Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

BiKBBI announces MHK as latest corporate sponsor

September 1, 2023

The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation has announced MHK UK as its latest corporate sponsor of 2023, supporting the government-sanctioned organisation and its work on building a sustainable workforce and improving education, standards, and compliance in the KBB installation sector.

MHK UK is a company of the MHK Group, the full-service association for medium-sized specialist trade and craft companies. The group is also a specialist in the sanitary, heating, and air-conditioning sectors, as well as supplying medium-sized businesses in the painting and building trades.

Marcel Crezee, director export MHK Group and managing director MHK UK commented ‘The MHK Group recognises the importance of installations and the role that this area of the sector plays in the success of our business. As MHK UK continues to grow its network of independent KBB retailers, it’s important that we support the installations sector and work alongside BiKBBI to help solve the skills shortage, improve education and training, and ultimately build a sustainable workforce that all KBB businesses will benefit from.’

BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters said ‘BiKBBI’s network of corporate sponsors continues to grow and 2023 has seen a record number of manufacturer, supplier and distributor brands committing to support the vital work we are doing to drive positive change in the sector. To welcome MHK UK onboard as a corporate sponsor is significant not only for us as an organisation but because it is a testament to just how important the installation workforce is the whole KBB industry. The work that the MHK Group does via their academy facility in Germany is a leading example of how the UK should be approaching education and training and we are very excited at the prospect of working with MHK UK the development of our plans on education.’

About BiKBBI

The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) says it is the UK’s first and only Government-sanctioned institute dedicated to Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom (KBB) installation. It works with professional installers, retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors of kitchen, bedroom & bathroom products to define industry standards, support skills development, and provide the industry with a national and collaborative voice.

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Duravit appoints Jutta Langer as president Europe plus

August 31, 2023

Bathroom brand Duravit has boosted its management team by appointing Jutta Langer as president Europe plus. Reporting directly to CEO Stephan Tahy, she will assume strategic, organisational, and profit & loss responsibility for European and African markets.

Jutta Langer has over 20 years of experience in companies such as Procter & Gamble and L’Oréal and management experience at the Werhahn Group.

She recently established the strategic consulting arm for GfK, a world-leading consumer intelligence company, as Global Vice President Consulting.

The new appointment strengthens Duravit’s activities in ‘Europe Plus’ (a region that includes its core market
of Germany) and brings a focus on Germany’s skilled trades and its European architectural customers.

Functionality, sustainability and E-commerce operations will also benefit from the new structure.

“With the appointment of Jutta Langer, we are acquiring a successful executive with international experience for the key sales region of Europe Plus, which includes our home market of Germany,” commented Stephan Tahy, CEO of Duravit AG.

“With her broad background in both B2B and B2C and her experience in the strategic development of business models and organizations, she will ensure that Duravit remains on its successful course.”

“I’m really looking forward to giving Duravit the benefit of my experience and at the same time working with the team to expand Duravit’s market position,” said Jutta Langer.

“The brand has so much appeal and is really respected around the world. True to Duravit’s mission statement of ‘Upgrade your everyday’, I’ll work intensively with my team to make our customers’ lives a little bit better every day.”

More news from Duravit

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Why go wall-hung? A buyers guide

August 25, 2023

Us Brits are often tasked with planning compact bathrooms, with the average UK bathroom measuring a modest 2M x 2M1. Fortunately, many innovations and designs allow homeowners to create an inviting yet functional space. Opting for wall-hung fittings within a compact space is an ideal solution to provide additional space while limiting clutter, helping to create a streamlined finish, and these fittings are continuing to grow in popularity as we get more familiar with their benefits.

Today, bathroom experts GROHE, provide a complete buyer’s guide and share all there is to know on wall-hung fittings, including how these design choices can elevate even the smallest of bathroom spaces with reduced outward projections and elevated placement.

Simple Installation

While its recommended wall-hung fittings are installed by professional installers, the fittings are often
not as invasive and complicated to install as often believed, especially when it comes to full bathroom
renovations. Many of GROHE’s models can be installed in front of a solid wall or within a stud wall in
next-to-no-time thanks to the GROHE QuickFix system with ToolFree feature, which requires no tools
to connect hose, inspection shaft, or water supply.

Functionality & Durability

Wall-mounted fittings offer the same functionality and durability as standard fittings and can even provide
improved function in some cases. The ‘built to last’ fittings firmly mounted to the wall allow room for improved cleanliness and hygiene. As the fittings are elevated from the floor space, with just the toilet or basin bowl visible and no exposed pipework or cistern, there’s less surface area and corners for dirt and grime to build up in, making easy cleaning.

A common misconception with wall-mounted toilets and sinks is that they do not offer adequate support, however a correctly installed flush-frame and basin can more than comfortably support the weight of almost any adult without any concerns. GROHE’s wall-mounted fittings carry the German TUV certification for load capacity with the toilets approved for weights up to 400KG and basins approved for up to 150KG.

Future-proof fittings

With modern flushing systems models such as the GROHE Rapid SLX, homeowners can have peace
of mind if future renovations are needed. While the Rapid SLX can work well with the regular WC
pans, it is exciting to note that it has been designed specially to cater to future-planning and features a
built-in electric socket and water connection ready for shower toilet installations, limiting the need for
invasion renovation work. The system is also equipped with various technologies, including GROHE
3 Whisper which prevents sound travelling through walls making it an ideal choice for households where
someone may be waking up numerous times throughout the night.

Wall-hung fittings can also provide enhanced accessibility to users, thanks to the fitting’s height being
adjustable and not limited to the fitting’s pedestal stands. GROHE’s concealed flush-frames have
adjustable feet, setting the height at the desired level and providing additional comfort.

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VitrA UK welcomes six new recruits

August 25, 2023

VitrA, a leading bathroom manufacturer, has appointed six new members to its growing team. These appointments mark an exciting chapter for VitrA as it continues to innovate and expand its reach in the industry.

Tyler Reid has assumed the role of contract sales manager at VitrA. With a wealth of experience in the construction industry, including six years of specification experience, Tyler is well-equipped to drive contract sales for the company. His previous positions as regional sales manager at Lorient (Assa Abloy) and key account manager at Moores Furniture Group, where he was in charge of supplying national and regional house builders, have honed his skills in managing key accounts and delivering exceptional results. Tyler joined the VitrA U.K. team in February.

Dan Callaghan has been appointed as contracts sales manager for the North and Scotland regions. With an impressive background in the industry, Dan brings extensive knowledge gained during his 13-year tenure at Wolseley and PTS, where he held various roles within the group. Having achieved significant success during his nine years at Zip Water, including being awarded the prestigious Salesman of the Year award in his first full year, Dan’s experience in manufacturing and sales will be invaluable in his new role at VitrA.

Mark Washbrook has been named the national key account manager for the residential sector at VitrA. Mark joins VitrA after a long and successful period with Ideal Standard as head of national house builder sales. Mark brings a unique perspective and deep understanding of the industry with previous roles at Wolseley, Ideal Boilers, and Albion Cylinders and 15 years of practical experience as a Plumbing and Heating Engineer. He is excited to take on the challenge of driving key account management and contributing to VitrA’s growth in the residential sector.

Jordan Fox has joined VitrA as digital media executive. Jordan brings a fresh perspective and widespread digital media experience, having previously worked with organisations specialising in sports marketing such as Curzon Ashton Football Club, The Sports Agents sports agency, and Plyable a digital manufacturing startup. With a BA in Business & Media, Jordan will be responsible for optimising the company’s digital activities, including website optimisation, SEO, paid campaigns and data analysis.

Tamara Harris has been appointed as VitrA’s senior finance manager, overseeing all the UK finance and HR activity. Having previously worked with the company between 2015 – 2021, Tamara returns with a wealth of financial experience and insight from her last role as financial director at Pure Cold Limited, and before that, various accountancy and financial roles with Lancaster Group PLC, the Oxford Bus Company and Go-Ahead East Anglia.

Laura Rutter has joined VitrA as area sales manager. Over the last 10 years, she has held sales and specification roles at established companies, including Ideal Standard, Cosentino, Bathroom Brands and Wirquin, working closely with a variety of housebuilders and merchants across the KBB industry. At VitrA, Laura focuses on housebuilders and developers across the South West and South Wales region and managing residential and commercial project specifications.

Managing director Steve Breen said, “I am delighted to welcome new faces, Tyler Reid, Dan Callaghan, Mark Washbrook, Jordan Fox, Tamara Harris and Laura Rutter, to our growing VitrA U.K. team and am excited to see how their diverse expertise and understanding of the bathroom industry can further shape our business.” For more information about VitrA and its exceptional bathroom products, please visit vitra.co.uk

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Kelda Showers supplies to Cala Homes for its high-end houses

August 25, 2023

Kelda has supplied air-powered water and energy-saving showers in four properties at Cala Homes
Langley Court development in Beckenham. Cala has also incorporated a full electric heating and hot
water system, supplemented by PV and smart hot water cylinders.

Kelda’s low-carbon Air-Powered shower savings have been verified by trusted energy experts Energy Saving
Trust to show significant savings in four areas:

Water: A Kelda shower uses 69,800 fewer litres of water per year than a conventional mixer shower. This is a 55% reduction in the amount of water, resulting in £180 (40%) savings in the annual water bill of a household of four.

Energy: With less water being used, the amount of energy required to heat it is also reduced, Kelda showers use 2,200 less kWh of energy per year than a conventional mixer shower. This is a 55% reduction in the amount of energy used, which results in £285 (55%) savings in the annual energy bill of a household of four.

A typical home could cut its annual energy consumption by about 10% (2,200kWh) by replacing its conventional mixer shower with a Kelda shower. This is equivalent to boiling a kettle 20,000 times.

Carbon Emissions: Due to the energy and water-saving aspects associated with a Kelda shower they emit 540 Kilograms (55%) less carbon dioxide annually than a conventional mixer shower. This is a 55% reduction in carbon dioxide emitted annually.

Bathroom Review Kelda showers Cala Homes

A typical home could cut its annual energy carbon emissions by about 10% (540kgCO2) by replacing its conventional mixer shower with a Kelda shower. This is equivalent to driving 1,900 miles, that’s like driving from London to Bristol 16 times.

Financial: If a family of four with metered water replaced a conventional mixer shower with a Kelda shower the overall reduction in energy and water consumption would lead to a saving of approximately £465 per year on their utility bills.

“It is quantified data such as this, along with our own continuous energy-saving efforts and other aspects of research and development that make Kelda. We look forward to working with Cala to install a Kelda shower in
their first net zero carbon enabled home in Peterborough.” Paul Ravnbo-West, marketing director Kelda Showers.

Steve Rule, group design & technical director at Cala said: “The trial of products such as Kelda’s Air Powered
showers is just one of the ways Cala is looking to reduce water consumption in our homes, while also helping our customers to reduce their energy use.”

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Thomas Crapper at Decorex 2023!

August 25, 2023

Thomas Crapper has announced plans to display a new range of products at Decorex in October. The iconic bathroom manufacturer will be found at stand P35 where you will find an impressive range of high-quality basins, cisterns and much more.

On show will be the iconic 814 cistern in a selection of RAL colours and a new range of bathroom furniture. You will also see the cloakroom must-have – the Bentham basin, in a variety of colours.

The Thomas Crapper team is excited to be taking part in this year’s exhibition to gain first hand insight into the upcoming trends in the interior design world and to introduce the brand to even more people.

If you are visiting Decorex and would like to arrange a meeting with a senior member of the Thomas Crapper team, please email lauren@tayloralden.co.uk.

For more information on Thomas Crapper, please visit www.thomas-crapper.com

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All square with RAK-Petit

August 22, 2023

Straight-line geometry is having a moment in bathroom design, a trend embodied by the latest additions to the designer RAK-Petit collection of washbasins from RAK Ceramics, now available in square.

Creating a sense of orderliness and simplicity, the straight lines and square profile of the new washbasins in this stylish shape are available in a floorstanding or countertop version in striking Alpine White ceramic. Standing at a tall 900mm high, the floorstanding RAK-Petit Square washbasin is an excellent space-saver in en-suites and cloakrooms where floor space is at a premium, while the countertop version is half as tall yet equally as arresting in appearance.

Created for RAK Ceramics by renowned Italian designer Giuseppe Maurizio Scutellà, RAK-Petit is a collection of small washbasins designed with small spaces in mind. With minimal shapes and small dimensions, the collection includes deep-based washbasins that can be installed alone or combined with RAK-Joy vanity units.

RAK Ceramics UK

01730 237850

www.rakceramics.com/uk/

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New corporate sponsor welcomed by BiKBBI

August 22, 2023

The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation has announced Lakes Showering Spaces as the latest corporate sponsor of 2023. The showering enclosure manufacturer has pledged its support to the government-sanctioned organisation, and its work on building a sustainable workforce and improving education, standards and compliance in the KBB installation sector.

Lakes is an award-winning family-run business, manufacturing innovative showering spaces including walk-ins and bath screens and was established in 1986. The company prides itself on designing and producing products that meet the needs of today’s lifestyles as well as its environmental responsibility, introducing 100% recycled packaging on all of its products in 2019 and achieving the Carbon Footprint Standard in March 2019 – the first company in the sector to become a Carbon Neutral Plus organisation.

Mike Gahir, managing director of Lakes Showering Spaces commented ‘Our drive to make a positive difference does not end with our products and service to our customers. We are committed to doing more for not only our local community but for the wider KBB sector and we recognise the importance of the role that KBB manufacturers have to play in the future of the installation sector. We fully support the work that BiKBBI is doing, and we are keen to play an active role going forward.’

Lakes joins a growing lineup of manufacturers, suppliers and distributors pledging their support for the BiKBBI and the work that the institute undertakes to drive positive change in the KBB installation sector, particularly as the early effects of the skills shortage begins to be felt throughout all areas of the industry.

BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters said, ‘The work that we are doing within the sector is vital to the future of the industry, not just for installers but for all businesses operating in the KBB industry. We are delighted to have such a prominent and well-respected brand such as Lakes Showering Spaces as a corporate sponsor. From our early discussions it is clear that there is synergy between Lakes’ aspirations for the future of the sector and our strategic objectives and we look forward to working with them.’

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Portrait Collection sees new addition from The Shower Lab

August 22, 2023

Bathroom Review The Shower Lab Portrait Collection Triador

The Shower Lab, one of the UK’s leading shower space companies, has unveiled a stunning new addition, the Single Door, to its elite Portrait Collection.

The new single door is available in sizes from a modest 700 mm to a larger 900 mm model, all with a generous height of 2020 mm. The door is framed in a choice of profile finishes; matt black, white, brushed nickel, polished nickel and brushed and polished gold. The glass is available in clear, ultra-clear, fluted or a choice of four colours, satin etched, blue, bronze green, grey tinted and fluted glass.

The gorgeous shower space is further enhanced by the stunning Ring handle and the Axis wrap around solid brass hinge cover plate.

The Portrait 02 is shown with Polished Gold finish and Grey Tinted Glass, prices starting at £2344

Bathroom Review The Shower Lab Portrait Collection Estriada Gold

www.theshowerlab.com

More news and product information from The Shower Lab

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First brushless industrial pump launched by Saniflo

August 22, 2023

The popular Sanicubic 2 Pro Smart is a pumping station designed to lift grey and black waste water from individual properties, small businesses and light commercial premises such as pubs and restaurants. The new brushless version extends the range to three models – the classic, the Pro Smart and the Pro Smart brushless.

Saniflo says it is the first manufacturer to offer a brushless pump option with advanced technology that improves motor lifespan, product efficiency and reliability. It is widely used in various products, including power tools, boiler pumps, and appliances such as lawnmowers. It eliminates the electrical connection to the spinning motor, which can create heat, friction and noise. In the Sanicubic 2 Pro Smart, it allows the regulation of the motor to run at variable speeds. This offers further advantages, including:

Energy saving of up to 30%
High efficiency
High torque and thus better grinding quality
Lower noise

Tim Pestell, managing director of Saniflo, believes the new technology will appeal strongly to commercial businesses. He says: “As the pioneer of the macerator concept, Saniflo, true to form, is now pioneering the use of new brushless technology in lifting stations. We believe it will be a popular option with customers installing pumps for industrial projects.”

More news from Saniflo

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