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Following the official launch of AiM (Accredited Installation Methods) in October 2024, and after a successful initial audit phase, the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has announced the first group of retailers to achieve AiM certification – the industry’s new benchmark standard for fitted interiors.

In a prestigious ceremony held at Portcullis House on the Parliamentary Estate, three pioneering retailers – Christian Andrews Interiors (Scotland), Signature Projects, and national home improvement brand Wickes – received their certification. The honours were presented by BiKBBI ceo Damian Walters and honorary patron Calvin Bailey MBE MP.

All three businesses have been recognised for their consistent and professional approach to KBB installation, meeting strict AiM criteria developed to support local, regional, and national retailers in delivering high-quality, low-risk installation services.

The AiM standard was created to raise the bar across the industry by offering a consistent and independent framework backed by BiKBBI – the UK’s only dedicated KBB installation institute. This robust accreditation provides assurance to consumers, demonstrates credibility to trade partners, and serves as a beacon for skilled installers looking to align with reputable retailers.

BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters commented ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be in a position to bring AiM to this amazing industry and I’m so pleased that we have three contrasting businesses in terms of size, who become the first to receive certification. To be clear, AiM is very much for businesses of all sizes, whether you’re an independent showroom such as Christian Andrews and Paragon Designs, or indeed a national business with hundreds of showrooms and thousands of installers, like Wickes. The purpose of AiM is to help businesses to meet and maintain processes and procedures that our industry can be proud of, helping to level the playing field on the subject of fitted interior installation.

Ian Cloggie of Christian Andrews Interiors commented, “We are incredibly proud to be one of the first companies to achieve BiKBBI’s AiM Accreditation, which recognises our commitment to excellence as both a KBB retailer and an installation business.  

This milestone reflects not only the hard work and dedication of our team but also reinforces our responsibility to uphold the highest standards within our industry, from design innovation and customer care right through to our installation methods and practices. In an ever-evolving market, initiatives like AIM provide retailers like us with a clear framework for growth and continuous improvement. This achievement marks a significant step forward for our business, and we’re excited to continue leading by example.  

We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the BiKBBI team for all of their hard work in bringing this scheme to fruition. We look forward to being part of an initiative that will help shape the future of the KBB industry for years to come!”

Sarah Taitt, Chief Property & Services Officer at Wickes, said: “We’re really proud to be the first national retailer to achieve AiM accreditation. At Wickes, we’ve always believed in doing things properly, and working with BiKBBI, this accreditation shows how we’re giving both customers and installers confidence in the work we do. It reflects the proactive approach we take to raise standards in installation and deliver a service our customers can rely on.”

Signature Projects Director, Tom Baldwin commented: “We’re proud to be one of the first businesses to be awarded AiM certification and thank BiKBBI for their continued efforts to raise standards. It’s exciting for us to be part of this long overdue change to an industry that desperately needs positive change and to attract new talent. We hope that the work BiKBBI is investing will be the start of the transformation into KBB installation being seen as both a professional industry and a career to aspire to.”

BiKBBI is actively working with a growing number of retailers through the accreditation process, with further awards expected over the coming months.

BiKBBI has now opened up the initiative to any retailer wishing to obtain more information about AiM and cordially invites initial interest to be directed to www.bikbbi.org.uk/aim or by calling the team on 01375 213 199.

Bathroom brand Kaldewei has taken a big step towards the circular economy and can now offer Cradle to Cradle Certified® [C2C] bathtubs, shower trays and washbasins. The company continues to pave the way for the global trend towards a circular economy, being a healthy, fair and sustainable future. With the increasing need for sustainable solutions, including stricter regulatory requirements, economic advantages, and the need to conserve the planet’s natural resources, Kaldewei is convinced that the construction industry will rely even more on C2C Certified products and materials in the future.

The transformation to a circular economy means that raw materials are used and then reused at the end of their utilisation phase as source materials for new, pollutant-free products, without any loss of quality or significant loss of quantity. The prerequisites for this must be established at the very start of product development, so that pollutant-free materials can be dismantled and separated by type at the end. Kaldewei bathroom products have always been made of steel and glass, and are 100% recyclable, allowing them to be returned to the material cycle at the end of their life. This has been independently confirmed, and they now hold a Cradle to Cradle Certified® certification.

Certified sustainability

Kaldewei can demonstrate its consistently sustainable orientation with a C2C Certified certificate, making it the first supplier of bathtubs, shower trays, and washbasins to achieve this recognition. Around 600 different Kaldewei items in the colour Alpine white can now be classified as Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver, including the most sought-after classics for both private bathrooms and for project business.

The initial entry, directly at the silver level, highlights the ambitious goals of the bathroom manufacturer: Kaldewei has consistently been a pioneer in sustainability, having signed the Science Based Targets (SBTi) initiative and utilised CO2-reduced steel. Kaldewei is now on track to align its processes and product developments strictly with C2C Certified standards. Obtaining this certification took over a year and a half to achieve, and is an important strategic step, and another positive contribution to the environment.

Alongside this, the construction industry benefits from the C2C Certified certification, as it helps it to become more sustainable, economical and innovative. It offers environmental, health and economic benefits and helps construction companies adapt more quickly to necessary market and regulatory requirements.

C2C Certified: Consistent circular economy without waste

The C2C Certified certification is a globally relevant and cross-industry multi-attribute standard; the goal a healthy, fair and sustainable future. It provides brands, producers and designers with guidance in the development and manufacture of products. At the centre of the Cradle to Cradle concept is an integrated and consistent circular economy in which waste is completely avoided and all materials are returned to either biological or technical cycles. Developed in the 1990s by Michael Braungart and William McDonough, the certification process looks at performance in five areas: Material health, product recycling, air pollution control and climate protection, water and soil management and social fairness.

Architects and specialist planners can find all the necessary information about C2C Certified
Kaldewei products here: https://www.kaldewei.com/company/sustainability/

RAK Ceramics has announced the launch of its next-generation slab production facility, featuring the advanced Continua+ PCR 2180 technology, which marks a significant upgrade in its large-format slab manufacturing capabilities. This milestone further solidifies the company’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

RAK Ceramics was one of the first in the world to adopt Continua technology in 2012 and the first to introduce large-format slabs in the Middle East with its pioneering Maximus product range. This initial step revolutionised the regional ceramics market and positioned the company at the forefront of slab innovation. Since then, RAK Ceramics has continuously expanded its slab portfolio, leveraging Continua to improve design flexibility, production efficiency, and digital capabilities.


A New Era in Slab Manufacturing

The newly operational facility leverages Continua+ PCR 2180, one of the most advanced and efficient slab production technologies available today. This technology ensures high productivity with minimal material wastage and enables full digital synchronization at every stage of production, allowing for precision and flexibility in manufacturing.

In a bid to enhance sustainability, the facility features a seven-layer horizontal dryer, designed to operate on total heat recovery from the kiln, significantly reducing fuel consumption while optimising energy efficiency. The new line is evaluated to be more energy efficient in comparison to current continua setup.

Industry-First Digital Advancements

The slab production facility boasts state-of-the-art digital glazing technology, enabling the combined application of inks and materials. This innovation enhances design capabilities, offering high-definition patterns, deep digital structures, and advanced dry digital glaze/granule applications. Additionally, the facility incorporates multilayer granule application technology, fully synchronized with digital processes, ensuring uniform and seamless finishes across all slab productions.

Largest Kiln in the Middle East & Smart Manufacturing

RAK Ceramics has also introduced the longest European kiln in the Middle East, stretching 300 meters, reinforcing its high-capacity production capabilities. The facility integrates a smart scheduling storage system, incorporating real-time control and monitoring to enhance operational efficiency. A fully automated quality control system eliminates manual inspections by monitoring tiles at multiple production stages, ensuring unmatched product quality.

With the launch of its first-ever matting line for slab production, RAK Ceramics has standardized processes to maintain uniform finishes across various slab sizes. Additionally, the auto cutting line ensures consistency in customized product formats, optimising the production process.

Advanced Packaging & Sustainability Initiatives

The newly launched facility also features an automatic shrink hood wrapping machine, eliminating manual packaging processes and improving efficiency. Its advanced packing line supports multiple palletization methods, including A-frames, L-frames, and wooden boxes, with a robotic arm for seamless logistics management.

With an annual production capacity of 4 million square meters, the facility is equipped to manufacture slabs in multiple thicknesses ranging from 6mm to 20mm, with a maximum size of 180×360 cm—currently the largest in the industry. Standard slab sizes include 162×324 cm at 12mm thickness, as well as 80×320 cm uncut slabs for countertops. To further enhance durability, mesh reinforcement is applied to all 162×324 cm slab productions.

Bathroom-Review-RAK-Ceramics-Continua-Slab-Technology

A Strategic Leap Forward

The launch of this 100 million AED facility represents a strategic investment in the future of slab manufacturing, reinforcing RAK Ceramics’ position as an industry pioneer. By integrating IoT-enabled smart manufacturing, zero manual intervention for quality inspection, and enhanced digital glazing techniques, the company continues to push the boundaries of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

This milestone reflects RAK Ceramics’ ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to its global clientele, ensuring superior quality, unparalleled design possibilities, and an optimized production process.

Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO of RAK Ceramics, stated, “At RAK Ceramics, our commitment to innovation and sustainability is at the core of our growth strategy. The launch of our exclusive slab production facility reflects our dedication to advanced, efficient, and environmentally responsible manufacturing. By investing in cutting-edge technology such as the Continua+ PCR 2180 technology, we are not only enhancing our production capabilities but also reinforcing our leadership in sustainable ceramics manufacturing. We remain focused on delivering high-quality, innovative products that meet the evolving needs of our customers worldwide.”

RAK Ceramics’ strategic investments in advanced technology and sustainable manufacturing are shaping the future of the ceramics industry. With the successful launch of its state-of-the-art slab production facility, the company is reinforcing its position as a global pioneer, delivering superior products that meet the highest standards of quality, design, and environmental responsibility.

For more information, visit https://rakceramics.com

Innovative layouts, bold material choices, and a fresh take on traditional bathroom design define the work of three renowned designers: Sebastian Herkner, Bertrand Lejoly, and Christian Werner. Each created a bathroom that reflects their personal style—yet all embrace a shared trend: the bathroom as a warm, homely retreat.

Sebastian Herkner reimagines his Zencha range with a grey shingled wall backdrop and a spacious layout (pictured above). The contrast between dark furniture and light ceramics highlights the freestanding Zencha bathtub as the room’s centrepiece, blending calm aesthetics with modern elegance.

Bertrand Lejoly presents a symmetrical, moss-green space using the D-Neo range (pictured at the very top). His design emphasises serenity and precision, with the SensoWash shower-toilet adding both comfort and functionality. The result is a refined sanctuary that meets the highest standards of design and convenience.

Christian Werner surprises with warm clay plaster walls that radiate natural warmth. His Vitrium range (pictured below), features back-lit furniture fronts and carefully chosen materials for the bathtub and washbasin, creating a cosy, inviting atmosphere. Lighting plays a key role in enhancing the room’s emotional tone.

Bathroom-Review-Duravit-Christian_Werner

All three designers move away from conventional tiles, opting instead for wood, stone, and custom wall finishes. Their material choices reflect their individual signatures, demonstrating the limitless possibilities of modern bathroom design.

www.duravit.co.uk

GROHE UK has announced the appointment of two new additions to its senior leadership team. Joining the business in March 2025, David Nicholls is the new Leader, UK & Ireland, LIXIL Europe, following appointments in senior leadership roles working for market-leading businesses, supplying product and service solutions within the Built Environment.

Commenting on his appointment, David Nicholls said: “I am proud to be joining GROHE at an exciting time for the UK & Ireland business. Fresh off the back of a strong activation at ISH 2025 in Frankfurt, and with an ambitious multi-channel road map for the year ahead, I will be focusing on supporting the brand’s vision to deliver a customer-first strategy. Having worked in the commercial interiors and retail sectors for more than 30 years, I feel very lucky to work with a brand that so confidently leads when it comes to product innovation.”

GROHE UK has also announced the appointment of Kate Hirst as its new Leader, Commercial B2B UK, LIXIL Europe. In this role, Kate will steer the strategy across multiple sales channels. Kate joins from Lecico Bathrooms following many successful years in a senior, customer focused-leadership role where she was responsible for growing the business through developing segmented sales, marketing and product strategies.

Bathroom-Review-Kate-Hirst-Leader-Commercial-

Gael Magda, Leader Western Europe, LIXIL Europe said: “I am very pleased to welcome David and Kate to the GROHE team and have no doubt they will bring a fresh perspective, renewed energy, and outstanding experience that will steer our strong and defined multi-channel go-to market strategy in the UK. David and Kate both have a proven track record of developing successful and collaborative customer-centric teams in previous businesses which is a core value at GROHE.”

GROHE has also bolstered its UK Leadership team with further updates. Lewis Neathey has been promoted to Leader, Marketing & Product Management UK, LIXIL Europe. He will now oversee all UK Marketing activity, working directly with the sales and product teams, including Kate Hirst and Sanjeev Delipkumar, Leader, B2C UK LIXIL EMENA, on the development of the organisation’s multi-channel strategies.

The leadership announcements come at a key time for GROHE, which has several channel-relevant activations scheduled for 2025, including its presence at InstallerSHOW next month, Screwfix Live in September, and HIX in November. It also follows the successful launch of the brand’s first UK Design Hub at Islington’s Business Design Centre, which provides a dedicated space for A&D customers to see the GROHE portfolio firsthand, offering a tactical and personal experience ahead of decision-making.

Top: David Nicholls, Leader, UK & Ireland, LXIL Europe and below – Kate Hirst, Leader, Commercial B2B UK, LIXIL Europe

The medieval London Charterhouse became the new focal point of Clerkenwell Design Week, hosting a vibrant mix of events, exhibitions, and immersive installations.

Among the highlights in its historic courtyard was House of Rohl’s striking outdoor bathroom concept, inspired by the serene aesthetics of a traditional Japanese onsen. At its centre stood the newly launched Kerid bath by Victoria + Albert — a beautifully sculpted soaking tub designed for deep immersion or revitalising cold plunges. Elegantly versatile, it could be installed in both indoor and outdoor settings.

The setting of the Charterhouse — with its rich history and atmospheric architecture — provided a dramatic backdrop that elevated the entire experience. The juxtaposition of centuries-old stone walls with contemporary design elements created a powerful visual dialogue between heritage and innovation. For House of Rohl, this unique environment not only enhanced the storytelling behind each product but also invited visitors to reimagine the boundaries of luxury in everyday spaces.

Of the three distinctive kitchen and bathroom installations curated by House of Rohl at the Charterhouse, one unexpected element captured the most attention — and camera lenses. A playful and charming detail, the dog bowls, stylishly paired with a Perrin & Rowe Southbank pot filler, became a talking point among visitors. Many debated which dog breeds might have been clever enough to learn how to operate the tap themselves, adding a touch of humour to the otherwise refined presentation.

Bathroom-Review-House-of-Rohl-Clerkenwell

Luxury brassware manufacturer St James England has reported a significant increase in demand for its Living Bathrooms collection since its launch in the UK in 2024.

Introduced at KBB Birmingham 2024, the Living Bathrooms collection offers retailers and designers 13 visually compelling ranges that are exclusive to St James and not available elsewhere. Sales have increased significantly in recent months, with St James reporting a very encouraging opening quarter to 2025.

Created to combine beauty with function, each range has unique aesthetics that complement and elevate contemporary and classically traditional homes. What’s more, St James Living brassware is available in a variety of on-trend finishes including matt black, brushed brass, brushed bronze and gunmetal. Each product comes with best-in-class components and a reassuring 15-year guarantee when the product is registered online.

St James Living brings London’s design energy into the bathroom and each of the 13 ranges takes inspiration and its name from the capital’s streets, including Bond, Eaton, Hatton and Fleet. In doing so, the Collection offers retailers, designers and homeowners a differentiated brassware portfolio that stands alone in the industry.

St James England has also created an exciting new brochure for its Living Bathrooms collection to inspire and engage consumers. Available for retail partners to display in their showrooms, the St James Living Bathrooms brochure features details of each carefully curated range, accompanied by stunning imagery to help consumers visualise the brassware within any bathroom setting.

Mark Davidge, GB sales director, St James England, says: “The interest in our Living Bathrooms collection has been nothing short of phenomenal, and this was evident when we showcased our offering at Bathnet South and the NMBS exhibition. At St James England, we offer more than just brassware that looks good. Our brassware heritage spanning over 55 years, knowledge and expertise play a significant role in our success and are pillars that we are proud to be associated with. Thanks to the fantastic growth over the past few months, we’ve also introduced a number of other new tools to help support retail partners and increase customer engagement within their showrooms. We have extensive stocks in the Midlands ready to be delivered and are delighted to welcome Beverley Jones, an experienced Area Sales Manager, to the St James England team who will help us deliver an even better service going forward.”

For more information on the Living Bathrooms collection or to become a retail partner, please visit the website www.stjamesengland.com, email sales@stjamesengland.com, or call 0121 358 1555.

Kréte is the bold bathroom collection from Whitebirk Sink Company: a sculptural series of basins crafted from concrete which have been designed to bring colour, character and contemporary edge to the bathroom.
 
Offered in a variety of refined designs and a palette of distinctive colours, Kréte reimagines the bathroom basin as an architectural statement. The collection includes both countertop and wall-mounted options, with each design named after a location in Crete – reflecting the collection’s Mediterranean inspiration and grounding it in a sense of place.
 
Every Kréte basin is cast from an innovative eco-concrete blend that requires significantly less energy to produce than traditional alternatives, combining lower-impact raw materials with a durable, long-lasting finish. A soft satin surface gives the concrete a smooth, modern texture, allowing for details to appear sharper with minimal reflection from lighting. This refined surface treatment helps elevate concrete from a traditionally industrial material to one with a distinctly contemporary and luxurious feel.
 
Colour is integral to the Kréte collection. Alongside classic white, the basins are available in warm, earth-led tones and more expressive hues, including burnt orange, forest green, deep blue, tangerine, soft pink and terrazzo – each selected for its ability to complement both minimalist and maximalist interiors.
 
Kréte is an exciting new design chapter for Whitebirk, a British brand best known for its handmade fireclay kitchen sinks. While rooted in the same ethos of quality, craft and material integrity, Kréte represents a progressive step into modern bathroom design with a range that is fresh, considered and made to last – reflecting a shift in how bathrooms are perceived – no longer purely functional, but increasingly expressive and intentional spaces within the home.
 
“We wanted to create something that stood out not just for the material, but for the form and finish,” says Steve Allen, Managing Director at Whitebirk. “Kréte is contemporary and impactful. It has presence, without being overwhelming and it’s been designed with modern homes in mind.”
 
Defined by bold form, refined texture and confident colour, each Kréte basin makes a statement – whether used as a quiet centrepiece or a bolder design gesture.
 
Kréte by Whitebirk is available exclusively through the Whitebirk Sink Company website and via its global network of retailers with pricing from £669.00.


Grange Design, UK-based bathroom industry brand, is embracing the micro-luxury trend where small-scale basin taps are providing a touch of luxe in today’s bathroom.

Proving that designer form and function isn’t all about size, the latest research confirms that having a second bathroom remains a favourite amongst UK homeowners, increasing property prices by up to 6%. Typically compact in size, small bathroom spaces like the downstairs cloakroom or ensuite can be just as functional and stylish as the main bathroom, they just require meticulous planning to achieve the desired results. 

From function and user ergonomics to design aesthetics and unseen product features, choosing the right basin taps is critical for ensuring a robust and user-centric bathroom experience. Whether classic or traditional, the micro-luxury trend not only considers the style and finish of the taps, but also their size, handles, and installation requirements. Helping you to better determine the type of basin to go for such as corner, wall hung, or compact vanity basins with integrated storage, micro-luxe basin taps are your answer to a superior wash routine.

Clive Griffiths, manager at Grange Design recommends, “The compact bathroom is under the spotlight as the desire for a second wash space continues to rise in popularity. When it comes to the design of tap, slim and tall mono basin mixers with single or dual lever controls are a great choice for adding form and function to a bijou basin area. If we look at style, then durable tap finishes in contemporary matt black and chrome remain hot favourites in the bathroom, as they complement principal design features to evoke luxury on a smaller scale.”

The Atlantic Collection by Grange Design is ideal for compact bathroom spaces thanks to its pared-back style and well-defined silhouettes. Manufactured from solid brass and available in either Chrome or Matt Black finish options, the range of Atlantic basin mixers are your best introduction to the micro-luxury trend. Choose from:

Atlantic deck-mounted

Single Lever Mono Basin Mixer with combined flow and temperature in one simple control (Projection 134mm x Width 35mm x Height 149mm). Priced from £185.

Tall Single Lever Mono Basin Mixer with extended height, and combined flow and temperature in one simple control (Projection 181mm x Width 35mm x Height 306mm). Priced from £399.

Two-handle Mono Basin Mixer with swivel spout and separate hot and cold controls (Projection 216mm x Width 160mm x Height 327mm). Priced from £324.

Square Spout 3 piece Basin Mixer with fixed spout and separate hot and cold controls (Projection 184mm x Width 400mm x Height 211mm). Priced from £306.

Swan Spout 3 piece Basin Mixer with fixed spout and separate hot and cold controls (Projection 212mm x Width 400mm x Height 256mm). Priced from £310.

Atlantic wall-mounted

Single Lever Basin Mixer with combined flow and temperature in one simple control (Projection 197mm x Width 186mm x Height 70mm). Priced from £310

200mm Spout 3 piece Basin Mixer with fixed spout and separate hot and cold controls (Projection 207mm x Width 235mm x Height 45mm). Priced from £324.

230mm Spout 3 piece Basin Mixer with extended fixed spout and separate hot and cold controls (Projection 239mm x Width 235mm x Height 45mm). Priced from £310.

The Atlantic Collection also includes a range of mono bidet mixers, and complementary bath/shower mixers, minimalist showering solutions including arms, showerheads, thermostatic valves, and flexible shower kits, and designer accessories such as towel rings and soap dishes through to practical robe hooks.

BAGNODESIGN brought innovation, inspiration and indulgent hospitality to Clerkenwell Design Week 2025. From Tuesday 20 to Thursday 22 May, the luxury bathroom brand from SANIPEX GROUP welcomed visitors into its A&D Gallery at 119 Charterhouse Street – right in the heart of the festival – to explore the very latest in premium bathroom design.

Two exciting new collections—the bold and playful Toko Flavours and the refined elegance of Studio 316—headlined the showcase. They reflect BAGNODESIGN’s design-forward ethos.

Toko Flavours introduces a fresh twist to the popular Toko brassware, offering six bold new finishes: Sage, Cocoa, Truffle, Blueberry, Mandarin and Lip Gloss. Designed to energise and personalise spaces, this vibrant palette is available across taps, showers and accessories. Whether creating a calming, nature-inspired bathroom with earthy tones or making a statement with vivid pops of colour, Toko Flavours lets designers mix and match finishes for maximum creative impact. Crafted using Armour technology and backed by a 10-year guarantee, it’s a collection made to last.

In contrast, Studio 316 is a study in understated sophistication. Blending Nordic minimalism with luxurious detail, this collection centres on 316 Grade Stainless Steel mixers and accessories – suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Distinctive curved forms and fluted handles are paired with eight expressive colour accents, including Turquoise, Caramel, Cocoa, Truffle, Lip Gloss, Mandarin, Midnight and Raspberry. With coordinated vanity units, washbasins, bathtubs and shower columns, Studio 316 brings a seamless, textural beauty to both residential and hospitality projects.

With something for every design sensibility, Clerkenwell Design Week is the perfect opportunity to get hands-on with the latest collections from BAGNODESIGN. Whether visiting for product inspiration, design conversation or just a warm welcome and a good coffee, the BAGNODESIGN team would love to see you.

Discover more at www.sanipexgroup.com/uk