Bathroom manufacturer, BC Designs, has launched a new retailer incentive as it continues to support it bricks and mortar customers.
Launching on June 2nd, BC Designs ‘bath of the month’ will see the company offer retailers extra display rate discount on a particular bath, with a new one being nominated each month.
For its first month, BC Designs is promoting its newly launched Wivenhoe bath, which is part of its Cian range. Retailers who choose to order the Wivenhoe bath may also be able to claim additional trade terms* as part of the retailer reward scheme, which launched earlier this year.
Adam Smith, national sales manager at BC Designs, says: “We are always looking at ways to add value for our retail partners, particularly those who support us with physical showroom space. The ‘bath of the month’ initiative is designed to give retailers an extra reason to refresh their displays and engage customers with something new. By tying it in with our reward scheme, we’re making it even more worthwhile to back key product launches like the Wivenhoe.”
Leading disaster recovery specialist BELFOR UK has installed Saniflo Sanicom 1 lifting stations as part of major depot upgrades, starting with a full refurbishment at its Falkirk site.
In a move to bring outsourced services in-house, BELFOR is adding commercial restoration and laundry rooms to each of its ten depots across the UK. The Falkirk site is the first to benefit from this transformation, featuring high-performance dishwashers, industrial sinks, washing machines, and a gas boiler, all of which require reliable wastewater management.
To handle the hot grey water produced by these appliances, Technical Manager Jay Scott specified Sanicom 1 units. With the ability to discharge water up to 90°C, Sanicom was the ideal solution. One unit services the restoration room’s sinks and dishwasher, while the other manages waste and condensate from laundry equipment, with long pipe runs to the soil stack.
“The Sanicoms are easy to fit and the performance is exceptional,” says Jay. “The Sanicom 1 give us peace of mind. In harder water areas, we’ll use Saniflo descaler to maintain them.”
Following the success in Falkirk, BELFOR will roll out similar installations at its Swanley, Haydock, and Dunstable depots, with Sanicom now the standard solution. “Bringing restoration and laundry services in-house enhances our speed, control, and customer service,” adds Jay. “Saniflo has played a key role in making that possible.”
Once again Utopia has been voted the UK’s Best Bathroom Furniture Brand in the BKU Awards 2025. Fortunate to have been a finalist in this annual celebration of the best of the British KBB industry for many years, Utopia has now won this accolade five times.
Run by leading industry magazine Bathroom & Kitchen Update, the BKU Awards are a truly independent stamp of approval as industry professionals in their thousands vote for nominated companies to determine who really is the best of the best. Utopia won the coveted Best Bathroom Furniture Brand in 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2023 and has now reclaimed the title for 2025.
Helen Clark, head of marketing, comments, “We are delighted to win this prestigious award yet again. As a long-established company, we are proud to design and manufacture our beautiful bathroom furniture here in the UK and to win this award again demonstrates the success of our core values of inspirational design, premium quality and exceptional customer service. We’d like to thank all those people who voted for us including our loyal customer base, strategic supply partners and, of course, the entire Utopia team for their ongoing commitment.”
This latest award comes at the end of a tremendous week for Utopia which also saw the company achieving finalist status for the new Chic modular collection in the Best KBB Product Category at the BKU Awards 2025 as well as being Highly Commended for Bathroom of the Year in the Ideal Home Bathroom Awards 2025.
For further information about Utopia call 01902 406402, or visit www.utopiagroup.com
The new Barbie x HEWI sanitary collection, recently unveiled at ISH Frankfurt, marries timeless Bauhaus design principles with Barbie’s iconic colour palette, creating a series that celebrates individuality and inclusivity. This collection not only sets new standards for bathroom design but also embodies the spirit of independence, inspiration, and appreciation for every person’s uniqueness.
Universal HEWI – Design for Everyone
Universal design has always been at the heart of HEWI’s philosophy. For over 95 years, the company has been crafting products that deliver real value to people. HEWI stands out with premium materials, iconic colours, and simple, intuitive usability. These values shine in the Barbie x HEWI collection—a design made accessible to all, regardless of individual needs or abilities.
Barbie – A Symbol of Optimism and Diversity
Barbie is the most diverse doll line in the world with more than 175 looks, including body types, skin colours, hairstyles, hair colours, eye colours and visible and non-visible disabilities. This diversity is reflected in the Barbie x HEWI collection, honouring the beauty of uniqueness.
Design with limitless possibilities
The Barbie x HEWI collection comprises almost 40 high-quality sanitary products that blend HEWI’s iconic design with Barbie’s unmistakable style. From towel holders and soap dispensers to toilet brush sets and folding support rails, the collection offers thoughtful solutions for design-conscious customers seeking to combine functionality and flair. With a fresh colour palette, HEWI reimagines its legendary 477/801 series, bringing a modern edge and stylish charm to bathroom spaces.
The collection’s products meet the highest standards of quality, durability, and functionality. The colour range spans elegant pale pink to chic combinations of pale pink, white, and black, offering versatile design possibilities for any bathroom.
About Mattel – Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel has been a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.
About HEWI Heinrich Wilke GmbH – Since its foundation in 1929, HEWI has developed into a system provider for comprehensive solutions in the areas of architectural hardware, sanitary accessories and accessible products. Over the past 95 years, the company has grown to become a leader in the field of accessibility and a recognised expert in system design. In line with Universal Design, HEWI focuses on the individual needs of people.
Interior designer and stylist Emma Jane Palin has revealed the bold design of her retro main and en suite bathrooms, featuring eye-catching terracotta and blue tiles from VitrA’s Pro Colour range, and the freestanding Plural washbasin by Terri Pecora. Emma collaborated with the VitrA London design and specification team, seeking advice on functionality and aesthetics of the bathrooms to bring her vision to life.
Bold colour, straight lines and statement features are all part of Emma Jane Palin’s design DNA and since her move into a newly built home in May 2021, she had dreamed of designing a mid-century style bathroom. A visit to the VitrA London Specification Hub in Clerkenwell gave Emma all the inspiration she needed to transform her 5m2 bathroom with a visual statement of mix and match tiles.
Pictured left to right: Emma Jane Palin; VitrA Gold tapware; Mode Mosaic Moss matt porcelain tiles match the Plural countertop basins sitting atop a repurposed wooden unit from Urban Outfitters. Photographer: Sam Roberts
“I immediately fell for the VitrA Pro Colour range, which is perfect for those who love clean, bold design,” explains Emma. “We ended up opting for a statement combination of tiles in Pool Blue, Tobacco and Burgundy, finishing the look with Mapei grout in Terra Di Siena on the walls and Terracotta on the floor in the main bathroom.”
To complement the tiles in the main bathroom, the Plural Monobloc washbasin in Matt Terra Rossa was selected as a showstopping, standalone design and positioned to be on view from the hallway. Beside the washbasin, the Plural Rim-ex wall-hung WC in Matt Taupe softens the colour palette and matches the ceiling colour, in Cargo by COAT Paints.
Colour, texture and shape also enhance the en suite, where a pared-back earthy palette transforms the compact space with enduring style. A duo of square-shaped Plural countertop basins in Matt Moss Green are paired with the sleek black Origin built-in basin mixers, and two Plural rotating mirrors are placed on the wall above to complete the vanity area.
From moodboard to reality, both bathroom spaces are designed with a focus on making the best use of available space, using colour and statement furniture pieces to draw the eye. Emma’s advice is: “Go bold. I know it can be scary to design for the long term, but if you stay true to your style, you’ll end up with a room you adore.”
Pictured left and right: In the en suite, a dark red shower tray that Emma sourced from Bathrooms Direct Yorkshire is teamed with VitrA’s Retromix black and white tiles and CementMix Flake Dark Greige tiles, with Aquaheat Bliss shower column in matt black. Photographer: Sam Roberts
Main Image Top – The Plural washbasin by Terri Pecora for VitrA are matched with VitrA Pro Colour range tiles in terracotta and blue and gold Origin fixtures and fittings for a striking look. Photographer: Sam Roberts
Features by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review. Diane Larner launched both titles over 12 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.
Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 reaffirmed its place on the UK’s design calendar with a bold and vibrant display of creativity and innovation. Held across London’s iconic Clerkenwell district, this year’s festival saw over 43,000 visitors—an 11% increase on last year. Clerkenwell is said to be home to more creative businesses and architects per square mile than anywhere else in the world, and the three-day event brought together global brands, emerging talent, and design professionals from across the interiors spectrum. For the bathroom sector, Clerkenwell offered a unique platform to explore trend-led products in the heart of London’s design district.
Diane Larner attended the event and compiled six inspirational bathroom highlights.
Florim presented a selection of its most advanced and aesthetic-driven ceramic collections at its central London showroom during Clerkenwell Design Week.
The medieval London Charterhouse became the new focal point of Clerkenwell Design Week, hosting a vibrant mix of events, exhibitions, and immersive installations.
Marazzi marked its 90th anniversary with the unveiling of its newly renovated London showroom at 90/92 St. John Street, in the heart of Clerkenwell.
Jedd Barry
Jedd Barry, head of marketing, Clerkenwell Design Week
Clerkenwell Design Week continues to exceed expectations, and our 14th edition was undoubtedly the most ambitious yet. We welcomed over 43,000 visitors – an 11% increase on 2024 – and launched three new venues, including the historic Charterhouse and St Bartholomew the Great. These additions formed a vibrant new southern district, all of which received fantastic feedback and added even more depth to our already impressive line-up.
“For us, a clear highlight was Alex Chinneck’s surreal public artwork in Charterhouse Square – our boldest installation to date – which truly captivated our visitors while driving incredible engagement from the local community.
“Alongside more than 250 exhibitors, we saw a record 210 showroom partners take part across the Clerkenwell neighbourhood this year. Our talks programme, hosted at The Charterhouse for the first time, also brought together global voices to explore some of the most relevant and thought-provoking topics in design today.
“We very much look forward to welcoming everyone back from 19–21 May 2026!“
Ben Bryden, global specifications director, RAK Ceramics UK
As ever, Clerkenwell Design Week was a huge success for RAK Ceramics, and we had a fantastic few days welcoming a wide range of architects, designers and specifiers to the RAK Ceramics Design Hub. It proved the perfect platform to launch our aspirational KLUDI brand into the UK market and we were delighted with the response it received. Visitors were able to see the quality as well as the breadth and depth of the range alongside some of RAK Ceramics’ latest surface innovations.
It’s an exciting time for RAK Ceramics UK as we’re marking our 25th anniversary this year and Clerkenwell Design Week gave us the chance to continue our celebrations while strengthening our long-term collaborative partnerships with the design community.”
About CDW
Clerkenwell Design Week is the UK’s leading independent design festival, celebrating creativity across architecture, interiors, and product design. Held annually in London’s historic Clerkenwell district, the event draws an international audience of designers, specifiers, and industry professionals, all eager to explore the latest developments in material innovation, surface design, and functional aesthetics. With its vibrant mix of showroom collaborations, curated exhibitions, and public installations, the festival provides a vital platform for design-led dialogue and cross-sector inspiration.
The ME by Starck Hero Edition from Duravit is a forward-thinking, wall-hung toilet that brings together minimalist design, advanced technology, and genuine everyday practicality. Designed in collaboration with Philippe Starck, this model meets the high expectations of UK homeowners, designers, and installers alike.
Its centrepiece is the DuraFlush rotational flush system. Using just 4/2 litres per flush, it delivers powerful, splash-free performance across the entire bowl. The rimless, sloped design ensures thorough cleaning with every flush and drastically reduces the need for scrubbing. It’s also impressively quiet—ideal for night-time use.
Duravit’s new DuraShield glaze takes hygiene to the next level. This innovative, antibacterial finish eliminates 99.99% of bacteria within 24 hours, thanks to metal-ion technology. The smooth, pore-free surface prevents the build-up of dirt and limescale, helping maintain a cleaner, fresher toilet for longer, with less reliance on harsh chemicals.
Ease of installation is another highlight. The DuraFix Pro system enables quick, secure, one-person fitting from above, eliminating the need for visible screws or caps. It’s a clean solution for modern bathrooms, whether in new builds or refurbishments. The ergonomic seat is designed for comfort and features a fast-release mechanism for straightforward cleaning and maintenance.
Available in White or White Satin Matt finishes, the ME by Starck Hero Edition is a considered, sustainable choice. It comes with a lifetime guarantee and is made entirely of ceramic, with no plastic components. This is a premium fixture that delivers high performance, long-term value, and contemporary style.
Perfect for design-led bathrooms across the UK, the Hero Edition sets a new standard in wall-hung toilet design.
Bette launched its flattest ever shower tray, the BetteUltra Space, which is available in a wide range of colours – including its new colour, Salvia.
All Bette shower trays, baths and basins are made of glazed titanium-steel and are durable, easy to clean, fully recyclable and come with a 30-year warranty, making them as suitable for commercial settings as they are for private homes.
New BetteUltra Space shower tray
The new BetteUltra Space shower tray is Bette’s flattest-ever shower tray. It has a minimalist, timeless design and an ultra-flat height of just 15mm. It can be installed flush with the floor or slightly raised and comes in a choice of 20 sizes from 800 × 800 mm to 1700 × 800 mm and in a wide range of colours.
New colour – Salvia
Bette’s new colour ‘Salvia’ is an elegant glossy sage green. It joins Bette’s existing 30 Key Colours, which are available on the entire Bette enamelled-steel range of shower trays, baths and washbasins.
Bette sustainability
Bette products can support a more sustainable circular economy approach, in which products are re-used and recycled. The glazed titanium-steel material from which products are made is so durable that all products come with a 30-year warranty. This means that, when a bathroom is being refurbished, the Bette’s baths, shower trays and basins will often be re-used or will be sold for re-use elsewhere. The products are made from natural materials and can be completely recycled. They are also extremely easy to clean, with minimum cleaning products required.
Where possible, carbon-neutral green steel is used at no extra cost to customers. Bette has been buying significant quantities of green steel since 2021.
Bette also makes its manufacturing processes as environmentally friendly as possible. It generates electricity and heat from combined heat and power plants and solar and, when the sun shines, Bette creates 2/3 of its electricity requirements from solar.
Kudos has become an approved manufacturer for the EEM framework, a not-for-profit organisation that guides public sector clients through a simple, quick and compliant procurement process and route to market. The accreditation will save the Kudos contract division time spent reviewing full tender applications for this market, as successful pre-qualified providers on the EEM Framework can be awarded projects directly by the organisation.
Simon Tate, national contracts manager for Kudos Showers, explains: “As the Kudos contract business grows, we were spending a lot of time on the tender process for public sector projects. Whilst we had to work hard providing all the relevant information to become an approved shower products manufacturer for the EEM framework, now that we are, the process will be simplified. The pre-vetting and due diligence processes carried out by EEM provide their members with assurance that they will be selecting suitably qualified and accredited, financially stable providers with trusted references and relevant sector experience.”
Kudos Shower Products has been designing and manufacturing shower products at its Cumbria facility since 1999. Now part of the Ronal Bathroom Group, its portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens, and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK.
PJH’s value-led bathroom brand, Bathrooms2GO, has unveiled a clever new addition to its bestselling Venosa Furniture range – a series of L-shape furniture packs designed to bring smart storage and style to bathrooms, ensuites and cloakrooms with limited space.
Available in compact widths of 900mm and 1000mm, the new floor-standing units are ideal for awkward layouts or small room footprints. Designed for both versatility and ease of installation, each pack includes a 1- or 2-door cabinet, a one-piece white resin basin and worktop (available in left- or right-hand configurations), and a built-in housing area for a concealed cistern and back-to-wall WC.
Despite their compact footprint – just 210mm at the slimmest point – the new Venosa packs offer valuable below-basin storage and maximise usability with practical worktop space.
The resin and stone basin is manufactured from a highly durable and hardwearing composite, which is not only stylish and easy to clean, but also eco-conscious, produced using 100% renewable energy and fully recyclable.
Two all-in-one suite deals are also available, offering significant savings. These include the L-shape furniture pack, a Laurus back-to-wall WC with soft-close seat and concealed cistern, the Evola chrome basin tap, and the Soleil mirror – all under a single product code for added convenience.
“With its compact design, premium materials and value-led suite deals, Venosa is a smart solution for installers and homeowners alike,” said PJH. “It’s stylish, practical and built to last – perfect for today’s space-conscious bathroom projects.”
Venosa units come in a choice of four premium, water-resistant finishes – Gloss White, Gloss Grey, Anthracite, and Oak-effect. All units are pre-assembled, include soft-close Blum hinges, and are straightforward to fit.
As with all Bathrooms2GO products, stock is readily available with next-day delivery options direct to store or home. Ordering is seamless via the PJH Partners Portal.
