Weymouth couple open new tiling business at Granby

After Abby Richmond received devastating news, she decided alongside her husband to try a focus on a new project.

Abby, 31 learnt in March that her mother Carole Barrett had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Carole Barrett (Image: Chris Barrett)

Abby, who was on maternity leave with her new baby, was also helping to care for her sick mum.

Sadly, Carole passed away at the beginning of August, but Abby was determined to turn this heartache into something positive.

This was where the idea of Versatile Bathrooms and Tiles Ltd was born. The business idea stemmed from her husband Ben Richmond whom Abby described as ‘a really experienced tiler who has been doing it for years and has more recent experience in sales.’

Versatile Bathrooms and Tiles Ltd (Image: Hollie Carr)

Abby has a background in marketing and has also completed a business management course with the Open University, she focused on the marketing side of the business and behind the scenes work.

The new business has now launched at Surrey Close on the Granby Industrial Estate.

Abby said: “My mum wanted to see the store before she went. She was pushing me to do it. If it wasn’t for her getting ill, we may not have done this.

“This time last year, we would not have ever thought that this would be happening. It’s a big life change and it’s good for the town.”

The pair worked long hours to get the business together and lots of local traders also gave their time to help get everything ready for the grand opening.

As well as being a family-run business, the married couple have also brought on two members of staff with the hopes to bring in even more team members in the future.

Abby, Ben and the team (Image: Hollie Carr)

Abby explained that the dream is to expand into kitchens and offer online services and then expand outside of Weymouth.

Versatile Bathrooms and Tiles Ltd (Image: Hollie Carr)