Kaldewei has supplied baths and shower trays for the refurbishment of Ardbeg House, a 12-bedroom boutique hotel on the Isle of Islay that reopened in autumn 2025 following a multi-million-pound transformation.
Formerly The Islay Hotel, the property has been redesigned in collaboration with Russell Sage Studio to create an immersive hospitality destination inspired by Islay’s landscape, folklore and the 200-year heritage of the Ardbeg Distillery.
Specified throughout the guest bathrooms, Kaldewei’s steel enamel baths and shower trays were selected for their combination of architectural design, durability and sustainability, supporting the project’s long-term operational and environmental objectives.
Design inspired by Islay
Working with more than 20 Scottish artisans, Russell Sage Studio has created interiors that celebrate the island’s history and character. Each of the 12 guest rooms draws on a different local narrative, referencing themes including smugglers, sea creatures, ancient legends and Islay’s dramatic coastline.
Bespoke features include a reception installation created from a retired whisky still and a boat-shaped chandelier incorporating green Ardbeg bottles, while natural materials and layered textures reflect the island’s rugged landscape. This design language extends into the bathrooms, where the specification was intended to complement the hotel’s distinctive interiors without compromising performance.
Bathroom specification
The project required bathroom products capable of meeting the demands of a premium hospitality environment while maintaining a consistent design aesthetic across individually themed guest rooms.
Kaldewei’s steel enamel baths and shower trays were specified for their clean-lined appearance, hard-wearing surface and ease of maintenance. Manufactured from recyclable steel enamel, the products also aligned with the sustainability ambitions of the refurbishment.
In the marble bathrooms, baths and shower trays in warm grey and matt black finishes were chosen to integrate with the varied interior schemes while providing a durable solution suited to high guest occupancy.
Adam Teal, country manager at Kaldewei UK, said: “Being part of the Ardbeg House project is a genuine privilege for Kaldewei. Seeing our steel enamel baths and showers integrated into such imaginative interiors is incredibly rewarding. Ardbeg House sets a new benchmark for experiential hospitality, and we’re proud to play a role in shaping the guest experience.”
Designed as an extension of each bedroom’s individual story, the bathrooms combine sculptural forms with generous bathing and showering spaces to create a restorative environment for guests visiting the island.
A new benchmark for design-led whisky tourism
Ardbeg House is set to become a flagship destination for all travellers, whether new to whisky or a seasoned expert, offering guests a full Ardbeg Distillery tour with every stay, a nightly “Whisky Hour,” access to two exclusive bottlings, and dining spaces that celebrate modern Scottish cuisine — including a courtyard grill inspired by Ardbeg’s signature smoky character.
Alongside accommodation, Ardbeg House offers distillery experiences, whisky tastings and dining concepts centred on Scottish produce, positioning the hotel as a destination for whisky tourism.
The project demonstrates how carefully specified bathroom products can contribute to the wider design narrative of a hospitality scheme, while meeting the durability, maintenance and sustainability requirements expected within boutique hotel environments.
From portable and mobile applications through to large-scale commercial and hospitality installations, Saniflo now offers a comprehensive and updated range of grease traps and separators designed to remove fats, oils and grease (FOG) from wastewater before they enter the drainage system.
The Water Industry Act 1991, Section 11, makes it an offence to discharge anything into a public sewer that could obstruct flow or damage the sewer system and FOG is specifically recognised as a major cause of blockages and fatbergs. Using a grease trap or separator eliminates FOG solidification in pipework – helping to prevent blockages, reduce costly maintenance, eliminate unpleasant odours and reduce environmental pollution. Installation of a correctly specified grease trap enables commercials businesses to be fully compliant with the regulations.
Saniflo has a range of solutions for every catering scenario.
Sanigrease T24
A compact, lightweight grease trap designed for temporary or mobile applications where space is limited. Weighing just 4kgs, it is manufactured from durable polyethylene and can be installed under a sink and intended for daily emptying. It features a total volume of 24 litres and sludge trap volume of 8 litres and is ideal for:
Food trucks and mobile catering units
Pop-up kitchens
Temporary catering facilities
Mobile dishwashing stations
Small commercial food preparation areas
Sanigrease T Series
A hygienic stainless-steel grease trap range designed for installation beneath restaurant and commercial kitchen sinks. With 4 units in the range that are denominated according to covers served, the T40, for example, is designed for up to 40 covers and has 39 litres capacity, whilst the largest T100 serves up to 100 covers and has a 82 litre capacity. The corrosion resistant units are mounted on feet for easy cleaning and are suitable for permanent kitchen installations. With fast maintenance access for quick servicing, the T Series is suitable for:
Restaurants
Cafés
Commercial kitchens
Hospitality venues
Catering operations with under-sink installation requirements
Sanigrease S Series
A larger-capacity grease separator range designed specifically for busy commercial kitchens requiring higher grease-handling capabilities. The range consists of five nominal sizes, the NS2 to the NS15 with sludge trap volumes from 200-1500 litres, separator volumes from 450 – 1800 Litres and total volumes from 650 – 3300 litres. Manufactured from rotationally moulded recyclable polyethylene for above ground installation, the width of the unit ensures it can easily fit through standard internal door sizes for ease of access and quick installation. The S Series is available in various capacities for:
Large restaurants
Hotel kitchens
Commercial catering facilities
Schools and universities
Care homes
Food production and preparation facilities
Sanigrease SU Series
An underground grease separator system for larger commercial applications, the Sanigrease SU range comprises 5 models – SU 1, SU 1.5, SU 2, SU 3 and SU 4, with volumes from 340 litres to 1500 litres. Each robust rotomoulded recyclable polyethylene tank features an integrated sludge trap and reinforced pedestrian-rated access cover, as well as optional alarm monitoring. Ideal for discreet installation, the SU Series is perfect for:
For more information or for flow rate calculations for your hospitality premises, the technical team at Saniflo is available to answer any questions during working hours.
Wall panel manufacturer, Grant Westfield, has announced two key changes to its sales team. In a sideways move, Michelle McNairn has taken on the position of specification sales director. She has over 30 years’ industry experience and has worked for Grant Westfield for the last 10 years, most recently as regional sales director – North. During her time with the company, she has also held the positions of business development manager and had of Sales.
McNairn said: “Grant Westfield has earned its position as the UK market leader through exceptional merchant and showroom partnerships. Our ambition is for the specification function to complement that success by creating value through innovation, sustainability and smarter solutions to generate long-term demand that benefits our key customers, merchant partners and the wider business.
Replacing Michelle as regional sales director – North is David McKenzie, who has been promoted from his position as key account manager – North.
McKenzie has worked in the building materials industry for over 15 years, having started his career as a joiner and carpenter. He has worked for Grant Westfield for 5 years, joining the company as a Business Development Manager.
Commenting on his promotion, McKenzie said: “I’m excited about inheriting an ambitious team of Business Development Managers, whose passion for the business and the products we supply is clear to see.
“My key priorities are spending time with my team to understand how they work and meeting their customers as I look to build strong relationships internally and externally.”
Michael Dobson, Grant Westfield’s sales manager, said: “At the heart of our success are our people and these appointments reflect our commitment to recognising talent, creating opportunities for growth and investing in the future of our business.”
The kitchen and bathroom sector continues to face a challenging trading environment, with rising costs, consumer caution and slower project activity impacting businesses globally, according to the latest research from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA).
While the data focuses on the US market, the findings offer insight into wider trends affecting mature KBB markets, including the UK, where affordability concerns, pressure on household spending and changing consumer priorities continue to influence renovation decisions.
A slowdown in growth
The latest NKBA/John Burns Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) report found that industry activity softened in the second quarter of 2026, with businesses reporting flatter sales conditions and a more cautious outlook. The overall KBMI score fell to 52.7 out of 100, remaining above the threshold for expansion but reflecting slower momentum across the sector.
Consumer uncertainty and affordability pressures were identified as key factors affecting demand, with homeowners increasingly looking for ways to manage budgets and, in some cases, moving towards lower price points.
However, the report also highlights areas of resilience, with near-term expectations improving as businesses anticipate stronger activity ahead. Manufacturing was the strongest-performing segment in the latest quarter, while renovation and remodelling activity continues to provide opportunities as homeowners choose to improve existing properties rather than move.
Renovation remains a key opportunity
The findings reflect a broader shift in consumer behaviour across the kitchen and bathroom market, with investment increasingly focused on upgrading existing homes. This trend is particularly relevant for the UK sector, where refurbishment, specification and design-led projects remain important drivers of demand.
For manufacturers, designers and suppliers, the research underlines the importance of responding to a more considered consumer – one that is seeking durability, value and products that combine long-term performance with strong design appeal.
Despite ongoing uncertainty, the NKBA outlook suggests that confidence is gradually returning, with businesses adapting strategies to navigate changing market conditions and identify new opportunities.
Villeroy & Boch AG has described its financial position for the first half of 2026 as satisfactory, despite continued geopolitical uncertainty and a challenging market environment.
The group recorded revenue of €635.8 million, down 12.4% compared to €725.8 million in the same period last year. Adjusted for currency effects and for the sale of its Northern European brands Gustavsberg and Vatette on 1 October 2025, the decline was 7.4%.
However, the group recorded positive momentum in its order book, which increased to €49.5 million compared with the end of 2025, reaching €199.9 million.
Operating EBIT stood at €34.5 million, compared with €47.8 million the previous year, reflecting the impact of the divestment and ongoing geopolitical conflict in the Persian Gulf.
Group result was €6.8 million below zero, compared with a profit of +€13.8 million the previous year, largely due to non-cash exceptional tax effects.
Bathroom & Wellness: Results impacted by portfolio restructuring and geopolitical tensions
Villeroy & Boch Bathroom & Wellness Division was impacted by portfolio restructuring and ongoing geopolitical tensions, with revenue reaching €504.4 million for the first half of the year, down 15.5% year on year. Adjusted for portfolio and currency effects, the decline was 9.4%.
The company said the reduction was largely linked to the disposal of its Northern European Gustavsberg and Vatette brands, alongside challenging market conditions. Revenue across EMEA fell by 14.5%, although markets including Italy, Bulgaria and Hungary recorded growth.
Performance in APAC and the Americas was more challenging, with revenue declining by 21.3% against a backdrop of weaker construction activity. Operating EBIT for the division stood at €29.5 million, compared with €43 million in the previous year.
Georg Lörz, Management Board Member for Bathroom & Wellness, said the acquisition of Ideal Standard would help strengthen Villeroy & Boch’s position over the medium and long term, particularly during periods of market uncertainty.
Dining & Lifestyle delivers resilient performance
Outside of Bathroom & Wellness, Villeroy & Boch’s Dining & Lifestyle division remained broadly stable, reporting revenue of €130 million, compared with €130.4 million the previous year. Growth in e-commerce helped offset softer performance in some regions, with online revenue increasing by 16.1%.
Operating EBIT for the division increased slightly to €5 million, supported by new product launches and digital growth.
Group confirms 2026 outlook
Despite continued economic and geopolitical uncertainty, Villeroy & Boch has maintained its full-year 2026 forecast, with operating EBIT expected to reach €75 million.
The company said the impact of the Gustavsberg and Vatette disposal would continue to affect year-on-year comparisons, particularly during the third quarter. However, it highlighted its order book and stable Dining & Lifestyle performance as indicators of underlying business strength.
The Bathroom Association has announced that In Compliance and IAPMO will jointly serve as silver sponsors of the annual Connect Conference 2026.
Their sponsorship follows the recent announcement that In Compliance has joined the IAPMO family, bringing together complementary expertise in international product compliance and global market access.
This year’s conference theme, ‘Stronger Together’, explores how greater collaboration across the bathroom sector can strengthen perseverance, support sustainable growth and deliver better outcomes for businesses and their customers.
The new relationship between In Compliance and IAPMO reflects that theme in practice. By combining their knowledge and capabilities, the two organisations aim to provide manufacturers with more comprehensive support as they navigate increasingly complex international standards, regulatory requirements and certification pathways.
Founded and led by managing director Jutta Emge-Degenhardt, In Compliance is a German-based consultancy specialising in international product approvals for plumbing products, systems and components, particularly those that come into contact with drinking water.
The business helps manufacturers understand and meet regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions, covering product standards, approval and certification routes, and strategies for accessing international markets.
IAPMO provides expertise in standards development, product testing and certification, helping manufacturers demonstrate that their products meet applicable safety, quality and performance requirements. The addition of In Compliance establishes a broader and more structured global consulting capability alongside IAPMO’s existing services, while maintaining the appropriate independence between advisory and certification activities.
Jutta Emge-Degenhardt, managing director of In Compliance, said: “We are delighted to again support the Bathroom Association’s Connect Conference alongside IAPMO. Manufacturers are increasingly required to navigate complex and differing regulatory frameworks when bringing products to international markets.
“By sharing our knowledge and working collaboratively, we can help businesses better understand those requirements and identify the most appropriate routes to product approval and market access.”
John Watson, executive vice president at IAPMO, said: “We are proud to support the annual Connect Conference 2026. Bringing ourselves and In Compliance together enables us to offer manufacturers an even stronger combination of technical, regulatory and market expertise.
“The conference theme closely reflects our belief that shared knowledge is essential in helping manufacturers navigate complex markets with confidence, and we look forward to connecting with like-minded delegates in October.”
Amy Kirk, Marketing and Events Director at the Bathroom Association, said: “We are delighted to welcome IAPMO and In Compliance as Silver Sponsors of Connect Conference 2026. Both organisations provide valuable expertise and their new relationship is a strong example of how collaboration can best serve an international community.”
Connect Conference 2026 will feature a programme of keynote presentations, panel discussions and networking opportunities. Jez Rose will deliver the morning keynote address; Rebecca Larkin, Head of Construction Research at CPA, will deliver an economic update; and entrepreneur and Trunki founder Rob Law MBE will take to the stage as the afternoon keynote speaker.
The daytime conference will be followed by an exclusive gala dinner at the Grand Hotel, including the presentation of the 2026 Thirty-under-Thirty Awards.
The conference will take place on Thursday 8 October at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers and industry partners for a day of insight, discussion and valuable connections.
Wall panel manufacturer Grant Westfieldhas revealed the winners of its ‘Spin-the-Wheel’ prize giveaway, which took place during InstallerSHOW 2026.
Building on the success of last year’s initiative, Grant Westfield brought back the interactive game, attracting strong engagement from visitors at the show. As well as a range of Grant Westfield branded merchandise and Greggs, Costa and Amazon vouchers, there was a different premium prize up for grabs each day.
Prize-winners included Bilal Hussain, who received the Makita Site Bundle on day one, followed by Mikail M, who took home a Veho Home Entertaining Bundle on day two. Nathan Bateman from Martin Shelton Plumbing and Heating won a Makita 18V Twin Pack C/W, 2x batteries, Charger and Case on day three.
The grand prize of £5,000 worth of Multipanel and Naturepanel panels went to Henry Pearce from Jonathan Charles Bespoke. Visitors to the Grant Westfield stand could also watch live demos showing how quick and easy Naturepanel and Multipanel wall panels are to fit, thanks to their unique Hydrolock tongue-and-groove system.
Elliott Fairlie, Grant Westfield’s product and marketing director, said: “Once again, we loved having the opportunity to speak to the installers who fit our panels week-in and week-out and educate others on how our products can save both time and money on projects without compromising on quality. We can’t wait for InstallerSHOW 2027!”
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.
Baths and basins lie at the heart of bathroom design, balancing functionality with consumer expectations around aesthetics and comfort. While the wash space is undergoing a period of creative freedom as we embrace double-basin designs, sculptural styles and built-in storage units, the bath is increasingly the subject of debate, with tubs being removed from homes in favour of walk-in showers, and some new builds omitting them altogether.
However, a recent report by Drench, The Great British Soak, revealed that 80% of homeowners with a bath still use it regularly, while 45% of those surveyed said ‘no bath is a dealbreaker’. So despite changing lifestyles, it appears the bath will evolve rather than disappear.
In this feature, manufacturers explore how these changing priorities are reshaping the market for baths and basins, with a focus on products that deliver expressive design, trustworthy durability, and space-saving solutions.
Space-saving baths for smaller bathroom layouts
Frontline Bathrooms
Whilst a freestanding bath remains, without doubt, one of the most desirable style statements in bathroom design, shrinking floorplans, changing lifestyles and a greater emphasis on practical needs make this option challenging for many projects. As a result, rather than focusing wholly on statement pieces, designers and homeowners are looking for design-led solutions that make the best use of available space while complementing overall schemes.
Darren Allison, managing director at Frontline Bathrooms, agrees: “The biggest shift in bathing is that the freestanding bath is no longer automatically treated as the aspirational choice. Homeowners are asking whether a bath earns the space it takes up, which is bringing compact, back-to-wall and corner formats into much stronger contention. Colour is developing too, but increasingly as part of the wider scheme rather than a standalone statement. For retailers, the opportunity is to start with the room and the customer’s habits, not with a single fashionable bath shape.”
Frontline Bathrooms is strengthening its bathing offer with a broader collection designed around the realities of UK bathrooms, rather than simply adding more freestanding shapes to the catalogue. At the centre is AquaKast, a nine-model collection developed with British bath designer Barrie Cutchie. It includes compact ovals, slipper baths, boat baths, back-to-wall and corner designs, giving retailers options for both statement schemes and more restrictive layouts.
Bringing playfulness into bathroom design
As bathroom design becomes more expressive, we see confidence flourishing when it comes to use of colour, finish and material combination. Rather than adhering to a spa-led aesthetic, designers are injecting a sense of curiosity into the bathroom space; the result is a more experimental approach to specification.
One collection that captures the shift is the new Ginza from BAGNODESIGN. Inspired by Tokyo’s Ginza district, it encourages designers to move beyond conventional bathroom schemes by offering coordinated product families for characterful interiors across residential and hospitality projects.
Extending the concept further, Ginza Junior introduces playful pink and grey finishes designed for family-friendly and inclusive spaces, reflecting a growing focus on balancing safety, functionality and aesthetics within the bathroom.
The rise of coloured baths
BC Designs Pink Bath
Once considered a bold design choice, coloured baths are becoming a bathroom staple. However, rather than being selected purely as a statement feature, colour is now being integrated more widely into bathroom schemes, which means designers and retailers can assist in creating spaces with more personality while maintaining a sense of longevity.
“Coloured baths are not a passing trend now; they have been part of the market for several years, and customers are becoming more confident about using them,” says Adam Smith, national sales manager at BC Designs. “The change is that colour is becoming easier to live with. It might be a soft peach, pale blue or muted green rather than something that dominates the room. Compact freestanding baths will continue to be important too, because people still want that focal point without giving up half the bathroom. The real test is whether the bath still feels right once the novelty has worn off.”
BC Designs has expanded its ColourKast offer with five new shades: Drifty White, Pale Peach, Rose Bloom, Aqua Blue and Minty Green.
Perfectly formed for elegance and efficiency
Duravit Balcoon Washbasin with Storage
Integral storage solutions play an important role in ensuring the bathroom space is effortlessly practical, as well as beautifully organised. In addition, increased self-expression means designers are exploring how these essential elements can also act as architectural features. The latest designs demonstrate a growing appreciation for standout forms and refined detailing that both create a focal point, whilst delivering a sense of calm and cohesion.
Martin Carroll, MD Duravit UK, adds: “A key trend emerging in bathroom design is washbasins created for efficiency, styled for elegance, and providing an additional sculptural centrepiece within the space. A key look is basins crafted as monolithic ceramic cuboids, seamlessly integrated into clean-lined furniture. A narrow rim traces the outline, creating a gentle transition from the flat vanity surface to the recess below. Generously proportioned surfaces create a calm, architectural presence, a true study in the interaction between different volumes and levels, providing each piece with its own sculptural identity and expressive form.”
Reflecting this trend, Duravit has extended its Balcoon bathroom collection, designed by Patricia Urquiola. The new collection now includes furniture washbasins, offering greater flexibility for residential and specification projects.
Building a more sustainable bathroom
Kaldewei Nuio Duo in Cool Grey
Against a backdrop of rising environmental awareness and increasing pressure on resources, sustainability is an essential consideration in bathroom design. Manufacturers are responding with a lifecycle approach, with products designed for longevity, reuse and recyclability.
One company that has championed this approach for many years is Kaldewei. With sustainability embedded into its manufacturing philosophy, the company views responsible production as an opportunity to grow whilst fulfilling environmental obligations.
“Sustainability is no longer optional in bathroom design; it’s now the standard. We’re seeing a shift towards circular economy thinking, where products are designed to be reused, recycled and reintroduced into production without losing quality,” says Adam Teal, country manager, Kaldewei UK. “Materials like steel enamel, which is 100% recyclable, lead the way, while independent certifications such as Cradle to Cradle set a new benchmark across material health, circularity, clean air, water stewardship and social fairness. Manufacturers adopting low-carbon steel and signing up to science-based targets show that environmental responsibility and commercial value go hand in hand.”
Kaldewei’s Luxstainability® ethos is the belief that luxury and sustainability can and do work in unison. Every product is crafted from steel enamel, is 100% recyclable, and more than 600 are Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver. To demonstrate its philosphy Kaldewei spent the first half of 2026 on something akin to a modern Grand Tour, taking its steel enamel bathtubs across Europe’s leading design events and, setting out a clear position on where bathroom design is heading: toward colour, craft and genuine sustainability in equal measure.
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FM Mattsson Group enters into an agreement to acquire Bristan Group Limited, the UK supplier of taps and showers in a move that exxpand its offering in the UK and broadens it portfolio of bathroom brands.
The acquisition complements FM Mattsson Group’s existing UK and Ireland business, Aqualla, which has a well-established presence in the retail and consumer bathroom market. Together, the two businesses will provide the Group with a broader offering and a stronger platform in one of Europe’s largest markets.
Bristan has established a strong position in the UK market over many years and is recognised as one of the country’s leading brassware suppliers. The company works with a wide network of profesional customers including installers, specifiers, wholesalers, and DIY retailers and online merchants.
“The acquisition of Bristan is a major step in line with our strategy to strengthen FM Mattsson Group’s international presence through strong brands. Bristan is established as the no. 1 brassware supplier in the UK and is known for its high level of customer service and broad product offering, particularly for the professional market. As the largest brassware supplier in the UK, Bristan gives us a significantly stronger platform in one of Europe’s largest markets for bathroom and kitchen mixers.” said Fredrik Skarp, CEO of FM Mattsson Group.
“We very much look forward to continuing to develop the business together with Bristan’s experienced management team and committed employees, whose expertise and drive have been crucial to the company’s success. Together with Aqualla, Bristan creates an even stronger platform for long-term profitable growth in the UK, combining complementary strengths across retail, professional and commercial project channels.”
Bristan’s CEO Jen Cassidy said “We are delighted to be joining the FM Mattsson Group, an organisation whose values and ethos align so closely with our own. We look forward to continuing to drive through our strategy focusing on our new product roadmap, demand generation and strategic supplier partnerships development with the support of our new parent company.”
Following the completion of the acquisition, Bristan will become part of FM Mattsson Group while continuing to operate as a stand-alone brand business under its own management team.
The deal is expected to broaden FM Mattsson Group’s geographical footprint and strengthen its presence in the UK, while creating opportunities to expand its product offering, develop customer relationships and enhance operational capabilities.
Damian Walters, CEO of the British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists (BIFIS), responds to the Prime Minister’s landmark technical education reforms.
BIFIS has strongly welcomed yesterday’s announcement by the Prime Minister introducing significant technical education pathways for 14-year-olds and putting vocational qualifications on an equal footing with academic degrees.
Speaking in response to the Government’s plan to open early access to skills training, work experience, and industry links from Year 10, Damian Walters, Chief Executive of BIFIS, commented:
“For far too long, our education system has operated under a misguided cultural bias that treated academic degrees as the default measure of success while viewing vocational trades as a second-class alternative. Yesterday’s clear message from the Prime Minister, that Britain will value the hard hat as much as the graduation cap, is a vital, long-overdue shift.
“Our sector, alongside the wider construction and home improvement industries, faces an acute skills shortage. We have an aging workforce, a generation of talented young people who were never introduced to the incredible opportunities within the trades, and over a million young adults currently disconnected from education or employment.
“Giving 14-year-olds hands-on experience, clear vocational pathways, and early exposure to real-world employers isn’t just good for young people, it is essential for the future of the UK economy. A career in specialist installation and skilled trades offers high earning potential, entrepreneurship, technology integration, and genuine job security.
“However, policy must be matched by seamless execution. As regional mayors, local leaders, and Ofsted reshape learning pathways, trade bodies and specialist employers must be placed at the heart of curriculum design. We need to ensure that the technical skills taught in classrooms directly align with modern industry standards and modern consumer demands. BIFIS stands ready to work alongside government, regional authorities, and educational leaders to bridge the gap between school classrooms and rewarding, lifelong careers in home installation.”
Key Industry Takeaways from the Announcement:
• Parity of Esteem: Formal recognition of technical and vocational training as prestigious routes into employment.
• Early Intervention: Introducing workplace exposure and technical subjects at age 14 (Year 10) to prevent school leavers from falling into NEET (not in education, employment, or training) status.
• Devolved Partnership: Regional mayors and employers leading local curriculum alignment to match regional economic needs.
