In this episode of the 1840 Podcast we uncover the true story behind BrickBud, a construction safety system designed to prevent dangerous wall blowdowns on building sites.

BrickBud was born from a life-changing accident. Carl Harris, an experienced bricklayer and site manager, was working on site when an untied brick wall collapsed in high winds, crushing his leg under hundreds of bricks. The incident ended his bricklaying career instantly and led to years of physical injury, mental health challenges, and financial hardship.

Rather than allowing the accident to define him, Carl turned his experience into innovation. Wall blowdowns are a widespread but under-reported construction safety issue, costing the industry millions of pounds each year while wasting materials and increasing carbon emissions. Drawing on real-world site experience, Carl developed BrickBud — an engineered wall bracing system designed to stabilise untied brick and block walls during construction.

In this episode, Carl shares the journey from injury to invention, discussing construction safety, temporary works, sustainability, mental resilience, and how firsthand experience can drive practical solutions that save money and protect lives.

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Brick Bud - https://harrisbricksafetysystems.com/the-brick-bud/

In this episode of the Howarth Timber & Building Supplies 1840 Podcast, host Paul Bullivant sits down with Barry Shorrock, Sales Director at Flex-R — one of the UK’s most proactive and trusted names in EPDM rubber roofing. From the surprising history of EPDM and its 60-year track record, to why it’s becoming the go-to solution for everything from extensions to garden rooms, Paul and Barry break down the myths, the methods, and the must-knows of modern flat roofing.

Packed with insights on durability, training, installation, new technologies, and the growing demand for flame-free roofing systems, this episode is a masterclass for builders, roofers, and homeowners alike — with a little dash of Ashes cricket chat thrown in.

Whether you’re curious about making the switch to rubber roofing, exploring Flex-R’s training options, or simply love hearing experts talk passionately about their products, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Subjects covered:

• What EPDM/rubber roofing is and why it’s so durable
• The history of EPDM and Flex-R’s role in bringing it to the UK
• Key advantages: flexibility, longevity, and fully cold-applied installation
• Why proper training is essential and how Flex-R supports contractors
• Common installation mistakes and how to avoid them
• When to choose ClassicBond vs ClassicBond Pro
• Using EPDM for extensions, garden rooms, sheds, and overlays
• Guarantees, certifications, and what homeowners gain from EPDM
• How technology and product innovation are shaping the future of flat roofing

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Flex-R products - https://www.howarth-timber.co.uk/search.php?search_query=epdm§ion=product&_bc_fsnf=1&Type=EPDM+Membrane&Type=EPDM+Tape-

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Watch the Episodes On Youtube: - https://youtu.be/lBokZGoz0wU

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ov5c0y78nezowFz07C5AU?si=4c70c4030522440b&nd=1&dlsi=bf8c82e6addc44f8

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-1840-podcast/id1789793386

Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/2bdccd00-1cc9-4173-be70-39544f923c80/the-1840-podcast

Website: https://www.howarth-timber.co.uk/1840-podcast/

Join us for a story of grit, friendship, and an unbelievable challenge about to unfold on the Atlantic Ocean - starting 24th January 2026.

Only around 2,000 people have ever rowed across the Atlantic. Soon, two more names will join that list: Johnny Towers and Shaun Phelps — lifelong friends whose bond was forged in the Royal Marines and strengthened through years of hardship, humour, and hard graft.

Johnny, a roofer by trade and a loyal customer at our Blackburn branch, is no stranger to tough weather and long days. Shaun, a former prison officer and now carpet fitter, is the man who set this whole expedition in motion.

Together, they're taking on 3,200 miles of open ocean in Danielle — a 24-foot boat already battle-tested by previous Atlantic crossings. Their mission isn’t just survival — it’s purpose. They’re raising money and awareness for two charities close to their hearts: Care After Combat and The Samaritans, supporting mental health and veterans in crisis. We are delighted to support and raise awareness of their journey.

So settle in for an inspiring and often hilarious conversation with two ordinary blokes taking on an extraordinary adventure.

Support their fundraising effort:

GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/changing-tides-row

Givestar: https://givestar.io/gs/changing-tides

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@changing_tides_row

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559805009592

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/changing_tides_row/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/changing-tides-row/

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Roofing products - https://www.howarth-timber.co.uk/building-materials-drainage/roofing/

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Watch the Episodes On Youtube: - https://youtu.be/XcK4yGIXjQg

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ov5c0y78nezowFz07C5AU?si=4c70c4030522440b&nd=1&dlsi=bf8c82e6addc44f8

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-1840-podcast/id1789793386

Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/2bdccd00-1cc9-4173-be70-39544f923c80/the-1840-podcast

Website: https://www.howarth-timber.co.uk/1840-podcast/