Leading business organisations from the European Union and the United Kingdom convened in February 2025 to explore practical solutions to reduce technical trade barriers and enhance economic cooperation post-Brexit. Central to the dialogue was a strong joint call for a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on conformity assessment, a move seen as both pragmatic and achievable in the current regulatory landscape. A public statement calling for the MRA has now been made available.

Participants acknowledged the similar challenges faced by industries on both sides of the Channel and agreed that a mutual recognition agreement on conformity assessment would provide substantial mutual benefits.

Among the key advantages identified:

• Regulatory stability and investment confidence: An MRA would bring predictability to compliance processes, encouraging long-term investment and enabling businesses to scale operations with assurance.
• Reduced duplication and compliance costs: By removing the need for duplicative conformity assessments, businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, would benefit from lower administrative burdens and improved access to both EU and UK markets.
• Enhanced capacity and competition: Recognising all conformity assessment bodies would expand access to these services, build capacity, and drive healthy competition, ultimately benefiting exporters.

Business organisations agreed that an MRA is not only desirable but also practical and deliverable. It can be pursued independently of the broader EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, allowing for more agile progress. Additionally, it can start with selected industries and be expanded over time, ensuring a manageable and results-driven approach.

Furthermore, existing technical foundations are in place. The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is assessed to the same standards as EU Member State Accreditation Bodies. This alignment provides a strong technical basis for mutual recognition.

The initiative has received strong backing from the UK construction products sector, including the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), a member of the Construction Products Association, one of the signatory bodies.

“A mutual recognition agreement on conformity assessment is a common-sense step that will significantly reduce unnecessary costs and red tape for our industry,” said Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association.

“As proud members of the Construction Products Association, we strongly welcome this initiative and urge political leaders on both sides of the Channel to take heed of this clear message from industry. Enabling smoother access to each other’s markets is key to supporting growth and innovation.”

A call to action ahead of the EU-UK Summit

With the EU-UK Summit scheduled for 19 May 2025, signatories, including the CPA, CBI, Make UK and Orgalim, urge political leaders to prioritise this initiative. An MRA on conformity assessment stands out as a tangible step toward easing trade friction and fostering a stronger, more collaborative economic relationship.

The full public statement, along with the full list of signatories, can be viewed here.

House of Rohl has announced it will be part of a key event on the international design calendar once again – WOW!house at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, running from June 3 to July 3, 2025.

For its fourth consecutive year at WOW!house, House of Rohl collaborates with renowned global design studio 1508 London to create a distinctive and emotive Primary Bathroom. The design explores three key themes: Reflection, Ritual, and Reverie, drawing on global bathing rituals and the transformative power of water.

WOW!house spans 600sqm, with 22 full-sized rooms and outdoor spaces, each uniquely designed by world-class interior designers in collaboration with leading design brands. The House of Rohl bathroom features a sculptural Victoria + Albert Seros freestanding bath, designed with British sculptor Sophie-Elizabeth Thompson, which becomes the focal point of the space. Brassware from Perrin & Rowe’s Langbourne collection further enhances the bathroom’s refined aesthetic.

“WOW!house is now firmly established as one of the highlights of London’s design calendar, attracting global interest. House of Rohl is extremely proud to have participated every year since its inception, presenting exciting and highly original bathroom spaces in partnership with acclaimed design practices. 1508 London were top of the list of practices we most wanted to work with, and so we are thrilled that they have taken the project on for 2025. We immediately fell in love with their concept, and can’t wait to unveil the completed bathroom, with our award-winning Seros bath as the centrepiece, in June.” comments Nigel Palmer, head of communications marketing, House of Rohl.

The design features tactile materials, including plaster walls, intricate floor patterns, and artisanal furniture pieces, to create a space that seamlessly blends modern luxury with ancient bathing traditions. Visitors will experience a seamless interplay of light and shadow, heightening the sense of discovery.

Key products featured include Artisans of Devizes, Bert Frank, Clayworks, Tom Faulkner, Porta Romana, and exclusive commissioned artwork by Carl Koch of Paynes Grey.

“It feels serendipitous to be part of WOW!house 2025, as it coincides with our 15th anniversary… WOW!house is not just an exhibition; it is a celebration of community and collaboration.” said Ailsa Connery, regional director and Design Principal, 1508 London

House of Rohl at WOW!house 2025 – where ritual and reflection meet remarkable design.

Over the next 12 months, one in ten consumers are planning to renovate their kitchen and a further one in ten are planning a new bathroom, according to new research in the Homes Unhooked 2025-2026 report.

These figures are down marginally from 12% and 15% respectively in 2023, reflecting tighter budgets and shifting household priorities. However, the data also suggests that when consumers do invest, they’re seeking long-term impact, functional upgrades, and high-quality finishes, offering a crucial opportunity for kitchen and bathroom brands that can get their messaging right.

The research, conducted by PR agency Unhooked Communications for the Homes Unhooked 2025-2026 report, found that one in five consumers would like to move house but can’t due to financial constraints and a slow property market, meaning they’re choosing to invest in their current homes instead.

When it comes to factors driving home improvement decisions, the data shows that cost and value remain the leading drivers, followed by quality and longevity. Style and appearance continue to matter too, but today’s consumers are doing more research, asking more questions and looking for clear proof that products and suppliers can deliver on their promises.

“In a price-sensitive market, consumers aren’t simply looking for cheaper products – they want value, reassurance, and inspiration,” said Claire Gamble, Managing Director of Unhooked Communications. “This is where strong PR and marketing play a vital role. Brands that showcase quality, highlight durability, and tell stories about real-life transformations with happy customers will be the ones that stand out and convert interest into sales.”

Trust is a major factor in purchasing behaviour. The research shows that 35% of consumers are influenced by positive recommendations, and 36% want to speak to industry specialists before buying. Nearly half (48%) say they actively want to support local businesses.

Claire added: “Kitchen and bathroom brands need to act fast, and show up across multiple touchpoints to capture the interest of today’s shoppers. Our research reveals that consumers rely on a range of sources, including general online searches, YouTube tutorials, review websites, in-store experts, and social media, for information and inspiration. Businesses that invest in informative and inspiring content like project case studies, before-and-after photography, expert advice, media placements and independent reviews can build credibility and create emotional connections that influence decision-making.

“While the volume of planned big-budget renovations may be slightly lower than previous years, the desire for stylish, well-designed and functional kitchens and bathrooms has not gone away. For consumers choosing to stay in their homes and improve rather than move, these rooms still represent major investments within their properties, therefore the journey to research and plan their dream spaces is even more important – and provides the perfect opportunity for brands that invest in their PR and marketing.”

The research surveyed 2,001 UK adults. The full Homes Unhooked 2025-2026 report is available to download now at: weareunhooked.com/homes-unhooked-2025/