Bathroom distributor Smiths Briten has begun a 90-day consultation with staff at its Bolton operation as sister company Frontline Bathrooms considers the future of the site.
Managing director Darren Allison confirmed to kbbreview that all employees at Bolton are currently involved in the consultation process, with decisions over the future location of the business and staffing expected once that has concluded.
The move comes as the lease on the Bolton premises approaches its end, with Allison saying a significant proposed rent increase has called the viability of the site into question.
“The lease is running out and the landlord is nearly doubling the rent, which will make the site very challenging from a profit perspective,” he told kbbreview.
Allison stressed that no final decisions have yet been made and said the company was limited in what it could say while consultation with employees was taking place.
“At the end of the consultation period, decisions will be made as to the future business location and which staff are retained,” he said
Frontline Bathrooms operates separately from a freehold site in Featherstone, West Yorkshire, and Allison said the company intends to retain a significant proportion of the business through that operation.
Meetings are now being held with Smiths Briten and Frontline’s brand suppliers as the company assesses the future shape of the business and its supplier relationships.
“All brands are under pressure at the moment, with many having several routes to market,” Allison said. “Their future policies will be paramount in any future negotiations.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Bolton, Allison said Frontline Bathrooms continues to invest heavily in its Aqua brand, which he said has recorded double-digit month-on-month growth throughout 2026.