The family business, which has been based in the North-east since 1862, received the prestigious honours at the black-tie awards ceremony in Birmingham on Monday night (02.03.2020). It is only the third company in the awards 26 year history to win in both of these categories in the same year.
The awards, which were held during the UK’s largest kitchen, bathroom and bedroom exhibition and conference, celebrate the best independent British and Irish retailers in the sector. This year, they were presented by well-known comedian Tom Allen to an audience of 900 industry professionals.
Darren Walker & Claire McKay, directors at the firm, collected the awards. Of the company’s win Mr Walker said, “We are thrilled to have been recognised by the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards scheme for our commitment to consistently improving our showroom, our product range and the design, installation and project management service we offer our customers.
“2019 was an important year for the business. We marked 25 years at our current premises in Inverurie and carried out extensive renovations to the showroom internally and externally. To be recognised as the best in the UK during this exciting time for the company is an honour.
It is not the first time Laings has been recognised nationally for its showroom and its dedication to its customers. In 2017, the firm was named the UK’s Bathroom Showroom of the Year and the following year, in 2018, it was named the UK’s Bathroom Retailer of the Year at the kbbreview Awards.
Mr Walker adds, “Despite a challenging market over the last few years, we are delighted that we have continued to raise standards and maintain our position as one of the country’s leading retailers. We will be so proud to bring these awards back to the North-east, where we have been part of the community for nearly 160 years.”
Tom Allen, Darren Walker, Claire McKay, Mark Strachan and Darren Paxford