Growing from its first simple pipe clip into a name recognised across the trade, Talon is celebrating “40 years of keeping pipework firmly in place.”
Founded in 1986, the company began with a simple idea. While out on the road selling pipe clips, founder Mike Dudney repeatedly heard the same issue from plumbers: after a cold weekend, pipes would often pop out of their clips, leading to wasted time and frustration on site.
Determined to improve what was already on the market, Mike refined the hinged clip design, focusing on stronger hinges and a more secure grip. Early samples quickly gained interest at trade shows, giving Talon its starting point. Additional sizes, spacers for lagging and improved nail-on clips were introduced next, each developed in response to everyday installation challenges. That mantra of “listening to the trade” has remained central to the company’s approach.
And from day one, Talon was “proudly British made.” The first clips were manufactured in Rochester and today production continues in Gillingham. The original logo, an osprey copied from an encyclopaedia, symbolised strength and precision. While the osprey may have since gone, it has not been forgotten and the claw remains – that distinctive edge to the ‘T’ in Talon, representing the brand’s ultimate grip. Momentum gathered and a thousand clips sold soon became 10,000…
With manufacturing still in Kent, Talon’s wide range now includes boiler boxing and trunking, Snappit pipe covers and PipeSnug and FlueSnug for sealing pipe and flue penetrations in line with building regulations.
Marketing Manager Mike Morris explained: “Reaching 40 years is a fantastic milestone for us. It all started with one small improvement to a pipe clip and has grown from there. We have always listened to what installers actually want.
“That mindset hasn’t changed and it’s what will keep pushing us forward.”
Over four decades, Talon states it has built its reputation through steady development and attention to detail. By focusing on real problems and practical solutions, the company continues to support plumbers and merchants across the UK.
In October 2025, Talon was acquired as part of Davidson Holdings by Genuit Group PLC, marking a new chapter in its 40 year story.
For more on the Talon range, visit www.talon.co.uk
