The Kbsa has advised members in England that they can remain open when the new lockdown comes into force at midnight tonight (04 November).

The advice follows the publication of both legislation and guidance regarding ‘non-essential’ retail.  As with the previous lockdown, the government has stated that ‘hardware stores & builders merchants‘ are classed as essential retail.

Kbsa national chair Richard Hibbert said, “We have acted swiftly to clear any confusion, around the definition of ‘non- essential’ within the new legislation, and confirmed our position with BEIS”.

“This is good news for independent retailers.  A stop-start situation during this busy period, when projects are in hand for a Christmas completion, would have caused huge complications”.

“Members are also being advised to ensure that they continue to operate in a Covid-19 secure manner and we have a wealth of advice and support available to assist with this”.

“We remain committed to supporting members and the wider audience of independent retailers as they negotiate their way through this challenging period.”

The Kbsa and corporate member Quooker have released a consumer insert as part of its £250,000 support package for kitchen retailers, which will reach in excess of 1.2 million readers.

The full colour, two page insert encourages consumers to spend with a local business by visiting their nearest Kbsa retailer. It also includes a special offer from Quooker for a discount on installation and free CO² cylinders from participating showrooms.

National newspapers and top consumer titles will include the insert from the end of October until the first week of December, a key selling period for independent retailers.

The Kbsa and Quooker campaign began earlier this month with a full colour advert in the Daily Telegraph.   Further key positions have been secured in the national press, such as the Sunday Times and the Guardian, as well as kitchen magazines, and other well-known home interest titles such as Homes & Gardens and Ideal Home. 

Kbsa national chair Richard Hibbert said, “This national coverage is proving to be a huge boost for our members, some are already reporting increased enquiries and footfall resulting from the national promotion”.

“At a time when the high street is facing unprecedented challenges, our campaign provides significant support for all independent retailers”.

“We are immensely grateful to Quooker for kick-starting this initiative.  This is the beginning of a long – term commitment by the Kbsa to fulfil our aims of protecting, supporting and promoting independent showrooms, and the environment in which they operate.   Working together we know that can encourage people back to the high street and into independent showrooms across the country.”

www.kbsa.org.uk/

A new survey carried out amongst plumbing and heating engineers has highlighted the need for more support to promote the use of water-efficient products, so says Unified Water Label MD, Yvonne Orgill.

The research, carried out by the CIPHE, found that more than 50% of respondents said customers rarely (40.74%) or never ask (13.11%) for environmental attribute based recommendations.

Yvonne said “Whilst this figure of 53.85% is high, it also reflects that almost one in two consumers are asking about environmental considerations. We are making progress with consumer education, and previous research has shown that consumers are looking to make more environmentally friendly decisions.

“Bathroom manufacturers have invested in bringing these products to market but there is a gap in the chain, as installers and retailers are failing to do their bit and bring these products to consumer’s attention.

“With only one in three respondents seeing an increase in consumers asking about efficiency measures, there is huge scope for them to help inform those consumers about the products that are available.

“It is encouraging that three-quarters of respondents say they always or usually promote efficient products but we need more commitment, there is no reason why this should not be 75% are always promoting water efficient products.

“We have work to do at the Unified Water Label to help installers become more aware of the label and how they can use the database to identify products that carry the label.

“It is important that we all work together as there is a strong possibility that the government will force a mandatory label upon us, via the Environmental Bill. It is likely that this would reduce choice for the consumer and restrict products available

“We must also help installers understand that they are missing an opportunity to change consumer behaviour and support them in making more informed choices.”

Kevin Wellman, CEO at CIPHE added, “This research highlights the need for promoting greater water efficiency. Installation of a water meter can not only reduce your water bill and save on energy but it can also impact positively upon consumer behaviour that leads to more informed product choices. The corresponding reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in the treatment and supply process brings further environmental benefits.”

Villeroy & Boch has confirmed a new partnership with Bathstore within the UK following the recent refurbishment of their flagship Guildford store. During this trial period within their new concept store, there will be a very limited assortment of Villeroy & Boch washbasins, pans and baths.  

The Bathstore Lyla range has been put together in conjunction with a distribution partner to compliment a strategy of up to date design trends and colour matching products within the bathroom due to the ever-changing market design trends.

We would like to thank the relevant parties for their input surrounding this new strategy but at the same time would like to reiterate our stance and continued support for our exclusive showroom partners. Villeroy & Boch are heavily focused on developing market-leading products and working with our specialist network of retail partners to develop sustained growth within the UK bathroom sector. 

We believe that this latest initiative will not only improve our overall visibility to the consumer but will help Villeroy & Boch to continue to be the most recognisable and desirable brand in the bathroom market.

www.villeroy-boch.co.uk/

The Kbsa has contacted the Welsh government for clarification on how the latest, ‘firebreak’ lockdown, announced yesterday for Wales, will affect KBB retailers.

Kbsa national chair Richard Hibbert said, “We acted quickly earlier this year, liaising with government and trading standards to clarify the position for our members and the definition of ‘non- essential’ shops”. 

” It is even more important that we have clarity this time, as any closures may be temporary.  The complications of a stop-start situation, especially during this busy period, when projects are in hand for a Christmas completion, are complex”.

“Whilst we seek clarification, our members have access to our dedicated legal and HR support lines that can help deal with the implications, and provide up to date information on the latest business support packages”.

“With details emerging every day, we are in constant contact with our members, not just by electronic means but with face to face briefings via Zoom”. 

“There is no doubt that there are many changes coming over the next few weeks.  We remain committed to supporting members as they negotiate their way through this challenging period. “

www.kbsa.org.uk/