Roca Group, a global leader in the design, production and marketing of bathroom products, has acquired Phoenix, a tapware company in the mid-to-high-end market segment, renowned for its design leadership and numerous international awards.

Phoenix is one of the leading tapware companies in the Australian market, where it designs, assembles and markets bathroom and shower fittings. Founded in 1989, the company has over 30 years of experience and offers a broad portfolio of products renowned for their high-quality design.

The company, based in Melbourne and focused on design innovation, recorded a turnover of €35.4 million in 2024. Phoenix has two facilities in Melbourne and one in Balcatta (Perth). The main warehouse in Bayswater (Melbourne) was specifically designed to optimise the company’s logistics operations. Meanwhile, the Balcatta facility features a showroom and a smaller warehouse, designed to provide support and direct service to customers in the western region of the country.

Phoenix has established itself as a benchmark brand in the mid-to-high-end market segment thanks to its in- house design team, ranked number one in Australia and Oceania according to the international iF Design Award ranking. Its collections have received prestigious accolades, including the Red Dot Award and the Good Design Award, for their excellence in design, innovation, and functionality.

With this acquisition, Roca Group strengthens its position in Australia, where it is already present with its global brands Roca and Laufen. By the end of this year, it will open a new Roca Gallery in Sydney – bringing the total to eight worldwide – as well as a Laufen Space, where products from this brand will be showcased.

Roca Group was advised on this transaction by Alantra, Allens, and KPMG and Phoenix by Gilbert & Tobin, Deloitte, and CBW Partners.

https://rocagroup.com/

The Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC) has welcomed bathroom and kitchen products manufacturer, Norcros, to the coalition as a Strategic Partner.

Norcros, which employs 2,400 people and companies including The Bristan Group, Huws Grey, The BMF, Travis Perkins, and Ibstock plc, is now a strategic partner of the more than 40-strong coalition.

Norcros, which has a turnover of £360million and owns key bathroom and kitchen product brands in the UK, including Triton, Merlyn and Grant Westfield, will be actively involved in shaping the direction of the CIC, to make real, tangible progress to improve equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the construction industry supply chain.

Norcros has undertaken a range of company-wide initiatives to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, including the establishment of a Women’s Leadership Forum as part of their commitment to give a stronger voice to females across the business.

As part of this continuing work, Norcros has joined the CIC and is taking on the Built on Better pledge, which, amongst other activities, will see the group benchmark and measure its progress towards improving inclusion across its businesses.

Helene Roberts, managing director of Norcros plc in the UK and Ireland: “Norcros is delighted to join the Construction Inclusion Coalition. Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a shared responsibility across our business and our sector. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we know there’s more to learn, and lasting change takes collective effort.

“By working and learning together, we can build momentum and create environments where everyone feels valued, supported and truly has the opportunity to be someone.”

CIC Chair, Angela Rushforth, adds: “Norcros is a fantastic example of a company whose people have decided to make a difference and take on the challenge of looking at ways to improve their own work environment for the benefit of others. The team at Norcros has already done so much, and it is fantastic to have them join the coalition, where they will be able to share ideas and resources with other members who are all working towards similar goals.” The CIC is calling on businesses across the construction industry – no matter how big or small – to join the Construction Inclusion Coalition and take the Built on Better pledge. Members will be part of an industry network sharing knowledge, resources, and insights to inspire change and make a difference collaboratively

2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for Frontline Bathrooms and Smiths Briten, as the two sister companies announce a significant transformation of their UK delivery network. Under the leadership of managing director Darren Allison, both brands are making significant long-term investments in shared infrastructure, with a clear focus on improving speed, reliability and sustainability for KBB retailers nationwide.

At the heart of this shift is the unification of their delivery operations. By leveraging each brand’s well-established logistics networks, the businesses are streamlining routes, cutting duplication, and enhancing service coverage in key postcodes across the UK. This combined infrastructure, supported by dual head offices and round-the-clock cross-dock facilities, positions Frontline and Smiths Briten as a smarter, more responsive distribution force for the bathroom and plumbing trade.

Darren Allison, managing director of both Frontline and Smiths Briten, says: “This isn’t just about efficiency, it is about backing our customers. We are investing heavily in infrastructure that makes life easier for retailers: quicker lead times, more consistent delivery windows, and fewer delays. At the same time, we are reducing emissions and building a supply chain that’s fit for the future and our growth plans.”

The impact will be felt on the ground from July 2025, with key delivery enhancements already confirmed:

·      LU & MK postcodes have moved to next-day delivery for Smiths Briten orders, via Frontline’s expert delivery team.

·      SA region extended to three delivery days per week through a specialist bathroom courier.

·      BS postcodes will now be delivering five days a week for both businesses via Smiths fleet.

·      SM & CR postcodes upgraded to five-day service from July, utilising the Frontline fleet.

·      From August, Smiths Briten will expand coverage across North Wales, Stoke-on-Trent, and Buxton alongside Frontline.

·      In parallel, three new drivers with KBB industry experience have been hired to support the enhanced network.

While the two brands retain distinct product and service offerings, their operational collaboration reflects a deeper synergy. Shared leadership, aligned values, and a joint commitment to trade support mean they can offer retailers the best of both: consistent service and wide-ranging choice. 

The business now operates from two key distribution centres: Smiths Briten in Bolton, Greater Manchester, and Frontline in Featherstone, Wakefield, supported by cross-dock facilities in Scotland, Kidderminster, Heathrow, Purfleet and Mildenhall. Together, this infrastructure supports a next-day service capability across much of the UK.