lead was able to showcase the service levels that have helped the company build a strong reputation throughout the industry. At a time when extended lead times continue to be a challenge across the market, Midland Lead is proud to offer lead times of just 3–5 working days on standard lead sheet orders within the UK. This commitment to service, reliability and customer support generated significant interest from contractors and merchants alike, many of whom were keen to understand how Midland Lead continues to maintain market-leading availability.
Commenting on the success of the event, Kyle Hazeldine said: “It was fantastic to see so many roofers and leadworkers getting involved in the demonstrations and experiencing Midland Lead products for themselves. The conversations around training were particularly encouraging, as investing in basic leadworking skills such as welding and bossing can make a significant difference to both individuals and businesses.”
“We also had some great discussions around supply and service, and it was pleasing to be able to reassure customers that Midland Lead continues to offer industry-leading lead times of 5–7 working days. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service alongside high-quality products, and events like this provide a fantastic opportunity to engage directly with the people using our products every day.”
Midland Lead would like to extend its thanks to Brian Gow Roofing Supplies, The Master Roofers and everyone who attended the event. Supplier Days such as these provide an invaluable opportunity to share knowledge, support skills development and strengthen relationships across the roofing industry.
For roofers, merchants or training providers interested in arranging a lead welding demonstration through their local stockist, Midland Lead and The Master Roofers are available to provide practical, hands-on sessions designed to build confidence, improve skills and showcase best practice in leadwork.
