UK's richest plumber, who also services Daniel Craig's pipework, accuses competitor of industrial espionage
Charlie Mullins, the UK's wealthiest plumber, has filed a £1m writ at the High Court against a rival business that he has accused of industrial espionage.
His £15m-turnover company, Pimlico Plumbers, includes among its clients Keira Knightley, Daniel Craig, Hugh Grant and Dame Helen Mirren.
According to a report in the Times newspaper, Mullins' firm alleges that rival Service Corps – owned by former Australian news presenter Steve Cosser – has stolen confidential data.
Top-rank law firm Mishcon de Reya is acting for Pimlico Plumbers in the case.
Pimlico alleges that over the past two years Service Corps has tried to persuade its staff to breach their contracts and taken the firm's instruction manual and a confidential list of clients' names and addresses.
Mullins told the Times: “It is not about the money. I could put the money down the drain. It wouldn't bother me. But it's not good for the industry. You need to send out a message that people need to conduct themselves properly.
“I feel extremely strongly about this and I will not let the matter drop until due compensation is made to the company by those I feel are responsible.”
Mullins founded Pimlico Plumbers in 1979 after initially starting out as an apprentice plumber aged 15. Now aged 54, he earned £1.3m last year and the company made a profit of £2m. He has said that if he wins the case he will donate some of the money to charity.
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