News

"EVERYONE IS SO WELCOMING"

Carrie Kinsville is the newest member of the Bluebay team, taking on the role of Technical Sales Manager since June. Professionally ambitious and with an infectious personality, Carrie is already making an impact in spreading the Bluebay name throughout the South East.

Here she tells us how she’s settling in and why working at Bluebay is a breath of fresh air.

“Everyone is so lovely and welcoming”

I’m so happy to be working here - the people are amazing with everyone helping one another, it really stands out for me.

There is a different environment here; Bluebay isn’t hierarchy driven, everyone simply works as a team and that’s helped me settle in quickly and jump on new leads straight away.

My favourite part of the job so far is meeting new people and finding solutions for them - often for things they didn’t realise they needed a solution for! A big part of my days is listening to people on site, hearing what products they use, and then finding a way to integrate our extensive portfolio in a way that surpasses their current circumstances.

A glowing reputation

What has been quite remarkable is the positive conversations I’ve had; everyone has been open to speaking to me and a lot of that is down to Bluebay’s excellent reputation; potential clients have been impressed by everything they’ve seen.

I’ve worked in construction since 2018, before that I worked in education as an apprenticeship appraiser as well as in pastoral care. It was my sister-in-law who helped me see that at heart I was a natural saleswoman - I was basically speaking to companies and encouraging them to take on as many apprenticeships as they could!

I’ve always been driven to try new things and feel like I thrive in a busy environment, I’m incredibly competitive (mainly with myself) and I’m always striving to be better; there’s no greater feeling than building up relationships with customers and then seeing the impact it has on the business, it’s a real high and it bonds you with your colleagues who are all working towards the same thing.

Made for the job 

I moved from education to being a site accommodation and welfare officer which fused my pastoral experience with the world of construction. I quickly got promoted to look after external accounts and after roles at Elliots, Nationwide Platforms and SIG plc. With that experience, I’m confident I can make a real impact here at Bluebay too.

Outside of work, life is busy with a husband, two teenagers plus a raft of animals. We have Snoop, our three-year-old German Shepard and Belle the cat among others - looking after everyone takes up most of my time - as well as being a mum taxi.

I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in at Bluebay every day. A friend recently pointed out that I look really happy and a lot of that’s charged by working in a place that’s friendly – a place in which I can thrive.

I’m hopeful I can make a positive contribution in spreading the Bluebay name even further afield, it’s a pleasure to do for a company that has an unbeatable reputation.

by BP_Admin

"WE CAN’T WAIT TO SPREAD THE WORD IN THURROCK"

Joe Underwood is a positive force to be reckoned with. Boasting five successful years at Bluebay under his belt already, Joe has recently been promoted from Regional Sales Manager South East to Branch Manager of the company’s new depot in Thurrock. Here, Joe tells us all about his passion for the business and the difference he and his team are planning to make in the South East from their impressive new hub.

“I love working at Bluebay – I’ve been with the company for just over five years and I’m passionate about our products, our people, and what we can offer the industry. Obviously, I’m delighted with my recent promotion and the move to our new base in Thurrock couldn’t come at a better time. Bluebay has seen quite a few changes this year and all for the better. We have so much to offer the South East area and our new hub will give us the power to really reach our potential and go above and beyond for our customers.

“I’m used to being on the road and have spent much of my time visiting our customers from our Luton depot, but we’ve grown so much over the past few years that we need the additional capacity at Thurrock and it’s a very exciting time for everyone involved.

“I’ve been lucky enough to get our products out there on big projects such as HS2 and I have the skillset to advise engineers on exactly what products we can offer as their best solution. That’s what drives me I guess – finding the answer to our customers requests via our large offering and knowing we’re providing quality products that will deliver time and time again.

“I’m also very excited to be working alongside my new colleagues – there are six of us based out of Thurrock now and we’re all as passionate as each other to get Bluebay out there and support contractors and suppliers across London, Essex, Kent, and the wider South East.

“Hopefully as we grow our name in the South East new customers will appreciate my dedication and speed as much as those I’ve already built a rapport with during my regional sales manager role days. I’m proud to be known as reliable and extremely fast to respond to queries – which in turn means I provide solutions in a super quick turnaround.

“To be honest, the quality of Bluebay’s offerings makes my life so much easier! We manufacture our own waterproofing ranges, we’ve produced specialist grouts for HS2 and we’re super flexible and if we can offer something bespoke, we’ll go above and beyond to deliver. The Bluebay team know we have access to extremely high-quality products that our customers can rely on, and we can’t wait to spread the word further in the South East now we’re at home in Thurrock.”

by BP_Admin

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