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Simon Acres Group launches KBB Futures Roundtable

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Specialist recruitment consultancy Simon Acres Group Limited is set to host a new initiative designed to spark meaningful change across the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom (KBB) sector.

The inaugural ‘KBB Futures’ roundtable will take place on Thursday, 4th December 2025, at The Brewery, London. The event will bring a panel of leading KBB experts together to discuss key industry challenges, explore emerging opportunities and agree tangible actions for a stronger, more sustainable future.

The event is proudly sponsored by BLANCO, Caesarstone, and Sensio. The session will be chaired by Andrew Gaved, Editor at Large, Lyrical Communications, while the expert panel represents a broad cross-section of the KBB industry including retailers, installers, builders’ merchants, manufacturers and more. The line up is as follows:

  • Andy Gamble, Consultant and former Managing Director, RGB Building Supplies
  • Damian Walters, CEO, BIFIS
  • Derek Williams, Quality Director, Achieve and Partners
  • Jamie Harding, CEO and Founder at Et Lorem Ltd, KBSA Board Member
  • Jonathan Stanley, VP Marketing & Customer Service UK & ROI, Caesarstone
  • Laura Dewhirst, Managing Director, Quay Centre Ltd and Riverview Contracts Ltd
  • Lindsey Copperwheat, Company Director, TC Kitchens Ltd
  • Michael Linsky, Managing Directing, Sensio Lighting Group
  • Neal Jones, Managing Director – West Europe, BLANCO Group
  • Simon Acres, Managing Director, Simon Acres Group Ltd
  • Toby Russell, Head of Sales, Blum UK
  • Tony Nicolas, Managing Director, Nicholas Anthony

Throughout the session, the panel will identify the key industry challenges and agree actions to spearhead meaningful solutions for the future of the KBB industry. To ensure the discussion reflects the wider industry’s voice, Simon Acres Group is inviting questions, insights, and ideas from KBB professionals, which can be submitted via the company’s website. Selected contributions will be discussed during the roundtable, with solutions shared directly with contributors following the event. The overall outcomes will also be made available by Simon Acres Group to begin the pathway to change after the session.

As the first in a biannual series, KBB Futures marks the beginning of an ongoing dialogue aimed at shaping a more collaborative, innovative and forward-thinking KBB industry.

Simon Acres, Managing Director, Simon Acres Group, comments: “We want KBB Futures to be a catalyst for meaningful change. The challenges our industry faces won’t be solved in isolation, so by bringing leading voices together, we can share ideas, debate issues honestly and commit to actions that make a tangible difference.

“The KBB sector is full of passionate, talented professionals. KBB Futures is about bringing the right people together to listen, collaborate and agree practical solutions that can drive real, long-term progress. This is not just a one-off discussion, it’s the start of an ongoing journey to shape the future of our industry.”

Ahead of the roundtable, Simon Acres Group has released three podcast episodes with the event sponsors to share insights into BLANCO, Caesarstone and Sensio:

For further information on KBB Futures, or to submit a question or comment, please visit www.simonacres.co.uk/kbbfutures/.

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BIFIS reacts to Autumn Budget

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The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists (BIFIS) has reacted to the Chancellor’s announcement of the Autumn Budget yesterday. As the leading body representing professionals in the fitted interiors sector, BIFIS remains vigilant regarding government policy and its direct impact on our registered businesses, the vast majority of whom are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Whilst the Autumn Budget introduces certain headline changes, such as an increase to the national living wage, it does not address the full scope of challenges currently facing SMEs. Many businesses registered with BIFIS are already contending with escalating operational costs and must now factor in higher payroll expenses resulting from this change.

In addition, revisions to dividend thresholds present further financial hurdles for business owners, particularly those who rely on dividends as part of their remuneration. This adjustment will likely reduce take-home pay for many directors and entrepreneurs in our sector, compounding existing pressures and dissuading many from striding out on their own.

There is also significant concern regarding the newly announced tax on electric vehicle (EV) owners. As our industry embraces sustainability and encourages cleaner transportation solutions, this measure risks deterring the adoption of electric vehicles among small businesses, undermining environmental progress, and placing further financial strain on those who have invested in green technology.

A further area of frustration was the announcement regarding apprenticeships which, once again, feels like the Government is giving with one hand and taking back with the other. Further access to free apprentice training for SMEs and investment in the Youth Guarantee and the extension of the Co-Investment Relief is of course positive, albeit the fitted interiors sector already has access to training funding. The real concern for SMEs employing or considering employing an apprentice is the salary costs – which the Chancellor compounded yesterday with an 6% increase on the minimum wage for apprentices. The changes quite simply do not go far enough to have a meaningful impact on feasibility of SMEs taking on an apprentice, and nor will they unless there is a significant reform in the way that the apprenticeship levy monies can be accessed by micro, small and medium enterprises.

Despite considerable challenges, the Autumn Budget falls short of providing targeted support required for SMEs to survive and thrive. In fact, the cumulative measures announced yesterday may inadvertently hinder growth and innovation within the fitted interiors sector.

Damian Walters, CEO of BIFIS, commented: “The Autumn Budget, while introducing changes such as the rise in the national living wage and modifications to dividend thresholds, has missed critical opportunities to support the lifeblood of our economy, small and medium-sized businesses. The imposition of a new tax on electric vehicle owners is especially troubling for those in our sector who are committed to environmental responsibility. With mounting pressures from every direction, businesses require more than incremental adjustments; they need comprehensive, meaningful support to help them invest, grow, and weather ongoing economic uncertainty. We urge the government to reconsider its approach and deliver tangible assistance to SMEs, ensuring their vital contribution to the economy is not overlooked or undervalued.”

Positively, BIFIS welcomed the news that the rumoured changes to VAT thresholds were unfounded and that there was no change to the current VAT scheme, which not only ensures that additional administrative burdens are not faced by small business owners, but also that consumers will not be put off by rising prices through further stealth taxation.

BIFIS previously supported construction industry campaigns to scrap VAT on home improvement projects, to stimulate the market, so whilst relieved that thresholds remain unchanged, it is disappointing that the Chancellor has missed an opportunity to provide a real boost to the industry by addressing VAT on such projects.

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Bathrooms to Love unveils new Mika range

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The new Mika modular range from Bathrooms to Love from PJH is available in four flawless Matt finishes, from soft muted shades to colourful pastels. The on-trend choices are: Matt Latte, Matt Misty Blue, Matt Apricot and Matt White.

The colour scheme extends to the handles, echoing the angular design of the drawer and door fascias. Basin unit options include cabinets with a thin-edged white ceramic inset basin or a high-pressure laminate worktop with a choice of vessel basin.

Choose from space-saving 410mm wide floor-standing cloakroom basin units (with a short depth projection of just 220mm), to generous 815mm wide two-drawer basin units, as well as double basin runs at 1200mm width. With floor-standing units offering practical cupboards with doors, to wall-hung units with deep drawers, storage space is in abundance.

Like all Bathrooms to Love furniture, Mika features high-quality fixtures, luxurious soft-close doors and drawers, and boasts a highly durable construction.

Part of the new Bathrooms to Love Autumn/Winter Collection, Mika is now available for ordering via PJH’s Partners Portal, with efficient next-day delivery to store or customer address.

For further stockist support information, from POS to swatches and attractive display deals, contact PJH now (see below). See the new brochure here: BTL Issue 26.

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Further information:

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

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Seamless style meets everyday practicality with Connect 2

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The Connect 2 range of shower enclosures from Ideal Standard brings together functionality, accessibility and refined aesthetics in one coordinated collection. Designed for everyday living, each product is made from high-quality materials and engineered for easy maintenance and use.

The Connect 2 range partners perfectly with the Simplicity and Idealite shower trays, which provide clean lines and a sense of openness in a space. The range can also be paired with Ideal Standard’s Ultra Flat Evo tray, with its ultra‑low profile and sleek finish helping to create a near‑flush transition from floor to enclosure, supporting a seamless, contemporary look.

Thoughtful design details for the enclosures include 6 mm toughened safety glass, concealed fixings and smooth‑running door mechanics, all engineered to ensure precision and durability. The range also embraces easy‑clean features making it easy to keep shower spaces looking immaculate with less effort.

The Connect 2 range is also designed for flexibility, with sliding doors, bi-fold styles and wet-room solutions on offer to suit a variety of bathroom layouts and spaces. Available in Chrome and Silk Black finishes, it’s simple to pair the enclosures with matching furniture and fittings, creating a cohesive, integrated bathroom.

Connect 2 shows how well-considered design and solid engineering can transform everyday routines into something more refined and effortless. It’s about creating a shower space that works well and stays easy to maintain, without overcomplication or unnecessary expense.

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For more information visit: https://www.idealstandard.co.uk/products/collections/connect-2

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IXMO by KEUCO: Redefining shower design with precision and elegance

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In the world of bathroom innovation, KEUCO’s IXMO shower series has become a benchmark for both technical excellence and design minimalism. Developed for specifiers, designers, and discerning homeowners, IXMO combines multiple functions into the fewest possible visible components, creating shower spaces that are as stylish as they are efficient.

At the heart of IXMO’s success is its pioneering technical construction. Round or square fittings conceal ingenious combinations of functions—such as a 3-way diverter valve, hose connection, and hand shower bracket—all integrated into a single element. This streamlined approach not only reduces visual clutter but also elevates the overall aesthetic of the bathroom.

Flexibility is another hallmark of IXMO. Thanks to a clever mounting rail, components can be aligned horizontally or vertically with precision, while the thermostat fitting showcases KEUCO’s ingenuity: if waterways are crossed during installation, cartridges can be switched internally, eliminating costly pipework adjustments. A depth compensator further ensures compatibility with wall depths between 80–110mm, making IXMO suitable for both new builds and renovations.

Designers can also explore IXMO’s possibilities through its intuitive online planner, which allows up to three water outlets to be combined—whether a main shower head, waterfall, spa hose, or hand shower. The planner generates detailed specifications and installation guides, simplifying the design process.

The standout innovation is the IXMO solo thermostat, which condenses shut-off valve, thermostat, and hose connection into one elegant fitting. Available in six finishes—from chrome to brushed bronze and black PVD—IXMO fittings embody KEUCO’s philosophy of functional luxury. Accessories such as movable soap dishes and height-adjustable rails further enhance usability, proving that IXMO is not just a product range, but a complete design solution for modern bathrooms.

KEUCO IXMO
HyperFocal: 0

www.keuco.com

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SFA Saniflo UK announces the passing of former colleague John Jarmulowicz

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With deep sadness, SFA Saniflo UK has announced the passing of former colleague, John Jarmulowicz (John J). Although John left the business eight years ago following 30 years of dedicated service, he remained an integral and popular part of the Saniflo family.

John began his career with Saniflo in 1987 and played a pivotal role in developing the company’s nationwide network of Saniflo approved engineers. His commitment, expertise and passion were instrumental in establishing the Saniflo brand as a trusted household name throughout the UK and he personally became well-known and extremely well-liked by the wider industry.

John will be deeply missed by everyone at Saniflo UK, across the wider Saniflo Group and throughout the plumbing and heating industry. We kindly ask that John’s family be given privacy during this very difficult time.

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CRL launches new, co-ordinating Shower Door Thresholds

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CRL has extended the design possibilities of its shower systems, including the multi award-winning Quadrato, with the launch of new, co-ordinating Shower Door Thresholds.

Created with ease of installation in mind, the new snap-in thresholds are infinitely practical, measure 2.4m and are designed for use with SDCD38 U Channels. They can be positioned under and above fixed panels, allowing the U Channel to be used as a frame, and continue across door openings to create a watertight barrier and ensure no water leaks out of the shower area. 

Available in six chic and sophisticated colours of Matte Black, Brite Anodised, Polished Nickel, Brushed Nickel, Satin Brass and Brite Gold Anodised, CRL’s new Shower Door Thresholds will seamlessly complement all of its bespoke frameless shower screens to create a truly cohesive look.

Taking the trend for personalised showering solutions to new heights, the new Shower Door Thresholds provide customers with even more creative freedom and are made from premium materials to ensure long-lasting durability. The perfect partner to its popular, award-winning Quadrato Shower System, pictured, which combines style, versatility and ease of installation, the new aluminium thresholds provide CRL customers with a stylishly cohesive showering solution.

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Multipanel delivers stylish, inclusive bathroom at Spring Grove care home

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Grant Westfield’s Multipanel has supported a full refurbishment of wet rooms at Spring Grove Care Home in Hampstead, North London, combining a contemporary, hotel-inspired finish with inclusive design and long-term practicality.

Springdene Group, which operates the home, was seeking a modern solution that avoided the clinical or institutional feel often found in care environments. With many residents living with dementia or mobility challenges, the specification brief focused on delivering safe, hygienic and visually welcoming bathrooms that felt more like stylish hotel spaces than traditional care interiors.

Multipanel’s grout-free, fully waterproof wall panels offered the ideal solution. Their smooth, tile-effect surfaces create a fresh and elegant finish, helping to elevate the visual standard of each bathroom. The panel system, which is made in the UK, allowed the care home to achieve a premium, homely aesthetic while meeting strict hygiene and safety requirements.

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Installation was completed quickly, with each bathroom taking just 1.5 days to complete using a team of multi-skilled tradesmen. This rapid turnaround helped minimise disruption to residents, allowing daily routines to continue with minimal interruption.

Jamie Sandilands, specification sales director at Grant Westfield, said: “The Spring Grove refurbishment shows what’s possible when functional specification meets design ambition. Multipanel panels enabled the client to move away from an institutional look and deliver stylish, accessible bathrooms that feel more like high-end hotel spaces. It’s exactly what a modern care environment should look and feel like.”

As part of the refurbishment, the bathrooms were also upgraded with slip-resistant vinyl wet room flooring. Combined with Multipanel’s easy-clean wall panels, the design now meets Lifetime Homes and accessibility standards, ensuring safety and ease of use for residents who require extra support.

Importantly for operators and care staff, the new wall panel system reduces long-term maintenance demands. Without grout or porous surfaces, the bathrooms are quicker to clean and more resistant to mould and damage. This allows staff to spend less time on repairs and deep cleaning, and more time on delivering personal care.

The project began with a free trial bathroom installation, including complimentary panels, installation and onsite training. The success of that trial gave Spring Grove the confidence to roll out the solution across 12 rooms, with a further 12 scheduled for completion. The group is now planning similar works across its other locations in Enfield and Haringey.

Multipanel panels come with a 30-year warranty and are up to five times quicker to install than tiles. EPD-certified and made using responsibly sourced materials, they also support care homes working toward lower carbon construction methods.

For developers and specifiers in the care and independent living sector, Multipanel offers a practical and design-led alternative to tiles. The brand’s free trial scheme gives teams the opportunity to experience the product’s performance and installation benefits first-hand.

 www.grantwestfield.co.uk

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PJH employees bank over £900 in latest Macmillan fundraising

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Across PJH’s nationwide network of sites, colleagues swapped business for baking as they came together to host a series of Macmillan fundraising events over the past few weeks – involving popular activities that always stir up generosity, good humour, and over £900 in donations for Macmillan Cancer Support.

From cake sales to creative games and raffles, PJH teams continued to show their support for this amazing charity by enthusiastically getting involved and giving back. It also helped boost the running total to an impressive £8,077!

At PJH’s Wolverhampton distribution centre, colleagues organised a day of light-hearted competition featuring office mini golf – a popular favourite from a previous year – as well as a ‘Human Fruit Machine’ game conceived after seeing the idea online. An array of cakes and a sweet raffle kept energy levels high throughout the morning.

Over at PJH’s Head Office in Bolton, staff hosted a bake sale, raffle, Macmillan wordsearch, ‘guess how many coffee cups’ challenge, and even a Strictly Come Dancing sweepstake.

Meanwhile, the PJH Worcester team combined a coffee morning with a charity Bingo session, where half the proceeds went to charity and half to lucky winners. Regular themed quizzes and scratch-card fundraisers also added to the total, proving that a little friendly competition can go a long way for a good cause.

Commenting on the success of the latest fundraising events, Lynn Statham, head of people at PJH, said: “It’s always inspiring to see the creativity and enthusiasm our teams bring to fundraising. Whether it’s cake baking, bingo, or inventive games like the human fruit machine, everyone’s efforts help make a real difference. Supporting Macmillan Cancer Support is close to our hearts at PJH, and events like these show how our people come together to do just that.”

This latest charitable event success forms part of PJH’s ongoing support for Macmillan Cancer Support, the company’s chosen charity for 2025, alongside other fundraising events that collectively continue to bring PJH employees together for an important cause.

These inspiring achievements are part of PJH’s wider commitment to raise £15,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, with a further £10,000 to be added by PJH once the target is met.

Further information: PJH: T: 0800 8 77 88 99 / www.partners.pjh.uk / www.pjh.uk / www.macmillan.org.uk

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Expert reveals the bathroom trends set to dominate 2026

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For many Brits, the new year signals a time for renewal, taking time to better yourself and look after yourself. This also makes the start of the year the perfect time to focus your attention on transforming the areas of your home that are important to your well-being.

UK Google searches for terms such as ‘bathroom design’, ‘bathroom design ideas’ and ‘bathroom layout’ all peak in January, when most people are likely to be committing to New Year renovation resolutions and looking to give their home a new feel.

In 2025, we saw the rise of double basins and bold trends like tile drenching in bathrooms. But according to Emily Robertson, bathroom expert at Mira Showers, the era of subway tiles and dark colour palettes is coming to an end. She reveals the trends you should be embracing for your 2026 bathroom makeover.

  1. Spa vibes

Perfecting your morning and nighttime routines has been a big part of people’s self-care journeys in 2025, so much so that people are now considering their interior design choices as part of perfecting that ritual. According to TikTok’s creator search insights, searches on the app for ‘relaxing bathroom ideas’ have increased by 1000% in the past 7 days alone, as people hone in on their wellness routine.

Pinterest – @emilyo2033

“The main trend that will be seen across bathrooms in 2026 is creating a spa-style environment at home. The bathroom is where you start and end the day, so it should be a place where you feel relaxed and are able to wind down.

“We will see a shift away from stark white bathrooms, and instead, we will see people move towards tonal design choices that will help to create a more calming atmosphere. 

“Adding wooden accents in lighter tones, along with tonal soft furnishings like bath mats and robes and accessories like candles and diffusers, will give you the perfect finishing touches.”

  • Lamps 

Rechargeable lamps have been popular additions to the home in 2025, but according to Google, this trend is set to make its way into the bathroom as well, with UK searches for ‘bathroom lamps’ having increased by 242% in the last month and 116% in the last quarter.

Pinterest – @julyajaedierson 

“With spa-style bathrooms set to become even more popular in 2026, so too will lighting. In order to create a calming, sanctuary-style environment, lighting is key. It’s time to say goodbye to harsh overhead fixtures and instead welcome soft, ambient light to create your own private retreat. Adding a rechargeable lamp to a shelf or windowsill will help you reduce the glare in your bathroom and create a relaxing atmosphere without having to rewire the whole room.

“Of course, it’s important to remember that with any type of lighting and electricals, you must be cautious in bathrooms, even when using portable lamps, so make sure you are careful with your placement and avoid placing them too close to your bath or shower, where they may come into contact with water.

“This trend is especially friendly for renters as it requires no physical changes to your bathroom. Even for those with more than one bathroom, who don’t want to invest too much, buying a portable lamp means you can easily set the mood in whichever bathroom you desire.”

  • Zellige tiles 

Zellige tiles are the latest style set to become a firm favourite in both bathrooms and kitchens in the coming years. Currently, UK Google searches for Zellige tiles are up 56% compared to last year, with further searches predicted to go up another 11% next year.

Pinterest – @Inesbgnobre

“Subway tiles have been one of the most popular choices in bathrooms for the last few years, whether it be white with a contrasting grout or varying shades of green, but in 2026, it’s time to say goodbye to the design favourite. Instead, zellige tiles are set to be the tile of choice in the home. 

“Zellige tiles are Moroccan-style clay tiles that are glazed and come in varying colours, although the most popular choices will be earthy tones such as terracotta, oyster and sand. With this style, no two tiles are the same, with each one having unique cuts, whether that be in colour or texture, but this handmade, rustic look will help to give your bathroom a timeless, considered charm. 

“It’s common for zellige tiles to be either square or rectangular in shape. If opting for a thinner rectangular shape, consider laying them vertically rather than horizontally or diagonally, as has been popular previously; this will make your room feel taller and more airy.”

  • Sculptural basins

Pinterest – @thesrinathcollective

“A trend we’ve seen start to emerge but will continue to see in 2026 is a shift towards ‘furniture-worthy’ bathroom fixtures, where each element of the bathroom feels considered and more of a statement piece. 

“One of the easiest places to start with this trend is with the basin. When looking at basins, sculptural designs are what will be most popular in materials such as stone or textured ceramic. Opting for a sculptural basin whose shape is more organic and feels less man-made will help create a calming, nature-inspired atmosphere.”

  • Tile clashing

Pinterest – @tileexpert

“Another trend set to evolve in the world of bathrooms is tile clashing. It may sound similar to the trend previously dubbed tile drenching, where every surface in the bathroom, from the floor to the ceiling, was tiled; this tile trend is more considered and intentional.

“Tile clashing is being used in focused areas rather than throughout the whole room. For example, around the sink, in shower enclosures or alcoves, or as a backsplash. Instead of overwhelming the space with a mixture of tiles that feel random, this trend is about curating clashes that have a clear colour palette or theme.

“Clashes can be created through shapes by adding subtle directional changes in placement or by mixing hexagonal tiles with rectangular ones. They can also be created by mixing tones to create a clash from a contrast in hue rather than brightness, which can be overwhelming to the space.”

  • Floating vanities 

Pinterest – @Wendynapier72

“A more functional trend expected to be adopted in many bathrooms is floating vanities. Making the vanity area a focal point is a trend in itself, but adopting the floating style will add a touch of luxury to your space.

“Floating vanities are great for bathrooms that have minimal space, as they help to create the illusion that there is more space than there is. They also help to make the room feel sleek and less cluttered, which in itself elevates the room.

“Popular materials for vanities moving forward will be natural wood tones that tie into that previously mentioned spa feel. Wooden vanities also pair nicely with fixtures made from materials like stone to give the room a natural, calming feel.”

For more bathroom trends and inspiration, visit the Mira Showers site.

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