Our policy is only to use timber materials from reputable suppliers and becoming an FSC® Certified Member shows that First Tunnels complies with ethical forest management and have attained the high industry standards required. By achieving the FSC® certification, we are not just highlighting our own environmental credentials; we are helping our customers improve their environmental performance too.
FSC® is the only forest certification scheme endorsed by the major environmental organisations including WWF and Greenpeace.
First Tunnels are proud to announce that we are now an ISO 14001 certified company. ISO 14001 is an internationally agreed standard that sets out the requirements for an environmental management system. ISO 14001 has become the world’s most widely recognised environmental standard. It helps organisations improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste.
All at First Tunnels take the company’s impact on the environment very seriously and work within the ISO 14001 framework to reduce or offset this impact.The ISO 14001 standard also emphasises the need for continual improvement. Instead of just looking good on paper, First Tunnels takes a proactive approach to sustainability. By implementing the ISO 14001 standard, we can document our methods and show measurable improvement.
For over 33 years we've been leading the way - whether it's product innovation, great prices, fantastic service, or by getting the country's top gardening and food experts to help us develop the polytunnels they chose to use themselves - people like Alan Titchmarsh, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Bob Flowerdew, Mark Gatter, Andy McKee, Paul Peacock, Sam Youd, the list goes on and on. Our customers must think we're getting it right too - because we now sell over 3000 tunnels per year! But don't just take the celebrities word for it. What better way to learn about company dependability, product quality and customer service than to hear it straight from other consumers?
By giving customers the opportunity to share their First Tunnels shopping experience, we believe this is the best reflection of our companies’ product and service. To help reinforce credibility, popularity and reputation, we have subscribed to not one, not two....... but THREE independent review companies allowing you to praise or complain about First Tunnels.
We value all feedback, good, bad or ugly and hope to build a long lasting relationship with our customer, through our high quality products and friendly service, to ensure they do not hesitate to order again and again with First Tunnels in the future.
Now that we’re all faced with more and more options for where to buy products, it’s increasingly important to know you’re choosing from a reliable company. One of the key things to look for is ISO9001 accreditation...the world’s most established quality framework.
ISO9001 is internationally recognised and sets the standard for quality management systems, leading to enhanced customer confidence and ongoing improvements. First Tunnels is delighted to announce that - along with only 1% of UK companies - we’ve achieved all the requirements of ISO9001 and have now been awarded this important accreditation, giving you the added reassurance of buying from a company that meets the most exacting quality standards.
The Living Wage is an hourly work rate set independently and updated annually. The Living Wage is calculated according to the basic cost of living in the UK. Employers choose to pay the Living Wage on a voluntary basis.
This is a really proud moment for First Tunnels, as it approaches celebrating 33 years in business. We are the first Polytunnel supplier in the UK to achieve this accreditation, and as such are delighted to be leading the way. We believe that work should be the surest way out of poverty.
There are over 15,000 accredited employers, including First Tunnels, ranging from independent printers, bookshops and breweries, to well-known companies such as Nationwide, Aviva and SSE. These businesses recognise that clinging to the national minimum wage is not good for business - Customers expect better than that.
We didn't stop there!
Also being accredited with the Living Hours Foundation is a testament to our commitment to providing fair and secure working conditions for all our employees. This prestigious accreditation recognises our dedication to offering guaranteed hours and predictable shifts, ensuring that our team members can plan their lives with confidence and stability. By meeting the rigorous standards set by the Living Hours Foundation, we demonstrate our belief in the importance of work-life balance and our ongoing efforts to support the well-being and financial security of our workforce. We are proud to be part of a movement that values and respects the contributions of every employee.
First Tunnels Polytunnels which offers Polytunnels for the Hobby and Commercial Grower, was recently selected to join the Google Certified Shops programme. To help shoppers identify online merchants that offer a great shopping experience, the Google Certified Shop badge is awarded to ecommerce sites that demonstrate a track record of on-time shipping and excellent customer service.
Google evaluates and monitors participating merchants to ensure a high quality online shopping experience. The Google Certified Shops programme helps shoppers feel confident in their purchases across the web. Google allows merchants who attain high quality customer service and shipping performance in order to participate in this free programme. Participating merchants display the Google Certified Shop badge on their web sites.
As an added benefit, when a shopper makes a purchase at a Google Certified Shop, they have the option to select free purchase protection from Google. Then in the unlikely event of an issue with their purchase, they can request Google’s help, and Google will work with First Tunnels and the customer to address the issue. As part of this, Google offers up to £1,000 lifetime purchase protection for eligible purchases.
