RAK Ceramics staff and customers raised a staggering £32,410 during its fourth annual charity golf day on 20 July; the money is to be donated to the manufacturer’s chosen charity, Rowans Hospice which provides high quality end of life care in Southeast Hampshire.
Taking place at the impressive Kings Course of the Warwickshire Golf Club, 22 teams were in attendance playing 18 holes of golf against a shotgun start. The prize for Best Overall Team went to Ideal Bathrooms, while other prizes were awarded to the team that tried the hardest, longest drive, nearest to pin and best-dressed team.
The golfing fun culminated in a well-earned dinner and charity auction, raffle and tombola featuring ‘money can’t buy’ prizes such as an Antony Joshua signed boxing glove and full corporate hospitality at the Henley Regatta for ten people.
Northern Ireland bathroom brand Aqualla Adamsez has appointed Ruth Black as its new managing director, following Steven Allaway stepping down from the role.
Says Allaway, “Ruth’s experience will be invaluable in understanding all aspects of our industry. She will work closely with me in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition as we continue to support our customers, suppliers, and colleagues and shares Aqualla’s values of customer-centricity and strong company culture.”
Having worked in the KBB sector for over 30 years, Ruth is excited to take on this role and stated, “I am delighted to join Aqualla Adamsez, a business I’ve respected as a customer for years. I look forward to working with this wonderful team and delivering continued growth.
“I want to express my gratitude to our customers and colleagues for their unwavering support, which has contributed to our thriving business and the employment of over 60 people. I have the utmost confidence in the team’s ability to maintain our high standards and drive future growth.”
Group CEO Fredrik Skarp comments, “I am pleased to welcome Ruth Black as the new managing director for Aqualla Brassware. It has been an exciting recruitment process, with many strong candidates being highly motivated to join our team. With Ruth, we have found the right skills and mindset to lead the Aqualla and Adamsez business to the next level as leading bathroom brands in the United Kingdom and Ireland together with all our dedicated team members, customers, and suppliers.
“At the same time, I would like to take the opportunity to share my greatest appreciation to Steven Allaway, who steps down as managing director after building the business successfully for many years. Ruth takes up the position from 1 September and works alongside Steven during the Autumn to ensure a smooth transition for all parties involved. Once more, warmest welcome to Ruth and most thanks to Steven.”
The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation is set to launch a dedicated Careers Support Desk to attract GCSE and A-Level students in to the KBB industry as part of the institute’s ongoing strategy to close the skills gap and drive change across the sector.
As Results Day looms for thousands of 16–19-year-olds across the UK, BiKBBI’s Careers Support Desk, delivered in conjunction with The Apprenticeship Partner, will provide a much-needed vehicle to signpost ambitious young people that are contemplating their futures towards the opportunities that a career in KBB installations can bring.
The BiKBBI Careers Support Desk will enable young people interested in exploring a career in installation to connect directly with dedicated advisors that can provide them with an insight into the Level 2 Fitted Furniture Installer apprenticeship, as well as information on training providers, and assistance with finding employment. The Support Desk will be promoted via BiKBBI’s digital and social media platforms, working with a number of strategic partners to help reach young people across the UK.
A vocational apprenticeship route offers young people an outstanding opportunity to gain respected skill-based qualifications, learn about real-world business management, and achieve great career outcomes without a lifetime of debt. These qualifications serve as a testament to the qualified apprentice’s expertise and readiness, giving them a competitive edge in the KBB installation sector. A research paper published by the House of Commons in February this year reported that the number of people starting apprenticeships increased by 9% in 2021/2022, whilst UCAS figures show a decline in the number of people applying to universities in 2023.
BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters commented continued ‘This change in behaviour is good news for those industries reliant on vocational courses and suffering from skills shortages, but it does mean that it is more important than ever that the KBB sector is visible and able to compete for future talent. Bringing young people into our sector is critical. On top of a well-publicised skills gap crisis, we have an ageing workforce which will only lead to further challenges and labour shortages in the future. The Fitted Furniture Installer course is a fairly new pathway, and most school and college leavers will not be aware of the course and therefore might be thinking their options are limited to more traditional qualifications such as plumbing or carpentry. The BiKBBI Careers Support Desk is just one of a number of initiatives we are delivering to increase the profile of the qualification, attract fresh talent and encourage employers to embrace apprenticeships within our sector.’
Following the launch of the BiKBBI Careers Support Desk, which will go live on Monday 7th August 2023, BiKBBI also has plans for a follow up campaign whereby its education advisor, The Apprenticeship Partner, will seek potential employers that match the needs of budding apprentices.
Hannah Hockley, managing director of The Apprenticeship Partner and Chair of the BiKBBI Education Steering Committee said ‘There will be thousands of education leavers that are undecided about their futures at the moment, and it is really important for them and the KBB industry that we highlight the career opportunities that the installation sector can bring. We want to go further than leafleting at careers events and posting ads on social media, and what we are creating is an opportunity for young people to have a conversation with a real person that can offer meaningful guidance, at a time and place that suits them. The KBB installation sector, and the wider KBB industry, provides a vast range of opportunities and we believe this approach will go some way to promoting the possibilities to a fresh pool of talent.’
Schlüter-Systems has appointed Michael Kimball-Smith as area sales consultant for North West and North East London, surrounding counties and the East of England.
Michael has a wealth of experience in the building sector, specialising in bathroom technology over recent years; which is perfect for developing Schluter’s growing presence in systems solutions for the function, protection and decoration of tile and natural stone.
Michael has been working in the bathroom retail industry for over 30 years and has enjoyed success as a technical advisor for home renovation shows alongside high-profile residential projects. He explains, “I have always had a technical interest in the products and services that I have sold, designed and project-managed, particularly focussing on tanking and wet-floor products. In 2004, I started working as a sales rep covering the North of England and Scotland, after relocating to Liverpool from London. Micheal Then worked for Italian shower manufacturer, Novellini, for nearly 10 years – again specialising in wet floor training and installations. I am looking forward to helping Schlüter conquer the bathroom retail market, developing more products for the British refurbishment sector and establishing the Schluter brand in the UK market.”
After a successful partnership launch at the end of May, Ideal Bathrooms and Harrison Bathrooms will now be the exclusive distributor of the Scudo heating range. The range includes a comprehensive portfolio incorporating contemporary heated towel rails and radiators, anthracite and carbon designer towel warmers, and traditional raw metal designs.
Shaun Corcoran, Scudo commercial director, comments: ‘Thanks to the advancement of the Scudo heating collection, there is no longer a need to prioritise function over style. Consumers are now looking for heating products to complement their bathroom and other areas in the home to create a unique focal point. Customers now have additional accessibility to these products through Ideal Bathrooms, providing superior service and unmatched delivery timeframes.’
Stewart Perry, Ideal Bathrooms head of digital and Marketing, commented, “We are delighted to extend our Scudo offering to include their heating products. Scudo has been extremely well received by our customers, so we are delighted to offer an enhanced portfolio of products at a great price”.
Since the partnership announcement, both companies’ customers have benefitted from Ideal Bathrooms’ exceptional service, no minimum order value and next-day delivery service promise to 99% of the UK.
Arranged like a Japanese lunchbox: the new Bento Starck Box bathroom series from Duravit and designer Philippe Starck represents the latest Duravit Artisan Lines addition. Inspiration is drawn from a traditional Japanese bento box – which is subdivided into several internal compartments by separators.
The new series includes a washbasin, toilet sets, plus bathtub, featuring a clear-cut design that is perfectly matched to different variants and dimensions of the bathroom furniture. The spacious Bento Starck Box washbasins offer practical and convenient storage areas. All personal care products and accessories can be placed within easy reach.
Washbasins
The Bento Starck Box single washbasins are made from DuraCeram®, and the double washbasins from DuroCast UltraResist. Enabling Duravit to demonstrate how a range of different materials can be used to produce unconventional designs.
Alongside the 650 mm-wide washbasins, the Bento Starck Box collection comprises above-counter basins in a range of sizes, all available in White and White Satin Matt: round variants with a diameter of 460 mm, and rectangular versions with a width of 550 mm as individual basins or, for two faucets, in widths of 1140 mm and 1340 mm – made from DuroCast UltraResist. The faucet is mounted inside the inner basin on all models.
Bathtub
The freestanding acrylic infinity bathtub, sized 1800 x 900 mm, is ideal for a spa-like experience in your home bathroom. A tapered water channel prevents a build-up of water and can be used as a storage area for accessories.
WC
Bento Starck Box toilet sets harmonize with the design of the ceramic and bathtubs, including a compact model with a projection of just 480 mm and the HygieneFlush version with a projection of 570 mm. The range includes a floor-standing, close-coupled toilet and matching bidets. The integrated push buttons on the seat with the gentle, silent lowering mechanism means it can be easily removed and cleaned.
“The Bento Starck Box collection is the start of an elegant serenity,” said Starck, describing the washbasins and bathtubs. “With intelligently divided wet and dry areas, the clean, clearly structured washing areas and bathtubs enable countless options for personal design.”
Today we hear from Tom Reynolds, Chief Executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, who explains how considered bathroom specification will help the industry weather market turbulence and aid the environment.
If most of the forecasting is to be believed, those working in the built environment are in for a tough market in the next 18 months. Yet commercial considerations aside, a pressing question we face is, “How can we contribute to the needs of our environment?” As leading voices in the construction and design industry, architects and specifiers bear a significant responsibility in promoting sustainability in their projects. One such opportunity lies in an often-overlooked space: the bathroom.
The bathroom, surprisingly, represents a significant portion of the water and energy use in our buildings. However, thanks to several recent innovations, we now have the tools to turn this water-intensive space into a model of conservation and efficiency.
Imagine bathroom fixtures such as cold start taps, which only deliver hot water when needed, reducing hot water usage by up to 50%. Or consider delay-fill inlet valves in toilets, which can save 2 litres per flush by waiting to fill the cistern until after flushing. Smart showers even sense when they are not in use, reducing water usage by up to 30%.
Beyond these solutions, more traditional water and energy-saving methods are also at our disposal. Promoting the use of water-saving showerheads, installing aerators on taps, and designing bathrooms that encourage shorter showers can all contribute to significant savings.
However, architects’ and consulting engineers’ roles go beyond selecting these efficient fixtures. I urge you to advocate for these water and energy-saving technologies, educating your clients about the benefits of these green alternatives. We can do this by weaving a compelling narrative around three critical advantages: water conservation, energy efficiency, and financial savings.
Water conservation is a global concern, and these technologies allow us to contribute to the effort. By reducing water consumption, we are actively preserving our planet’s precious resources. Equally important is energy efficiency. A lot of the energy in homes is consumed by water heating. By reducing hot water usage, we can make our designs more energy-efficient and sustainable. Finally, we should recognise the potential financial savings. These technologies may have an upfront cost, but the long-term savings on water and energy bills can more than offset this investment.
In summary, architects and consulting engineers wield significant influence on the adoption of water and energy-saving technology in bathrooms. By advocating for these technologies, considering them in designs, and communicating their benefits, you can make bathrooms not just functional but also sustainable. Let’s seize this opportunity to shape the future of sustainable living, one bathroom at a time.
According to the latest annual report on the bathroom sector, Wickes is the UK’s most prominent bathroom brand in 2023, with B&Q taking second place.In contrast, Leekes has seen the biggest drop in visibility with a staggering 76% decrease.
The report, conducted by Salience Search Marketing, analysed 11 crucial performance indicators, including year-on-year visibility, search volume trends, and brand awareness, for bathroom names to reveal the brands dominating the industry.
Top 5 prominent bathroom brands
Rank
Brand
Brand searches per month
Total social media followers
Owned social score
1
Wickes
2,240,000
310,400
518
2
B&Q
201,000
704,400
1,162
3
Travis Perkins
450,000
159,485
279
4
Victorian Plumbing
301,000
147,599
253
5
Porcelanosa
22,200
841,600
1,349
The report unveils the most prominent brands in the sector by analysing the number of monthly searches for each brand and calculating an owned social score which combines the number of followers and engagement rate across major social platforms.
The findings reveal Wickes is the most prominent brand in the industry. With over 300,000 social media followers and a sizeable 2,240,000 brand searches per month, Wickes is the market leader in brand awareness.
B&Q is the second most prominent brand in the sector with 201,000 brand searches per month and over 700,000 social media followers.
Regarding organic visibility, there has been a 16% increase in overall organic growth within the industry.
The growth suggests that the cost-of-living crisis hasn’t stopped consumers from conducting home improvements, with home interior publication Ideal Home describing bathrooms as ‘one of the few truly private spaces in the house’ and as a space for creative freedom.
Brand Visibility
Rank
Brands with the biggest growth in visibility YoY
Brands with the biggest drop in visibility YoY
1
B&Q
Leekes
2
Wickes
Wolseley
3
Plumbworld
PlumbNation
4
The Bathroom Showroom
Heat&Plum
5
City Plumbing
VictoriaPlum
For brands, B&Q currently ranks highest with the biggest growth in visibility Year on Year with a 36% increase, followed by Wickes with a 22% jump since June 2022.
In contrast, Leekes has seen the biggest drop in visibility with a staggering 76% decrease.
Product Trends
The latest report on bathroom brands also assesses the current product trends, analysing which products are losing searches and which products are in demand.
Rank
Search increase
Search decrease
1
Toilet roll holder wall mounted
Walk in shower ideas
2
Walk in baths and showers
The range bathroom accessories
3
Towel warmer
Walk in shower enclosure
4
Walk in bathtub with shower / sticky bathroom floor tiles
Combined sink and toilet
5
Hanging shower caddy
Cloakroom suite
According to the findings, toilet roll holder wall mounted sees the biggest increase in searches with an impressive 98% increase.
Meanwhile, walk in shower ideas sees the biggest decrease in searches, with a 46% drop. This suggests fewer consumers are browsing online for bathroom inspo.
As for product search volume, bathroom wall panels has a sizeable search volume of over 33,000.
The demand for the product suggests the interior decor is trending, with over 16,000 views on TikTok for #bathroomwallpanels.
Brett Janes, managing director at Salience Search Marketing, said: “As a whole, it has been a positive year for the industry, with a 16% increase in organic growth and a sizeable volume of searches and visibility.
“Demand for certain products has dipped, with bathroom tiling among those facing a hit as it sees a 13% drop in searches. This suggests consumers may be looking for alternatives, with limewash paint a potential alternative as the interior design has surfaced on social media with over 43 million views for #limewashpaint on TikTok.
“Understanding that trends are ever-changing and building a strong online presence across multiple channels becomes crucial in driving sales and capitalizing on the expanding market demand.”
Download the full annual bathroom industry PDF report here.
Traditional British bathroom brand, Burlington, can be seen in the new Hoxton hotel in Brussels. With a distinctive, retro 1970s pink washbasin design, Bespoke by Burlington evokes vintage glamour.
A total of 212 basins in Confetti Pink were supplied as one of the first Bespoke by Burlington projects since the collection launched. Bespoke by Burlington is a unique edit of hand-decorated and coloured ceramics, offering a twist on traditional bathroom design by replacing classic white with covetable colours, floral patterns and unique personalisation.
“We were very excited to work with the Ennismore design team on the full international specification. The Hoxton, Brussels takes its cues from the 1970s and the vibrant but relaxing aesthetic of Bespoke by Burlington’s Confetti Pink has created a bathroom which is less amenity and more luxury.” says David Balmer – Senior Projects Consultant at Bathroom Brands Group.
Bespoke by Burlington is a unique edit of hand-decorated and coloured ceramics. Offering the next level of customisation in bathroom design, it draws inspiration from fashion, nature, and famous eras of design. The iconic collection provides a twist on traditional bathroom design, replacing classic white with covetable colours, floral patterns, and unique personalisation.
In March 2023, two new ceramic colours joined the Bespoke by Burlington collection – Enchanted Blue and Cosmic Green. Enchanted Blue reimagines Clair De Lune Blue, a colour celebrated in luxe 1930s bathrooms. It is a soft powder blue ceramic that delivers style and serenity to any space.
Cosmic Green draws inspiration from the fashionable mint green bathrooms of the 1950s, expressing charm and versatility, and complementing a range of bathroom styles and designs.
Bespoke by Burlington has a range of Edwardian basins, as well as a comprehensive collection of WCs. Each piece is made to order by skilled craft workers in Staffordshire, England, using the finest materials.
Duravit AG is building the first climate-neutral ceramic plant at the Matane site in the Canadian province of Québec. The new Canadian site will create 240 new jobs, with production scheduled to start in early 2025.
Ceramic sanitary ware products such as WCs and washbasins will be manufactured at the site in the future exclusively using renewable energies. For the firing process, Duravit will use the world’s first electric roller kiln powered by electricity from hydropower. The use of this innovative technology will save around 11,000 tons of CO2 per year compared to a conventional ceramic factory. Duravit thus becomes a pioneer in the industry.
Broad political support spurs implementation
The plant, which will enter into service in 2025, will be the first production site for Duravit AG in North America. The business aims to supply the North American market, while eliminating its greenhouse gas emissions. Thanks to hydroelectricity and the proximity of inputs, the Matane plant will become the first carbon-neutral sanitary ceramic products plant in the world.
To implement this project, the Government of Canada is providing the business with a repayable contribution of $19 million (EUR 13 million) under CED’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
For its part, the Government of Quebec is granting a loan of $11 million (EUR 7.5 million) through the ESSOR program, managed by Investissement Québec as its representative.
The use of renewable energies such as hydropower will reduce CO2 emissions in production to zero: Duravit is thus the first ceramics manufacturer to rely on an electric firing process together with market leader SACMI, enabling it to produce in a completely climate-neutral manner. The manufacturer of design bathrooms shows that under the right conditions, it is already possible today to produce in a CO2-neutral way, even for energy-intensive industries.
In addition to climate-neutral production at the plant, logistics are also designed to be sustainable. All raw materials are sourced directly on site in Canada as well as from the USA, which means short transport distances. This additionally reduces emissions and ensures an environmentally friendly supply chain. The ceramic parts produced in Canada are mainly planned for the North American market and thus play a decisive role in the company’s growth strategy.
“The Government of Canada’s investment in this project will not only bring a world-renowned business to Quebec, but also a business that has distinguished itself by its ability to innovate for over 200 years. By focusing on Quebec and its hydroelectricity as a source of clean, renewable energy, Duravit Canada is demonstrating that it is possible for growth and the fight against climate change to go hand in hand. By supporting Duravit Canada, our government is helping a business make the jump into the technologies of the future and make winning choices for our planet.” commented Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
“We are very proud to act as forerunners in designing a sustainable sanitary industry and to actively face the challenges posed by climate change. At Duravit, we are thereby establishing new standards to implement innovative solutions in a sector characterized by high energy consumption.” says Stephan Tahy, CEO of Duravit
