30-01-2014

A plumbing company has caused a stir by naming itself 'U-Benders' and painting its vans pink.

The firm's distinctive vehicles are often seen driving around London, and the company claims it is popular with both gay and straight customers.

But some people are less amused by the U-benders pun, suggesting that it could be seen as 'really offensive' by gay people thanks to its jokey use of a homophobic slur.

U-Benders, a plumbing company based in Battersea, south-west London, has caused a stir by naming itself 'U-Benders' and painting its vans pink. The firm's distinctive vehicles are often seen driving around London, and the company claims it is popular with both gay and straight customers. But some people are less amused by the U-benders pun, suggesting that it could be seen as 'really offensive' by gay people thanks to its jokey use of a homophobic slur. Among the firm's satisfied customers is Julian Clary, the gay comedian known for his flamboyant persona.

The plumbing company insists it has received an enthusiastic response from customers since painting four vans pink and adopting its new branding three years ago. It even hands out bright pink mugs blazoned with the company name to ensure that no one forgets it.

However, some people who have seen the company's vans on the streets are less amused by the outlandish branding.

'Not sure if this branding is really clever or really offensive,' Andrew Nattan tweeted. 'Can you really call your plumbers U-Benders?'

The company says it has never had any complaints about the name - but it has been targeted by prank callers, some of whom appear to be patrons of the pub opposite its headquarters.

'We've had a few drunk people phone up and really go to town on it,' a spokesman said. 'And teenagers phone up, giggling away.'

The company is a division of WPJ Heating, which also owns 10 white vans which are rather more low-key.