Flame Heating Group has opened its third bathroom showroom in the North East at the site of its existing trade counter in Sunderland, on Riverside Industrial Estate, after acquiring the branch’s adjoining unit.
Following a £100,000 investment, the 1,600sqft development will see the extension of Flame’s Sunderland services and product range, as well as the creation of one initial job with scope for further in the future.
The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor David Snowdon, and his Mayoress, Cllr Dianne Snowdon, marked the official launch of the bathroom showroom at an event hosted by Flame for customers, suppliers and friends of the firm.
The opening follows the launch of a bathroom showroom in Cramlington earlier in 2019, after the Boldon-headquartered company opened its first in 2017, in Durham.
The showroom will form part of newly established Flame brand Azure Bathrooms, with each of its existing bathroom showrooms also receiving a new-look through the branding.
It will also provide customers with an opportunity to view their tailored bathrooms, complete with products and features they have selected, through a Virtual Reality headset.
Glenn Neal, Investor Director of the Sunderland branch, said: “The addition of our new bathroom showroom will support our growth and allow us to enter new markets and serve even more customers on Wearside. This investment further demonstrates our commitment to the area and will support the creation of local jobs that are imperative to the regional economy.
“The VR experience is an innovative addition to our service and provides people with an immersive experience in which to visualise our quality products. Our use of VR reflects the company’s willingness to embrace new technology and improve the whole customer experience.”
Flame currently operates 12 trade counters across the UK and is expecting to invest further in its branch network, as well as double its headcount over the next three years.
John Savage, Managing Director of Flame Heating Group, added: “This is an exciting phase in the development of the company as we continue to diversify and enhance our bathroom showroom offering throughout the North East. I am excited by this latest launch and the potential of our Azure Bathrooms brand as we continue to invest in our existing branch network and new sites. The recognisable and appealing Azure brand will be integral to our future success.”
The Mayor, Cllr David Snowdon, commented: “We were delighted to be invited to support Flame with the opening of its new bathroom showroom and celebrate a significant investment in the city. I’d like to wish John, Glenn and the team all the very best with this new, innovative venture, which will benefit tradespeople and people in Sunderland.”
For more information, visit www.flameheatingspares.com.
