Ann Hassell is celebrating 50 years in the bathroom industry – a journey that has taken her from plastics to showrooms, and ultimately to building her own business, More Than Baths.
Hassell began her career at just 16, working at Brett Plastics, before moving into bathrooms at Spinks in Doncaster aged 18. By the age of 22, she had become the company’s first-ever showroom manager – a role she still remembers as a defining milestone.
“Looking back across 50 years, I feel incredibly grateful,” Hassell said. “The journey has taken me from plastics to showrooms, from family challenges to new beginnings, and finally to building something lasting with More Than Baths.
“Today, seeing my son, Richard running the business with the same drive and determination fills me with pride. It’s proof that all those years of hard work were worth it.”
After leaving Spinks to raise her young family, Hassell returned to the trade with Spital Tile in her hometown of Chesterfield, before eventually founding More Than Baths.
Along the way, she has witnessed dramatic changes in products, trends, and businesses, but says the people have always been the constant.
“Over the years, I’ve made lifelong friendships, shared experiences with brilliant colleagues, and met customers who have become part of my story,” she said.
Her son, Richard Hassell, now director at More Than Baths, paid tribute to her determination and legacy: “Not only is she the founder of More Than Baths, she’s a proud mum and nana who has built everything while facing challenges most would have walked away from. Her grit, warmth, and drive have shaped our family and our business alike.”