LIVERPOOL: Yorkshire Copper Tube's commercial director, Neil Overton, has called for the Government to review its laws on metal scrappage to help plumbers across the UK.
It comes as metal theft continues to rise, which leaves businesses out of pocket and unable to complete planned jobs.
When trading in scrap metal in other parts of Europe people are required to give their full personal details and a bank account for money to be transferred into, which deters theft and ensures that dealers are accountable for the goods they receive.
Mr Overton said: "As we are a member of the KME Group of companies, which together represent Europe's largest producer of copper and copper alloy materials, we are in constant talks with our colleagues overseas.
"They are flabbergasted by how relaxed the laws are in the UK for regulating the sale of scrap metal and we are urging the Government to have a rethink to help small businesses across the UK.
One such business is AT Plumbing in Cheltenham which experienced metal theft at the owner's home twice in one day in November.
After reading about the company's plight in the Gloucester Echo, Mr Overton met Owen Thomas, who runs the plumbing business, to present him with £300 worth of copper tube to replace what had been stolen.
"While we are unable replace everyone's stolen copper we are able to use our position in the industry to call for a change to scrappage laws, which is something we will be focusing on in 2012," said Mr Overton.
"We operate from one of the most modern factories in the world. Yorkshire Copper Tube combines advanced manufacturing methods and sophisticated quality control techniques to ensure that only consistently high standard tubes are supplied to customers.
"Ongoing substantial investment programmes are testament to the company's commitment to excellence in product quality and customer service. All Yorkshire's copper tubes carry the British Kitemark and the company's Quality Management System is BS EN 9001 approved," Mr Overton pointed out.
