New future as firm is now employee-owned

An expanding £20m turnover bathroom supplies business built from scratch in South Lanarkshire by two brothers has become employee-owned.

- ROBERT MITCHELL

Rutherglen-headquartered Wetrooms International Group employs almost 80 staff. They include those in the network of Ceiling2Floor panelling stores across Scotland and northern England, as well as its Wetrooms Distribution operation supplying merchants throughout the UK and Ireland.

Brian and Bill Crombie, who have worked together for nearly 50 years, launched Wetrooms in 2005, growing the business from their Cambuslang Road base. As part of their commitment to its future, they have retained a 26 per cent share in its transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

The move - celebrated by local staff who now have a greater stake in the firm's success - comes as the PVC panelling specialists recorded a 20 per cent increase in turnover during the first quarter of 2025.

Brian said: "For us, this is about building a legacy for our team, recognising the loyalty of our staff. Becoming an EOT was the logical step for us to take. It makes sense for everyone. Most of our staff have been with us for a long time and we have a great management team.