Victorian Plumbing is looking to increase its headcount by 20% with a focus on logistics and customer service roles as sales soar due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Tony McDonough reports

Merseyside bathroom retailer Victorian Plumbing is to grow staff numbers by 20% and increase its warehouse space after seeing sales soar during the COVID-19 lockdown.

While other firms are looking to lay off staff, the £150m-turnover Formby-based business is looking to expand to meet the demand from the UK public which has spent £55bn on home improvements since March.

As well as increasing its headcount by 80 people, Victorian Plumbing is investing in an additional 50,000 sq ft of warehouse space to handle increased orders. It is looking to hire across all areas of the business, but with a particular focus on logistics and customer service roles.

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Managing director Stephnie Judge, said the company had seen huge growth during lockdown. She added: “There has been an increased appetite for home renovations during lockdown and investing in a bathroom revamp has been a key project for many.”

Although lockdown has eased, it seems the appetite for further home improvements remains, with research suggesting that almost one in five are planning to do some form of DIY soon and 20% looking to renovate a room or bathroom.

“Consumers are revamping their home for a number of reasons” said Stephnie. “For some, savings achieved during lockdown have meant they have the cash to invest in their homes. For others, lockdown gave them the additional time to work on such projects and reminded them of the benefits of DIY.

“We are seeing consumers realise the benefits of renovations such as a new bathroom or simply adding a downstairs toilet or separate shower to increase the appeal of their homes to potential buyers,” says Stephnie.”