Saniflo will exhibit at both PHEX South, Olympia, from 11-12 September and PHEX North, Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, from 9 – 10th October.
Located at stands B22 at Olympia and B79 at Old Trafford, Saniflo will display a comprehensive selection of market-leading domestic macerators, condensate pumps, and lifting stations. In addition, the recently launched Sanisub 800 Rainkit will be on display at PHEX, Olympia.
David Cook will be attending the show for the first time in his new capacity as Managing Director for Saniflo and along with the team is looking forward to welcoming visitors at both events;
“The PHEX show gives us a great opportunity to meet and talk to customers new and old who specify and install our products. We work with all customers to provide solutions for all types of projects from single bathrooms to multiple bathroom applications.
A fresh impetus for economic growth and housebuilding could result in greater opportunities for our sector. Tom Reynolds, Chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, describes how these efforts tie in with their annual conference for 2024
In the wake of the 2024 UK general election, our new Labour Government has taken on the challenge of kickstarting economic growth and getting ‘Britain building again.’ Central to this effort is the ambitious promise to build 1.5 million homes over the next parliamentary term. If the government’s plans come to fruition, this initiative could herald significant opportunities for designers, architects, and the wider bathroom sector.
The upcoming BMA Industry Conference, themed “Building Growth,” is perfectly timed to address these pivotal developments. Scheduled for September 16th and 17th at the Queens Hotel in Leeds, the conference will explore how our industry can align with national priorities to drive economic and housebuilding growth.
We are honoured to have Oliver Heath as our keynote speaker. An industry-recognised expert in biophilic design and sustainable architectural and interior design, Oliver creates human-centred spaces that enhance occupant well-being through a connection to nature. His session will offer invaluable insights into integrating these principles into bathroom design, aligning with broader trends in sustainable and health-focused architecture.
The conference will feature various expert speakers, starting with Jo Salter, a renowned Motivational Speaker. Jo will set the tone with her session on ‘The Growth Mindset,’ encouraging innovation and proactive thinking crucial for navigating a competitive market. Following her, Mohammed Chaudhri, Experian’s Chief Economist and Director of Market Intelligence, will present ‘The Economic Outlook.’ Mohammed’s expertise will provide a grounded perspective on the feasibility of growth under the current economic conditions.
A major highlight will be “The Big Debate,” which will focus on what we can do to get Britain building and the role of bathroom manufacturers. This panel discussion will be a dynamic forum for industry leaders to share strategies for boosting housing development, emphasising the critical link between a robust housing market and a thriving bathroom sector.
The Labour Government’s promise to construct 1.5 million homes represents a significant opportunity for designers, architects, and the entire bathroom sector. Increased building activity not only drives demand for bathroom products but also spurs innovation and collaboration across the entire supply chain. This surge could lead to advancements in design, sustainability, and technology within the industry.
I encourage you to book your delegate places early for this insightful and inspiring event. Join us at the Queens Hotel in Leeds to network with industry peers, learn from leading experts, and explore how we can support the new government’s ambitious building targets. Together, we can contribute to a brighter, more prosperous future for the bathroom sector and the broader architectural landscape.
Features by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review. Diane Larner launched both titles over 14 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.
Current trends in bathroom design continue to highlight luxury, sustainability, and wellness. Achieving a cohesive look depends on the compatibility of each component, with sanitaryware needing to be both practical and visually pleasing. Today’s consumers are looking for products that combine hygiene, durability and style with a dash of personality. As these trends gain momentum, the demand for harmonised yet customisable bathroom solutions continues to rise.
Juan Luna, design manager at Acquabella, agrees, “Consumers are seeking baths and basins that offer both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Materials like natural, high-quality resins are trending thanks to their durability, antibacterial treatment, easy maintenance and eco-friendliness. Customisable options and unique finishes are also in high demand, allowing homeowners to create personalised spaces that reflect their style and personality”.
Colour me happy
Acquabella Acquasolid collection
The design landscape has shifted from a one-size-fits-all solution to bespoke schemes that reflect individual preferences. The focus on personalisation enhances the visual magnetism of the bathroom, making these spaces more than just functional areas – they become individual retreats catering to style and comfort.
As consumers continue to explore new possibilities, the potential to structure a bathroom that truly mirrors the user’s personality has become a hallmark of contemporary design. This personalisation trend leverages an expressive use of colour and materials, resulting in customisation.
Ashley Sinclair, specification and design manager at Sanipex Group, comments: ‘Current trends in bath, basin, and WC design emphasise personalised design, blending bold colours, unique finishes, and new materials. These trends offer designers creative freedom to craft spaces that reflect users’ styles and personalities, enhancing both comfort and style.’
In response to the demand for design freedom, Aquabella’s Noon bathtub can be designed in more than 2000 colours. It features a slate texture that gives it a sophisticated and natural look. The tubs are perfectly matched with the sleek Acquasolid collection (pictured above), which comprises basins and worktops (Tai, Kivu, and Tana series).
Life’s a beach
Beach House by BAGNODESIGN
The continued fusion of natural elements into the bathroom results in organic, serene spaces that evoke a sense of tranquillity. This trend blends materials like wood, stone, teak, and bamboo with earthy colour palettes and textures. By integrating features such as natural light, plants, or stone, designers can easily create a restful, calming environment. This approach enhances the aesthetic appeal of bathrooms and promotes a soothing and restorative experience.
Michael Marriott, CEO of Waterline, advises, ‘Bathroom trends are all about creating a calming, wellness-focused space. Soft, soothing colours like sage green, gentle blues, and warm neutrals are in vogue, making the bathroom feel like a retreat. Think about incorporating features that enhance user well-being, like rainfall showerheads, natural elements and wooden accents.’
One example of this is Beach House by BAGNODESIGN. The collection features light, gentle hues that mimic the outdoor bathrooms of private Maldivian villas. The complete range includes shower columns and furniture that coordinate with the stylish BAGNOQUARTZ basins and bathtubs pictured above.
Flushed with love
VitrA ‘s QuantumFlush
Whilst we ask our baths and basins to toe the line regarding wellness, we have lower expectations of the humble WC, yet a noisy loo can undo all the good work. According to Weber, research shows that when exposed to noise, our stress levels are raised, which can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Children also find the sound battleground overwhelming, especially in public bathrooms. With this in mind, VitrA has launched one of the quietest loos in the world. It also tops the charts regarding cleaning power, operating 120% more effectively than standard rimless toilets.
“Ruth Davies, VitrA’s marketing director, explains, ‘In today’s increasingly home-centred lifestyle, the bathroom has evolved into a space for relaxation. Factors such as hygiene and well-being are crucial considerations when making the bathroom feel like a living space. Choose products that prioritise both hygiene and tranquillity, such as basins and toilets with anti-bacterial glazes that minimise the spread of germs and silent flushing systems that maintain a peaceful atmosphere. These choices not only enhance the bathroom’s functionality but also create a serene environment.“
VitrA ‘s new QuantumFlush boasts superior toilet flushing technology that is seven times quieter than a traditional toilet. It delivers twice the cleaning power and is also specifically designed to enhance water efficiency, using the same 3 or 6 litres of water as a standard dual flush.
Free & easy
Bathrooms to Love Striata Fluted Bath
Freestanding baths are popular since they deliver drama and elegance, which elevates the bathroom aesthetic. Beyond looks, freestanding baths can be more flexible in placement, allowing for creative layouts that maximise space. These baths often come in various shapes and sizes, catering to all tastes and preferences. They are also typically easier to install than built-in options, reducing time and increasing build efficiency. Overall, freestanding baths combine sophistication, versatility, and practicality, making them a desirable choice for traditional and modern bathrooms.
Tanna Molyneux, product manager of Bathrooms to Love by PJH, agrees, “A freestanding bath undeniably adds luxury and glamour to any bathroom, serving as an impressive focal point and making a bold design statement. With many styles now available, covering all price points, the choice of designs is wider than ever.”
PJH’s Bathrooms to Love bath collection includes a comprehensive choice of styles and specifications for all bathroom projects. The freestanding bath range is a popular choice for consumers looking to add a touch of luxury to a bathroom space, and designs include classic and contemporary models.
A complete collection
Waterline Bathroom Collection
Creating a cohesive design is simpler when selecting from a single supplier. Numerous benefits include consistency in looks and quality, which helps create a put-together feel throughout the space. Working with one supplier also simplifies the purchasing process, streamlining communication and coordination and saving time and effort.
The new Waterline Bathroom Collection features a wide range of products that cater to contemporary and traditional tastes. The sanitaryware features square and round themes, while the furniture pieces are available in contemporary and traditional styles. Developed in close collaboration with industry experts, the range includes everything from furniture, WCs, and flushing systems to brassware, basins, shower trays and enclosures, baths, heating solutions, flooring, and mirrors.
WaterlineWaterline
Picture at the very top – Bathrooms to Love
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To coincide with its Flair PRO Essential Collections launch, Flair Showers revealed its ‘Trust Flair. Trust PRO’ campaign at InstallerSHOW 2024. Flair highlights its hassle-free, quick and efficient installation process and emphasises that Flair is a trusted solution for professional installers, allowing them to choose and fit products they can rely on.
The campaign film ‘The Van’ begins at Flair’s HQ and shows the efficient ordering process from raising an order to selecting it and preparing it for delivery. Flair wanted to show the real-life process to installers to share how streamlined it is and highlight the level of support provided by the customer care team.
Running in tandem with the footage filmed at the Flair headquarters, the video shows a trade professional installing a Verve PRO shower door frame with Flair’s Click-Fit PRO Assembly System.
Flair has also generated a brand new Flair PRO Essential Collections brochure specifically for trade professionals as part of its ‘Installers Choice’ campaign. The new Flair PRO brochure will provide bathroom installers with information on shower enclosures, wetrooms, and bath screens. Installers can highlight that there is an affordable Flair shower configuration for every space and requirement that will stand the test of time. The new Flair brochure will also feature a QR code to allow for quick access to installation videos and spec sheets, further supporting the trade professional during the fitting stage.
Sarah O’Reilly, senior marketing executive, Flair Showers, says: “At Flair, we have created a brand new campaign, the ‘Installers Choice’, to show trade professionals that we are their trusted partner for showering solutions. Flair PRO is constructed with high quality materials and is engineered to save valuable time and energy from the fitter’s perspective. Our new van campaign film shows how quick and easy the installation of a Verve PRO shower door is, alongside details of our ordering, packing and delivery process.
“Visitors to InstallerSHOW were able to get hands-on with our brand new Verve PRO shower door at our demonstration area, and have a go at installing it as easily and quickly as shown in our new film.”
With an enduring dedication to protecting tile and stone, Schlüter-Systems offers more than 10,000 products for the long-lasting installation of tiles and natural stone, including a comprehensive range of trims, waterproofing, underfloor heating and wetroom drainage systems. The brand is an ideal choice for the premium end of the bathroom retail sector, especially for those looking to take a system-led approach to their bathroom designs and installations. Parts of Schlüter’s portfolio, such as the underfloor heating and tile trims, also appeal to premium-end kitchen showrooms and retailers.
Today we talk to Koralia Hume, director of Quarrybank Boutique Bathrooms, to find out why the companies work so well together.
Quarrybank’s story
We are a family-run business in the heart of Wilmslow, which was created by myself and my husband two years ago. We are a boutique-style showroom that offers a unique solution for bathroom spaces based on quality and creativity. We don’t sell just bathrooms – we sell visions which are always backed up by high-quality products. When our customers come to us they are looking for a top-quality service with top-quality products and oodles of creativity. I would like to think this is exactly what we offer; when a customer chooses to work with us, they know they will receive exceptional service. We are now an award-winning company after our installation team won a KBB Review award for Installation Company of the Year. This only confirms what we already knew: we are the best installers in our area! With that in mind, our reputation is on the line every time we go into the customer’s house to transform the existing, probably outdated space into something really exceptional. We provide quality, we install quality, and we guarantee quality.
How did you become involved in the bathroom industry?
My husband and partner, Steven Hume, has been in the plumbing and heating trade for many years. As he was already a successful installer of luxury bathrooms, it seemed a natural progression to offer a complete solution to our customers. We took the plunge(!) and opened our 600 sq ft showroom in June 2022. We chose Wilmslow because it has such a vibrant, positive town centre.
How long have you been a Schlüter-Systems retailer?
We have sold Schlüter-Systems products to our customers for two years. Steven has used Schlüter’s excellent products on many high-end bathroom installations over the years, and when we opened the showroom, we knew we wanted to offer these same products to our customers.
As a business, how have you adapted over the past three years?
Our customers like to see for themselves what we can offer them, and we currently have 15 displays. Choosing a new bathroom is a very personal experience, and people value a one-to-one discussion and actually seeing the displays we inspire.
Have you found customer demands changing in recent years?
Customers are definitely paying more attention to their spending and are looking for quality products, great workmanship and a beautiful finish in a bathroom that will last. Schlüter’s products help us to achieve our customers’ exacting requirements.
What, for you, is a typical bathroom installation size and value, and customer profile?
We attract customers from the Cheshire area. They tend to be in their 40’s with young families. With a typical space of up to 10m2, customers spend an average of between £23,000 – £25,000 for a fully installed bathroom.
Do you design, supply, install?
Yes, we look after the whole process!
How do the next five years look for Quarrybank Boutique Bathrooms?
We want to be the go-to showroom in Cheshire, recognised for our creative approach to supplying unique solutions. We are looking to expand the installation side of the business alongside an increase in sales. Oh, and we’d like a Showroom of the Year award to go with our Installer Company of the Year award!
What bathroom trends are you seeing?
Consumers are really interested in sustainability and are looking to emulate natural materials with wood finishes and wood effect tiles. There is a trend for earthy colours, such as terracotta, in the bathroom.
What do you love about the industry?
As a designer, I love the creative process. Showing a new customer the endless solutions available and creating something spectacular is a big thrill!
Why did you choose Schlüter-Systems?
As a showroom of unparalleled reputation, we only work with top-quality products. Our reputation is everything to us and, as a showroom providing full bathroom services from design to supply and installation, it is crucial that only the best is offered to our customers.
When selecting our partners and suppliers, we carefully choose brands that align with our values and provide high-quality products across a wide range.
Schlüter-Systems is a tile installation expert with over 50 years of experience. When we discovered the company’s products, we knew it was a perfect match. After trying and testing the products, we found that they significantly enhance our installations, offering even more detail and unique solutions to our designs.
We pride ourselves on delivering unique solutions for bathroom designs, ensuring the longevity of the finished product, and enhancing the usability factor for our customers. With Schlüter-Systems, we can achieve all that and more.
What are popular products/ranges amongst your customers?
We love Schlüter tile trims. They are a joy to work with and our customers love choosing them. The variety of finishes and colours is vast, allowing us to play with samples during appointments and find the perfect match for each customer.
Schlüter-DITRA-HEAT underfloor heating is also very popular when it comes to adding an extra heating system in the bathroom. The quality of this product is excellent, far superior to anything else on the market. What customers particularly appreciate about DITRA-HEAT is the second cable attachment feature. If anything goes wrong over the years, you can simply re-plug the system with a second cable – something other manufacturers do not offer.
How do you find the customer service from Schlüter-Systems? Is there anything that stands out to you?
The customer service at Schlüter-Systems is second to none. Our enquiries are answered promptly by attentive staff, allowing us to pass on complete information to our customers. Our rep, Philip Cutts, is a wonderful person inside and out. He visits us often to ensure we have the latest knowledge and products, offers training to both our showroom staff and installation team, and is generally a pleasure to work with. His attentiveness and extensive knowledge, particularly from his background in installation, are invaluable when we discuss complex design points. As a family-run business, relationships mean everything to us. Partnering with Schlüter-Systems has been a wonderful experience and journey. We always feel supported, inspired and encouraged.
Have you completed any exciting projects recently featuring Schlüter-Systems?
Every single project of ours is completed with Schlüter trims. We’ve been using their products for nearly two years and our installers find them super easy to work with, while our customers find them very attractive. It’s a great combination because our installers have a keen attention to detail, and when such skills are matched with the right product, the result is incredible.
The new Waterline Bathroom Collection features a wide range of products that cater to contemporary and traditional tastes. Developed in close collaboration with industry experts, the range includes everything from furniture, WCs, and flushing systems to brassware, basins, shower trays and enclosures, baths, heating solutions, flooring, and mirrors.
Design is at the heart of the new collection. The sanitaryware features square and round themes, while the furniture pieces feature contemporary and traditional styles. The shower enclosures offer a variety of styles, including quadrant, sliding, and hinge doors, while the brassware comes in multiple tap configurations with finishes that match the shower enclosures.
Colour features throughout the range are important, ensuring cross-product colour coordination to meet diverse design preferences.
Add a touch of paradise to indoor and outdoor spaces with Beach House by BAGNODESIGN. Creating a cool and contemporary retreat, Beach House brings tropical island living home with a range of beautiful products designed to work in harmony with nature.
Outdoor shower columns rejuvenate and connect you to the simplicities of nature, while sun-kissed teak furniture, stone composite BAGNOQUARTZ basins and bathtubs, shimmering metallic brassware, and whitewashed wood-effect tiles make for a complete bathroom solution that transports you to another world.
Made from Grade 316 stainless steel, Beach House mixers and shower columns offer lasting durability for outdoor use. Weather-resistant PVD brassware finishes in Brushed Stainless Steel, Oyster, Titanium, and PVD Brushed Copper add a touch of sophistication, complemented by travertine accessories reminiscent of soft sand beaches.
Light hues open a space, mimicking the outdoor bathrooms of private Maldivian villas, while organic, curved shapes advocate for moments of self-care. From stylish terrazzo and integrated basins to sleek natural wood vanity units and illuminated LED mirrors, every element is crafted to enhance the spa bathroom experience.
Leading surface and sanitaryware brand RAK Ceramics has launched its newest innovation, the RAK-Ingot washbasins. Crafted to redefine bathroom elegance, these washbasins captivate with their luxurious finishes, sleek shapes, and ability to integrate with any modern bathroom scheme.
Available in four distinct shapes – rectangle, oval, round, and square – the RAK-Ingot washbasins epitomise contemporary sophistication. The circle measures 360x360x110mm, the oval measures 550x350x115mm, the square basin measures 400x400x10mm, and the rectangle measures 500x350x100mm. These versatile dimensions mean they are compatible with a wide range of bathroom layouts.
The hallmark of the RAK-Ingot washbasins is their exquisite finishes, which are available in three stunning options: Matt Black, Brushed Brass, and Brushed Nickel. Each finish exudes luxury, adding a touch of opulence to any bathroom space. These finishes are meticulously crafted to complement current trends for unique textures and metallics in contemporary bathroom design, allowing designers and homeowners to create truly bespoke spaces.
The RAK-Ingot washbasins are engineered for seamless integration with RAK Ceramics accessories, taps and mirrors. This holistic approach to bathroom design ensures a harmonious aesthetic that elevates the overall bathing experience.
The RAK-Ingot range extends to stainless steel recessed Niches in Black, Brushed Nickel and Brushed Brass finishes. Available in various sizes, including 30×30, 30×60, 30×60 with 1 dividing shelf, 30×120, and 30×120 with 2 dividing shelves, these niches provide practical storage solutions while effortlessly complementing the RAK-Ingot washbasins.
PJH, one of the UK’s leading distributors in the KBB sector, has introduced 34 new delivery vehicles to its 130-strong fleet. 14 DAF XF tractor units and 20 7.5-tonne DAF LF box trucks join the distributor’s national transport network.
This multi-million-pound, multi-year deal investment is part of PJH’s ambitious fleet renewal programme. It ensures state-of-the-art logistics support for its expanding business needs and reinforces its commitment to sustainable delivery capabilities and exceptional ‘First Choice’ Customer Service.
The new fleet, acquired through Asset Alliance Group, includes comprehensive repair and maintenance services, providing PJH with reliable and consistent vehicle performance. Shaun Berry, National Transport Manager at PJH, remarked, “Our vehicle fleet has grown by 30% in just over three years, with this ongoing investment ensuring our vehicles are of the highest quality, reliable and provide our drivers with a comfortable working environment.”
The updated fleet will be used for PJH’s extensive distribution and home delivery operations, with an emphasis on maintaining high-reliability standards and a professional image. In addition to introducing the 34 new delivery vehicles, the refresh includes 21 vehicles due to be replaced later this year, ensuring PJH’s nationwide fleet remains ultra-modern and efficient.
Shaun added, “With PJH now making over 350,000 deliveries annually, many of which are next-day services, the new vehicles will enhance our customer service even further through their greater reliability, efficiency, and appearance.”
Acquabella, known for its avant-garde designs, continues to redefine bathroom aesthetics with its latest range of baths and basins. Specialising in mineral-based solutions, Acquabella products exemplify elegance fused with functionality, appealing to both modern and classic bathroom settings.
Their flagship products, including the stylish Noon Slate bathtub and the sleek Acquasolid collection, composed of basins and worktops, showcase Acquabella’s mastery when blending form and function. Crafted from durable and silica-free materials, these offerings enhance the visual appeal of bathrooms and promise longevity and ease of maintenance—a testament to Acquabella’s dedication to sustainable design practices.
On the one hand, the Noon bathtub features a Slate texture that gives it a sophisticated and natural look. At the same time, its smooth interior boasts a practical ledge, which is ideal for placing bath products or any accessories. Thanks to its material, Akron®, it can be designed in more than 2000 colours. On the other hand, Acquabella presents the Acquasolid collection, composed of washbasins and countertops (Tai, Kivu and Tana series) made of Solid Surface with a white, matt, highly resistant finish.
Acquabella’s commitment to innovation and quality reaffirms its position as a trendsetter in the bathroom industry. It continually pushes boundaries and sets new standards for elegance and efficiency.
