Permeable surface manufacturer Vuba has opened a new lab on Beverley’s Grovehill Industrial Estate as an investment in product development.
The firm’s products are used for applications like drives and patios, and their permeability is said to mitigate flooding issues cause by water being unable to escape.
During a visit by MP for Beverley and Holderness Graham Stuart there was a discussion about the need for permeable surfaces such as resin bound as flood defence mechanisms, especially in light of the recent damages caused by Storm Babet and Storm Ciaran.
The MP praised Vuba’s Resin Bound for being fully compliant with new requirements relating to new build properties,, with its product scientifically proven to be 19 times more permeable than traditional block paving. Graham spoke about how important permeable surfaces are in building flood resilience, with resin bound driveways allowing water to pass straight back into the earth.
Founded in East Yorkshire in 2009, Vuba has achieved annual sales growth of 85% over the past three years, having recently been named one of the Sunday Times’ 100 fastest growing companies in the UK. Alongside its headquarters and distribution centre in Beverley, this year Vuba has acquired a second distribution centre in Bridgwater and has also started shipping its products internationally, in collaboration with Spanish and North American partners.
Sean Scott, CEO of Vuba, sIS:“We were delighted to welcome Graham Stuart to our new lab. As our local MP, we were proud to showcase the opportunities for research and innovation that we have created for our workforce locally. We are proud to see our products being shipped globally from our headquarters and distribution centre in Beverley and we are committed to continuing to grow our business and benefit the local community.
“It was also great to discuss with Graham the need for more innovative solutions to respond to the increase in the number of floods spurred by climate change. Incorporating permeable surfaces into our outdoor areas is a cost-effective way to improve our homes’ flood resilience and we are keen to work together to raise consumer awareness of this effective flood prevention tool.”
Mr Stuart said: “Vuba shows that Beverley is a fantastic place to do business with a brilliant workforce and incredible infrastructure with the Energy Estuary on our doorstep. I was blown away by the work that they are doing on transforming the nation’s driveways and promoting sustainable homes. Sean shows that all you need to build a great business is a terrific idea and hard work.”
Earlier this year, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced that all new built homes will have to adopt sustainable drainage systems to help alleviate the pressures on traditional drainage and sewerage systems.
