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Bathroom product manufacturer HiB and Home-Start UK, a leading family support charity, have extended f their highly successful partnership for the second year.

After smashing its first-year targets, HiB has supported the charity with corporate donations, staff fundraising, and volunteering to raise an impressive £25,872.50 to help vulnerable families across the UK. Building on this success, HiB and Home-Start UK have now signed an agreement to continue the partnership for another 12 months, with HiB presenting the charity with a cheque for £20k at the beginning of August to kick off another great year.

Home-Start reaches over 78,000 children in 43,692 families across the UK. The charity helps families close to breaking point due to isolation, bereavement, illness, mental health issues, financial insecurity, and more. Home-Start volunteers don’t just support parents in coping but also in feeling confident and thriving in creating the best possible start for their children.

From the outset, HiB’s dedicated staff have wholeheartedly embraced this partnership through funds and activities, offering direct support for 489 families. Some of the activities that HiB has participated in include the London half marathon, a Halloween fundraiser, and other local volunteering opportunities.

The funds raised so far have the potential to make a big difference, for instance, supporting the recruitment and training of an additional 539 Home-Start volunteers. Each volunteer assists six families, on average, which means over 3,000 families could receive the essential support they need from HiB’s donation alone.

Robert Ginsberg, CEO of HiB, expressed his enthusiasm, saying: “We are incredibly proud of the dedication shown by our team. Our partnership with Home-Start has not only allowed us to give back to the community, but also strengthened our company culture. We are excited to continue this journey for another year and to keep making a difference to the lives of families – every contribution helps ensure that no child or family is left behind.”

Home-Start’s CEO, Peter Grigg, added: “We are so proud of our partnership, the support from HiB has been phenomenal. The commitment goes beyond financial contributions; it extends to hands-on involvement and genuine care for the families we support. We are excited about the future of this partnership and the continued positive impact it will have on communities across the UK.”

As HiB moves into the second year of its partnership, it is committed to building on its success. It plans more fundraising events, volunteering opportunities, and initiatives that will further its mission to support families in need. Next up is the Three Peaks challenge that 10 HiB employees will embark on in September.

Sanipex UK appoints Mark Twitchell as contracts director to drive BAGNODESIGN brand expansion

With over 20 years’ experience in specification, many of these with leading bathroom brands, SANIPEX UK is pleased to announce Mark Twitchell as its newly appointed contracts director.

Having gained considerable experience in bathroom design, specification and supply during his career so far, Mark’s role with SANIPEX UK is to work with its current partners and establish new bathroom specifications using the established BAGNODESIGN product portfolio. Building on an impressive project history and market-leading designs this is an exciting time for SANIPEX UK to be further establishing its brands in the project sector.

Mark comments: “Having worked all over the world in the bathroom industry and many years alongside SANIPEX GROUP, the opportunity to further build the BAGNODESIGN brand in the UK specification sector is a very exciting proposition.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to present the full BAGNODESIGN solution to our customers and work with our partners to deliver specifications that people aspire to.”

Mark joins SANIPEX UK fresh from his most recent role as UK specification director Sanbra Group UK where he worked closely with architects, interior designers, and developers regionally and nationally. His career has also included similar roles with Keystone Contracts and over nine years with Vado.

SANIPEX GROUP has collaborated with Premier Inn Hotels LLC to supply high-quality bathroom fittings for the Premier Inn Hotel in Al Garhoud, located just a stone’s throw from Dubai International Airport. Set for completion in September 2024, this hotel is designed to provide everything needed for a comfortable stay, featuring refurbished and modernised guest rooms with en-suite bathrooms and superior facilities.

As part of the partnership, SANIPEX GROUP has equipped over 270 guest room bathrooms with premium BAGNODESIGN and AQUAECO sanitaryware, brassware, accessories, and plumbing products. The selection also includes anti-slip Mogano wood-effect floor tiles, ensuring safety and style.

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The contemporary chrome brassware and accessories provided by SANIPEX GROUP are easy to maintain and highly durable, even when exposed to harsh cleaning chemicals and frequent use. A standout feature is the thermostatic mixer with shower column, which includes a built-in safety mechanism to prevent accidental activation of hot water – a crucial consideration for large-scale hospitality projects that prioritise guest safety.

Paired with fresh white sanitaryware, the overall bathroom design is minimalistic and practical, catering perfectly to guests seeking comfort during short stays. This collaboration underscores SANIPEX GROUP’s commitment to delivering high-quality and reliable products for the hospitality industry.

The initiative to supply all 11 Premier Inn hotels in the UAE will roll out over the next five to 10 years, ensuring each location maintains the same high standards of comfort and consistency for every guest.

“We are thrilled to partner with Premier Inn Hotels LLC on this project,” said Guy Wilson, Group Managing Director, Trade & Projects at SANIPEX GROUP. “Our products are designed to meet the rigorous demands of the hospitality sector, and we look forward to contributing to the exceptional guest experience at Premier Inn hotels across the UAE.”

For more information visit www.sanipexgroup.com

Driven by environmental concerns and the growing cost of heating and water, consumers continuously seek ways to create sustainable bathroom designs. Victoria + Albert Baths has produced a bath that is as comfortable and stylish as its existing range but uses an outstanding 30% less water than your average tub. 

Ledro’s maximum water capacity is 180 litres. In comparison, Victoria + Albert’s iconic Barcelona 1500 has a capacity of 256 litres – 40% more. Additionally, a typical shower uses 15 litres a minute with an average time of 8 minutes, so it uses a similar 120 litres of water without the luxury and bliss provided by Ledro. Not only is Ledro ideal for residential use but it’s also expected to be a popular choice in the hospitality industry. 

Ledro is made from Victoria + Albert’s unique composite, QuarrycastTM, a natural insulator that reduces heat loss and prolongs your luxury bathing experience. The strong, durable, and scratch-resistant material means Victoria + Albert baths are made to last and benefit from a 25-year consumer warranty, further boosting its environmental credentials.  Like Victoria + Albert’s other product ranges, the Ledro can be customised in over 200 RAL colours, and customers can choose between a gloss or matt finish.

The Ledro is launching today, August 1st, and is priced at £2,832.00. Customers will be able to purchase in-store or from www.vandabaths.com

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Simon Tate has been appointed as the national contracts manager for Kudos Showers, a move that will support the company’s growing specification business. He initially joined the Kudos business as one of a new team of Area Sales Managers last November. It was quickly recognised that the contract and specification market is key to Kudos’ continued sales growth. Simon has many years of experience in the plumbing and heating sector, many of which were sold to the contract market, making him perfect for this new role.

Nick Graville, sales & marketing director for Kudos, explains, “It was key to get someone in place to support a growing number of contract enquiries and help develop specification sales for the business. We needed a dedicated structure in this area to develop our Contract offering and create a more robust support system. Simon will be dedicated to Contract and we look forward to watching that segment of our business grow and provide an improved customer support service in this area.”

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.

Visit their website, kudosshowers.co.uk, call Simon Tate on 07511 900832 or email simon.tate@kudosshowers.co.uk.

Bathroom specialist Scudo, owned by Harrison Bathrooms, has released its new Edition 19 brochure featuring the latest innovations.

New for Edition 19 are the stylish fluted Linea Curve and Linea Cloakroom furniture collections. Linea Curve offers ample storage space and features a stylish, curved design with fluted detail. The Linea Cloakroom unit with fluted panelling is perfect for cloakrooms, en-suites, and small bathroom spaces.

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Scudo has also introduced a collection of bold basins. KOKO (pictured left) combines metallic and poly marble finishes, and the luxurious Core basin is made from stainless steel to provide an industrial twist. The new Riviera basins are ideal for adding a touch of elegance to any bathroom.

The Tutto freestanding bath creates the perfect retreat for relaxation and has been designed with style and practicality in mind. The subtle deep edge prevents water spillage, which allows you to rest your bathroom products and install deck-mounted bath taps.

Also new is a range of statement mirrors to offer something for every bathroom style. These mirrors combine contemporary aesthetics with features such as wireless charging pads and ambient colour change options.


Discover Scudo 19 for the latest bathroom inspiration online at www.scudo.co.uk

T: 0330 124 7290 W: scudo.co.uk E: sales@harrisonbathrooms.com

Tile specialist WOW Design has developed a new collection, Melange, a tile designed to create unique transitions from one colour to another – ideal for transforming walls into sophisticated tapestries. Through its visual representation of colour gradation, also known as ‘ombré’ or ‘gradient shading,’ gentle progressive transitions from one colour or hue to another are created using small-format tiles.

Thanks to the collection’s expert use of colour, Melange allows notable transitions from cool to warm shades. This brings new sensations to living spaces, allowing shifts from blue or talcum hues to pink, from khaki to sea – or cloud-inspired tones, or from creamy or earthy shades to sky-like colours.

These captivating colour transitions can transform walls into exquisite tapestries, turning them into genuine works of art with seamlessly blending hues. Melange combines art and technology, offering limitless potential for designing and personalizing living spaces. The smooth colour transitions add depth and movement to surfaces, creating three-dimensional effects.

The collection comes in long rectangular 10.7 x 54.2cm. (4.2”x21.3”) wall tiles in a matt finish, with 3 sets of 5 different tile models for dressing up walls in 3 different blends.

KBB distributor PJH has announced the results of its 12-month fundraising campaign for Macmillan Cancer Support, resulting in a £21,531 donation to the charity.

The company partnered with the charity last summer with the goal of raising £10,000, which PJH promised to match. After a year’s worth of fundraising activities, PJH colleagues throughout the UK enthusiastically took part in a wide range of challenges and events, smashing the target and raising £11,531!

Jason Shaw, Chief Financial Officer, PJH, said: “PJH colleagues from across the UK have excelled in managing and participating in a huge range of Macmillan fundraising events and I’d like to congratulate each and every one of you for your amazing contributions! Macmillan Cancer Support is such an amazing organisation that makes a huge difference to the lives of millions of people affected by cancer, so are we are delighted to be presenting this cheque to the charity.”

Throughout the last year, colleagues have donned their aprons and baked delicious treats, legs have been waxed, faces have been sponged, inflatable football tournaments have been held, Snowdon has been conquered, Three Peaks challenges have been completed and the Manchester HYROX Challenge has been done – to name just a few. The team spirit couldn’t have been higher, and much enjoyment was had by all!

On receiving the cheque, Philip Shuttleworth, Volunteer Fundraising Speaker, Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone at PJH for fundraising for Macmillan. We simply could not do what we do without incredible people like you. I have been so impressed with all your enthusiasm and determination! This money raised is essential in continuing to contribute to so many aspects of cancer, from treatments to coping with everyday life and supporting the 3 million people in the UK living with cancer.”

Based on the success of the one-year PJH and Macmillan campaign, PJH has decided to continue with another 12 months of fundraising activities for Macmillan, aiming to surpass this year’s result with an even higher target.

For further information on Macmillan Cancer Care, visit www.macmillan.org.uk, and for PJH, visit www.pjh.uk , www.partners.pjh.uk or call T: 0800 8 77 88 99.

Bathroom brand Vitra has welcomed Cadco as its first VitrA Vitality Partner in Northern Ireland. This partnership marks an important milestone for the VitrA brand, four months after it launched the new VitrA Vitality Partner Programme. The programme is designed exclusively for independent bathroom showrooms and says says it is 100% focused on helping the retailer’s business thrive.

An independent family-run business, Cadco was established in 2010 after 15 years of experience in the trade. In 2022, they opened a bathroom showroom in Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh 2022, showcasing bathroom and tile products. Cadco offers a comprehensive bathroom service solution, guiding customers through the initial design phase through to supply and installation.

Joining the VitrA Vitality Partner Programme, Cadco will be the first bathroom showroom in Northern Ireland to access VitrA’s Vitality Collection, which includes popular ranges such as Sento, Root, and Integra, as well as new additions for 2024, such as the M-Line range. They will also benefit from the full partner package, including guaranteed availability, fast delivery, and a dedicated customer phone line.

Steve Breen, managing director of VitrA UK, comments, “VitrA is fully committed to supporting independent retailers, and this expansion of our geographical reach is a move we have wanted to make for some time. This, alongside the recent launch of our Vitality Partner Programme, underscores our continued growth. Retailers can rely on us for a dependable stock promise, priority service, and long-term commitment to supporting every aspect of their business.”

“We are excited to partner with such a reputable brand. The team and I are looking forward to exploring the colourways, striking tones, and sleek designs from VitrA so we can offer our customers a brand that deals directly with acclaimed designers to create beautiful, distinctive works of art to complement any washroom space.” said Danielle Cadden, showroom manager, Cadco.

Kudos Showering Products has appointed Gary Edginton, another experienced industry professional, to strengthen its sales support further. He will work as an area sales manager covering the south of England and Wales. He will be the face-to-face contact for key customers and grow and support merchants and distribution partners in his region. Gary will report to national sales manager Tony Russ.

“I am delighted to join this legendary British manufacturing business with an exceptional reputation for product, service, and customer support. It is a great opportunity to work with an incredible team, too, making it a very desirable business to work for,” said Gary.

Nick Graville, sales & marketing director for Kudos, explains, “For many years, our customers were supported by our seven strong Retail Support Managers (RSMs), who provide technical and installation support to showrooms. As we’ve continued to grow, we have built a team of merchant-focused area sales managers who will work alongside the RSMs, improving the depth of support and communication with our customer base.  I am delighted that Gary, with whom I have worked, has become part of this team. He will be a real asset supporting our customers in the South.”

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.

Visit its website, kudosshowers.co.uk, call 01539 564040, or email info@kudosshowers.co.uk.