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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 event can be booked here

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 information was taken from the Bathroom Market Report – UK 2020-2024 by AMA Research.

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.

To register your interest and secure a place, visit our dedicated booking form: https://bathroom-association.org.uk/industry-conference-2021.

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.

More news from Lakes

The award-winning Mikado aerator from Neoperl certainly does its bit when it comes to saving water. This clever device, which can be retrofitted to a bathroom tap, reduces the flow of water to just over a litre a minute, that’s at least a 65% saving on an average tap.

Its eye-catching flow creates a grid-like spray pattern formed by individual water jets, clearly demonstrating that a practical solution can also produce a beautiful design. It’s a perfect solution for a cloakroom or bathroom where the bowl is rarely filled and is predominantly used for hand washing.

The Mikado, which won a Red Dot award on launch, offers three attractive water stream patterns from slim, close-meshed to expansive and all offer integrated PCA* technology enabling a virtually consistent flow rate from 1.3 litres per minute, regardless of pressure fluctuations. With less water being used through the tap, the energy needed to heat it is saved as well.

Retrofitting an aerator is very simple. The water supply can be left on and It requires a special tool from Neoperl to remove the incumbent aerator or stream straightener affixed to the end of most modern taps. The new Mikado is then simply screwed back in to the holder.

Visit the website

Safety has always played an essential role in our choices but this is particularly true at the present time, driven by a genuine revolution in the way we organise our living spaces around post-pandemic lifestyles.

This transformation has obliged us, starting from the design phase, to contemplate new hygiene measures that enable us to enjoy our living and working spaces in total freedom and safety.  

RAK Ceramics, an international player renowned for its products and complete systems in porcelain and ceramic for floor and surface coverings, sanitaryware and bathroom fittings, has now launched RAK-Sanit, the company’s own health and safety revolution.

The research and development laboratories of RAK Ceramics are always at the forefront of technology and were the first in the world to supply antibacterial interior design solutions as early as 2009, thanks to the development of special certified antibacterial glazes.  ‎

Today, with the new RAK-Sanit programme, RAK Ceramics offers an even wider range of solutions for floors, surfaces and sanitary fittings, produced with glazes that reduce the possibility of contagion and therefore contribute to creating safer environments, both in residential and commercial projects. 

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.   

In more detail, the RAK-Sanit programme comprises:

  • Solutions for floor and wall coverings in gres porcelain and ceramic, treated with an incorporated glaze that is 99.9% effective in just 8 hours. The products for floor and wall covering solutions are tested and certified* in compliance with the Japanese Standard JIS – 2801:2000 and the International Standard ISO 27447:2019.
  • Solutions for sanitaryware (WC, bidets, washbasins, toilet seats and lids, rinsing systems) treated with RAK-ProTeK glaze fired at high temperatures onto the ceramic to guarantee a smoother antibacterial surface, unlike standard ceramic material with its rougher surface.  

The silver ions bind to the cells: once inside, silver denatures the enzymes essential to the production of energy. Being unable to produce energy, the bacteria are unable to reproduce. This technology is therefore able to reduce or eliminate the quantity of bacteria up to 99.99% and its action is effective against a vast range of gram positive and gram negative bacteria, as well as fungi. RAK-ProTeK glaze has been tested by the Artest laboratory in the Italian ceramic district of Modena.

For more information visit the RAK Ceramics website.

More news from RAK Ceramics

*Certified effectiveness

Taking the theme “Natural Union”, Bryan Adams photographed Kaldewei’s new collection of Steel Enamel Washbasins.

Through these images, the legendary rockstar and photographer Bryan Adams displays the importance of maintaining relationships combined with the increased need for hygiene awareness in these controversial times. Adams takes an intimate look at togetherness exclusively for KALDEWEI: with his unique perspective he show that following simple hygiene routines we can come together and join hands—with our family, our friends, our partners.

This unique collaboration between Bryan Adams and Kaldewei evolved into the project “Natural Union”. With his empathetic and professional vision, Adams photographed the 2021 washbasin collection; the charismatic images are emotionally charged with a strong message.

At first stance “Natural Union” may seem at odds with the commandment of the hour for social distancing. But if we take our responsibility towards each other and our environment seriously, we can see we are closer than ever. We are all naturally connected and have a responsibility to look after each other and our planet – everyday actions such as washing your hands have never been more important,” says the photographer, highlighting the concept behind the campaign.

In late August, six people of different gender, ages and backgrounds came together in a Berlin photo studio. Photographed under running water, these distinctive hands old, young, male and female touched. This creates a
seamless link to Kaldewei; the company uses natural components to produce steel enamel products which make every surface unique.

The Ming and Miena Steel Enamel Washbasins Ming is the embodiment of subtle sophistication. The convex lines form an elegant silhouette, whist the classic black-and-white colour range acts as a perfect setting for creative design. Whether for the minimalist bathroom or more imaginative spaces—the classic grace of the new Ming washbasins allows for personal creativity; making the bathroom a retreat which sparks joy. Ming comes in four different variations: matte lava black, classic lava black, matte alpine white and classic alpine white.

Miena invigorates the bathroom with a totally new colour palette of blue and violet hues. The elegant design allows for experimentation with colours, the ability to make the bathroom a place of quiet calm or one that feels as cosy as a living room.

The steel enamel makes the colourful washbasins an easy-to-care and durable gem that even constant use can’t dull. The new editions of Miena with their playful yet stylish colour contrast accentuate the washing area and revive the bathroom. Miena is available in „Soft Touch” mint, „Sweet Love“ pink, „Deep Dream“ petrol, „Navy-blue“ matte and 13 more colours.

The Photographer Bryan Adams

Apart from his musical work, Bryan Adams is an award-winning photographer with a nuanced eye. His photos are often taken within his philanthropic causes.

His photographic work has won him multiple accolades and has been exhibited at Somerset House, Photokina, Kunsthalle Mainz and NRW Forum Düsseldorf.

Adams has been tirelessness in standing up for people in need all over the world.

Vryan Adams shoots for kaldewei

Steel and Glass Turn into Steel Enamel
Steel and glass are two authentic, natural materials each possessing unique properties that have been valued for millennia. When joined they blend into an immaculate fusion of steel enamel. Kaldewei products are 100 per cent Made in Germany and are the epitome of exceptional design. For generations, Kaldewei’s unique enamel formula has been a well-kept secret. Applied onto steel, a pristinely beautiful, durable, hygienic surface evolves. Steel enamel is 100 per cent recyclable and one of the most sustainable materials in the bathroom.

About KALDWEI
KALDEWEI is a German family business that has been producing steel enamel for 100 years; now in the fourth generation. The portfolio includes bath tubs, shower surfaces, washbasins and installation systems for individual clients and project businesses. Superior bathroom solutions made of KALDEWEI steel enamel can be recycled entirely at the end of their life cycle. That is KALDEWEI’s contribution to environment-friendly construction. As a long-term partner, KALDEWEI is supporting the WWF marine conservation programme that is devoted to reducing plastic waste in our oceans—out of responsibility for the environment and future generations.

The idea of the Virtual Worlds Design Hub may have begun long before furlough was ever spoken of, but with many kbb retailers experiencing a boost in sales since lockdown lifted as consumers have looked to invest in home improvements, the service has seen unprecedented demand.

Enabling showrooms to keep up with demand while staffing levels are reduced, the Design Hub is just one of the many ways that Virtual Worlds is helping retailers close sales and increase profitability.

Armed with a basic understanding of a project’s requirements, including style and colour theme, perimeter measurements and location of windows, doors and other fixed features, the Design Hub team will get to work. They will produce a 2D plan, with rendered photo-realistic jpeg images along with a link to the project on design cloud which can be shared with their customer. This link enables consumers to explore the design from the comfort of their own home, moving around and interacting with the design using their tablet or smartphone, keeping the consumer’s interest, and helping you to progress the sale.

Head Designer Lauren Sutton comments: “The Design Hub has been fulfilling an immediate need for assistance from retailers who may have been faced with staffing issues since the onset of the pandemic. It is a service that was launched to provide an overflow for growing businesses and it is fantastic that we have been able to help so many retailers proceed with designs for their customers at this time.”

For more information on Virtual Worlds call  01908 663 848 or visit www.virtualworlds.co.uk

About Virtual Worlds

Virtual Worlds is the UK market leader in innovation-led CAD technology for the KBB market.  Since launching in 1998, it has broken boundaries in virtual technology innovation – being the first company to develop 3D design software for KBB retailers and, most recently, launching its new 4D Showroom Technology. Virtual Worlds is a division of Logicom Computer Services (UK) Ltd

Glazed titanium-steel baths and shower trays from German manufacturer, Bette, were chosen by The Standard, London, for its uniquely styled rooms.

Housed in the former Camden Town Hall Annex, in London’s King’s Cross neighbourhood, the 1974 Brutalist building has been meticulously restored and sets the perfect stage for The Standard’s first hotel outside America.

It has 266 rooms, in 42 unique styles, ranging from Cosy Core rooms to terraced suites.

Shower Trays and Floors

Bette provided shower trays and shower floors in a wide range of different sizes and shapes from 80 x 80cm to 180 x 90cm. All are made from Bette’s durable, hygienic and easy to clean, glazed titanium-steel, in matt white colour, ‘Snow’, and feature Bette’s almost invisible Anti-slip Pro finish. The shower trays and floors are Bette’s award-winning BetteFloor flush to floor shower floor and the BetteUltra shower tray in rectangular and corner versions.

Baths

Bette also provided freestanding, semi-recessed and fitted baths in white gloss finish, all manufactured from its glazed titanium-steel, which is easy to clean, retains its shine and comes with a 30 year warranty.

The baths are the freestanding BetteLux Oval Silhouette in 180 x 80cm, the semi-recessed BetteLux Oval Highline in 180 x 80cm, and the fitted BetteForm bath in 150 x 70cm.

For further information on Bette see www.my-bette.com/en or telephone 0844 800 0547.

Bette shower tray BetteFloor

(Please credit images: @timcharlesphoto)

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 natural raw materials glass, water and steel are used to manufacture high-quality products that are completely recyclable. They are verified to the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) as per ISO 14025 and to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

www.my-bette.com

Acquabella has adapted its website to deliver an enhanced customer experience. The website often serves as the first point of interaction for its customers. Discover the new acquabella.com website.

Constantly prioritising the user experience, Acquabellla has to introduced a website that maintains the spirit of the previous site. But, there are now notable differences that will create a pleasant browsing experience, where the user can enjoy jumping from tab to tab.

Improved tab usability

The new acquabella.com website features drop-down tabs that allow direct access to the desired section, shortening the route visitors follow and reducing loading times. There’s now also a much clearer and more visual division.

Welcome, Dolotek®

Acquabella has created a materials section where they explain in detail the characteristics, advantages and maintenance of Akron® and Dolotek®, the DNA of Acquabella products.

Interactive zone

This highly interactive section gives a product presentation an almost game-like feel.

Discover the Acquawhite catalogue from the “interactive catalogue” section. It’s a highly visual catalogue where users can discover products in detail, complete with environments that will transport customers into the photograph thanks to the 360 spaces, hotspots that provide more information on each product and, of course, each series’ products broken down individually.

New website Acquabella

On the other hand, the 360 environments transport users to the interior of an Acquabella bathroom, where they can move at will and enjoy a complete view of the room, from floor to ceiling and in all possible directions, with the user in control at all times.

You’ll find all this and much more if you visit the new acquabella.com website, a page designed for enjoyable browsing. But, since a picture is worth a thousand words, we invite you to take a look at it and see for yourself.