What began in a single industrial unit on JBJ Business Park in 2008 has become one of the UK’s fastest-growing tiling supply businesses. Pro Tiler Tools, the family-founded enterprise built on the back of hard work, customer-first thinking and bold decision-making, shares its remarkable growth journey following its recent move into its brand-new 140,000 sq ft distribution centre in Pineham, Northampton.
Founded by Andy Bucknall, a professional tiler, and his wife Wendy, Pro Tiler Tools was born out of frustration with the lack of easy access to high-quality tiling tools and materials. Joined later by sons Sam and Todd, the Bucknall family gradually shifted from tiling to retail, growing from one small unit to three, before becoming a limited company in 2010. Their journey, however, has not been without trials.
In 2013, a devastating fire nearly wiped out the business and for many, that would have been the end, but not for the Bucknalls.
With little more than a single unit, limited stock, and sheer determination, the family rebuilt from the ground up, moving in 2017 to a new site in Blisworth Hill Farm and, by 2020, to a 56,000 sq. ft warehouse in Earls Barton.
A brave leap and a bold payoff
The move in 2020 was a calculated risk during a time of widespread uncertainty. Yet, despite the challenges of the pandemic, Pro Tiler Tools didn’t close a single day. With its family-led team putting in round-the-clock hours (literally) order fulfilment remained fast and reliable, helping to double the business’s turnover in just one year.
Fast-forward to today, and the numbers speak volumes. From £4.5 million in turnover pre-COVID to an expected £30+ million this year, the company has expanded its workforce from 48 to over 60 strong, added roles across warehouse, procurement, marketing and key accounts, and now operates out of a six-times-larger flagship unit in Prologis Park Pineham near the M1 with vastly improved access and display space.
The move also unlocked a 9pm next-day dispatch service, making Pro Tiler Tools one of few businesses outside Amazon to offer such flexibility.
Culture over everything
“The reason we’ve succeeded while others have struggled is simple: our people,” said Sam Bucknall, Director at Pro Tiler Tools. “From the very beginning, this has been about solving problems for tilers, because many of us were tilers or in the trade ourselves. Every decision we make starts with, ‘what does the customer need?’ Revenue comes after that.”
The company’s core management team reflects its values. Over 75% of leadership have worked with or known the Bucknalls for years, many coming from tiling backgrounds themselves. That shared history has created a culture of respect, accountability, and genuine passion for the trade.
Sam Bucknall, now Director of Pro Tiler Tools under Topps Tiles’ ownership, is widely recognised for energising the business and nurturing a team-first culture where staff feel genuinely respected and valued. This positive environment fuels their passion for their work and customer service, leading them to consistently go above and beyond for customers and show unwavering loyalty to the business.”
Partnership with Topps Tiles, without losing identity
Topps Tiles acquired a 60% stake in March 2022, finalising the deal by acquiring the remaining 40% in March 2024. The relationship is collaborative, not controlling, and the new Pineham facility is a direct investment in Pro Tiler Tools’ vision for ambitious, sustainable growth. They’ve let us keep running the business the Pro Tiler way and the results prove it works,” added Sam.
With an ambitious revenue target on the horizon, and increased trade counter footfall, the brand is set to lead the tiling tools industry into a new era.
Looking ahead
Pro Tiler Tools remains agile, data-driven, and fiercely committed to staying ahead of market trends. Holding the largest stock offering online, delivering unmatched speed and accuracy, and expanding their product portfolio annually, they are not just surviving in a competitive and slowing market, they are thriving.
To celebrate their new premises and mark their 15th year in business, Pro Tiler Tools are inviting tilers, tradespeople, and members of the public to their free Launch Event on Friday 11th July which will include live demonstrations from top suppliers and access to exclusive one-day deals. More information can be found here.
As recent winners of the ‘Excellence in Supply and Services’, and ‘Best E-commerce Website/App’ in the 2025 Tile Association Awards, as well as winners in previous years, the business is more determined than ever to maintain their first-class reputation.
As Sam concludes, “We just get it done. If we think it’s the right decision and the data backs it, we move fast. We believe in being the best for our customers and that belief has built something incredible.”
For more information about Pro Tiler Tools visit www.protilertools.co.uk.
