Aluminium is the standard choice for most sites, low maintenance and available in a range of finishes. GRP (glass reinforced plastic) is worth considering near power lines or for lighter rooftop installations.

Height depends on the setting, but wind rating matters just as much, an exposed coastal or hilltop site needs a higher rating than a sheltered one at the same height.

Ground-set poles suit entrances, quads, and open sites; wall-mounted poles suit frontages where ground space isn’t available.

An external halyard is the standard, low-cost option; an internal halyard keeps the rope and cleat inside the pole, recommended for any publicly accessible or high-footfall site.