More Bathrooms merge with Charms Bathrooms of Harrogate
Published: 15 September 2017 · Last Updated: 31 May 2023
More Bathroom, part of the fifty- two year old Passmore Group, has acquired Charms Bathrooms of Harrogate, in a move that will save jobs and preserve the 100-year old legacy of the bathroom retail company.
With the existing owners approaching retirement, this could have marked the end of an era for family-run Charms. But the deal with fellow family-owned Passmore Group, home of More Bathrooms, More Ability & More Build, means that the story can continue for customers in the town.
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Charms’ history in fact began in the late 1800s, when George Martin established a well-known plumbers merchant serving customers in Harrogate, York and Leeds. The business was passed down to George’s son John and in the 1960’s, a small plumbing business founded by Brian Passmore was among the customer base.
Like Brian, John handed the business down to the next generation once more and, fifteen years ago, Charms’ focus on bathroom retail was borne. Whilst Charms and Passmore’s More Bathrooms brands were, in effect, competing with one another, the owners continued to recognise the cultural similarities between the two, which kick-started merger talks in recent months.
Commenting on the deal, Tony Passmore, Passmore’s current managing director and son of founder Brian, said: “Charms is similarly a family-run brand synonymous with trust, quality and integrity, so the fit into our stable of companies was perfect. We look forward to bringing 50 years of installation expertise to the table – especially for some of Charms’ clientele who may have previously used the company for ‘supply only’ bathroom purchases.”
With a 3000-sqft showroom already in place, there was little fit-out work to do in preparation for this week’s re-opening. In fact, with Charms’ exclusivity rights to supply Laufen Kartell and Roca Inspira products to Harrogate customers, Passmore has already been able to expand its range under the More Bathrooms umbrella.
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However, and in order to promote the More Ability brand, the showroom now also showcases stylish yet accessible bathroom solutions including walk-in baths, easy access shower and wet rooms, all in which aim to improve the independence of over 65’s and the less-able.
“We have grown to become the leading bathroom designer and installer in Leeds and the surrounding area, so the acquisition of this well-known and respected Harrogate business is a logical step in our ongoing expansion,” adds Tony. “It signifies our desire to provide a fantastic bathroom experience to as many Yorkshire customers as possible. We can’t wait to see what the next few years bring.”
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Passmore has grown to become a £6m turnover organisation with plans to grow to £10m in the next 3-5 years. This will create 20 jobs for local fitters, installers and surveying staff in the process. A 50-strong company that services customers within a 30 mile radius of their Wortley, Leeds headquarters. The Group is made up of three core brands – More Bathrooms, More Ability (bathing solutions for people with disabilities) and More Build (turnkey home improvements).
If you are reading this article as an existing customer of Charms you may be wondering what the merger means to you. We assure you there’s no need to worry. We will be administrating any warranty claims on behalf of Charms and encourage you to contact us on 01423 870111 or visit the showroom on Beech Avenue should the need arise.
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