Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

PJH invests in new 10,000 sq. ft distribution centre

February 27, 2023

PJH, a leading KBB distributor, has announced its investment in a new and greatly enlarged Thirsk Distribution Centre, more than doubling the capacity of the site it replaces to over 10,000 sq.ft.

The move to the new larger Thirsk Distribution Centre was prompted by PJH’s rapid and continued growth. As well as much greater capacity, the Thirsk site benefits from excellent access onto the A168 dual carriageway, which is approximately 1 mile away, which in turn leads to the A19 and A1(M), making it ideally located for serving PJH customers in the Northeast.

Speaking about the new distribution site Richard George, CEO of PJH said: “The new Thirsk Distribution Centre is another significant investment for PJH and supports further the growth in our National Logistics infrastructure that provides Next Day deliveries for our customers. It increases our total number of Distribution Centres to 7 and our overall warehouse footprint to 355,000 square feet. It is great news for our business and another demonstration of our commitment to being our Customers FIRST CHOICE.”

Investment in this new modern regional distribution centre, with its improved logistics, capacity and stock holding,also lowers PJH’s carbon footprint through a more regionally deployed fleet and reduced delivery miles. It also forms part of PJH’s continued investment programme in its distribution capabilities and growth, in order to keep exceeding changing customer demands and maintain the highest service levels.

The addition of the new larger Thirsk site now increases PJH’s total UK distribution space to 355,000 sq. ft.

For further information on PJH, visit www.pjh.uk, www.partners.pjh.uk or call, T: 0800 8 77 88 99.

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Methven’s collection delivers efficiency and performance

February 27, 2023

First impressions count when it comes to guest satisfaction, and one of the first things they do upon entering their room is to inspect the bathroom.

Guests’ expectations for a luxurious stay mean hotels and spas must balance style, performance, and functionality carefully.

Methven’s extensive collection not only looks great, is priced competitively, comes with a lifetime guarantee, and is WRAS approved. The collections also exceed UK water-saving rules and regulations, giving you peace of mind, your guests can enjoy the performance without compromise at a price that is right for you.

While efficiency, performance and cost have always been a tricky trio to balance, Methven says their specification team is available to help match the requirements of hotel or spa refurbishment projects.

For more information visit https://uk.methven.com/specifiers/hosptiality-sector.

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Grohe Rainshower SmartActive 310 Head shower

February 27, 2023

For those who enjoy gentle, relaxing showers but who also want the power to cleanse deeply and revitalize, the Grohe Rainshower 310 SmartActive provides both. It offers a choice of two spray options – PureRain Spray and ActiveRain – so users can switch between or combine together for the ultimate luxury.

The Grohe PureRain spray, encloses like soft summer rain, while the Grohe ActiveRain pattern has the power to rinse out shampoo as well as giving a stimulating head, neck, and back massage.

The round 310mm head shower is ceiling-mounted on a 142mm arm for complete coverage and optimum ease of use, while Grohe DreamSpray technology means the flow from all of the shower’s nozzles will be perfectly adjusted.

The long-lasting Grohe StarLight chrome finish will maintain its flawless looks long into the future, and to support designers with specification the showerhead is available in an array of Grohe finishes, such as Chrome, Cool Sunset, Warm Sunrise, and Hard Graphite. The head shower is also available in either a square or rounded design for further personalisation.

With safety in mind, a super-insulated Inner WaterGuide directs hot water away from surfaces, preventing them from overheating and allowing the lustrous chrome finish to last even longer.

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Imperial management team combine resources

February 27, 2023

Imperial Bathrooms is ensuring the continuation of ‘business as usual’ following a successful buyout by IBC Products Limited, as it went into administration on 30^th January 2023.

Neil Gore, previous managing director of 8-yrs led the bid, choosing to return to the role following a 3-yr sabbatical from Imperial. Neil is joined by fellow directors James Stevenson, Kevin Johnson, and Robin Wright and together, they have formed IBC Products to solidify future business operations and protect the Imperial name and product offer.

“I am confident we can ensure the company’s sustainability and quickly return to high levels of success” says Neil Gore, managing director.

“Our one aim is to re-establish the Imperial brand as a highly regarded and trusted name in the bathroom industry, serving our customers with quality British designs and lead times, as originally founded.”

Robin Wright, returning operations director responsible for managing sales, customer service and despatch comments, “We are fortunate to all have first-hand experience of Imperial, and fully understand our brand quality and what that means to both our retail partners and the end user.”

Kevin Johnson, supply chain director adds, “We are excited to announce we will be introducing a new range of products in 2023, with the new Fradley Collection launching in February. This, along with our latest suppliers will bring new life to the brand and put us in a strong position to show our commitment to change over the next 12 months, confidently and quickly.”

James Stevenson adds “We want to show our customers that as a brand and business, we have the courage to innovate and adapt to the everchanging retail landscape. We strongly believe in leaning into change and are confident we can successfully navigate the current economic climate in the months ahead. Thank you to every customer that continues to tell our story, you are crucial to the long-term survival and growth of our business.”

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Utopia releases stunning new brochures

February 22, 2023

Utopia is presenting its latest range literature featuring inspiring photography, showcasing both brand new products and also existing products in exciting new ways.

As last year, Utopia’s extensive product range is split into three dedicated brochures for ease of use – The Fitted Furniture Collection, The Modular Furniture Collection and The Roseberry Collection.

Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia, comments “With so many different collections and a whole series of new products for 2023, having three separate brochures is the ideal way to present our ranges. Through our stunning imagery, we aim to offer beautiful and inspiring solutions for every type of British bathroom.

All brochures may be viewed online at www.utopiagroup.com with the option to download too.

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Fall in Love with Lily… Bathrooms to Love’s latest ceramic range

February 21, 2023

The Bathrooms to Love brand, from PJH, has announced the launch of the new LILY ceramic range, a contemporary design perfect for teaming up with fitted bathroom furniture.

Characterised by its soft curves and smooth clean lines, the LILY range is a versatile ceramicware family that enhances further the choice of styles and designs within the Bathrooms to Love collection of suites. The appeal of its simplistic styling and streamlined form make it a welcome addition to PJH’s high quality range of bathroom sanitaryware.

Featuring a semi-recessed basin, measuring in at 555mm (W) x 435mm (D), which is suitable for use with fitted bathroom furniture – such as the Benita Furniture design as pictured – the LILY range also includes a comprehensive collection of WCs. WC options include close-coupled fully shrouded, close-coupled open back, back-to-wall and wall-hung models. All feature luxurious soft-close seats and rimless designs as standard.

Bathrooms to Love also offers coordinated brushed brass and matt black overflow basin rings, dual flush buttons and seat hinge caps, perfect for LILY and which can be merchandised easily across the full Bathrooms to Love suite range.

Complete with a Lifetime Guarantee, the LILY Suite is manufactured to exacting standards, boasting a high-quality fit and finish that will stand the test of time.

Supported with PJH’s usual package of Bathrooms to Love showroom point-of-sale, display deals, consumer brochures, website and of course the PJH Partners Portal for online ordering, account management and next-day delivery, the new LILY Suite looks set to become a popular choice amongst retailers and the consumer.

Further information:

Bathrooms to Love by PJH: T: 0800 8 77 88 99 / www.partners.pjh.uk / www.bathroomstolove.uk

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Halo Slate, an aura of well-being

February 21, 2023

Unveiled by Acquabella as part of a brand-new product lineup, the minimalist Halo Slate is a framed shower tray with an elegant slate stone texture.

The Acquabella shower tray collection is enriched with the new Halo Slate. Like an ‘aura’ — from which it takes its name — a micro-textured cornice runs across the frame, creating a slight contrast with the Slate texture of the structure. Its use allows high-water evacuation via a slim grid.

Halo Slate is customisable in size thanks to its Akron® composition. On the one hand, it can be easily cut to adapt to specific space requirements. Moreover, like the entire Acquabella shower tray collection, Akron® products are customisable in colour thanks to the wide range of finishes available in the Standard, Naturally Made or RAL/NCS colours.

Akron® is Acquabella’s innovative patented material composed of polyurethane and mineral fillers, which is characterised by excellent hygienic and antibacterial properties. Its special structure allows for extremely defined textures for an extremely realistic tactile sensation.

Akron® is also easy to clean and is resistant to scratches or bumps that may occur during daily use of the shower tray.

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Duravit selects high-quality materials & raw ingredients for sustainability

February 20, 2023

According to Duravit the company is constantly researching innovative and ecological materials to help reduce CO2 emissions to enable durable and sustainable products to be manufactured. The complete bathroom supplier from the Black Forest says it is mindful of its responsibility to the environment, employees, and future generations.

Here, Duravit explains how it sources materials and the manufacturing processes it employs.

Ceramic sanitaryware: robustness & raw materials

Ceramic sanitary products are among the most durable and robust of all: easy to care for, resistant, scratchproof, and heatproof. This is one of the key reasons why Duravit says it offers a lifetime guarantee on most of its sanitary ceramic products. The complete bathroom provider uses natural raw materials in its manufacturing processes including: clay, kaolin, quartz, and feldspar, these are available globally, so Duravit’s international manufacturing sites can source and process the basic materials from their own regions. The shorter transport routes reduce CO2 missions, whilst guaranteeing secure, stable, and local sourcing of raw materials.

DuraCeram®: less material = fewer emissions

Duravit explains the DuraCeram® material used is a testament to how high design standards and sustainability can be combined: conventional bathroom ceramic, has a wall thickness of 12 to 14 mm, but DuraCeram® offers a thinner wall without sacrificing strength. The delicate design of the washbasins means they are 28 percent lighter, further reducing the consumption of raw materials: DuraCeram® has enabled Duravit AG to save an average of around 60 tonnes of raw materials each year since 2016.

DuroCast Nature: the first recyclable mineral material

According to Duravit, DuroCast Nature sees Duravit take a pioneering role in recyclable materials: the mineral material DuroCast Nature is made from polyurethane mixed with marble powder and sealed with a gelcoat surface.

This composition gives the material excellent properties making it: robust, UV-resistant, easy to clean, with maximum anti-slip properties on the matt surfaces. Perfect to use in the bathroom, which is why Duravit says it has developed Sustano, its first recyclable shower tray.

Thanks to a low weight, Sustano shower trays are lighter to transport, which helps reduce CO2 emissions, and at the end of their useful life, the DuroCast Nature shower trays can be returned to Duravit or a local recycling centre. In keeping with the life-cycle principle they can then be made into new shower trays, or processed for other industrial purposes.

Wooden furniture: a challenge in the bathroom

The bathroom is a challenging place for wood as a raw material as temperature fluctuations and the prevalence of moisture place a great strain on the material. Therefore the bathroom furniture made by the Duravit attaches great importance to surface treatment, as ultimately, a sealed surface is crucial for bathroom furniture to prevent moisture from getting into the wood.

A high-quality finish ensures the durability of the product, but the quality is a key factor; from the moment the raw materials are selected through to their delivery to the Schenkenzell site. Duravit’s bathroom furniture is manufactured here it is PEFC*- certified and this quality seal ensures sustainable forestry.

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IBC Products Limited secures sales of certain Imperial Bathrooms assets

February 20, 2023

Administrator Leonard Curtis has secured the sale of certain assets of one of Walsall’s oldest domestic bathroom manufacturers to IBC Products Limited after the company ceased trading.

Neil Bennett and Dane O’Hara of Leonard Curtis were appointed administrators of Imperial Bathrooms Limited on 31 January 2023 and immediately completed the asset sale to IBC Products Limited.

Imperial Bathrooms, founded in 1987, was a manufacturer and distributor of hand-crafted bathroom fixtures and fittings based in Aldridge, West Midlands – employing 37 members of staff.

Whilst the Company had ceased trading prior to the Administration, the sale of certain assets to IBC Products Limited has secured the future of this long-standing brand.

Dane O’Hara (pictured), one of the appointed administrators, commented: “Despite an accelerated but thorough M&A process, attracting in excess of 60 expressions of interest, we were sadly not able to identify a purchaser for the business and assets of the Company on a going concern basis.

“Traditional manufacturing businesses in the UK are faced with a host of difficulties in the current climate, competing on price with overseas manufacturers whilst trying to manage the ever-increasing overhead and energy costs.

“The Company was one of very few domestic manufacturers remaining in this sector, and despite the cessation of its manufacturing activities we are pleased that the sale of certain assets to IBC Products Limited will ensure that this prestigious brand continues into the future”.

Dane added: “We are continuing to liaise with all key stakeholders concerning the Administration process and anticipate substantial returns to the Company’s secured, preferential and secondary preferential creditors, as well as a potential return to unsecured creditors.”

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KBBG expands bathroom offering with Utopia

February 20, 2023

The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group (KBBG), part of DER KREIS, Europe’s leading kitchen and bathroom buying group, has extended its portfolio of bathroom suppliers with the addition of Utopia.

Based in the Midlands, Utopia has been at the forefront of the UK bathroom industry for over 30 years, manufacturing an extensive collection of bathroom furniture, worktops and mirrors. Utopia also offers a varied range of sanitaryware, brassware, baths, shower screens, accessories, and lighting, to complete the bathroom solution and add that extra special wow factor.

Every Utopia bathroom is hand-built in its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, in the UK, using the finest materials. Striving to engineer products with the longest possible lifespan, Utopia’s products are sustainably sourced and built to last. What’s more, for complete peace of mind for KBBG members and their customers, Utopia offers a five-year guarantee on all furniture, a 10-year guarantee on brassware, a 30-year guarantee with all baths and a lifetime guarantee on sanitaryware.

Bill Miller, managing director, KBBG, says: “We are pleased to welcome Utopia to the KBBG, enhancing the range of bathroom products available to our members. Utopia is a multi-award winning UK bathroom manufacturer, and its products are produced to exacting quality standards, so we are confident that our members will find Utopia a welcome addition.”

Ian Hall, Joint MD, Utopia, adds: “It’s exciting to be on-board with the KBBG and we are looking forward to introducing our collection of bathroom furniture products and solutions to members of the buying group. Our ethos is to offer creative and inspiring bathroom solutions, designed and manufactured here in the UK to the very best specifications. We are sure this principle will resonate closely with the independent bathroom retailers that are members of the KBBG.”

For more information on the KBBG, call Bill Miller on 07887 247811 or email b.miller@derkreis.co.uk. You can also visit the website at www.kbbg.co.uk.

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