A Plumb Job Reaps National Award Nomination

Fife business, Sean Brown Plumbing and Heating Limited has been shortlisted for the new showroom of the year category in the Kitchen Bedroom and Bathroom Design and Retail Awards 2021. The nomination comes as a welcome surprise as the new showroom, Brown & Co Bathrooms, and located in Mitchelston Industrial Estate in Kirkcaldy, only opened in September last year. A client of Business Gateway Fife, Sean has been in business for 18 years and is the only Scottish showroom in the category with its competition all hailing from south of the border. Sean opened his showroom to customers last September after spending lockdown getting it ready, and as other companies have struggled during the pandemic, he has been able to take on extra staff through Business Gateway Fife, when he was able to access a Workforce Upskilling Grant for Gas Industry training courses. Sean said: “I started my apprenticeship in the very unit that we have our showroom in now. I received valuable guidance and support from my Business Gateway adviser, Catherine Bartle, who is an expert in HR. I now have four engineers, three apprentices, a bathroom designer, and an office manager working with me.” He added: "I’ve lived in Kirkcaldy all of my life and try to serve the community as best I can as I’m very passionate about what I do. To be nominated for this award and to get some recognition for all our hard work is amazing – normally the judges would visit the showroom in person but with the ongoing pandemic it will all be done digitally. "This has all been made possible by my amazing staff for sticking by me, especially Sharon Cooper, my office manager – her support has been invaluable throughout the past year.” Whether thinking of starting a business or looking to grow or sustain an existing business, contact Business Gateway Fife on 01592 858333 for a variety of advice and support or visit www.businessgatewayfife.com