City Plumbing Supplies

What City Plumbing Supplies does

City Plumbing Supplies is a United Kingdom-based multi-channel plumbing, heating, bathroom, renewables, and electrical merchant operating 350+ physical branches nationwide alongside an e-commerce platform at cityplumbing.co.uk and a mobile application. The legal entity City Plumbing Supplies Holdings Limited (registered in England, No. 2489546) is a privately held subsidiary of Highbourne Group Ltd, a diversified conglomerate. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Crick, Northampton, the company employs between 1,001 and 5,000 staff and serves both trade professionals (plumbers, heating installers, contractors) and homeowners. Sub-brands include The Bathroom Showroom (290+ dedicated bathroom retail sites), the exclusive iflo bathroom range (celebrating 20 years in 2026), and additional exclusives such as Plumbright, Halcyon, Solfex, Hep2O (Wavin), and LONGi solar PV.

The core technology stack centres on a multi-category e-commerce platform integrated with branch inventory and a supplier-facing portal architecture (Pimberly/Vendor Connect for product information management, Looker-based Supplier Hub for sales analytics at SKU/branch/region level, OneTrust for ESG compliance, and Enable/Deal Track for trading-agreement management). Proprietary customer-facing trade tools include a Boiler Pack Builder, Underfloor Heating Kit Builder, Solar PV Kit Builder, and a Spares Finder covering more than 20,000 spare parts. The assortment spans 44,000+ SKUs across plumbing, heating, bathrooms, renewables, electrical, tools, and spares, supplemented by 30,000+ SKUs in Site Temp Solutions for construction sites.

The business model combines a one-time-product-sales core (trade/retail plumbing and heating) with recurring/relationship elements: cash and credit trade accounts with personalized pricing templates offering up to 20% discount, 30+ day credit terms subject to approval, and the City Plumbing Rewards loyalty programme (points-on-purchase redeemable for goods). Distribution is hybrid — physical branch collection within five minutes, next-day delivery for pre-5pm orders, free delivery over £75 ex VAT — paired with an InstallerSHOW presence and co-marketing with strategic brand partners. Revenue is not publicly disclosed.

Name

City Plumbing Supplies

Legal name

City Plumbing Supplies Holdings Limited

Website

https://www.cityplumbing.co.uk/

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

City Plumbing Supplies is a UK multi-channel plumbing, heating, bathroom, renewables, and electrical merchant operating 350+ branches, a major e-commerce platform, and The Bathroom Showroom network, serving trade professionals and homeowners across the UK as a subsidiary of Highbourne Group Ltd.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Plumbing and Heating Merchant Supplies

NAICS

Hardware, and Plumbing and Heating Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (4237), Hardware Merchant Wholesalers (423710), Hardware Retailers (444140)

SIC

Wholesale-Hardware & Plumbing & Heating Equipment & Supplies (5070), Retail-Lumber & Other Building Materials Dealers (5211)

akta.pro primary industry

Plumbing Parts & Supplies Retail (Pipes, Valves, Fittings) (CRAIADAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Plumbing Fixtures & Faucets Showrooms (CRAIAFAC), Water Heating Accessories & Plumbing Connection Kits (Connectors, Hoses, Traps) (IMADALAG), Plumbing Fixtures (Faucets, Sinks & Bath Fixtures) (IMADALAA)

Keywords

• Plumbing supplies
• Heating products
• Bathroom fixtures
• Trade merchant
• Renewable energy products

Headquarters

HQ city

Northampton

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Trade Product Sales: City Plumbing generates the majority of its revenue from selling plumbing, heating, bathroom, renewables, electrical, and tool products to trade professionals (plumbers, heating installers) and homeowners through its 350+ UK branches and e-commerce platform. Products are sold at trade prices with volume-based account discounts, and include both stocked items and special order lines.
2. Credit Account Revenue: Revenue is supplemented by credit account terms offered to trade customers, enabling 30-day+ credit facilities subject to terms and conditions, providing working capital benefits.
3. Account Membership (Trade Discounts): Trade customers unlock up to 20% discounts by registering for free cash or credit accounts, with pricing automatically applied online and in-store from the next working day.
4. Rewards Program Revenue: City Plumbing Rewards program earns customers points on every purchase, redeemable for TVs, smart watches, holidays, and gift vouchers, driving repeat purchase behaviour and customer loyalty.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

City Plumbing Supplies is a UK merchant selling more than 44,000 plumbing, heating, bathroom, renewable energy, electrical, and tool products to trade professionals and homeowners through 350+ physical branches, a full e-commerce website, a mobile app, and 290+ dedicated bathroom showrooms. Core revenue comes from trade product sales supplemented by Cash and Credit account programmes (offering personalised trade pricing up to 20% off and 30+ day credit terms), with supporting services including the City Plumbing Rewards loyalty programme and Site Temp Solutions for construction projects.

Product overview

City Plumbing Supplies operates as a multi-channel plumbing, heating, bathroom, renewables, and electrical merchant with over 350 branches across the UK. The core offering centres on a physical and digital retail platform selling more than 44,000 products online and in-branch, supported by trade account management, a loyalty programme (City Plumbing Rewards), and a mobile app. The Bathroom Showroom — a network of 290+ dedicated showrooms — anchors the bathroom category and features City Plumbing's exclusive iflo brand (celebrating 20 years in 2026). Key exclusive brands include Hep2O (Wavin-powered plastic push-fit plumbing available in Key and Keyless variants), Plumbright, Halcyon, and Solfex. Renewables are supported by LONGi solar PV panels and a Renewables Hub providing installer and homeowner guidance. Trade-facing digital tools include an Underfloor Heating Kit Builder, Boiler Pack Builder, Solar PV Kit Builder, Spares Finder (20,000+ parts), and a mobile app. The business also offers Site Temp Solutions for temporary electrical and mechanical equipment on construction sites, and operates a Lowest Price Guarantee covering electrical, plumbing, and boiler spares products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• iflo: Exclusive bathroom brand of City Plumbing featuring furniture, baths, brassware, and showering solutions. The brand is celebrating 20 years in 2026.
• The Bathroom Showroom

Products and services

• The Bathroom Showroom Retail showroom network of more than 290 dedicated locations across the UK where customers can view, configure, and purchase full bathroom suites and accessories, with specialist staff providing project advice.
• City Plumbing Rewards Customer loyalty programme allowing account holders to earn points on every purchase, redeemable for items such as TVs, smart watches, holidays, and gift vouchers, with bonus points in the first 60 days after account signup.
• City Plumbing App Mobile application for iOS and Android enabling customers to browse and order more than 44,000 products, manage trade accounts, access personalised pricing, and track orders from anywhere.
• Site Temp Solutions Comprehensive range of more than 30,000 electrical and mechanical temporary products for construction and renovation sites, covering power distribution, lighting, generators, safety and security, temporary heating and cooling, temporary plumbing, and ventilation, supplied with next-day delivery.
• iflo bathroom brand City Plumbing's exclusive own-brand bathroom range offering furniture, baths, brassware, and showering solutions, sold exclusively through The Bathroom Showroom network and celebrating 20 years in 2026.
• Plumbright plumbing brand City Plumbing's exclusive own-brand range of plumbing products sold through its UK branch and online network.
• Halcyon exclusive brand City Plumbing's exclusive own-brand product range sold through its UK branch and online network.
• Solfex exclusive brand City Plumbing's exclusive own-brand product range sold through its UK branch and online network.
• Hep2O by Wavin plumbing system Press-fit plastic plumbing system supplied by City Plumbing in both Key and Keyless variants, featuring joint recognition, a 50-year guarantee, and full copper compatibility; the only press-fit plumbing system on the UK market with these characteristics.
• LONGi Solar PV panels Solar PV panels and modules from LONGi (described as the world's most valuable solar technology company), including the Hi-MO X6 and Hi-MO X10 series using HPBC cell technology, distributed exclusively through City Plumbing for residential and commercial renewables installations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Plumbers and heating installers spend over 3 hours weekly comparing prices, equivalent to roughly 20 working days per year, representing nearly £7,000 in potential chargeable work. City Plumbing's Lowest Price Guarantee addresses this pain point.
• +2 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Heat Pump Installer Network (HPIN)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 December 2025The Heat Pump Installer Network (HPIN) announced a strategic partnership with City Plumbing to expand access to heat pump installations for plumbing and heating engineers across the UK. The partnership provides City Plumbing customers access to HPIN Direct, a free MCS umbrella scheme that eliminates the need for individual installers to obtain and pay for their own MCS accreditation. Additional benefits include exclusive bundle pricing and free training and support. The partnership is designed to fill a market gap and help the UK meet its heat pump installation targets under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
• VirtualstockcoreTechnology or Integration · 23 October 2025City Plumbing, part of the Highbourne Group, partnered with Virtualstock to expand its online product range and improve supply chain management. The partnership enabled rapid product expansion and enhanced operational efficiency without increased internal resources, supporting City Plumbing's digital transformation and marketplace growth.
• Wavin (Hep2O Brand)coreTechnology or IntegrationCity Plumbing stocks and promotes Wavin's Hep2O plumbing system, including the Hep2O Keyless range (launched as the fastest push-fit system not requiring a demounting key). Hep2O from Wavin is the only press-fit plumbing system with joint recognition, a 50-year guarantee, and full copper compatibility. The partnership includes co-marketing through City Plumbing's website, promotional banners, and brand page content. City Plumbing also stocks Wavin's Tigris K5 Press-fit system and Comfia underfloor heating as connected solutions.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Toolstation: UK trade and DIY retailer with ~550+ branches offering tools, plumbing, and heating supplies at competitive prices. Competes directly on trade price, branch convenience, and e-commerce — particularly relevant to City Plumbing's lower-spend trade segment.
• Wickes: UK home improvement retailer with trade and DIY customer overlap, selling kitchens, bathrooms, and building materials through a branch-plus-online model. Direct competitor in bathroom retail and trade account services.
• Travis Perkins: UK's largest builders' merchant operating multiple trade-focused brands including Travis Perkins, Keyline, and City Plumbing's sister brand PTS. Direct overlap in plumbing and heating merchanting, branch network scale, and trade account programs makes it the closest comparable.
• Screwfix: UK trade-focused retailer of tools, accessories, and hardware with a click-and-collect-heavy branch model serving plumbers, electricians, and heating engineers. Direct competitor for trade spend and overlapping customer base of professional installers.
• Graham Plumbers' Merchant: UK specialist plumbing and heating merchant with branch network serving trade plumbers and heating engineers. Direct product, customer, and channel overlap with City Plumbing's core trade offering.
• Jewson: UK builders' merchant with 500+ branches supplying construction materials, plumbing, and heating products to trade. Comparable branch-led trade merchant model with similar product categories and customer base.
• Wolseley UK (Ferguson Enterprises): Wolseley UK is a specialist plumbing, heating, and cooling merchant serving trade customers with a similar multi-channel branch and online model. Operates the Plumb Center and Pipe Center brands in the UK with deep trade account penetration.
• Selco Builders Warehouse: UK trade-only builders' merchant with 70+ branches catering exclusively to tradespeople. Competes for the same trade professional customer base on price, range, and branch convenience.

Emerging players

• Victorian Plumbing: UK online-only bathroom retailer with strong e-commerce proposition competing in the bathroom showroom segment that The Bathroom Showroom serves. Pure-play digital model with potentially lower cost-to-serve for the same consumer bathroom buyer.

Broad incumbents

• B&Q: UK's largest home improvement retailer serving predominantly DIY consumers with broader categories than City Plumbing. Overlaps in bathrooms, plumbing parts, and heating accessories but skewed toward homeowner rather than trade customers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CityPlumbingUK
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCbsxzVuP2mrosFnuoMv8khA
• Facebookfacebook.com/cityplumbinguk
• Instagraminstagram.com/cityplumbinguk

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about City Plumbing Supplies