Starting with its charity efforts, Plumbase has pledged £10,000 in sponsorship support to customer Kris Elliot.
The funds donated by Plumbase have helped Kris, who is also a firefighter, and his teammate and brother Blair Elliot, compete in the 3,000 mile Talisker Atlantic challenge, this December.
Blair stepped in to take on the challenge following the withdrawal of original Team Noble rower, Allan Huntly. Allan, who is also a firefighter and a qualified plumber, faced the difficult decision to give up his spot on the team after doctors advised against participation due to health complications caused by a previous spinal injury re-emerging.
The duo, known together as Team Noble, will sail what has been dubbed as the world’s toughest row, to raise a target sum of £80,000 for The Fire Fighter’s Charity. The pair chose to undertake the challenge in memory of their firefighter colleague and friend, John Noble, who was tragically killed in the line of duty in 2008.
Kris Elliot said: “This will be a once in a lifetime experience for us, pushing our limits as a team both physically and mentally. I’d like to thank Plumbase for the amazing support which has been a huge help to get us to where we are today and in a position to raise a significant amount of money for The Fire Fighter’s Charity.”
Karl Foote, Commercial Manager at Plumbase, said: “We make a point of looking after all our customers across the UK and as soon as we found out about this initiative from one of our Plumbase customers in Stirling, Scotland, we were really keen to get involved. We’re all rooting for Team Noble and will be following the team throughout the challenge.”
Team Noble will take part in the Talisker Atlantic Challenge in December 2017. To show support and make a donation, visit: www.team-noble.org
Fleet investment
The merchant has also invested in 10 new delivery vans to join its fleet in a bid to meet demand from customers for quick and reliable product delivery.
The new Vauxhall Movano Chassis Cab vans have replaced a number of dated vehicles, following consultation with Plumbase’s network of delivery drivers.
Each van has been configured to meet the needs of Plumbase drivers and feature improved, slip-resistant low floor and walk-through access from the cab for ease of loading. Every vehicle has been specially adapted to carry 5.5 meters of pipe, and up to a tonne of product, while also boasting safety features such as a panoramic windscreen for increased road view, and reversing cameras to protect the driver, other road users and pedestrians.
This addition is the first phase of an investment which will see a further nine vehicles added to the Plumbase delivery fleet in early 2018.
Fraser Boyd, Plumbase’s Transport Operations Manager, commented: “These new vehicles are built to the best industry standards to keep our drivers and goods in transit safe, and we are proud to introduce them to our branch network.”
Rik Pepper, Plumbase’s Operations Director, added: “When tasked with the replacement of any Plumbase vehicle in our fleet, it is important for us to consult with our drivers. The outcome of this is fit-for-purpose vehicles, configured to meet the needs of our drivers. We are also pleased to report that these new delivery vans feature new Plumbase branding. This ties into our goal to provide one consistent image for the brand, and will be rolled out to our other vehicles in the near future.”
