Gas & Plumb Bits, a plumbing, heating and bathroom specialist and member of The IPG has expanded into New Milton following the success of its original Bournemouth branch. The new store on Gore Road will initially employ four consultants from the local area, and Gas & Plumb Bits will recruit more once the store is established.

Co-founder Ross Pavey comments, “Once we had made the decision to open a second location, New Milton was the obvious choice. It serves the kind of expert local businesses that make the most of our in-store consultancy. Advice and expert knowledge is everything in this industry, and we are a truly independent merchant offering local customers the best impartial advice.”

Gas & Plumb Bits launched in 2005 after Steve Ware, a plumbing and heating engineer, became tired of the bad service he was experiencing with merchants. He teamed up with Ross Pavey who he met while working for a national supermarket chain.

Steve’s proposition was to create a merchant company that not only had a great location but truly interactive customer service, with which business carried out online and over the phone could not compete. Ware and Pavey both invested their own money in the idea, and Gas & Plumb Bits started by selling boiler spares from a small trade counter in Bournemouth.

Over a decade later, Gas & Plumb Bits now employs 15 staff. The new store on Gore Road in New Milton also marks their second bathroom showroom launch under the moniker The Bathworks.

Karen Coller, a Gas & Plumb Bits Associate, will be based at New Milton and appreciates the company's commitment to staying local and independent: "I worked for a national plumbing business for 10 years and haven’t looked back since I left to join Gas & Plumb Bits. I’d much rather make money for two guys that work really hard and treat their staff and customers right than a national where you are seen as a number.”

Gas & Plumb Bits joined The IPG, a membership group for plumbing, heating and bathroom specialists, in June 2017, which Ross says has opened up new business opportunities. He said; “We have definitely benefited from being part of The IPG, as we have access to better deals with suppliers and contacts that go beyond our own networks. The support they give to independent businesses in our sector has made a positive difference.”

Gas & Plumb Bits branches are based on 843-845 Wimborne Rd, Bournemouth BH9 2BG, and 118 Gore Rd, New Milton BH25 6SJ.