Grant Westfield, the UK’s leading manufacturer of wall panels, has announced the appointment of Marc Teasdale as national specification manager, new build.
Marc brings with him over four decades of experience in the bathroom industry, having dedicated 38 years to Roman, one of the sector’s most recognised brands. In his previous role as Sales Director at Roman Enclosures, Marc played a key part in leading the contract arm of the business while also building long-standing relationships across key buying groups within the market.
Commenting on his appointment, Marc said: “At 62 years of age, I’m entering the autumn period of my sales career and still carry the same passion I had when I first stepped into the industry 41 years ago. People buy from people they trust, and my aim is to work alongside the specification team and others to further elevate the Grant Westfield brand across the marketplace. I’ve always had a strong belief in shower panelling, having seen first-hand the issues builders and installers face with tiles and grout. Wall panels solve so many of those challenges, and I simply couldn’t work for a company I didn’t believe in wholeheartedly. I have every confidence in both the product and the brand, and I’m excited to get started.”
Jamie Sandilands, specification sales director at Grant Westfield, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Marc to the team. His industry knowledge, track record, and deep understanding of the specification market will be invaluable as we continue to grow our presence in the new build sector. Marc shares our values and vision, and I have no doubt he will make a significant impact on our future success.”
For more information, please visit: www.grantwestfield.co.uk or call 0131 337 6262.
Duravit has officially opened its new manufacturing site in Matane, Canada – a landmark facility that uses exclusively electric power to fire sanitary ceramics, signalling a major shift for an industry traditionally defined by high energy use. The plant also advances the brand’s local-for-local strategy, with products for North America now produced within the region.
Around 80 guests attended the opening, including representatives from politics, business, and the media. Duravit was represented by Christian Gilles, head of production in Canada; COO Thomas Stammel; and CMO Lüder Fromm. Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Gregor Greinert, was also present, highlighting the board’s strong support.
The C$90m investment forms a core part of Duravit’s global growth strategy. Production has begun with 102 employees, set to rise to 240 by 2027. The 35,000sq m plant will deliver up to 450,000 ceramic washbasins and toilets annually for the North American market, maintaining the brand’s recognised standards for precision and durability. Its location on the Saint Lawrence River enables short transport routes, while access to a deep-sea port and clean, cost-effective energy were key in selecting the site.
Powered almost entirely by Québec hydroelectricity, the factory’s electrical roller kilns – supplied by Riedhammer of the SACMI Group – eliminate the need for fossil fuels. With 99.6% renewable electricity and shorter logistics routes, the site reduces carbon emissions by around 9,000 tonnes per year. The 100m kilns fire more than 600 parts daily at 1,260°C, and waste heat is reused in drying and casting.
The project received a C$19m repayable contribution from Economic Development Canada and an C$11m loan from Investissement Québec via the ESSOR programme. Support from the Matane regional municipality also played a key role.
“The Matane region has shown us a huge amount of trust and support from the start. For us, this factory is more than a manufacturing site – it’s a collaborative project with the local community,” said Christian Gilles, head of production for Duravit Canada.
Founded in 1817, Duravit continues to combine craftsmanship with advanced technology. The new plant strengthens its international expansion and supports its goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2045. The company’s commitment to long-lasting, timeless design remains central, with durability contributing directly to resource conservation and sustainability.
On the outskirts of Eifel National Park, six ecological microhouses have been developed with sustainability, mindful living, and high-quality design at the fore. KEUCO’s products were selected for their functionality, durability, and timeless design.
Designed by mlab.design with a brief to create spaces where people feel comfortable and rejuvenated, the microhouses’ interiors draw inspiration from nature. High-quality materials, lots of wood, natural colours, and carefully selected details characterise the atmosphere.
KEUCO products are installed in the bathrooms of each microhouse and were selected in their matt black variant to fit perfectly into the calm, modern colour concept of the houses.
KEUCO IXMO SOFT sink mixer taps and KEUCO PLAN Blue thermostatic shower mixer taps are among the products used in this project. The bathroom fittings are complemented by a selection of KEUCO PLAN Accessories – including hair dryers and waste bins, toilet paper and spare roll holders, toilet brush sets, and towel holders. Thanks to the KEUCO shower shelf and shower wiper, the shower tray stays tidy, and the shower glass is drip-free.
The interplay of the products creates a calm, clean aesthetic that is a perfect parallel to the architectural vision of the microhouses. The uniform design, wood and high-quality workmanship create a bathroom ambience that is both functional and relaxing.
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.
As demand for efficient, easy-to-install shower spaces continues to rise, today’s manufacturers have responded with a range of products that simplify the process for design and construction professionals. Modular components, standardised product ranges and user-friendly installation solutions make it easier to create customised shower spaces that meet functional and aesthetic demands.
In this feature, Diane Larner examines the latest products to reach the market – from minimalist shower design to water-saving features.
Minimalist Style
KEUCO IXMO
In recent years, minimalist design has surged in popularity. Clean lines, uncluttered spaces and a focus on capability characterise the movement. The look has extended beyond living and kitchen areas to the bathroom, making it the perfect design philosophy for the shower.
James Sketch, KEUCO UK country, explains, “Minimalism continues to shape contemporary shower design, with the focus on clean lines, understated elegance, and intelligent functionality. Current trends emphasise walk-in showering spaces with sleek, accessible features that can be adapted for multigenerational living while maintaining a luxurious feel. Neutral palettes and tactile finishes create calm, spa‑like environments, with the use of concealed fittings to ensure seamless aesthetics.”
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.
Making Connections
Ideal Standard Connect 2
Pairing shower enclosures and shower trays with the rest of the bathroom requires careful attention when coordinating spaces. The key is to ensure the materials and finish complement the overall design to create a cohesive look that blends with furniture, tiles and sanitaryware. Additionally, unobtrusive low-profile shower design helps create a seamless look, which in turn enhances the overall aesthetic.
Yiota Toumba, senior designer at The Villeroy & Boch Group, agrees, “These days, shower trays and enclosures aren’t just about function – they’re a key part of the bathroom’s look and feel. We’re seeing a real move toward sleek, low-profile trays that sit almost level with the floor, giving a more open, seamless feel.”
The Connect 2 range of shower enclosures from Ideal Standard is designed for flexibility, with sliding doors, bi-fold styles, and wet-room solutions available to suit a variety of bathroom layouts and spaces. Available in Chrome and Silk Black finishes, the enclosures are easy to pair with matching furniture and fittings, creating a cohesive, integrated bathroom.
Carefree Colour
CRL Shower Door Thresholds
Colour has made a comeback this year, becoming a central fixture on the design agenda. In bathrooms, colour helps create a bold aesthetic or can be used to define structure and layout. The use of colour in hardware adds an unexpected twist, especially when used to soften or accentuate design schemes – whether bold and dark for a sleek, contemporary look, or rose gold for a touch of luxury.
Simon Boocock, MD, CRL, comments, “Colour remains big news and innovation in hardware design is providing consumers with more choice than ever before. Designers can now create boutique-inspired enclosures with hardware in a plethora of finishes from Brushed Nickel and Satin Brass to Matte Black – and innovations such as our new Shower Door Thresholds are giving customers even more creative freedom.”
CRL has extended the design possibilities of its shower systems, including the multi-award-winning Quadrato, with the launch of new, coordinating Shower Door Thresholds. 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.
Tall Orders
Multipanel 2-7m panel
We have a love affair with height in the UK, and buildings that boast extravagantly high ceilings carry an undeniable charm. However, making use of such a space can be a challenge. According to Chaboun Construction, properties built before the mid-20th century often feature higher ceilings, sometimes up to 2.7 meters. Leveraging the space without it feeling lofty and uncomfortable can be achieved through innovative panel design, creating a stunning, cohesive atmosphere that is expansive yet well-proportioned.
Elliott Fairlie, product and marketing director at Grant Westfield, says, “As more homeowners renovate period properties like Georgian and Victorian homes, there’s growing demand for wall solutions that accommodate higher ceilings without compromising on style. The result is a sleek, seamless look that enhances the architectural character of these homes while offering the waterproof performance and ease of installation retailers and fitters rely on.”
Waterproof bathroom wall panel brand Multipanel is expanding its range to include a new 2.7m panel height, designed to meet the growing demand for full-height solutions in properties with taller ceilings.
Water Aware
Module X From Crosswater
Only last week, the Environment Agency urged water efficiency to become a national priority, with Helen Wakeham, EA director of Water, saying, “Climate change and population growth are putting a tremendous strain on resources and this year’s drought is a stark reminder that we all need to be more mindful of our consumption.”
The water agency has also issued a bleak warning about the likelihood of more frequent droughts in the future, and is continuing to progress toward mandatory water labelling. With this in mind, incorporating water-saving products into bathroom design is more relevant than ever before. By selecting high-performance, water-saving fixtures, architects, house builders, and homeowners can address rising environmental costs and lower utility bills, while also contributing to the overall sustainability of their projects.
Jorge Hernandez, head of design at Crosswater, comments, “Across the industry, we have seen a growing appreciation for intuitive controls that hold temperature reliably and make every day shower use effortless and user-friendly. Equally important is the shift toward eco-conscious design in showering, requiring manufacturers to deliver water-saving solutions that maintain high pressure and performance while meeting the expectations of today’s buyers.”
Module Push from Crosswater is designed with sustainability in mind. It features water-saving controls while presenting the latest in luxury showering technology and design.
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Following a successful two years with Kudos Shower Products, Mark Batley has been promoted to national accounts and contracts manager for the business. Mark, who joined Kudos with a wealth of market experience in 2023, will now focus on expanding the contract business and increasing the brands presence in the merchant sector.
Managing director for RONAL Bathrooms UK, Mark Hill, explains the reasoning for this appointment: “Since returning to the business in 2023, Mark has demonstrated exceptional growth, dedication and impact. This new role not only recognises his valuable contribution to the Sales team but also underlines our key strategic priorities of expanding our contract business, increasing our presence in the merchant sector and growing with our key National customers.”
Mark Batley concludes: “I have enjoyed my time at Kudos immensely over the past two years. The business has a great team spirit with knowledgeable and supportive colleagues, which makes my role much easier. I will be continuing my current role till the year-end, and whilst a replacement is recruited, my focus in the new year will be on delivering successful contracts for the Kudos brand. The team has worked incredibly hard over the last 12 months to ensure we have a product range that meets our customers’
Ca’ Pietra has unveiled its new Tile Trend Report 2026, a comprehensive insight pack created to support the KBB trade with clear direction on the colours, formats and design styles set to define the year ahead. The report distils months of research, market monitoring and creative forecasting into a practical, beautifully visual guide that retailers can use to inspire customers, refresh displays, and anticipate what homeowners will be searching for throughout 2026.
Written by Ca’ Pietra’s head of creative, Grazzie Wilson, the report maps out the biggest influences shaping tile design next year. From the playful rise of curious colour combinations – buttery yellows, sky blues, dusky pinks and rich reds – to the textured, artisan spirit of rustic nomadic surfaces, each trend is unpacked with clarity, context and styling direction.
The document also explores the increasing appetite for expressive formats, where a single striking tile becomes the hero of a room, whether through sculptural mosaics, statement marbles or bold large-scale patterns. Nature-led palettes feature strongly too, with greens, grounded neutrals and organic textures reconnecting interiors with the calming, restorative qualities of the outdoors.
Designed specifically with the KBB industry in mind, the report does more than outline what is coming. It shows retailers how to translate these trends into displays and real-world schemes, with photography, layout ideas and visual references taken directly from Ca’ Pietra’s collections. Each section acts as a practical resource: how to style the trend, how to create the look in a showroom setting, and how to guide customers towards confident design choices.
The result is a tile trend book for 2026, created to support retailers as they plan merchandising, update room sets or build next year’s marketing content. With tiles playing a growing role in storytelling across both kitchen and bathroom environments, this report equips the trade with the foresight needed to stay ahead of customer demand.
Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra, says: “Retailers tell us time and again that the biggest challenge is knowing where to focus their energy when the design landscape is shifting so quickly. Customers are coming into showrooms better informed and more inspired than ever before, but that also means they are looking for ideas that feel fresh, confident and rooted in what is happening right now. Our 2026 trend report is designed to give the industry that clarity.
“We have taken the colours, patterns and rising across fashion, interiors and culture, and translated them into something the KBB sector can use immediately. It shows not just what is trending, but how to bring those trends to life through displays, storytelling and real-world design. Retailers can see the palettes, formats and looks that will resonate most next year, supported by examples of how they can be styled and sold.”
The Tile Trend Report 2026 is available now to all Ca’ Pietra retail partners, as well as the wider KBB industry.
Frontline Bathrooms and Smiths Briten have made a further investment in the efficiency and responsiveness of their operations with the introduction of a new Cisco Webex telephone system, creating a more seamless experience for customers across both businesses.
The upgrade forms part of an ongoing programme to strengthen service performance, with improved call handling, faster response times, and better visibility of customer touchpoints. Both companies now operate from the same integrated system, ensuring that calls can move between Frontline and Smiths Briten as smoothly as any internal transfer.
The new platform offers a range of features designed to enhance the way customer enquiries are managed. Teams are now able to transfer calls between internal and external contacts with ease, return missed calls without delay, and identify incoming callers before answering. The system also allows both businesses to access insights into call trends throughout the day, helping to predict busier periods and allocate support more effectively.
In addition, the ability to monitor call answer times is enabling teams to track performance in real time and refine processes where needed, reinforcing the commitment to continual improvement.
Darren Allison, managing director at Frontline Bathrooms and Smiths Briten says: “We are continuing to invest in the areas that make a measurable difference to our customers. The move to Cisco Webex gives our teams greater flexibility, clarity, and visibility when managing calls, which in turn allows us to provide quicker, more efficient support. Having both businesses aligned on the same system has transformed internal communication and ensures that our customers reach the right person without unnecessary delays.”
The investment follows a series of wider improvements designed to streamline operations across both companies, reflecting their shared goal of delivering a consistently high standard of service to retailers, merchants, and partners nationwide.
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:
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.
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.
