Interview With Mike Manders, Founder Of Haddon

Mike Manders is an accomplished business leader with over two decades of experience delivering complex, multimillion-pound projects across the interiors and construction sectors.

His early career saw him in client-side roles with major international firms where he led large-scale projects under challenging logistical conditions. These formative experiences shaped his reputation for operational excellence, commercial leadership and a calm, decisive approach under pressure.

Alongside his corporate career, Mike nurtured a personal passion for property development and design, an interest that eventually informed his move into the interiors space.

In 2019, he joined Lusso Stone, becoming Managing Director in 2020. During his tenure, he led the company through a period of rapid transformation and international growth.

Under Mike’s leadership, Lusso earned multiple Sunday Times Fast Track accolades, expanded globally with over 200% growth, and attracted private equity attention, culminating in a valuation exceeding £100 million.

At Lusso, Mike oversaw all facets of the business, from commercial strategy and logistics to recruitment, culture-building, and operational scaling – guiding the company toward long-term, sustainable success. After stepping down as Managing Director in 2023 and fully exiting Lusso in 2024, Mike co-founded Haddon with his son, George Manders.

Haddon is a family-owned bathroom business delivering timeless luxury, enduring quality and exceptional craftsmanship for high-end residential and hospitality projects.

 

What Is Haddon And What Do You Do?

 

Created in response to growing demand for refined bathroom collections at accessible price points, Haddon offers thoughtfully designed products that blend enduring elegance with modern functionality to meet the exacting standards of architects, interior designers and developers.

Inspired by British design traditions, Haddon’s debut collections include sculptural marble and stone bathtubs, precision-engineered brassware, refined ceramic basins, timeless vanity units, statement radiators, elegant mirrors and considered accessories, offering a complete bathroom solution for trade professionals.

Founded by father and son duo, Mike and George Manders, Haddon reflects their shared passion for luxury materials, thoughtful detail and designs that stand the test of time.

 

What Excites You About Bathrooms?

 

Luxury bathrooms excite me because they blend architecture, design and technology in such a seamless way. Every element, from the textures of the tiles to the lighting and layout works together to create a visually stunning yet deeply functional space.

What Is An English Heritage Bathroom?

 

An English Heritage bathroom refers to a bathroom design inspired by traditional British style, often reflecting the elegance and craftsmanship of classic English interiors, especially from the Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian periods.

The Haddon Arlington collection complements this trend beautifully and continues to be a standout in our range.

 

What Have Been The Challenges Of Breaking Through In An Otherwise Very Established Industry Space?

 

Breaking through in the established luxury bathroom industry comes with unique challenges. One of the biggest is differentiating ourselves in a market where brand reputation and legacy often dominate customer trust.

Consumers tend to stick with well-known names, so building credibility from the ground up requires consistently demonstrating innovation, quality, and exceptional design.

Additionally, penetrating a space with high expectations means balancing creativity with functionality, ensuring that every product not only looks luxurious but also performs flawlessly. Finally, staying ahead of trends while maintaining timeless appeal is an ongoing challenge, but it’s also what drives us to continuously push boundaries and redefine luxury in our own way

 

What Sets Haddon Apart From Others In Your Space?

 

What sets us apart in the luxury bathroom space is our ability to combine timeless design with cutting-edge innovation. While many brands focus on either aesthetics or functionality, we prioritise both; creating products that are visually stunning, technologically advanced, and built to last.

Additionally, we take a highly personalised approach, tailoring experiences to each client and ensuring attention to detail at every touchpoint. This commitment to quality, design and customer experience allows us to stand out in an otherwise crowded and established market.

 

How Are Haddon Innovating In The Space?

 

We’re innovating by blending smart technology with timeless design, using sustainable materials, and offering fully personalised solutions. It’s about creating bathrooms that are not just beautiful, but intuitive, functional and uniquely tailored to each client

 

What Have Been Your Biggest Successes To Date In Your Industry?

 

I would say I achieved several significant milestones in my previous business; however, launching my own brand alongside my son and witnessing the impact we have made over the past year has been truly remarkable.

From supplying products to Michelin-starred restaurants to major developments, luxury resorts and flagship hotels in London, the level of interest in our offerings has exceeded all my expectations.

 

Product-Based Businesses And Notoriously Tricky To Run; How Have You Found It So Far?

 

Running a product-based business certainly comes with its unique challenges, from inventory management to customer expectations. So far, I’ve found it both demanding and rewarding.

The complexities I have learnt in my previous roles have taught me the importance of operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and staying closely attuned to customer needs. At the same time, seeing tangible results and customer satisfaction makes the effort worthwhile

 

What Do The Next Few Years Have In Store For You And For Haddon?

 

The next few years are all about growth, innovation, and elevated experiences.

We’re bringing luxury bathroom design online like never before, through personalised digital tools, curated high-end collections and sustainable materials making every bathroom not just functional, but an indulgent retreat.

 

How Can We Find You?

 

All the usual channels: Instagram @haddonengland and our website www.haddon.co.uk.