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BMA joins Construction Inclusion Coalition to address EDI

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The BMA has announced it’s joined the Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC), an initiative launched by leading organisations in the sector to tackle a lack of diversity.

Launched in September 2023, the CIC was established by CEOs at leading organisations, including Bristan Group, Highbourne Group, Knauf, Travis Perkins, Ibstock PLC, the Builders Merchants Federation, and the Construction Leadership Council, to raise sector standards on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

As an Associate Member, the BMA will join a network of like-minded organisations, working together to foster collaboration and share knowledge and resources across the industry with co-created solutions that will make a difference.

The construction sector has one of the most rapidly ageing workforces in the UK, with research showing that close to a million construction workers – around a third of the UK’s total workforce, are set to retire in the next ten years. Despite this, the industry is currently only made up of 15% women and 6% from ethnic minority backgrounds and faces challenges attracting and recruiting from a diverse pool of talent.

Tom Reynolds, the BMA’s Chief Executive, remarked:

“We know that the bathroom manufacturing sector will see an increase in demand with the reduction in inflation and the expectation of interest rate cuts allowing consumers greater discretionary spending. However, we also know that the sector has struggled to attract and retain its talent. Encouraging and highlighting our sector’s huge opportunities in line with EDI principles will ensure we have the diverse talent required for exponential growth.  

“We are committed to the CIC’s Built on Better Pledge and will collaborate within the sector, highlighting EDI for our mutual benefit.”

CIC Chairperson and Toolstation Managing Director Angela Rushforth says:

“There is no doubt that the future of our industry is at risk if we don’t create an environment where all our colleagues feel safe, empowered and confident. I want all young women to see the construction sector as I do – full of opportunity.

“We aren’t attracting and retaining from a diverse pool of talent because many think the construction sector is not for them. There are industry-wide challenges that require industry-wide solutions, which is why the Construction Inclusion Coalition has been set up to improve equity, diversity and inclusion. We are calling on businesses across the sector – no matter how big or small – to join our Coalition and commit to taking action in their organisations.”

Alongside Coalition Partners, the BMA is urging businesses across the industry to join the initiative and take the Built on Better Pledge, covering seven areas members commit to working on.

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Ideal Standard power the next generation of apprentices at Installer SHOW

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Ideal Standard is set to deliver a number of fully-funded apprenticeships to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during Installer Show 2024.  

Through the apprenticeships, those selected will receive fully accredited installation qualifications for the installer trade, with training delivered by a CIPHE-recognised training provider. 

 In addition to fully funding the apprenticeships, Ideal Standard will provide 1-1 support to the SMEs throughout the process, assisting not just with recruitment but all training and onboarding of the apprentice – while providing on-the-job support from its team of service engineers. 

SMEs and apprentices will be able to visit Ideal Standard’s UK sites and receive factory tours, providing a valuable look into the manufacturing of Ideal Standard’s ceramic ranges, how the business works, and the full supply chain process. 

Businesses can enter the giveaway by completing a short quiz and application form or by signing up at Ideal Standard’s stand, 4F13, with entry open to companies wanting to sign up an apprentice for an industry-specific qualification. 

One winner will be announced on days one and two of the Installer Show during the ‘Bathrooms and Beers’ sessions at the BMA theatre starting at 4.00 pm, with a third winner will be announced at the BMA theatre at 3.00 pm on day three. A panel of judges made up of Ideal Standard and Bathroom Manufacturers Association representatives will review and select the fortunate companies.  

Jo Edwards, Channel Director, Residential and Trade: “Apprentices and SMEs are the backbone of the installation and plumbing sector, and we want to ensure the next generation of installers have the investment they need to flourish. 

“It’s key for us to work closely with SMEs and installers to support the sector, understand current trends and ways of working, and make a real difference.” 

Tom Reynolds, CEO of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association added: “Apprenticeship initiatives like this are vital to helping the KBB and installation industry become more attractive to young people across the UK.  

“The extra steps Ideal Standard is taking to support apprentices and SMEs with access to its manufacturing plants and on-the-job support are key to futureproofing the industry and attracting new and diverse talent.” 

To find out more about the apprenticeships and fill in the quiz, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3XHTKLJ  

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HiB’s Warren Ginsberg awarded MBE in King’s Honours List 2024

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As part of this year’s Kings Honours, HiB’s Chairman, Warren Ginsberg, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to home improvements. This prestigious recognition celebrates Warren’s outstanding contributions to the bathroom industry and his commitment to the development of home improvements over the decades.

Warren has been a pivotal figure in the bathroom industry for over five decades. As a salesperson, he started his career at Garfield Glass in London and advanced to become sales director, overseeing operations in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and France. During his tenure, he significantly contributed to the company’s growth, securing major accounts such as B&Q and introducing innovative products like the Garfield Glass-Mirrorwall range. Warren also established relationships with leading DIY retailers across the UK, including Texas HomeCare, Marley Retail, and Homebase.

Following the sale of Garfield Glass in 1990, Warren founded his own company, launching HiB in 1991. What began as a small business run from his kitchen table with his wife Carole’s support has grown into a market leader known for its innovative products and outstanding customer service. HiB, operating from Inspire House in Tamworth with additional offices in London, received The Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation in 2020. Warren’s visionary leadership has driven the company’s success, which is marked by his commitment to quality and passion for creating functional, aesthetically pleasing bathroom products.

Throughout his working life, Warren has played a huge part in the development of bathroom interiors and is a renowned and respected figure in the sector. His efforts have not only positioned HiB as a forward-thinking company but have also set new standards in the industry. Among his many successes, Warren led the adaption of the heated pad as a tool for reducing condensation on mirror and cabinet surfaces. This innovation sparked an industry-wide change that has now spread to a manufacturing standard across bathroom mirrors around the globe and remains a key feature to this day. For more information about Warren’s role in the development of heated pad technology.

Over recent years, Warren has encouraged and supported a number of technological advances, including the introduction of colour temperature-changing illumination, USB and toothbrushing charging technology and wireless power solutions for illumination in bathroom cabinet mirrored doors. All of these innovations, along with Warren’s passion for forging new relationships with customers, developing the export market for HiB and eagerness to drive sales and grow the business, are among the reasons why he has been celebrated as one of this year’s worthy MBE recipients.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this MBE for dedication to home improvement,” said Warren Ginsberg. “It’s a culmination of a lifetime’s work and a wonderful acknowledgement of not only my efforts but those of the HiB team. We’ve always strived to push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. I’m excited for the future as we continue to lead the way in bringing innovative new products to the UK bathroom industry.

Warren’s son and HiB’s CEO Robert Ginsberg expressed his congratulations. He said: “My father’s contribution to the industry and our company has been nothing short of extraordinary. His leadership and vision over such a long time have driven HiB forward, and this MBE is a well-deserved recognition of his achievements. We are immensely proud of Warren and grateful for his continued commitment to excellence.”

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Warren is known for his charitable work and his enthusiasm for helping others. His commitment to giving back has inspired many within HiB and the broader industry.

For more information about HiB, visit www.hib.co.uk.

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Cyncly appoints new training & onboarding manager

Bathroom Review Rebecca-Ellison Cyncly

Leading software and content solutions brand Cyncly has announced the appointment of Rebecca Ellison as the new training and onboarding manager for the NEME (Northern Europe and Middle East) region. Rebecca brings over a decade of experience in customer support and training from her previous roles at Compusoft.

Rebecca joined Compusoft in February 2012 as a support administrator, where she quickly demonstrated her capabilities and was promoted to Support Manager. In September 2021, she transitioned to the training department, where she excelled in enhancing customer skills and software use.

In her new role at Cyncly, Rebecca will lead a team of training and onboarding specialists, along with several training and onboarding consultants. Together, they will deliver comprehensive training programs for Winner Flex, EQ, Innoplus, and Winner Bizz across the NEME regions. Rebecca and her team of experienced trainers will collaborate to ensure customers maximise the potential of Cyncly’s software solutions.

“I am thrilled to be working with a team dedicated to improving our customers’ skill sets,” said Rebecca. “My goal is to ensure our customers receive the best possible training and support, enabling them to get the very best out of Cyncly software.”

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Schlüter creates another statement bathroom

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Schlüter Systems offers more than 10,000 products for the long-lasting installation of tiles and natural stone; they include a comprehensive range of trims, waterproofing, underfloor heating and shower drainage systems.  Worldwide, the products and systems have created the very best in bathroom design; in both style and durability.

One such example is a renovation and extension project which included the refurbishment of the residence’s 4.8m x 2.7m master en-suite. Enlisting the services of Quell Bathrooms, the client set out the fundamentals of what he wanted – bath, shower and double basin with storage. He then gave free rein to Vincent Pope, Quell’s MD, to come up with a few ideas from which the final design was selected.  The resulting wetroom utilised a number of different Schlüter-Systems products in order to ensure a sound finish for the client’s considerable investment.

An integrated linear drain wetroom kit, Schlüter-KERDI-LINE-WRKL, was used to provide guaranteed waterproofing and drainage for the bathroom; it consisted of a waterproofing and sealing kit, shower boards, drainage channel and support with a tile support grate.

The waterproofing and sealing kit contained Schlüter-KERDI waterproofing membrane, plus Schlüter-KERDI-KEBA sealing band, Schlüter-KERDI-KERECK pre-formed corner pieces and Schlüter-KERDI-COLL sealing adhesive. The KERDI membrane from the kit was used to waterproof the back wall and around the shower wall. The rest of the room utilised Schlüter-KERDI-BOARD waterproof backerboard in 10mm thickness. All joints and junctions were sealed with the aforementioned set of sealing products. The 800mm linear drainage channel was installed in an intermediate location, sloped to from both sides using the Schlüter-KERDI-SHOWER-L and Schlüter-KERDI-SHOWER-LS pre-sloped shower boards. The drain was designed to be tiled to in-line with the rest of the floor – in this case with wood-effect tiles – resulting in a discreet solution.

‘Since we started using Schlüter’s wetroom kits three years’ ago, we’ve had none of the problems we would get previously”, says Vincent, “We wouldn’t deviate from them now as they offer a comprehensive and trustworthy solution to prepping a wetroom. The timber floors of the project had already been insulated, so Vincent installed the original Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E electric underfloor heating system. “It’s great that you can use this system throughout the whole of a room, including the shower area. Often this isn’t an option,” says Vincent who continues, “In refurbishment work, it’s always a struggle to keep floor build-ups low; with the Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT-E system, all build-up is contained within the height of the membrane so there are no unexpected surprises”.

Vincent used chrome-plated brass finishing profiles, Schlüter-QUADEC-MC, to provide finishing against the wood-effect wall tiles. He also used the matching Schlüter-QUADEC-MC/EV corner pieces to finish the corners of the one-metre high shower wall. “Schlüter trims give a great finish for tile edges and neatly cover the edge of tile. In addition, the corner pieces provide a good-looking finish that avoids sharp edges which is important as we were finishing a low wall that could be a source of injury if finished with mitring” concludes Vincent.

Schlüter-JOLLY-AC in a Matte Brilliant White (MBW) finish was used to finish edges in wall areas where 1000mm x 330mm ceramic tiles were installed, including around window reveals. Three quarters of the edges of Quell’s custom-built niches for the project were also edged with the MBW trims, with QUADEC-MC to the inside edge of each as part of a wood-effect feature shower wall.

For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/

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Bathrooms to Love inspires with new fluted washbowl

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Bathrooms to Love by PJH has launched a new Fluted Washbowl, perfect for complementing its collection of modular bathroom furniture and its latest range of other fluted bathroom designs.

The fluted trend and general popularity of incorporating contrasting materials and textures into bathrooms continue to influence product design, helping to create that spa-like space. This washbowl’s soft-fluted exterior adds depth and interest to the design, highlighted yet further when teamed with the ‘Push’ modular wall-hung basin units in the ‘Clay’ colourway, as shown here.

With a diameter of 400mm and a height of 150mm, this Fluted Washbowl from Bathrooms to Love comes in white and can be teamed with a wide choice of tall and wall-mounted basin mixer taps. Paired here with the ‘Pescara’ wall-mounted tap in a brushed brass finish, the Fluted vessel basin projects a highly contemporary and clean bathroom look.

The fluted design is not new to Bathrooms to Love as the collection already includes a beautiful, fluted freestanding bath, a range of fluted bathroom furniture designs and luxurious ‘RefleXion’ fluted glass wetroom panels.  

With a five-year quality guarantee, the new Fluted Washbowl is a must for eye-catching showroom displays. Designers and customers can view the new washbowl in their own space by scanning its QR code which gives access to Augmented Reality. A new video is also available here: Fluted Washbowl Video

Supported with Next Day Delivery (to 93% of UK postcodes), including the opportunity to deliver to store or home, the new Fluted Washbowl can be ordered via PJH’s Partners Portal™ e-commerce website.

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

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Flair Showers launches Flair PRO Essential Collections & VAN Campaign at InstallerSHOW 2024

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Flair Showers is launching Flair PRO Essential Collections, a range of products for trade professionals on stand 4D20 at InstallerSHOW 2024. Flair will also be revealing its new ‘VAN’ campaign to exhibition visitors.

Designed specifically with bathroom installers in mind, Flair PRO Essential Collections boasts an extensive selection of shower enclosures, wetrooms, and bath screens, ensuring a showering solution for every customer. Flair also provides technical advice and an after-sales service for installers, offering exceptional customer support throughout the ordering and installation process.

Exclusively launching at InstallerSHOW 2024 is the new Verve PRO range, the ultimate easy-fit shower door, which is designed to be the installer’s Choice. Verve PRO features a Click Fit PRO assembly system engineered to make life easier for installers. With innovation at its core, the screw-free assembly system offers a hassle-free and efficient installation process. The 1900 mm high, 6 mm thick glass shower doors boast a contemporary look and feel and are engineered with installers in mind.

Flair Showers is inviting all installers and trade professionals to get hands-on with the new range and experience easy installation for themselves in the Flair demonstration area at InstallerSHOW. Flair will also be hosting a competition to see who can install a Verve PRO shower door in the fastest time.

What’s more, visitors to InstallerSHOW will be the first to see the new Flair PRO campaign launching at the exhibition. The VAN project communicates the values behind the Flair PRO Essential Collections and Flair’s appreciation for skilled trade professionals.

“This campaign aims to show how our innovative solutions are designed to meet their unique needs, making their jobs faster, easier and more efficient.” says Sarah O’Reilly, senior marketing executive.

Flair will also be displaying brand-new brochures for installers at the exhibition. Every moment has an opportunity for joy, and at Flair, its purpose is to help create some. A moment of joy when you open a silent door, touch a handle inspired by a handshake, or call the service team who is delighted to hear from you. Flair does all that it can to make its products a joy to represent, purchase, install and use, and the campaign encourages viewers to ‘Find Your Flair’.

Additionally, Flair will be displaying frameless six and slimline telescopic, other product ranges from the Flair PRO Essential Collections, a selection of shower trays, and enclosures on stand 4D20 at InstallerSHOW 2024.

Martin Murphy, managing director, Flair Showers, comments: “At Flair, our vision is to produce beautifully designed, expertly crafted, showering solutions for every customer, every budget, style and space. Over the past 70 years, we have built upon our expert knowledge of the industry, ensuring we have a comprehensive understanding of our customers’ needs.

“We understand that installers are time-conscious, and want a well-designed, reliable product that they can confidently recommend to their customers. We continue to innovate and introduce solutions for our trade customers that are flawless in design and technically perfect. Installers have been a key focus for the design of our new Flair PRO Essential Collections, ensuring it boasts a contemporary design, utilising high quality materials so that Flair PRO products stand the test of time and provide a true fit-and-forget solution. We are looking forward to displaying our new range and sharing our VAN campaign with installers at the exhibition.”

For more information on the brand new Flair PRO range, please contact sales@flairshowers.co.uk

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Methven appoints new head of marketing and product

Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the company’s operations make her exceptionally well-equipped to lead Methven’s marketing and product initiatives as the brand embarks on an exciting phase of new product development and expansion into new markets. Emma expressed her enthusiasm about her new role: “This is a significant milestone in my Methven journey - for 22 incredible years I have been a part of this remarkable organisation, and I am thrilled to move into the role of Head of Marketing & Product. “Methven has been more than a workplace for me; it's been a second home filled with amazing colleagues, inspiring projects, and invaluable experiences.” She continued: “I am grateful for the opportunities I've had to contribute to the company's success and for the unwavering support from my colleagues and mentors. “I am excited about the challenges and opportunities this new role presents. I am committed to bringing fresh perspectives, driving innovation, and contributing to the continued growth of Methven.” Emma’s promotion is a testament to Methven’s commitment to providing long-term career opportunities and fostering an environment where employees can thrive. Her leadership is poised to drive Methven’s marketing and product strategies, ensuring continued innovation and growth.

Methven UK has promoted Emma Foster to the position of head of marketing and product, following an impressive 22-year tenure with the company.

This appointment underscores Methven’s dedication to nurturing and developing its team members, reflecting the company’s core values: “We are one team, we are customer-focused, and we care for each other.”

Emma Foster joined Methven as a Key Account Manager in 2001 and has since excelled in a variety of roles across several departments.

Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the company’s operations make her exceptionally well-equipped to lead Methven’s marketing and product initiatives as the brand embarks on an exciting phase of new product development and expansion into new markets.

Emma expressed her enthusiasm about her new role: “This is a significant milestone in my Methven journey – for 22 incredible years, I have been a part of this remarkable organisation, and I am thrilled to move into the role of Head of Marketing & Product.

“Methven has been more than a workplace for me; it’s been a second home filled with amazing colleagues, inspiring projects, and invaluable experiences.”

She continued: “I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to contribute to the company’s success and for the unwavering support from my colleagues and mentors.

“I am excited about the challenges and opportunities this new role presents. I am committed to bringing fresh perspectives, driving innovation, and contributing to the continued growth of Methven.”

Emma’s promotion is a testament to Methven’s commitment to providing long-term career opportunities and fostering an environment where employees can thrive. Her leadership is poised to drive Methven’s marketing and product strategies, ensuring continued innovation and growth.

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Bette strengthens management team with new recruits

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Bath, shower tray and washbasin manufacturer Bette GmbH & Co. KG has announced two key management appointments to further strengthen international sales and project business.

Markus Maedje has joined as head of international sales, responsible for the support, development and management of all markets outside of Germany, including the UK. He will focus on the strategic development and organisation of international sales activities. He brings a deep understanding of the contract and retail business, having previous roles at Duscholux and Grohe. He comments: “My primary goal is to further expand Bette’s international presence and open up new market potential.”

Tobias Mehlsam has joined the Bette management team as head of national/international project business. Project business has become increasingly important to Bette in recent years and, in this newly created position, Tobias will assume overall responsibility, managing operational and strategic development. Tobias has extensive experience in marketing, technology and purchasing, gained at companies including Hasenkopf and Dupont.

Comments Bette managing director Thilo C Pahl: “These two appointments are part of Bette’s strategy to continue to grow both nationally and internationally. With their experience, both managers will make a significant contribution to further strengthening the Bette brand and developing new market opportunities.”

For further information on Bette, see www.my-bette.com/en

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Unidrain elevates the renovation of Germany’s Rupenheim castle

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The phrase “every Englishman’s home is his castle” rings true for interior designer Nicole Franken and her husband, architect Professor Bernhard Franken. Located in Offenbach am Main, Hesse, this 300-year-old castle has been transformed into 26 private apartments, with the couple’s residence standing out thanks to their design expertise.

Transforming history with modern design

Nicole and Bernhard Franken, who run the architectural firm Franken Generalplaner in Frankfurt, undertook a total renovation of one of these apartments to create what is now their own home. The renovation took four months to complete, and as part of this process, the couple merged two bathrooms into one within a stylish mirrored space. For this, they selected Unidrain’s iconic line drains for two shower enclosures, as well as exclusive products from the Reframe Collection, to complete the vision for their new, historic home.

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Rumpenheim Castle, originally built in the 17th century in the Baroque style, has a rich history as the summer residence of the Prince of Hesse-Homburg and a favoured destination for royal visitors, including Princess Mary of Teck. Despite the destruction it faced during World War II, the castle was rebuilt in 2002, retaining many of its historical architectural features, which inspired the Frankens’ renovation.

Nicole Franken talks about the underlying vision of the Unidrain solutions and how the couple have integrated them:

“We’ve been very intentional about respecting the castle’s history and combining the many historical styles has been so inspirational. Our bathroom has deep, green, 70s-inspired marble wall tiles that complement the original baroque style of the castle. We’ve installed Unidrain’s invisibly elegant line drain and Reframe accessories as an eye-catching minimalist contrast.”

The Frankens carefully selected elements that blend old and new, achieving a harmonious architectural balance. Their choice of Unidrain products was driven by their sleek, understated design, which seamlessly fits their vision.

Nicole emphasises, “We love Unidrain’s solutions because the line drain and the Reframe Collection each embody timeless, sleek, understated design. That’s what makes them so sophisticated. The drain is especially elegant, with its invisible technical solution. This is a prime example of less is more!”

Achieving architectural synergy

The minimalistic elements found throughout their apartment create a synergy of classic and modern styles, highlighting their architectural vision. Nicole concludes, “Minimalist elements throughout our apartment help create the perfect synergy of classic and modern. We’re delighted with the Unidrain solutions, as they accentuate our architectural vision perfectly.”

By blending the castle’s historic grandeur with modern design elements, Nicole and Bernhard Franken have created a unique and harmonious home, demonstrating the transformative power of thoughtful architectural design.

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