RWL was formed in Colne, Lancashire in 1991 by Roger Whalley, in partnership with Barnfield Construction Ltd. Shortly after the company relocated its offices and workshop from behind the Town Hall in Colne to larger premises in Barnfield Business Centre, Brunswick Street, Nelson, then eventually moving on to Lomeshaye Industrial Estate in the year 2000 where the company is now currently based.
The founder, Roger Whalley became a very well respected figure in the Plumbing and Heating industry where he held a variety of prestigious roles including President of the local Master Plumbers Association. Roger retired as Managing Director in 2005 and following his retirement, Dave Shaw moved from Contracts Director to Managing Director where he continues to develop the business both locally and nationally.
Over the years, many local plumbers have been employed or served their apprenticeships through RWL and more recently one of our young apprentices qualified for the HIP National Apprentice of the year. Despite the recent turbulent climate in this industry, RWL have continued to provide opportunities to young people wanting to start out in the plumbing trade. Training and apprenticeships are and always have been a very important part behind the growth of RWL.
Over the last three decades RWL have been heavily involved locally in the regeneration of buildings such as Norway House, Princess House and Shackleton Hall, as well as the conversion of the old Colne Grammar School into new luxury apartments housing. Amongst their local new build portfolio includes the ACE Centre in Nelson, Burnley Technology Centre and the Burnley Youth Theatre. Domestically RWL have been part of many new build housing schemes across the North West region as well as private luxury property developments.
The company also has a long standing relationship with English Heritage working on many regeneration projects, installing new energy efficient heating and hot water systems utilising refurbished cast iron radiators ensuring these iconic buildings retain their traditional characteristics.
RWL undertake design and installation and work across the UK on projects from domestic bespoke bathrooms and heating designs to larger commercial and industrial developments which include air conditioning, ventilation systems, under-floor heating, solar PV and heat pump installations. With our own design team we can provide modern economical solutions to most plumbing and heating projects.
As a company, RWL continue to look forward and embrace the inevitable technological changes within the Plumbing and Heating Industry.
Meet The Team
Dave Shaw
Managing Director
Dave started as an Apprentice in the plumbing industry at 16 years old. He moved to RWL in 1997 as a plumbing and heating engineer before moving in to the office as Contracts Director assisting then Managing Director Roger Whalley. After Roger Whalley’s retirement in 2005, Dave became Managing Director.
dave@rwl.uk.com
Andrew Couper BSc Hons
Financial Director
After studying Maths at University, Andrew went into accountancy and the finance industry. In 2007, Andrew joined RWL as the Finance Director ensuring the financial stability and growth of RWL.
andrew@rwl.uk.com
Terry Robbins BEng Hons
Contracts Manager
Terry served his time locally after completing his A Levels at college before moving to RWL in 2007. Due to company growth, Terry moved into the office in 2011 to help with the management, design and pricing of projects. Whilst at RWL, Terry has undertaken a degree in Building Services and Sustainable Engineering.
terry@rwl.uk.com
Janet Richardson
Office Manager
Janet has been at RWL since 1994. She is in charge of the day to day running of the office which includes the management of our finance and administration functions and she also liaises with our customers.
janet@rwl.uk.com
Gemma Hopkinson
Accounts Assistant
Gemma assists Janet in the office, helping with administration jobs such as wages and invoices as well as being another point of contact for customers. Gemma started with the company in 2012
gemma@rwl.uk.com
Chris Potts
Senior Technician
Chris served his apprenticeship here at RWL and has worked with the company since 2003. He’s a highly skilled technician and has valuable experience in running a variety of projects.
c.potts@rwl.uk.com
Carl Jane
Senior Technician
Carl served his time locally and has been with us here at RWL since 2007. He’s a valuable member of the team and runs many of our projects.
Richard Marsden
Senior Technician
Richard completed his Apprenticeship with RWL and has been with us since 2005. As well as an experienced plumber, Richard is a highly skilled lead technician.