Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

PADL Bathrooms, an installer of high-end bathrooms and wetrooms for homeowners and leisure sector clients, was involved in fitting the display areas within the recently opened extension to Schlüter-Systems‘ premises in Coalville, Leicestershire. The company has since reported a growing number of applications for the German-based manufacturer’s impressive range of high-performance tiling products.

PADL’s company lead, Antony Marson, enjoyed a long, successful solo career, including projects with PADL companies, before opening PADL Bespoke Bathrooms in the Midlands in 2022. The company has grown to cover the whole of the UK by offering high standards of workmanship at realistic prices. The specialist installer won the Behind The Tiles Best Bathroom Project in 2023 and was a finalist for The Tile Association’s ‘Excellence in Tiling’ Awards 2024.

Within the scope of its operations, PADL regularly uses Schlüter-Systems’ KERDI-BOARD, waterproofing membrane, and KERDI-BOARD-W washbasin, along with correspondingly large quantities of the DITRA HEAT underfloor heating systems and the company’s rugged and elegant tile trims.

Marson commented: “Prevention is better than cure, and the benefits of the Schlüter product range is primarily the prevention of damage resulting from the substrates to the installed tiles, including cracking. If the grout lines were to fail, the Schlüter products will prevent the water being absorbed into the wall or floor underneath. This benefits the installer and the customer: with less time spent diagnosing and fixing problems for the installer and less stress and time for the client. The initial outlay on the cost of the product is justified by the losses saved with failed installations.

“As an installer of Schlüter, you are made to feel part of the family, while the Schlüter team share the same passion and enthusiasm for the application of their products as part of your installations as you do. The team at Schlüter go above and beyond to ensure the company’s customers are equipped with the correct knowledge, whether that’s inviting you to a training course or spending time talking through technical aspects on the phone. It’s always a pleasure to have a visit from your local Schlüter rep.

“From the smallest domestic project to large scale commercial refurbishment, walking away from a finished job with complete confidence in the products providing the foundations to your work allows for an installer to sleep peacefully at night. And from talking with our customers, we also know they share a confidence in the products, and that they are buying into durability when they choose to purchase Schlüter materials to support their installations.”

For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/

Lyrical Communications & BMA announce cross-brand partnership

Lyrical Communications, part of Nineteen Group, has revealed details of an enhanced strategic partnership with the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) that spans the InstallerSHOW, InstallerDIGITAL, and elementalLONDON brands.

Building on the existing collaboration, which saw the BMA contribute to expanding the bathroom segment at InstallerSHOW, and the delivery of the inaugural Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms event in 2024 (including the popular Future of Water theatre), the enhanced offering will include co-location of BMA events at both InstallerSHOW and elementalLONDON in 2025, as well as substantially increased input into mixed media content for the K&B stream of the InstallerDIGITAL platform.

Tom Reynolds, CEO of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, comments: “Today’s announcement is a natural evolution of the longstanding and fruitful collaboration between BMA and Lyrical Communications. As an industry, bathroom manufacturers and installers are critical in the effort to make the UK’s building stock fit for the 21st century. Lyrical’s full portfolio, including elementalLONDON and the expanded Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms, brings together all the relevant stakeholders. The partnership, therefore, perfectly aligns with our association’s mission.”

Michael Costain, managing director of Lyrical Communications, adds: “This is a partnership that has flourished over a number of years, and we’re delighted to be able to expand our collaboration across the entire Lyrical portfolio. Working together in this way ensures we are able to deliver valuable content which benefits the entire kitchens and bathrooms supply chain – whether online or in person.”

Installer Kitchens & Bathrooms at InstallerSHOW 2025 (taking place from June 24-26 at NEC Birmingham) will serve as a pivotal gathering for industry leaders, including manufacturers, retailers, designers, distributors, specifiers, and installers. This event is designed to foster a collaborative approach to shaping the sector’s future. Following its successful debut in 2024, which showcased cutting-edge technology, tools, and innovation, the 2025 event will continue strengthening the supply chain through education, knowledge sharing, and networking. Attendees can look forward to a comprehensive content program in dedicated theatres, covering essential topics like water and energy efficiency, design innovation, sustainable and smart technology, best practices, and relevant legislation.

elementalLONDON (19-20 November 2025, ExCeL London) has the ethos of “Advancing the efficiency of buildings” at its core. It will deliver an informative and engaging conference, exhibition and networking programme that combines deep insight with a practical understanding of the challenges faced by building owners and operators and the entire supply chain with whom they work.

InstallerDIGITAL is the UK’s leading online platform for tradespeople in the heating, plumbing, electrical and K&B sectors. It has been at the heart of the industry for more than two decades and is a both a trusted voice and the primary resource for news, opinion, technical information, and advice across the installation community.

Roca Group invests in digital health

Bathroom products brand Roca has invested in CRB Health Tech’s third fund, CRB Digital Health III. This is Spain’s first European fund dedicated exclusively to digital health, focusing on acquiring stakes in companies within this sector.

Roca Group’s investment of one million euros is made through Roca Group Ventures, its vehicle for investing in start-ups and innovative projects. This move demonstrates Roca Group’s interest in innovative digital technologies and artificial intelligence that enhance people’s lives and could soon be applied to health in the bathroom.

CRB Health Tech has a solid track record with two previous funds in biotechnology and medical devices. With this third fund, it transitions towards digital health, reinforcing its commitment to this growing sector. Besides Roca Group, prominent investors in the fund include Sanitas (insurance), CBNK (financial sector), and Cantabria Labs, Aldo Union and Tiselab (pharmaceutical industry). The City Council of Barcelona, numerous family offices and individual investors also support the fund.

Stockist: rocagroup.com

HiB extends charity partnership with Home-Start for second year

Bathroom product manufacturer HiB and Home-Start UK, a leading family support charity, have extended f their highly successful partnership for the second year.

After smashing its first-year targets, HiB has supported the charity with corporate donations, staff fundraising, and volunteering to raise an impressive £25,872.50 to help vulnerable families across the UK. Building on this success, HiB and Home-Start UK have now signed an agreement to continue the partnership for another 12 months, with HiB presenting the charity with a cheque for £20k at the beginning of August to kick off another great year.

Home-Start reaches over 78,000 children in 43,692 families across the UK. The charity helps families close to breaking point due to isolation, bereavement, illness, mental health issues, financial insecurity, and more. Home-Start volunteers don’t just support parents in coping but also in feeling confident and thriving in creating the best possible start for their children.

From the outset, HiB’s dedicated staff have wholeheartedly embraced this partnership through funds and activities, offering direct support for 489 families. Some of the activities that HiB has participated in include the London half marathon, a Halloween fundraiser, and other local volunteering opportunities.

The funds raised so far have the potential to make a big difference, for instance, supporting the recruitment and training of an additional 539 Home-Start volunteers. Each volunteer assists six families, on average, which means over 3,000 families could receive the essential support they need from HiB’s donation alone.

Robert Ginsberg, CEO of HiB, expressed his enthusiasm, saying: “We are incredibly proud of the dedication shown by our team. Our partnership with Home-Start has not only allowed us to give back to the community, but also strengthened our company culture. We are excited to continue this journey for another year and to keep making a difference to the lives of families – every contribution helps ensure that no child or family is left behind.”

Home-Start’s CEO, Peter Grigg, added: “We are so proud of our partnership, the support from HiB has been phenomenal. The commitment goes beyond financial contributions; it extends to hands-on involvement and genuine care for the families we support. We are excited about the future of this partnership and the continued positive impact it will have on communities across the UK.”

As HiB moves into the second year of its partnership, it is committed to building on its success. It plans more fundraising events, volunteering opportunities, and initiatives that will further its mission to support families in need. Next up is the Three Peaks challenge that 10 HiB employees will embark on in September.

Mark Twitchell joins Sanipex UK as contracts director to drive expansion

August 9, 2024

Sanipex UK appoints Mark Twitchell as contracts director to drive BAGNODESIGN brand expansion

With over 20 years’ experience in specification, many of these with leading bathroom brands, SANIPEX UK is pleased to announce Mark Twitchell as its newly appointed contracts director.

Having gained considerable experience in bathroom design, specification and supply during his career so far, Mark’s role with SANIPEX UK is to work with its current partners and establish new bathroom specifications using the established BAGNODESIGN product portfolio. Building on an impressive project history and market-leading designs this is an exciting time for SANIPEX UK to be further establishing its brands in the project sector.

Mark comments: “Having worked all over the world in the bathroom industry and many years alongside SANIPEX GROUP, the opportunity to further build the BAGNODESIGN brand in the UK specification sector is a very exciting proposition.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to present the full BAGNODESIGN solution to our customers and work with our partners to deliver specifications that people aspire to.”

Mark joins SANIPEX UK fresh from his most recent role as UK specification director Sanbra Group UK where he worked closely with architects, interior designers, and developers regionally and nationally. His career has also included similar roles with Keystone Contracts and over nine years with Vado.

Sanipex provides bathroom fittings for Premier Inn in Al Garhoud

August 9, 2024

SANIPEX GROUP has collaborated with Premier Inn Hotels LLC to supply high-quality bathroom fittings for the Premier Inn Hotel in Al Garhoud, located just a stone’s throw from Dubai International Airport. Set for completion in September 2024, this hotel is designed to provide everything needed for a comfortable stay, featuring refurbished and modernised guest rooms with en-suite bathrooms and superior facilities.

As part of the partnership, SANIPEX GROUP has equipped over 270 guest room bathrooms with premium BAGNODESIGN and AQUAECO sanitaryware, brassware, accessories, and plumbing products. The selection also includes anti-slip Mogano wood-effect floor tiles, ensuring safety and style.

Bathroom-Review-Sanipex-Premier-Inn-bathroom

The contemporary chrome brassware and accessories provided by SANIPEX GROUP are easy to maintain and highly durable, even when exposed to harsh cleaning chemicals and frequent use. A standout feature is the thermostatic mixer with shower column, which includes a built-in safety mechanism to prevent accidental activation of hot water – a crucial consideration for large-scale hospitality projects that prioritise guest safety.

Paired with fresh white sanitaryware, the overall bathroom design is minimalistic and practical, catering perfectly to guests seeking comfort during short stays. This collaboration underscores SANIPEX GROUP’s commitment to delivering high-quality and reliable products for the hospitality industry.

The initiative to supply all 11 Premier Inn hotels in the UAE will roll out over the next five to 10 years, ensuring each location maintains the same high standards of comfort and consistency for every guest.

“We are thrilled to partner with Premier Inn Hotels LLC on this project,” said Guy Wilson, Group Managing Director, Trade & Projects at SANIPEX GROUP. “Our products are designed to meet the rigorous demands of the hospitality sector, and we look forward to contributing to the exceptional guest experience at Premier Inn hotels across the UAE.”

For more information visit www.sanipexgroup.com

Victoria + Albert launches its very first water-saving bath, Ledro

Driven by environmental concerns and the growing cost of heating and water, consumers continuously seek ways to create sustainable bathroom designs. Victoria + Albert Baths has produced a bath that is as comfortable and stylish as its existing range but uses an outstanding 30% less water than your average tub.

Ledro’s maximum water capacity is 180 litres. In comparison, Victoria + Albert’s iconic Barcelona 1500 has a capacity of 256 litres – 40% more. Additionally, a typical shower uses 15 litres a minute with an average time of 8 minutes, so it uses a similar 120 litres of water without the luxury and bliss provided by Ledro. Not only is Ledro ideal for residential use but it’s also expected to be a popular choice in the hospitality industry.

Ledro is made from Victoria + Albert’s unique composite, QuarrycastTM, a natural insulator that reduces heat loss and prolongs your luxury bathing experience. The strong, durable, and scratch-resistant material means Victoria + Albert baths are made to last and benefit from a 25-year consumer warranty, further boosting its environmental credentials.  Like Victoria + Albert’s other product ranges, the Ledro can be customised in over 200 RAL colours, and customers can choose between a gloss or matt finish.

The Ledro is launching today, August 1st, and is priced at £2,832.00. Customers will be able to purchase in-store or from www.vandabaths.com

Bathroom-Review-Victoria-Albert-watersaving-bath-Ledro

Kudos appoints Simon Tate as national contracts manager to drive sales

Simon Tate has been appointed as the national contracts manager for Kudos Showers, a move that will support the company’s growing specification business. He initially joined the Kudos business as one of a new team of Area Sales Managers last November. It was quickly recognised that the contract and specification market is key to Kudos’ continued sales growth. Simon has many years of experience in the plumbing and heating sector, many of which were sold to the contract market, making him perfect for this new role.

Nick Graville, sales & marketing director for Kudos, explains, “It was key to get someone in place to support a growing number of contract enquiries and help develop specification sales for the business. We needed a dedicated structure in this area to develop our Contract offering and create a more robust support system. Simon will be dedicated to Contract and we look forward to watching that segment of our business grow and provide an improved customer support service in this area.”

Kudos Shower Products has been designing and manufacturing shower products at its Cumbria facility since 1999. Now part of the Ronal Bathroom Group, its portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens, and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK.

Visit their website, kudosshowers.co.uk, call Simon Tate on 07511 900832 or email simon.tate@kudosshowers.co.uk.

Edition 19 brochure released by Scudo

Bathroom specialist Scudo, owned by Harrison Bathrooms, has released its new Edition 19 brochure featuring the latest innovations.

New for Edition 19 are the stylish fluted Linea Curve and Linea Cloakroom furniture collections. Linea Curve offers ample storage space and features a stylish, curved design with fluted detail. The Linea Cloakroom unit with fluted panelling is perfect for cloakrooms, en-suites, and small bathroom spaces.

Bathroom-Review-Edition-19-Briochure-Scudo-KOKO-BASIN

Scudo has also introduced a collection of bold basins. KOKO (pictured left) combines metallic and poly marble finishes, and the luxurious Core basin is made from stainless steel to provide an industrial twist. The new Riviera basins are ideal for adding a touch of elegance to any bathroom.

The Tutto freestanding bath creates the perfect retreat for relaxation and has been designed with style and practicality in mind. The subtle deep edge prevents water spillage, which allows you to rest your bathroom products and install deck-mounted bath taps.

Also new is a range of statement mirrors to offer something for every bathroom style. These mirrors combine contemporary aesthetics with features such as wireless charging pads and ambient colour change options.

Discover Scudo 19 for the latest bathroom inspiration online at www.scudo.co.uk

T: 0330 124 7290 W: scudo.co.uk E: sales@harrisonbathrooms.com

WOW Design adds ‘ombré’ Melange wall tiles to collection

Tile specialist WOW Design has developed a new collection, Melange, a tile designed to create unique transitions from one colour to another – ideal for transforming walls into sophisticated tapestries. Through its visual representation of colour gradation, also known as ‘ombré’ or ‘gradient shading,’ gentle progressive transitions from one colour or hue to another are created using small-format tiles.

Thanks to the collection’s expert use of colour, Melange allows notable transitions from cool to warm shades. This brings new sensations to living spaces, allowing shifts from blue or talcum hues to pink, from khaki to sea – or cloud-inspired tones, or from creamy or earthy shades to sky-like colours.

These captivating colour transitions can transform walls into exquisite tapestries, turning them into genuine works of art with seamlessly blending hues. Melange combines art and technology, offering limitless potential for designing and personalizing living spaces. The smooth colour transitions add depth and movement to surfaces, creating three-dimensional effects.

The collection comes in long rectangular 10.7 x 54.2cm. (4.2”x21.3”) wall tiles in a matt finish, with 3 sets of 5 different tile models for dressing up walls in 3 different blends.