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Set up in 1975, Titan Pollution Control manufactures a full range of sewage solutions for off mains developments, including sewage treatment plants, septic tanks, cesspools and pump stations. It also makes rainwater recycling equipment and oil separators.
Titan Pollution Control is particularly well-known for its Biotec sewage treatment plant, which is the only one on the market without any moving electrical or mechanical parts within the tank.
Titan Pollution Control is one of the only manufacturers of its kind in the UK that does nearly all its business through builders’ merchants. In addition to supplying a constant flow of sales leads, Titan Pollution Control gives builders’ merchants a comprehensive support package. This includes free site assessments, help with completing complex paperwork required to meet Environment Agency standards, plus factory tours and seminars.
Based in Hampshire, Titan Pollution Control employs about 100 staff and is part of building products group Kingspan.
Q How did you get into the industry and to your current position?
After completing an HND in Materials Science in the early 1980s, I worked in quality assurance for several years. I was introduced to the water industry through my work with valve actuator manufacturer Rotork Controls and then moved to a sales role with cast iron drainage products manufacturer Glynwed International in 1989. I joined Titan Pollution Control as technical sales representative in 1991, when the company was still independently owned and known as Entec. I was promoted to Area Sales Manager in 1993, then Key Accounts Manager and then became National Sales Manager in 2000. I have been Sales and Commercial Manager since 2004.
Q How do you feel the industry has changed in recent years?
Tighter building regulations and a shortage of good, well-drained development land are increasing the need for more environmentally friendly products, such as sewage treatment plants. As a result, septic tanks are no longer the universal solution for properties unable to access the main sewer. We are also seeing increased demand for rainwater recycling systems, which can help to avert flooding by controlling surface water run-off, as well as save money on water bills.
Competition has also increased in recent years, as more manufacturers have joined the industry. This has meant that well-established companies like Titan Pollution Control have to continue to work hard to keep ahead of the game.
Q What are the current challenges facing your company?
Off-mains drainage is a very specialised and complex area, and choosing the wrong product can be devastating, owing to the pollution risks involved. One of our greatest challenges lies in helping purchasers understand the solutions on the market and make an informed choice. Many purchasers do not appreciate the limitations of septic tanks, or realise when and where a sewage treatment plant might provide a safer option. This is a particular problem in the refurbishment industry where planning permission is not usually required for new drainage products. We are already making great inroads in this area by providing a comprehensive support package for builders’ merchants, who are the initial point of contact for the majority of our end users. We are always happy for builders’ merchants to refer customers directly onto us for further information and we strongly recommend that customers take up our offer of a free site visit so that all the risks can be assessed before a purchase is made.
Q Which individual has influenced you most in your career?
This was undoubtedly David Drury, who was my managing director and mentor when I moved into my first senior management role at Titan Pollution Control in 2000. David, who is now MD at “RANGE” within the Kingspan hot water division, was always very proactive and helpful about offering advice and ideas. I learned a great deal and continued to climb the career ladder as a direct result.
Q What has been your biggest challenge so far?
My biggest challenge was moving from a purely sales role to a senior management one several years ago. It brought many diverse aspects of the business under my control and gave me a golden opportunity to broaden my skills base.
Q What has been the highlight of your career to date?
Becoming national sales manager for Titan Pollution Control in 2000 was a particularly proud achievement.
Q Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
I look forward to building on the success that Titan Pollution Control has already achieved and continuing to rise up the career ladder in senior management.