Member Article

Hebburn manufacturer in UK flood defence first

Hebburn-based Watergate Flood Solutions has become the first UK business to secure a British Standard kitemark for its composite flood defence doors.

The recognition, which comes after three years of research and development, means the manufacturer now has two accredited flood doors, a rarity which it says will help improve flood protection UK-wide.

Also obtaining a kitemark for its PVCu flood doors, the firm revealed that the production for the two products is going to the 2015/2016 Storm Desmond hit areas of the UK.

Paul Briggs, Watergate MD, revealed the significance of the kitemark to the business.

He exlained: “After three years of intensive research and development, we now have both a PVCu and composite door kitemarked to British Standard Institute (BSA) PAS1188-1-2014 – the only company in the UK to achieve this double success.

“BSI is the world leader in testing of products and certification standards and our products are the first of their type to have achieved this standard in the UK.

“We will, in the near future, also have our composite door tested to carry the Secure By Design logo, which is only issued to companies that have subjected their products to rigorous security testing.

“So, in essence, we now not only have a product that is BSI kitemarked for the prevention of flooding, but will also soon be certified as meeting the most rigorous standards of security.

“A combination of both these factors makes our doors unique to the market and provides a compelling case for specification by the insurance industry, building contractors and householders.”