SALE born entrepreneur, Julian Smith spotted a gap in the UK bathroom market and created a multi-channel business that has achieved international success in four countries, with more to come.

Bathroom Takeaway Limited has only been trading since November 2014 and already has offices in the UK, France, Italy and Germany, a flagship retail store on Regent Road in Salford, a 10,500 pallet capacity Distribution Centre in Trafford and a head count that has grown in size from just 4 to 58 full time employees.

Having achieved all of this in just three years, Julian has now been shortlisted as a Finalist in the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2017 for the North of England taking place this summer.

Managing Director of Bathroom Takeaway, Julian Smith said: “I am absolutely honoured and humbled to be nominated for such a globally recognised award. The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year programme champions dynamic businesses across the world and to recognise what was only an idea on a piece of paper just three years ago is truly overwhelming.”

The former Ashton on Mersey School pupil added:“Having worked in the plumbing and bathroom industry for 29 years I felt there was a gaping hole in the market for a retailer to simplify the bathroom buying process and take out the lengthy lead times and unnecessary hurdles, whilst at the same time offering excellent customer service.

"I’ve been fortunate to have a fantastic team of talented individuals working by my side that make Bathroom Takeaway the success it is today and I’m looking forward to being part of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur award programme going forward and building on our success.”

Julian attributes his success to his 'people first' motto ensuring that his employees are rewarded for their hard work and also that they are given the opportunities to develop their own careers and aspirations. This is reflected in the fact that Bathroom Takeaway was awarded with Investors in People award after only three months of trading which is relatively unheard of.

“Charity doesn’t just begin at home but in Manchester” is also a mantra that Julian has fed through the company and his inspiring “can do” attitude has helped two local charities to achieve thousands of pounds thanks to the entrepreneur’s generosity.

As well as running a multi-million-pound business Julian gives up his free time to sit on the local executive boards of two charities, Brainwave and Key 103’s Cash for Kids.

As a business, Bathroom Takeaway has helped Cash for Kids raise over £4.8 million pounds worth of toys for their Mission Christmas toy appeal over the last two years and £34,000 for Brainwave thanks to sponsoring the Manchester Duck Race in 2016 and 2017.

Julian started his career on a YTS Training Scheme in 1988, then having attained a BTEC in business and finance and through sheer hard work and dedication worked his way up the career ladder holding senior positions at Grafton Group plc and Plumbworld before taking the plunge and creating Bathroom Takeaway.