Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Designer Recruitment joins the BMA as an affiliate member

December 12, 2024

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) welcomes Designer Recruitment, a leading recruitment specialist in the KBB and Merchant industries, as an affiliate member.

With a proven track record of sourcing and placing the best KBB candidates across the UK, Designer Recruitment aims to support the KBB sector by addressing the challenges of attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive marketplace.

Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the BMA, highlighted the benefits of this new partnership: “Recruiting skilled and passionate professionals is one of our industry’s biggest challenges. The bathroom sector, with its complex value chain and technical demands, offers rich opportunities for career growth and learning, yet it can be overlooked by job seekers. By welcoming Designer Recruitment into the BMA family, we gain invaluable expertise to help our members attract the talent needed to drive innovation and growth.”

Ben Paine, managing director and Founder of Designer Recruitment, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration:
“As a recruiter dedicated to the KBB sector, I see the bathroom industry as a dynamic and thriving field with endless potential for career development. Joining the BMA allows us to contribute to the wider growth of this exciting sector by connecting businesses with exceptional talent. We’re committed to showcasing the incredible opportunities the bathroom sector offers, from design to manufacturing, and ensuring companies can build teams that deliver outstanding results.”

Designer Recruitment brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the BMA. The company has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses and candidates alike, and this partnership underscores the association’s commitment to tackling recruitment challenges and enhancing the visibility of the bathroom sector as a career destination.

The BMA and Designer Recruitment look forward to working together to promote the bathroom sector’s unique opportunities for growth and development and ensure its continued success in the years to come.

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Tissino launches new sustainability initiative to cut carbon emissions

December 10, 2024

Bathroom manufacturer Tissino has launched a new sustainability initiative to reduce its carbon emissions. The new initiative focuses on Tissino’s delivery service, which will move to allocated delivery days – on average between two and three per retailer per week – expected to reduce carbon emissions by 25% and save an estimated 42.5 tonnes annually.

Tissino will still offer next-day delivery to retailers for a nominal fee of £10, which will be used to plant a tree through the company’s new partnership with Treeapp.

Since the initiative launched at the start of the month, Tissino has already planted enough trees to absorb 16.35 tonnes of CO2 in their lifetime and reforest 240m2 of land.

As well as launching the new delivery initiative, the company has also undertaken further changes to improve its sustainability. This includes moving to LED lighting in their warehouse, which is expected to save 113 tonnes of CO2 over 15 years, the purchase of electric forklift trucks with all domestic and warehouse waste being fully recycled, resulting in generating 12 tonnes of RDF (refuse-derived fuel) – enough to drive 29,020 miles in an electric car during a 12-month period.

Alan Carter, transport manager at Tissino, comments: “As a company, we are fully committed to our responsibility in helping to reduce emissions and move towards Net Zero. It continues to be an on-going journey, but we are constantly evaluating and looking at ways we can improve our sustainability.

“We’ve had great feedback from retailers about a move to dedicated delivery dates, as they understand the bigger picture, though we do offer next day delivery still for any very urgent jobs which are offset by our tree planting scheme.”

For more information on Tissino, visit www.tissino.co.uk

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PJH AR investment bring Bathrooms to Love to Life!

December 10, 2024

PJH is expanding its Augmented Reality (AR) feature, designed to transform how consumers and retailers interact with its Bathrooms to Love (BTL) collection. With AR technology, creating a dream bathroom has never been easier, allowing users to visualise how Bathrooms to Love products will look and fit in their own spaces.

Sally Hough, multi-channel marketing manager, PJH, commented: “With Augmented Reality, imagination becomes reality. Customers can now visualise their dream bathrooms with greater confidence and ease. AR is not only an innovative design tool for consumers but also an additional sales driver for our stockists allowing them to showcase products they may not have space to display. This feature embodies our commitment to enhancing the buying journey while supporting our valued retail partners with cutting-edge technology.”

The popularity of AR as a design tool has driven PJH to invest significantly in this technology. Almost all products in the NEW Autumn/Winter Bathrooms to Love Collection are equipped with QR codes, enabling users to “bring their ideas to life” through detailed product videos or immersive AR visualisation.

Seamlessly integrated into the PJH Partners Portal™, in-store Point of Sale (POS) materials, and the Bathrooms to Love website, the AR experience ensures customers can engage with it wherever they are, whether browsing online or exploring a showroom. In-store, customers can scan QR codes on POS displays to visualise how a product might look in their bathroom before making a purchase, enhancing customer engagement and ultimately driving sales. This allows customers to directly access information on only the products they are interested in, offering a more tailored approach to individual needs while also supporting environmental sustainability by minimising printed materials.

The process is straightforward: customers look for the AR icon next to a product, scan the QR code with a smartphone, or click the button if browsing online. The product will then overlay onto the existing room, accurately representing its size, colour, and fit. Users can explore every product detail, zoom in, rotate it, and even switch between different colour options, ensuring it complements their space perfectly.

PJH’s investment in AR reflects its dedication to staying ahead of industry trends and supporting its retail network with innovative tools that attract and engage customers.

For further information about Bathrooms to Love or its Collection through Augmented Reality visit www.bathroomstolove.uk website, contact your PJH rep, visit , www.partners.pjh.uk, or call, T: 0800 8 77 88 99.

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HEWI launches new PVD finishes at HIX 2024

December 10, 2024

HEWI has introduced environmentally friendly PVD finishes to the UK market. Delivering more glamour to the bathroom, the new finishes include brass, copper, nickel, bronze, gloss black, and more.

HEWI’s latest finishes help transform contemporary sanitary rooms into personalised oases of well-being—be it in hotels, representative public buildings, elective surgery areas in hospitals, or the bathroom at home. Altogether, the manufacturer offers four new standard and eight new special colours for its accessible sanitaryware and accessories, all manufactured in the PVD process. This allows for even more diversity and scope for bathroom planning. With its sanitary systems and accessories, HEWI transforms sanitary areas and private bathrooms into feel-good spaces with that certain something extra.

Colours and surfaces are particularly suitable elements in planning to design sanitary rooms that are in tune with the atmosphere of the surrounding architecture. Be it cool, calming, warm, or revitalising, HEWI offers new, inspiring colours and surfaces for selected ranges and systems to suit every customised design.

Decorative and durable
Brass, bronze, gold, or black chrome, with brushed or glossy finish options – the new metallic designer surfaces offer a wide range of choices. They are highly decorative and emotionally appealing. But behind the fine, shimmering surfaces lie extremely robust and resistant properties. The PVD surfaces are corrosion-resistant and ideal for sanitary rooms or rooms with high humidity. They also have durable properties such as hardness and scratch resistance. HEWI offers a total of 4 new standard and eight new special colours.

Creative planning scope
To enable consistent bathroom design in the planning phase, HEWI has also adapted the high-quality design surfaces to the standard surfaces of leading fitting manufacturers. In our assortment, the metallic surfaces are available for selected products from the S900, S 900 Q and S 162 ranges and systems.

Flawless craftsmanship and precision
“HEWI products combine functionality and excellent design with the aspects of durability and sustainability, thus creating added value”, emphasises HEWI product manager Florian Haude.

The “Made in Germany” aspect is particularly important to HEWI. The company, based in Bad Arolsen, Hesse, has its own PVD system and continuously invests in state-of-the-art production facilities to ensure the highest quality and precision. HEWI’s aim is flawless craftsmanship and high-quality aesthetics.

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Owain Harrison appointed as MD of KBBG From 2025

December 10, 2024

From 1^st January 2025, Owain Harrison, currently global business and brand development director at Novy (part of Middleby Residential), will take on the role of managing director at the KBBG (part of DER KREIS), the UK’s leading independent buying group for the KBB industry.

This announcement comes as Bill Miller prepares to step down from the role at the end of the year after more than a decade of dedicated service. Having launched KBBG as the UK’s first independent buying group for the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom industry, Bill has played a pivotal role in growing the organisation into a thriving community for retailers, manufacturers, and service providers.

This marks an exciting new chapter for the organisation as Owain brings over 20 years of global experience in brand development, strategic growth, and operational leadership in the premium kitchen sector. Owain has been an integral part of the Novy team for over seven years, transforming the brand from a market entry to a recognised luxury leader in the UK and Ireland before expanding its global footprint. His experience includes senior roles with Hoover Candy Group and Indesit Company and serving as Corporate Chair at the Kbsa.

Ahead of his appointment, Owain comments: “I am delighted to be joining DER KREIS as Managing Director in the UK. With the KBBG’s commitment to empowering independent retailers and delivering exceptional quality, the organisation aligns perfectly with my passion for innovation in the kitchen and bathroom industry. I look forward to continuing the excellent work carried out by Bill Miller, together with Russell Sharpe, Neil Whitaker and Louisa Cole, leveraging our experience to strengthen the members’ market positions, drive growth, and enhance the customer experience. The need for independent retailers to maximise their margins and business relationships is more urgent than ever, and we will continue Bill’s work to drive excellence throughout the KBB industry.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Bill says: “It has been an absolute honour and pleasure supporting independent kitchen and bathroom retailers, it truly is a wonderful, resilient sector. Thank you to DER KREIS for giving me the opportunity to build the KBBG brand, it was a pivotal moment in my career, and I’m proud to say that we exceeded all expectations. Championing independent retailers and watching their businesses grow has been a real privilege.”

Bill also expresses confidence in his successor: “My position at the KBBG is being handed over to the most capable hands in Owain Harrison. Known for his strategic insight, Owain has consistently delivered exceptional results through brand building, market analysis, and executive relationship management. I wish him every success at KBBG and know that he will be an excellent addition to the team.”

Bill’s legacy includes building a strong and ever-growing membership, fostering collaboration within the KBB sector, and securing a robust portfolio of suppliers, all of which have made the KBBG an invaluable resource for independent retailers. Owain’s leadership promises to build on this foundation, ensuring continued support for independent KBB retailers while driving innovation and growth in the sector.

For more information on the KBBG, call 023 8202 1347 or email info@derkreis.co.uk. You can also visit the website at www.kbbg.co.uk.

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BiKBBI Installation Awards Finalists announced

December 10, 2024

The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has today announced the finalists for the BiKBBI Installation Awards 2025 – the only awards programme dedicated to recognising and rewarding excellence in the KBB installation sector.

This year, there were a record number of nominations across twelve categories. An independent panel of judges representing businesses from across the KBB industry scored all entries, ultimately producing our shortlist of 48 finalists.

The BiKBBI Awards 2025 finalists are:

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR sponsored by Blum UK

Amber Holder Wickes

Ashton Clifford The Adroit Services Partnership

Charlie Catton Elle & R Home Improvements Ltd

Tommy Mercer McKay Kitchens

COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

Daniel Farmer, Global Doors & Interiors

Premium Kitchens & Bedrooms Ltd

Howdens

Graham Parnell, The K & B Installer

Kevin Choat, Bathroom Innovations

Abode

CUSTOMER SERVICE CHAMPION OF THE YEAR sponsored by Senstec

Ashling Street Lima Kitchens

Karen Chapman JLC Interiors Ltd

Isla Harpur HARNCE

ArtiCAD

Alexander

Hollands Heating Ltd

INDEPENDENT RETAILER OF THE YEAR sponsored by MHK UK

Lima Kitchens

JLC Interiors Ltd

Harrison James (Shropshire) Ltd

Urban Myth

INSTALLATION BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by Häfele

Interior Motive (Yorks) Ltd

Premium Kitchens & Bedrooms Ltd

The Adroit Services Partnership

Alexander

T&N Developments Ltd

Elle & R Home Improvements Ltd

INSTALLATION MANAGER OF THE YEAR sponsored by Sonas Bathrooms

Alex Smith Lima Kitchens

Ian Cloggie Christian Andrews Interiors

Harry Weaver Harrison James (Shropshire) Ltd

Harriett Grice Wren Contracts

Gurpreet Singh Sudan Easy Bathrooms

Warwick Hockley Alexander

INSTALLER OF THE YEAR sponsored by CT1

James Johnson Johnson Design & Installation

Ian Cloggie Christian Andrews Interiors

Brett Cattlin Solihull Bathrooms

Ian Moore JTL Interiors

Mark Tugwell Alexander

Nathan Hardy Hardy Homes

NATIONAL RETAILER OF THE YEAR sponsored by Anthill

Wren Kitchens

Easy Bathrooms

Wickes

Magnet Kitchens

YOUNG INSTALLER OF THE YEAR sponsored by Schlüter Systems

Olivia Weaver Harrison James (Shropshire) Ltd

Aidan Parish Lima Kitchens

Jack Drury JCD Kitchens

Sophie Maguire Pink Plumbing

ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

JLC Interiors Ltd

Rehome

HIPPO

Rotpunkt

INDUSTRY NEWCOMER 2025 sponsored by Lecico

Olivia Weaver Harrison James (Shropshire) Ltd

Easy Bathrooms

Elle & R Home Improvements Ltd

A Special Recognition Award will also be presented on the evening.

BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters commented, ‘ The BiKBBI Awards is an important platform to recognise and reward excellence in installation – a vital and often overlooked area of the KBB industry, and we are delighted to see continued year-on growth both in terms of the number of entries but also in the number of businesses getting involved. This year has been a tough one for many businesses, with lots of uncertainty and distraction. Therefore, the support and involvement from all areas of the industry means more than ever before. This year’s finalists should be in no doubt that being a finalist is a cause for celebration in itself. We look forward to celebrating with them in February at the BiKBBI Awards presentation. It is so important that the installation sector is recognised for the role that it plays in the industry, and special thanks goes to those businesses that are sponsoring the 2025 Awards – their commitment and support is what makes both the Awards programme and the presentation event possible.’

The winners of all eleven categories, along with the winner of the BiKBBI Special Recognition Award, will be announced at an Awards ceremony at the prestigious QEII Centre in London’s Westminster on the evening of Tuesday, 4 February 2025.

Tickets for the 2025 BiKBBI Awards are now on sale and can be purchased here. More information on the event and the awards programme can be found at bikbbi.org.uk.

If you want to learn more about the remaining sponsorship opportunities for the BiKBBI Awards 2025, please email Michelle Daniels at michelle.daniels@bikbbi.org.uk or call 01375 213 199.

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Laminam’s top five bathroom surface trends for 2025

December 10, 2024

From nature-inspired design to spa-like luxury, Laminam rounds up the top five bathroom surface trends for 2025.

1. Cladded Basins and Vanity Units

Inspired by five-star hotel luxury, cladded vanity units have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in en-suite bathrooms. This trend will become even more prominent in 2025 as homeowners look to recreate the spa-style sanctuary of a favourite holiday or luxury break at home.

Twin basins also make a stunning statement within a bathroom scheme, especially when clad in a stone surface such as porcelain. Durable and hardwearing, it also creates a sleek and seamless look that flows effortlessly when paired with the same surface for countertops, splashbacks, showers, wall cladding and flooring. Porcelain is an ideal material for bathrooms, as it is non-porous, so it doesn’t require sealing. It is also water resistant; it is stain, scratch, moisture, and humidity resistant. The stunning marble effect of seamless porcelain surfaces will also bring a luxe look to any bathroom or en-suite, and for 2025, let the material take centre stage with fresh or warm whites with delicate veining or grounding earthy tones to bring a sense of the outside in.

Pictured top Laminam Surface – Slate Series – Ankara

2. Bookmatched Surfaces

Laminam’s porcelain is perfect for making a statement in the bathroom. The large-format slabs can be laid horizontally or vertically for walls and floors, and 2025 will see a rise in the use of bookmatched patterns for large areas such as behind a freestanding bath, as a basin splashback or in a large walk-in shower area. Bookmatching allows for seamless continuity with no visible joins, which has the added benefit of being impervious to germs and bacteria while making cleaning easier thanks to fewer grout lines. The distinctive and eye-catching look is created by adjoining two or more slabs of stone cut from the same block right next to each other for a striking mirror-image effect. Laminam has over 20 designs that can be bookmatched.

Laminam Surface – I Naturali Series – Calacatta Oro Venato

3. Nature Inspired Spaces

With over 291,000 #biophilicdesign posts on Instagram, the trend for bringing the outside in looks set to stay for 2025. There are so many benefits to creating a natural and organic look and feel within the home – it helps to create a sense of calm and mindfulness, connecting us to nature and providing a welcome retreat from the hectic world outside. Adding plenty of potted and hanging plants also improves air purification, absorbing excess moisture and balancing humidity, which is particularly important for bathrooms and wet rooms.

Laminam Surface – IN-SIDE Series – Pietra Piasentina Taupe

4. Open-Plan Bathrooms

A bathroom with a tub and sinkDescription automatically generated

One of the biggest trends for 2025 will be opening up the bathroom, removing shower doors and creating a seamless and open wet room on its own or within a bathroom or en-suite, achieving a spacious and airy feel. Sleek and modern in aesthetics, the effect is also incredibly functional, especially when Laminam’s porcelain slabs are used for walls and flooring. With no visible joins, the room is easy to clean and ultra-hygienic, with no grout lines for germs and bacteria to hide in.

Pictured above – Laminam Surfaces – IN-SIDE Series – Terra di Matera {back wall and flooring}
and Terra di Saturnia {bath and shower wall}

5. Minimal Luxury

Creating a calming and spa-like experience at home with minimal luxury means paring back to the essentials and ensuring these essentials are of the highest quality. Think bathrooms with a freestanding sculptural-shaped bath, concealed shower fixings, wall-mounted basin taps that leave the countertop clear and plenty of storage to hide everything from view. This bathroom style also lets the surfaces sing, with porcelain’s marble effects and authentic Italian look taking centre stage.

Laminam Surface – I Naturali Series – Pietra di Savoia

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Schlüter-Systems Ltd joins the BMA

December 10, 2024

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) welcomes Schlüter-Systems Ltd, a world leader in tiling and waterproofing solutions, to join its membership.

With a heritage dating back to 1966 and a legacy of innovative products such as the Schlüter-SCHIENE, the company brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the association.

Tom Reynolds, the BMA’s chief executive, commented on the significance of their membership: “The addition of Schlüter-Systems to the BMA membership brings considerable value to our industry community. Their proven expertise in durable, reliable bathroom solutions and their commitment to quality align closely with the BMA’s goals.”

Founded by master tiler Werner Schlüter, Schlüter-Systems has grown from its beginnings in Germany to operate globally, with offices across Europe, North America, and beyond. Known worldwide, the company’s Schlüter-SCHIENE product has set the standard in tile edge protection, and the company now offers a range of over 12,000 products. Its bathroom solutions include watertight surfaces for wetrooms and accessible shower installations, backed by a 10-year warranty.

David Naylor, Head of Marketing at Schlüter-Systems Ltd, remarked on the company’s new membership: “Joining the BMA reflects our commitment to the highest standards in bathroom design and functionality.

“We look forward to contributing our expertise and collaborating with other members to drive forward innovation and best practices in the industry. Together with the BMA, we are eager to help shape the future of bathroom solutions, promoting products that enhance safety, durability, and quality for customers.”

The partnership marks a shared vision for advancing high standards and highlights the role of innovative design in improving the accessibility and functionality of bathroom spaces.

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Kudos Showers appoints Michael Brewins as customer services manager

December 10, 2024

Kudos Showers has appointed Michael Brewins as the customer services manager based at their Holme factory and office site in Cumbria. Michael brings a wealth of experience from previous customer service roles and will oversee a team of 4 in this front-facing position.

“I chose Kudos Showers not only for its strong reputation for quality and innovation within the bathroom and shower industry, but because it prioritises and measures customer satisfaction and continuous improvement,” said Michael. “I’ve spent the last nine years managing and developing a customer-focused team at BT and my goal at Kudos is to continue to build on the great work that has been done to further elevate the customer experience.”

Nick Graville, sales & marketing Director for Kudos, stated, “We’re thrilled to welcome Michael to our customer services team. His experience will significantly enhance the quality of service we provide. We have a longstanding reputation for delivering best-in-class customer service, and Michael’s addition to the team will further strengthen that reputation.”

Kudos has been designing and manufacturing shower products at its Cumbria facility since 1999. Now trading as RONAL Bathrooms UK Ltd, its portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens, and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK. Visit its website, kudosshowers.co.uk, call 01539 564040, or email info@kudosshowers.co.uk.

More news from Kudos Showers

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dissident joins BMA as an affiliate member

December 10, 2024

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has swelled its number of affiliate members, announcing that dissident, a creative agency known for its unapologetically bold and memorable marketing, has joined the association.

dissident brings a fresh perspective to the industry, focusing on crafting social-first strategies, photography, and videos that stand out from the crowd.

Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the BMA, shared his thoughts on this exciting addition,“dissident’s approach to marketing is exactly what the bathroom sector needs to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Their expertise in creating campaigns that people genuinely remember will be a valuable asset to our members, helping them connect with customers in new and impactful ways. We look forward to seeing how dissident’s creativity will push the boundaries of traditional marketing in our industry.”

dissident’s ethos is rooted in challenging the status quo, and their work is all about making brands unforgettable. Daniel Moore, creative director at dissident, outlined his enthusiasm for joining the BMA:
“The bathroom sector is a fascinating world of innovation and craftsmanship, and we see huge potential to tell its story in ways that resonate deeply with audiences. As an affiliate member of the BMA, we aim to bring fresh energy and a unique perspective, helping brands stand out and build lasting connections with their customers. dissident thrives on making the ordinary extraordinary—something we believe aligns perfectly with the ambitious nature of this sector.”

With dissident now part of the BMA family, members can expect to access innovative marketing services that transform how they present their products and engage with customers. From reimagining brand identities to delivering disruptive campaigns, this partnership is set to make waves in the industry.

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