Tissino Bathrooms has appointed Neil Swallow as regional sales manager for North and East London, strengthening its sales structure in the South as the business continues to invest in closer, more responsive support for its network of independent retailers and specification-led customers.
Swallow joins Tissino with more than 30 years’ experience in the bathroom industry. His experience includes account management and national sales management roles, as well as six years running his own showroom, giving him first-hand insight into the day-to-day realities, opportunities and pressures faced by bathroom retailers.
Prior to joining Tissino, Swalllow worked with a number of leading bathroom brands, including RAK Ceramics, where he supported retailers across the South of England. He is a familiar and respected name within the industry, with a strong track record of building long-term customer relationships and providing practical, commercially aware support.
The appointment forms part of Tissino’s wider growth plans and reflects the company’s continued investment in its regional sales presence. The newly created role will allow Tissino to offer more focused support across London.
Commenting on the appointment, Frazer Lewis, sales director at Tissino, said: “Neil brings a depth of industry experience that is hugely valuable to our customers and to the wider Tissino team. Having worked across sales, retail and showroom ownership, he understands the bathroom industry from several angles, which means he can offer support that is informed, relevant and genuinely useful to our retail partners.
“London is an important area for Tissino and, as our customer base continues to grow, it is vital that we have the right people in place to support retailers closely and consistently. By creating this new role, we are giving both Neil and our wider sales team the time and regional focus needed to build stronger relationships, respond more effectively and help customers make the most of the opportunities in their local markets.”
Neil Swallow added: “Tissino is a business with a clear commitment to its customers, and that was a major part of what attracted me to the role. Having spent many years working with retailers, and having run my own showroom, I know how important it is to have reliable support from the brands you work with. My focus will be on building strong relationships across North and East London, understanding what customers need from us and helping them grow with the right products, service and day-to-day support.”
The appointment underlines Tissino’s continued commitment to strengthening its sales team as demand grows for dependable, well-designed bathroom products backed by knowledgeable regional expertise.
Frontline Bathrooms has become the first bathroom company to join Lighthouse Charity as a partner, marking a significant step for the KBB sector and its relationship with the construction industry.
Lighthouse Charity provides free, confidential, 24/7 emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to construction workers and their families across the UK and Ireland. For Frontline Bathrooms, the partnership is both a statement of support and a recognition of responsibility. The KBB sector may have its own distinct identity, but it sits firmly within the wider construction industry, and that connection brings with it a duty to look after the people who keep projects, supply chains and installations moving every day. From installers, plumbers and merchants to retailers, warehouse teams, delivery networks, manufacturers and skilled tradespeople, the bathroom industry is part of the same wider community that Lighthouse Charity exists to support.
Frontline, which operates from its head office in Featherstone, West Yorkshire, supplies more than 6,000 products – including its exclusive AQUA brand – through a nationwide network of bathroom showrooms and plumbers’ merchants, giving the business a clear understanding of how closely the KBB supply chain sits alongside the construction workforce.
The decision to partner with Lighthouse Charity comes at a time when the pressures facing construction remain stark. According to Lighthouse Charity, every working day in the UK and Ireland, two construction workers take their own life, while the charity’s 2025 figures show 6,712 construction families supported, 8,714 counselling sessions provided and 3,781 people trained in Mental Health First Aid. The charity also reported rising demand in early 2026, with calls, safeguarding cases, trauma interventions, food shops and counselling sessions all increasing against the same period the year before.
Darren Allison, managing director at Frontline Bathrooms, says: “Becoming the first bathroom company to partner with Lighthouse Charity is something we are incredibly proud of, but more than that, we hope it prompts a wider conversation across the KBB sector. Bathrooms do not exist in isolation from construction. Every product we supply, every showroom we work with and every installation that happens in a customer’s home is connected to people working across the trade, and that means we have a responsibility to look beyond the finished room and support the workforce behind it.
“The statistics around mental health, financial hardship and crisis support in construction are impossible to ignore, but this partnership is not about standing back and acknowledging the issue; it is about playing an active part in helping to change it. Lighthouse Charity is doing vital work every day, offering support that can be life-changing and, in some cases, life-saving. As a sector, we can always do more, and Frontline wants to help lead that conversation in bathrooms.
“We know this is only the beginning. Being first matters because it creates momentum, but the real impact will come when more businesses across bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, merchants, showrooms and manufacturing recognise that support for construction workers belongs on all of our agendas. The KBB sector is built on trade skill, supply chain relationships and human effort, and we should be using that collective strength to help make sure no one feels alone when they are facing crisis.”
Through the partnership, Frontline will help raise awareness of Lighthouse Charity’s free support services across its network, giving more people in the bathroom and wider construction community access to information that could make a real difference at a moment of need. This includes signposting to the charity’s 24/7 helpline, text HARDHAT service, live chat, self-support app and training resources, as well as helping to normalise conversations around mental health, financial pressure, physical wellbeing and crisis support.
Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity added, “We are delighted to have Frontline on board as one of our company supporters. As well as supporting us financially, their pro-active stance in spreading the message of support promotes a positive wellbeing culture within the sector and creates an environment that encourages open conversations where people feel supported.”
Utopia Furniture Limited has expanded its national delivery operation with the introduction of four new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, further strengthening the company’s logistics capabilities and ongoing commitment to customer service excellence.
Following an extensive trial period across its transport operation, the new vehicles have now officially joined the Utopia fleet and are already delivering bathroom furniture and products to retailers throughout the UK.
The investment forms part of Utopia’s continued strategy to enhance operational flexibility, responsiveness and efficiency across its nationwide distribution network. The new additions complement the company’s existing larger delivery vehicles, enabling greater agility and improved service capability across a wider range of delivery requirements.
Finished in Utopia’s distinctive full-vehicle branded livery, the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models have been specially configured to support the demands of nationwide bathroom distribution. Each vehicle has also been equipped with enhanced operational technology, including advanced camera systems and vehicle tracking functionality.
The project was delivered in partnership with The Thomas Group who managed the vehicle supply and fleet package, while the full vehicle wrapping was completed by Creative Vehicle Wrapping.
Nikky Ball, transport coordinator at Utopia comments “Investing in our delivery infrastructure is an important part of our long-term commitment to our retail partners. The introduction of these new vehicles allows us to operate with even greater flexibility and efficiency while maintaining the high standards of service our customers expect from.”
The expansion reflects Utopia’s continued investment across all areas of the business as the company further strengthens its position within the UK bathroom sector.
Features by Diane Larner, founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review. Diane Larner launched both titles over 15 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industries ever since, publishing regular features across both sectors.
Smaller footprints in new-build properties, combined with the realities of urban living are placing greater demand on bathroom design than ever before. The Government’s ongoing focus on tackling shrinkflation in 2026 has also reinforced the need for homes that support health and wellbeing, with guidance emphasising good storage, privacy, ventilation, natural light and noise reduction. As a result, thoughtful space planning has become central to specification, with every element needing to justify its place.
For the bathroom, integrated storage, compact baths and flexible showering solutions mean architects and designers can focus on balancing practical design with a well developed sense of space. This feature looks at the products that ensure bathrooms feel coherent, usable, and thoughtfully resolved rather than compromised.
Storage solutions designed for compact living
PJH EDIN range
Furniture depth and configuration make a difference to the way a smaller bathroom performs day to day. Beyond providing essential storage, a well-considered design will reduce visual clutter, improve how users navigate limited spaces, and create a more cohesive scheme for complex layouts.
Julie Lockwood, furniture product manager, Bathrooms to Love by PJH, agrees: “Choosing compact or space-saving furniture is one of the best ways to maximise storage space and organise compact rooms. The less bathroom clutter on show, the more spacious and efficient a small space can be. The latest furniture collections, such as our Edin range, are versatile, design-led, extremely durable, and full of choices for personalisation.
“By selecting coordinated furniture, designers will be able to create tailor-made space-saving solutions for all room shapes, by mixing and matching floor and wall units for a flush and seamless appearance – and great storage capacity. Not only will this look smart and streamlined, possibly hiding any unsightly pipework, but by choosing favourite colours and finish, will create a truly individual look.”
Designed with flexibility at its core, PJH’s EDIN range offers a practical approach to compact bathroom planning. Available in both standard (318mm) and slim (218mm) depth options, it allows specifiers to balance storage capacity with footprint, supporting more efficient layouts without compromising on design coherence or finish.
Perfectly matched: basins, WC’s & storage
Ideal Standard i.Life S Collection
Designing within restricted parameters has also led to a more inventive approach to sanitaryware specification. Every centimetre must contribute to function without losing visual clarity. Rather than compromising on ambition, smaller bathrooms deliver an opportunity to streamline form and prioritise detail efficiency.
Yiota Toumba, senior designer at Villeroy & Boch, explains: “As newer home footprints continue to get smaller, potential buyers are becoming much more thoughtful about how they utilise space, especially in the bathroom. With bathrooms often compact, storage and sanitaryware are shifting towards smart, space‑saving solutions that work in tighter, more awkward areas, such as en-suites and cloakrooms.
“Wall‑hung designs are a popular choice, helping keep products organised while opening up the room and making everyday cleaning easier. At the same time, softer shapes and gentle curves are bringing a sense of calm and balance into bathroom design.”
Ideal Standard’s i.life S bathroom and furniture range offers sleek, space‑saving solutions for smaller bathrooms, integrating seamlessly into a variety of interior styles. The toilets within the i.life S range are deliberately compact, featuring a back‑to‑wall bowl design to minimise the overall footprint of the fittings. These are complemented by washbasins available in a range of sizes, allowing flexibility across different layouts. Soft‑square ceramic shapes add a refined design detail while helping to maintain ease of movement throughout the room – an important consideration in smaller bathrooms.
Shower and wetroom solutions for challenging layouts
Flair Showers Baby AYO
Designing for smaller or complex shower spaces calls for a careful balance between practicality and visual lightness, where every detail contributes to a more open and usable environment. Rather than relying on scale, successful schemes make use of considered detailing and integrated solutions to improve flow, enhance storage and maintain visual continuity.
Tammy Lane, interior design partner for Flair Showers, comments, “Designers and homeowners planning compact or bespoke showers should prioritise space-saving features that enhance openness and functionality. Wall-mounted fittings, recessed shelving and concealed drainage free valuable floor space while maintaining clean sightlines. Sliding or pocket doors reduce circulation conflicts in tighter layouts, while frameless glass and large-format tiles visually expand the room.
“Lighting is equally important: positioning illumination to reflect across mirrors and glazed surfaces increases brightness and amplifies the perception of depth. Integrated vertical storage and mirrored cabinetry further maximise usability without overcrowding smaller shower environments.”
Extending this focus on compact, adaptable design, Flair Showers has introduced BABY AYO, a reduced-height shower screen system developed specifically for smaller bathrooms and loft conversions, offering a tailored solution where standard proportions may not be suitable.
Smart bath solutions for small bathrooms
Victoria + Albert’s Lussari collection
Whilst bathroom footprints continue to shrink, completely removing the bath not only impacts resale value for buyers, it also makes properties less appealing to families with young children. This has led to a growing demand for compact bath solutions that maximise space without compromising on desirability. Manufacturers have responded with smaller-format models – whether freestanding or built-in – that deliver greater flexibility for those working within such challenging parameters.
Says Emma Joyce, head of product marketing at House of Rohl: “There is growing demand for beautifully designed baths that work effortlessly within more compact bathroom layouts. Architects, designers and housebuilders are seeking solutions that combine ergonomic comfort, premium aesthetics and installation flexibility, allowing them to create sophisticated spaces without compromise.
“Design-led built-in baths and compact freestanding designs that create the illusion of space by freeing up the wall and floor area offer greater freedom to maximise layouts, deliver cohesive schemes and meet the practical requirements of modern living and hospitality environments.”
Victoria + Albert’s Lussari collection, one of the brand’s best-selling ranges, is expanding to offer new built-in compact bath options in 1600mm and 1700mm sizes. With an elegant, oval shape that complements the Lussari freestanding and back-to-wall basins, the new baths can be paired with a Victoria + Albert bath filler and overflow, negating the need for bath taps.
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Scudo Bathrooms has announced its return to Birmingham for the Installer Show 2026 following its successful show debut at last year’s event.
The leading distributor will utilise its 100m2 stand to showcase its product portfolio, unveiling a new range of slate shower trays and new freestanding bath ranges. The company will also showcase the new KOGE boiling hot tap, additions to Colour by Scudo, and its popular bathroom furniture ranges.
The interactive stand can be found in Hall 4 and is said to be one of the highlights of the show with prize winning golf activation and arcade style grab machines, as well as an introduction to the inaugural Scudo Bathrooms Retailer/Tradesman Hall of Fame.
Florim has appointed engineer Beatrice Lucchese as chief executive officer, marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-term leadership evolution and formally welcoming the third generation of the Lucchese family into the executive management of the business.
The appointment was confirmed during a Board of Directors meeting held on Thursday, May 21, and signals a new chapter for the Italian surfaces specialist, which has become a global reference point in high-end porcelain stoneware for architecture, interiors and construction.
Founded in the early 1960s by engineer Giovanni Lucchese, Florim has grown into an international brand with more than 1,400 employees worldwide and revenues of approximately €420 million in 2025. Since 1984, Chairman Claudio Lucchese has overseen the company’s expansion and international development, helping establish Florim as a leading name within the premium surfaces sector.
A graduate in Engineering and Architecture from the University of Bologna, Beatrice Lucchese began her career with a research project focused on nanotechnologies applied to construction materials before gaining experience with leading international multidisciplinary engineering firms. Having joined Florim’s Board of Directors in 2021, she became part of the company’s operational structure in 2022 as technical sales engineer, later progressing through senior roles including chief commercial officer and project director.
Commenting on the appointment, chairman Claudio Lucchese said: “I am confident that my niece Beatrice will lead Florim with enthusiasm, expertise and determination. Over the years, she has combined vision, listening skills and a deep understanding of the company, building a solid path within the group. Her appointment represents an important step in Florim’s continuity journey, with a strong focus on the future and new generations.”
Beatrice Lucchese added: “Florim is a strong, international company deeply rooted in the values that have guided its growth over time. My commitment will be to continue this journey with an open perspective toward market evolution, innovation and the enhancement of internal talent, while further strengthening Florim’s identity and its role as a leading name in the world of high-end porcelain stoneware.”
Claudio Lucchese will continue to support the business in his role as chairman and majority shareholder, contributing his strategic vision and industry experience to the next phase of Florim’s development.
Bathrooms2GO, PJH’s one-stop bathroom collection for easy-to-order, top quality products, has launched another new range, the ARLO Sanitaryware family, exclusive to the brand and complete with a highly competitive price point.
The ARLO range is the ideal solution for bathrooms, ensuites and cloakrooms offering customers a stylish choice of quality ceramics with a design-led finish but without the price tag.
The range includes a basin with full pedestal (W550 x H835 x D400mm), a close coupled WC, a back-to-wall WC, and a wall-hung WC – the latter being the first wall-hung WC ever featured in the Bathrooms2GO collection.
All WCs include, as standard, soft-close, top fixing lift-off seats – for ease of cleaning, and all feature hygienic rimless technology. Bathrooms2GO also offers a low height WC frame including a cistern for use with the wall-hung and back-to-wall models.
Finished with chrome fittings, other optional metallic finishes are also available – in matt black, brushed brass and white – for a stylish coordinated look with other bathroom elements, as illustrated with matching matt black brassware, shower, radiator and accessories.
Synonymous with great value for money and easy bathroom update solutions, PJH’s hassle-free Bathrooms2GO collection is perfect for trade counters and bathroom showrooms alike. As products are always in stock, ARLO is available for Next Day Delivery to either store or job location, for optimum ease and convenience for all.
See the exclusive new ARLO sanitaryware family, as well as other exclusive ranges in the new Bathrooms2GO brochure here: B2G Issue 6 – all ready ‘2GO’ from leading KBB distributor, PJH.
For further Bathrooms2GO information, to order products, or download the new brochure, visit the PJH Partners Portal, www.partners.pjh.uk or contact PJH at sales@pjh.uk / T: 0345 450 8932.
BIFIS has today called for a forward-looking response to the rise of artificial intelligence, warning that while AI-driven disruption across the wider economy may encourage more people to consider vocational careers, the fitted interiors industry must act to ensure this opportunity translates into competence for consumers.
As administrative and office-based roles come under growing pressure from automation, careers in kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installation could become more attractive to those seeking practical, people-focused and future-resilient work. This shift is supported by research from Capital on Tap, which identifies kitchen and bathroom installers among the highest paid trades in 2026, ranking sixth and seventh in the UK’s fastest growing trades.
For the sector, this presents a clear opportunity. The UK continues to face a significant skills shortage, with CITB’s Construction Workforce Outlook 2025–2029 estimating a need for 239,300 additional workers over the next five years. Strengthening vocational pathways could therefore help ease long-standing recruitment pressures.
However, the pace of AI-driven change is accelerating. The UK Government’s 2026 assessment highlights rapidly expanding AI capability across knowledge-based tasks, while research from King’s College London shows AI-exposed sectors have already seen a 4.5% fall in employment and a 23.4% drop in job postings between 2021 and 2025. The World Economic Forum also forecasts major labour market disruption by 2030, with 22% of jobs affected globally.
BIFIS warns that increased interest in vocational careers will only benefit the fitted interiors industry if matched by structured training, supervision and clear standards. Without this, there is a risk of unskilled labour entering the sector, undermining quality, safety and consumer trust.
Damian Walters, CEO of BIFIS, said: “AI is changing the labour market faster than expected. For our sector, it highlights the value of practical, hands-on careers built on craftsmanship, problem-solving and customer service.”
He added: “But opportunity must be matched by investment in training. Clear entry routes, apprenticeships and ongoing development are essential to ensure new entrants build real competence. Without this, we risk damaging standards at the point demand is growing.”
BIFIS is urging manufacturers, retailers and training providers to work together to strengthen training pathways and professional standards, ensuring the sector is ready to convert rising vocational interest into a skilled, sustainable workforce.
Nôsa has unveiled five colour-led bathroom schemes for 2026, drawing inspiration from global travel, boutique hospitality and sensory-led interiors to shape what it describes as “a new language of bathroom design”.
From calming jade greens and sun-baked Mediterranean tones to deep walnut finishes and coastal-inspired blues, the latest concepts reflect the growing demand for bathrooms that deliver both visual impact and emotional connection.
The brand says the collections have been developed to move bathrooms beyond purely functional spaces, instead positioning them as immersive environments that mirror the atmosphere and comfort of luxury retreats.
Alongside colour and material trends, fragrance also plays a central role within the schemes through Nôsa Sanctuary, a collection of candles, reed diffusers and body products designed to create a spa-inspired experience within the home.
Among the standout looks is a jade and stone-inspired palette combining olive green furniture, marble detailing and textured tiles to create a calming, architectural feel. Elsewhere, Mediterranean influences emerge through warm honey-toned tiles, brushed brassware and soft timber finishes designed to bring depth and warmth into the bathroom.
For more dramatic interiors, Nôsa has also introduced richer walnut and dark brown schemes featuring wood-effect porcelain, sculptural resin pieces and layered textures aimed at creating a more intimate, urban-inspired atmosphere.
Meanwhile, softer blue tones paired with marble accents reference coastal destinations and open horizons, while a classic cream palette delivers a more timeless interpretation of luxury through Carrara marble surfaces, traditional brassware and matt cream furniture.
Across the collections, materials including resin, marble, porcelain and acrylic are used to create layered, tactile interiors that balance contemporary styling with long-term appeal.
Nôsa said the latest schemes reflect a wider shift in bathroom design, with consumers increasingly curating spaces through colour, scent and material combinations rather than viewing bathrooms in isolation from the rest of the home.
The collections are available to experience at Nôsa’s 3,000 sq ft showroom in Harrogate, which showcases the brand’s bathroom, tile and lifestyle ranges in a fully designed setting.
Harrison Bathrooms, one of the UK’s leading bathroom suppliers, has reported double-digit growth for 2025, with revenues approaching £55 million despite ongoing market challenges.
The business delivered £5 million in growth during the financial year, driven by a strategy focused on category expansion, strong product availability, supply chain resilience and creating margin opportunities for customers. Looking ahead, the company is forecasting continued growth in 2026 and is targeting turnover of £75 million by 2028.
As part of its long-term expansion plans, Harrison Bathrooms is entering new product categories, beginning with the launch of a new panel radiator range. The category is expected to generate between £10 million and £15 million in additional revenue for the business.
James Harrison said: “My approach has always been straightforward, to create real margin and profit opportunities for our customers. When they win, they stay with us and grow with us, fuelling the organic growth Harrison Bathrooms has enjoyed since day one.
“Despite challenging market conditions, many retail partners, particularly those aligned with the Scudo brand, continue to perform strongly. We attribute this to our focus on delivering the right products, sharp pricing and reliable availability, all designed to support customers in growing their own businesses.”
New panel radiator range launched
The launch of the company’s new panel radiator collection marks the next phase of Harrison Bathrooms’ growth strategy and reflects its continued focus on supporting merchants and installers with commercially driven product solutions.
Developed in response to customer demand, the new range has been designed to simplify purchasing, improve quality and offer stronger commercial value. Initially launching with Type 21 and Type 22 white enamel models, the collection focuses on the industry’s most popular sizes to create a streamlined and easy-to-navigate offer.
The products feature enhanced heat outputs and upgraded packaging to minimise damage during transit and handling, one of the category’s most common challenges.
Shaun Corcoran commented, “The panel radiator launch is about removing friction for our customers. Too often, they are forced to choose between buying at higher prices due to low volumes or overcommitting to stock to secure better rates.
“Our model strikes the right balance, giving customers the flexibility to manage stock effectively, maintain strong margins and operate with confidence. Combined with the quality of the product, this creates a clear commercial advantage in a competitive market.”
Further product launches and range extensions are also planned for 2026 and will be unveiled in Edition 22 of the company’s brochure this August.
