VIVA Sanitary

Always choosing the path less traveled, staying engaged, and holding true to our people and customers.

Viva was formed in 2008, driven by two plumbers with a desire to solve everyday problems in the sanitary fittings market. Our company came into fruition at a time of economic uncertainty. Committed to success, we knew that a fresh approach was the only way forward. We have embraced innovative ways of thinking, conceptualized and produced new products, and created a brand which stays true to its core values:

BeDifferent

BeInvolved

BeLoyal

Products & Knowledge

It all begins with a piece of paper. Ideas for new products are sketched out until we are satisfied that our new design is effective, easy to install and fit for purpose. This concept is then transferred to a computer, where 3D CAD software allows us to simulate water flow, thermal characteristics and pressure of the product ensuring performance and reliability.

Once everything operates faultlessly, we send this design to a 3D printer. Each part is printed, pieced together and tested in real life. Once we have the perfected 3D model, it is ready for production. Plastic injection moulds are created, and we mass produce each piece which are assembled then packaged with instructions, ready to hang in stores and then be installed by you.

From design, to manufacture, to assembly, to installation, we are involved every step of the way to ensure that we can be proud of our products, and that you can rest assured of their simplicity and effectiveness.

Meet the Team

When we formed Viva we knew that in order to serve our customers well, we needed to build a strong team of talented employees. Our hiring process has always been unique. We do not want cogs to keep the wheels turning, we want proficient individuals who can bring something new to the table. We seek out those who display enthusiasm and commitment to our vision, bring them onboard, and find ways to use their strengths and skills to add value to our operation. It has never been about filling a vacancy.

It has always been about finding capable people who don't necessarily have experience in this field, but are dependable and full of promise. We mold them into our company and, in turn, mould our company around them to allow them to showcase the best of their abilities. We may be stronger than the sum of our parts, but each part is pretty incredible too!

Paul Illingworth

Paul Illingworth

Managing Director
Paul Illingworth

Paul Illingworth

Managing Director

Paul Illingworth has been the managing director of the company since it was formed in 2008 and is the solid backbone behind the company's success. Paul strongly believes that a happy work environment creates hardworking staff who are productive and efficient. Paul has a hands-on approach and an unrivalled passion to aid and support his employees, getting involved in every aspect of the company. Paul has an IOD certificate in Company Direction and uses his expertise to ensure the company is in the very best financial and operational position to allow the company to go from strength to strength.

Our journey since 2008 has been a rollercoaster, with plenty of highs. The dedication and commitment of our staff to push the Viva brand to the forefront of the plumbing industry has been extraordinary. Working with such incredible people makes the job of leading this organisation a pleasure and long may it continue!

Allan Hanson

Allan Hanson

Sales & Marketing Director
Allan Hanson

Allan Hanson

Sales & Marketing Director

Allan Hanson joined the company in 2009 and is responsible for all aspects of sales, marketing and brand identity. Allan not only added the sales and marketing experience that the company needed, but has also continued to further develop his knowledge and is now a specialist within the plumbing industry. In 2012 he designed and invented the patented Dual Entry 4 in 1 Fill Valve which is now a huge seller throughout the UK & Ireland. Allan believes in leading by example and works extremely hard to develop his team's sales skills and techniques. He has also secured deals with many of the large national merchants and buying groups, and has increased the company's turnover by more than tenfold.

I'm truly privileged to lead such a unique, dynamic and growing team. We have amazing talent within our company; I still feel we are only at the beginning of our journey and each day gets more exciting as we go on.

Stephanie Illingworth

Stephanie Illingworth

Social Media & Specification Manager
Stephanie Illingworth

Stephanie Illingworth

Social Media & Specification Manager

Stephanie Illingworth has a specialist role in marketing, partnering with the sales director and account managers to help increase brand awareness. Steph is brilliant at creating a buzz around our brand using social media, marketing and specification through large plumbing contractors. Her hard work and enthusiasm has helped land some of our largest installers/customers, and by setting her own daily challenges Steph not only motivates herself but also helps to motivate the rest of the team.

Since joining Viva, it isn't like coming into work, it's like coming home. I love the buzz and enthusiasm the team has for the Viva brand.

Daniel Dougherty

Daniel Dougherty

Area Sales Manager (South)
Daniel Dougherty

Daniel Dougherty

Area Sales Manager (South)

Daniel Dougherty is one of our area sales managers and looks after our customers within the south of England & Wales. He joined the company in 2011 and has not only built a great customer base, he also makes a mean cup of tea! Dan believes once a potential customer sees the benefits of using our brand they will become a customer for life as "our products are truly a no-brainer." Dan's main attribute is securing new business which he showcased within the first month of starting his role by trebling the sales figures for his area. He has gone from strength to strength within the company and is a loyal and valued member of our team.

I enjoy coming to work as each day is as fun and challenging as the next. It's great to work for Viva knowing we all take great pride in working for the company.

Kate Inman

Kate Inman

Area Sales Manager (North)
Kate Inman

Kate Inman

Area Sales Manager (North)

Kate Inman is one of our area sales managers and looks after our customers within the north of England, Wales & Scotland. She joined the company in 2015 and hit the ground running, quickly identifying areas where her customers were losing out and expanding her base by introducing new customers. Kate is excellent at building and maintaining relationships with her customers and she is always attentive to their needs.

I love working for Viva. Since I have been here I can honestly say this is the best place I have ever worked. The hard work and dedication that everyone puts in to the company is incredible. The future is bright, the future is Viva!

Daisy Brown

Daisy Brown

Key Account Manager
Daisy Brown

Daisy Brown

Key Account Manager

Daisy Brown is our key account manager and looks after all branches within the buying groups and national merchants. She joined the company in 2014 and builds strong relationships with all her customers, fulfilling their every need. With her hard work and determination Daisy has successfully converted temporary trading accounts into live permanent accounts by creating a buzz around our brand within each sector.

I love working here at Viva, it's a crazy fun place to be. Working closely with skilled unique people and supporting each other to overcome daily challenges.

Chris Matcham

Chris Matcham

Warehouse Manager
Chris Matcham

Chris Matcham

Warehouse Manager

Chris Matcham is our warehouse manager. He is responsible for all warehouse operational duties and always aims to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction. He is a hard working, enthusiastic team leader who ensures all orders leave for delivery on time each day. Chris has a great ability to get his team pumped up and ready for each daily challenge.

Viva is a boss place to work. It's a very ambitious and forward thinking company, and with our great team there's never a dull moment.

Sam Dougherty

Sam Dougherty

Warehouse Operative
Sam Dougherty

Sam Dougherty

Warehouse Operative

Sam Dougherty is one of the warehouse operatives who are vital to our company. Sam is a team player with great organisational skills and has a very high success rate. Without Sam and the rest of the team, our customers would not receive the great service they need.

I love working here. There is always a friendly and hard working environment and I love being part of this excellent team who strive to be nothing but the best.

Adam Caddick

Adam Caddick

Warehouse Operative
Adam Caddick

Adam Caddick

Warehouse Operative

Adam Caddick is one of the warehouse operatives who are vital to our company. Adam is hardworking, enthusiastic and is always making the team laugh. Without Adam and the rest of the team, our customers would not receive the great service they need.

I like working for Viva because it's a company which has a unique family feel to it, which makes coming to work a positive rather than a negative. Everybody gets along so well and the banter is great. That combined with each person's individual skill set and qualities ensures that the future for Viva is indeed bright, and I am happy to be a part of the team.

Chris Elwill

Chris Elwill

Warehouse Operative
Chris Elwill

Chris Elwill

Warehouse Operative

Chris Elwill is one of the warehouse operatives who are vital to our company. Chris always contributes ideas to improve and optimise our warehousing procedures. Without Chris and the rest of the team, our customers would not receive the great service they need.

I really enjoy working for Viva because it's a great company to be involved in. The whole team work well together and I look forward to being part of Viva's future growth.