The UK competition watchdog has opened an investigation into eight housebuilders after it found evidence they may be sharing commercially sensitive information that could affect the price of homes.
The Competition Markets Authority (CMA) has released a comprehensive report after a year-long analysis of the housebuilding industry across England, Scotland, and Wales. Notably, the report highlights deficiencies in the current market, including alleged breaches of the Competition Act by eight prominent UK housebuilders.
The CMA uncovered evidence suggesting the potential sharing of information among competing housebuilders, such as sales prices and details of buyer incentives. It said this behaviour “prevented and distorted” competition. It could influence decisions around pricing levels and the rates at which the companies built new homes, impacting new home list prices. While not deemed a primary factor in the under delivery of new homes, the CMA expresses apprehension over its potential to undermine market competition.
Consequently, the CMA has initiated a thorough investigation under the Competition Act 1998 into Barratt, Bellway, Berkeley, Bloor Homes, Persimmon, Redrow, Taylor Wimpey, and Vistry. However, the CMA has yet to draw conclusions regarding any infringement of competition law at this juncture.
Key findings also attribute the persistent underdelivery of new homes to the complex and unpredictable planning system, together with the limitations of speculative private development.
The report highlighted concerns regarding estate management charges, where homeowners often encounter high and ambiguous fees for the upkeep of essential facilities like green spaces, roads and drainage. Quality issues in new housing have also surfaced, with a notable increase in snagging reports over the past decade.
Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA, said: “Housebuilding in Great Britain needs significant intervention so that enough good quality homes are delivered in the places that people need them. Our report – which follows a year-long study – recommends streamlining the planning system and increasing consumer protections. If implemented, we would expect to see many more homes built each year, helping make homes more affordable. We would also expect to see fewer people paying estate management charges on new estates and the quality of new homes to increase. But even then, further action may be required to deliver the number of homes Great Britain needs in the places it needs them.
“The CMA has also today opened a new investigation into the suspected sharing of commercially sensitive information by housebuilders which could be influencing the build-out of sites and the prices of new homes. While this issue is not one of the main drivers of the problems we’ve highlighted in our report, it is important we tackle anti-competitive behaviour if we find it.”
The start of the new year is the perfect time to plan for a fresh new bathroom update. From existing suites that need extra storage to a whole new bathroom scheme or en-suite design, Symphony has the ultimate solution with the launch of its new Amalfi bathroom collection.
This elegant new style has a classic Shaker look with a contemporary feel and is available in three on-trend and enduring colours – Charcoal, Hunter Green and Pebble. Perfect for creating a soothing sanctuary with a luxurious touch, Amalfi is part of Symphony’s Aquadi fitted bathroom range and is available to order from this month.
The Aquadi range of fitted bathroom furniture from Symphony is designed to make the most of every inch, providing a personal retreat with plenty of storage to cater for every need. The Amalfi collection is a Shaker design that brings a sophisticated look to family bathrooms and en-suites with three timeless and trend-led colours to complement modern and period homes.
Charcoal is a dramatic dark finish, perfect for pairing with crisp white sanitaryware and brushed gold fittings, Hunter Green is intense with a timeless quality, which looks stunning teamed with warm wood flooring and gold or brass handles and taps, while the neutral tones of Pebble give Amalfi a calm and soothing feel, ideal as a backdrop for matt black shower fittings, taps and accessories. All three colours come in a smooth matt finish for a modern feel.
“We are so excited to be starting 2024 by launching our new Amalfi bathroom furniture collection,” says Simon Collyns, group marketing director at Symphony. “The three colourways – Charcoal, Hunter Green and Pebble – will complement all interior styles and are perfect for creating a sleek and sophisticated family bathroom or master suite and can also be matched with our new Nexus fitted bedroom furniture, which also comes in these three stunning colours for a fully co-ordinated home.”
The new Amalfi bathroom collection is crafted from super matt foil with a narrow frame for a Shaker look and feel. Both the charcoal and pebble colourways are made from material that is 70% recycled, making Amalfi an eco-conscious design for a sustainable home. Options include stunning tall floor-to-ceiling cabinets for additional storage space for towels and toiletries, vanity units and under-basin storage, WC cabinetry and wall cabinets, all of which can be complemented by a choice of handles and knobs in brass, matt black or dark brushed brass to enhance the luxurious look.
The project overseen by Alessandro Isola Studio consists of an architectural expansion and renovation of the internal and external spaces of a single-family house.
Set in the Friuli Venezia Giulia countryside, the property features large sliding glass walls that offer a view of the infinity pool and the Pietra Orsera Marble walkway, seemingly floating in the middle of the artificial lake, dominated by a Japanese conifer.
The 700 m2 structure is distributed over three levels. On the ground floor, the open space overlooks the garden with swimming pool, while taking space indoor are the living room and kitchen, which not only become a place where one eats, but also a place to work, socialize and study. The protagonist of this space is the large 3-meter oak table that extends the kitchen worktop made of brushed brown porphyry to take on the function of a “home hearth”.
Upstairs, retractable sliding walls allow the bedroom and bathroom spaces to communicate and control the desired level of privacy.
For the bathroom areas of the residence, the choice is the CEA stainless steel taps for the ZIQQ and MILO360 collections in continuous dialogue with natural materials such as wood, porphyry, travertine and Pietra Orsera marbles. A journey through different materials and textures combined to enhance their characteristic beauty.
Two other bedrooms are located on the top floor, where a large volume of bronze-effect aluminium placed in the centre of the room acts as a decorative casing and encloses a shower, sink, toilet and Turkish bath.
Products Featured
BLD07S (X2) Free-standing outdoor shower in AISI 316L stainless steel satin finish. Aerated rain jet with CROSS progressive mixer control.
MILO360MIL207KDS + FRE143KDS Deck mounted single handle mixer with swivelling spout and pull-out hand shower in AISI 316L stainless steel Black Diamond satin finish.
MILO360MIL01S + FRE54S Deck mounted washbasin tap in AISI 316L stainless steel satin finish consisting of mixer and swivelling spout.
ZIQQZIQ57S Wall mounted washbasin tap in AISI 316L stainless steel satin finish consisting of a dual-handle mixer and a spout.
As the construction industry faces a record skills deficit, with 40% of the industry looking to retire before 2030, the intention of increasing numbers of women to work in the sector has provided shoots of optimism for narrowing the skills deficit.
Recent analysis reveals that more young women are beginning careers in the construction industry than ever before. Despite this growth, there is still considerable work required to enhance diversity within the construction sector. Clive Holland, broadcaster on Fix Radio – the UK’s only national radio station dedicated to tradespeople – sheds light on the rise of women pursuing careers within the construction industry.
According to Morgan Siddall’s report “Are we Gen Z ready?”, 57% of women and girls are deterred from pursuing careers in construction due to their perception of it as male dominated. Supporting this notion, data published by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) indicates that only 12.37% of engineers in the UK are female. The construction sector still falls far behind other industries in terms of gender balance, with only 14.7% of those employed in the industry being women, nearly 33% lower than the UK average.
The state of construction apprenticeships:
In the last five years, there has been little improvement in apprenticeship uptake within construction since 2018. The latest drop highlights the ongoing struggle of the sector to attract people amidst the skills shortage crisis. Due to a shortage of 225,000 tradespeople in construction and trades in the UK, 83% of construction businesses are currently strained by a lack of skilled workers, according to a survey by Search Consultancy.
Clive Holland, broadcaster on Fix Radio, comments on the impact of Britain’s skills deficit:
“Data from the Department for Education has revealed that the number of completed apprenticeships in England fell from 12,420 in 2018 to 7,700 in 2022. To put this issue under the microscope, 17,500 people apply for apprenticeships as electricians every year, yet only 2,500 pass their courses annually, while a further 8,000 electricians leave the industry each year.
“Our industry is losing record numbers of colleagues, with nowhere near enough new recruits entering the trade.”
Cyncly, a software and content solutions provider, has won the Innovative Product of the Year Award for Virtual Worlds at the prestigious Ireland Bathroom Trade Awards 2024.
Cyncly was a shortlisted finalist in two categories in these important industry awards, with its market-leading and innovative Virtual Worlds design software – Innovative Product of the Year and Supplier of the Year.
The winners were announced at a glamorous black-tie gala event at the iconic Titanic Belfast, with Cyncly proudly coming away with the award of Innovative Product of the Year Award 2024.
Virtual Worlds is design, visualisation, quoting, and invoicing software that enables retailers and designers to offer smooth customer service and a fully immersive buying experience. A pioneer of the bathroom industry with its 4D technology-led solutions, Virtual Worlds also features an extensive manufacturer catalogue offering to make the process of designing bathrooms seamless and immersive.
Providing retailers with innovative software that makes their designs come to life is only part of the Virtual Worlds story – empowering retailers with the technology that enables them to sell more products at a higher margin is at the heart of the business. In an industry that has a standard conversion rate of around 60%, 4D Theatre retailers in Ireland are claiming conversion rates upwards of 85% and some above 95%.
The system’s success lies in its ability to provide informed decision making where the customer can immediately understand the scale and feel of their proposed new room based on the options presented. Customer service and support are of the highest priority for the Virtual Worlds team as well, from initial set-up on the system to ongoing training and day-to-day support.
Receiving the award, Ben Roberts, Director for Enterprise Accounts at Cyncly, said: “Ireland is an extremely important market for Virtual Worlds and this award is recognition of the hard work from the whole Cyncly team to bring the CAD tools and solutions to our Irish customers.”
About Cyncly
Cyncly transforms the way customisable products and spaces are imagined, designed, sold, managed and made. Through its intuitive end-to-end software solutions, Cyncly connects professional designers, retailers and manufacturers to integrated management tools and the world’s largest catalogue content hub. Cyncly solutions serve over 70,000 customers globally, helping to simplify communication, reduce errors, grow sales, increase efficiency and drive innovation—and help make spaces amazing, every step of the way.
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.
Thanks to hefty inflation hikes, 2023 was difficult for the hospitality industry. However, as the sector emerges (not without battle scars), good news awaits hoteliers; the latest predictions point to 2024 being the only post-COVID year to see occupancy rates surpass 2019 levels.*
Amidst this resurgence, there is a clear evolution in design within hospitality. Sustainability, smart technology integration, innovative concept rooms, and open-plan layouts are leading the way and shaping the future landscape of hotel interiors.
Water conservation remains a priority for hoteliers due to costs, but escalating droughts and heightened consumer awareness have added to the impetus for change. The convergence of water-saving initiatives with low-carbon design has become the new standard for brands seeking to craft compelling and credible narratives.
A recent industry report underscores the role of environmental concerns in consumer decision-making, with a staggering 84% expressing willingness to disengage from brands with poor eco-practices. In the hospitality sector, single-use plastic is emerging as a symbol of outdated practice. It contrasts starkly with forward-thinking hotel brands that are incorporating built-in accessories and water-saving features.
Architects and designers who select responsible brands with robust eco-credentials will ensure a streamlined process that aligns seamlessly with the march toward holistic sustainability solutions.
Yvonne Orgill, MD at the Unified Water Label Association, UWLA, agrees; “The Hospitality industry has an opportunity to take its environmental responsibilities seriously, embracing water-efficient bathroom products that carry the Unified Water Label. Hotels, spa’s and public washrooms also have a role to play in influencing the consumer by leading with these products and showing them how well they can perform.
“Embracing water and energy efficiency not only satisfies customer expectations but will prepare businesses for new government legislation, which is on the horizon, as the importance of sustainability and the circle economy increases.”
Grohe is one such company that is ahead of the curve in the sustainability arena, winning a raft of awards, including the recent BMA Sustainability Award. The Grohe Rainshower Aqua models not only offer customisation options – making them ideal choices for hospitality settings – but also include water-saving Grohe EcoJoy technology that aligns with the industry’s growing focus on sustainability, allowing establishments to provide premium amenities while minimising environmental impact.
Ronke Ugbaja, leader of product management at Lixil Emena & Grohe UK, explains, “The trend towards integrating smart, water-saving products in hospitality spaces reflects a broader cultural shift towards wellness and sustainability. As technology advances and becomes more accessible, consumers increasingly seek products that not only enhance convenience but also promote environmental responsibility.”
Clean & fresh
The rise in smart tech heralds new innovation as the automated bathroom market stands poised for growth, with projections indicating we can expect impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) increases from 2023 to 2030.** Technology dovetails with wellness and, as such, should be discreet and intuitive with easy-to-use features that do not overwhelm the user or ask for engagement from patrons who are striving to relax and take a break from digital demands.
Shower-toilets are one example of the smart tech we can expect to see in contemporary bathrooms. The Duravit SensoWash® product range comprises a range of different models for varied requirements. Reassuringly hygienic, Duravit’s Rimless® technology and the highly effective antibacterial HygieneGlaze ceramic glaze further ensure optimum hygiene. After just six hours, approx. 90% of bacteria (e.g. coli bacteria) are eliminated, with approx. 99.9% eliminated after 24 hours.
Martin Carroll, MD of Duravit UK, notes the shifting landscape as consumers increasingly prioritise wellness and cleanliness: “Once only found in high-end hotels, shower-toilets are now becoming a standard feature in contemporary bathrooms; the need for greater hygiene in recent years has, in part, led to this higher demand. “
Duravit’s latest SensoWash® D-Neo compact shower-toilet, where all the technology is discreetly integrated into the ceramic body, enables the manufacturer to expand into the lower price segment of the market. The clear-cut, no-fuss design harmonises effortlessly with any room aesthetic and works with all the Duravit design series.
Always inclusive
Thoughtful design is emerging as a key consideration as we embark on a new era of inclusive hospitality. The concept of creating accessible spaces has evolved beyond the notion of dedicating specific rooms exclusively for guests with diverse needs. By embedding accessibility features into the bathroom environment, designers create spaces that cater to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities or limitations. This type of innovative design champions discreet accessibility with a winning aesthetic that ensures a long-term, cost-effective solution for hoteliers since no room needs to be set aside solely for accessible use.
Stephen Maley, UK sales director for Hewi agrees, “Contemporary hotel concepts are not only characterised by good design and a distinctive ambience, but also cater to the different needs of guests. The Universal Design concept is, therefore, groundbreaking for the furnishing of hotels. It creates the conditions for guests to feel comfortable and be supported in their independence.”
A cohesive approach to accessibility can be achieved by including matching accessories. Hewi’s S 900 Q design variant (pictured top and above) was launched in July 2023 and complements the classic System 900 for accessible bathrooms. S 900 Q accessories are versatile additions offering towel rails, toilet roll holders, toilet brush units, and other products. As is characteristic of HEWI, all components have been developed with the greatest care and thoughtful consideration down to the last detail. They are also designed to combine with each other.
Open & honest
Merging spaces continues to be a popular trend this year. Connecting bathroom and bedroom areas gives the illusion of space and represents an ideal solution if room proportions are minimal. Open-plan bathrooms are arguably more hygienic and deliver a spa-like aesthetic that is hard to resist.
Chief executive office at Roman, David Osborne explains, “Many hotels are keen to offer an open living space which now includes the bathroom. Hotel brands have grown exponentially over recent years as the main groups strive to identify specialist channels and audiences.
“Open rooms maximise space – and make a smaller space seem bigger. Privacy is sacrificed for optimum living space. The removal of bathroom walls also allows easy cleaning, maintenance and refurbishment. This is a global trend that we have seen emerging over the last decade.”
Fanciful favourites
The rise in concept hotels sees a departure from cookie-cutter design and ushers in a welcome indulgence in design creativity. Whether opting for a jungle, beach or castle, concept hotels deliver extravagant, Instagramable moments for guests. The key to a successful design is incorporating the theme into every aspect of the build. Surface and lighting choices help coordinate the bathroom with the overall design.
Hyperion works closely with designers, specifiers and architects and says its team is available to offer expert advice, technical know-how and in-depth product knowledge on solid and engineered wood flooring, tiles and LVT. The family-run, independent online tiles and flooring specialist has a range of products to inspire designers.
LED strip lighting from Knightsbridge is also a tremendously versatile option for day-to-day use or mood creation, from subtle lighting to feature pieces to budget or specialist. Single-colour LED strips have always been popular, as when combined with dedicated drivers, controllers and profiles, they offer a quick solution to most installations.
“There has been a marked increase in interest in the demand for colour-changing RGBW (Red, Green, Blue, White) options. A development in colour-changing RGBW LED strips is the incorporation of smart technology, which, thanks to app-based controls, manages lighting from our personal devices,” says Molly Ho, product manager at Knightsbridge.
Discotheque or restaurant interior designe
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Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), underscores the significance of prioritising safety in product selection.
You may have recently seen a safety alert regarding stop-button showerheads either from the BMA or via Trading Standards, with whom we collaborated. It served as a reminder that while we can all be seduced by new innovations, all is sometimes not as it seems when products are poorly marketed. And here is where the professionalism of designers, installers and bathroom manufacturers is paramount.
Electric showers, renowned for their efficiency in on-demand water heating, pose a unique challenge when paired with fittings like these stop-button showerheads. The fixtures, while fashionable and all-over social media, can lead to unexpected complications, such as fluctuating water temperatures that can result in scalding injuries if used with electric showers.
In this instance, there have been significant scalding incidents. It appears retailers selling these products were not providing clear warnings not to use their products with instantaneous electric showers. They have now been instructed to clearly label the showerheads as not suitable to use with electric showers, with some issuing product recalls. While it is a manufacturer and retailer’s responsibility to ensure these products are used with the correct shower type, all professionals in the bathroom space have a duty to reinforce safety.
The BMA has always championed water-saving bathroom products, and stop-button showerheads, when used with mixer-valve showers, make it easy for consumers to halt the flow of water temporarily. However, we must spread awareness of when these products can be safely utilised.
Designers, as always, play a crucial role in educating clients about the compatibility and benefits of various products, ensuring that aesthetic enhancements do not compromise safety. Advocating for the selection of safe, reliable and, above all, appropriate products is an often unseen designer duty, but proactively engaging with clients, offering expertise and insights that mitigate risks will ensure a seamless bathroom experience.
The BMA advocates for collaboration between manufacturers, retailers and installers to uphold safety standards in bathroom design. While consumers are encouraged to consult product manufacturers regarding compatibility, designers are also trusted advisors, offering personalised recommendations tailored to each client’s unique needs.
The design of bathrooms embodies a commitment to well-being, safety, reliability, and peace of mind. By prioritising the integration of beneficial products for the correct use, designers uphold their duty to create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also inherently safe. Through collaboration and vigilance, the industry can collectively ensure that every bathroom reflects the values of trust, safety, and quality craftsmanship.
Leading bathroom manufacturer Ideal Standard International has released its latest Sustainability Report for 2023, highlighting significant milestones and advancements made by the company towards a more sustainable future.
The comprehensive report, ‘Together for a Better Future’, updates progress on a raft of promises outlined in its first sustainability report, which covered the business operations in 2022.
Among the key achievements during 2023 were the reduction of company-wide CO2 emissions by 5,514 tonnes, equalling 5%, the removal of 41.5 tonnes of single-use plastic from product packaging, and the publication of 5,000 Environmental Product Declarations to ensure greater transparency for customers.
One milestone within these achievements was the fittings plant in Wittlich, Germany, hitting zero scope 2 emissions in 2023, with 100% of electricity produced from renewable sources, including an on-site solar campus made up of more than 3,000 photovoltaic panels.
The achievements were also supported by the launch of the EcoLogic development framework, which requires the use of sustainable supply chains and durable materials to create products that improve hygiene, water, and energy efficiency. This has led to the development of products such as the Alu+ showering range, which is free from more harmful materials like nickel, manufactured from 84% recycled aluminium and is water efficient while offering a superior showering experience.
During the year, the company also improved female recruitment in Europe by 7.5%, launched and completed a comprehensive supply chain due diligence program covering 80% of current direct group spend and secured health and safety certification to ISO 45001 for operations in the UK and the Czech Republic, meaning all plants across five countries have achieved the accreditation.
Ideal Standard International CEO Jan Peter Tewes said: “We’ve made a real impact against our goals set in 2022. I’m especially proud that we have continued to invest in improvements to manufacturing processes and the development of leading-edge products against the backdrop of an economic downturn.”
Ideal Standard rounded off 2023 by being awarded a silver medal by EcoVadis – the world’s largest provider of sustainability ratings – placing it in the top 25% of more than 85,000 companies evaluated globally. EcoVadis rated the company’s environmental performance as ‘advanced’.
Fatima Mimouni, head of ESG at Ideal Standard, added: “While we are proud of our achievements, we know there’s more to do, and we’re already working on a number of improvements. Our goals remain ambitious, yet we are confident that by fostering close collaboration with our partners and suppliers, we can face challenges head-on and truly make a meaningful impact.”
Ideal Standard’s overarching commitment – “Together for a better future” – is supported by three pillars: for better lives, for a better planet and for better business. These are further underscored by the company’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in areas including clean water and sanitation, gender equality and climate action.
As shower-toilets become a standard feature within contemporary bathrooms, the Duravit SensoWash® range comprises a selection of models for varied requirements. As such, it has become a byword for modern, high-quality shower-toilet hygiene.
The shower-toilet models guarantee a pleasant level of comfort: from a range of configuration options for the three shower flow types through the user ID in the seat right up to the time windows for seat heating that can be individually configured. The functions are managed intuitively via a remote control.
A range of construction-related measures helps guarantee maximum safety on all SensoWash® models: these include the use of especially hygienic materials such as stainless steel for the spray arm, separate showerhead jets for Ladywash and Rearwash, the positioning of the shower arm above the ceramic basin as well as the automatic pre- and post-cleaning of the shower arm in its retracted position. Duravit Rimless® technology, optimized basin, and siphon geometry, and the highly effective antibacterial HygieneGlaze ceramic glaze further ensure optimum hygiene. After just six hours, approx. 90% of bacteria (e.g. coli bacteria) are eliminated, with approx. 99.9% eliminated after 24 hours.
The latest addition is the SensoWash® D-Neo, a compact shower-toilet at an attractive price point. The clear-cut, no-fuss design blends discreetly into any room and works with all the Duravit design series. All the technology is discreetly integrated into the ceramic body, while the pared-down aesthetics are a perfect match to all Duravit design series and remain a unique selling point. and is equally suited to project business or cost-conscious developers who do not require additional functions.
In the realm of hospitality design, every detail counts in creating memorable guest experiences. Grohe Rainshower Aqua Shower Modules offer a perfect blend of luxury and functionality, making them ideal choices for hospitality settings aiming to provide exceptional comfort and sustainability.
Customisation is key in hospitality, and GROHE delivers with its SPA Ceiling Shower modules, allowing guests to tailor their shower experience to their preferences. Whether they prefer a gentle rainfall or an invigorating massage, guests can indulge in a personalized showering experience, enhancing their stay.
The slim and sophisticated design of the modules seamlessly integrates into any bathroom, complementing various design aesthetics. Their versatility in fitting both round and square designs ensures they can effortlessly enhance the ambience of any guest space.
The addition of GROHE Rainshower Aqua Body sprays further elevates the shower experience, offering guests a luxurious pulsating water massage. Intuitive controls make switching between spray modes effortless, while the retractable design ensures a clean and minimalist look, optimizing space in the shower area.
The incorporation of water-saving GROHE EcoJoy technology aligns with the industry’s growing focus on sustainability, allowing establishments to provide premium amenities while minimising environmental impact.
In the competitive landscape of hospitality design, the GROHE SPA collection stands out for its commitment to well-being and innovation. By transforming the bathroom into a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation, GROHE Rainshower Aqua Shower Modules contribute to creating memorable guest experiences that leave a lasting impression.
