HOW A BESPOKE METAL FENCING SOLUTION DELIVERED STRENGTH, SPEED, AND SUBTLETY
TUPPER’S TOP TRAINING TIPS FOR BETTER FENCING
An interview with Bertie Tupper, leading instructor within the fencing industry
Who is Bertie Tupper and what do you do?
I am the founder and principal trainer of TUPPCO Training & Safety. I deliver nationally accredited LANTRA and NPORS on-site training and assessments throughout the UK.
What was your work before becoming an instructor?
I’m a 4th generation farmer and growing up around agriculture in Gloucestershire, I attended Hartpury College for 4 years. I first worked in the farming sector completing harvest work and enjoying understanding in the industry.
I was later given an opportunity to join in the family contracting business with fencing being one of main enterprises. This gave me responsibilities to not only complete the work, but all other aspects including health and safety. I sold the company to a fellow contactor, allowing me to further my career. So, I first made working trips to New Zealand and Australia to learn from some of the best in the business then returned to UK and trained to become an approved LANTRA and NPORS instructor.
Why did you become an approved instructor?
Running the contracting company gave me the experience to give first hand on-site training not only with machinery but also with fencing techniques. This is something that came naturally to me and something I enjoyed. I was able to learn a great deal from my father who was an approved LANTRA instructor. I set up my training business (as Bertie Tupper & Co) in 2019 which became TUPPCO in 2021, when my future wife joined me in the company. We now deliver nationwide on-site training in a range of machinery and equipment found in the agricultural, fencing, landscaping, and construction industries.
When did you identify a need for post rammer training?
I was approached by several fencing contractors concerned that there was little to no approved post rammer training, and could I look into it. I took the initiative to collaborate with LANTRA and NPORS to develop the first accredited post rammer course, and now, I am one of the only national on-site instructors to offer accredited training under both awarding bodies for post rammers.
Where do you travel to deliver training?
I have travelled to Cumbria, Yorkshire, Essex, Southampton, and Wales to deliver approved NPORS and LANTRA training; I will travel anywhere in the UK if required. It’s one of the things I enjoy most about the job, meeting other operators and getting an insight into what they are doing how they complete their work.
Who have you delivered training to?
To date, I have delivered on-site training to both large nationals and local companies including to AFI award winning contractors: Tomley Projects, PDR Contracting and Bell Fencing.
What is the best tip you can give for safe use of machinery?
• Always read the operators manual before using equipment, so many things can be learnt just by having flick through the book.
• Take time to plan the work and keep the site tidy.
• Always have an action plan for if something was to go wrong.
• Do the necessary checks underground before breaking ground.
• Wear appropriate PPE
To contact Bertie, you can visit www.TUPPCO.com
