Author

Diane

Browsing

From 1st January 2025, Owain Harrison, currently global business and brand development director at Novy (part of Middleby Residential), will take on the role of managing director at the KBBG (part of DER KREIS), the UK’s leading independent buying group for the KBB industry.

This announcement comes as Bill Miller prepares to step down from the role at the end of the year after more than a decade of dedicated service. Having launched KBBG as the UK’s first independent buying group for the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom industry, Bill has played a pivotal role in growing the organisation into a thriving community for retailers, manufacturers, and service providers.

This marks an exciting new chapter for the organisation as Owain brings over 20 years of global experience in brand development, strategic growth, and operational leadership in the premium kitchen sector. Owain has been an integral part of the Novy team for over seven years, transforming the brand from a market entry to a recognised luxury leader in the UK and Ireland before expanding its global footprint. His experience includes senior roles with Hoover Candy Group and Indesit Company and serving as Corporate Chair at the Kbsa.

Ahead of his appointment, Owain comments: “I am delighted to be joining DER KREIS as Managing Director in the UK. With the KBBG’s commitment to empowering independent retailers and delivering exceptional quality, the organisation aligns perfectly with my passion for innovation in the kitchen and bathroom industry. I look forward to continuing the excellent work carried out by Bill Miller, together with Russell Sharpe, Neil Whitaker and Louisa Cole, leveraging our experience to strengthen the members’ market positions, drive growth, and enhance the customer experience. The need for independent retailers to maximise their margins and business relationships is more urgent than ever, and we will continue Bill’s work to drive excellence throughout the KBB industry.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Bill says: “It has been an absolute honour and pleasure supporting independent kitchen and bathroom retailers, it truly is a wonderful, resilient sector. Thank you to DER KREIS for giving me the opportunity to build the KBBG brand, it was a pivotal moment in my career, and I’m proud to say that we exceeded all expectations. Championing independent retailers and watching their businesses grow has been a real privilege.”

Bill also expresses confidence in his successor: “My position at the KBBG is being handed over to the most capable hands in Owain Harrison. Known for his strategic insight, Owain has consistently delivered exceptional results through brand building, market analysis, and executive relationship management. I wish him every success at KBBG and know that he will be an excellent addition to the team.”

Bill’s legacy includes building a strong and ever-growing membership, fostering collaboration within the KBB sector, and securing a robust portfolio of suppliers, all of which have made the KBBG an invaluable resource for independent retailers. Owain’s leadership promises to build on this foundation, ensuring continued support for independent KBB retailers while driving innovation and growth in the sector.

For more information on the KBBG, call 023 8202 1347 or email info@derkreis.co.uk. You can also visit the website at www.kbbg.co.uk.

    The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has today announced the finalists for the BiKBBI Installation Awards 2025 – the only awards programme dedicated to recognising and rewarding excellence in the KBB installation sector.

    This year, there were a record number of nominations across twelve categories. An independent panel of judges representing businesses from across the KBB industry scored all entries, ultimately producing our shortlist of 48 finalists.

    The BiKBBI Awards 2025 finalists are:

    APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR sponsored by Blum UK

    Amber Holder               Wickes

    Ashton Clifford                         The Adroit Services Partnership

    Charlie Catton              Elle & R Home Improvements Ltd

    Tommy Mercer             McKay Kitchens

    COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

    Daniel Farmer, Global Doors & Interiors

    Premium Kitchens & Bedrooms Ltd

    Howdens

    Graham Parnell, The K & B Installer

    Kevin Choat, Bathroom Innovations

    Abode

    CUSTOMER SERVICE CHAMPION OF THE YEAR sponsored by Senstec

    Ashling Street               Lima Kitchens

    Karen Chapman            JLC Interiors Ltd

    Isla Harpur                    HARNCE

    ArtiCAD

    Alexander

    Hollands Heating Ltd

    INDEPENDENT RETAILER OF THE YEAR sponsored by MHK UK

    Lima Kitchens

    JLC Interiors Ltd

    Harrison James (Shropshire) Ltd

    Urban Myth

    INSTALLATION BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by Häfele

    Interior Motive (Yorks) Ltd                                                                                                                               

    Premium Kitchens & Bedrooms Ltd

    The Adroit Services Partnership

    Alexander

    T&N Developments Ltd

    Elle & R Home Improvements Ltd

    INSTALLATION MANAGER OF THE YEAR sponsored by Sonas Bathrooms

    Alex Smith                    Lima Kitchens

    Ian Cloggie                   Christian Andrews Interiors

    Harry Weaver               Harrison James (Shropshire) Ltd

    Harriett Grice               Wren Contracts

    Gurpreet Singh Sudan   Easy Bathrooms

    Warwick Hockley          Alexander

    INSTALLER OF THE YEAR sponsored by CT1

    James Johnson             Johnson Design & Installation

    Ian Cloggie                   Christian Andrews Interiors

    Brett Cattlin                 Solihull Bathrooms

    Ian Moore                    JTL Interiors

    Mark Tugwell                Alexander

    Nathan Hardy               Hardy Homes

    NATIONAL RETAILER OF THE YEAR sponsored by Anthill

    Wren Kitchens

    Easy Bathrooms

    Wickes

    Magnet Kitchens

    YOUNG INSTALLER OF THE YEAR sponsored by Schlüter Systems

    Olivia Weaver              Harrison James (Shropshire) Ltd

    Aidan Parish                Lima Kitchens

    Jack Drury                    JCD Kitchens

    Sophie Maguire            Pink Plumbing

    ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

    JLC Interiors Ltd

    Rehome

    HIPPO

    Rotpunkt

    INDUSTRY NEWCOMER 2025 sponsored by Lecico

    Olivia Weaver               Harrison James (Shropshire) Ltd

    Easy Bathrooms

    Elle & R Home Improvements Ltd

    A Special Recognition Award will also be presented on the evening.

    BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters commented, ‘ The BiKBBI Awards is an important platform to recognise and reward excellence in installation – a vital and often overlooked area of the KBB industry, and we are delighted to see continued year-on growth both in terms of the number of entries but also in the number of businesses getting involved. This year has been a tough one for many businesses, with lots of uncertainty and distraction. Therefore, the support and involvement from all areas of the industry means more than ever before. This year’s finalists should be in no doubt that being a finalist is a cause for celebration in itself. We look forward to celebrating with them in February at the BiKBBI Awards presentation.  It is so important that the installation sector is recognised for the role that it plays in the industry, and special thanks goes to those businesses that are sponsoring the 2025 Awards – their commitment and support is what makes both the Awards programme and the presentation event possible.’ 

    The winners of all eleven categories, along with the winner of the BiKBBI Special Recognition Award, will be announced at an Awards ceremony at the prestigious QEII Centre in London’s Westminster on the evening of Tuesday, 4 February 2025.

    Tickets for the 2025 BiKBBI Awards are now on sale and can be purchased here. More information on the event and the awards programme can be found at bikbbi.org.uk.

    If you want to learn more about the remaining sponsorship opportunities for the BiKBBI Awards 2025, please email Michelle Daniels at michelle.daniels@bikbbi.org.uk or call 01375 213 199.

    From nature-inspired design to spa-like luxury, Laminam rounds up the top five bathroom surface trends for 2025.

    1. Cladded Basins and Vanity Units

    Inspired by five-star hotel luxury, cladded vanity units have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in en-suite bathrooms. This trend will become even more prominent in 2025 as homeowners look to recreate the spa-style sanctuary of a favourite holiday or luxury break at home.

    Twin basins also make a stunning statement within a bathroom scheme, especially when clad in a stone surface such as porcelain. Durable and hardwearing, it also creates a sleek and seamless look that flows effortlessly when paired with the same surface for countertops, splashbacks, showers, wall cladding and flooring. Porcelain is an ideal material for bathrooms, as it is non-porous, so it doesn’t require sealing. It is also water resistant; it is stain, scratch, moisture, and humidity resistant. The stunning marble effect of seamless porcelain surfaces will also bring a luxe look to any bathroom or en-suite, and for 2025, let the material take centre stage with fresh or warm whites with delicate veining or grounding earthy tones to bring a sense of the outside in.

    Pictured top Laminam Surface – Slate Series – Ankara

    2. Bookmatched Surfaces

    Laminam’s porcelain is perfect for making a statement in the bathroom. The large-format slabs can be laid horizontally or vertically for walls and floors, and 2025 will see a rise in the use of bookmatched patterns for large areas such as behind a freestanding bath, as a basin splashback or in a large walk-in shower area. Bookmatching allows for seamless continuity with no visible joins, which has the added benefit of being impervious to germs and bacteria while making cleaning easier thanks to fewer grout lines. The distinctive and eye-catching look is created by adjoining two or more slabs of stone cut from the same block right next to each other for a striking mirror-image effect. Laminam has over 20 designs that can be bookmatched.

    Laminam Bathroom Surface Trends

    Laminam Surface – I Naturali Series – Calacatta Oro Venato

    3. Nature Inspired Spaces

    With over 291,000 #biophilicdesign posts on Instagram, the trend for bringing the outside in looks set to stay for 2025. There are so many benefits to creating a natural and organic look and feel within the home – it helps to create a sense of calm and mindfulness, connecting us to nature and providing a welcome retreat from the hectic world outside. Adding plenty of potted and hanging plants also improves air purification, absorbing excess moisture and balancing humidity, which is particularly important for bathrooms and wet rooms.

    Laminam Surface – IN-SIDE Series – Pietra Piasentina Taupe

    4. Open-Plan Bathrooms

    A bathroom with a tub and sinkDescription automatically generated

    One of the biggest trends for 2025 will be opening up the bathroom, removing shower doors and creating a seamless and open wet room on its own or within a bathroom or en-suite, achieving a spacious and airy feel. Sleek and modern in aesthetics, the effect is also incredibly functional, especially when Laminam’s porcelain slabs are used for walls and flooring. With no visible joins, the room is easy to clean and ultra-hygienic, with no grout lines for germs and bacteria to hide in.

    Pictured aboveLaminam Surfaces – IN-SIDE Series – Terra di Matera {back wall and flooring}
    and Terra di Saturnia {bath and shower wall}

    5. Minimal Luxury

    Creating a calming and spa-like experience at home with minimal luxury means paring back to the essentials and ensuring these essentials are of the highest quality. Think bathrooms with a freestanding sculptural-shaped bath, concealed shower fixings, wall-mounted basin taps that leave the countertop clear and plenty of storage to hide everything from view. This bathroom style also lets the surfaces sing, with porcelain’s marble effects and authentic Italian look taking centre stage.

    Laminam Bathroom Surface Trends

    Laminam Surface – I Naturali Series – Pietra di Savoia

    The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) welcomes Schlüter-Systems Ltd, a world leader in tiling and waterproofing solutions, to join its membership.

    With a heritage dating back to 1966 and a legacy of innovative products such as the Schlüter-SCHIENE, the company brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the association.

    Tom Reynolds, the BMA’s chief executive, commented on the significance of their membership: “The addition of Schlüter-Systems to the BMA membership brings considerable value to our industry community. Their proven expertise in durable, reliable bathroom solutions and their commitment to quality align closely with the BMA’s goals.”

    Founded by master tiler Werner Schlüter, Schlüter-Systems has grown from its beginnings in Germany to operate globally, with offices across Europe, North America, and beyond. Known worldwide, the company’s Schlüter-SCHIENE product has set the standard in tile edge protection, and the company now offers a range of over 12,000 products. Its bathroom solutions include watertight surfaces for wetrooms and accessible shower installations, backed by a 10-year warranty.

    David Naylor, Head of Marketing at Schlüter-Systems Ltd, remarked on the company’s new membership: “Joining the BMA reflects our commitment to the highest standards in bathroom design and functionality.

    “We look forward to contributing our expertise and collaborating with other members to drive forward innovation and best practices in the industry. Together with the BMA, we are eager to help shape the future of bathroom solutions, promoting products that enhance safety, durability, and quality for customers.”

    The partnership marks a shared vision for advancing high standards and highlights the role of innovative design in improving the accessibility and functionality of bathroom spaces.

    Kudos Showers has appointed Michael Brewins as the customer services manager based at their Holme factory and office site in Cumbria. Michael brings a wealth of experience from previous customer service roles and will oversee a team of 4 in this front-facing position.

    “I chose Kudos Showers not only for its strong reputation for quality and innovation within the bathroom and shower industry, but because it prioritises and measures customer satisfaction and continuous improvement,” said Michael. “I’ve spent the last nine years managing and developing a customer-focused team at BT and my goal at Kudos is to continue to build on the great work that has been done to further elevate the customer experience.”

    Nick Graville, sales & marketing Director for Kudos, stated, “We’re thrilled to welcome Michael to our customer services team. His experience will significantly enhance the quality of service we provide. We have a longstanding reputation for delivering best-in-class customer service, and Michael’s addition to the team will further strengthen that reputation.”

    Kudos has been designing and manufacturing shower products at its Cumbria facility since 1999. Now trading as RONAL Bathrooms UK Ltd, 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.

    More news from Kudos Showers

    The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has swelled its number of affiliate members, announcing that dissident, a creative agency known for its unapologetically bold and memorable marketing, has joined the association.

    dissident brings a fresh perspective to the industry, focusing on crafting social-first strategies, photography, and videos that stand out from the crowd.

    Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the BMA, shared his thoughts on this exciting addition,“dissident’s approach to marketing is exactly what the bathroom sector needs to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Their expertise in creating campaigns that people genuinely remember will be a valuable asset to our members, helping them connect with customers in new and impactful ways. We look forward to seeing how dissident’s creativity will push the boundaries of traditional marketing in our industry.”

    dissident’s ethos is rooted in challenging the status quo, and their work is all about making brands unforgettable. Daniel Moore, creative director at dissident, outlined his enthusiasm for joining the BMA:
    “The bathroom sector is a fascinating world of innovation and craftsmanship, and we see huge potential to tell its story in ways that resonate deeply with audiences. As an affiliate member of the BMA, we aim to bring fresh energy and a unique perspective, helping brands stand out and build lasting connections with their customers. dissident thrives on making the ordinary extraordinary—something we believe aligns perfectly with the ambitious nature of this sector.”

    With dissident now part of the BMA family, members can expect to access innovative marketing services that transform how they present their products and engage with customers. From reimagining brand identities to delivering disruptive campaigns, this partnership is set to make waves in the industry.

    Pantone, the global authority on colour standards, today unveiled PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse as its Colour of the Year for 2025. This evocative soft brown shade, reminiscent of cacao, chocolate, and coffee, captures the essence of comfort and indulgence, offering a rich, nurturing hue that appeals to our senses and desire for warmth.

    “Underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence,” said leatrice eiseman, executive director of Pantone Color Institute.

    “Sophisticated and lush, yet unpretentious, it transforms browns from humble and grounded to aspirational and luxe. Infused with subtle elegance, it presents a discrete touch of glamour and envelopes us in sensorial warmth.”

    In a world increasingly aligned with nature, Mocha Mousse embodies authenticity and harmony, bridging modernity with timeless beauty. The colour celebrates balance and connection, fostering a sense of calm and wellness.

    “The everlasting search for harmony filters through every aspect of our lives,” added laurie pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute. “For 2025, we chose a colour that reflects our desire for comfort, wellness, and the indulgence of simple pleasures.”

    To celebrate the 26th anniversary of Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Pantone will host global events showcasing PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. The first stop on the international tour will be the lastminute.com London Eye, where the iconic landmark will light up the London skyline in the Colour of the Year on 5 December at 6pm GMT, offering a public light show for all to enjoy

    In 2020, Cosentino introduced Hybriq+ technology to its Silestone ranges, reflecting a growing consumer interest in sustainability. It recently developed Silestone XM with a maximum crystalline silica content of 10%. Silestone by Cosentino combines an innovative production process, which drastically reduces its content of crystalline silica, with high visual appeal—the end result being sustainable and high-performing mineral surfaces.

    Sustainable luxury is more than a short-lived trend, and materials like Silestone Le Chic Boheme, which combine durability with timeless design, are essential for creating hardwearing, beautiful spaces that maintain their aesthetic appeal for years to come.

    Dark, earthy hues

    Le Chic Boheme by SilestoneXM in Chateau Brown

    Neutrals out, drama in; biophilic colours come to the fore in 2025, particularly darker hues to create luxurious, moody interiors. Cosentino’s surfaces take inspiration from the natural world, mimicking the colours and textures to create timeless surface design, from rich greens to alluring, veined charcoals.

    Katie Parry Stone, retail manager at Cosentino UK, comments: “Deep, natural tones that induce a sense of well-being and calm into interiors have seen a surge in popularity, particularly within kitchen and bathroom design. This shift toward earthy tones, as opposed to the minimalist, clinical white homes that were previously popular, can be incredibly powerful in conveying calm and tranquillity in a space. Deep, dark hues are also incredibly effective when designing a cosy space. Shades like Chateau Brown from our recent Silestone XM collection, Le Chic Boheme, and Bohemian Flame from Le Chic by Silestone, are rich and versatile shades ideal for adding warmth as accent colours, or to imbue a space with a cosy atmosphere when used throughout the wider scheme.”

    Seamless spaces

    From free-flowing islands to invisible sinks, seamless integration is very much on the radar for 2025.Tasteful, high performing and versatile, Cosentino’s surfaces are available across a range of applications, including cladding, flooring and worktops, minimising interruption and enhancing the illusion of space.

    Heavy texture

    Kitchens-Review-Cosentino-Dekton-Ukiyo-in-Rem

    Dekton Ukiyo by Cosentino in Nacre, from £400 per sqm

    From fluting to rich veining, texture in the home and in hospitality is a steadfast trend for 2025. Anticipate experimentations with colour, patterns and thickness for greater depth and visual interest anywhere from the home to bars, restaurants and hotel where it creates striking and unexpected design.

    As one of the first to incorporate fluted titles to its portfolio, Cosentino is constantly developing fresh approaches to texture, with its most recent innovation, Dekton Ukiyo, in collaboration with designer Claudia Afshar.

    “Fluted designs are proving popular, though we have seen them keep in bathroom design over the past few years, they are gaining momentum in kitchen design to create vibrant and contemporary spaces. Dekton Ukiyo by Cosentino is a great way to incorporated fluted surfaces within the kitchen. Veined worktops can also be used to add interest, depth and layers to an otherwise flat surface, and the delicate pattern can be incorporated for designs that are characterful and intricate to introduce a touch of sparkle and glamour on countertops or splashbacks,” comments Katie.

    Invisible technology

    Supplementing seamless design schemes is invisible technology, with more homeowners investing in smart appliances that are tactfully hidden from view. This enhances functionality in the home without compromising aesthetic appeal.

    The Essential Induction is innovation in its purest form, developed collaboratively by Gaggenau and Cosentino. The innovative technology combines with Dekton’s ultracompact and scratch resistant surface – the result being a high-performing, single surface appliance with no barriers, frames or gaps for seamless integration in any kitchen

    Gaggenau-x-Dekton-Essential-Induction-Worktop

    Gaggenau x Dekton Essential Induction Worktop – Price on application

    During a preview at the hotel design exhibition HIX 2024, the GROHE team welcomed its first guests. As the first Specification Hub concept for GROHE UK, it has been designed to provide a dedicated space for A&D customers to see the GROHE portfolio first-hand, providing a tactical and personal experience ahead of decision-making and final specification.

    Chris Dodds, leader of the UK & Ireland, LIXIL EMENA, said: “Our new Specification Hub in London is a significant step for us. We want our partners in the projects sector – many of whom have global influence – to have a dedicated space in which they can spend time with GROHE products and our specification team. It is intended to be a resource for many stakeholders, and we invite our customers to bring their own clients to visit us for specification discussions. I’d like to thank the team behind the project for their tireless work and look forward to welcoming our partners, both new and prospective into the space over the course of 2025.”

    Visitors to HIX 2024 were invited to explore GROHE’s core collections for the projects sector, including the newly launched Cubeo basin mixer range and the first-of-its-kind Rapdio Shower Frame. Elsewhere within the space, an impressive working shower display allows for demonstrations, and a large range of premium fittings from the luxury GROHE SPA range are available to view.

    Unlocking the full potential of compact bathrooms requires a creative design approach combined with high-quality, space-saving products. When space is limited, success lies in pairing efficient, compact designs with thoughtful planning to maximise every inch.

    By seamlessly blending materials and colours, it’s possible to create durable, visually stunning spaces. Carefully selected décor and strategic lighting further enhance the space, transforming even the smallest bathrooms into comfortable, charming retreats.

    Today, Duravit explains how its innovative products contribute to smart floor plans while maintaining a cohesive design language.

    Bathroom-Review-Dream-Bathrooms-Duravit-D-Code

    D-Code: The compact complete bathroom

    Pictured top and above, the D-Code bathroom collection by Sieger Design offers a wide selection of products ideal for small or guest bathrooms. With its sleek, timeless design, this range brings any space a harmonious and elegant look. The compact sizes of the washbasin, furniture pieces, and toilet are specifically designed to maximize space efficiency, ensuring that every centimetre is used effectively in smaller bathrooms. Storage solutions are crucial for maintaining a tidy appearance in limited spaces. Vanity units utilize the area beneath the washbasin, while tall cabinets make use of vertical space, providing abundant storage and giving the room a more spacious feel. The D-Code range also features a space-saving compact toilet with a reduced projection that conserves valuable space without compromising performance.

    Contemporary compact bathrooms with Sivida

    Similarly, Philippe Starck’s Sivida washbasin program is perfect for small bathrooms. Its cast-mineral washbasin and subdued colours inject a certain flair. The DuroCast cast-mineral material developed by the designer bathroom manufacturer has a gentle look and feel, generating a sense of vitality in the bathroom. It is also especially durable and easy to clean.

    The washbasin program includes elegantly shaped cast-mineral basins that coordinate with straight-lined furniture, creating a harmonious aesthetic while providing ample surface and storage space. Inner dividers for drawers, which can be added later, enhance tidiness in the bathroom, while tall cabinets offer additional storage space for towels and care products.