Online bathroom retailer Victoria Plum has launched its first kitchen products range as part of the business’s ongoing ambitious growth strategy.

The Doncaster-headquartered company has initially introduced seven kitchen cabinet ranges and a variety of kitchen products. These include worktops, tiles, flooring, lighting, Rangemaster sinks and Bristan and Schön taps.

The announcement follows record financial performance by Victoria Plum. For the year ended 28 February 2021, the company achieved a 46 per cent increase in sales to £103m whilst EBITDA grew 115 per cent to £4.5m.

Speaking about the launch of the business’s kitchen range, Victoria Plum’s chief executive, Paul McClenaghan, said: “We have an ambitious growth strategy, high performing teams throughout our business and a clear objective of accelerating our rate of expansion.

“This led us to investigate the kitchens marketplace in detail. What we discovered was a distinct opportunity to leverage our supply chain, internal skill set and ecommerce capabilities to successfully enter this segment of the home improvement market.

“Our kitchen products are selling well, and we intend to expand our offer by increasing both our range and our marketing activity.

“We are creating a sustainable, complementary kitchens offer which will build further equity in the Victoria Plum brand and deliver even greater commercial momentum for the business.”

Victoria Plum was founded 20 years ago and employs 398 people. The company was acquired by Leeds-based private equity fund Endless in October 2019.

For further information visit www.victoriaplum.com

New research has highlighted a lack of knowledge around who is legally responsible for ensuring installed plumbing products and appliances are compliant with the Water Fitting Regulations or Scottish Byelaws.

WRAS (Water Regulations Approval Scheme) has surveyed 500 UK adults responsible for water systems in non-household premises, to assess industry knowledge of compliance and the role played by WRAS.

Three quarters (75%) of respondents knew that plumbing products that are connected to the public water supply must be tested to demonstrate they are of suitable quality and standard, but far fewer knew who was responsible for ensuring those standards are met.

Little more than a third (35%) thought that facilities managers were legally responsible for checking the compliance of plumbing products and appliances which use water, prior to installation.

Just over one in four (26%) thought installers had responsibility.

A quarter (25%) thought tenants or occupiers were responsible, the same number as those who thought building owners were responsible.

WRAS Approvals Manager Ian Hughes says that the real answer is that all of those groups have a responsibility to ensure compliant products are used. While it is not illegal to sell non-compliant products under the regulations, it is illegal for non-compliant products to be installed on a system where the water is provided by a water company.

“Why take a gamble on a product that hasn’t been tested to show compliance? Plumbing products or fittings that do not comply with the water regulations or byelaws may pose a risk to health, as they can contaminate drinking water, or may leak, causing damage to property,” he said.

“If they are not compliant, these products cannot be used. If they are used, the subsequent remedial work can delay projects and mean unforeseen costs.

“In some instances, it could even lead to legal action and fines.”

A great way to ensure that products and fittings are suitable is to check if they are WRAS approved. A comprehensive list of WRAS approved products is available at https://www.wrasapprovals.co.uk/approvals-directory/

The research findings were revealed as a part of a wider survey into industry awareness of WRAS and its role in helping people and organisations to comply.

Nearly three quarters (74%) of respondents said they were aware of the Water Regulations Approval Scheme, while over two thirds (67%) of respondents said they would trust a product if it bore the WRAS logo.

Carron Bathrooms and Eastbrook Company have announced following over twenty years of trading together they are terminating their partnership upon the expiry of Eastbrook’s current catalogue on 28th February 2022.

Carron Bathrooms has confirmed the decision came as the result of a shared strategic review into their partnership, and they part company on good terms.

Both companies confirm their priority in the disengagement process is to ensure that their loyal customers have continuity of supply throughout the remainder of 2021.

Carron will ensure that Eastbrook continues to access the products required to fulfil demand.

Caron Bathrooms long-term partners, Q4 Bathrooms, have been working closely with Carron over the last few weeks to increase their inventory and distribution capacity and they will announce an exciting new route to market on 1st December which they say will deliver an enhanced offering to its customers.

In this exclusive interview, chief executive for the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, Tom Reynolds explains why he sees three economic hurdles looming on the horizon.

“When we assess the progress of the pandemic recovery on a global level, world output is recovering, but it’s fair to say it’s a bumpy ride.

“There are significant constraints across all economies due to supply problems, congestion at ports, and continuing Covid-related issues internationally. Demand for goods is considerably stronger than demand for services and that is positive news for those in the construction products markets like bathroom manufacturers.

“At BMA, our research conducted earlier this year, tracking demand and consumer intentions shows half the population is planning a full bathroom refurbishment. The poll also indicated the immediacy of refurb plans has increased, with 16% of Brits saying they plan to carry out bathroom works in the next 12 months compared to just 13% saying the same at the start of 2021. In fact, many bathroom tasks are viewed as more urgent now than they were at the start of the year.

“The sustained period of demand has created a boom for many construction-related sectors like ours. But in 2022 a new set of pressures may see the nation’s purse strings tighten.

“Firstly, it is now well-documented, economists are predicting bruising UK inflation hikes early next year, with the Bank of England forecasting inflation will hit or surpass 5%.

“The anticipation of this volatility is already taking its toll, with some linking a recent dip in consumer demand and spending levels to faltering confidence.

“Secondly, gas and electricity prices will increase again in April. Although most forecasters predict a correction in the long term, the short-term outlook for the energy markets is rocky. This is sending shockwaves through almost every part of society. The supplies we rely on to heat and light our homes, and to keep the wheels of industry turning, are soaring. When the cost of energy goes up, so too will the price of many other things, as costs inevitably get passed on.

“Thirdly, the housing market, which has buoyed the UK economy through choppy waters recently, is a fickle friend. The end of the stamp duty holiday, credited with fuelling a mini-boom, has prompted wildly varying predictions for the future, with some analysts foretelling a crash, while others are certain the lack of supply will continue to sustain the surge.

“These three challenges are not distinct, of course, they are both reactive and interdependent. In the last 24 months, we have seen an unimaginable set of medical and societal circumstances combining to create economic shocks. Some of that uncertainty and instability will continue for the time being, but despite these unpredictable factors, underlying demand remains high, so there is good reason to be optimistic.”