Polypipe Building Products announced Cary Rudd and Livvi Hodges as our new PolyPlumb® Enhanced Ambassadors for 2026, recognising their dedication to the plumbing and heating industry and their commitment to supporting the next generation of installers.
The pair were unveiled as this year’s ambassadors during InstallerSHOW 2026, following a competitive application process. Entries were reviewed and scored by an expert judging panel against a set of criteria designed to identify individuals who demonstrate technical excellence, enthusiasm for the trade, and a commitment to championing the industry.
What is the PolyPlumb® Enhanced Ambassador Scheme?
The PolyPlumb® Enhanced Ambassador Scheme was launched in 2025 to help support apprentices and early-career professionals entering the plumbing and heating sector. Named after Polypipe Building Products' PolyPlumb® Enhanced push-fit range, the initiative provides ambassadors with a package of support including PolyPlumb® Enhanced products, tools, workwear, technical guidance, and opportunities to raise their profile across the industry.
Who are the 2026 PolyPlumb® Enhanced Ambassadors?
Livvi Hodges, one of the newly appointed PolyPlumb® Enhanced Ambassadors from Norfolk, has dedicated much of her career to encouraging more women to consider careers in construction and plumbing.
After beginning her own apprenticeship at the age of 16, Livvi gained Level 3 qualifications in plumbing and gas before moving into education, where she spent several years as a plumbing lecturer and assessor. She has regularly delivered talks to young people and parents, organised hands-on plumbing events for schoolgirls, and continues to advocate for greater diversity within the industry while running her own plumbing and renewables business alongside her teaching role.
Livvi shared:
"Being selected as a PolyPlumb® Enhanced Ambassador is something I'm incredibly proud of. Plumbing has given me so many opportunities throughout my career, from completing my apprenticeship to teaching the next generation of installers and running my own business.”
Cary Rudd, from Manchester, meanwhile, impressed the judging panel with his resilience and passion for promoting careers in the trades.
Now in the fourth year of his plumbing and domestic heating apprenticeship, Cary overcame the setback of being made redundant early in his training and has since gone on to become a finalist in this year's Screwfix Trade Apprentice competition. Through his growing presence on Instagram and TikTok, he is also helping to showcase the opportunities available within the industry to encourage more young people to consider a career in the trade.
Cary shared:
"I'm so pleased to have been chosen as an ambassador. The support available through Polypipe’s Enhanced Ambassador scheme will be invaluable as I continue to develop my career. Vitally, it’s also a great opportunity to represent an industry that has already given me so much.”
Industry Support for Emerging Talent
Jason Nightingale, Head of Marketing at Polypipe Building Products, shared:
"The standard of applications this year was incredibly high, making the judging process extremely difficult. Cary and Livvi stood out not only for their professionalism and technical ability, but also for the passion they have for encouraging others into the trade.
"The PolyPlumb® Enhanced Ambassador Scheme was created to support and celebrate emerging talent within the sector. As an industry, we need to continue attracting and developing skilled individuals, and both cary and Livvi are fantastic examples of the people helping to drive the profession forward. We're really excited to be working closely with them over the coming year and supporting them as they continue to develop their careers."
Supporting Skills Development in the Construction Sector
This announcement follows the success of the 2025 Ambassador programme, which saw Daisy Turner and Meg Francis work closely with Polypipe Building Products to promote careers within the sector and share their experiences with aspiring installers.
Returning to the Plaza exactly one year after her initial announcement as an Ambassador, Daisy spoke candidly about her highlights from the past twelve months, the opportunities available to installers, and her plans for the future. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with both Daisy and Meg, and this marks by no means the end of our relationship. We look forward to seeing what they achieve next.
The PolyPlumb® Enhanced Ambassador Scheme forms part of Polypipe Building Products' ongoing commitment to supporting skills development and helping address the industry's long-term skills gap.