Pimlico Plumbers officially launches merchant enterprise

Capital Radio Breakfast Show presenter and model Lisa Snowdon was guest of honour at the official opening of Pimlico Plumbers’ new plumbing and heating merchant.

Based opposite its main headquarters and depot in Lambeth, South London, Pimlico Plumbing and Heating Merchants operates a ‘strictly trade only’ counter.

The merchant opened its doors in autumn and has secured deals with manufacturers including Worcester Bosch, Valliant, Ideal and Honeywell.

Pimlico Plumbers’ founder Charlie Mullins, who was scheduled to speak at this year’s BMF Members Day but pulled out due to illness, said the reaction to the new merchant has been “Phenomenal”.

“Bringing our merchant requirements in house is a great way to control costs, but it has also proven to be a great resource for other plumbers,” said Mullins.

The opening was marked by a champagne reception and also included a charity auction, compared by Snowdon and Mullins, which raised in excess of £7,500 for three-year-old Chloe Balloqui, who requires £100,000 for live saving cancer treatment in the United States.

Auction lots, including the chance to win a Pimlico Plumber for the Day, an Executive Box experience at Brighton & Hove Albion FC, a £500 Austin Reed Voucher and a selection of hair styling appliances donated by celebrity hairdresser Nicky Clarke, were auctioned off in aid of the fundraising campaign.

In addition to holding the auction, Mullins has committed £1 from every Pimlico Plumbers job completed between the end of November and the fundraising deadline in the middle of January. He has also launched a dedicated text donation line, which is promoted on the side of every Pimlico Plumbers vehicle, including the Merchants delivery vans.

Mullins added: “The grand opening was a real success and Lisa Snowdon did us proud. The interest in the auction was amazing and will go a long way to raising the vital funds little Chloe needs to get to America for treatment.”