With so many tiles on the market and not enough hours to search for the right one for the job, it pays to talk to the experts.
SO VERSATILE
Husband and wife team Rob and Jackie Thomas of Versatile, Bridgend can help you choose the perfect materials from their outstanding range of tile and stone products and see you through installation process. Their unrivalled attention to detail comes from their passion for what they do for private and commercial sectors. We caught up with the couple to find out more.
How long has Versatile been established?
Versatile first opened its doors in September 2007 at the start of the recession. Some might think that wasn’t a good idea and we did have a very tough start but as our reputation has grown, much of this through word of mouth, our business has gone from strength to strength.
How did you get into the business?
Having been in the tile and bathroom industry for many years, we wanted to offer a choice of the finest tiles and bathroom products combined with a personal friendly service. We also wanted to offer a bespoke service to clients who were unable for various reasons to attend a showroom during normal opening hours. Our out-of-hours appointment service provides clients with an opportunity to view our products whilst the showroom is closed and has proved extremely successful.
Where do you source your tiles?
From various manufacturers from around the world and we can offer a wide range of the best quality ceramic and porcelain tiles. Our Stone Studio has an excellent selection of natural stone tiles including travertine, marble, limestone, sandstone and slate for interior and exterior use. We attend at least two trade shows each year to source new and exciting products. We also offer a range of other flooring such as hardwood and polyfloor.
You also sell bathrooms. Please tell us more.
We have a range of quality bathroom products in a variety of different materials including stone, copper and cast iron, allowing us to meet the requirements of both residential and commercial clients. Although we do have a small selection of bathrooms on display, the majority of our products are sourced to clients’ specific requirements. Wetrooms are one area which is increasing in popularity and can be manufactured to customer specifications. We are also able to design and manufacture bespoke shower enclosures to fit into those awkward spaces such as under the eaves in attic conversions.
Who are your customers?
Our clients come from all walks of life and have varying budgets. The majority of our clients use us again and are happy to recommend us to their friends and families. We are able to assist with choosing the perfect tile to complete a dream project in their home. From bathrooms to kitchens, conservatories and swimming pools, we have the solution to make their vision come alive. Our product range and extensive experience covers all aspects of the public and private specification market, from architects and designers to housebuilders, contractors and other retail outlets.
How does the process work?
Our clients come to us with pictures they have seen in magazines or bring their kitchen door and worktop samples with them. We offer a design service using the latest CAD system enabling them to see how the tiles and bathroom products will look in their home before they make their final choice. We will also arrange to visit clients at their homes for a free, bespoke measuring and design service.
We will then manage the project, ensuring products are on site at the required time using our free local delivery service and liaising with installers on their behalf, making the process a far more enjoyable and stress free experience. For the commercial market, we operate a service designed to meet the specific requirements of each project.
Do you have your own fitters?
We use three team of fitters who are recommended by us after being carefully vetted for their workmanship by the use of photographs of completed projects and testimonials from their clients.
Do you work to a budget?
No job is too small or too large and all our clients receive the same high standard of service - from a small downstairs cloakroom to new build developments and swimming pools.
What are your future plans?
We have increased our market share since 2007. Our main priority has been to establish ourselves during the recession and our showroom is currently undergoing refurbishment and we plan to expand the premises with the addition of a newly extended bathroom showroom. The showroom is always evolving as we continue to bring in new tile and bathroom ranges offering our clients the most up to date products currently available.
