UK Plumbing Supplies

About UK Plumbing Supplies

UK Plumbing Supplies is the largest independent plumbing and heating merchant in the UK, with over 320 locations and more than 2,300 employees.

What makes this even more impressive is that ten years ago, we didn’t exist. In under a decade, we’ve grown from scratch into a nationwide network of 16 trusted brands – including Plumbase, HPS, Graham, Willbond and many more.

Our shareholders have been active in UK business since 1979, but the success of UK Plumbing Supplies has been driven by one consistent principle: backing local people with local knowledge to make local decisions. Every one of our sites is run with real autonomy, by teams who know their customers and their markets best.

Our decentralised model means each Profit Centre operates independently, with control over pricing, people, stock and performance. This gives us the agility of a small business, but the stability of a large one. It’s a structure that empowers site teams to move fast, trade confidently, and take genuine ownership of their results.

We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and we remain focused on growing sustainably, trading confidently, and keeping decision-making where it belongs: in the hands of local teams.

Company culture

At UK Plumbing Supplies, our culture is built around ownership, autonomy, and ambition.

Every site operates like its own independent business. Our decentralised structure means site teams aren’t waiting for permission, they’re making decisions, solving problems, and driving results locally. Whether you’re managing stock, serving customers, or leading a team, you’ll have the space and support to take real ownership over your work.

Business Managers are empowered to run their site – from pricing and people to stock and performance – and that culture of responsibility filters through every role. It’s not about hierarchy, it’s about impact. Every individual can see how their contribution drives success, and everyone shares in that success through our industry leading profit share.

We don’t believe in red tape. We believe in merit, commercial thinking, and promoting from within. People with drive, leadership potential and a strong work ethic rise quickly, not because they’ve waited long enough, but because they’ve earned it.

This is a culture for people who want to build something. Who want to grow. Who want to run their own show and see real results fast.

Apprenticeships

Our apprenticeship programmes are designed to do more than just tick a box, they’re about building long-term careers with real progression.

At UK Plumbing Supplies, we offer two core apprenticeship routes:

1. Trade Counter and Warehouse Apprenticeships

These roles are available across England, Scotland, and Wales, designed for people starting their career in site-based roles. Apprentices learn through structured training and practical, on-the-job experience.

• Trade Supplier Level 2 (England)
  Focused on customer service, sales, product knowledge, warehousing, stock control, and health & safety – ideal for those joining the trade counter or mixed operational roles.
• Supply Chain Warehouse Operative Level 2 (England)
  Prepares apprentices for efficient and safe handling of goods, stock management, warehouse systems, teamwork, and logistics operations.
• Retail and Warehousing Apprenticeships (Scotland & Wales)
  Tailored to regional frameworks (SCQF and NVQ), apprentices in these locations gain the same exposure to all areas of the Profit Centre while meeting devolved nation standards.

All apprentices are offered a full-time contract from day one and are supported with in-site coaching and structured modules – with clear development pathways into long-term roles.

2. Fitted Furniture Design Apprenticeships (Showroom)

We also offer a design-focused apprenticeship for those looking to join our showroom teams:

• Fitted Furniture Design Technician (Level 3)
  Apprentices learn how to use CAD design tools, engage with customers, and design bathroom layouts based on technical and aesthetic requirements.

Completing an apprenticeship with us opens the door to a rewarding and long-term career. Those who stay on benefit not just from clear development pathways, but also from our industry-leading profit share – a unique part of our culture that rewards every team member based on the success of their site. It’s a model that means your effort doesn’t just drive results, it drives real, tangible reward.