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In conversation with Duravit’s new team leaders – Dr. Annette Becker & Matthias Reddemann

Duravit AG has recently performed a strategic restructuring of its product development and management teams: Annette Becker, vice president of Global Marketing, took charge of the newly merged area of marketing and commercial product management of Duravit AG, while Matthias Reddemann is now responsible for the management of technical product development as head of group.

Annette Becker: Dr. Becker, you started at Duravit AG in Hornberg in the Black Forest in July of last year. What expectations were confirmed and what surprised you?

First of all, I have to say that I was positively surprised by my start at Duravit. I was given a very warm welcome by a highly motivated team, which made for a really smooth arrival in the Black Forest. My expectations were confirmed as Duravit has an incredible amount of potential and offers many opportunities for the successful further development of the brand. The new strategic, explicitly customer-centric orientation is the basis for this
development.

Matthias Reddemann: The reorientation means you can focus more strongly on the development process – what are the benefits of this?

With Annette Becker and her team looking after commercial product management and my team concentrating on product development on the other side, we can manage the whole process faster and in a more goal-oriented manner because the two teams are actively driving new projects forward together. As responsibilities have now been allocated more clearly the working methods have become more transparent.

Annette Becker: You’re in charge of the newly created department of Global Marketing, which merges marketing and commercial product management. What’s your experience to date with this strategic change?

As Matthias Reddemann has already touched on, this strategic orientation means we can move at a significantly faster pace, because product development and management are intermeshed and run in parallel. From my perspective, we can now work in a much more goal-oriented manner in terms of customer needs. If we keep the market squarely in view and under constant analysis, we can respond to the different market requirements more directly and develop innovative products that are tailored to our customers’ needs.

Matthias Reddemann: You’re in charge of technical product development. In your view, what are the biggest challenges here?

Communication is a big challenge because we need to find and establish various coordination channels to start with. We develop products to meet global demand – so it’s important to keep an eye on the international market and the specific requirements there. After all, what’s sought after here in Europe doesn’t necessarily overlap with other countries. That’s why we talk to a range of different interfaces to get a holistic view of things. That’s a challenge for the future.

Annette Becker: ISH 2023 is the highlight of the year. How important is a trade fair in the digital age and is the financial outlay worth it?

The ISH was this year’s highlight for us. We were able to present many interesting, innovative, and extraordinary new products to a trade audience. Given the long break, we enjoyed returning to personal contact with business partners, architects, dealers, and tradesmen, which lead to exciting dialogue and honest feedback about our products. At ISH we adopted a hybrid model for trade fairs for the first time, supplementing the physical booth in
Frankfurt with a range of online formats including a virtual booth, which was a really exciting development.

Matthias Reddemann: When you think about the Duravit innovations for 2023 – what’s your personal
highlight?

For me, it really is the spectrum of new products that we’re bringing to market this year. From unusual colours, and innovative materials to timeless designs – I’m confident that we’re really well placed in terms of the product portfolio and can offer the right solution for a range of target groups and price brackets. This aspiration will also be the yardstick to measure ourselves against in the coming years.

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GROHE SPA celebrates ‘Health through Water’

Grohe_spa_milan_design_week

Attracting architects, designers and visitors from all over the world, Milan Design Week is one of the biggest and most important annual events for creative minds. The design elite, and young up-and-coming talents, as well as global brands, showcase their work with exhibitions, presentations and events spread throughout the city.

In this vibrant setting, GROHE, a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, presents its revitalized GROHE SPA sub-brand at the prestigious art museum Pinacoteca di Brera. The broad portfolio ranges from elaborate tap collections, customizable ceiling showers and intricate ceramics to complementary accessories. In addition to showcasing these exclusive products which create uniquely luxurious wellbeing areas, the brand expresses the GROHE SPA ‘Health Through Water’ concept through a water-inspired installation reflecting the stunning architecture of the art museum.

Entering the courtyard of the Pinacoteca, visitors can immerse themselves in a holistic experience with water at its core. Designed by the in-house design and brand identity team LIXIL Global Design, the immersive installation reflects the art museum, including the statue of Napoleon at the center by one of the most important sculptors of his day, Antonio Canova. The stillness of the water expands the space and creates a kind of illusion, while representing cleanliness and wellbeing. Four cubes are placed in each of the courtyard’s corners to provide interior spaces where GROHE SPA’s four tiers are showcased. A mirror surface is used on all these cubes to contribute to the infinite look of the installation.

“Our immersive installation celebrates the GROHE SPA concept of ‘Health through Water’, while paying tribute to the artistic legacy of Pinacoteca. We believe that water is the source of vital energy. By appealing to different senses with our installation, we want to create a special experience for our guests – just like our GROHE SPA products do. Transforming the bathroom into a home spa is not about using individual products, but about creating holistic experiences that embrace the positive effects of water on the body and mind,” said Patrick Speck, leader, LIXIL Global Design, EMENA.   

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MHK celebrates its 5th anniversary in the UK with five-fold membership growth

MHK_Team

MHK, a European buying group for independent kitchen, bathroom and bedroom retailers, is celebrating its fifth anniversary of operation in the UK market.

The buying group, which officially launched in January 2018, has grown exponentially in the UK. It says it has incontrovertible proof that its benefits are as good as they sound, as the business model has now been tried, tested and proven in the UK for five years by some of the UK’s leading premium independent KBB retailers across the country.

Paul Wheeler, sales director, MHK UK said: “Steady, strategic growth by bringing our win-win business formula to premium independent retailers was always our five-year plan for the UK market. We set an ambitious target because we knew once the extraordinary benefits of membership of MHK were explained, sign ups would follow.”

One of the biggest obstacles MHK has had to overcome was a belief that its offering was too good to be true. The group now has a strong and fast-growing membership base in the UK who will happily confirm that the benefits are indeed all good and all true. In a recent survey this month carried out by MHK of its members, 100% of respondents stated being a member of MHK has transformed their business and that everything that was promised prior to signing has happened.

Paul continues: “There was a myth being spread in the UK that becoming a member would mean giving up control of your business. But the fact is, any of our members will confirm this is not true and that they are totally in control of their own business. From start ups to industry stalwarts, our members are our biggest champions and can speak first hand of the benefits they have seen in making their businesses more successful and profitable.”

Among other benefits, MHK’s Central Payment System is unique and only available to its members. This system streamlines the payments process for both retail and supplier members, minimising credit risks for suppliers in the process. Lower risk means lower prices for MHK members. For premium retailers who are serious about growing their business, membership will help transform their business in so many ways. Indeed, this is confirmed by the recent member survey where the vast majority agree membership has transformed their business.

Andrew Hatfield founder of Concept 17, one of the very first UK members in 2018 said: “I joined MHK because of the fantastic payment terms – I thought they were too good to be true at first but felt there was nothing to lose as the one-off membership was refundable if I changed my mind.  Access to a broader range of suppliers at the drop of a hat has been a huge driver in taking on additional projects and scaling my business. For retailers who are still thinking twice about MHK, my advice would be to listen to the experiences of their members such as myself. We know it isn’t too good to be true and are reaping the rewards.”

Torben Schmid from Torben Schmid Kitchens said: “MHK has transformed my business. As a start-up business, both the advice they have given me and the extraordinary terms and prices have helped propel my business to the next level.”

Robert Kapteijn, from ASKO UK said: “We’d like to congratulate MHK on its fifth anniversary and its success in levelling up prices to empower independent KBB businesses in the UK. The group has fostered a mutually beneficial community that provides a win for both suppliers and retailers when it comes to pricing, access to brands, and peace of mind on payments.”

In addition to the first-class purchasing conditions, MHK UK supports its members with an extensive range of services developed over nearly 45 years.

Globally, MHK’s success story continues as it recently announces on the back of its financial year end (Dec 22) that 3,877 members generated sales of 9.727 billion euros (+9.1% YoY). In 2023, MHK will host its AGM in which both retail and supplier members across Europe will meet 2-4 June for a major summit in Berlin.

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Origins Living adds brushed brass  to Tecno Project accessories 

Bathroom_Origins

Mirrors, storage and accessories specialist Origins Living has added a new finish – Brushed Brass – to its comprehensive Tecno Project collection designed by Sonia. Designers can select from a choice of 12 individual pieces.

Co-founder Sofia Charalambous explains: “Our Tecno Project collection already features a superb selection of highly functional pieces to help create a bathroom retreat.  Created by Spanish manufacturer Sonia which is renowned for using only premium quality materials, such as solid brass,  which is showcased throughout this collection,  they have introduced a contemporary brushed metallic finish to add a different aesthetic.”

Highlights include three toilet roll holders, each in an individual design, to suit personal needs, a stylish soap dispenser or dish and functional WC brush sets. the range also includes three towel rails, two in a linear design and one which features a ring and a versatile tumbler holder for a neat display or storage solution. All accessories come with concealed fixings for a sleek design detail.

For more information on our new Brushed Brass Tecno Project collection, please contact co-director Sofia Charalambous at sofia@originsliving.uk. 


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KEUCO’s new glass wiper – strikingly simple design

KEUCO Glass Wiper

The new KEUCO glass wiper is designed to eliminate soap suds, shampoo and even limescale stains. Its minimalistic, handle-free design, means it is not immediately recognisable as a glass wiper, partly due to its elegant linear shape. The wiper is 82 mm, wide and because of its structure, it makes it easy to clean corners, narrow angles or hard-to-reach places.

This cleaning aid has a groove-less design which avoids deposits of residue particles, guaranteeing a high standard of hygiene.

KEUCO Glass Wiper

It has a built-in strap that makes it particularly easy to store, the loop is in the same colour as the glass wiper and it can be hung up, either on the hook provided or anywhere else in the bathroom. At the same time, when you put your hand through the loop, it stops it from falling when you are using it. The loop means the wiper can be hung up in the bathroom using the self-adhesive wall holder that is supplied, it is very easy to fix to the shower wall using the “sticking instead of drilling” system. Just select where it is to be applied i.e., the wall or shower partition then clean the surface, remove the foil on the base of the holder and press onto the cleaned dry area. The very flat design ensures that the wiper lies elegantly on the wall.

Complementing the latest trends the wiper is available in white, black, grey and truffle so it can be harmoniously integrated into the colour scheme of the bathroom.

The core of the glass wiper is made of high-strength plastic, while the outside is covered with silicone, allowing for a velvety, pleasantly soft touch. The plastic core provides stability but is lightweight. The silicone coating ensures it lies in the hand without slipping even when hands are wet. However, should it fall, the soft surface will not leave any scratches or dents on the floor or shower surface.

KEUCO Glass Wiper
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Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks partner with experts to create washroom whitepaper

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Thought leaders from across the architecture, design, education, engineering and plumbing industries have come together to discuss the future of washroom design in a unique whitepaper.  

Washroom Design for Tomorrow, from leading washroom manufacturer Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks, features a wealth of insights and expertise from nine industry-leading voices. Discussing key topics within the washroom sector, the report covers a range of themes from the growing importance of the circular economy and sustainability, making washrooms accessible to all, and the necessary changes to promote comfort, durability and hygiene within these spaces. 

Speaking on the whitepaper, Anil Madan, Non-Residential Marketing Manager at Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks, said: “The washroom sector is in a period of transition, with greater scrutiny on making these spaces as well-designed as possible. Sustainability is, of course, central to the development of both new washrooms and the products within them. But beyond this, there are also new rules and regulations to consider around accessibility, infection risk management and grey water, and how these factors can be properly incorporated into washroom solutions. 

“By working with thought leaders from across a variety of industries, we were able to create a whitepaper that looks to the future of commercial washrooms, and identified the need for a more holistic approach to the design, specification and maintenance of these spaces. We’re thrilled to finally be able to unveil the finished report and thank all those who lent their voices to such a unique resource.” 

Washroom Design for Tomorrow features contributions from Meehan Green, TOT Architects, Inspired Washrooms, CubicWorks, Liverpool John Moores University, ISG, AS Mechanical and Electrical, Crusoe Architects Ltd, and Good and Tillotson. 

To download the whitepaper, visit: https://www.idealspec.co.uk/resources/whitepapers.html 

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GROHE strengthens role of professional partners

Grohe_Bathroom LIXIL Dow Jones Index Sustainability

Inspired by the latest trends, consumers create a vision of their dream bathroom, which is completely in line with their individual lifestyle, but needs to be brought to life by trusted professional partners.

GROHE Professional was created together with professional partners to be a unique product and service proposition. The dedicated GROHE Professional range encompasses over 700 products that the brand sells exclusively through the traditional wholesale channel – from reliable bestsellers like GROHE Eurosmart and the new BauEdge ceramics, to the Colors Collection and concealed shower solutions. Thanks to additional comfort features which speed up installation, this allows for the hassle-free planning and implementation of holistic bathrooms.

The professional’s everyday work is further facilitated by a comprehensive service and training concept that lets experts stay ahead of the competition.

In April 2023, GROHE is launching a campaign celebrating the partnership between consumers and their professional partners in realizing individual bathroom concepts – envisioned by the consumer, executed by the expert.

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Cyncly’s Global Inspiration Contest opens soon

Ready, set, design! Cyncly is excited to announce it will soon be accepting submissions for its Global Inspiration Contest. Open to all Cyncly professional design customers around the world, this contest is a continuation of its Compusoft + 2020 brand’s competition. 

From traditional kitchen spaces to innovative hybrid offices, designs in multiple categories can be uploaded in any version of Cyncly’s 2020, Compusoft, Virtual Worlds or M3B software, and must be created using only Cyncly software. 

The submission window opens on April 11, 2023, with all participants asked to enter their designs for consideration by May 15, 2023. Winners in all categories will then be announced on June 7, 2023. 

Designers can enter as many times as they wish, but each submission must be unique, and participants are only eligible to win once.  

A panel of judges will determine the best design in each of these categories: 

  • Cyncly – Any Space (using colors from the Cyncly palette)  
  • Kitchen 
  • Bathroom 
  • Closet and organization 
  • Educational and classroom 
  • Flexible office space 

As well as having their design featured at trade shows around the world, winners in each category will receive a $750 Amazon gift card and promotion on social media and in an upcoming eBook. Runners-up will receive a $500 Amazon gift card and have their design featured on social media. 

A special Voters Choice award will also be decided based on a combination of votes from the public and input from Cyncly’s panel of judges. Along with the other prize winners, this designer will receive a grand prize $1,500 Amazon gift card. 

The panel of judges includes: 

  • Colin O’Neil, Design PUGS 
  • Alexandra Tseffos, DesignPOP 
  • Emma Hedges, KBB Focus 
  • Justin Sol, Kitchen Win 
  • Elke Oechsner, SanitärJournal – TGA Contentbase 
  • Laura Peidró – IM Cocinas & Baños 

For more information on the 2020 Global Design Contest, visit https://contest-cyncly.com/global-design-contest/ 

About Cyncly 

Cyncly transforms the way customisable products and spaces are imagined, designed, sold, made and managed. By bringing together the best brands in the industry, Cyncly connects designers, retailers and manufacturers to put consumers at the heart of their business. 

For more information, visit www.cyncly.com. 

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Kate Foster joins Utopia

Kate Foster Utopia

Kate Foster has joined leading bathroom furniture manufacturer Utopia as business development executive with responsibility for the Midlands and North Wales region.

With extensive background experience in sales, Kate joins Utopia from Middletons Moblity where she was Regional Support Manager. Prior to that, Kate spent five years as Senior Showroom Manager for Bathstore, so has an in-depth knowledge of not only the bathroom sector but also a great appreciation of the workings and needs of the retailer and the requirement to be very customer focused.

Commenting on her new role, Kate Foster says “I am delighted to be joining such a major player in the bathroom market and very much look forward to working with our retail partners.  Utopia has a tremendous product portfolio”.

Alex Patterson, head of retail at Utopia, commented “We are delighted to have Kate on board, her knowledge and experience will put her in good stead to build fantastic relationships with her customers moving forward.  Kate also joins us at an incredibly exciting time as we have a host of new products and initiatives launching this year.”

More from Utopia

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Soho House creatives among experts revealing design intelligence at CDW 23

This year’s edition of Clerkenwell Design Week (23-25th May 2023) will see a plethora of design secrets revealed at the festival’s dedicated talks programme: ‘Conversations at Clerkenwell’. The jam-packed schedule of eighteen talks across the three days is always a big attraction at the UK’s leading design festival.

The programme will open with Designer and Artist Morag Myerscough and highlights include: Soho Home’s Design Director James Patmore and Soho House’s interior designer Domhnall Nolan; British/Canadian designer Philippe Malouin; Design Council CEO Minnie Moll; Note Design Studio; Pantone; Doshi Levien’s Nipa Doshi and Pentagram’s Experience and Sound designer Yuri Suzuki.

Themes that will be explored include: ​ The meaning of ‘taste’, sound design, colour trends for 2024, defining Scandinavian design, communicating design circularity, diversity in design, Maximalism, and the future of wellness within the hospitality sector. The role design and designers play in the climate emergency will be explored throughout the programme and a ‘Sustainable Living’ series will see one talk each day dedicated specifically to the topic. ‘Conversations at Clerkenwell’ is curated by Brand Consultant Katie Richardson, will be housed in an AirClad structure and sponsored by RAK ceramics.

Throughout CDW there are hundreds of other talks, events and installations to explore ​ in showrooms and spaces all over EC1.

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