MERLYN and VADO have announced a strategic collaboration for KBB 2026, where they will present a total bathroom solution on a joint 140 m2 exhibition stand. The collaborative space will guide visitors through five beautifully designed bathrooms.

Both part of Norcros plc, MERLYN and VADO will combine their expertise to present a comprehensive, design-led bathroom solution. The partnership brings together MERLYN’s specialist knowledge in premium shower enclosures and trays, with VADO’s expertise in brassware, accessories and furniture. Demonstrating how coordinated specification can deliver a cohesive total bathroom offering for retailers, designers and specifiers.

Our research shows that KBB retailers are increasingly seeking integrated solutions that optimise resources and deliver greater efficiency.

The shared exhibition stands, designed by Jo Love will be the largest to date and feature five distinct bathrooms, each with a themed daily ritual showcasing fully integrated bathroom offerings. By pairing MERLYN showering solutions with VADO products throughout, the stand demonstrates how complementary ranges work together to deliver consistency in design, performance and finish across the bathroom.

Through a considered use of colour, form, lighting and materials, the stand positions the bathroom as a space shaped by intentional design and everyday rituals, reinforcing MERLYN and VADO’s shared commitment to quality, innovation and design-led, sustainable solutions for the UK market.

Designed as a flowing, guided layout, the stand will include clear sightlines between each bathroom and a welcoming social space in the form of a central ritual lounge, creating a focal point for meetings and discussion. Additional elements include dedicated brand meeting areas, hospitality and takeaway ritual journals, enabling visitors to explore the concept further and translate inspiration into real-world projects beyond the show.

www.merlynshowering.com / www.vado.com / www.kbb.co.uk/en/home

Smiths Briten has launched a brand-new website, representing a major investment in the company’s long-term growth and commitment to improving customer service across its nationwide network of retailers and merchants.

The new platform brings together a host of upgraded features designed to make doing business with Smiths Briten easier, faster and more intuitive. From streamlined navigation and improved branding through to a comprehensive downloads area, the site has been developed to support customers at every stage of their journey.

Retail partners will now benefit from a dedicated live stock portal – following the success of a similar system introduced by sister brand Frontline Bathrooms – giving instant access to stock levels, pricing and product details in real time. The site also provides direct links to all Smiths Briten brands, a section for promotional discount vouchers to support display investment, and high-quality imagery to enhance merchandising and marketing activity. The website will remain non-transactional to protect Smiths customers. 

Speaking about the launch, Darren Allison, managing director at Smiths Briten, says: “This new website represents a major step forward for Smiths Briten and forms part of our wider commitment to delivering a seamless, service-led experience for our trade partners. We have invested heavily in both technology and design to ensure the platform truly reflects the needs of our customers, from improved navigation and faster access to resources, to live stock visibility that helps retailers plan and order with confidence.

“Our goal has always been to make it as easy as possible for customers to work with us, whether that means downloading specification sheets, checking availability, or exploring our full portfolio of brands. The new site not only looks and feels more modern, but it also functions in a way that saves our customers valuable time each day. This investment ensures that as Smiths Briten continues to grow, we are supporting that growth with digital systems that are as reliable and forward-thinking as the products we supply. 

“Following the successful rollout of a new live stock portal for Frontline Bathrooms, we have taken the same technology and tailored it to the specific needs of Smiths Briten’s customers. The feedback from our partners is that easy access to accurate stock information and downloadable assets makes a real difference to how they serve their own customers.

“We are also investing in much stronger visual content, including better product imagery and brand integration, alongside commercial tools such as discount vouchers to support display installation. Everything we have built is about making the customer journey smoother, faster, and more rewarding.

“As well as showcasing our current brands, we continue to seek other brands to join us as we grow.”

The launch marks another milestone in Smiths Briten’s growth strategy as it continues to expand its product offering, digital infrastructure and customer support across the UK market.

kbb Birmingham 2026 is set to showcase the latest innovations shaping the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom industry from over 320 exhibitors at the NEC from 1-4 March 2026.

The event expects an audience of over 15,000 visitors over the four days. This year, the spotlight is on future-forward design, where sustainability, smart technology, and personalisation converge to meet evolving lifestyle needs.

Bathroom exhibitor highlights:

Sustainability, material innovation and smart functionality are shaping the future of bathroom design. At kbb Birmingham, Frascio (C64) will unveil its latest sensor tap technology, powered by running water rather than electricity or batteries, offering a low-maintenance and eco-conscious solution for modern bathrooms.

Layered textures and multifunctional design take centre stage at Clearwater (M110). The brand will showcase new sink innovations alongside British-made ceramic designs, reflecting growing demand for versatility, tactile surfaces and flexible layouts.

Natural materials continue to gain momentum, with Woodio (C72) redefining bathroom design through waterproof wood-based solutions. Combining Nordic design with sustainable innovation, the range delivers a lower-carbon alternative to traditional ceramics without compromising durability.

Affordable luxury is also in focus, as VR Bathrooms (D80) introduces waterproof woodgrain vanity units in warm, contemporary finishes, designed to combine practicality with refined aesthetics.

Other bathroom exhibitors include Laguna Bathrooms (F55), Croydex (D64), Showerwall (D54), Vado (E65), Merlyn Showers (E65), Aqualisa (D68), Whitebirk Sink Company (C86), Innowin (Q60) and Disbain (SP2).

Kitchen exhibitor highlights:

Quiet luxury will dominate kitchen design in 2026, with clean lines, natural materials and Japandi-inspired simplicity shaping modern interiors. At kbb Birmingham, Sachsenküchen (N70) brings this trend to life with refined cabinetry, tactile ceramic surfaces and integrated lighting and storage solutions designed for contemporary living.

Natural finishes continue to influence kitchen design, with Rotpunkt (Q90) showcasing a mix of wood and metallic surfaces that add depth and character. The brand’s latest collections highlight Scandinavian influences, industrial accents and textured detailing for design-led spaces.

Demand for boiling water taps continues to rise as homeowners prioritise integrated appliances and clutter-free worktops. British manufacturer QETTLE (S98) will showcase its mechanical boiling tap technology, delivering true 100°C boiling water without electronics or complex servicing, alongside a new integrated rinse feature.

As kitchens become increasingly connected, AVINTAGE (J110) is expanding the role of built-in refrigeration. The brand will present innovations in wine and food storage, combining connectivity, smart control and seamless integration to support modern cooking habits.

Timeless design and everyday functionality define the latest collection from Nolte Kitchens (L80). The 2026 range focuses on minimalist styling, authentic materials and durable surfaces, with both modern and classic influences. Nolte will also host live cooking demonstrations during the show.

Other kitchen exhibitors include Abode (P80), Nobilia (Q80), Smeg (S110), Quooker (L90), InSinkErator (J82), Transformad (P110), Kesseböhmer (K84), Caledonia Kitchens (G100), Bidbury & Co (C86), Servicanto (SP1), Lamello (W70) and Rubio Monocoat (S62).

Visit kbb Birmingham 2026

From 1–4 March 2026 at the NEC, explore over 320 exhibitors across over 25 different product categories and discover the trends shaping the future of kitchen and bathroom design. Don’t miss your chance to experience the latest products, technologies, and creative ideas first-hand.

NKBA will host a dozen editors from Europe and South America on a guided KBIS experience as part of the International Media Tour in Orlando, FL, Feb. 16 to 19. It is the largest such tour ever organised by NKBA. 

Journalists hailing from the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Brazil will attend KBIS 2026, which is owned by NKBA and is the largest and most comprehensive trade show in North America dedicated to all aspects of kitchen and bath design and remodeling. The expo, held in the Orange County Convention Center, features a wide array of brands and manufacturers in the sector, as well as networking and educational opportunities.

Through the NKBA Global Connect international business membership program, editors will visit a curated selection of Global Connect exhibiting members and learn about North American brands, design directions, market trends, and business nuances throughout KBIS, so they can report to their home markets. Editors will attend sessions designed to help international companies explore a foray into the U.S. and Canada or strengthen and expand their opportunities in the region.

This exclusive NKBA program brings the global kitchen and bath community together through a vibrant exchange of information, market insights, product development, and go-to-market strategies to help international companies with business opportunities in the North American market.

Meet the Journalists on the International Media Tour:

• Javier Gómez, Editor in Chief, Cocina Integral, Spain. Javier is based in Barcelona and heads up the editorial team for the official media outlet of the Spanish Kitchen Manufacturers Association.

• Emma Hedges, Editor, KBB Focus, UK. Emma has logged more than 25 years covering design and interiors across a broad range of national newspapers, trade and consumer publications, specializing in the kitchens and bathrooms sector, including as former editor of Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business magazine.

• Gabriele Mühlen, Editorial Director, möbel kultur, Germany. Gabriele brings more than two decades of experience in international media and brand development, including editor in chief positions and executive management roles at global outlets such as Bauer Media Group and Hubert Burda Media, and founded GMC Gabriele Mühlen Consult, where she advises brands, publishers, and associations on strategic communication, brand positioning, organizational leadership, and media transformation.

• Diane Larner, Founder, Kitchen Review & Bathroom Review, UK. Diane specialises in news, trends, and product innovation within the kitchen and bathroom industry and has extensive experience covering major international trade shows, including ISH Frankfurt and KBB Birmingham.

• Roberta Mutti, Editor in Chief, The Design Week Guide, Italy. Roberta is a journalist, author, and consultant whose work bridges the worlds of architecture, design, and media. She wrote the bilingual volume “Storia del Fuorisalone” (“History of Milan Design Week”), which traces the evolution of the iconic urban design event and the cultural phenomenon of Milan’s creative industries, and currently leads The Design Week Guide dedicated to design-focused events around the world.

• Natalia Ramalho, Editor and Founder, The Luxe Resident, UK. The Luxe Resident is a global luxury publication dedicated to interior design, hospitality, and lifestyle. Natalia curates and produces editorial features that spotlight exceptional interiors, design innovation, and the brands and creatives shaping the future of luxury living.

• Antonia Pozo Comas, Journalist, IM Cocinas y Baños magazine; media coordinator for Publimas Digital publishing house, Spain. Antonia, based in Barcelona, currently serves as media coordinator for the publishing group, providing an overarching view of editorial operations and reinforcing the company’s commitment to high-quality, sector-driven communication in specialized business journalism.

• Martin Allen-Smith, Editor, Digital Savvy Media, Colchester, UK. Martin has been writing about kitchen and bathroom design for almost 20 years and oversees all editorial content of kitchen and bathroom design magazine designerati, runs the judging process for the annual designerati awards, and edits The Installer, a UK publication for K&B installation professionals.

• Matteo Lirosi, Journalist, FIRSTOnline, Italy. Matteo joined FIRSTOnline in 2021, initially focusing on social media management and digital communication, and now covers technology, innovation, cybersecurity, and current affairs, with a strong focus on their economic and strategic implications.

• Susanne Koglin, Editor in Chief, Moebelnews, Germany. Susanne has worked in advertising, as a business coach, and in B2B journalism throughout her career, covering the kitchen and furniture sectors for more than 20 years. She joined Moebelnews in 2016 as a freelancer and was named editor in chief in 2022.

• Laura Naito, Global Editor and reporter for Casa e Jardim, Brazil. Laura writes about art, architecture, decoration and design and is based in São Paulo, Brazil.

• Camila Santos, Assistant Design Editor, Casa Vogue, Brazil. Camila is a journalist specializing in digital communication and social media. She has been part of the Casa Vogue Brasil team for over five years, where she works as Assistant Design Editor, focusing on the production and curation of content related to the sector.

Global Connect programming includes daily presentations and discussions in the NKBA Booth (#S25058) in South Hall, international country-sponsored pavilions, spotlight presentations, and more. Learn more here.

About NKBA Global Connect

The NKBA Global Connect mission is to connect and grow the kitchen and bath industry around the world through an international membership program. The initiative equips international companies with the support and professional community access they need to thrive in North America by providing market intelligence, brand-positioning guidance, and connections to key North American audiences. By combining NKBA’s expert marketing execution with access to a diverse and influential member network, we help businesses increase visibility, build meaningful relationships, and generate strong market demand, ultimately accelerating their success in the lucrative and competitive $228 billion North American market.