LDC Top 50 2022

Craig Waddington launched Easy Bathrooms in 2013. Starting with one showroom in Leeds, he’s built an empire of 120 stores spread across the UK. “We’re opening a new store every ten days and want to be the number one retail destination for tiles and bathrooms,” he says.

The business employs 700 people and is moving to a new 330,000 sq. ft HQ and distribution hub in Wakefield, paving the way for another 200 jobs in the next few years. “I still source all the products, design the stores and pick new locations,” he says.

Q&A

Where does your entrepreneurial spirit come from?

I grew up in Huddersfield and my parents split up when I was 10. We lived with my dad, who worked in the local foundry. We didn’t have any money so we had to fend for ourselves. I had a milk round, a paper round and worked in a fruit and vegetable shop.

Why did you start Easy Bathrooms?

I started my first business, TC Bathrooms, with my late twin brother when I was 19. In 2013, we were forced to close and I started again from scratch and launched Easy Bathrooms. I sold my house and used all the equity to buy products and get the business off the ground. When you’ve had nothing, you have that hunger and drive.

What’s your ambition?

We want everyone in the UK to have an Easy Bathroom store within a 15-mile radius. We currently have 120 stores and plan to open another 60 or so for nationwide coverage.