Halifax-based Ultra Finishing secures funding from BGF

A designer, manufacturer and distributor of bathroom fixtures and fittings has received a significant investment from BGF. Halifax-based Ultra Finishing will use the funding for product development, expansion into new markets and to enhance its service proposition to accelerate organic growth.

Founded in 1981, Ultra Finishing manufacturers, sources and distributes a wide range of bathroom products to online and high-street retailers, builders’ and plumbers’ merchants and other trade partners. Generating £60m turnover in 2016, Ultra Finishing employs more than 350 people and its range of brands include Hudson Reed, Ultra and Premier.

Ultra Finishing is a member of the ‘Made in Britain’ scheme, producing bespoke bathroom furniture, shower trays, taps and valves from its manufacturing site in Halifax. The business has been led by CEO Dave Cullen and Commercial Director Tony Woods since 2014 when, following a 30-year tenure, founder and former CEO Stephen Heys stepped back from day-to-day operations at the company.

BGF’s funding will be used to support the manufacture of new products, the first of which it plans to bring to market in Spring/Summer 2017, and to target new growth opportunities in Europe and the US.

Following an introduction by BGF, the business has appointed Alan White as Non-Executive Chairman. Alan has held non-executive roles at Topps Tiles, JD Sports, TM Lewin and was a former CEO of home shopping business, N Brown Group.