Kudos has launched a new 300mm glass Deflector to suit all Kudos Ultimate Showering Panels.
This new fold-away glass ‘Deflector Panel’ is a stylish and practical solution designed to suit the Ultimate collection of showering panels from Kudos.
Launching in November, it’s a hinged deflector panel that is designed to minimise over-spray and contain splashing within the showering space, making it ideal for smaller walk-in enclosures. It folds neatly behind the fixed panel when not in use and when opened stops at 135° providing the optimum protection. The 300mm deflector is available in both 8 and 10mm glass thickness and can be easily retro-fitted to any exisiting Ultimate panel, no tools or silicone required. These frameless, handed, glass deflectors come as standard with Crystal clear seals for minimalist appearance and a choice of silver chrome or matt black fixings.
Kudos Shower Products Ltd has been designing and manufacturing shower products at their Cumbrian facility since 1999. Their portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK.
Simon Acres Group (SAGL) has expanded its KBB support offering with the launch of KBB HR, a dedicated support service for KBB retailers and merchants, looking for industry specific HR guidance.
The service provides access to a team of CIPD qualified HR professionals that will review requirements and respond with solutions. The first informal discussion is free of charge, which is followed by a HR consultation at £299+VAT. Subsequent guidance is purchased on an ‘as needed’ basis as required. This is available as a one to one personal visit as well as over the phone and via email, and there is no commitment to a regular contract.
New Business Manager at SAGL Jordan Burns says, “We are delighted to be launching this service, which offers a significant difference to others available, as all of our consultants have direct KBB and merchant experience. This industry knowledge enables them to understand the common pitfalls and requirements of KBB and merchant businesses, offering the most relevant guidance.
“The service is flexible and cost effective, allowing businesses to access the guidance they need, when they need it, without any long term commitments.
“KBB HR is ideal for those that don’t have access to the resources of a HR team and are looking for practical guidance and best practice policies.”
More information can be found in this film here, or by visiting www.kbbhr.co.uk
Pictured: Jordan Burns, New Business Manager at SAGL
VitrA reports the company has continued to operate its factories at almost full capacity during the pandemic. VitrA owns and operates the factories that produce the comprehensive bathroom collections the company supplies to retail and commercial customers.
In the UK, the 2019 investment in additional warehousing has proved invaluable, helping to hold stock for distributors as they tackled their own COVID related issues.
Levent Giray, managing director for the UK and Ireland, points out. “We work with well-resourced distribution partners and have been able to keep them supplied or hold stock on their behalf because we own and operate the factories and control production for brassware, ceramic ware, furniture and tiles. Fortunately, we are not reliant on importing from third parties or using multiple countries to supply products. The continuance of supply has allowed us to maintain our levels of service during what have been very challenging months.”
In addition to the continuance of supply, VitrA has also pushed forward with plans for its new showroom in London, due for launch at the end of the year. The company’s advertising campaigns have been sustained, to help build demand for its retailers, alongside significant investment in a suite of glossy brochures for both consumers and retailers.
Levent Giray continues “We certainly see the benefits of consistency and positivity. Retailers are reviewing relationships with their suppliers based on service levels during this time. All our staff have adapted well to the new ways of working. I want to pay tribute to the team at VitrA who have certainly gone the extra mile this year to support our customers.”
About VitrA
VitrA is part of the Eczacıbaşı Group, one of Turkey’s most prominent industrial groups. Founded in 1958, VitrA is a leading bathroom manufacturer, which in recent years has expanded into international markets with over 70 per cent of VitrA’s total output now being sold outside of Turkey. From 13 production facilities in Turkey, Germany, France and Russia, VitrA produces a full range of bathroom products including over 5.6 million pieces of sanitaryware a year along with complementary bathroom furniture, brassware and accessories ranges, which are distributed to over 75 countries on five continents. VitrA UK, based in Oxfordshire, has been supplying the UK bathroom market for over 25 years and is an active member of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) and the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI). Coming Soon VitrA will open a flagship showroom in Clerkenwell, London – a creative hub for architects, designers, and thinkers with dedicated areas for product specification, events and workshops.
The new Supersink has a durable, polished surface that is easy to match with other details in steel, aluminium or chrome. And while it adds an elegant feel to the modern bathroom, it also blends naturally into a classic, stylish environment.
“It’s the beauty of timeless, sustainable design – it lasts longer and fits into most environments, says Mick Born, co-founder of Superfront.”
For the launch of Supersink in steel, Superfront shows a range of new inspiring photos of their timeless sinks in the classic Hallwyl House in Stockholm.
“Considering the age difference of more than a hundred years between the surroundings in Hallwylska and our design, it’s fascinating to see that they go so well together” Monica Born concludes.
Available on superfront.com and in Superfronts store and showroom in Stockholm on November 12th.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has this morning reported that the UK economy grew by 15.5% in the third quarter of the year. This growth comes as a small but welcome recovery from the record-breaking 19.8% decline seen in June, especially as this improvement was seen in all sectors of the economy, including services, manufacturing and construction.
However, with a second lockdown in place, it is important to note that this growth may once again see the economy suffer from the closure of non-essential businesses. Despite this, the continuation of trade in the construction sector will prove to be the backbone of the economy during these concerning times. The construction and trade sectors have seen particular growth following the lift in the spring lockdown according to PMI data, and this upward trajectory is expected to continue.
Powered Now, a mobile-based billing, invoicing and quotation application which specialises in trades, has a client base of over 1500 SMEs, and has seen first hand the impact COVID-19 has had on businesses within trade sectors.
Ben Dyer, CEO of Powered Now, discusses how British construction and home improvements will fare in the winter and highlights the impact the second lockdown will have on SMEs in the trades.
PoweredNow CEO Benjamin Dyer
“The economic recovery we have seen in this morning’s announcement is indeed welcome, but of course with much of Britain in a state of national lockdown over the month of November, this month and the subsequent winter season are of course going to present yet more challenges. That’s why it would prudent to look towards sectors that remain open, such as construction and the trades, to provide the kind of stability we need at the moment.
The new restrictions have had a negligible impact on the construction sector so far, and overall activity around construction has to be welcomed. Given the bonanza that housebuilders are currently experiencing from the stamp duty reduction, it’s no surprise that they are the best performing sector of the construction industry. Whether this boom for the housing industry will be followed by a bust is unknown. At the moment, most firms are just grateful for the good business they are getting right now given how much other sectors are suffering.
It is disappointing that the supply of building materials remains a constraint and it could be argued that suppliers over-reacted to the first lockdown, creating this situation. The reduction in the rate of PMI growth seen last week could be the first signs of a drop in demand from lockdown related macroeconomic damage. Let’s hope that isn’t the case.
However, it looks like the new restrictions may not have impacted the specific sub-sector of home improvement either, although the jury is still out. It may be that homeowners become more anxious over time, particularly if the virus continues spreading rapidly. The biggest concern overall is about the supply of materials. Fortunately, at the moment the indicators are that the shortage is easing.”
Leading bathroom brand VitrA is launching V-Care Prime, the latest addition to its range of shower toilets. Designed by Arik Levy in collaboration with the VitrA’s Design Studio and the Innovation team, this new shower toilet WC combines the functionality of a standard WC with the personal cleaning properties of a bidet and integrates the latest bathroom technology.
The elegantly designed new shower toilet provides a modern, refreshing, and hygienic washroom experience and will be available to retailers and specifiers at the end of November 2020.
Given increasing consumer focus on cleanliness, hygiene and wellbeing, the popularity of smart bathroom products has increased exponentially. Smart bathroom solutions take advantage of the benefits of washing with water with features that allow users to control the flow and pressure. Offering a cleaner and more natural experience, washing with water also reduces the need for toilet paper and is more suitable for intimate areas. As a result, the UK market is now embracing the health benefits of washing with water – a concept that has been commonplace across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East for centuries.
Design & Touch-Free Experience
Available in both wall-hung and back-to-wall models, V-Care Prime is sleek and compact and includes a remote and app control. The design is almost identical to that of a standard VitrA WC, but the intelligent features, such as the night light, elevate the design to a more sophisticated level. Designed to be triggered when the ambient light reaches below a certain level, the night light is a feature that can also be controlled on the mobile app.
What sets the V-Care Prime apart from other shower WCs is the option for a hands-free control through the remote control and app, which allow users to tailor their bathroom experience to their individual needs. Using the remote-control users can have a completely hands-free experience. This option is an excellent feature to help minimise the risk of cross-contamination, either within the home or in public restrooms.
Additional adjustable features include the temperature, pressure and direction of the water flow, and there are also several different personal drying modes. The heated seat has been ergonomically designed to offer additional comfort. It offers temperature control and an automatic open and close function to reduce contact.
Hygienic Benefits
All V-Care products are fitted with a Rim-ex bowl, which is 95% more hygienic than standard alternatives. This feature eliminates the ducts inside the bowl, offering effortless cleaning. The stainless-steel nozzle also has hygienic properties and automatically cleans itself before and after each use. V-Care Prime also has a feature to help easily remove the build-up of limescale.
Additional Features
VitrA is committed to producing products that address different user’s needs; for example, V-Care Prime includes a child mode which can be activated by parents through the app to adjust the water flow and pressure. The integrated bidet nozzle is also specially designed for female hygiene.
The combination of the advanced bidet features within a standard WC results in a stylish space-saving solution – this is particularly useful for smaller washrooms or cloakroom bathrooms. V-Care Prime also offers three different modes: standby, energy-saving and normal.
As a leading bathroom company that has provided WCs and bidets for decades, VitrA is well-positioned to understand the advantages of washing with water and provide contemporary solutions. A selection of the shower toilets; V-Care Prime, V-Care and Aquacare products will be on display at the VitrA London flagship showroom, opening in Clerkenwell in Autumn 2020.
About VitrA
VitrA is part of the Eczacıbaşı Group, one of Turkey’s most prominent industrial groups. Founded in 1958, VitrA is a leading bathroom manufacturer, which in recent years has expanded into international markets with over 70 per cent of VitrA’s total output now being sold outside of Turkey. From 13 production facilities in Turkey, Germany, France, and Russia, VitrA produces a full range of bathroom products including over 5.6 million pieces of sanitaryware a year along with complementary bathroom furniture, brassware, and accessories ranges, which are distributed to over 75 countries on five continents. VitrA UK, based in Oxfordshire, has been supplying the UK bathroom market for over 25 years and is an active member of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) and the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI). In Autumn 2020 VitrA will open a flagship showroom in Clerkenwell, London – a creative hub for architects, designers, and thinkers with dedicated areas for product specification, events, and workshops.
Lakes Showering Spaces and national merchant Graham joined forces recently to arrange the supply and installation of new showering facilities at a women’s centre in Gloucester.
The Nelson Trust is a safe haven for vulnerable women affected by abuse, addiction and trauma, with four centres across the South West. The centres are a lifeline for many women as well as providing basic comforts such showering and washing amenities.
Lakes initiated the support with the donation of a showering space and tray and turned to Graham for help with the installation. Using its in-house team of designers and Elite installer network, Graham arranged for all the design, plumbing and fitting. But it didn’t stop there. Graham then approached other suppliers too and support for the Trust grew with donations of furniture and sanitaryware from Roper Rhodes, Bluetooth ceiling light, grab rails and shower seat from HiB Ltd, wall panelling and flooring from International Decorative Surfaces (IDS) and additional consumables, including a towel warmer, from Graham’s Evesham branch.
Lisa Newman from The Nelson Trust comments: “We were kindly approached by Mike Tattam from Lakes when he heard about our need for a new shower in our Gloucester Women’s centre. Mike took time out to show us around Lakes showroom in Tewkesbury and explain the benefits of each showering space so we could choose one that would best support the need of our clients. Accessibility, safety and maintenance were key criteria so it was really helpful to see the range of options.
“Offering showers at our centres is one of our basic support services but it’s also quite often an entry point into someone starting to care about themselves more, and an opportunity for us to show them other ways in which the centre can help them. It’s easy to take showers for granted, but for many women who visit our centre a shower is a luxury. I can’t tell you just how much of a gift all of this is to us and all our clients. A huge thanks from us all.”
Lakes Sales & Marketing Director, Mike Tattam, adds: “It’s an honour to support the Nelson Trust and to highlight the efforts of smaller charities, who do a tremendous job in supporting local communities. It’s challenging times for everyone at the moment, so it’s more important than ever that people feel there are safe places they can turn to in their hour of need. Our combined efforts and charitable giving is testament to the great industry we work in. An industry that cares and always goes the extra mile to deliver.”
On top of two recent significant product launches, Utopia’s latest initiative is a new Fast Track delivery service offering three to five-day delivery on a dedicated selection of the newly refreshed Qube collection of wall mounted and freestanding bathroom furniture.
The products available via the new Fast Track service are in the popular White Gloss or Pebble Grey Gloss finish and are all detailed in the new Qube brochure.
Helen Clark, Head of Marketing at Utopia Bathrooms, comments, “We understand just how frustrating it can be if schedules change and product is required urgently. We’ve listened to the feedback from some of our customers and are delighted that we can now offer this service. It’s become very clear that there is a requirement for a speedily delivered offering and, with the further development of our new Qube collection, we are now able to offer a selection of this furniture range on a quicker turnaround.”
Light is functional and atmospheric and plays an elementary role in the bathroom. There are three aspects that need to be considered for the perfect lighting setup: basic lighting, accent lighting, and functional lighting.
Happy D.2 Plus
Candlelight and mirror lighting light up the darkness:
The Happy D.2 Plus mirror (pictured top) has a circular ambient light and includes LED lighting that can be individually configured via the touchscreen.
Happy D.2 Plus vanity unit Featuring an illuminated treasure chest, this an optional inner lighting system is available for the Happy D.2 Plus vanity unit. The LED light turns on or off when the drawer is opened or closed.
While basic lighting lights our way, accent lighting injects a feel-good factor into the lighting concept. Contrast-rich and expressive lighting generates a stimulating atmosphere in the bathroom and creates cosy accents.
Happy D.2 Plus c-bonded
Viu XViu
Conversely, the focus at the washing area is on functional lighting this needs to be bright without dazzling the user. From warm white to neutral white and up to daylight white – the spectrum of light colors ranges from warm yellow to cool blue, you can enjoy the perfect light at any time of day: cold in the morning to wake you up, warm in the evening to help you relax.
Products Featured in Design Guide
01_Happy_D.2_Plus_c-bonded Bathing in warm light and warm water: a warmly lit bathroom creates a cozy place of refuge, especially during the coldest season. Pictured topve Ambient light at the Happy D.2 Plus mirror in the “Radial” finish raphicradiating). Design: sieger design
02_Luv The perfect balance of natural light and LED: with the ambient light activated, the glarefree lighting at the top edge of the Luv mirror guarantees optimum illumination of up to 1700 lux. Design: Cecilie Manz
03_Happy_D.2_Plus_c-shaped Always well-lit: Happy D.2 Plus washing area with icon version of the mirror in the “Organic” finish (bionic-geometric). The variant with icon control on the mirror surface has a dimmer function and light-color setting with memory effect.
06_SensoWash_Starck_f_Night_Light Night light to light your way: a night light guides you to the SensoWash® Starck f shower-toilet even in the dark – without disrupting the body’s resting state with overly bright light. Design: Philippe Starck
04_Happy_D.2_Plus Illuminated treasure chest: an optional inner lighting system is available for the Happy D.2 Plus vanity unit. The LED light turns on or off when the drawer is opened or closed.
05_Starck_Barrel The radiant design classic – the Starck barrel: when the doors are opened, the optional LED installation illuminates the interior without glare so users can find exactly what they are looking for. Design: Philippe Starck
06_SensoWash_Starck_f_Night_Light Night light to light your way: a night light guides you to the SensoWash® Starck f showertoilet even in the dark – without disrupting the body’s resting state with overly bright light. Design: Philippe Starck
07_Viu_XViu Cozy atmosphere versus the perfect spotlight for shaving or applying make-up? Both are possible with the XViu mirror variant with icon control. At a luminosity of up to 1000 lux, the light color can be continuously adjusted from 2,700 (warm light) to 6,500 kelvin (cold light). A neutral white (approx. 4,000 kelvin) is ideal for shaving or applying make-up. Design: sieger design
08_Happy_D.2_Plus Candlelight and mirror lighting light up the darkness: Happy D.2 Plus mirror with circular ambient light. The LED-lighting can be individually configured via the touchscreen.
Duravit AG Founded in 1817 in Hornberg in the Black Forest
Duravit AG is today a leading international manufacturer of designed bathrooms. The company is active in more than 130 countries worldwide and stands for innovation in the fields of signature design, comfort-enhancing technology and premium quality. In cooperation with high-profile international designers, such as Philippe Starck, sieger design, Kurt Merki Jr.,
Christian Werner, Matteo Thun and Cecilie Manz, the company develops unique bathrooms that enhance quality of life for users on a sustained basis. Duravit’s product portfolio comprises sanitary ceramics, bathroom furniture, bathtubs and shower trays, wellness systems, shower-toilets, tap fittings and accessories as well as installation systems.
Following the Government announcement on the 31st October, Bathroom Brands Group has announced that it will remain fully operational throughout the second lockdown, whilst continuing to work closely with its independent retailers.
Throughout COVID-19, the Group enhanced its virtual offering – with the introduction of product training and one-to-one appointments to allow its retailers to stay up to date with the latest product introductions and to participate in strategic training.
Furthermore, the Group provided additional digital assets to all of its retailers to support them in strengthening their individual online presence.
The UK headquarters and distribution centres will remain open to fulfil product demand and process deliveries. A dedicated team will be on-hand to provide additional guidance and sales support to Group retailers.
“Whilst continuing to follow advice from the UK Government, I can assure you that we intend to remain fully operational and ready to support our independent retailers wherever possible. Our fully resourced team is ready to assist with all aspects of product availability, delivery and technical enquiries during this important trading period for the bathroom sector.” – Stephen Ewer, Chief Executive Officer, Bathroom Brands Group
Bathroom Brands Group will continue to closely monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, whilst adhering to guidance and recommendations from the UK Government.
