Utopia Bathrooms has significantly refreshed and extended Qube, one of its popular ranges of wall mounted and freestanding bathroom furniture.
The collection sees the addition of new units, new basin options and complementary accessories, all greatly extending its versatility. At the same time, three new on-trend finishes have been introduced, along with a new handle trim finish and a choice of co-ordinating brassware.
Qube is now available in seven finishes in total, including new Nordic Oak, a beautiful pale Scandi option, Anthracite Strata, a dark textured finish with metallic highlights, and Sorrento Walnut, a warm, honeyed shade with an attractive grain. As usual with Utopia, samples of all finishes are available free of charge.
The introduction of a new Matt Black handle trim and Matt Black taps alongside the existing chrome options also increases the design opportunities of this flexible range, giving it a striking contemporary feel. Further adding to the choice, Qube sanitaryware now includes a modular slimline ceramic slabtop basin together with new square or circular sit-on basins and an elegant new toilet.
New decorative open shelf base and wall units plus ‘finishing touch’ accessories, such as bath plinths and internal lights, complete the new look range.
Helen Clark, Head of Marketing at Utopia Bathrooms, comments “We’re absolutely delighted to unveil our new Qube collection to our retail partners and are thrilled with how beautifully this new collection has come together. The newly refreshed Qube is now even more flexible and versatile, offering the consumer an array of design possibilities all of which can be tailored to their own specific requirements.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has refocussed the public’s approach to hygiene and cleanliness. These key criteria for bathroom and washroom design have become the single most important consideration when designing for commercial spaces. Furthermore, Covid-19 or a series of new infectious diseases may well be here to stay, as outlined in a paper published on 15 August, with the prominent US immunologist Anthony Fauci and his colleague David Morens arguing that “we have entered a pandemic era”. With this in mind, we can expect to see an ever-increasing focus on hygiene enabling washroom materials and surfaces, touchless taps and sanitisers in the years to come.
As VitrA explains “The consumer is embracing the need for safeguards while travelling, staying in hotels, and eating in restaurants. On the list of things that will make them feel pandemic-safe, are contactless check-ins and check-outs, smart-phone ordering at tables, masks, and visors and critically, robust hygiene protocols. After the kitchens or food delivery areas, it is in bathrooms, washrooms and WC’s that consumers will judge whether an establishment has taken hygienic safety seriously. Businesses that can highlight both stringent procedures and the best in hygienic bathroom design will be in the best position to get back to pre-pandemic trading.”
In the washroom
To aid the cleaning process, and to ensure hoteliers and restauranteurs can adhere to cleaning protocols, VitrA has built-in VitrA Cleancoating on several ceramic basins, vanity basin tops and WC products. The coating increases the surface tension, ensuring the water flows smoothly from the surface. All that is required to keep the basin clean is a wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
The rim around a conventional toilet pan is the place where water enters and is usually open, creating the perfect place for bacteria and limescale to accumulate. VitrA’s Rim-Ex technology offers the latest in WC bowl design. With a rimless, smooth internal pan, there is no hiding place for bacteria to multiply and limescale to build up. Rim-Ex ensures the best in hygiene and offers the added benefit of speeding up cleaning time. Tests undertaken by Akdeniz University, in Turkey, prove that Rim-Ex is 95% more hygienic than a standard WC pan. Read more…
In community spaces
RAK-Sanit is the ideal solution for domestic dwellings, modern and safer schools, public and private offices, restaurants, hotels, laboratories and, indeed, all those premises in which hygiene is of primary importance. All those places generally described as “community spaces”, in which numerous people of different ages, genders and cultures make random encounters. Inside, toilet facilities destined for use by all and sundry are increasingly in need of strong, antibacterial elements with a long product life.
The RAK-Sanit bactericide action is permanent, guaranteeing built-in protection throughout the entire expected product lifetime, thanks to its constant action against microbial colonisation; this technology, which has proved its capacity to reduce or eliminate the quantity of bacteria up to 99.99%, including MRSA, E. Coli, Salmonella and Legionella, actively prevents the growth of microorganisms 24 hours a day. Read more…
In the bathroom
Bette tell us “The material chosen plays a huge part in determining how quickly and effectively debris from tooth-brushing and washing in basins, and from washing in baths and showers, can be removed. Materials that can become scratched can harbour dirt and bacteria, as can tiled shower areas, so there is likely to be more demand for scratch-proof, non-porous and easy to clean materials, such as glazed titanium-steel.
BetteCraft Basin
“Bette uses glazed titanium-steel for all its baths, shower trays and basins. It is harder than marble, acrylic, stone resin or steel alone and its unique smoothness means that dirt and bacteria are unable to adhere to the glass-hard, non-porous surface. Dirt is easy to rinse off, and the material’s superior durability also means it can withstand heightened cleaning regimes, such as the use of bleach, as it is unaffected by chemicals.” Read More…
Touchless taps
Inta has advised people responsible for washrooms across the UK to strongly consider touchless taps as businesses prepare for an attempt at returning to normality.
Stuart Gizzi, Managing Director at Inta, based in Hixon, Staffordshire, believes that any investment in touchless tap technology will pay off long term as it gives users peace of mind in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst allowing greater control over water flow and limiting waste.
Stuart said: “This year we have all become more aware than ever of germ hotspots that we may have interacted with without a second thought previously.Read more…
Inta IR500
Inta – large infa red
Reduce water flow to save water
As the government promotes the importance of regularly washing hands thoroughly for 20 seconds to slow the spread of Covid-19, fitting a flow regulator to household taps could make huge savings to water usage.
Kevin Gates, UK Managing Director at the world’s largest flow regulator manufacturer Neoperl (based in Malvern) said “As an industry we have the technology to easily reduce the flow of water in taps without compromising the experience. We all have taps in the home, whether in the bathroom or cloakroom, where water is largely used for just washing hands or cleaning teeth. Most of the time these taps have a higher flow rate than required and we are simply throwing clean water down the drain.
It’s a really affordable solution to retrofit a flow regulator, most consumers could do it themselves with a little advice. They simply need to be aware that flow regulators exist, obtain the right advice as to which regulator to fit to retain adequate performance and finally they need to purchase a simple tool to fit it.” Read more…
As the government promotes the importance of regularly washing hands thoroughly for 20 seconds to slow the spread of Covid-19, fitting a flow regulator to household taps could make huge savings to water usage.
The importance of saving water is well documented, using more costs money to heat it, uses energy that adds to our carbon emissions and further depletes what is becoming a scarce resource. Yes, even in the UK with all the wet weather we experience, water is still in short supply.
So, whilst it may seem a simple request to wash our hands regularly for 20 seconds, if it doubles the amount of water used each wash it results in many thousands more litres of water being washed down the plug hole.
Kevin Gates, UK Managing Director at the world’s largest flow regulator manufacturer Neoperl (based in Malvern) said “As an industry we have the technology to easily reduce the flow of water in taps without compromising the experience. We all have taps in the home, whether in the bathroom or cloakroom, where water is largely used for just washing hands or cleaning teeth. Most of the time these taps have a higher flow rate than required and we are simply throwing clean water down the drain.
It’s a really affordable solution to retro fit a flow regulator, most consumers could do it themselves with a little advice. They simply need to be aware that flow regulators exist, obtain the right advice as to which regulator to fit to retain adequate performance and finally they need to purchase a simple tool to fit it.”
While much of the country focused on working from home during the spring lockdown, sink and tap manufacturer Abode took to the opportunity to invest in improvements to its head office in South Yorkshire, enabling staff to work safely with full Covid-secure measures in place.
“As the business grows, space has become quite limited,” explains Managing Director Matthew Pitt. “We were able to bring staff back from furlough relatively quickly following the lockdown and needed to be able to maintain a high level of customer support throughout the pandemic and beyond, making these structural changes to head office very timely,” explains Managing Director Matthew Pitt.
“Providing a safe environment for our staff takes priority, while these improvements also give us more space to work and room to grow in the future.”
The new layout sees the customer service and sales teams working within one office for the first time, enabling more collaborative working, while a new mezzanine level has been created that allows more space for the product and technical teams to carry out important tasks including product testing.
“Providing a safe environment for our staff takes priority, while these improvements also give us more space to work and room to grow in the future,” says Matthew.
Bette tell us the new BetteSelect Duo fitted bath has been designed to be the perfect bath for two. Made from glazed titanium-steel, the extremely solid and durable bath works equally well for bathing children as it does for a romantic candlelit bath for two. Candles can even be placed on the bath itself, without fear of damaging it.
The two seater bath has ergonomically shaped backrests on both sides, for extremely comfortable sitting. Softly rounded neck profiles, which gently merge into a wide rim, further increase the lying comfort, as they invite you to lean back and relax your head.
Well thought-out down to the last detail
The central position of the waste outlet means no one will have the discomfort of having to sit on it. It has also been moved slightly to the side, which not only looks stylish, but also brings practical fitting benefits.
Designed for a long life
Like every Bette bath, the BetteSelect Duo is made of glazed titanium-steel. Bette gives a 30-year guarantee on the robust material, which is not only particularly hygienic and easy to clean, but also UV-resistant so it keeps its colour, impact and scratch-proof, so it keeps its shine, and resistant to chemicals, cosmetics and bath additives.
Colours
The BetteSelect Duo is available in more than 400 colours, including Bette’s latest effect colours Midnight, a glittering black, and Blue Satin, a frosted shade of blue.
Sizes
The BetteSelect Duo is available in the spacious 170×75 cm and 180×80 cm sizes. Both versions are 42 cm deep, which is enough room to ensure warm knees.
Sound insulation as standard
Also included as standard is a soundproofing set that ensures more peace and quiet when running and taking a bath. There is also the option of a higher level of sound insulation that conforms to DIN 4109, to minimise sound for neighbours.
Other practical options
The BetteSelect Duo bath can also be ordered with a sealed wall connection, called BetteUpstand, that does away with the need for silicone, an almost invisible anti-slip surface, AntiSlip Pro, and a special dirt-repellent surface for even easier cleaning. A practical grab handle, which makes it easier to sit down and stand up, is also available if required.
For further information on Bette see www.my-bette.com/en or telephone 0844 800 0547.
About Bette
Bette is a specialist in bathroom products that are made of a special metal in a unique manufacturing process: titanium steel sheets are shaped under high pressure and then finished with a thin coating that is related to glass – hence the name “glazed titanium steel”. This composite material is perfect for the bathroom (it is skin-friendly, hygienic, durable and robust), and Bette uses it to make its baths, shower areas, shower trays and washbasins.
The Bette family company was founded in Delbrück in North-Rhine Westphalia in 1952, and specialises exclusively in this manufacturing process, because it allows the products to be shaped smoothly with the maximum skilled precision. The manufacturing and administrative headquarters employs around 385 people. The CEO, Thilo C. Pahl, is a member of the owner family.
The range includes baths, shower areas, shower trays, washbasins and bathroom furniture, all made in Germany. Unique items that can be made in various colours and dimensions and open up inspiring interior design ideas for the bathroom. Bette’s assembly processes combine high-tech industrial production techniques with tailor-made manufacturing where it benefits the customer. More than half its products are customised to customer preferences. The company offers over 600 different baths, shower trays and washbasin models in a tremendous range of colours.
The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group UK (KBBG) has joined forces with Lead Wolf, a digital agency that specialises in consumer lead generation for the kitchen and bathroom industry. Lead Wolf successfully helps independent retailers increase the number of high-quality customer sales leads coming into their business each month, and now KBBG members can access an exclusive offer to support business growth.
KBBG is part of the renowned DER KREIS, one of Europe’s largest and most established kitchen and bathroom buying groups. This new, exclusive offer gives KBBG members a unique discount on Lead Wolf’s services. The successful digital agency provides a sophisticated raft of online solutions exclusively to KBB retailers. This includes everything from optimising the retailer’s website, to social media, paid advertising management and link building, to deliver exceptional conversion rates.
Graeme Wilson, Director, Lead Wolf, comments: “We are committed to helping KBB retailers grow their business. Our services are specifically aimed at the KBB industry and we can demonstrate our proven success, which sets us aside from other digital agencies. We can show prospective clients numerous case studies of the results we get for businesses just like theirs, assuring them that we are able to deliver high quality results, quickly.
“Lead Wolf and KBBG have the fundamental aim of giving independent kitchen and bathroom retailers the tools they need to be the best they can be. We hope that our new partnership with KBBG will support members of the buying group transform their business online, fast and efficiently, to flourish and grow throughout these uncertain times.”
Bill Miller, Managing Director, KBBG, adds: “At KBBG, we recognise the importance of business growth, now more than ever as we navigate through these trying times. We have been searching for a lead generation company that doesn’t just promise great results, but actually delivers. We have been working with Lead Wolf to create and refine an exclusive package for KBBG members, and we can proudly say that the addition of Lead Wolf completes the DER KREIS circle, giving retailers a solid and fulfilling membership.”
“What’s more, the new package also offers a bonus for our suppliers, driving high-quality customers to the door! We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Lead Wolf and think our members, and suppliers, will benefit extraordinarily from the new, exclusive offer.”
For more information on the offer and the KBBG, call Bill Miller on 07887 247811 or email b.miller@derkreis.co.uk
Yvonne Orgill, Managing Director at the Unified Water Label is to be a guest speaker at the Worshipful Company of Plumbers Autumn Lecture. The lecture which takes place on 28 October, from 6pm until 7.15pm, will focus on Water Efficiency into the Future. The CIPHE is hosting the inaugural event which will be held via Zoom webinar.
Julie Spinks, Managing Director at the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme will join Yvonne to discuss the question, Use less water or waste less water?
Yvonne said, “I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to this discussion. Professional installers have an important role to play in helping to educate consumers on how to use water more efficiently. Working together in partnership we can all help drive forward this message to reduce waste and use water more wisely.”
The latest Bathroom market report from AMA Research highlights the impact of Covid-19 on the industry and how the future of these companies will be driven not just by the transferrable utilities of their products and services but by how they are perceived, by the public and ultimately consumers, in their response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
According to AMA Research, one of the benefits, seen throughout the bathroom market, is the diversity of its distribution channels and ultimately its accessibility to maximise both domestic and commercial opportunities and focus on the more beneficial route as demand requires. The relationships built through this diversification within the supply and build chain and the core products well suited to health care settings have meant that companies are able to secure contracts directly with key developers supporting in areas such as with the NHS and the increasing pressures to cope with COVID-19 patients; responding to needs for equipment where the UK has seen serious shortages such as ventilation equipment and PPE equipment including visors as well as special pipe for emergency medical use, for high profile projects such as the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Nightingale hospitals as well as plumbing and drainage for products required for urgent repair and maintenance including RAF and Royal Navy facilities. Some companies are even donating their own stock of PPE where surplus is available as well as finding other ways to support the community through local charity donations.
In May 2020, major suppliers called for assistance from the government to get key sectors back to work, including construction and manufacturing. The government responded to this need, encouraging those businesses within construction and manufacturing, among others, to return to work as of the 13th May, as long as safe social distancing could be ensured. This return to operations will naturally bring an increased demand for products and systems which, in turn, will see businesses requiring more of their staff to return to their roles with new, and appropriate, health and safety measures in place.
While social distancing is still a dominant safety measure, the reduced capacity will result in reduced activity and productivity rates that are likely not to be back to pre-Covid levels for some time, with some industry sources citing it will be at least a year, going into late 2021, before we see a return to ‘normality’, if there is one at all. The way the industry will look in the future will be shaped by how we respond today. Key focus points will continue to be sustainability and now health as there is nothing more vital than creating a safe home and work environment.
Michelle Turner, Editor at AMA Research praises the sense of comradery and team spirit that has resonated throughout the bathroom industry, she said “as a result of Covid-19 allies and competitors alike have been working together to protect their businesses, their industry and their economy overall, showing the resilience and importance of some of the products within the UK bathroom market today. Companies can feel proud that they are truly adaptable in the face of adversity; it can be seen very clearly within this market and this is what will help protect the market and its companies going forward.”
Looking forward, it is anticipated that the value of the UK bathroom product market will recover, albeit at a slow to moderate pace in the short term. The market value will not only be influenced by the rippled effects of Covid-19 but also by rising cost of imports, given the current and further expected weakness of Sterling as a result of Brexit proceedings from the start of 2021; stronger market performance is expected towards the end of 2024.
The BMA Industry Conference which has been rearranged to 8 June 2021 will take place at Carden Park, Cheshire and focus on the topic of ‘sustainability in the sector’.
The event will feature four world-class speakers and an interactive debate which will see panellists and the audience discuss whether, with the backdrop of change, the traditional merchant model is a sustainable route to market.
Dr Chadden Hunter is the latest speaker to be confirmed. Chadden, an Australian wildlife biologist and filmmaker who has spent a lifetime recording everything from tribes in Africa to snow leopards in Pakistan. His work with Sir David Attenborough includes Emmy and Bafta award-winning series such as Planet Earth 1 & 2, Frozen Planet and most recently Seven Worlds One Planet.
Chadden will share inspirational stories of resilience, leadership and teamwork from the wildest corners of the planet and also discuss the impact that the human race is having on the earth.
Lakes has introduced a new suite of point of sale material to help Lakes Partners create stand-out showrooms and displays. The new range, presented in a striking brochure, makes it easy for customers to browse and order what they like. There are bespoke options for Lakes Platinum Partners.
Since 2018 Lakes, best known as UK manufacturer of showering spaces and a carbon neutral organisation, has been on a journey to introduce new ideas and solutions to help customers make the most of an exciting market. Lakes’ strong commitment to showrooms and showroom support has influenced the development of its new-look POS portfolio.
The revamped brochure showcases a wide range of eye-catching material including banner boards, posters, backboards, stickers and more. Sales & Marketing Director Mike Tattam explains: “Showrooms are a pivotal part of the decision-making process for a new bathroom or shower design. In today’s Covid world where showrooms visits are by appointment only, homeowners only visit with serious intentions. So it’s vital, when competing for their business, that merchants and stockists invest in their displays and create an inviting buying space for customers to look around and learn.
“We’ve revamped, updated and added to our POS suite as part of our ongoing commitment to building longstanding and mutually beneficial partnerships with our customers,” continues Mike. “Markets have changed, and they’ve changed more this year than any of the last ten. We aim to constantly look for ways we can help customers sell and help their customers buy in today’s changed new normal.”
Lakes’ new POS brochure can be downloaded at www.lakesshoweringspaces.com/trade. If you’d like hard copies, call our team on 01684 853 870 or speak to your Area Sales Manager.
