Frontline Bathrooms and Smiths Briten state that 2025 is “shaping up to be a defining year” as the two sister companies announce a major transformation of their UK delivery network.
Under the leadership of Managing Director, Darren Allison, both brands are making significant long-term investments in shared infrastructure, with “a clear focus on improving speed, reliability and sustainability for builders’ merchants nationwide.”
At the heart of this shift is the unification of their delivery operations. By leveraging each other’s well-established logistics networks, the businesses are streamlining routes, cutting duplication, and enhancing service coverage in key postcodes across the UK. This combined infrastructure – supported by dual head offices and round-the-clock cross-dock facilities – is said to position Frontline and Smiths Briten as a “smarter, more responsive distribution force” for the bathroom and plumbing trade.
Darren Allison, MD of both Frontline and Smiths Briten, said: “This isn’t just about efficiency, it is about backing our customers. We are investing heavily in infrastructure that makes life easier for rmarchants: quicker lead times, more consistent delivery windows, and fewer delays. At the same time, we are reducing emissions and building a supply chain that’s fit for the future and our growth plans.”
The impact “will be felt on the ground from July 2025,” with key delivery enhancements already confirmed:
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LU & MK postcodes have moved to next-day delivery for Smiths Briten orders, via Frontline’s expert delivery team.
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SA region extended to three delivery days per week through a specialist bathroom courier.
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BS postcodes will now be delivering five days a week for both businesses via Smiths fleet.
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SM & CR postcodes upgraded to five-day service from July utilising the Frontline fleet.
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From August, Smiths Briten will expand coverage across North Wales, Stoke-on-Trent, and Buxton alongside Frontline.
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In parallel, three new drivers with KBB & merchant industry experience have been hired to support the enhanced network.
While the two brands retain distinct product and service offerings, their operational collaboration is said to reflect a deeper synergy of shared leadership, aligned values, and a joint commitment to trade support, meaning they are able to offer retailers the best of both: consistent service and wide-ranging choice.
The business now operates from two key distribution centres: Smiths Briten in Bolton, Greater Manchester, and Frontline in Featherstone, Wakefield, supported by cross-dock facilities in Scotland, Kidderminster, Heathrow, Purfleet and Mildenhall. Together, this infrastructure supports a next-day service capability across much of the UK.
