
Charlie Mullins: Net Worth, Age, and Pimlico Plumbers Story
There’s a certain charm in the story of a man who knew from age nine that he wanted to be a plumber, and then actually became one of the most recognisable faces in British business. Charlie Mullins, founder of Pimlico Plumbers, turned that childhood ambition into a multimillion-pound empire, earning an OBE along the way and selling his company for a reported £125–145 million. Here’s a closer look at the man behind the plumber’s van – his wealth, his marriages, and what he’s doing now.
Age: 70 ·
Left school at age: 15 ·
Net worth: Multi-millionaire ·
Honour: OBE ·
Founded company: Pimlico Plumbers
Quick snapshot
- Age 70 (Wikipedia)
- Left school at 15 to start a plumbing apprenticeship (Bamboo Innovator)
- Founder of Pimlico Plumbers, launched in 1979 (BBC)
- Awarded OBE in 2016 (The Sun)
- Sold company in 2021 (BBC)
- Exact net worth figure
- Sale price (reported range £125–145m but not confirmed)
- Current partner’s name
- Number of children (exact count)
- Names of his wives
- 1952: Born in London
- 1967: Left school, began plumbing apprenticeship
- 1979: Founded Pimlico Plumbers
- 2016: Awarded OBE
- 2021: Sold majority stake to Neighborly
- 2026: Became non-executive chairman of WeFix London
- Non-executive chairman of WeFix London
- Continues as media commentator and public speaker
- Potential book or memoir? (not confirmed)
Eight key facts paint a clear picture of the man behind the brand.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Sidney Charles Mullins OBE |
| Date of birth | 28 October 1952 |
| Age | 70 |
| Occupation | Businessman, founder of Pimlico Plumbers (BBC) |
| Known for | Pimlico Plumbers (BBC) |
| Honours | OBE |
| Net worth | Multi-millionaire (Spear’s Magazine) |
| Marital status | Married three times (The Sun) |
Is Charlie Mullins a millionaire?
Yes — and then some. Charlie Mullins is widely described as a multimillionaire, often called Britain’s first “millionaire plumber” by Spear’s Magazine.
What is Charlie Mullins’ net worth?
- Multiple reports estimate his net worth at around £70 million (Spear’s Magazine).
- This figure is backed by reporting from The Sun, which also puts him at £70 million.
- The sale of his 90% stake in Pimlico Plumbers in 2021 was reported to be worth between £125 million and £145 million (BBC).
The implication: the net worth estimate appears conservative relative to the sale price, suggesting Mullins may be worth more than the £70 million figure commonly cited.
How did Charlie Mullins become wealthy?
- He built Pimlico Plumbers from scratch over 42 years, growing it into London’s largest independent plumbing firm.
- The major wealth event was the 2021 sale of 90% of the company to U.S. home-services group Neighborly.
- He did not inherit wealth or take the company public — it was a straight business sale.
The pattern: a classic bootstrapped success story where the founder’s equity was the single biggest wealth driver.
How did Charlie Mullins get rich?
Mullins’ path to wealth began early, but not in a classroom. He left school at 15 with no qualifications and started a four-year plumbing apprenticeship (Bamboo Innovator).
What was Charlie Mullins’ early career?
- He reportedly started working with a local plumber as a child, earning “two bob a day” while skipping school.
- He said he wanted to be a plumber from the age of nine after observing the lifestyle and status of a local plumber.
- He completed his apprenticeship and worked as a plumber before starting his own business.
What this means: Mullins didn’t stumble into plumbing — he chose it deliberately and early.
How did he build Pimlico Plumbers?
- He founded the company in 1979 at age 27 from an estate agent’s basement in Pimlico.
- By 2013, the company employed about 200 people and had an £18 million turnover.
- At the time of sale, Wikipedia reports revenues of $70 million and over 400 employees.
The catch: the Wikipedia figures are lower-confidence (tier 3), but the growth trajectory is consistent across multiple sources.
How much did Charlie Mullins sell Pimlico for?
Mullins sold his 90% stake in Pimlico Plumbers in September 2021 to Neighborly, a U.S. home-services group. The transaction was reported as being worth between £125 million and £145 million (BBC).
Does Charlie still own Pimlico Plumbers?
- No — he sold his 90% stake in 2021.
- He is no longer involved in day-to-day operations.
- In 2026, he was appointed non-executive chairman of WeFix London, a new plumbing venture.
The trade-off: selling the company made him a multimillionaire, but he’s now building a new brand with WeFix London — a second act in the same industry.
How many times has Charlie Mullins been married?
Charlie Mullins has been married three times, according to multiple biographical profiles (The Sun). Details about his wives are not widely reported.
Who is Charlie Mullins’ current partner?
- His current partner is not publicly named in available sources.
- He has been married previously, but the names of his wives are not confirmed.
Why this matters: despite his public profile, Mullins keeps his romantic life private — a contrast to his outspoken media persona.
Who are Charlie Mullins’ children?
- He has children, including a son named Scott Mullins.
- Scott Mullins has been mentioned in connection with the family business, but his role is not fully detailed.
- The exact number of children is not confirmed in public sources.
The pattern: like many self-made entrepreneurs, Mullins’ family life is kept largely out of the spotlight.
Who is Charlie Mullins’ son Scott Mullins?
- Scott Mullins is the son of Charlie Mullins.
- He has been involved in the family business to some extent, but public information is limited.
The implication: the next generation’s involvement in the plumbing empire remains unclear.
Who is Charlie Mullins’ current partner?
As noted, Charlie Mullins’ current partner is not publicly named. He has been married three times, but the names of his partners are not part of the public record (The Sun).
This gap in public knowledge is consistent with his focus on business rather than personal life in media appearances.
Timeline
The following timeline captures key milestones in Charlie Mullins’ life.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 28 October 1952 | Born in London (Wikipedia) |
| 1967 | Left school at age 15 to become a plumber’s apprentice (Bamboo Innovator) |
| 1979 | Founded Pimlico Plumbers from a basement in Pimlico (BBC) |
| 2016 | Awarded OBE for services to the plumbing industry (The Sun) |
| 2021 | Sold 90% stake to Neighborly for £125–145m (BBC) |
| 2026 | Appointed non-executive chairman of WeFix London (The Sun) |
The sequence shows a classic long-game: 42 years of building before the big exit, followed by a quick return to the industry.
What we know and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Age 70 (Wikipedia)
- Left school at 15 (Bamboo Innovator)
- Founder of Pimlico Plumbers (BBC)
- Awarded OBE (The Sun)
- Sold the company in 2021 (BBC)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth figure
- Sale price (reported range but not confirmed)
- Current partner’s name
- Number of children (exact count)
- Name of his wives
The balance of evidence is strong on the business story, but personal details remain conspicuously absent from the public record.
Quotes
“Straight talking, direct, to the point and speaking common sense.”
— Charlie Mullins OBE, from his Instagram biography
“The sale of Mullins’ 90% stake in Pimlico Plumbers to Neighborly was worth between £125 million and £145 million.”
— BBC News
One quote captures his self-image; the other captures the scale of his business success.
Summary
Charlie Mullins turned a childhood fascination with plumbing into a multimillion-pound business, sold it at a peak valuation, and is now back in the sector with a new venture. For the British public and aspiring entrepreneurs, the lesson is clear: a trade skill, combined with relentless ambition, can build a fortune — and a second act after exit.
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For a deeper look into how the deal unfolded, you can read the detailed account of the Pimlico Plumbers sale that reveals the negotiations behind that nine-figure sum.
Frequently asked questions
What is Charlie Mullins’ educational background?
He left school at 15 without qualifications and completed a four-year plumbing apprenticeship.
Does Charlie Mullins have any siblings?
Public information about siblings is not available.
What is Charlie Mullins’ political affiliation?
He has described himself as a conservative and is a vocal supporter of the Conservative Party.
Has Charlie Mullins written any books?
He has not published a book, though he has been the subject of many profiles and interviews.
Is Charlie Mullins active on social media?
Yes, he is active on Instagram and Twitter, where he posts about business and politics.
What is WeFix London?
A new plumbing and home services company where Mullins serves as non-executive chairman.
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