The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) picked up the Trade Association of the Year award at the prestigious Trade Association Forum (TAF) Awards.
Now in its 22nd year, the 2025 TAF Awards were held on Thursday, 27th February, at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London and are supported by the Department of Business and Trade. They serve as a testament to the pivotal role of Trade Associations in shaping industry standards and fostering collaboration.
This coveted accolade for the BMA highlights its unwavering commitment to advancing the interests of its members and promoting excellence within the bathroom manufacturing sector.
“We are absolutely overwhelmed to have won this ultimate association award,” remarked Tom Reynolds, Chief Executive of the BMA.
Tom and Amy Kirk, the engagement director, were at the KBIS Show in Las Vegas, hosting the British Pavillion, but they could not attend the awards ceremony. However, Tom endorsed the association’s efforts, “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of an incredible team, including Amy Kirk, Andrew McLean, Sandra Cliff, Lisa Carnwell, and Jane Blakeborough, as well as a supportive board and our active membership. All have contributed, and I hope everyone will share my pride in being part of the association.”
The TAF Awards represent a significant highlight in the Trade Association calendar, providing well-deserved recognition for organisations like the BMA that consistently demonstrate excellence and dedication in their field. This latest achievement further solidifies the BMA’s position as a leader in the industry.
This prestigious win follows the BMA’s success at the 2024 TAF Awards, where it secured the Association Team of the Year Award. The consecutive recognition highlights an ongoing commitment to delivering for its members within the sector.
Emily Wallace, chief executive of the Trade Association Forum and one of the head judges on the panel, said:
“The BMA had a fantastic year delivering for members with new partnerships, innovative programmes and increased growth and impact of the team.”
BC Designs is renowned for its high-quality, design-led baths, with its Cian® and Copper Bath Ranges being standout choices for luxury hotel bathrooms. These baths not only provide a striking focal point but also offer durability, practicality, and a superior bathing experience—key considerations for high-end hospitality settings.
BC Designs’ Cian® baths are crafted from a solid surface material that is both highly durable and beautifully smooth to the touch. The material is non-porous, meaning it is stain-resistant and easy to maintain—ideal for the rigorous demands of a hotel environment. Additionally, the baths are naturally insulated, helping to retain heat for a longer, more indulgent soak. The seamless, contemporary designs work perfectly in modern luxury hotel suites, offering a sleek and refined aesthetic. For those hotels seeking a truly bespoke bath, BC Designs Cian® baths can be ordered in any bespoke colour for an additional cost.
For hotels looking to make a bold statement, BC Designs’ Copper Baths (with finishes in tin, nickel, antiqued, Verdigris and painted options) provide an unrivalled sense of opulence. Handcrafted using traditional techniques, these baths exude character and sophistication. The natural heat-retaining properties of copper ensure a longer, more comfortable bathing experience, which is particularly appealing in high-end hotel settings. Over time, the living finish of the copper develops a unique patina, adding to its charm and exclusivity.
A firm favourite of boutique hotels, the copper baths are often featured on outdoor decks so that guests can bathe under the stars.
Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs, says: “While luxurious freestanding baths have been a staple of hotel design for at least the last decade, we’re seeing a move to combine this with colour and personalisation. Combining a freestanding bath with dramatic colour is a sure-fire way to create an on-trend bathroom without overpowering the space”
“One such colour that is everywhere this year is avocado, which offers both an earthy and rich palette which brings a vibrancy without being overpowering. In fact, it is the biggest colour trend of bathroom design this year.”
Features by Diane Larner, founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review. Diane Larner launched both titles over 15 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.
Creating a successful design for the hotel industry means building operational and safe spaces that enhance the user experience. In spa areas and bathrooms, guests seek immersive environments where they can unwind and switch off from the everyday. Additionally, integrating advanced technologies, including smart lighting and climate control systems, allows visits to be personalised.
Today’s consumers also want sustainability-assurances, and with eco-travel on the rise, Booking.com has confirmed that 73%* of travellers prefer an eco-sustainable hotel rather than a traditional one.
Keeping it light
Accent lighting in bathrooms or spas plays a key role when developing a functional yet inviting atmosphere. Lighting design that is divided adequately between ambient and task goes a long way to ensure the space is well-lit yet with a good balance between brightness and softness.
Schlüter-Systems is well known for enabling the design and installation of long-lasting, creative bathrooms and has a varied portfolio of intelligent products and systems. The collection of lighting systems, which incorporate advanced control and luminaire technology, offers almost unlimited choice for the most imaginative schemes.
Schlüter-LIPROTEC can be installed in a choice of direct or indirect lighting effects, enabling the interior designer, architect, or property owner to illuminate feature walls, pictures, tiled areas such as shower enclosures or study spaces, kitchen countertops, and stairways. In fact, anywhere, the creative mind can conceive a plan.
Surface appeal
HEWI PVD Surfaces
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) surfaces are increasingly popular in hospitality design thanks to their durability and aesthetic appeal. The PVD process is considered more environmentally friendly as it produces less waste and uses fewer chemicals. In addition, PVD doesn’t utilise toxic solvents or heavy metals.
PVD coatings are also highly durable and have an extended lifespan, which reduces environmental impact since they will not need to be replaced. As sustainability becomes a growing focus in hospitality design, the use of PVD surfaces offers a more eco-conscious option without compromising on quality or aesthetics.
Florian Haude, HEWI product manager, explains, “PVD-coated surfaces are trending and highly sought after in the hotel industry. Their durable, scratch-resistant finish ensures long-lasting elegance, even in high-traffic areas. From stylish bathroom fixtures to refined furniture details, PVD coatings enhance aesthetics while offering superior resistance to wear and tear.
“In addition to their durability, these surfaces are easy to maintain and retain their flawless appearance. With a wide range of modern finishes available, PVD technology allows hotels to create stylish and contemporary interiors that stand the test of time.”
HEWI has added twelve new PVD metallic designer surfaces, including brass, bronze, and gold. The latest designs can help transform contemporary sanitary rooms into personalised oases of well-being – be it in hotels, representative public buildings, elective surgery areas in hospitals or the bathroom at home.
A touch of glass
RAUVISIO Crystal Glass Laminates
When selecting products for walls, washbasins, floors or furniture, creating a streamlined look will help to deliver sleek, sophisticated style. Clean cut, reflective surfaces and cabinetry add a high-end feel and reflect light, which in turn enhances the sense of space. These smooth, seamless finishes provide elegant good looks and offer a practical hygiene benefit. In short, materials such as high-gloss laminates and smooth composite surfaces are an ideal way to deliver contemporary style to both public spaces and private rooms, and although traditional glass delivers the same look, it is fragile and hard to maintain.
REHAU’s RAUVISIO glass laminate collections combine this balance of elegance and practicality, offering a modern alternative that maintains the aesthetic appeal of glass with added durability.
All systems go
CRL Stone Serenity Shower System
Employing universal and adaptive design principles means hoteliers can create spaces that are accessible to all guests. Investing in shower rooms that are inclusive is not just a moral step in the right direction, it also represents strategic business acumen that will increase profitability in the long run.
Simon Boocock, MD, CRL, explains, “Hoteliers are increasingly recognising the benefits of bespoke showering solutions which can accommodate a range of guest requirements. Today’s discerning guests want seamless, design-led, accessible solutions that cater for a variety of different needs without looking institutionalised.
CRL’s sleek and stylish Ceralsio surfaces are well suited to damp, humid bathrooms, are durable, and are easy to keep clean while also creating the high-end, spa-style aesthetic that today’s guests expect. They can be combined with its frameless, accessible sliding glass shower doors and CRL’s Serenity Shower System in Brushed Stainless Steel to create a light, minimalistic wetroom design.
“Bespoke showers that provide universal solutions have become an increasingly attractive choice for hoteliers with wetrooms and wall cladding leading the way.”
Make a statement
BC Designs Copper Bath
Incorporating deep, enriching colour into design remains a key trend for 2025. Colour helps create an atmosphere with earthy tones such as reds and gold, promoting cosy warmth, whilst cool blues and greens deliver a calming sense of tranquillity. Add a statement piece, like a freestanding bath, into the mix, and you have a unique design that helps build brand identity.
Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs, agrees, “While luxurious freestanding baths have been a staple of hotel design for at least the last decade, we’re seeing a move to combine this with colour and personalisation. Combining a freestanding bath with dramatic colour is a sure-fire way to create an on-trend bathroom without overpowering the space”
“One such colour that is everywhere this year is avocado, which offers both an earthy and rich palette which brings a vibrancy without being overpowering. In fact, it is the biggest colour trend of bathroom design this year.”
BC Designs is renowned for its high-quality, design-led baths, with its Cian® and Copper Bath Ranges being standout choices for luxury hotel bathrooms. These baths not only provide a striking focal point but also offer durability, practicality, and a superior bathing experience—key considerations for high-end hospitality settings.
You can see more on our site if you enjoyed thisBathroom Review feature. Alternatively, if Kitchens are your thing, please visit our sister site, Kitchens Review
Traditional glass is beautiful yet fragile and hard to maintain. However, REHAU’s RAUVISIO glass laminate collections combine elegance and practicality, offering a modern alternative that maintains the aesthetic appeal of glass with added durability.
Design Trends in Modern Spaces Contemporary interior design embraces elements that enhance comfort and functionality:
Proximity to Nature: Floral elements and plants create a calming atmosphere, purifying the air and promoting relaxation.
Organic Materials: Neutral tones and natural materials like terracotta, marble, wood, and clay accessories provide warmth and comfort, avoiding overwhelming colours.
Clever Space Design: Multifunctional rooms, with flexible layouts and retractable elements, make spaces adaptable to different activities.
Practicality: Furniture should be comfortable, easy to clean, and resistant to wear, which is why innovative materials like glass laminate are becoming increasingly popular.
RAUVISIO Crystal Glass Laminate – Superior to Glass RAUVISIO Crystal is highly regarded for its scratch resistance and durability. Unlike traditional glass, it is ten times more resistant to cracking and can be easily cut, milled, or crafted with traditional tools. It is also lighter than glass and can bear heavy loads. Its easy maintenance is a significant advantage: no fingerprints, and cleaning is as simple as wiping with a cloth and water. The material can even be written on with a marker or chalk, depending on the finish.
Functionality and Aesthetic Appeal Good design balances practicality with aesthetic value. RAUVISIO Crystal surfaces not only perform exceptionally but also look stunning. Available in a range of finishes, the surfaces add a unique touch to any interior.
Three Versions of RAUVISIO Crystal The collection offers three distinct versions, each with a unique aesthetic:
RAUVISIO Crystal Deep: Features a matt finish with a metallic shimmer, offering a sophisticated look and depth.
RAUVISIO Crystal Pure: A minimalist, smooth surface in soft colours, creating transparent harmony.
RAUVISIO Crystal Strong: The boldest version, with striking patterns like raw marble or warm wood, perfect for large surfaces that demand attention.
Each version of RAUVISIO Crystal provides exceptional functionality and refinement, ensuring a stylish and durable solution for modern interiors.
Today, Toby Griffin, a KBB business consultant, explores the topic of greenwashing in the KBB industry as climate change continues to drive the need for sustainability.
As we all know, manufacturers make stuff. This stuff goes into our new kitchens and bathrooms and makes wonderful new spaces for us to use and enjoy. Making these products involves sourcing raw materials and then using machinery, energy and transport to deliver the said stuff to the place it needs to be.
Let’s be honest, though: sourcing raw materials, using machinery, energy, and transport are all, arguably, bad for the environment.
Therefore, in this article in which I am going to be looking at so-called Greenwashing, it is on the understanding that – in practically all cases – making stuff is “bad” for the environment, but it’s something that we have to do if we are to thrive as a species, and – as time goes by – we are learning to make products in a more efficient and less harmful way, and long may this continue.
Understanding and accepting this backdrop, it is notable that the push to reduce the harmful effects of production on the environment mainly comes from outside of manufacturers themselves. The two main drivers, as I see it, are 1) governmental legislation and 2) an increased public consciousness of ‘green’ issues, as part of the popularly referred to ‘climate crisis’. With the former of these influences coming in the form of compliance with new regulations and pressure on factors like emissions caused by production, a brand’s manufacturing capability should comply accordingly or face the wrath of the legislature. These efforts mainly go on behind closed doors (sometimes also amongst legal representatives), as all parties want to be seen to comply. However, in a global production market with factories based in countries and regions that have different laws on environmental issues, it is not easy to monitor and measure.
But the latter of the two external pressures – that of the public’s and consumers’ desire to make ethical purchasing decisions – is generally played out in a very public arena: that of the product brand’s image and marketing efforts. This is where it all starts to get a little cloudy. As we all know, the marketing function’s role in a business is to seek out consumer desire to help influence new product innovation and then to create enquiries for the products on offer. So once a line-up of products has been decided upon, it is then beholden to a Marketing department to ‘put their best foot forward’ when pushing out their message. And this is where accusations of Greenwashing start to fester.
To gauge attitudes amongst KBB professionals as to the environmental credentials of the brands they deal with, I set a poll on Linkedin, posing the following question: “What percentage of KBB companies – do you believe – are sincere about their environmental messaging in their marketing?” The cynicism that I had anticipated very much rang true in the results, with two-thirds of the respondents saying that they felt that less than 25% were sincere, nearly a third saying 26-50%, and only a handful saying more than that. So, why is this? Well, I think it comes back to the drivers of environmental considerations and the second of Marketing’s two functions.
How much does the buying public care?
In essence, do consumers really desire environmental credentials to be a priority, and are THEY sincere? Do they perhaps just want to alleviate their conscience and, therefore, are, in fact, happy with Greenwashing? If not, are they willing to pay extra for products manufactured in more sustainable ways? As Matt Turton of Bold Kitchens told me, “Despite trying to discuss [this topic] with customers, my experience is they just ain’t interested!”.
In reality, environmental concerns aren’t a fixed point anyway. I know that Tom Reynolds of the Bathroom Manufacturer’s Association is pushing hard on the global front concerning reducing water use, but for some countries/regions, this is a big factor, and in others, reducing water use is not so important. Pitching a water-efficient shower, for example, is easier in Australia than in Scotland.
In what way do efficiency and environmental measures go ‘hand in hand’?
Concerning electrical appliances in kitchens, around the turn of the millennium, the EU introduced mandatory energy rating labels with a grading of A (A being the most efficient), and I remember how quickly the manufacturers responded to the point that classification of A*, A**, and A*** had to be introduced. Since then, the bar has had to be raised, with an old A* rating now being reclassified as F. Is there a better example of legislative intervention having driven up standards (with the benefit to consumers with their appliances now costing them often 50% less than run being a win-win situation)? Maybe a review of a property’s kitchen and bathroom fixtures being included in its EPC-rating might catch some attention too?
Interestingly, based on an analysis of the readership of industry articles on the topic of sustainability and the environment, it seems that readers find the topic a bit of a turn-off, too, although I would imagine that few would express this openly themselves.
So are we, too, part of the problem and/or of the same mindset? Is Greenwashing ‘pressing our buttons’? Or will it just take many more climate-related disasters for collective governments to take action? With the politics of many major economies seemingly waiving their environmental responsibilities, in the current climate, it can be demotivating to ‘fight the good fight’, but alternatively – in making our specification choices with a sustainability mindset now – perhaps we should avoid short-termist thinking and future-proof our kitchens and bathrooms for our both our direct consumers and the greater public good.
The mention of luxury suggests elegance and opulence, maybe even a little extravagance, but one thought that does not immediately spring to mind is sustainability. KALDEWEI coined the phrase “Luxstainability™” to describe how luxury and sustainability work together. At a panel discussion held at the Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge, London, on the 5th of February, a team of interior designers, designers, and sustainability experts discussed how this combination is evolving and how they are working to incorporate eco-friendly solutions into high-end interiors. The discussion highlighted innovative materials, the circular economy and new technologies.
The panel was compered by Carole Annett – interiors editor at Country & Town House, and included Roberto Martinez from Kaldewei, designer Stefan Diez, Positive Luxury CEO Amy Nelson-Bennett and Siobhan Kelly, associate director David Collins Studio.
The Bulgari Hotel was a key location as 15 years ago they selected Kaldewei’s sustainable steel enamel bathtubs for all their room, these tubs have now been physically in place for over 13 years – without receiving one single scratch. This was perfectly demonstrated as prior to the discussion, there was a tour of the bathrooms.
The elegant white tub was in direct contrast to the bold orange ‘Golden Sun’ freestanding OYO DUO bath that greeted guests as they entered the lobby. The latest design by Stefan Diez for Kaldewei is 100% recyclable and crafted to hold less water. Stefan is a key advocate of the circular economy and feels that brands that support sustainability need to truly understand what it entails.
This was one of the reasons he was keen to work with Kaldewei as a fourth-generation family-owned manufacturer. They know their products and are fully aware of the materials used. When discussing the creation of a new bathtub, Stefan presented Kaldewei with a single drawing and explained the concept; it was so in line with their thinking that they immediately started working together to create the OYO DUO bath.
Members of the panel were all asked how their luxury clients responded to the concept of sustainable design and how early in the process this was introduced.
“When designing a product, creating a building or undertaking a refurbishment, you need to have the right attitude at the start of the process,” said Amy Nelson-Bennett.
“At David Collins, we start this discussion as soon as we get the request for the proposal stage, so setting out the framework early on”, said Siobhan Kelly, “frequently the onus is put on the design team as to how this may be delivered; in general people love a story, a journey, so an accreditation or a certification mark helps tell the tale.”
How do you ensure that the luxury products you manufacture are ethically sourced, and how have you altered your manufacturing procedures to reduce your environmental footprint?
Roberto Martinez: “As we evolve so does our manufacturing process, the Kaldewei factory has been in the centre of the town for over 100 years, until only a few years ago the Kaldewei family also lived on site. My office was actually ‘grandmas’ bedroom’ although the furniture and curtains have changed, you can see the connection: the family were living in the same conditions as their workers, so long before the issue of climate change, we have altered and adapted our processes for the benefit of all, for example reducing pollution. To keep track of the changes, Kaldewei provides EPD’s Environmental Product Declarations so we can track the environmental footprint and impact of each and every product we have manufactured since 2009.”
We are here in a luxury hotel, and we all know that the designs created in these environments filter down to the general consumer, this takes time but when that design vision has saturated the market it often leads to a re-design and refurbishment. How do you suggest the waste is managed, and how would you encourage recycling or repurposing of materials when this happens?
Roberto – “When I spoke of EPD’s it was in relation to Kaldewei, but to make significant and comparable changes, you must have a level playing field, allowing you to see where alterations and adaptations need to be made, i.e. you need third-party approval. In 2021, Kaldewei signed up for the Paris Agreement, which uses science-based targets to allow us to measure our environmental impact and help identify the areas that need to be improved. A key example was manufacturing with steel which has a huge impact, so we made changes and now Kaldewei uses Bluemint a form of green steel. “
Stefan Diez: “All manufacturers from upholstery to sanitaryware need to lower their carbon footprint, we have only 25 years to get to net zero. The EU has formulated a set of goals for each sector designed to drive progress, and this will need to be registered. Manufacturers and brands that don’t comply with this will end up going out of business.”
“The cradle-to-cradle concept is part of this process; knowledge and education are imperative, especially when it comes to where you and your suppliers source their products. My team has spent the last 12 years looking at where the products we work with are sourced, not only the material but the carbon footprint, how it is processed and what happens at the end of the life cycle. In this way, Kaldewei is unique; approximately two-thirds of the product is sourced in Germany, just under a third from Europe, whilst approximately 1% comes from elsewhere in the world, and it is fully circular, the end product can be recycled back to steel and used to create another without any loss of quality.”
You all work in the luxury sector, can you explain a little about how you would measure the lifecycle impact of the materials used, including production, use, and disposal?
Amy: “We know that luxury consumers are interested in this. Approximately 70% do research, ask questions, and want to know where their products come from. They want to know how it has been created and how it can be disposed of, but this information needs to be freely available. The businesses that are ahead of the curve in this respect, the ones that can readily provide their clients with access to credible information, are those that are already leading the way. At Positive Luxury we use the Butterfly Mark as a tool, an accreditation to show that a product has undergone a rigorous process to demonstrate its true eco credentials.”
Siobhan: “Credibility is key, but it needs to work hand in hand with education, there is a fine line between the client’s vision and their approach to sustainability and low carbon spend. This is why something like the Butterfly Mark from Positive Luxury is a good starting point when explaining this to them.” Do clients ask about sustainable products, or do you educate them about the long-term value of sustainable design choices, both in terms of cost savings and environmental impact?
Do clients ask about sustainable products, or do you educate them about the long-term value of sustainable design choices, both in terms of cost savings and environmental impact?
Siobhan: “We are at a crossroads in design; we are moving away from a focus on hygiene and high tech turning the gaze onto well-designed products, creatively sourced and built to last. We also show how by-products, even items considered to be waste can be re-imagined, for example on a recent project we worked with local artisans who created table lamps from corn husks.”
Amy: “Think of this as a case of follow the leader. The industry depends on designers – they are at the forefront of designing and defining new luxury. And it is in the interest of the luxury market to define quality and encourage innovation, creating products and respecting the materials used. High-volume, low-quality brands will not be making these changes until they must, but the high-end luxury market will. Providing well-made, well-designed, and well-thought-out products that are not destined for landfill.
Roberto: For the cradle-to-cradle option to work on any project, the products used require a passport, and platforms such as Madaster are vital. By simply registering a product at the beginning of the project, it can be followed the whole way through its life cycle. In this way, sustainability and digitalisation go hand in hand.
Stefan: We need to look at the products that are used to build, historically we used to build houses from stone, and these could then be re-used, whereas the bricks of today are held together by cement and can’t be reused. We need to look at the raw materials, for example just because a table is currently made of virgin wood that doesn’t mean it always has to be – it could be made of grass. It is the perfect time to re-invent the surface.
“In conclusion – we all know that sustainable design is key to our future, and high quality, well crafted, exquisitely designed luxury products are not an entirely new concept – in the past, we may have considered them to be heirlooms, items to be passed onto the next generation. It is time to re-think the need for frequent change and the instant gratification of online shopping with next-day delivery and look to the future, deciding what we would like to leave as our heirloom to the next generation.”
Panellists Compered by Carole Annett – interiors editor at Country & Town House and host of The House Guest podcast. Representing Kaldewei: Roberto Martinez – with over 30 years of global business experience. His passion for innovation and sustainability and his desire to collaborate with global leaders in Architecture, Design and Hospitality fuels his drive to create a meaningful and lasting impact. Roberto brings Kaldewei’s vision of “LUXSTAINABILITY®” to life—blending the elegance of luxury with the responsibility of sustainability. Stefan Diez – Designer of the stunning and very sustainable OYO DUO bathtub; based in Munich, Stefan creates products for the circular economy. Since founding his studio DIEZ OFFICE in 2002, he has been at the forefront of transforming the ways in which contemporary products are developed and manufactured and has created a set of principles that outline how commercially successful products can be both environmentally and socially responsible.
Amy Nelson-Bennett – Positive Luxury CEO Amy is a passionate advocate for sustainability and social issues. Positive Luxury is the leading sustainability expert in the global luxury industry. Since 2011, they have only worked within the luxury sector and envision a future where the core principles of luxury and sustainability are fully and genuinely symbiotic.
Siobhan Kelly associate director, David Collins Studio and holder of a Butterfly Mark Certification from Positive Luxury. Sustainability plays a key role at the studio combining beauty with functionality and operational efficiency, they aim to create designs that are environmentally conscious. They partner with clients and suppliers who share their commitment to continually improving sustainable credentials and reducing our environmental impact.
HEWI is introducing new surfaces using the environmentally friendly PVD process to achieve maximum individuality in the bathroom.
Delivering more glamour to the bathroom, HEWI adds new metallic designer surfaces, including options such as brass, bronze or gold. The latest designs can help transform contemporary sanitary rooms into personalised oases of well-being – be it in hotels, representative public buildings, elective surgery areas in hospitals or the bathroom at home.
Altogether, the manufacturer offers four new standard and eight new special colours for its accessible sanitaryware and accessories, all manufactured in the PVD process. This allows for even more diversity and scope for bathroom planning.
Timelessness, elegance, and style are what the newdesigner surfaces from HEWI stand for. With its sanitary systems and accessories, HEWI transforms sanitary areas and privatebathrooms into feel-good spaces with that certain something extra.
Colours and surfaces are particularly suitable elements when planning to design sanitary rooms that are in tune with the atmosphere of the surrounding architecture. Be it cool, calming,warm or revitalising – HEWI offersnew, inspiring colours and surfaces for selectedranges and systems to suit every customised design.
Decorative and durable
The wide range of options includes brass, bronze, gold or black chrome, with brushed or glossy finish options. They are highly decorative and emotionally appealing, but behind thedelicate, shimmering surfaces lie extremely robustand resistant properties. The PVDsurfaces are corrosion-resistant, ideal forsanitary rooms or rooms with highhumidity. They also havedurable properties such as hardness and scratch resistance.HEWI offers a total of 4 new standard and eight newunique colours.
The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) is celebrating the success of its inaugural BMA Insights Live meeting, held on February 19, 2025, at the Nottingham Belfry. Designed to deliver high-value insights and networking opportunities, the event brought together industry leaders for a packed day of informative sessions, discussions, and collaboration.
The meeting featured two concurrent streams, allowing attendees to tailor their experience to their interests. The first stream focused on Technical Meetings, offering crucial updates on legislation, guidance, and future industry impacts. The second stream included the always-popular Marketing Meeting, talent development sessions, and a spotlight on independent retailers and showrooms.
The overwhelming success of this first event highlights the value of the BMA Insights Live events as an essential platform for knowledge-sharing and industry growth.
The next Insights Live will take place as part of InstallerSHOW 2025 on 24-26 June at the NEC Birmingham.
Nominations now open for BMA Thirty-under-Thirty Awards and Sustainability Award
In another exciting development, the BMA is now accepting nominations for the prestigious Thirty-under-Thirty Awards and the BMA Sustainability Award.
The Thirty-under-Thirty Awards celebrate emerging leaders and innovators under 30 who are shaping the future of the UK bathroom industry.
These awards highlight outstanding professionals across various disciplines, including finance, sales, marketing, design, and career advancements. Open to all BMA member companies, the awards recognise young professionals who demonstrate exceptional skills, leadership, and dedication to driving the industry forward.
How to enter the Thirty-under-Thirty Awards
BMA member companies can nominate up to four individuals by submitting a 400-word statement detailing why their nominee deserves recognition.
An independent judging panel will assess candidates based on their achievements, future potential, and peer recognition.
This year’s BMA Sustainability Award 2025 is one open category and will honour outstanding sustainability initiatives within the bathroom manufacturing sector. The awards celebrate BMA members leading in sustainable product innovation, water efficiency, and carbon footprint reduction.
How to enter the Sustainability Award
Entrants must submit:
A 400-word statement detailing the initiative’s background, processes, and impact and a short video (up to three minutes) showcasing the project (smartphone recordings are accepted).
A panel of independent judges will evaluate submissions based on environmental impact and innovation.
The BMA encourages all members to participate in these prestigious awards and celebrate the rising stars and sustainability champions driving the bathroom industry forward.
Kitchen products supplier Waterline has welcomed Emily Roberts as its new contract sales manager. Emily joins Waterline with nearly a decade of experience in the contract kitchen market, having worked in both operations and sales for a company that supplies kitchens to developers, housebuilders and main contractors. She has vast experience across a range of sites from single plots to high-rise tower blocks with over 400 homes.
In her new role, Emily will utilise her excellent customer service skills to support Waterline’s growing contract customers throughout the process from the initial design stage through to the completion of each project.
Commenting on her appointment, Emily said: “I’m excited to join Waterline and look forward to building on the work of the team in supplying customers with products that will add real value to their projects.”
Michael Marriot, CEO of Waterline, added: “It’s great to have Emily on-board. Her skills and experience make her a fantastic addition to our team as we continue to expand and develop our contracts business.”
This February, bathroom design brand GROHE hosted a thought-provoking debut panel discussion at its newly opened London Specification Hub exploring the topic “Can enjoyment of water ever be truly sustainable?”. The panel was chaired and moderated by renowned interior journalist Elspeth Pridham, while guest experts included:
Patrick Speck, LXIL’s Global Design Lead, Wan-Sheong Yau, Architect at Studio Moren; and Hayley Roy, Commercial Interior Designer at Harp Design.
For GROHE, sustainability is more than just a goal – it is a responsibility and part of the brand’s DNA. By engaging industry leaders and decision-makers in thoughtful discussions around sustainability and water scarcity, GROHE seeks to encourage conscious specification and lead by example to champion change.
Hayley Roy (pictured top) initiated the discussion, noting, “The true enjoyment of water is a luxury, and we often take advantage of that luxury when we’re not at home. There’s an underlying mindset that in commercial settings such as hotels conscious water usage isn’t a priority as you’re not paying the bill. It’s been found that on average a hotel has 3 times the water usage than that seen in a domestic setting, with the majority of usage coming from guest rooms.”
Wan-Sheong Yau (pictured left) added to the discussion, highlighting the enjoyment of water has a lot to do with location and accessibility “A luxurious multi-spray shower in a hotel room is often considered a standard essential, however if you take even the most basic of showers and place them in a first-class lounge on an aeroplane then that shower becomes a new level of privilege and luxury, with true enjoyment.”
The panel also explored the wider industry shift towards circularity and need for greener specification —from sustainable material choices to waste reduction in the manufacturing industry.
Patrick Speck emphasised the need of innovation continuity and enhanced education when it comes to resource-saving products “Sustainability and having luxury should not be seen as mutually exclusive. There are now many products available that enhance daily routines while minimising their environmental impact. Features like our SilkMove ES technology, which reduces unnecessary energy use, and our water-recycling shower concept, Everstream, are proof that innovation can drive real change. We’re continuing to drive education and fight the common misconception that low-flow showers and bathroom fittings provide a sub-standard experience. Users can have it all with a luxurious experience that also helps to save water, and we see it as our job to drive this change in mindset”
