Plumbers must adapt quickly to the changing business climate, says Charlie Mullins of Pimlico Plumbers.

Mullins, who once featured in The Secret Millionaire reality TV programme, said: "In this climate it is not survival of the fittest, but survival of the quickest to adapt. As the market changes we have seen a reduction in large-scale bathroom and kitchen installations, tempered by a surge in maintenance and repair projects."

He said of firms such as Moben Kitchens and Dolphin Bathrooms that have failed in past few weeks: "Their inability to move quickly with the changing economy and customer demands has seen them pay with their businesses."

Pimlico Plumbers, which counts celebrities Daniel Craig and Dame Helen Mirren among its customers, says that it has achieved record sales of £16 million for the year to June. Mullins attributed this 7% growth to repeat business and new services, such as its locksmiths operation.