30 years of success for Birmingham tile firm now working with global brands
A Birmingham tile specialist that started its journey at a family dining room table is marking 30 years of growth, from a local supplier to a global commercial brand, thanks to a long-standing partnership with Lloyds.
Solus Ceramics was founded in 1995 by husband-and-wife team Peter and Jane Bentley, now headed up by their son Marcus Bentley and Son-in-law Ryan Bennett.
Today, the business is one of the UK’s largest privately owned distributors of sustainable porcelain and ceramic tiles employing over 100 people. With a turnover of more than £25 million, the company operates showrooms in Birmingham, London and Manchester.
The business supplies blue-chip clients, including global names like Porsche, BMW UK, MINI UK, and Five Guys, who rely on Solus Ceramics for consistency, quality and design excellence across their international property portfolios.
As demand from global brands over the years continued to grow, so has the company’s ambitions. A key turning point came in 2008 when Lloyds supported Solus Ceramics with funding to move into a new £3.5 million headquarters and laid the foundation for further growth.
Over three decades, Lloyds has continued to provide tailored support across all areas of the business - from everyday banking to foreign currency accounts, international guarantees, and advice on investing in infrastructure and sustainability.
That support has played a crucial role in helping the business expand its footprint, build new showrooms, and serve a growing international client base.
Sourcing more than 500,000 square metres of tiles each year, Solus Ceramics supplies interior designers and architects for commercial spaces including office receptions, showrooms and hospitality venues. Despite its international reach, the business remains proudly rooted in the West Midlands.
Thanks to additional support from Lloyds, the business is now investing in a refreshed Birmingham showroom and launching a new architectural studio in Digbeth - a thriving area at the heart of the city’s major redevelopment zones, including Smithfield and Curzon Street.
The business continues to operate with the same family values it was founded on, putting long-term relationships, community and quality service first.
Sustainability is also central to Solus Ceramics’ vision, with the company having received industry certification to accredit the business for responsible sourcing.
The business has recently installed solar panels at its sites to cut emissions and boost energy efficiency and is also partnering with the Canal & River Trust to help clean Birmingham’s waterways.
Looking ahead, Solus Ceramics plans to continue its international expansion while strengthening its presence in the Midlands and investing in sustainable growth.
Ryan Bennett, managing director at Solus Ceramics, said: “We’re proud to support commercial designers and architects with technically brilliant, beautifully designed, sustainable products. More than 80% of our work is in the UK, but we’re now well equipped to support our clients on a global scale also.
“Having a proper home made a real difference, it was a huge step up from our previous site and showed we were serious. Lloyds supported us then, and they continue to be a great partner today, helping us manage international payments and guarantees with ease.”
Phil Davies, relationship manager at Lloyds, said: “We’re proud to be marking 30 years of working with Solus Ceramics, a partnership that has supported the business through key moments of growth. From its early days to becoming an international supplier, we’ve been pleased to provide financial guidance and tailored support throughout.
“What stands out is how the business has managed to grow globally while staying true to its roots in the Midlands. It’s a great example of how local businesses can scale successfully and sustainably, while continuing to contribute to the regional economy.”
Photo credit: Solus Ceramics
