Meet Austin, founder of Real Stone and Tile, an independent tile and bathroom retailer supplying high-quality Italian products to tradespeople, developers, and homeowners across the UK. With years of industry experience and a clear vision, Austin built a business that combines top-tier materials with a more personal, flexible service.
A unique tile retailer built on quality and flexibility
Operating from a combined showroom and warehouse, Real Stone and Tile sources most of its tiles directly from trusted factories in Italy. These suppliers are renowned for producing some of the best tiles in the world.
“We’ve built great relationships with our Italian suppliers,” says Austin. “Buying direct means better prices, better control over what we stock, and more choice for our customers.”
That independence is a big part of what makes the business stand out. Without head office restrictions or fixed product lines, Austin and his team can offer a truly tailored service to every customer.
“If someone wants something we don’t have, we’ll go and get it,” he explains. “We’re not tied to a brand. We’re here to help—not just to sell what we’re told to sell.”
Thanks to this hands-on approach, Real Stone and Tile can usually source specific tiles, even those not held in stock, within about 10 days. That extra level of service keeps customers coming back.
From employee to business owner
After years of working for a similar company, Austin decided it was time to strike out on his own. “I’d been doing this for a long time and just felt ready. I wanted to be my own boss,” he says.
Running his own business has brought variety and satisfaction to his workdays. “Every day is different. You meet new people all the time. And when someone’s renovating their home, you’re with them from start to finish. You see the transformation. That’s rewarding.”
How Capital on Tap fuels growth and flexibility
As a product-based business dealing in high-value orders, managing cash flow and supplier payments is a key part of Austin’s day-to-day. That’s where Capital on Tap makes a real difference.
“Most of our suppliers accept card payments, so having the Capital on Tap Business Credit Card gives us a bit of extra credit when we need it,” he explains. “Plus, the rewards and benefits really help when you’re working with big figures.”
He also upgraded to the Pro tier to make the most of his business spending. “It made sense for us. Because we deal in such large amounts, the extra perks were definitely worth it!”
When it came to building a savings buffer, switching to the Capital on Tap Instant Savings account, powered by ClearBank, was a simple choice. “We had a savings account elsewhere, but the Capital on Tap one is far more flexible,” he says. “The interest rate is much better too. It’s easier to access, and it’s just working harder for the business.”
