Colchester-based retailer G&M Plumbing & Heating, which has been operating for over two decades, has been relaunched following its acquisition by local businessmen Lee Appleby and Russell Millar – who also own North Essex-based kitchen and bathroom installations specialist Cube Installations – and their new business partner Chris Barnes.
The specialist plumbers' merchant now has an updated and comprehensive trade counter on the ground floor, while the bathoom showroom upstairs has been completely revamped to provide a space for installers to bring their customers, and also enable homeowners to drop in and find inspiration for their projects.
Spanning 2,500sq ft over two floors, it features products from HiB, Roman, Matki, Hansgrohe, Bayswater Bathrooms, Lakes, Coalbrook, Showerwall, Roper Rhodes and many more, and has displays in both traditional and contemporary styles to demonstrate the different aesthetics that can be achieved. Also a new area showcasing bespoke made-to-measure bathroom and bedroom furniture manufactured locally by Leonard Brinton Interiors. There is a consulting area where potential clients can sit and discuss their projects with G&M's staff.
Following a successful opening week, which saw members of the trade as well as members of the public call in to view the new premises, Lee Appleby said: "With Chris Barnes' 25 years' experience as a bathroom showroom consultant, and with our experience in running a successful business, we agreed that we could together give the business a well-deserved new lease of life with the help of the existing team and their passion for excellent customer service."
Chris Barnes said: "Our mission was to create a great independent bathroom and bedroom showroom complemented by the excellent existing trade counter. Our focus moving forwards will be to listen and improve the product ranges, both within the showroom and trade counter, and offer a great one-stop shop for both trade and retail customers alike."
Main picture: G&M Plumbing & Heating co-owners Lee Appleby, left, and Chris Barnes, right.
Below: The first-floor level of the newly revamped showroom.
