Collaboration Without Borders: How Our UK and China Teams Drive Innovation Together
Charity, Company News, Insights, Lakes | 10/09/2025At Lakes Showering Spaces, our strength lies not just in what we produce, but in how we work together. With more than 130 employees across the UK and at our wholly owned manufacturing site in Ningbo, China, we’re proof that true collaboration can thrive across time zones and continents.
More Than Manufacturing
Our Ningbo operation, led by Factory Manager Jessie Chen, works hand in hand with our UK headquarters in Tewkesbury, guided by Operations Director Chris Thain and Managing Director Mike Gahir. This isn’t a typical manufacturer and client relationship, it’s a shared commitment to the same ethos, values, and high standards that define Lakes.
As Chris explains:
“Working with a partner who not only manufactures our products but shares our company ethos is paramount for Lakes. It’s not just about the end result; it’s about the journey and the values we uphold together.”
With a three-storey office block, showroom, and expansive production facilities, our Ningbo site provides a modern workplace for over 55 employees, all dedicated to delivering products that carry the Lakes hallmark of quality.
Innovation in Action
Partnership is more than communication, it’s the engine of innovation. Our close working relationship has brought to life some of our most exciting ranges:
– The Wave Collection, showcasing premium design and craftsmanship.
– The new Modular Walk-In range, offering versatile, customisable panel sizes with meticulous attention to detail, built to meet rigorous UK and European safety standards.
The success of these products is a direct result of the synergy between our UK and Ningbo teams, combining deep technical expertise with a shared drive for innovation.
A Shared Commitment
For Jessie and her team, it’s about more than production targets:
“Our team in Ningbo is fully committed to maintaining open lines of communication with Lakes to ensure that specifications and requirements are met consistently. This partnership is not just about production; it’s about collaboration and understanding.”
Looking Ahead
Our wholly owned factory in Ningbo is more than a site of production, it’s a symbol of what can be achieved when two teams, separated by thousands of miles, unite around shared values and a common vision.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to nurturing this partnership, ensuring that every showering space we create not only meets the highest standards of quality and innovation, but also reflects the culture of responsibility we are proud to uphold.