Birmingham-based Hiatt Hardware Group has unveiled an ambitious growth strategy following a significant acquisition, outlining plans to scale its workforce, broaden its product portfolio, and strengthen its manufacturing footprint across the UK home improvement sector.
The announcement signals a new phase for the group as it moves beyond its established hardware and ironmongery roots into wider bathroom and plumbing markets.
Acquisition Marks Turning Point for Business Expansion
A key driver of the strategy is the acquisition completed on 18 May 2026 of Lakes Bathrooms Ltd and Lakes Showering Spaces.
The deal significantly expands Hiatt’s operational scope, bringing specialist bathroom design and manufacturing capabilities into the group.
Industry observers see the move as a deliberate effort to position Hiatt as a more diversified supplier within the competitive UK home improvement supply chain, with stronger control over both distribution and production.
Workforce Growth and Operational Integration Targets
As part of its roadmap, the group has set a target of expanding its combined workforce to around 200 employees.
This includes safeguarding and integrating more than 120 existing jobs within the newly acquired Lakes businesses.
Management has confirmed that Lakes’ current operations, branding, and teams will remain intact during the integration phase, with a focus on ensuring stability and continuity for staff and customers alike.
Expanding Market Reach Through New Partnerships
Beyond internal restructuring, Hiatt Hardware Group plans to accelerate its market expansion through new distribution partnerships.
These are expected to extend the company’s reach across the UK home improvement sector and strengthen its position among trade customers and retail supply chains.
The strategy reflects a broader ambition to evolve from a traditional hardware distributor into a multi-category supplier with influence across multiple segments of the construction and home improvement industry.
Investment in Manufacturing at the Core of Strategy
A central pillar of the group’s roadmap is increased investment in manufacturing capabilities, particularly within the Lakes division.
The goal is to enhance production capacity, improve product innovation, and support long-term growth across both domestic and export markets.
Executives say this investment will help the group respond more quickly to market demand while maintaining quality standards across its expanding product range.
Leadership Emphasises Long-Term Growth Vision
Senior leadership at Hiatt has described the acquisition and wider strategy as a forward-looking step designed to build resilience and scale.
Group CEO has stressed that the combined business is being structured for long-term expansion, with a focus on product diversification and stronger supply chain integration.
Meanwhile, the chairman highlighted confidence in the UK home improvement market and described the acquisition as a strategic commitment to strengthening British manufacturing and design capabilities.
Continuity for Customers During Transition
Despite the scale of change, the company has assured customers that service continuity remains a priority.
Both Hiatt and Lakes will continue operating in their respective markets while gradually aligning under the group’s broader strategic framework.
The transition is expected to be managed in phases to avoid disruption, allowing existing customers to maintain relationships and service levels while benefiting from the expanded capabilities of the combined group.
