Speakers

Robert Lawton is a highly experienced Director and international business leader at the forefront of the UK construction supply industry.

Specialising in copper tube systems and associated products, his expertise spans air conditioning, engineering, plumbing and heating, and medical gases.

As Marketing and International Sales Director and shareholder at The Lawton Tube Co Ltd, a fourth-generation, family-owned manufacturer founded in 1918, Robert has driven the transformation of the company’s marketing strategy and accelerated international growth. Lawton Tubes now employs over 150 people across four UK sites, with turnover of circa £230m.

Having personally visited more than 50 countries and selling into 42 global markets, Robert brings a rare, real-world perspective on marketing, international trade, complex supply chains and global market entry.

His network includes blue-chip companies, OEMs, the NHS, UK Government and Embassies worldwide, alongside senior relationships across UK banking and finance.

When not travelling the world, Robert champions the promotion of young people to pick up tools and join a trade. Robert has launched Lawton Next Gen within the business seeing him regularly talking in colleges, an active member of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering , attends school career fairs and supports Installer Futures. Their latest initiative is over 2 hours of top tips and helpful training videos using professional tradies.

A strategic leader and engaging speaker, Robert combines hands-on commercial insight with global experience, making his sessions both practical and compelling for anyone interested in marketing, international growth, manufacturing, or export-led success.