A family-run plumbing and bathrooms firm has opened a new showroom and is planning more expansion after securing support through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II.
Plumb Factory was founded by brothers John and Warren Gibbs in 2010 and has branches in Blackpool, Horwich, Bolton, Stockport and Preston. The Blackpool and Horwich branches include luxury bathroom showrooms displaying brands including Villeroy & Boch and Duravit.
Now the business has secured a “six-figure” funding boost from NPIF II – FW Capital Debt Finance, which has supported the development of a new bathroom showroom at its Preston branch that will create two jobs.
John Gibbs, director at Plumb Factory, said: “The new showroom marks an exciting new chapter for Plumb Factory. Our customers love designing their dream bathroom and we understand how important it is to seek inspiration from showroom displays.
“To establish another showroom in our Preston branch is a significant investment for us and we’ve already got plans to add another showroom later in the year. We are using the working capital from FW Capital to assist with the fit out of the new showroom along with creation of new jobs, stock and marketing materials. It’s been a pleasure working with Adam Husband at FW Capital who was introduced to us by Ben Day at Cowgills. “
Adam Husband, senior investment executive at FW Capital, said: “Building on the success of the first two showrooms, Plumb Factory were looking for funding to support their growth and addition of a new showroom. They have a strong management team with ambitions to grow the business even further and have built up an excellent reputation with both trade and retail customers. The funds will also provide additional working capital to support the addition of another showroom later this year.”
Sue Barnard, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, said: “It’s fantastic to see businesses like Plumb Factory using investment from NPIF II to fuel their growth, expand into new locations and create jobs in the North West. Supporting ambitious, family-run businesses like this is what NPIF II is designed to do, helping regional businesses reach their potential, contribute to local economies and build sustainable long-term success.”
