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HiB has announced the promotion of two key team members, marking an exciting new chapter in its national sales strategy.

Steve Wortley has been promoted to the position of national sales manager. Having dedicated over 14 years to HiB, Steve previously served as the regional sales manager for the North. Steve will manage the area sales managers and lead the Installations and Sales Administration teams in his new role.

Steve commented on his promotion: “I have been a part of the company for over 14 years, and it is truly rewarding to now represent HiB as national sales manager. This is an exciting time to be part of HiB, especially with the launch of the new sanitaryware earlier this year and more product releases planned for the autumn launch. I am looking forward to seeing what this new role brings and helping the company achieve even greater success in the future.”

With the company’s presence expanding across the UK due to a growing customer base, HiB has created a new role to support their key retail partners. Richard Chmiel has been promoted to the newly created role of National Key Account Manager. Richard, who has been with HiB since April 2017, was the Regional Sales Manager for the South before his new appointment. In his new position, Richard will focus entirely on managing HiB’s National Accounts and Buying Groups, ensuring that key retail business partners continue to receive the highest level of service and support.

Richard discusses his new role, stating: “I am grateful for this opportunity to continue developing our key retail business partners as part of my new role at HiB. The company’s commitment to design, innovation, and customer service is exceptional and with some exciting new developments in the pipeline, I am excited to start working with my new account base.”

These promotions are testament to HiB’s culture of developing talent and enhancing its leadership team. As the company continues to grow and innovate within the bathroom industry, HiB has made these two key appointments to help drive its future growth plans and is confident that both Steve and Richard will contribute significantly to the company’s ongoing success.

Bathroom brand VitrA is presenting the Minimal Matter project, created by up-and-coming designer Rameshwari Jonnalagedda, at this year’s London Design Festival. Hosted in VitrA’s Clerkenwell showroom, Rameshwari’s innovative exhibition explores the potential of minimal surfaces in providing adaptive and forward-thinking solutions within the built environment.

The Minimal Matter project delves into geometries that enhance structural efficiency while minimising material usage. By experimenting with minimal surfaces through 3D printing, Rameshwari aims to demonstrate how these forms can fulfil a wide range of architectural requirements. The exhibition will feature a collection of 3D printed ceramic pieces at VitrA’s showroom, showcasing prototypes of minimal surfaces with diverse geometric configurations.

Minimal surfaces are characterised by their high surface area-to-volume ratio and inherent cellular structures. These features offer lightweight yet robust frameworks, maximising material efficiency without compromising strength. Minimal Matter investigates how the porosity and cellularity of these surfaces can be manipulated to create adaptable designs tailored to specific environmental and functional needs. A key aspect of creating these structures is additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, which enables the production of complex forms. Sustainable materials, such as stone white clay and red earthen terracotta, were selected for their suitability for 3D printing and their ability to create the desired porous structures.

Above: Close-up of Rameshwari Jonnalagedda’s 3D printed ceramics, image courtesy of Rameshwari Jonnalagedda

The Minimal Matter exhibition features prototypes of minimal surfaces designed for a variety of uses, including façade panels that regulate heat, air, and light, improving energy efficiency and occupant comfort. These high-surface geometries also promote bio-receptivity by fostering microhabitats for small organisms and supporting plant growth. Integrating these designs into urban environments could significantly enhance biodiversity and support biophilic design, embedding living ecosystems within cityscapes.

“Rameshwari Jonnalagedda’s Minimal Matter project demonstrates the vast potential of minimal surfaces in shaping sustainable and functional architectural designs, while igniting essential discussions around the future of building design and its environmental implications,” said Ruth Davies, Marketing Director of VitrA UK. “VitrA is thrilled to support Rameshwari’s innovative work as part of our ongoing commitment to championing sustainable design and fostering dialogue among emerging designers.”

For more details on VitrA’s sustainability initiatives, please visit https://www.vitra.co.uk/about-us/sustainability/.

More news from VitrA

ISH 2025, a world-leading trade fair for HVAC and water, will return to Frankfurt from 17 to 21 March 2025. The event will showcase the latest innovations in building-services technology and focus on sustainable solutions and global climate protection. It will include a full lineup of congresses, lectures, and special presentations designed to offer valuable insights into the industry’s future.

Under the theme “Solutions for a Sustainable Future,” ISH 2025 will feature cutting-edge topics such as achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 6 (clean water and sanitation for all), the Paris Agreement’s goals, and urban climate improvements through facade greening. Visitors can expect a multifaceted program that includes:

Key events and highlights:

  • International Water Conference: Organised with “Handelsblatt,” this conference will bring together experts from the sanitation, real estate, and housing industries to discuss innovations in water management and hygiene.
  • Building Future Conference: Leaders from politics, local government, real estate, and energy sectors will explore sustainable construction strategies to address climate challenges.
  • Real Estate Forum: This forum will delve into intelligent building control and digitalization in property management, offering practical case studies and networking opportunities.
  • Design Plaza: A hub for interior design trends and innovations in the sanitation sector, featuring lectures and panel discussions.
  • Special Areas: The fair will feature dedicated spaces, such as the “SPAs, Pools & Wellness” area, which will showcase wellness trends, and the “Green Roofs & Facades” area, which will focus on climate-friendly urban solutions.

Awards and Recognition:

  • Designplus Award powered by ISH: Celebrating innovative designs in the sanitation and HVAC sectors with new categories for sustainable exhibition stands and young innovators.
  • ZVSHK Product Award: Highlighting outstanding products, including the “Bathroom Comfort for Generations” design prize.

Networking and expert insights:

ISH will also offer numerous opportunities for professionals to connect through guided tours, expert presentations, and the “Meet the Experts” sessions.

As a premier platform for industry professionals, ISH 2025 promises to set new standards in building-services technology, providing solutions for a sustainable future.

For more information, visit the ISH 2025 website.

Utopia has welcomed John L’Erario as Business Development Manager with responsibility for the East Anglian region and surrounding area.

With a strong background in sales, John’s most recent role was with Kinedo where he spent nine years in sales and technical support roles.

Gary Matthews, Utopia Sales Director, comments “John’s strength as a customer-focused, skilled communicator will be invaluable in developing existing and new relationships in this key area. We welcome John to the business and sales team and know he will flourish in this role.”

Commenting on his new role at Utopia, John said “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining this award-winning British company and look forward to being part of the team taking this leading brand to the next level.”

UK shower enclosure manufacturer Merlyn has unveiled some trend-setting colour options in their stunning collection of modular wetroom panels. As well as the colour finish options these versatile 8 mm panels include 17 components and various fitting options to create a very individualised bathroom space.

Homeowners embracing the enduring trend for coloured bathrooms can now elevate their spaces with the new range of panels, including the striking bracing bar—a true standout feature in our range. Available in five stunning finishes—Standard Chrome, Brushed Brass, Matt Black, Brushed Gun-metal Grey, and Brushed Bronze—the bracing bar, along with matching caps and profiles, allows for a bold expression of style. Whether it’s seamlessly integrated or used to create a striking contrast with showers and faucets, this prominent feature ensures that every bathroom reflects the buyer’s unique taste

These panels, with a generous height of 2015 mm, and versatile widths from 300 – 1600 mm, are available in clear glass and on-trend low iron consistency fluted glass, both with Mershield protective coating. Not only are the consumer-friendly Wetroom Panels aesthetically pleasing, but they are also extremely robust and durable, with an exceptional industry-unique service lifetime guarantee and a commitment to using only the very highest specification materials with a quality finish that excludes the use of PVC.

Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, draws attention to an often-overlooked issue in public health: toilet plume.

While a designer’s focus in creating bathroom spaces concentrates on their technical knowledge to achieve functionality and beautiful design, they will also ensure that safety and practicality are part of the brief. However, how many of us are aware of the risks of toilet plume or have even heard of the term?

Toilet plume refers to the microscopic particles and droplets released into the air when a toilet is flushed. These particles can contain various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and other microbes, posing a potential risk to human health. Flushing generates a turbulent flow of air and water within the toilet bowl and can cause these microorganisms to become airborne, where they may linger and settle on surrounding surfaces.

Research has demonstrated that toilet plume can transport harmful pathogens such as staphylococcus, E. coli, and even the virus responsible for COVID-19. This airborne spread is particularly concerning in public and shared bathrooms, where multiple users increase the likelihood of exposure to these pathogens.

One of the most effective measures to reduce the spread of germs is to close the toilet lid before flushing. While not 100% effective, this simple action creates a physical barrier that can significantly reduce the dispersion of airborne particles, containing them within the toilet bowl. Maintaining proper bathroom hygiene through regular cleaning and disinfecting surfaces further minimises contamination risk. Aware of the dangers, bathroom manufacturers increasingly offer antibacterial glazed coatings that make cleaning easier, helping to reduce contamination of surfaces.

Ventilation also plays a crucial role in managing the effects of toilet plume. Adequate ventilation can help dissipate airborne particles more quickly, reducing their potential to settle on surfaces or be inhaled. Designers should take note and ensure that bathrooms can be well-ventilated, whether through windows or mechanical ventilation systems.

Given the health implications, increased awareness about the risks associated with toilet plume should be high on the agenda. A public information campaign is essential to educate individuals on the importance of proper bathroom practices, but designers can also help this effort. By raising awareness and promoting preventive measures through clever product selection, incorporating ventilation into design concepts, and educating clients, reducing the transmission of illnesses linked to toilet plume is possible.

It’s time we closed the lid on this unseen health hazard.

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has announced that Reels in Motion, a leading video production agency based in Stoke-On-Trent, has joined as an affiliate member

Established in 2004, Reels in Motion has built a reputation for creating compelling content for brands worldwide. It offers a range of services, from corporate videos and animations to broadcast and promotional films.

Renowned for their creativity and commitment to excellence, Reels in Motion has produced hundreds of award-winning films for prestigious clients, including the NHS, Jaguar, and Hilton. Their personalised approach ensures that each project aligns with the client’s vision, delivering exceptional results that resonate with audiences.

Reels in Motion’s dedication to quality has earned them a spot in the EVCOM Top 50 list, along with accolades such as Production Company of the Year and GOLD EVCOM Clarion Awards. The company also boasts a perfect 5.0 Google Review Rating.

Tom Reynolds, the BMA’s Chief Executive, expressed his excitement about welcoming Reels in Motion to the association: “We are thrilled to have Reels in Motion join the BMA as an affiliate member. We’ve worked with the company for several years, so we know well their track record of creativity and excellence in video production. They will be an invaluable asset to our members.

“In an increasingly digital world, their expertise in creating engaging content will help our members to better connect with their audiences and strengthen their brands.”

Matt Hubbard, Account Director at Reels in Motion, said: “We’re excited to partner with the Bathroom Manufacturers Association. Our goal is to share our expertise in video production and demonstrate its powerful applications in the manufacturing industry, including product demonstrations, virtual facility tours, and training videos.

“As part of this collaboration, we’ll offer exclusive discounts and special offers to BMA members, along with workshops, blogs, and valuable resources to demonstrate how members can harness the power of video.

“With over 20 years of experience producing high-quality video content for businesses like those within the association, I’m eager to work closely with members and drive impactful results.”

As the aftermath of GCSE results day illuminated the future career options of hundreds of thousands of students who sat these exams, apprenticeships have garnered significant online interest.

Analysis of Google search data shows that searches for ‘apprenticeships’ hit an all-time high of 614% since 2004, suggesting that students are increasingly open to the possibility of alternative pathways to university. After thousands of students received their GCSE, T-Level and A-Level results in the last fortnight, many young Brits must make critical decisions about their future career paths. Clive Holland, broadcaster on Fix Radio, the UK’s only national radio station for tradespeople, comments that encouraging young people to take apprenticeships is key to mending the skills deficit. 
 
New data from Fix Radio shows that a staggering 65% of Brits weren’t encouraged onto the worksite and 18% of British parents wouldn’t want their childrent to work in the construction industry as they don’t believe they’d earn much money. New data shows that attitudes towards apprenticeships might be changing, as research from the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) shows that 47% of parents no longer believe a degree is the “golden ticket” to success. As the national average salary for a construction apprentice stands at £23,828 according to Glassdoor, the benefit of taking an apprenticeships means that apprentices will be able to not only earn on the job but be debt-free. This also coincides with many tradespeople’s jobs earning sizeable amounts more than university graduates. According to research carried out by The Federation of Master Builders, brickies, plumbers and other skilled professionals were taking home earnings which dwarfed those of graduates by thousands of pounds.

  • Site manager – £51,266
  • Plumbers – £48,675
  • Supervisors – £48,407
  • Electricians – £47,265
  • Roofers – £42,303
  • Bricklayers – £42,034
  • Carpenters and joiners – £41,413
  • Plasterers – £41,045
  • Scaffolders – £40,942
  • Painters and decorators – £34,587

Further research from Fix Radio unveiled that 67% of Brits (29.7 million) agreed that their most valuable professional development came from learning on the job from skilled professionals, highlighting the importance of supporting apprenticeships. Research from the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) indicates that the average graduate salary in the UK sits at £33,229. As the number of people starting apprenticeships fell from 500,000 in 2015 to 337,000 last year, more must be done to encourage young people to opt for apprenticeships over traditional university degrees. According to Clive Holland, failure to address the lack of builders in the UK will affect any measures introduced to tackle the housing crisis after the election, which could potentially be alleviated by encouraging more young people into apprenticeships. 

As the need grows for more young people to take apprenticeships in the UK, data from the Department of Education reveals that only 1% of young people are studying for a T-Level, while further analysis has shown a 41% decline (almost 54,000) in apprenticeship starts for those under 19 between 2015 and 2023. Broadcaster on Fix Radio, Clive Holland discusses how national apathy towards apprenticeships has exacerbated the skills deficit, and by extension, the housing crisis.

Clive Holland, host of The Clive Holland Show on Fix Radio, shares his thoughts on how the skills deficit has affected the construction sector:

“Apprenticeships are on the decline and the Department of Education by their own admission shows that only one percent of all young people are studying for a T-Level.

“Since Brexit, record numbers of tradespeople have left the country, and the stresses of an overstretched workforce are prompting thousands of colleagues to either retrain or leave the industry entirely. As Fix’s research has shown that the nation is starting to feel this pinch – with increasing numbers finding themselves waiting in excess of a year for a tradesperson to see them – imagine what this means for the housing crisis in the long-term.

“Years of continually missed homebuilding targets is now pricing millions of people out from the property market, and it’s only going to get worse. We simply need more builders. If political parties, irrespective of their stripe or colour, honestly believe they can address the housing crisis without having the serious conversation of addressing the skills deficit, we’re heading into a very dangerous position.”

About Fix Radio
Fix Radio, the Builders Station is the home of entertainment, music and information for UK tradespeople.

Since 2017 the station has been built from the ground-up with tradespeople in mind, providing a mixture of authentic trade voices, up-beat music and a schedule designed around the tradesperson’s day.

The station’s schedule includes some of the biggest talent in the industry, including social media influencers the Bald Builders, Clive Holland of the BBC and formerly Cowboy Trap, the country’s most famous plasterer Chris Frediani from DIY SOS, plumbing influencer Andy Cam, electrician turned YouTuber Thomas Nagy, carpenter, craftsman and social media influencer Robin Clevett and TV presenter and builder, Mark Millar.

Broadcasting nationally on DAB since May 2022, Fix Radio has an average reach of 460,005 tradespeople each week. The Builders Station also boasts 26.9 average weekly listening hours. Fix Radio’s audience reach and listening hours are audited by Nielsen.

HygieneGlaze – Duravit’s unique, patented ceramic glaze for environmentally friendly bathroom hygiene – has evolved. In addition to its highly efficient, antibacterial effect, the HygieneGlaze® Plus ceramic surface offers outstanding levels of cleanliness and even greater ease of cleaning. This effect has been achieved by altering the surface tension following a modification of the glaze.

Fewer deposits, greater cleanliness

The smooth, low-adhesion surface texture of HygieneGlaze® Plus means that dirt and limescale particles are even easier to rinse off with water. This keeps the ceramic looking and feeling as perfect as the day it was installed.

The long-lasting cleanliness of the ceramic makes cleaning noticeably easier, which generates economic benefits in facilities with a high user frequency, such as public toilets. In addition, the reduced use of cleaning products lowers the environmental impact.

Lasting and efficient hygiene

HygieneGlaze® Plus works based on the oligodynamic effect – the harmful effect of positively charged metal ions on bacteria – this is integrated into the glaze during the firing process. This manufacturing process ensures a lasting effect, leading to a dynamic reduction in pathogens such as escherichia coli. After just six hours, 90 per cent of the bacteria have been eliminated, rising to an excellent hygiene level of 99.99 per cent after 24 hours.

Aurena complete with HygieneGlaze® Plus

Aurena by Antonio Citterio is the first complete ceramic series to be launched with the HygieneGlaze® Plus surface. This extends to washbasins, toilets, and bidets, as well as all ceramic colours supplied (White, White Satin Matt, Black, Matt Black). Other series are already being planned.

More products from Duravit


The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation has announced it has been awarded Silver status in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme.

BiKBBI became a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant in 2020, joining 4,000 other businesses nationwide in promising to ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and their families are treated fairly. Subsequently, it achieved a bronze award in the Employer Recognition Scheme, a programme designed to acknowledge employers who have provided exceptional support to the armed forces community.

In March 2024, BiKBBI upgraded its Employer Recognition Scheme status from bronze to silver, which entailed a rigorous application process. The company demonstrated its support for Defence and actively communicated and upheld a positive stance to employees via established human resources policies and procedures.

Damian Walters, CEO at BiKBBI, commented ‘BiKBBI has proudly supported the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces Covenant for many years, firstly in support of the brave forces personnel that give so much to, and have given up so much for our country. Secondly, we recognise the opportunity to support highly trained ex-services personnel with transferable skills by bringing them into the KBB sector, thus supporting our industry too. We joined the Employer Recognition Scheme not only to recognise our efforts to date, but with the express interest to keep improving and growing the support that we provide to the armed forces community. We are thrilled to achieve the Silver Award, the next milestone in our journey towards our ultimate goal of the Gold Award.’