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SOLCO: HOW WE BUILT OUR OWN BRAND – AND WHY IT’S BECOME A BLUEBAY SUCCESS STORY

One of the biggest success stories at Bluebay Building Products has been the creation and growth of our own brand – Solco. 

In this blog, our colleague Paul Thomas shares the story behind the range – how it started, why we created it, and how it’s grown to become a major part of what we do.

At the heart of the UK’s construction industry, Bluebay Building Products has emerged as a trusted supplier of specialist building materials. Founded with a vision to provide high-quality solutions for civil engineering and construction projects, Bluebay quickly established itself as a leader in the field. With a dedicated team and a commitment to innovation, the company expanded its reach, operating from multiple depots across the country.

At Bluebay, we stock thousands of brilliant products that help our clients across multiple sectors. From construction and civil engineering to infrastructure we work with clients to help them create resilient, high-performance buildings and developments, with world-class manufacturers such as Mapei, Tarmac, and many more high on our supplier list.

As Bluebay grew, we recognised the need for a specialised brand that could cater to the evolving demands of the industry. Thus, Solco was born - a brand focused on delivering cutting-edge solutions in structural waterproofing, gas protection, and building chemical technologies. Solco became synonymous with reliability, offering bespoke products tailored to the needs of architects, engineers, and contractors.

With a strong emphasis on technical expertise, Solco provided, and taking this leap helped us take full control over costs, pricing, and – crucially – market positioning. It allowed us to innovate, improve efficiency, and offer our clients quality solutions that we fully believed in.

What started with a single product has since evolved into a widely recognised and trusted brand. Now accounting for around 40% of Bluebay’s total supply, the range includes:

• SOLSHIELD – Advanced Gas/DPM protection systems
• SOLSHEET – A robust range of Type A waterproofing membranes
• SOLCOURSE – Damp proof course systems
• ACTITEX – Bentonite waterproofing technology
• SOLSEAL – Liquid applied waterproofing systems
• SOLDRAIN – Wall and floor drainage systems, Gas venting Blankets.
• SOLCEM – Cementitious grouts and repair mortars

These solutions have been used on landmark projects across the UK – including major infrastructure schemes like parts of HS2 – testament to their quality, reliability, and performance on site.

Of course, we still proudly supply a range of third-party products too. In fact, around 60% of our total offering comes from established external brands. That’s important – it means we can offer customers real choice, competitive pricing, and products tailored to their needs – all underpinned by quality assurance.

But Solco remains a central part of the Bluebay story – a brilliant example of how bold thinking and a commitment to doing better for our customers can drive real innovation. Today, it’s much more than just a product range. We continue to evolve Solco by working closely with our clients to deliver added value with our extensive services which include:

• Service Levels: High levels of service, prompt delivery times and flexibility ensures lead times are kept to an absolute minimum, which enables customers to meet tight deadlines and reduce costs
• Technical Advice: Our Bluebay technical team offers technical advice on the range of Solco products that we offer.
• Site Support: Provided to ensure specifications are met and products are installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Installation: We can arrange for an experienced third party team of installers to undertake the work, including welded joints for membranes. Installers carry full PI and Warranties covering design and workmanship.
• CAD Facilities: We can also assist in bespoke project details to suit site requirements - and our standard installation can be downloaded in CAD format.
• Integrity Testing: We can arrange third party integrity testing of liners for Gas Membranes, Suds Tanks Liners, Waterproof Membranes, Containment Membranes and Pond Liners.
• CPD Seminars: Designed to provide critical up-to-date information on the latest building regulations and guidance affecting those in the construction sector, these seminars are presented by our brilliant, qualified technical advisors, offering advice and support for architects, engineers or specifiers
• Verification: We provide recommendations for companies who can fulfil all third party verification requirements.

The high standards we set ourselves are also reflected in our relationships with employees, customers and suppliers, with interactions at all levels characterised by trust, respect and reliability. If you’d like to learn more about the Solco range, click here or get in touch – we’d be happy to talk you through it.

by BP_Admin

WE'RE PROUD ASSOCIATE SUPPORTERS OF NATIONAL CHARITY, BAND OF BUILDERS

As soon as we heard about the heartening work of Band of Builders, we knew we had to be involved.  Originally founded in 2016, it soon evolved to become an official charity in 2019, helping members of the construction community in their hour of need.

Here we speak to Andy Taylor, Partnerships Director at the charity about the incredible work they're doing, and why partnerships such as ours play an integral role in helping them achieve their goals 

Band of Builders started out in 2016 when our founder Adam Smith set out to help his friend Keith Ellick – a colleague who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.  We put a request on social media asking for assistance from people in the trade to help renovate Keith’s house and were completely overwhelmed with the response of people all wanting to help. 

Keith’s house was soon completed, and nine years on from that single social media post, we’re approaching our fiftieth project which is a real milestone for us. 

We’ve since grown into a community of people across the construction industry – each of whom is committed to helping a fellow worker at a time when they need it the most. Over the years, one of the most amazing things is that people rarely volunteer once and over the years we’ve had people coming back annually to help us. 

We’re also here to support mental health through our 24/7, 365 days a year helpline. I think it’s fair to say there’s a lot of bravado between men – especially in this industry – so this support is vital. People are often suffering behind the scenes and no-one would have any idea, we want people to know there is always support available to them. 

Spreading the word

That is why endorsement from Bluebay is so integral to us in reaching as many people as possible. Bluebay has so much reach across the country with many depots and customers - this reputation and standing opens a lot of potential to help even more people. We’re incredibly grateful to have their support; we’re still a relatively small charity with just three full time staff as we want to be able to help as many people as possible – that’s quite simply our goal. 

Bluebay’s support helps us complete the huge variety of jobs we are faced with. These can be anything from making accessible bathrooms and kitchens, wheelchair ramps, cabins and even complete home renovations. 

Changing lives

It’s sobering to hear how quickly people’s lives can change which is why we’re so passionate about delivering life enhancing projects. We were able to increase the footprint of this man’s bathroom making it more accessible for him to use - quite literally transforming his day-to-day life. 

We’re hoping to complete ten projects this year, in places where we can have the biggest impact on people’s lives across the UK. In addition to the physical construction work and mental health helpline, we also provide financial welfare grants. These help people in a time of need when their van may have broken down or their tools have been stolen. 

We find many in the construction industry live from job to job, so an unexpected cost can completely derail them - this initial financial support is a way to help them through it with the added support of the helpline. 

We’re grateful to have Bluebay on board, they interface with so many people in the industry and can help build awareness of the work we do. We find holding ‘Big Bru’ events at building sites and merchants yards are a great organic way to raise awareness and start conversations. We find our helpline the busiest between midnight and 2am with loneliness a huge factor, so our overacting message is for people to know they are never alone and that our support is there.

We look forward to helping more people with continued support from Bluebay and our wonderful community by our side. 

by BP_Admin

EMMA WARD JOINS BLUEBAY AS SALES DIRECTOR – AS GROWTH CONTINUES UNDER NEW MD

Bluebay Building Products – a leading independent UK distributor of specialist civil engineering and construction materials – has announced the appointment of Emma Ward as Sales Director.

In her new role, Emma will support Bluebay’s clients nationwide, bringing over 20 years’ experience in the construction industry. She has previously worked on high-value projects with organisations including Eternal Construction Group and Travis Perkins, earning a strong reputation for client delivery and commercial growth.

Commenting on her appointment, Emma said: “I’m excited to join Bluebay at such an important time in the company’s journey. With a fantastic team and an impressive portfolio of products, I look forward to contributing to Bluebay’s growth and further strengthening our position in the market. The opportunity to work alongside such experienced and dedicated professionals is truly inspiring, and I’m excited to help take the business to the next level.”

Her appointment is the latest step in a period of strategic expansion for Bluebay. Earlier this year, Lucy Furnival was appointed Managing Director, following the business’s acquisition in January by Wolseley Group. Bluebay now operates within Wolseley’s Infrastructure division and is investing in its services, people, and national reach.

Lucy commented: “We’re in an exciting period of growth and since my appointment, we’ve already created new jobs, welcoming new colleagues to the team, expanding our expertise and strengthening our presence across the country.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Emma on board – her depth of experience and passion for our industry make her a fantastic fit for Bluebay. Her leadership will be key in driving forward our sales strategy as we continue to grow. We’re proud to have a team of 50 dedicated professionals across our depots in Cardiff, Luton, Gateshead, and Warrington – all of whom are committed to delivering the high-quality service and specialist support Bluebay is known for.”

Added Emma: “I am so excited to be working under Lucy, we share so many values and she is undoubtedlya strong, forward-thinking female leader. I’m really looking forward to what we can achieve together.”

Bluebay Building Products distributes a portfolio of more than 2,000 specialist products for civil engineering and construction projects across the UK. The business operates nationally with depots in Cardiff, Luton, Gateshead, and Warrington.

by BP_Admin

A STRONGER, MORE INCLUSIVE INDUSTRY BENEFITS US ALL

This year’s Women in Construction Week coincides with a landmark moment for Bluebay – the appointment of our first female Managing Director, Lucy Furnival, who is leading our growth across the UK.

 In this article, Lucy reflects on the changes needed to encourage more women into construction and the building trade – helping to tackle the industry's widening skills shortage in the process.

Women have been at the forefront of industry conversations this week. Women in Construction Week and International Women’s Day this Saturday present a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in our sector.

But celebration alone isn’t enough. Women remain hugely underrepresented in construction, making up just 0.9% of the skilled trades workforce. Informal hiring practices, outdated stereotypes, and a lack of visible role models all contribute to the barriers women face when entering the industry.

This needs to change. We must rethink recruitment models, invest in mentorship, celebrate female leaders, and challenge the ingrained biases that continue to hold women back. Doing so will not only create a fairer industry but will also help address the critical skills shortage threatening the future of construction.

Having worked in this sector for three decades, I know first-hand that challenges remain, but I also see more women carving a path forward, paving the way for future generations.

Awareness weeks like this are a great starting point, and it’s been inspiring to see so many organisations championing and uplifting women in our sector. My hope is that this year’s efforts drive real, lasting change, because a stronger, more inclusive industry benefits us all.

by Jonny O'Rourke

BLUEBAY APPOINTS LUCY FURNIVAL AS MANAGING DIRECTOR

by Jonny O'Rourke

DYWIDAG SPEED EDGE FORMWORK SYSTEM

by Blue Bay

GDA ACTITEX BENONITE STRUCTURAL WATERPROOFING

by Blue Bay

MACCAFERRI GEOTEXTILES & GEOGRIDS SUPPLIER

by Blue Bay

UPVC SACRIFICIAL SCREED RAIL SYSTEM FROM BLUEBAY

by Blue Bay