Kitchen products supplier Waterline has welcomed Emily Roberts as its new contract sales manager. Emily joins Waterline with nearly a decade of experience in the contract kitchen market, having worked in both operations and sales for a company that supplies kitchens to developers, housebuilders and main contractors. She has vast experience across a range of sites from single plots to high-rise tower blocks with over 400 homes.
In her new role, Emily will utilise her excellent customer service skills to support Waterline’s growing contract customers throughout the process from the initial design stage through to the completion of each project.
Commenting on her appointment, Emily said: “I’m excited to join Waterline and look forward to building on the work of the team in supplying customers with products that will add real value to their projects.”
Michael Marriot, CEO of Waterline, added: “It’s great to have Emily on-board. Her skills and experience make her a fantastic addition to our team as we continue to expand and develop our contracts business.”
This February, bathroom design brand GROHE hosted a thought-provoking debut panel discussion at its newly opened London Specification Hub exploring the topic “Can enjoyment of water ever be truly sustainable?”. The panel was chaired and moderated by renowned interior journalist Elspeth Pridham, while guest experts included:
Patrick Speck, LXIL’s Global Design Lead, Wan-Sheong Yau, Architect at Studio Moren; and Hayley Roy, Commercial Interior Designer at Harp Design.
For GROHE, sustainability is more than just a goal – it is a responsibility and part of the brand’s DNA. By engaging industry leaders and decision-makers in thoughtful discussions around sustainability and water scarcity, GROHE seeks to encourage conscious specification and lead by example to champion change.
Hayley Roy (pictured top) initiated the discussion, noting, “The true enjoyment of water is a luxury, and we often take advantage of that luxury when we’re not at home. There’s an underlying mindset that in commercial settings such as hotels conscious water usage isn’t a priority as you’re not paying the bill. It’s been found that on average a hotel has 3 times the water usage than that seen in a domestic setting, with the majority of usage coming from guest rooms.”
Wan-Sheong Yau (pictured left) added to the discussion, highlighting the enjoyment of water has a lot to do with location and accessibility “A luxurious multi-spray shower in a hotel room is often considered a standard essential, however if you take even the most basic of showers and place them in a first-class lounge on an aeroplane then that shower becomes a new level of privilege and luxury, with true enjoyment.”
The panel also explored the wider industry shift towards circularity and need for greener specification —from sustainable material choices to waste reduction in the manufacturing industry.
Patrick Speck emphasised the need of innovation continuity and enhanced education when it comes to resource-saving products “Sustainability and having luxury should not be seen as mutually exclusive. There are now many products available that enhance daily routines while minimising their environmental impact. Features like our SilkMove ES technology, which reduces unnecessary energy use, and our water-recycling shower concept, Everstream, are proof that innovation can drive real change. We’re continuing to drive education and fight the common misconception that low-flow showers and bathroom fittings provide a sub-standard experience. Users can have it all with a luxurious experience that also helps to save water, and we see it as our job to drive this change in mindset”
European shower manufacturer Flair Showers Limited has announced the appointment of Gillian Furey as marketing manager for the UK and Ireland. Since 1952, Flair has beautifully designed and expertly engineered its shower solutions to stand the test of time in the busiest of bathrooms.
Furey joins Flair Showers Limited with over two decades of extensive experience in strategic marketing for blue chip, FMCG and global companies. With a proven track record of developing and implementing significant trading touch points to deliver growth and success, Gillian’s appointment aligns perfectly with the recent launch and introduction of Flair Showers into the UK market.
Furey comments: “I am incredibly proud to be joining a highly respected and customer-focused company at a crucial stage in its journey in the UK. To reinforce our commitment to the UK market and highlight our dedication to working in partnership with bathroom specialist retailers, we have invested in the development of display materials to help bring the Flair Harmony Collection to life. Building rapport and relationships while growing and delivering business success with retailers in the UK is an exciting opportunity.
“I look forward to engaging my expertise, knowledge and experience from my substantial marketing background, gained throughout my career to drive the profile of Flair Showers in the UK. Meaningful conversations and interactions with our current and potential customers have never been as important as they are today.”
Mia O’Loughlin, group marketing director, Sanbra Group, adds: “We are delighted to welcome Gillian to the Flair Showers team. Gillian brings a wealth of marketing expertise, which is invaluable and will support us as we continue to expand and grow our business in the UK.”
The CEO of the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI), Damian Walters, has responded to an announcement by the UK Government reaffirming its commitment to apprenticeships following new research which shows apprenticeships contribute £25bn to England’s economy.
In 2018, research suggested that apprentices in England contributed £14bn of economic growth over their lifetime and new figures, announced during National Apprenticeships Week, revealed that the number has almost doubled to £25bn, demonstrating the importance of apprentices in the government’s mission to grow the economy.
New measures under the reform include the introduction of new apprenticeships, a boost in flexibility for employers around English and Maths qualifications, a cut in the minimum duration of apprenticeships to get ‘boots on the ground’ quicker and the launch of a ‘one-stop shop’ app to revolutionise how apprentices access training and support.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson (pictured) said: “We need to take skills seriously as a country again, and the measures we’ve taken this week to slash red tape and boost the number of apprentices show how we will deliver on this and break down the barriers to opportunity for our young people.”
Whilst BiKBBI welcomes reform, CEO Damian Walters urges the Government to take measures to encourage the thousands of micro-SMEs currently operating in the UK to take on an apprentice. “Reform is well overdue and therefore it is welcome” commented Walters “but there remains much to do to overcome the challenges that micro-SMEs face when taking on an apprentice. This is a major barrier, particularly in the home improvement sector, where the majority of the workforce are sole traders and micro-SMEs. The current (and ageing) workforce is the key to solving the skills shortage and building a sustainable future workforce for the fitted furniture sector, and unless the Government can do more to accommodate the needs of the thousands of micro and small businesses which make up 99.8% of the UK business population, apprenticeships cannot work for our sector. It’s the reason that hasn’t worked for the past decade, and unless there is reform in this area, nothing will change going forward”.
The full announcement from the Department of Education and The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP can be accessed here.
The Kbsa has launched a new series of regional meetings, the first of which was held in Mansfield this month. Designed to update members on benefits and initiatives, the meeting was welcomed by those who attended as a valuable networking opportunity.
Delegates travelled from outside of the East Midlands region to hear speakers cover market trends, expanding your business branch or franchise, member benefits, and an education and training update.
Trevor Scott, founder of Rugby Fitted Kitchens, gave the presentation on the relative benefits of expanding a business independently or becoming part of a franchise.
Luke Wedgbury, owner of Coalville Kitchens and training & education champion at the Kbsa, gave a review of the Kbsa’s training & education strategy. Luke’s presentation included information on how to access courses that are free of charge, industry-specific day releases and full-time courses such as the Kitchen Fitter Apprenticeship schemes via recommended training providers. Partnerships with training providers such as Simon Acres Group, TKET (The Kitchen Education Trust), the London School of Architecture and other third-party education providers were also covered.
Kbsa national chair Richard Hibbert said, “We are delighted that the meeting was so well received by the members and non-members that attended. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to meet in person and share experiences.
“We have taken on board the feedback and will be announcing further meetings in the near future.”
The Unified Water Label Association (UWLA) will be hosting an event that brings together a number of key speakers to discuss how the Unified Water Label is supporting the water resilience agenda. Presentations will cover education, product innovation, market transformation and best practice. The event will take place on Tuesday 18 March in room 4/4.2 Brillanz, from 13.00 to 15.00.
Speakers will include:
Carlos Velazquez, President UWLA – Welcome and introduction
Timo Kopka, Technical chair UWLA – new performance bands and criteria for taps
Paul Skinner, Technical consultant UWLA – new sustainability criteria
Fiona Felix, Leader Public Affairs Hansgrohe – update on UWLA Advocacy activities
Yvonne Orgill, outgoing MD UWLA – the development of the Unified Water Label
Henk Gieskens, Director of client success at Lyrical Communications Limited – the role of exhibitions in a sustainable world
Tim Robertson and Jacob Tompkins, Get Water Fit – a global consumer education initiative
Lee Cartwright, incoming MD UWLA
UWLA CEO Yvonne Orgill says, “2025 will be a significant year for water. The need for water efficiency is higher on the agenda than ever before across Europe. This is evidenced by the appointment of the first EU Commissioner for water resilience Jessika Roswall, and the recent call from The European Commission to seek input from stakeholders in designing the future European Water Resilience Strategy.
“Industry has demonstrated its commitment by offering innovative products that use less water and associated energy.
“With support from all parties we can work together to make a self-regulatory label the solution.”
The UWLA presentation is open to all ISH attendees, visit www.uwla.eu for details or email Vikki Hollins at Vikki.hollins@uwla.eu
Distributor of bathrooms, appliances, sinks, and taps – PJH, and Fibo – supplier of wall panel solutions – have announced a partnership. From February 2025, PJH will be supporting Fibo’s distribution across England, Wales and Scotland as its exclusive new distributor.
Recognising a growing demand for versatile and design-led wall panels, the partnership will see Fibo’s collection benefitting from PJH’s distribution network, giving customers access to a range of waterproof wall panels that combine durability with elegant design. The entire Fibo collection of 225 SKU’s will be available to order from PJH, with selected Fibo ranges featuring across PJH’s Bathrooms to Love and Bathrooms2GO brands.
Commenting on the partnership, Kim Cooper, head of marketing & product at PJH, said: “Bringing Fibo into the PJH fold is an exciting development for us. Fibo’s wall panels are not only visually stunning but also highly practical, offering customers an alternative to traditional tiles. Their ease of installation, durability, and variety of finishes make them an ideal addition to our portfolio.
“By expanding our product range with the addition of Fibo, we’re reaffirming our dedication to being the first choice for bathroom retailers. Supported by our new state-of-the-art Wolverhampton Distribution Centre, fast and reliable delivery service to both store or home addresses, through our own fleet of vehicles, including real-time tracking, we can ensure our ‘FIRST CHOICE’ service, being better placed than ever to deliver quality, convenience, and innovation.”
Chris Bugg, sales director at Fibo, said: “Whilst Fibo will continue to trade directly with Merchants and Buying Groups as normal, the new partnership with PJH will greatly grow our reach across England, Scotland & Wales.
With Fibo’s fleet of 26-ton wagons and the need for customers to have a forklift truck to offload, delivery has been challenging to meet the demands of our growing business. By partnering with PJH, it will allow Fibo to be delivered anywhere across the British Isles and with next-day delivery! This will significantly enhance the service we provide by offering customers the opportunity to buy Fibo directly or through PJH.”
Fibo’s waterproof wall panel systems are designed to simplify bathroom transformations, come with a 25-year warranty, and hold all the necessary approvals for wetrooms. Featuring its patented Aqualock click system for quick and secure installation, the collection includes a variety of on-trend designs using eco-friendly materials, as well as an impressive log of environmental credentials. These panels deliver exceptional performance while making a bold style statement – ideal for both contemporary and classic interiors.
The Fibo range is now available via the PJH Partners Portal™ website. To learn more, visit www.partners.pjh.uk, contact your regional PJH sales manager, or call 0800 8 77 88 99.
To learn more about Fibo, visit www.fibo.co.uk or contact your regional business development manager.
The Designplus Award by ISH, in collaboration with Stylepark, has unveiled its 34 nominees for 2025. Recognised for setting the benchmark in water, heating, and air, ISH will showcase these innovations at an exclusive exhibition in Hall 5.1 throughout the fair.
A panel of industry experts selected the nominees from over 160 entries. The jury, including leaders from the sanitation and heating sectors, evaluated submissions based on sustainability, innovation, functionality, and aesthetics.
‘We have received a wide range of submissions from the plumbing, heating, energy, ventilation and software sectors,’ according to jury member Jens Wischmann.
’This is an impressive demonstration of how broadly based the HVAC industry is. It is particularly pleasing that we see not only excellent design but also highly innovative, solution-oriented products that represent real improvement. This makes me optimistic for an exciting ISH 2025.’
The solution orientation is in line with this year’s thematic focus of the ISH, which offers visitors a better orientation with eight solution areas.
The nominated products represent the industry’s entire diversity and show the latest developments in the following categories:
The nominated products span six categories:
Water & Efficiency
HVAC & Sustainability
Smart & Control
Design & Innovation
Young Innovators
Sustainable Exhibition Stand
The winners will be revealed on 17 March at a special ceremony in Hall 3.1.
The 2025 nominees demonstrate the breadth of the HVAC industry, with submissions from 24 countries showcasing the global impact of ISH. Both established industry players and emerging start-ups are represented, highlighting innovative solutions and advanced designs.
The Designplus Award celebrates ISH’s theme of forward-thinking solutions, aligned with the fair’s focus on offering sustainable and smart solutions for the built environment.
Discover the full list of nominees and their groundbreaking productshere.
ISH 2025 will take place from 17 to 21 March, marking the world’s premier event for HVAC and water technologies.
Pictured: Participants of the jury meeting. From left to right: Jens Wischmann (Managing Director of VDS – Vereinigung Deutsche Sanitärwirtschaft e.V. & Managing Director of VdZ – Wirtschaftsvereinigung Gebäude und Energie e.V.), Matthias Thiel (Consultant Business Administration, Data Management, Demographic Change at ZVSHK – Zentralverband Sanitär Heizung Klima), Elke Oechsner (Managing Director Heizungs-Journal Verlags GmbH), Stefan Seitz (Director ISH Brand Management), Franziska von Schumann (Publisher & Board Member Stylepark), Prof. Amandus Samsøe Sattler (ensømble studio architektur, President DGNB e.V.), Anna Moldenhauer (Editor-in-chief Stylepark Magazine), Robert Volhard (Founder, Publisher & Board Member Stylepark). Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH
KEUCO’s EDITION 11 ART introduces a tone-on-tone colour concept that sets a new standard in bathroom design, offering a seamless blend of colours, surfaces, and materials. This collection allows designers to create a unified bathroom aesthetic with a modern, sophisticated feel.
At the core of EDITION 11 ART is the washbasin, available in a range of colours such as White, Sand, Manhattan, Blue Satin, and Smoke. These elegant hues harmonise with the furniture, creating a balanced tone-on-tone effect. The collection offers both single and double washbasin options, with widths of 800mm and 1200mm, alongside practical storage solutions with one or two drawers.
Designer Dominik Tesseraux of Tesseraux + Partner has developed a bathroom furniture concept with fine lines and a solid, supportive feel. The 4mm enamel washbasin blends seamlessly with the vanity unit, resulting in a unified, streamlined appearance. The high-quality materials used for the furniture surfaces, including veneer, ceramic, and glass, complement the washbasin colours for a consistent overall design.
The series is refined by subtle details, including side handles that match the finishes of KEUCO’s other fittings and accessories: brushed red gold, brushed brass, brushed titanium black, aluminium finish, and stainless steel, as well as deep black matt and chrome. These elements ensure continuity and a cohesive aesthetic.
A highlight of the collection is the vanity unit with a glass shelf, offering an innovative take on bathroom furniture. Wall-mounted and complemented by matching sideboards, tall units, and a mirrored shelving unit, it serves as the focal point of a harmonious design.
KEUCO’s mixer fittings and accessories complement the tone-on-tone concept, with finishes designed to integrate seamlessly with the bathroom’s furniture and washbasins. The drawers are finished in carbon black, creating a striking contrast and adding elegance to the interior. The innovative storage solutions include longitudinal and transverse boxes that maximise organisation and functionality.
For further customisation, KEUCO offers the option to order bathroom furniture in any RAL Classic colour, paired with the five washbasin colours to create a personalised space. The round light mirror, with adjustable lighting and automatic heating to ensure clarity in steamy conditions, is a visual highlight that complements the bathroom furniture.
The SOMARIS mirror cabinet, with its minimalist design and colour-matching options, provides additional storage. Side panels can be customised in all RAL Classic colours, ensuring the EDITION 11 ART suite is fully coordinated.
With its thoughtful design and high-quality materials, KEUCO’s EDITION 11 ART creates a peaceful and luxurious bathroom, blending functionality with style.
In the second part of his signature series, Belgian designer Bertrand Lejoly aims to transform the concept of the bathroom into a warm and intimate retreat. His design philosophy is to dispel the often sterile, cold atmosphere typical of traditional bathrooms. “I wanted to use warm materials and accessories to create a space that feels cosy and inviting,” Lejoly explained.
Embracing the growing trend of bathrooms as personal sanctuaries, Lejoly combines open space with intimate design elements. The muted moss-green walls complement carefully selected materials, enhancing the room’s inviting, homely feel.
A key feature of Lejoly’s design for Duravit is the unconventional approach to the double washbasin. “I wanted to create a direct link to the bedroom, which is why it was important to strike the right balance between openness and a seamless transition between the two areas. At the same time, this creates a harmonious symmetry and optimally uses the available space,” he explained.
To maintain privacy in the open layout, Lejoly placed the shower and shower toilet behind discreet doors, which, when closed, blend seamlessly into the storage wall. This design choice creates a harmonious flow, adding to the bathroom’s serene and uncluttered aesthetic.
The minimalist approach extends to the vanity units, which feature light, open designs with storage easily accessible. Two tall cabinets enhance the storage capacity without disrupting the room’s visual harmony.
Lejoly’s choice of materials includes dark wood, black taps, and a satin-matt cast-mineral bathtub, all of which complement the overall aesthetic. “Green plays a central role in the room and subtly complements the materials, giving the whole room a consistent feel,” he added.
This design not only distinguishes the bathroom from the more neutral tones of the surrounding rooms but also offers a timeless space, combining functionality with a personal, retreat-like atmosphere.
