HAMPSHIRE’s longest-standing independent builders’ merchant has cemented its growth plans by snapping up Lymington-based kitchen and bathroom showroom Hardleys.

Elliotts, which has stood firm in the county for more than 170 years, says the takeover will immediately add £2.5m to its turnover.

And it will progress its ambition to become the county’s leading independent kitchen and bathroom retailer.

The stalwart firm currently has nine builders’ merchant branches in Hampshire and two tool centres.

Over the past 40 years it has added kitchen and bathroom sales to its offering and its purchase of Hardleys brings its number of kitchen and bathroom showrooms to four.

All 15 staff at Hardleys will be retained as Elliotts has pledged the long-term future of the showroom.

Former Hardley’s owner, Tony Jenvey, will remain involved in the store for a period in a consultancy role.

He said: “I am very happy to be selling Hardleys to Elliotts. I have known them for over 25 years and they are a very strong and well-respected regional supplier to the building trade.”

Elliotts’ managing director Tom Elliott, who is the sixth generation of Elliotts to take the helm of the business, said: “There are so many synergies between the two companies and we are delighted to bring it under our umbrella.

“For existing Hardleys customers it’ll be business as usual, with the added strength of the Elliotts brand powering the showroom. For existing Elliotts customers in the south of the New Forest it’ll mean even more choice and expertise, even closer by.”

Founded in 1842, Elliotts is almost the oldest family business in Southampton.

As well as its kitchen and bathroom showrooms in Ringwood, Romsey and Lymington it has builders merchant branches in Bishop’s Waltham, Chandler’s Ford, Fareham, Fordingbridge, Ringwood, Romsey, Southampton, Tadley and Totton, meaning an Elliotts branch is never more than 20 minutes away from any building site in Hampshire.