Howie splashes cash for shower company

SIMON Howie, the Perthshire butcher-turned-entrepreneur, has splashed out £1.5 million on production line equipment for Mermaid Panels, his shower wall cover making company.

Laminate panels made by the Scottish firm, which supplies some 1,500 retail clients throughout the UK, have been installed at locations including Buckingham Palace and the National Gallery in London.

Howie, who is chairman of Mermaid Panels, said: "This significant capital investment in our production line will not only consolidate our position but also build on our reputation for quality and innovation."