Coventry Plumbing and Mark Vitow Partner to Power the Trade

Independent merchants are at the heart of the plumbing and heating industry, and Coventry Plumbing and Heating Supplies is a shining example of how a family-run business can thrive by staying true to its roots and the community it serves.

Family Roots

Founded by Geoff Harris in 1981, Coventry Plumbing has grown to become the largest independent plumbing and heating supplier in the Coventry region, with branches in Swan Lane, Canley, and Nuneaton.

Geoff’s grandson, Harry Wheldon, represents the third generation in the business. Like many who grow up in family firms, he started on the ground floor, picking orders in the warehouse and learning which products moved fastest. Over time, this hands-on knowledge grew into a wider role, working closely with his father to understand his approach to stock and customer service.

“I learned the buying side from my Dad,” says Harry. “He never liked to run out of anything! Even if we sell something only once or twice a year, we’ll keep it in stock because someone might need it, and we want to be there for our customers.”

This approach underpins the business’s reputation for reliability. A well-stocked warehouse and a fleet of vans offering sameday delivery locally mean installers know they can rely on Coventry Plumbing to have the products they need, when they need them.

Community First

But stock and service are only part of the story. Coventry Plumbing has built a loyal following by investing back into the community it serves. From go-karting and golf days to rugby outings, football matches, and charity fundraisers, the business makes a point of giving something back.

It is a cycle that benefits everyone: loyal customers support the merchant, and the merchant supports its community. That same support and focus on people and reliability runs through Coventry Plumbing’s supplier relationships too, including its longstanding partnership with Mark Vitow Ltd.

Strength in Partnership

Mark Vitow Ltd, part of the VITOW GROUP, combines the distribution of trade-trusted brands with the manufacture of its own VITOW range, creating a full-service offer for merchants. Coventry Plumbing has worked with the company since its early days, stocking lines such as FlushDaddy fill valves, NEOTOP tap revivers, and MV250 jointing compound. More recently, FlowPro macerators were added to the shelves, a product crowned Best Bathroom Product by the Bathroom Association at InstallerSHOW for the second consecutive year.

These ranges now form part of the growing VITOW portfolio, recently rebranded to create one clear and consistent look across its various product categories. Harry Wheldon has noticed the difference: “The new VITOW branding is brilliant. Customers already know and trust FlushDaddy, so when they see the same branding on other products, it gives them confidence that it’s a product they can trust.”

Beyond Supply

The relationship goes well beyond supply. Mark Vitow provides ongoing marketing and promotional support, from in-store POS and regular trade mornings to on-site engagement with Brand Ambassador ‘I Love Plumbing’ Andy Cam, who recently spent a morning meeting customers and engaging with staff.

This unique level of support strengthens the partnership between the two businesses. “For us, that’swhat turns a supplier into a partner,” says Harry. “We’re not a big corporate. We’re a family business, and it makes a difference to work with people who share our approach.”

That sentiment is echoed by Sarah Doyle, Mark Vitow Key Account Manager: “Coventry Plumbing really stand out as a merchant. They’re committed to stock and service, and they put their customers and community first. Our job is to back that up with the right products, and to stay in close contact so they always have what they need.”

Looking Ahead

The partnership between Coventry Plumbing and Mark Vitow demonstrates how independent, family-run businesses can succeed by supporting each other. With new product launches, trade events, and a shared focus on service excellence, the two companies are well positioned to continue serving the plumbing and heating trade for generations to come.