Category Archives: Company News

Go Create is a remarkable vocational service based in Portsmouth, providing work-based skills training for adults with autism, mental health challenges, and learning disabilities. Their mission is to help individuals live more independent and fulfilling lives through hands-on learning and self-management skills.

At their farm, individuals gain valuable experience in woodwork, horticulture, cookery, equestrian activities, and animal care – all supported by an experienced and caring team.

How the Partnership Began

Earlier this year, Kevin from Go Create contacted John Pipe International to ask if we could donate any waste wood. We were more than happy to help. As a company that regularly produces wood offcuts from our packing operations, the idea of those materials being reused for a positive purpose really appealed to us.

It was a win-win: reducing waste while supporting a fantastic local initiative that’s changing lives.

Seeing the Results First-Hand

Our Business Development Manager, Sarah, was invited to spend some time at the Go Create farm to see how our donated wood was being used. She was warmly welcomed by the team and individuals, who proudly showed her their projects.

Sarah said, “It was a real privilege to spend time with everyone and see the incredible work happening at Go Create. In a complex world, it was refreshing and uplifting to witness firsthand the positive impact you’re making.

It was truly inspiring to see our offcuts being transformed into beautiful, handcrafted items – from chairs and bird boxes to Union Jack wall art and kindling – all made with care and sold to support your valuable service.”

The income from these sales goes directly towards paying the wages of the individuals working here, helping them gain independence and real work experience.

Building a Sustainable Future

Beyond small crafts, the donated timber is also being used to construct art studios, huts, office spaces, and pavilions across the site. Looking ahead, the Go Create team plan to build glamping pods that will be sold, with profits reinvested into the organisation’s development.

Both teams are now exploring even more ways to work together, including providing wood chippings for the stables and Fire Pucks for retail.

Expanding the Vision

Go Create’s work is growing fast. They are now in the process of launching a second site near Otterbourne, Hampshire, allowing them to extend their reach and help even more people learn new skills and build confidence.

Proud to Make a Difference

At John Pipe International, we’re proud to support a project that combines sustainability, community spirit, and practical learning. Seeing how our waste materials can be turned into something that directly benefits others is incredibly rewarding, and we look forward to building on this partnership in the future.

To learn more about Go Create and their amazing work, visit their website www.gocreate.care and their Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GoCreateBuild

Make UK – Strengthening Connections across the UK Manufacturing Sector

We’re proud to announce that John Pipe International has officially joined Make UK as a member in October 2025. This marks a significant milestone for our business, strengthening our connection to the wider UK manufacturing community and reinforcing our commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration within the industry.

Who are Make UK?

Make UK is the voice of British manufacturing. The organisation represents thousands of manufacturers across the UK – from SMEs to large corporations – providing advocacy, support, and a unified platform for businesses that shape the nation’s industrial strength.

Their mission goes beyond representation. Make UK empowers manufacturers to adapt to change, embrace innovation, and compete on the global stage. They work closely with government bodies to influence policy, ensuring that the needs and challenges of the manufacturing sector are heard at every level.

Through expert guidance, training, and exclusive networking opportunities, Make UK helps its members navigate everything from sustainability and digital transformation to international trade and workforce development.

Why John Pipe International has joined Make UK

For over 60 years, John Pipe International has proudly supported British industry with export packing and freight forwarding services designed to keep manufacturing moving – safely, efficiently, and globally. Our decision to join Make UK stems from a shared belief in the power of manufacturing as a cornerstone of the UK economy.

By joining this respected organisation, we’re taking an active role in contributing to the future of UK manufacturing. Membership with Make UK allows us to:

• Collaborate with other members to share insights and best practices in logistics, packing, and global trade
• Stay informed about the latest developments in legislation, sustainability, and supply chain innovation
• Network with leaders and innovators across the manufacturing landscape
• Strengthen our ability to support clients through continuous improvement and shared learning

At John Pipe International, we understand that manufacturing success doesn’t stop at production – it extends all the way to how products are packed, transported, and delivered across the world. Our partnership with Make UK reflects our dedication to playing an integral role in that journey.

The Importance of Collaboration in UK Manufacturing

Today’s manufacturing industry is evolving faster than ever. From emerging technologies and automation to the drive for net-zero operations, British manufacturers face both exciting opportunities and complex challenges.

Collaboration and shared knowledge are essential to meeting these challenges head-on. Organisations like Make UK bring together the collective expertise of thousands of businesses – large and small – to shape a stronger, more resilient industrial future.

By joining this network, John Pipe International hopes to contribute to meaningful discussions around export logistics, packaging innovation, and sustainability within manufacturing. We believe that by working together, UK manufacturers can continue to lead the way in quality, reliability, and global competitiveness.

Make UK Community

Our team is looking forward to engaging with the Make UK community – attending exclusive networking events, seminars, and conferences to exchange ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration.

As a business built on precision, trust, and innovation, we’re excited to share our expertise and learn from others who are driving change in the UK manufacturing sector.

Find out more

To learn more about John Pipe International and the services we offer, contact us on 01202 360100 or if you are a Make UK member, please visit our Capability Index and explore how we can support your next export or packing project.

We’re pleased to announce that James Clark has been appointed as Finance Director at John Pipe International!

James first joined the company in 2022 as Finance Manager, at a time when the business was still recovering from the impact of Covid-19. From the start, James made it his mission to bring greater control and efficiency to our finance department – and he’s done exactly that.

Through his strong financial management, process improvements, and deep understanding of IT systems, James has helped us streamline the John Pipe Operating System and introduced a number of time-saving procedures. His work has had a positive and lasting impact on how we manage our finances and operations.

As Finance Director, James will play a key role in steering the direction of the company, with oversight of both finance and the Production Administration department. This change is an important step forward in ensuring that our business continues to operate efficiently and professionally.

Please join us in congratulating James on his new role!

Connect with James on LinkedIn

At John Pipe International, we’re always looking for ways to improve sustainability in our operations. Fire Pucks are one of our most exciting innovations, created from recycled wood waste to provide a cleaner, more efficient and environmentally friendly fuel source.

What are Fire Pucks?

Fire Pucks are compact briquettes made from shredded and compressed timber offcuts and sheet materials left over from our production process. Instead of sending this wood waste to landfill, we repurpose it into a reliable, high-performance fuel.

Each Fire Puck is uniform in size and shape, making it easy to handle, stack, and store. They are packaged in durable poly bags that protect them from moisture, ensuring they’re always ready to burn efficiently.

Committed to Sustainability

The creation of Fire Pucks marks a major step in our sustainability journey. By investing in specialised equipment in 2024, we transformed what was once waste into a valuable energy source. In early 2025, our first Fire Puck was produced – a clear example of how circular manufacturing can reduce waste and lower emissions. Every Fire Puck you use helps us cut down on landfill, reduce our carbon footprint, and make a positive impact on the environment.

How Fire Pucks compare to Logs

Traditional kiln-dried logs have long been the standard for wood burners and stoves. However, Fire Pucks offer several key advantages:

• Higher Energy Density
  Fire Pucks are denser than logs, meaning they burn hotter and longer. This makes them an efficient choice for heating your home.
• Lower Moisture Content
  Because of the compression process, Fire Pucks contain less moisture than most traditional logs. The result is a cleaner burn with minimal smoke and maximum heat output.
• Virtually Smokeless Combustion
  With their low moisture content and efficient design, Fire Pucks produce very little smoke, making them a more environmentally friendly option for your stove.
• Easy to Handle and Store
  Each pallet of Fire Pucks comes with around 40 bags, each weighing approximately 12kg. Thanks to their compact size and consistent shape, the bags are simple to stack and transport. The poly packaging also ensures that the briquettes stay dry and ready to use, whatever the weather.

See our Fire Pucks being made in real-time:

How and When to Use Fire Pucks

Fire Pucks aren’t designed to start a fire, but they shine at keeping one going once it’s already alight. Here are some tips for using them well:

When to use them

• After your fire is going well: Once you’ve got a solid bed of embers and burning logs, that’s the right time to add a Fire Puck.
• For maintaining heat: If you want to keep the fire strong and steady over a longer period (for example overnight or during extended use), Fire Pucks are great for that.
• When you want consistent burn: They offer uniform size, density and moisture content, so they’re reliable for maintaining heat without sudden large flames or smoke.

Best way to use Fire Pucks

For the best burning experience, we recommend using Fire Pucks in a wood-burning stove. Their efficiency and long-lasting burn make them ideal for keeping your home warm, while also supporting a greener future.

Turning Waste into Warmth

Our Fire Pucks are designed with sustainability in mind. By converting waste into fuel, we reduce environmental impact while providing customers with a practical, eco-friendly alternative to traditional logs. Choosing Fire Pucks means choosing reliable heat while supporting a more sustainable future..

Fire Pucks for Retailers

Our Fire Pucks are easy-to-use, eco-friendly firelighters trusted by customers across the UK. Available on pallets and supplied directly to major retailers, Fire Pucks are a practical and popular product for stores nationwide. If you’re interested in becoming a retailer, please contact sales@johnpipe.co.uk.

In July 2025, Cortana Biddle, daughter of our Storeman at John Pipe International, took part in an incredible 10-day mission to Kenya. The opportunity came through her school, Lytchett Minster, where a group of 19 students and two teachers volunteered to work with children at Mercy Njeri Comprehensive School in Nakuru.

John Pipe International proudly sponsored Cortana on this journey, and on her return, she shared her inspiring experience with us.

The Journey to Kenya

The trip began with great anticipation. Cortana explained that while she was nervous, the excitement of meeting the children gave her courage.

The group flew from Heathrow to Turkey, then onwards to Nairobi, finally reaching their hostel at 3 am. After only a few hours’ rest, they faced a six-hour bus ride to Nakuru, their base for the trip.

“The drive was a real eye-opener,” Cortana recalled. “We saw push bikes stacked with vegetables, colourful fruit stalls, and people gathered along the roadside. Life there moves very differently to the UK.”

A Warm Welcome at Mercy Njeri School

Arriving at Mercy Njeri School was overwhelming. The children lined up at the gates, waving and cheering with excitement. They gave the group a heartfelt welcome, complete with hugs and a party.

The students from Lytchett Minster spent a school week teaching different classes, from nursery children through to 16-year-olds. Cortana began with the youngest group, teaching basic English, Maths, and Science through interactive games and colouring activities.

One of her favourite memories was giving the children glitter-coated pencils:

“They were absolutely mesmerised – they had never seen glitter before!”

Teaching, Learning, and Life Lessons

Throughout the week, Cortana taught various subjects, from science experiments to outdoor sports like football and volleyball. The experience gave her a deep sense of privilege and perspective.

“I felt sad for them because I knew what they didn’t have, but for them, it was normal. One boy asked me if we had clouds in England – it was clear these children never leave their home townships.”

The students’ aspirations were often limited, with many simply dreaming of becoming footballers. Despite this, their gratitude for the small amount of education they received left a lasting impression on Cortana.

An Emotional Farewell

The final day at the school was especially moving. The children’s eyes filled with sadness as they said goodbye. Many slipped notes through the bus windows, expressing how much they would miss their visitors.

“It was heartbreaking to leave, but we knew we had made an impact,” Cortana said. “As we drove away, we handed out sweets as a small parting gift.”

A Safari Adventure in the Masai Mara

After their time at the school, the group travelled to the Masai Mara for a well-earned safari. Some camped in tents, while others stayed in simple rooms decorated with animal skulls.

Cortana’s highlight was visiting a giraffe sanctuary:

“Getting to touch and feed the giraffes was incredible.”

They also learned about the Masai tribe, which includes how they raise livestock, grow crops, and wear traditional red clothing. Cortana was fascinated to learn about their large families and cultural traditions.

Lifelong Friendships and Future Plans

The mission was more than just volunteering – it also built strong bonds among the students. Cortana explained that although some weren’t originally part of her friendship group, by the end of the trip, they had become like family.

The school in Nakuru has kept in touch with the volunteers and awarded them a Certificate of Appreciation – a memento they are very proud of.

Looking ahead, Cortana is already considering her next adventure:

“I’d 100% do it again. I’m currently looking into opportunities to volunteer in Malawi or Zanzibar in 2027.”

Supporting Life-Changing Experiences

At John Pipe International, we are proud to have supported Cortana in her mission to Kenya. Her story highlights the importance of education, cultural exchange, and the lasting impact of giving back.

We look forward to following her journey in the years to come.

It’s been a busy few months at John Pipe International, and we’ve got lots of exciting updates to share – from award wins and promotions to our ongoing sustainability journey. Here’s a round-up of what’s been going on behind the scenes.

Silver Award for Supporting the Armed Forces

We’re proud to announce that John Pipe International has received the Silver Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). This award is a real badge of honour for us, showing our long-standing commitment to the Armed Forces community – including veterans, reservists and military families.

We’ll be collecting the award officially at the Dorset Lord Lieutenant ceremony in October, and we’re already looking ahead to our goal of achieving Gold in 2027.

ISO 14001: A Greener Future

In other great news, we’ve been awarded ISO 14001 certification for our environmental management system. This internationally recognised standard proves that we’re serious about reducing our environmental impact and doing business in a more sustainable way. A big thank you to our entire team who helped make this possible.

Fire Pucks: Turning Waste into Fuel

Speaking of sustainability, have you heard about our fire pucks? Using a briquette machine, we’ve been able to turn waste wood from our timber cutting process into a clean, efficient fuel source. They burn hotter and longer than traditional logs and are virtually smokeless.

We sell these by the pallet – 40 bags per order – so if your business is interested, just give Sarah a shout: sales@johnpipe.co.uk

Celebrating Our People

We’re also celebrating some brilliant team news:

• John Hayball has been promoted to Branch Manager at our Hampshire facility. John started as a packer and has shown dedication and leadership throughout his time with us.
• Michelle, our Production Co-ordinator, was named a Finalist in the Women in Packaging Awards, recognising excellence in packing operations. The event, hosted by Olympian Sally Gunnell, was an inspiring celebration of women in the industry.
• Cortana, daughter of our Stores Manager, volunteered in Kenya this summer to support children with English, sports, and school renovations. We were proud to sponsor her on this journey.
• Elliott, the son of one of our team members, completed his Year 10 work experience with us and got hands-on learning about freight and packing.

And last but not least – congratulations to Beth and Louis on their wedding in June! We wish you both a wonderful future together.

Women in Packaging Award

On 10th July, Production Co-ordinator, Michelle, travelled to London to attend the awards ceremony, having been selected as a Finalist in her category of Packing Operations Excellence.

Hosted at the iconic Hilton Bankside, the inaugural awards brought together industry leaders to celebrate the incredible women driving the UK packaging sector forward. Born from a desire to shine a light on the often underrepresented female talent in the industry, this landmark event recognised not just achievement, but courage, perseverance, and impact.

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Notice for Gazette publicationTorts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977 – Notice imposing an obligation on a former tenant to collect (and of the landlord’s intention to sell) goods under section – JO12

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To: Mr Kenneth Piesse of Address Unknown.

From: John Pipe Limited of 380 Ringwood Road, Poole BH12 3LT (Bailee).

WE, John Pipe Limited, hereby give you notice under section 12(1) and (2) and Part I of Schedule 1 to the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977 (1977 Act) as follows: The goods which are being held at 380 Ringwood Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 3LT include a custom Bagger Black LB66 HGK, a Heritage (Green) LC69 BWA, Helmets, Clothing and Unused Parts. The goods are ready for delivery to you and you are under an obligation to provide an address to take delivery of the goods or attend at the address set out in paragraph 1.1 above to collect the goods. The goods will be available to be delivered to you or to be collected by you until 20 October 2025 (final collection date).

You are required to give the Bailee not less than 2 business days’ notice of the date on which you would like to collect the goods or 5 business days’ notice of the date on which you would like the goods to be delivered to you and of the address to which you would like the goods to be delivered. Pursuant to section 12(3) and Part II of Schedule 1 to the 1977 Act, notice is hereby given that the Bailee proposes to sell or otherwise dispose of the goods after the final collection date if you have not paid the sum of £47,800 for our storage and other reasonable costs and taken delivery of or collected the goods on or before that date.

SIGNED: Brendan Herbert Of Laceys Solicitors LLP For and on behalf of the Bailee

DATED: 16 July 2025

John Pipe International is proud to continue supporting the YMCA Bournemouth BIG Sleep Easy event, reinforcing our dedication to giving back to the local community. After donating materials last year to help a local girls’ school construct shelters, we are expanding our involvement in 2025 by not only providing materials again but also becoming an official sponsor. This sponsorship allows us to play a bigger role in supporting those facing homelessness and ensuring the event’s continued success.

“At John Pipe International, we believe in supporting initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Sarah Franklin, Director at John Pipe International. “The YMCA BIG Sleep Easy is a powerful way to raise awareness and funds for those facing homelessness, and we’re honoured to be part of it. We encourage other businesses to get involved and support this fantastic cause.”

Each year, YMCA Bournemouth invites businesses, organisations, and individuals across Dorset to take part in the BIG Sleep Easy event. The initiative raises essential funds to support individuals who have experienced street homelessness or are vulnerably housed. Participants seek sponsorship, construct shelters from cardboard boxes, and spend the night ‘sleeping rough so others don’t have to.’ This hands-on experience not only raises awareness but also fosters team-building and personal reflection on the realities of homelessness.

Since the event’s inception in 2016, the community has collectively raised an impressive £142,535 to support homeless services in Dorset. By sponsoring this year’s event, John Pipe International is helping to ensure that every penny raised by participants goes directly towards those who need it most.

Event Details:
Date: 18th October 2025
www.ymcabournemouth.org.uk/get-involved/sleep-easys-2025

Support from businesses like John Pipe International helps cover the essential costs of running the event, ensuring that every pound raised by participants goes directly towards vital homelessness services. We are proud to be part of this initiative and encourage other local businesses to join us in making a meaningful impact in the community.

For more information on the YMCA BIG Sleep Easy and how you can participate or support the event, visit YMCA Bournemouth’s website.