Interview: Damian Mansell – Founder of The Plastics Shed Ltd

As part of our new feature series highlighting innovation and integrity in the building plastics industry, The Plastics Review spoke with Damian Mansell, founder of The Plastics Shed Ltd, for The Plastics Shed founder interview that explores how he built the company and why fair pricing matters.

From teaching himself web design to challenging traditional pricing models, Damian shares his journey and what’s next for one of the UK’s most approachable online building plastics brands.

Q1: What inspired you to start The Plastics Shed?

(The Plastics Shed Founder Interview)

A: After twenty years in the corporate side of the building plastics world, I’d seen how impersonal things had become. Prices were often stacked against DIYers and smaller trades — the people keeping the industry alive. I wanted to create a business where anyone could buy fairly, speak to a real person, and know they were getting honest advice. That’s how The Plastics Shed started: a fair, friendly online alternative that still treats every customer like they matter.

Q2: You built the website yourself from December to February 2025. What was that learning curve like?

A: Honestly? A steep one. I’d never built a website before, so I sat down over Christmas and learned it piece by piece — late nights, plenty of tea, and a few choice words when things broke. But I enjoyed every minute of it.

The site’s now grown to over 500 pages, and it keeps evolving every week. There’s always something new being added — a guide, a product range, or a small improvement to make navigation smoother. For me, it’s not just about running an online shop; it’s about creating a place where people can actually learn, compare, and buy with confidence.

Q3: We’ve noticed The Plastics Shed are extremely competitive online compared to other suppliers. How do you manage to keep prices that low?

A: It’s not because we get fantastic pricing from every supplier — far from it. There’s been some resistance in the market to what we’re doing, but we stick firm. Right now, people need a brand they can trust — whether they’re DIYers or small trade professionals — and know their occasional purchases won’t be met with inflated mark-ups. Fair pricing shouldn’t just be for those with trade accounts or big buying power.

Q4: What kind of customers are you seeing, and how do you keep that personal touch online?

A: It’s a mix — DIYers working on their own homes, small builders sourcing materials smartly, and trades who’ve had enough of queuing at counters. We make sure there’s always a phone number on the site so people can ring and speak to someone who actually knows the products. Every order, every question, every bit of feedback matters. That’s the part of the job I’ll never outsource.

Q5: You’ve mentioned The Plastics Shed is also working on a new trade site. What can you tell us about that — and what’s next for the business overall?

A: We’re rebuilding theplasticsshed.co.uk as a dedicated trade platform. It’ll still be open to everyone, but trade buyers will see prices ex VAT, get a faster, more responsive experience, and have spend limits through iwoca for Ltd companies — so they can order materials now and pay later without the usual credit account faff.

Product-wise, we’re adding the 110mm soil system next because customers have been asking for it. We’re also on the lookout for a window supplier who can offer nationwide delivery. Our local supplier is second to none, so it’s a big ask to find someone who can match that standard — but that’s what we’re aiming for.

The Plastics Shed Trade Site To Be Launched Early 2026.

The trade site itself will have a simplified range — everything most installers and DIYers actually need, without fifty versions of the same thing. Fast, fair, and reliable — that’s the model we’re sticking to.

The Plastics Review will continue following The Plastics Shed’s journey as the brand expands its trade offering and product range across the UK.

If you spot anything on the site that could work better or you’d like to suggest a new product, we’d love to hear from you. Feedback helps shape the next stage of The Plastics Shed’s evolution.