FAMILY-run Smith Brothers, the interior design and home improvement specialist is celebrating its 25th anniversary with the opening of a new extension at its showrooms in Osbaldwick Link Road, York, on Friday.

The extra space means that a £500,000 three-year investment by the Smith family to extend the showroom from its original 10,000 sq ft to 16,000 ft is now completed.

It will be opened by MEP Edward McMillan-Scott who in 1989 formally opened the Osbaldwick Link Road premises when the business moved there from its original base in Fulford Road.

"So it will be full circle for him and for us," said managing director Martin Smith.

Smith Brothers began in the days when Martin and Roger's father, Fred Smith, was a shareholder in a plumbers' merchant.

Roger, who is three years older than Martin, and Helen - later to become Martin's wife - were all employed in the business, but in 1978, the two brothers decided to start their own company.

Smith Brothers was born in what had been a disused Army Ordnance building on the former York military hospital site in Fulford Road. At first it was too large, but as the range of plumbing products, kitchens, bathrooms , tiles and services expanded rapidly to central heating products, bathroom furniture and fireplaces the premises became too small, as staff numbers soared to 20.

Hence the move to Osbaldwick Link Road, where the expansion continued, so that today the family employs more than 50 people. Fred Smith and his wife, Sheila, still act for the company as consultants and Roger took early retirement last year, with Martin taking over as MD. Martin's wife, Helen, is involved with personnel issues and has overall responsibility for the showrooms. Their two sons are also involved in the business.

Martin Smith said: "Our continuing success in both the retail and contract markets combined with an enthusiastic and committed team of staff augurs well for the next 25 years."

Updated: 14:49 Tuesday, September 23, 2003