Key people Charlie Mullins Founded 1979 Number of employees 227 | Revenue 20 million GBP Parent organization Pimlico Group Plc | |
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Type Domestic service provider Website www.pimlicoplumbers.com Motto The First Name In Plumbing Profiles | ||
Running pimlico plumbers
Pimlico Plumbers is London's largest independent plumbing company.
Contents
- Running pimlico plumbers
- Charlie mullins md of pimlico plumbers explains how chip pin solutions streamlined his business
- Establishment
- Pricing
- Publicity
- Legal disputes and controversies
- Community involvement and party political funding
- Financials
- References
Charlie mullins md of pimlico plumbers explains how chip pin solutions streamlined his business
Establishment
It was established in 1979 by its current managing director Charlie Mullins (born December 1952), who left school at 15 with no qualifications and began work as a plumber.
Pricing
Pimlico Plumbers are positioned at the premium end of the market and prices vary depending on trade and time. There are 7 different price bands throughout the week covering peak and off peak. The cheapest hourly rate is £114, rising to £300. Plumbing services range from £144 to £240.
Publicity
It is known for its effective publicity, handled by Recognition PR and PHA. It was previously handled by Max Clifford. The company owns more than 100 plumbing-related number plates, fitted to its fleet of vehicles, such as LO 02 OLD (Loo too old), BOG1, DRA1N, W4TER and others. It gained considerable publicity through its employment of Buster Martin, who claimed to be Britain's oldest worker, cleaning vans part-time up until his death in 2011. The firm's boss presented BBC3 show 'Britain's Best Young Plumber' and has appeared on Secret Millionaire.
The company promotes itself as providing a high-quality service, employing "£80,000/year plumbers", charging £80–200/hour depending on time of day and service performed.
Legal disputes and controversies
In 2009, the firm was involved in a legal dispute with Steve Cosser, an Australian TV executive accused of industrial espionage in stealing Pimlico's client list after establishing a rival firm, Service Corps, using ex-Pimlico staff. Services Corps collapsed in January 2010 with debts of £100,000 before the case was settled.
The company also had a dispute with rival firm Aspect over Trustpilot ratings.
In February 2016, it was reported that Pimlico Plumbers avoids paying PAYE income tax and National Insurance by hiring its 200 engineers as "self-employed contractors."
On 10 February 2017 a plumber who had suffered a heart attack was found to have been unfairly or wrongfully dismissed at the Court of Appeal following an employment tribunal decision. Pimlico Plumbers argued the plumber was an independent contractor but the court determined he was a worker with some employment rights.
Community involvement and party political funding
The firm has also recently been involved in a scheme in aid of the big society with the renovation of the Streatham Youth Centre. This was organised along with Wickes, A4e, and the Co-Sponsorship Agency.
In February 2016, it was reported that in the previous year Pimlico Plumbers made two donations to the Conservative Party totalling £22,735.
Financials
In November 2010, Mullins reported that he was considering floating the firm, with a £50m valuation, in order to fund a nationwide expansion. The firm turned over £18.2 million in 2013, with profits of more than £1,000,000. Mullins received £1.3 million in compensation in 2009.