Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

VitrA strengthens commitment to independent retail

March 11, 2024

VitrA has unveiled a new partner programme exclusively for independent bathroom showrooms. As a VitrA Vitality partner, retailers will benefit from a package of benefits that are 100% focused on helping their business thrive.

With the Vitality Partner Programme, retailers can trust VitrA to deliver in every sense of the word, with a stock promise and long-term commitment to deliver priority service and great profitability, making a real impact on all aspects of a retailer’s business.

VitrA has consulted with its retailers and drawn on its decades of experience to build a Partner Programme offering a range of benefits designed to make a real difference to a showroom’s bottom line:

An exclusive product portfolio: The extensive Vitality Collection has over 1,200 products available only to VitrA Vitality Partners – VitrA’s biggest protected range ever.
Guaranteed availability: The entire Vitality Collection is backed by VitrA’s stock promise, meaning retailers can treat VitrA’s stock like their own.
Fast delivery: More than 600 products delivered within one day and 500 within a week. VitrA has upgraded its distribution stock profiles and warehouse facility to achieve industry-beating delivery times.
Priority service: A dedicated Partner phone line for pre and post- sales queries, manned by experienced consultants; and a devoted Partner email with same day response.
Enhanced display support: Access to carefully crafted display packages designed to ignite interest and achieve attractive ROI.
Training and support: To better aid designers and help drive sales.

Steve Breen, managing director at VitrA said: “At VitrA, we’re committed to helping independent bathroom showrooms thrive. We have taken the time to really listen and understand the challenges that our retailers face and the many hats they wear, and we want to lighten the load. We believe that the new VitrA Vitality Programme is the manufacturer-showroom collaboration they deserve.

“For over 30 years, our retailers have relied on us for products that stand the test of time. Now under new leadership, we’re ready to match our renowned product quality with a service they’ll remember for all the right reasons.

“Bathroom showrooms who partner with VitrA can be confident in an impressive range of products, offering plenty of choice. They will be able to trust and rely on VitrA to deliver quickly, in full and on time. We’ve re-focused our entire business on making our retailers lives easier, we’re here to help.”

For further information on the VitrA Vitality Partner Programme visit www.vitravitality.co.uk

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Vasco radiators combine sustainability with cutting-edge design

March 8, 2024

Producers and society as a whole share a responsibility to achieve a sustainable future in terms of the manufacture and consumption of products for our homes. Vasco has committed to this goal with their collection of aluminium radiators and recycling processes, enabling customers to feel assured they are purchasing responsibly.

The majority of Vasco radiators are made entirely of lightweight, highly resistant, recycled aluminium. Stable, flexible and with a solid profile, aluminium has excellent thermal conductivity for optimal heat dissipation. All the aluminium radiators are manufactured with a patented press connection. After this, they receive a cataphoretic primer, which protects against any form of corrosion; finally, they are electrostatically coated with a high-quality epoxy-polyester powder coating.

If you are looking for the perfect fusion between heating and design, aluminium comes close. An aluminium radiator saves a lot of energy, conducting heat up to four times more efficiently than any other radiator, quickly bringing any room up to temperature, and using up to five times less water content. It works excellently on low temperature systems including solar and condensing boilers. It scores highly in terms of sustainability because aluminium is 100% recyclable and can be reused endlessly while retaining its specific properties. It is rust-free, making it ideal for a humid environment such as the bathroom, and particularly practical, being three times lighter than steel. Vasco aluminium radiators can be easily attached to any wall, require a minimum amount of space and are easy to install.

The aluminium collection of radiators delivers unique technical advantages, including excellent heat conduction, high output in low-temperature systems, light material and eye-catching designs – as well as being sustainable.

Vasco’s innovative portfolio has been honoured with internationally renowned design awards, such as the iF award, which combines energy-efficient heating and functionality into state-of-the-art design suitable for all rooms within the home or commercial environment. Comfortable, stylish design combined with sustainable manufacturing to deliver an innovative 360 degrees approach.

The 100% recycled aluminium radiator collection includes Alu-Zen, Oni, Beams, Bryce, Mono and Zaros. These radiators save energy in 3 ways:

Fast reaction time – The core of an aluminium radiator contains only two litres of water, whereas a classic radiator will easily contain ten litres. As a direct result, an aluminium radiator will react almost instantly to the heating temperature set on the thermostat, yielding a much higher efficiency.

Maximum heat output – The optimal conductivity characteristics of aluminium radiators ensure maximum heat output, even in low temperature systems. A low water temperature setting automatically reduces energy consumption.

Excellent radiation heat – The optimum combination of convection and radiant heat in aluminium radiators creates a comfortable feeling of warmth in the room.

Stylish and beautiful to look at, Vasco designer radiators are available in 56 contemporary colours, including the Noble colours: Pink, Silver, Pearl Beige, Gold Curry and Bronze. Finding the perfect accent or statement colour designer radiators has never been easier and with optional complementing towel rails available in a variety of colours and styles, demonstrating the perfect blend of design and functionality.

Vasco process, melt and extrude aluminium waste to create unique new designer radiators, such as the aluminium Oni and Beams Mono collections, which are also available as electronic versions -EL. These provide an alternative cost-efficient and user-friendly solution to traditional hydronic heating solutions and save money as they operate on a Plug & Plays-system which is not linked to a central heating installation. Both meet strict European Ecodesign standards for electrical appliances.

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Lafayette Nightclub – now with Sanicubic

March 8, 2024

A musician-friendly club in the heart of Kings Cross, the Lafayette opened its doors in early 2020 before being swiftly closed due to lockdown. After successfully re-opening in 2021, it has become well-known on the UK music scene, hosting hundreds of music shows and performances from household name bands.

When the 600-capacity venue was refurbished, a kitchen was installed in the basement, and WCs were installed on the floor above, along with a cleaner’s cupboard. All waste water from these areas was formerly drained into a bespoke pumping system in the corner of the pot wash area, which then pumped the waste up to ground level and away to the main drain.

A soil inlet that was slightly submerged into the lower section of the chamber was preventing waste water from completely draining into the pit, whilst a 100mm inlet pipe was too close to one of the submersible pumps in the pit, preventing it from eliminating all paper waste. This caused clogging and blockages and became a general inconvenience to an otherwise excellent venue.

Surrey-based PumpServ, a national pump solutions maintenance company, was approached to evaluate the issue and suggest a solution. One option was to lower the chamber floor, but this would involve breaking out the concrete oversite. With concerns about the proximity of the Regent Canal and potential ground water ingress, PumpServ offered an alternative solution which would require the existing pumps to be swapped out. After a call to the technical team at Saniflo and a subsequent site inspection, the floor-standing Sanicubic 2 Pro lifting station was recommended for the job.

David Knight, business development manager for PumpServ, was delighted with the simplicity of the solution;

“The Saniflo Sanicubic Pro 2 has taken away the headache of blocked facilities for the Lafayette nightclub. Incoming pipework from the WC and shower in the Green Room and the small kitchen was too low at the point of entry to the pump station. The position of the two submersible pumps was restricting black waste and paper waste flow and these were building up at the point of entry. Occasionally the inflow would surcharge back to the kitchen floor drains causing a flood. With twin pumps – for failsafe operation –the sealed unit simply slotted into the space without any need for civils work and has eliminated the risk of overflow. The 110mm inlets, positioned at 140mm (floor height to centre of inlet), enabled a better fall for the swift discharge of incoming waste.”

The Saniflo commercial range has been designed for practical situations where waste needs to be lifted away safely and efficiently and the installation of this Sanicubic 2 Pro in the Lafayette nightclub illustrates perfectly the use for a Saniflo lifting station.

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PJH invests in Learning & Development Team to enhance employee training

March 7, 2024

Bathroom and appliance distributor PJH has expanded its Learning and Development (L&D) team to introduce new talent and enrich its training programme further.

The new team members include Lauren Fergus as L&D content creator, Justyna Prasek as L&D business partner South, and Guy Buggie as L&D business partner north. Guy, previously responsible for health & safety and compliance training across the UK, brings extensive knowledge in warehousing, transport, and safety. Justyna’s expertise lies in people skills and leadership development. At the same time, Lauren focuses on content creation for online learning and ensuring smooth Learning Management System (LMS) operations.

The enlarged team can offer a variety of training, delivered both face-to-face and online, utilising various technologies to create tailor-made, engaging and effective learning materials, including the use of animation. Together the team will focus on interactivity and scenario-based learning as well as integrating the use of technology to make learning more relatable and targeted to specific PJH roles.

Speaking about the new team, PJH learning and development manager Dawn Kennedy said: “We have invested in and enlarged the L&D team to respond better to the diverse needs of the PJH workforce. We are now able to offer enhanced face-to-face and online learning in different ways, allowing employees to access a huge amount of content that is relevant to their role at the click of a button and at any time.

“The face-to-face learning components work alongside our online platform, allowing learners to book sessions online, receive certificates, and engage interactively during in-person sessions”.

Looking ahead, the enhanced L&D team aims to establish its new structure while exploring further innovations. Future plans include further expanding face-to-face learning opportunities and enhancing the use of technology in online learning.

The success of PJH’s evolving L&D program is evident in its impressive achievements: over 600 courses offered, more than 900 enrolments completed, 18,000 self-enrolments, 1,433 hours of online learning consumed, and an outstanding 4.9 out of 5 employee satisfaction rating. The innovative “Points for Modules” system, rewarding learners with “Points for Prizes,” has been a major hit, further motivating employee engagement and learning.

For further information on PJH, visit www.pjh .uk , www.partners.pjh.uk or call, T: 0800 8 77 88 99.

Pictured L to R: Guy Buggie, Justyna Prasek, Lauren Fergus & Dawn Kennedy

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VitrA unveils M-Line series & innovations at Kbb 2024

March 6, 2024

Bathroom manufacturer VitrA made its return to Kbb Birmingham 2024 this week and used the event to showcase its sanitaryware, brassware and bathroom furniture designs.

Vitra’s diverse portfolio includes popular lines like Sento, Valarte, and Root ranges, along with VitrA tiles and a host of new launches. A contemporary new addition is the M-Line range of furniture and washbasins. Drawing inspiration from urban aesthetics, the simple designs integrate various forms, colours, and sizes to create versatile bathroom spaces.

M-Line Collection

The M-Line Collection offers two styles: M-Line Edge and M-Line Pure. M-Line Edge features distinctive detailing and includes washbasin, tall, and mirror cabinets in walnut, black oak, and light oak finishes. Its mirrored cabinets include built-in sensor lights and storage options.

M-Line Pure is available in gloss white, matt light grey, and matt graphic. Embodying a relaxed design approach, the range comprises washbasin cabinets and tall cabinets and is available in white ceramic high gloss. A choice of sizes and configurations means there is something for everyone, whether traditional, natural or contemporary.

Recycled washbasin

VitrA also revealed the world’s first 100% recycled ceramic washbasin. Manufactured from 100% recycled materials, the basins deliver a timely solution for briefs where sustainability is a key driver. Available in five different shapes, each has soft, curved edges in a matt clay beige finish to suit both commercial and residential spaces.

Suit Tap Collection

VitrA’s Suit Tap Collection offers bathroom fixtures in an exquisite colour palette designed to harmonize with any aesthetic. Taps and thermostatic showers are available with a side or top handle in chrome, glossy black, soft gold, and soft copper.

ViBox & frames

Designed with the installer in mind, VitrA’s V-Box and a new range of frames are easy-to-install behind-the-wall solutions. Simpler, smarter and flexible, V-Box is the ultimate concealed solution for built-in shower mixers. VitrA’s versatile frames and concealed cisterns make installing wall-hung and back-to-wall WCs simpler.

VitrA Tiles

VitrA Tiles showcased its latest products, colors, and trends in a dedicated space, offering a comprehensive ‘total-solution’ response.

Prior to the event, Steve Breen, managing director at VitrA, said: “We can’t wait for this year’s show, as we’ve got an amazing story to tell in terms of our new products and how we are working closer than ever with our independent retailers. Our stand has something for everyone. In addition to discovering our latest product launches, visitors can explore a wide number of roomsets, with a huge range of products expertly curated to meet a wide range of design choices. We also have an area dedicated to the more specific needs of the installer and housebuilder.”

For further information visit www.vitra.co.uk

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Cyncly brings brands & software solutions at Kbb 2024

March 6, 2024

Cyncly, a software and content solutions provider, brought its connected portfolio of kitchen, bathroom, furniture and wardrobe software solutions to kbb Birmingham 2024. It is the first UK event where Cyncly has showcased its integrated solutions for the KBB industry, including Virtual Worlds, Winner Flex, EQ Flex, Ideal Spaces, 3CAD, Mozaik and Insight.

Bringing together over 35 years of industry experience, it provides specialised visualization, sales, manufacturing and content solutions for professional designers, retailers, and manufacturers to operate more effectively. The company says it offers the world’s largest catalogue content hub and a range of market-leading products on its integrated cloud platform.

“Our integration of leading solutions empowers businesses involved at every step of the KBB design, sales and manufacturing process,” said Gordon Bartels, General Manager of Kitchen, Bath and Furniture Retail Solutions. “We’re helping businesses provide an outstanding experience to their customers through capabilities including collaborative design, comprehensive pricing and accurate ordering.

Solutions featured at kbb Birmingham include:

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Kitchen design solutions

Visitors to kbb Birmingham 2024 saw the value of Winner Flex for kitchen retail specialists and designers. The professional design tool can be used to design a customer’s dream kitchen, create technical documents and generate inspirational rendering. With the entire project managed in the cloud, it can be accessed from everywhere and shared across the organization for maximum collaboration within design teams— all helping retailers to sell more kitchens more quickly.

Immersive, engaging bathroom design using virtual reality

For bathroom retailers, Virtual Worlds showcases equal levels of efficiency, with dedicated functionalities allowing for quick and precise design using catalogues from a rich existing library. Virtual Worlds 4D Theatre enables consumers to visualise their dream bathroom with an immersive design experience in virtual reality—helping retailers improve sales and build stronger customer relationships. Add a few words about EQ integration.

Retail solutions to enable omni-channel experiences

Cyncly’s presence will also feature Ideal Spaces, a consumer-facing online configuration tool that delivers a seamless omni-channel experience to strengthen customer engagement. Retailers use the solution to inspire customers and complete the full journey—from inspiration to qualification, from space planning to purchasing—with an enhanced experience.

Manufacturing solutions that improve quality and margins

For manufacturers, the company’s solutions, including 3CAD, Insight and Mozaik, enable manufacturers to automate their processes for greater efficiency and flexibility. Through advanced production management software, the ability to manage orders based on real-time data, and market intelligence tools, Cyncly’s manufacturing software helps customers maximise margins and sales performance.

Cyncly continues to invest in new product capabilities to help KBB retailers and manufacturers succeed. For retailers, the company brings mood boards to 3D designs and auto decorating, and helps to define good, better and best scenarios, enabling customers provide consumers with an amazing experience designing and buying spaces for living. The company’s continued investments in AI-enabled solutions, leveraging its deep industry expertise and rich data, will further enable customers to access innovative capabilities that help them succeed.

For more information visit www.cyncly.com

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‘WATERFALL BY FLAIR’ charts brand evolution

March 6, 2024

Unveiling the next chapter of its brand story, Flair Showers has communicated its vision, purpose and mission at kbb Birmingham 2024.

The Flair brand evolution journey is about exploring those precious moments that bring joy and happiness to our lives. Imagery captured at Largy, an enclosed waterfall on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, as well as video content and new messaging, explains Flair’s design ethos.

Waterfall by Flair showers Find Your Flair

‘WATERFALL BY FLAIR’ brings to life how you can ‘Find your Flair’ and embrace those moments of joy in your everyday. For many, the daily showering ritual has the power to lift spirits, calm the mind or invigorate. As you step into a Flair Shower, you can be transported into your own personal escape.and illustrates how moments of joy are achieved through each aspect of its business.

The vision for the waterfall photoshoot, and updated design language, was to bring the essence of joy to life, connecting Flair with nature and how that makes you feel. With over 70 years of experience in shower design and solution focused products that form an extensive portfolio, joy is the very essence of the Flair brand. Joy is a pivotal pillar within its innovations and award-winning designs to enhance the user experience and ensure Flair products look great, work perfectly and stand the test of time.

Louise Huston, marketing manager, Flair Showers, says: “At Flair, our vision is to create moments of joy in your everyday. Every moment has an opportunity for joy and our purpose is to help create some. A moment of joy when you open a silent shower door, touch a handle inspired by a handshake, or call our service team who are delighted to hear from you. We do all that we can to make Flair a joy to represent, purchase from, to install and ultimately to use.

“We are delighted to unveil ‘WATERFALL BY FLAIR’ at kbb, which really brings to life our mission for Flair Showers and accentuates our connection with nature. Today’s consumers are looking for authenticity, transparency, and a genuine connection with our brand. Which is why it’s more important than ever to focus on creating meaningful interactions with our audience, capturing the feeling of joyfulness and encouraging customers to ‘Find your Flair’.”

A brand new ‘WATERFALL BY FLAIR’ brochure and complementary point of sale materials that communicate the essence of the Flair brand, alongside the award-winning product portfolio will soon be available for bathroom retailers and specialists to share with customers and display in their showrooms, bringing Flair installations to life.

Pictured top : ORO, Flair’s award-winning premium offering, in all its frameless beauty, was right at home sitting in the magical, secret waterfall setting

About Flair Showers:

Founded in 1952, Flair Showers has been designing shower doors, bathscreens and wetrooms for over 70 years’ and perfecting them ever since. Flair products are beautifully designed and expertly engineered to stand the test of time in the busiest of bathrooms. Flair aims to encourage everyone to create their own moments of joy by being surrounded with what’s important to you and finding your happy place. Flair’s knowledge is unrivalled within the European shower door industry, and its unwavering commitment to customer care means that the brand boasts an international presence among leading bathroom showrooms across the UK, Ireland, Italy and France.

SAVOUR THE MOMENT – FIND YOUR FLAIR

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Marriott International launches The Intention Stay

March 1, 2024

W London, the Soho hotspot, is stepping into spring with the launch of The Intention Stay. Immerse in a 360-experience throughout the hotel, designed to inspire a new sense of self-discovery and rejuvenation featuring products by best-selling Sunday Times author, manifesting expert and self-development coach, Roxie Nafousi.

Launching on 19^th March 2024, Roxie has carefully chosen a selection of her sell-out products for each guest’s Intention Stay including The Mantra Cards, The Manifest Deck and The Journal.

The immersive wellness journey also includes a programme of breathwork sessions led by Jamie Clements, founder of The Breath Space, designed to uplift mood, reduce blood pressure, and enhance relaxation. Jamie will be joined by author and meditation practitioner Ciara McGinely, leading sessions encompassing grounding, visualisation and reflection exercises.

W London’s Roger Frampton, renowned TED speaker and Mobility Coach, will also lead sessions demonstrating effective stretches and movements for relieving joint pain and enhancing long-term mobility. Together, Ciara, Roger and Jamie will hold classes at the AWAY Spa and offer in-room videos for guests seeking tranquility from the comfort of their room.

Guests can also recharge at the Perception Bar with a limited-edition menu in collaboration with DIRTEA featuring their new Matcha Super Blend. The Intention Stay package is available to book from 1^st March 2024 for stays from 19^th March 2024 and the first five bookings will receive a copy of Roxie Nafousi’s best-selling book ‘MANIFEST: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life’. Prices start from £600.

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Villeroy & Boch completes acquisition of Ideal Standard

March 1, 2024

Ideal Standard will be integrated as a separate part of the Villeroy & Boch Group now that all necessary approvals by antitrust authorities have been received.

The composition of Villeroy & Boch AG’s Management Board will remain unchanged under CEO Gabi Schupp. Jan Peter Tewes will continue to manage the Ideal Standard business and will report to Gabi Schupp.

The joint company will retain its established brands in future. Ideal Standard will be integrated into the organisation as a separate arm.

Mettlach will remain the headquarters of the Villeroy & Boch Group, while Ideal Standard will continue to be managed from Brussels.

“With the acquisition of Ideal Standard, we are systematically pursuing our strategic growth path, expanding our core business and enhancing our international presence. We firmly believe that the two companies will also be a good cultural fit. In addition to our traditional brands, we share common values, including a dedication to quality and service, an appreciation for exemplary design and the constant pursuit of innovation. We would like to welcome our new colleagues and we look forward to shaping our future together,” commented Gabi Schupp, CEO of Villeroy & Boch AG.

“The acquisition of Ideal Standard represents the biggest transaction of this kind in Villeroy & Boch’s history. The integration will enable us to increase our resilience in a consistently challenging market environment, leverage synergies and establish optimal foundations for future profitable growth,” added Andreas Schmid, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Villeroy & Boch AG.

“We are looking forward to working together as part of the Villeroy & Boch Group. A stronger regional presence, our bundled expertise in private consumer and project business, and our excellently positioned fittings business are just some examples of the vast potential we will realise with our customers, our partners and our employees,” said Jan Peter Tewes, CEO of Ideal Standard International N.V.

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RONAL Bathrooms unveils its new brand identity

March 1, 2024

The SanSwiss product brand has announced a new brand identity and will now be named RONAL. The shower enclosure and tray company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the RONAL GROUP, and the new name emphasizes its proximity to its parent company.

Ronal forms the centre of an innovative brand family for the high-quality sanitary and wellness specialist trade. Three further innovative brands – KUDOS, GLASS 1989 and KAROL – complete the overall portfolio of RONAL Bathrooms to form a comprehensive supplier of high-quality products.

The new bathroom and wellness division of RONAL GROUP is headquartered in Härkingen/Gunzgen, Switzerland.

Oliver Brauner, CEO of the RONAL GROUP comments: “The newly named RONAL Bathrooms division for bathrooms and wellness will grow gradually. It complements the main business of RONAL Wheels, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of light alloy wheels for cars and commercial vehicles.”

Olivier Gunther and Sebastian Hainz, Co-managing directors of the newly renamed RONAL Bathrooms AG: “The name change with a new brand identity recognises the growth of the company and also the fact that we have developed a good deal further in the direction of a comprehensive solution provider and reliable partner for the bathroom and wellness sector with the expansion of the brand and product portfolio and the acquisitions of GLASS 1989 (Italy), KAROL Italia (Italy) and KUDOS Group (Great Britain) last year.

“We will continue to grow with RONAL Bathrooms, investing anti-cyclically in the market and, together with our Swiss parent company, communicate a clear and long-term commitment to the sanitary market in our external presentation.”

KUDOS complements additional innovative shower doors, enclosures, walk-ins, wet rooms and trays. The elegant, Italian-made bathtubs and bathroom furniture from the KAROL brand and the special wellness products from the GLASS 1989 brand, also designed and made in Italy, round off the bathing and wellness experience. What all RONAL Bathrooms brands have in common is a passion for innovative technology, perfect craftsmanship, exceptional design and comprehensive service. The promise of quality: Together we create a unique experience for our customers. With the special diversity of its portfolio, RONAL Bathrooms redefines the design possibilities of the modern bathroom. This is communicated by the guiding principle: “The art of modern bathrooms”.

The new brand identity of the RONAL Bathrooms brand family and the first four innovative RONAL Bathrooms compositions will be presented at the Salone del Mobile in Milan, Italy, 16 April 2024, Hall 06, Stand D25.

About RONAL Bathrooms

RONAL Bathrooms (former SanSwiss) with the brands RONAL, KUDOS, KAROL and GLASS 1989 and almost 500 employees will be the new bathroom and wellness division of the Swiss RONAL GROUP headquartered in Härkingen/Gunzgen, Switzerland, from 1 April 2024. The production sites are located in the Czech Republic, Italy and Romania, Great Britain and South Africa. The sales companies of RONAL Bathrooms with activities in the most important European countries and selected overseas markets are located in France, Germany, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Romania, the UK and South Africa.

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