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Scudo strengthens specification expertise with new appointment

Damian-Huxtable-Harrison-Bathrooms

Scudo has further strengthened its specification and developer-focused offering with the appointment of Damian Huxtable as head of developer sales, supporting the brand’s continued growth within the specification sector.

Damian Huxtable joins Scudo with extensive experience across high-value residential and commercial projects throughout the UK. He brings a strong background in working collaboratively with architects, designers, national and regional housebuilders, and main contractors, delivering specification-led solutions that align design intent with performance, sustainability, and commercial objectives.

His career has been built on developing long-term partnerships, preferred supplier frameworks, and value-driven project delivery within the developer and specification markets. Damian joins an established team of specification managers with more than 50 years of combined industry experience, further strengthening Scudo’s expertise and depth of support for the specification and developer markets.

The appointment reflects increasing demand for Scudo’s bathroom solutions and supports the brand’s latest initiative, “Specification Made Simple”. The programme is designed to simplify the specification process through a dedicated internal support team, providing structured, design-focused assistance from concept and technical development through to installation and aftercare.

Commenting on the appointment, Shaun Corcoran, commercial director at Scudo, said: “Scudo continues to gain momentum within the specification and design community as a result of a clear product strategy, disciplined supply chain management, and a service model built specifically around the needs of specifiers and developers. Our solutions provide a commercially compelling alternative to established market leaders, while offering greater design flexibility. Damian’s experience and understanding of the developer and specification landscape will further strengthen our capability to support partners across the UK as this part of the business continues to scale.”

Damian Huxtable added:“Scudo has built a strong reputation for combining design, performance, sustainability and compliance in a way that genuinely supports the specification community. The brand’s approach to simplifying the specification process, backed by a robust supply chain and high levels of technical and aftersales support, really sets it apart. I’m looking forward to working closely with developers, architects, and retail partners to help deliver beautifully considered bathroom spaces across a wide range of residential projects.”

Scudo’s products are increasingly specified for their aesthetic versatility, installation efficiency, and long-term performance. These benefits are supported by a tightly controlled supply chain, a 5-star rated aftersales service, and lifetime product guarantees – offering confidence for specifiers, retailers, and end users alike.

The brand reported record sales in September 2025, continuing to grow despite challenging market conditions. Visitors to Scudo’s showroom and training facility consistently highlight the quality of the products, attention to detail, and the depth of technical and design support available.

Damian Huxtable’s appointment reinforces Scudo’s strategic commitment to the developer and specification markets and its ambition to work closely with partners seeking refined, sustainable bathroom solutions.

If you are looking for support with your next project, please contact the Scudo specification team at spec@scudo.co.uk.

More news and product information from Scudo

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Fitzroy of London debuts new Cavendish collection

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Premium accessible bathroom brand, Fitzroy of London, has exclusively launched its newest collection, Cavendish, at the brand’s showroom in the Business Design Centre as part of this year’s Surface Design Show.

Inspired by the timeless language of Neoclassical and Georgian architecture, the new Cavendish range incorporates the renowned circular motifs and rhythms that define New Cavendish Street in London’s Fitzrovia. Showcasing subtle fluidity, tactility and movement with concave, rippling metal forms, the collection’s soft, classical structure and organic curves reflect the light beautifully in an understated fashion adding visual depth to washrooms.

From Satin Bronze to Polished Gold, interior designers, architects and specifiers have a choice of 28 exquisite metal finishes, offering the freedom to seamlessly and confidently integrate accessibility into refined interior concepts – without compromising on aesthetics. Each product is engineered to support inclusive bathroom design while complementing high-end interiors.

Curated and designed for accessible bathrooms in both commercial and hospitality environments, the Cavendish collection includes Grab Rails, Hinged Support Rails, Shower Seats and Back Rests – each crafted to meet the practical needs of inclusive bathroom design.

Fitzroy of London has now launched its new RIBA-Approved CPD on ‘Inclusive Commercial Washrooms’ for architects and designers to explore how accessibility and design can coexist beautifully to create truly inclusive spaces.

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BC Designs expands brassware offer with new PVD finishes

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BC Designs is expanding its brassware portfolio with the introduction of two new finishes, Brushed Pewter and Brushed Brass, bringing a refined, technically robust option to its brassware range. The new finishes will sit within the heritage BC Sanitan brand which the company recently revived. 

Both finishes are delivered using a Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) process, marking a deliberate step forward in durability and consistency when compared with traditional plating. 

BC-Designs-has-expanded-its-brassware-offer-with-new-PVD-finishes

Brushed Pewter offers a softer, contemporary alternative to chrome and nickel, sitting comfortably alongside stone, concrete-effect surfaces and cooler neutral palettes, while Brushed Brass introduces warmth without the high reflectivity associated with polished finishes, aligning with the ongoing shift towards more muted, tactile metal tones in bathroom design. Both finishes are designed to integrate seamlessly into modern and transitional schemes, giving retailers and designers greater flexibility when specifying across a whole bathroom rather than mixing finishes or compromising on longevity.

The new finishes are available across all BC Designs brassware, including basin taps, bath fillers and showering solutions, ensuring consistency throughout the space and simplifying specification for trade customers working on larger or multi-room projects.

Adam Smith, National Sales Manager at BC Designs, says: “Metal finishes have moved on significantly in recent years, both in terms of aesthetic direction and performance expectations, and we are seeing much stronger demand from the trade for finishes that deliver subtlety as well as resilience. Brushed Pewter and Brushed Brass respond directly to that shift, offering designers finishes that feel current and characterful, while giving installers and retailers confidence in how those products will perform long term.

“Choosing PVD for these finishes was a natural decision. Compared to conventional plating, PVD gives a far tougher surface with excellent colour stability, which is especially important in busy bathrooms and in projects where clients expect their brassware to look the same years down the line as it did on day one. From a trade perspective, it also reduces call-backs and maintenance concerns, which is a real commercial advantage.”

By rolling these finishes out across its full brassware offering, BC Designs continues to focus on specification-led development that responds to how bathrooms are being designed, sold and used today.

The new PVD Brushed Pewter and Brushed Brass finishes are available now across the BC Designs brassware collection.

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GROHE SPA brings Aqua Sanctuary to Milan Design Week 2026

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For Milan Design Week 2026, GROHE SPA returns to the Brera district with its most ambitious installation yet: the Aqua Sanctuary. Over a brief 72-hour window, the Piccolo Teatro Strehler is transformed into an immersive environment dedicated to the brand’s ethos of “Wellbeing through Water”.

An immersive journey in water and design

Visitors are invited to step away from the city’s vibrant pace and enter a carefully curated sanctuary where water, light, shadow, sound and materials guide the experience. The installation unfolds across three interconnected sanctums, each exploring distinct states of being: inspiration, curation and reflection.

Rather than focusing on individual products, the Aqua Sanctuary presents a holistic vision of bathroom design, demonstrating how water can shape spaces that cleanse, rejuvenate and relax.

“At the Piccolo Teatro Strehler, we have envisioned a series of spaces that express the restorative power of water, creating exquisite moments of transcendence,” says Paul Flowers, chief design and Brand Identity Officer & Executive Vice President, LIXIL. “Milan Design Week is an invaluable moment for the global creative community to converge. The GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary presents the profound fusion of water and architecture, consciously shaping our living and bathing spaces, whilst elevating wellbeing. Within these curated spaces mind, body, and space align in perfect harmony through materiality and craftsmanship to redefine our experience of water as a transformative architectural element.”

Materials, colours and craftsmanship

The installation showcases a carefully considered ecosystem of colours, finishes and materials, supported by strategic partnerships and innovative material exploration. Designers and architects can draw inspiration for expressive, harmonious interiors that invite emotional interaction and elevate everyday wellbeing.

Visiting the Aqua Sanctuary

The GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary is open to architects, designers, media and the public at Piccolo Teatro Strehler, Largo Greppi 1, 20121 Milan, during Milan Design Week 2026:

  • 22 April: 10:00–17:00
  • 23 April: 10:00–17:00
  • 24 April: 10:00–21:00
  • 25 April: 10:00–21:00
  • 26 April: 10:00–18:00

Experience how GROHE SPA transforms water into an immersive architectural and sensory experience, blending design, ritual and wellbeing.

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MERLYN & VADO announce exciting collaboration at KBB 2026

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MERLYN and VADO have announced a strategic collaboration for KBB 2026, where they will present a total bathroom solution on a joint 140 m2 exhibition stand. The collaborative space will guide visitors through five beautifully designed bathrooms.

Both part of Norcros plc, MERLYN and VADO will combine their expertise to present a comprehensive, design-led bathroom solution. The partnership brings together MERLYN’s specialist knowledge in premium shower enclosures and trays, with VADO’s expertise in brassware, accessories and furniture. Demonstrating how coordinated specification can deliver a cohesive total bathroom offering for retailers, designers and specifiers.

Our research shows that KBB retailers are increasingly seeking integrated solutions that optimise resources and deliver greater efficiency.

The shared exhibition stands, designed by Jo Love will be the largest to date and feature five distinct bathrooms, each with a themed daily ritual showcasing fully integrated bathroom offerings. By pairing MERLYN showering solutions with VADO products throughout, the stand demonstrates how complementary ranges work together to deliver consistency in design, performance and finish across the bathroom.

Through a considered use of colour, form, lighting and materials, the stand positions the bathroom as a space shaped by intentional design and everyday rituals, reinforcing MERLYN and VADO’s shared commitment to quality, innovation and design-led, sustainable solutions for the UK market.

Designed as a flowing, guided layout, the stand will include clear sightlines between each bathroom and a welcoming social space in the form of a central ritual lounge, creating a focal point for meetings and discussion. Additional elements include dedicated brand meeting areas, hospitality and takeaway ritual journals, enabling visitors to explore the concept further and translate inspiration into real-world projects beyond the show.

www.merlynshowering.com / www.vado.com / www.kbb.co.uk/en/home

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Houzz announces the “Best of Houzz 2026 – powered by Houzz Pro” winners

Houzz-announces-The-Best-of-Houzz-winners-for-2026-awards

Houzz, the leading software platform for construction and design, has announced the winners of its Best of Houzz 2026 awards, powered by Houzz Pro.

The programme serves as a trusted, homeowner-to-homeowner guide to the most highly regarded professionals across the global residential sector, spanning kitchen designers, bathroom designers, home builders, architects, interior designers, garden designers and renovation specialists.

“The Best of Houzz awards are a symbol of trust for homeowners choosing professionals for their projects,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. “This year’s winners showcase outstanding creativity and service, with many embracing Houzz Pro software to support top-tier project execution. We’re honoured to celebrate their success.”

Three award categories – customer service, design and photography

The Best of Houzz is presented annually across three core categories:

  • Design – awarded to professionals whose projects proved most popular among the Houzz community
  • Customer Service – based on overall Houzz ratings and verified client reviews for projects completed in 2025
  • Photography – recognising architecture and interior photographers whose images generated the highest engagement

The awards reflect aesthetic excellence and performance metrics, as well as peer visibility and verified client feedback – so that recognition iss aligned with measurable impact.

Winners have been announced globally. To see the most popular home designs visit: houzz.co.uk/best-of-houzz-2026. For residential professionals interested in learning more about the Best of Houzz programme, visit houzz.co.uk/best-of-houzz.

Professional credibility and digital visibility

Winners receive a “Best of Houzz 2026” badge displayed on their Houzz profile, helping homeowners quickly identify trusted, top-performing professionals locally and internationally.

For professionals using Houzz Pro software, the recognition can be further amplified with a Best of Houzz highlight tag that appears within directory listings, enhancing discoverability and credibility.

Houzz Pro continues to play an integral role in supporting project delivery, offering tools such as:

  • Client Dashboards
  • Estimates and Takeoffs
  • 3D Floor Plans and visualisations
  • Centralised project management
  • Invoicing and Payments

These features are designed to help residential construction and design professionals streamline workflows, improve client communication and keep projects on time and on budget.

Supporting industry professionals and homeowners and

As the residential design and renovation sector evolves, homeowners are placing increasing emphasis on transparency, reviews and digital project management capabilities. The Best of Houzz programme reinforces this shift, spotlighting professionals who combine creative excellence with operational efficiency.

For more information, visit houzz.co.uk.

About Houzz

Houzz is a leading platform for construction and design, connecting homeowners with industry professionals while providing powerful digital tools to support project success.

Its cloud-based, AI-powered software solution, Houzz Pro, enables professionals to win work, collaborate with clients and teams, and manage their businesses more efficiently and profitably. The platform provides 24/7 access to project information, financial management tools and immersive 3D visualisations.

Globally, Houzz supports more than 3 million construction and design professionals and over 70 million homeowners and home design enthusiasts. Houzz and Houzz Pro are available via web and mobile app.

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Acquabella Boutique welcomes visitors at kbb Birmingham

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Acquabella has confirmed its participation in KBB Birmingham 2026, the UK’s leading kitchen, bedroom and bathroom exhibition. The company will be exhibiting in Hall 20, Stand D44, with a 90.25 sqm space conceived as an authentic Acquabella Boutique: an elegant space inspired by the sophisticated interiors of contemporary ateliers.

From 1 to 4 March 2026, Acquabella will showcase its vision of the contemporary bathroom in Birmingham through a carefully curated, experiential exhibition concept, designed to highlight design, materials and customisation as the core pillars of its products. Designed around the principles of harmony and movement, the space features delicate curves and dynamic volumes that evoke natural forms, creating an organic aesthetic that offers a warm and inviting welcome.

The stand has been created as an inspirational environment where architects, interior designers, distributors and installers will be able to discover the brand’s latest innovations first-hand.

Among the key new products to be unveiled at KBB Birmingham 2026 are new shower trays, ultra-light wall panels, bathtubs and an expanded colour range, developed to respond to current market trends and the specific requirements of both residential and contract projects.

With this presence, Acquabella reinforces its commitment to the British market and to the professional channel, focusing on solutions that combine contemporary aesthetics, high technical performance and ease of installation. KBB Birmingham is thus reaffirmed as a strategic event for the brand, both to strengthen existing relationships and to create new business opportunities in a key market.

Find Acquabella in Hall 20 – Stand D44 – kbb 2026 Birmingham | 1-4 March, 2026

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Bathroom Association launches early bird savings for Connect Conference 2026

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20% off all delegate packages until 28 February 2026, plus ‘Bring a Customer’ deal offering free conference-day attendance for qualifying guests

The Bathroom Association has opened bookings for its Connect Conference 2026, unveiling two standout offers designed to help the industry lock in value early and bring more of the supply chain into the room.

The Connect Conference 2026 takes place on Thursday 8 October 2026 at The Grand Hotel, Birmingham, bringing together senior leaders and decision-makers from across the bathroom sector for a day of ideas, insight and high-value networking, followed by an evening gala dinner.

Early Bird Offer: 20% off all packages (ends 28 February 2026)

Delegates can book now and receive 20% off all packages, available only until the end of February 2026.

Bring a Customer Offer: invite two customers to attend the conference day for free

Businesses can also take advantage of a special ‘Bring a Customer’ promotion: buy two Package A places and bring two customers (must be a merchant/distributor) to the conference day for free.

This offer also includes a 10% discount on gala dinner tickets for guests who wish to stay for the evening celebrations.

“A lot of the value of the conference comes from the conversations you have in the room, with manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, merchants and distributors all sharing what they’re seeing in the market,” said Amy Kirk, Engagement Director and conference organiser. “These offers are designed to make it easier to commit early and to bring your customers with you. If you’re looking for a practical way to strengthen relationships, align on priorities and get real insight in a single day, this is a brilliant opportunity, and the savings are significant if you book before the end of February.”

The conference theme for 2026 is ‘Stronger Together’, reflecting the sector’s shared opportunity to collaborate on standards, skills, innovation, sustainability and customer needs, building long-term resilience and growth across the market.

The Gala Dinner will again feature popular elements from previous years, such as the charity raffle/auction and the Thirty-Under-Thirty Awards, which are now open for nominations.

More information about the Connect Conference 2026, including booking details, sponsorship opportunities, and delegate prices, is available on the Connect Conference website.

www.bathroom-association.org.uk

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Top emerging & international exhibitors to see at KBIS 2026

KBIS-International-exhibitors.

With the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show  – KBIS 2026 – just days away, the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando is set to showcase the latest in kitchen and bath innovation from February 17–19. From new-to-KBIS brands to international innovators, this year’s show highlights the products shaping the future of residential interiors.

Discover the Future of Design

“At its core, KBIS is a place of discovery and opportunity for the design community,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA | KBIS. “Year after year, we create the premiere destination for the residential interiors community to connect with industry experts, niche products, and services that give them an edge, spark inspiration, and provide critical solutions to everyday challenges. The NKBA’s growing network of global and regional relationships and partners continues to be the driving force behind KBIS and its massive audience, providing attendees with unparalleled access to up-and-coming brands as well as leading manufacturers and retailers.” 

Whether it’s a striking marble slab, a statement cabinet knob, or intuitive kitchen technology, emerging and international exhibitors are bringing fresh ideas and global design perspectives to the show floor.

Spotlight on Surfaces
Spanish surfacing brand VENUX Surfaces (Booth #W650) makes its KBIS debut with an impressive range of slabs and tiles, blending innovation, style, and sustainability. Meanwhile, Canada’s Anatolia (Booth #S25153) presents ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, sintered slabs, and mosaics inspired by art, textiles, and nature.

Craftsmanship That Inspires
Brazilian custom cabinetry maker Berlim Ambientes (Booth #S24069) offers kitchens built to last, with 50 years of experience in the Latin American market. Italian brand Mosian (Booth #RC1008) showcases FSC-certified wood cabinetry, combining ethical sourcing with timeless design.

Luxury kitchen appliances and smart home solutions are represented by Vezeni (Booth #S22153), known for handcrafted, professional-grade products using German brass and Italian aluminium – a blend of style, performance, and reliability.

Discover Emerging Trends
The Discovery District, returning to KBIS 2026, is the hub for rising stars and established brands shaping future trends. Highlights include Renaissance Handmade (Booth #RC1012), with bespoke furniture hardware crafted from premium materials, and Nobu Concept (Booth #RC1001), presenting contemporary, traditional, and transitional bath vanities.

Plan Your Visit
Attendees can secure their spot at KBIS by registering here now. For a full directory of exhibiting brands, please visit here. 

About KBIS & NKBA
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) owns KBIS, North America’s largest kitchen and bath show. With 55,000 members across the industry, NKBA supports professionals through education, events, and certifications. For more, visit www.nkba.org.

About Emerald
Produced by Emerald, KBIS connects buyers and sellers through in-person and digital experiences, creating opportunities for discovery, networking, and growth. Learn more at www.emeraldx.com.

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Duravit achieves EcoVadis Gold status

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Duravit’s Hornberg site has moved from silver to gold in the EcoVadis sustainability assessment in just 12 months, placing the manufacturer in the top 5% of companies assessed worldwide.

EcoVadis is a globally recognised sustainability benchmark, evaluating performance across environment, labour & human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Achieving gold status underlines Duravit’s ability not only to set ambitious sustainability goals, but to deliver against them consistently. Notably, further gains have been made in sustainable procurement and labour & human rights, where performance was already strong.

For Duravit, the accolade marks progress rather than a finish line. The company is targeting significant carbon reduction across all emissions scopes by 2030, with particular focus on supply chain-related emissions.

“The leap from silver to gold in the EcoVadis assessment shows clearly that sustainability is an integral component of our actions and shapes our decisions. The award confirms that we’re not simply treading water and defining targets, but we’re forging ahead to implement them,” said Duravit’s CEO Stephan Tahy.

Duravit_Stephan_Tahy

“The gold medal isn’t an end point, but another step on the journey of continual improvement. The aim is to significantly reduce the carbon emissions across all scopes by 2030. With this in mind, we’re currently analyzing our entire supply chain and working with our partners to develop measures to reduce the emissions in scope 3 in particular – the indirect emissions that arise along the entire value creation chain,” said Marcus Staudt, HSE manager at Duravit.

Local supply chains and climate-neutral production

Duravit’s sustainability strategy extends beyond regulatory requirements. Measures include a climate-neutral firing process, regional production based on a “local for local” approach, and investment in advanced manufacturing technologies. These principles are reflected in the company’s newly opened ceramic plant in Canada, reinforcing Duravit’s commitment to long-term, structural change and setting new benchmarks within the sector.

Transparency and verified standards

The EcoVadis gold medal complements Duravit’s wider sustainability framework, which is built on transparency and independently verified standards. The company is a member of organisations including the German Society for Sustainable Building (DGNB) and the Institut Bauen und Umwelt (IBU), and supports international programmes such as LEED.

Duravit also works with environmental product declarations (EPDs) and complies with recognised international standards, including ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 9001 for quality management, and ISO 50001 for energy management. Together, these initiatives provide customers with confidence through clear criteria, verified processes, and a consistent focus on quality, energy efficiency, and responsibility.

About EcoVadis

EcoVadis is one of the world’s leading sustainability ratings platforms, assessing companies across four key areas: environment, labour & human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Its objective is to increase transparency and drive continuous improvement throughout global supply chains. More than 130, companies worldwide use EcoVadis as a benchmark for responsible business practices.

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