International Decorative Surfaces (IDS) has now ceased operations after falling into administration earlier this year, and thanked customers for their “loyalty and support”.
In a letter that retailers received this morning, IDS confirmed that it had closed operations, and “effective immediately” it would no longer be able to accept orders at any IDS branch. However, the letter also clarified that its Showerwall business was unaffected by the closure.
The letter concluded: “As we bring this final chapter to a close, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks for your loyalty and support over the years. Serving you has been our privilege, and we extend our sincerest gratitude to you, our suppliers, and our dedicated staff, both past and present. We wish you all the very best for the future.”
IDS – which had a strong presence across the KBB industry for more than quarter of a century and previously claimed to be “the UK’s largest distributor of decorative surfaces” – filed notice to appoint administrators in September.
Specialist business advisory firm FRP Advisory were appointed to handle the administration, later confirming they were preparing to put the business and its assets up for sale. Later that month, it was announced that Bathroom Brands had agreed to acquire IDS subsidiary Showerwall and its assets for an undisclosed sum.
Now, the Showerwall business, as well as its head office and 19 members of staff, has joined Bathroom Brands’ wide portfolio of brands, which also includes Crosswater, Burlington, Britton and Clearwater Interiors.
Following the letter being released this morning, Damian Walters, CEO of the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI), offered his condolences to the brand and its employees.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: “Whilst this may have been expected, following restructuring announcements made over recent months, this is incredibly sad times for the industry, and in particular for those directly affected, from staff, suppliers and associates.
“We wish those great people involved the very best of luck as they seek new and exciting opportunities. I would like to personally thank the team for our collaboration over the years, for the many strong relationships built and indeed their support of the installation part of this sector.”