Three of Fayers' four branches survive and employees retain jobs.
Former Fayers Director Louise Williams has spoken publicly for the first time since the long running merchant's collapse, revealing that the focus of her final months with the business shifted from turnaround to saving as much of the company – and as many jobs – as possible.
Posting on LinkedIn following the announcement that Beggs & Partners had acquired the Just Add Water bathroom showrooms in Barnet and Buckhurst Hill, Williams thanked industry colleagues for their support and reflected on what she described as "the toughest months of my career".
Williams said she joined Fayers in late 2025 knowing the business was already in financial distress but believed there was an opportunity to rebuild the company.
"Unfortunately, after just a few months it was clear that I wasn't going to have the time I needed, so my attention turned from 'full-steam ahead' to 'how much of this business and the team can I save'," she said.
Williams added that she was proud to have helped secure the future of three of Fayers' four branches and the majority of its employees through acquisitions that have now been completed.
Williams has since joined Beggs & Partners and will oversee the integration of the Barnet and Buckhurst Hill operations, working across both the Beggs & Partners and Just Add Water brands.
The acquisition includes the well-established Just Add Water bathroom showrooms together with the business assets of the former Fayers Plumbing & Building Supplies operations at both locations, strengthening Beggs & Partners' presence in the South East while expanding its plumbing, heating and bathroom merchanting operations.
The Just Add Water brand will continue to operate from both showrooms, with customers retaining access to premium bathroom brands, showroom displays and specialist design services. Beggs & Partners is also investing in refurbishing the trade counters and warehouse facilities, with a renewed focus on its trade proposition and the exclusive Instinct own-brand range available through the PHG Buying Group. The bathroom showrooms are already trading, while the trade counters are due to reopen on 20 July.
Speaking last month, Neil Bleakly, Group Managing Director of Beggs & Partners, said: "We are delighted to welcome the Just Add Water team and customers into the Beggs & Partners family. The showrooms have established an excellent reputation for quality, innovation and customer care, values that closely align with our own business philosophy.
"This expansion strengthens our ability to serve both retail and trade customers across the South East while maintaining the local expertise and personal service that customers value."
