Universal Plumbing Supplies on Lodge Road in Portswood, Southampton celebrates 20 years of business in September. It was set up by Bitterne Parker James Brady, who tells more of his story – and explains what makes the business unique.

 

James, pictured below left, set up Universal back in 2001.

It was his first business, and at the time his triplets were just three years old.

“The triplets were quite young, and I didn’t know anything about setting up a business,” he admits.

“But after 20 years we’re still here!”

His triplets are doing well too. Two have just gone through university, and the other is now a qualified plumber.

“Because they’ve lived around Bitterne Park all their lives, many people will know of them. They went through Bitterne Park Infants, Junior, Senior. And two of them went through sixth form.”

Getting the business started

So, while raising young children, how did Universal get started?

James had been working for Wolseley – a large American company.

“One day I said to my wife ‘I could do this on my own’. Rather than make someone else money, I could do it myself.”

So the couple remortgaged their Bitterne Park house to raise the necessary cash, and went for it.

Twenty years later, and Universal employs six people.

The business’s unique selling point?

“Knowledge. And we care,” is the immediate response.

Everything from a tap to a wet room

“Collectively we’ve probably got over a hundred years in the industry. And we don’t usually sing and shout about what we do – we’re not a ‘100 miles-an-hour’ business. That’s how we can offer personal service.”

In one sense it’s an ‘old fashioned’ bricks and mortar affair – which is unusual in today’s online-dominated world. Visit the Lodge Road showroom and you’ll find plenty of real-life displays.

But you’ll also find staff who can help you find what you’re looking for, from a tap or a washer to a boiler spare, shower or bathroom suite.

Helping Southampton keep clean for 20 years

They don’t generally sell online, but are more than happy to help in person – and (something of a rarity nowadays) they’re also happy to help over the phone.

And if they haven’t got what you’re after, they can help source virtually any related product available in the UK.

Helpful service and friendly advice

“A lot of stores, all they want to do is ‘live chat’ (by text) online, don’t they?” says James. “You can’t speak to somebody and try to explain the problem. And if you can’t do that, you’re done for. You stand no chance!”

Universal’s approach is to listen to customers’ problems and needs, and come up with – and effectively communicate – solutions. It’s often like “making a jigsaw” says James.

Serving both public and trade, Universal Plumbing Supplies is open six days a week from early until late at 127 – 129 Lodge Road, Southampton SO14 6QT. Telephone 023 8083 7373.