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Construction and development sector poised for recovery in 2025

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The construction and property development sector is set for a robust recovery in 2025 following a challenging 2024, marked by three consecutive years of decline.

Despite a challenging period with decreased dwelling starts and reduced lending, Rangewell, a specialist lending expert, reports early signs of revival. The forecast suggests a significant rebound in 2025, with specialist lenders showing increased appetite and higher loan-to-value ratios.

Rangewell’s analysis indicates that while the sector has faced economic headwinds, leading to selective lending, there is growing optimism. Outstanding lending in construction fell by 7.2% in 2023 and 4.0% in 2022, with a projected further drop of 5.2% in 2024 before a rebound in early 2025.

The decline in lending has impacted dwelling starts, with 162,350 new dwellings recorded in 2023-24, down 19.8% from the previous year. This follows a 2.6% drop in 2022/23. Rangewell anticipates a 2.9% market size decline in 2024, reversing the growth trend in 2022 and 2023.

However, the outlook is improving. The Bank of England’s interest rate cut to 5% in August, with another expected in November, should reduce financing costs. This is likely to stimulate commercial interest and boost residential construction demand.

Additionally, the new Labour government’s ambitious housing targets—including a 1.5 million home goal and potential green belt reclassifications—signals a positive shift. Rangewell has noted increased lending appetite in the latter half of the year.

Alasdair McPherson, head of partnerships at Rangewell, remarked: “The construction and property development sector is emerging from a challenging period marked by economic uncertainty. We anticipate a contraction in 2024 due to current trends, but confidence is returning. Lending conditions are improving, and with expected interest rate cuts, we foresee a strong uplift in 2025. Developers with strong projects are already receiving better lending terms.”

Data Tables and Sources

  • *Market size: IbisWorld
  • Dwelling starts: Gov UK, StatsWales, Gov.Scot, Finance Northern Ireland
  • Lending: Bank of England
  • Forecasts: Rangewell
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Duravit – using colour to create an impactful atmosphere

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Using colour in the bathroom is a powerful tool for creating an attractive and impactful atmosphere. From bold hues to subtle shades, colour can dramatically influence the mood and style of your space.

Bold colours for a design statement

Christian Werner, designer of Duravit’s Vitrium series, notes, “Colour determines how we perceive a product. It’s an emotion because everyone responds to it differently. Multiple colours create a kind of resonance that ideally fosters harmony.”

The Vitrium collection features a spectrum from deep Cinnamon Red to vibrant Blue Green and soothing Blue. Each shade brings a distinct atmosphere: Cinnamon Red evokes warmth and nature, Salon Blue offers a calming effect perfect for relaxation, and Matt Green Blue introduces a refreshing, natural touch. These colours enhance the room and harmonise with various furnishing styles.

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Muted shades for timeless elegance

For a more classic look, consider muted colours with lower saturation. Gentle Grey, Green, and Blue create a sophisticated, balanced ambience and blend seamlessly with other tones. Duravit’s Sivida range epitomises this trend, offering a modern, customisable colour scheme with matt finishes on washbasins and furniture. The bicolour washbasin option adds an engaging accent without overwhelming the space.

Accents for a Subtle Upgrade

Focus on accessories to make a significant impact without a full renovation. Duravit’s range includes faucets, showerheads, and furniture details in five stylish finishes, including innovative PVD surfaces. These additions allow for personalisation and elegance, transforming your bathroom with minimal effort. Whether opting for a complete overhaul or targeted accents, Duravit’s colour palette promises to elevate your bathroom with a touch of sophistication.

This approach ensures that every colour choice, whether bold or muted, contributes to a harmonious and inviting bathroom environment.

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Julie McLean appointed Vice-President of the BMA

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The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has announced the appointment of Julie McLean, marketing director at Hansgrohe UK & Ireland, as its new vice president. Julie, who has served on the BMA Board, brings experience and knowledge to this new role and will continue to play a vital role in steering the association’s mission.

As a trade body run by its members for its members, the BMA Board is comprised of a diverse group of experts and senior figures within the bathroom sector. These individuals contribute extensive knowledge and deep understanding to guide the association’s activities, from advancing sustainability and compliance initiatives to addressing the ever-changing market landscape.

Julie McLean has been a pivotal figure in the industry, leading marketing strategies for Hansgrohe UK & Ireland, part of the globally recognised Hansgrohe Group. Their brands are synonymous with innovation, design, and quality and are known for solid sustainability commitments. The company, initially founded in the Black Forest, Germany, in 1901, has a rich history of innovation, including pioneering the first hand-held shower with multiple spray types and the first pull-out kitchen mixer tap.

Julie McLean expressed her excitement about her new role, saying, “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as Vice-President of the BMA. This is a fantastic opportunity to continue working closely with the association to drive forward key initiatives, particularly around sustainability and water conservation.

“Over the coming year, I am committed to leveraging my experience to help the BMA achieve its goals and further support our members in adapting to the evolving challenges of our industry.”

Tom Reynolds, the BMA’s chief executive, praised Julie’s contributions to the association, stating, “Julie McLean has been an invaluable member of our Board, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our industry.

“Her leadership and commitment to sustainability are staple foundations of the BMA’s objectives. I am confident she will continue to provide exceptional guidance and expertise in her new role as Vice-President.”

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KEUCO adds four new colours and finishes to brassware & accessories

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KEUCO has added four new finishes to its bathroom fittings and accessories range: brushed red gold, brass, titanium black, and stainless steel. Handcrafted in KEUCO’s in-house electroplating facilities in Hemer, Germany, these finishes are designed to meet the highest standards of durability and aesthetics.

Renowned for its precision craftsmanship, KEUCO’s new colour range is available across selected products from the EDITION 400, EDITION 11, COLLECTION MOLL, and IXMO series, including a wide array of shower accessories. These exclusive finishes open up new possibilities for designers and specifiers, enabling the creation of luxurious, bespoke bathroom spaces.

Combining craftsmanship with durability

Each finish undergoes an intricate manual process, ensuring unparalleled quality and corrosion resistance. The red gold and brass finishes incorporate precious metals, while titanium, black and stainless steel bring a sleek, contemporary look.

Levent Obuz, head of electroplating at KEUCO, states: “The fittings and accessories are finished by hand in our electroplating facility. This is the only way we can meet KEUCO’s high standards of quality,”

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Timeless designs, infinite possibilities

The new finishes complement KEUCO’s existing product lines, each offering a distinctive aesthetic. EDITION 11’s clean, straight lines exude minimalist elegance, while the sensual curves of EDITION 400 add a softer, organic touch. COLLECTION MOLL’s timeless design brings understated sophistication, and the multi-award-winning IXMO series offers sleek, space-saving solutions for modern bathrooms.

For further information or to request samples, visit the KEUCO website.

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More news and product information from KEUCO

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The Little Blue Bathroom Co brochure supports new Waterline bathroom collection

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Waterline has announced the release of The Little Blue Bathroom Co brochure, intended to support the launch of its new bathroom collection. This beautifully curated, full-colour 52-page brochure showcases the full range of bathroom products, offering independent retailers a comprehensive and inspirational resource for their customers.

The brochure covers every aspect of bathroom design, from furniture and sanitaryware to showers, towel warmers, and lighting, so designers and retailers can find everything they need from a single, reliable supplier. Featuring a broad spectrum of styles, the collection caters to both traditional and contemporary tastes, incorporating the latest trends in shapes, materials, and finishes.

The brochure combines lifestyle photography with detailed product cut-outs and specification details, making it both visually engaging and practical for ordering. Designed as a handy reference tool, it simplifies the process for retailers and designers by offering all the key product information in one place, making it easy to source and specify bathroom solutions tailored to individual customer needs.

As Waterline expands its offering into the bathroom sector, The Little Blue Bathroom Co brochure reinforces its commitment to providing independent retailers with quality products, exceptional design, and competitive pricing. This move also reflects Waterline’s vision of becoming a one-stop solution for retailers by expanding its comprehensive kbb service portfolio.

“At Waterline, design and quality are paramount, and this bathroom collection is no exception,” said Michael Marriott, CEO of Waterline. “The Little Blue Bathroom Co brochure not only showcases the wide range of products available but also provides inspiration for retailers and customers, with solutions for every bathroom style and size.”

For more information visit www.waterline.co.uk or call 03330 149 149.

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PJH Wolverhampton flagship distribution centre nears completion                

Bathroom Review PJH New warehouse

KBB distributor PJH, has provided an update on the progress at its new Wolverhampton Distribution Centre. This purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility is set to enhance PJH’s operational capabilities yet further and continue its commitment to being the ‘Customers’ FIRST CHOICE’.

Located just 8.3 miles from PJH’s current Cannock site, the new Wolverhampton Distribution Centre will replace the Cannock facility. It was designed and built to PJH’s exacting specifications. At an impressive 205,000 sq ft, nearly double the size of the existing site, the new distribution centre will support PJH’s ambitious growth plans.

The huge new hi-tech site will facilitate continuous improvement and expansion, from planned product range enhancements to an increase in the already excellent stock availability and further improvements to the PJH Next-day delivery service.

The distribution centre will also provide 15,500 sq. ft. of high-quality office facilities and extensive car parking for PJH’s 150-strong workforce, who will be transferring from Cannock. Additionally, the site will feature a new, purpose-built showroom designed to showcase PJH’s extensive product portfolio to customers.

Richard George, CEO of PJH, commented: “We are incredibly pleased with the progress at our new Wolverhampton Distribution Centre and the countdown is now on for opening later this year. This facility is a testament to PJH’s commitment to growth and operational excellence. It will be a flagship site designed to support our ambitious plans and provide unparalleled service to our customers. Staying local allows us to retain our talented workforce, who are fundamental to our success, and we are delighted to see our vision taking shape.”

“We are on track to ‘go live’ by the end of 2024 and eagerly anticipate the operational enhancements this facility will bring.”

With all steel structures now in place, the Warehouse & Transport Hub installation has commenced, laying the groundwork for efficient logistics and transport management. The warehouse racking solution has also been finalised, and PJH’s BREEAM excellent sustainable build application is ongoing, highlighting the company’s dedication to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices.

In addition, PJH’s bespoke Warehouse Management System (WMS) is now fully integrated, and new routines have begun being tested, ensuring seamless operations from day one.

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

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Italian TV star Matteo Viviani creates Kaldewei spa oasis in Milan penthouse

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With exquisite bathroom solutions made of Kaldewei steel enamel, Italian TV star Matteo Viviani and his family of four have created a spa oasis in their Milan penthouse that skilfully combines design, sustainability and modern functionality.

Matteo Viviani is a popular journalist, and in Italy, the TV presenter is considered an ecological and healthy lifestyle ambassador between the Alps and Etna. Viviani is committed to raising people’s awareness of sustainability. As such, he recently created a new format called “Andiamo a vedere se è vero” (“Let’s see if it’s true”) in collaboration with the lifestyle platform GreenMe. He lives in as sustainable way as he can, his exclusive Milan home – a penthouse in the Milan Innovation District (MIND) – was designed to be ecologically responsible from the outset, while fulfilling the highest standards of design and functionality.

His penthouse is located on one of the top floors of the MIND. The progressive district project focuses on contemporary architecture that emphasises harmony and well-being. It was supervised by architect Aldo Simoncelli, who was able to interpret the vision of Matteo and his family and translate it into an inviting environment with a futuristic flair. The design and materiality of the selected products correspond to a modern concept of functionality and comfort, combined with durability and respect for the environment.

Individual character for every bathroom

The guest bathroom is characterised by the floor-level SUPERPLAN ZERO shower surface in elegant matt black, designed by Berlin designer Werner Aisslinger. For her bathroom, Ludmilla chose the delicate MIENA washbasins, designed by Anke Salomon, a perfect combination of minimalist design and exceptional quality. The highlight of the bathroom is the free-standing MEISTERSTÜCK OYO DUO bathtub in Cool Grey. With its flowing egg-shape design by renowned designer Stefan Diez, it is without a doubt the centrepiece of the bathroom.

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In the children’s bathroom, the family chose the MING washbowl in alpine white and in Matteo’s bathroom, a matt black CONO washbasin. All products made of recyclable steel enamel offer maximum comfort, durability and a high level of resistance. They combine individual luxury and exclusive design with comfort and sustainability – this respect for the environment, convinced Viviani and his family right from the start.

In keeping with the philosophy of this project, all walls are finished with Marmorino by Giorgio Graesan, a manually applied micro-lime. The floors are made of Fiemme Tremila wood, which does not require any adhesive during installation. The elegant lamps come from the Italian lighting manufacturer Lumina.“I never imagined that such a beautiful bathtub could offer the comfort that Ludmilla simply describes as ‘wonderful’, and that the bathtub would be so easy to clean and yet robust at the same time,” explains Matteo Viviani enthusiastically.

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Smart water solutions to reduce domestic water consumption

BMA Tom Reynolds

Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, argues that the widespread adoption of smart water meters would provide crucial data to lower water use.

The UK government’s ambition to curb domestic water consumption cannot rely solely on innovative technologies. While water-saving products like dual-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads are helpful, they represent only one piece of the puzzle. To achieve sustainable water usage and meet government targets, the real power lies in data-driven insights that help shape behaviours and create long-term habits.

Smart water meters are emerging as crucial tools for understanding and influencing household water habits. By tracking usage in real-time—such as shower durations, tap usage, and toilet flushes—these devices provide a wealth of information that can inform policies and public campaigns. However, the widespread implementation of smart meters in the UK has been limited, with no universal plan in place. Gathering the robust data needed to drive meaningful changes will be challenging without broad adoption.

Collaborative research is also key. One initiative should study how factors such as messaging, bathroom designs, and reminders can influence water-saving behaviour, especially during showers, one of the highest water-consuming activities. This research could provide valuable insights to design more effective campaigns, helping to promote simple water-saving behaviours like turning off taps while brushing teeth or taking shorter showers.

Moreover, smart water meters could be pivotal in identifying high-consumption households, enabling authorities to deliver tailored advice and solutions. For instance, personalised reports on water usage and tips on reducing consumption could motivate households more effectively than generalised public service announcements. Households that see precise data on their habits may be more inclined to adopt sustainable practices, helping to foster a sense of personal responsibility.

The potential of smart water meters goes beyond individual households. By collecting real-time data on water consumption patterns, these devices would enable the government to identify peak usage periods, regional consumption differences, and seasonal changes in demand. This granular understanding allows for developing highly targeted policies to address specific challenges, from droughts to water shortages, ensuring the entire country works together towards sustainable water management.

In addition, smart meters could be instrumental in evaluating the effectiveness of current water-saving initiatives, revealing which strategies work best in different areas or demographics. This ongoing feedback loop could help authorities refine their policies and campaigns, ensuring they remain responsive to emerging trends and challenges.

The need for a comprehensive, data-driven approach to water conservation is more urgent than ever. Smart technology offers a promising avenue to transform the way we manage water resources, ensuring future generations have access to this essential resource. For the government, embracing a data-centric strategy, supported by widespread smart meter adoption and behavioural research, could be a crucial step in meeting statutory water-saving targets.

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Barry Gladwish joins Roca Group UK

Bathroom-Review-Idral Roca Group Innotec

Roca Group UK has introduced Barry Gladwish to the Residential Specification team. Responsibilities will be to grow relationships and manage specifications with existing regional developers and the regional offices of national house builders.

Barry will also be tasked with winning incremental specifications for the Roca and LAUFEN ranges with regional developers.

“Barry is joining us at a key time, when we’re starting to feel a sense of optimism in the housing market,” says
Liam Buxton, new build director, Roca Group UK.

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“We need to be able to support and build our relationships with the industry, and someone with Barry’s experience will be a huge asset to Roca Group in achieving this. I’m looking forward to working closely with him.”

Barry explained his history and what he looked forward to in his new role. “Most recently, I’ve been working for Akzonobel in a national specification role, selling predominantly into the housing market. And before that, I worked with builders and merchants for 13 years, giving me an understanding of construction and materials as a whole. Therefore, although I’m new to bathrooms – and there is a lot to learn – there are many similarities between specification of sanitaryware and paint products, in terms of design and functionality.

“I also have long-standing relationships with many developers from my time in merchants and I’m
really looking forward to working with these customers once again and introducing them to Roca
and LAUFEN. The brands can be utilised across all types of housing, so targeting a wide range of
developers is an exciting prospect.”

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BiKBBI welcomes PJH as new Corporate Sponsor

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The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has announced that PJH, UK distributor of bathrooms, appliances, and sinks and taps, has become its latest sponsor.

PJH’s commitment to supporting this government-sanctioned organisation underscores its dedication to fostering a sustainable workforce and advancing education, standards, and compliance within the KBB installation sector.

Founded in 1972 and now part of the Globe Union group, PJH boasts over 355,000 square feet of warehouse space and a stockholding exceeding £25 million. Operating from its base in Bolton across seven UK sites and employing around 600 staff, PJH serves over 3,000 independent retailers, builders’ merchants, housebuilders, developers, and specifiers. The company offers many popular brands, including Bathrooms to Love, Bathrooms2Go, RefleXion, and Prima Appliances, alongside an extensive selection of A-brand appliances. PJH is renowned for its reliable service, supported by its own nationwide fleet of delivery vehicles and distribution centres, living up to its reputation as the “Customer’s First Choice”.

Kimberley Cooper, head of marketing & product at PJH, remarked, “We are delighted to partner with BiKBBI, joining a growing community of manufacturers, retailers, and installation businesses who are all essential to advancing our industry. As the UK’s premier supplier of bathrooms, appliances, and sinks & taps, PJH understands the critical impact that a professional installation network has on the reputation of the products we supply.

“Recognising the value of skilled installers—whose work ultimately enhances the quality perceived by the end-user – we are committed to contributing actively to learning goals through BiKBBI. This collaboration will help us leverage our extensive resources and knowledge to uplift the entire sector.

“We look forward to working closely with BiKBBI to make a positive difference, enhancing both educational standards and industry practices as a whole.”

Damian Walters, CEO of BiKBBI, added, “It has never been more crucial that the industry unite and work together for the benefit of all areas of KBB. PJH is joining a growing community of sponsors and partners who recognise the importance of collaboration and are demonstrating their commitment to helping BiKBBI drive positive change in the installation sector and the wider industry. PJH is a well-established and trusted brand, with vast knowledge and experience in their field, and we are delighted to welcome them as a corporate sponsor. We look forward to working with them.”

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