Saffron Interiors of Guildford is the latest retailer to join the Kbsa, along with kitchen distributer Waterline as a corporate member.
Saffron Interiors is a family-run dedicated kitchen retailer with a reputation for supporting customers on their kitchen journey. Providing a unique kitchen buyers guide to help explain each step and inviting customers to experience how appliances work, and see fully stocked storage solutions in the showroom.
Gary Turnbull, founder and owner at Saffron Interiors said “We are delighted to join other independent retailers as a member of the Kbsa. We hope to take advantage of the wide range of benefits, which will undoubtedly save us money, and support the growth of our business.”
Kitchen distributer Waterline has also joined the Kbsa as a corporate member. As part of its package to support independent retailers, Waterline will now offer a minimum credit account of £5,000 to Kbsa members and discounts on selected appliances, worktops and lighting brands.
Retail and Corporate membership director Malcolm Scott said, “I am pleased to welcome Saffron Interiors and Waterline to the Kbsa. Continued growth in membership strengthens the Kbsa as a collective voice for our industry and helps more retailers share ideas and best practice.”
Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity’s demand for natural resources surpasses what the earth can regenerate in one year. This means we are living on credit for five whole months and depleting the earth’s resources further and further. This alarming fact calls for urgent action to reduce our ecological footprint and preserve the planet for future generations.
Simple changes in our everyday behaviour and the use of new, innovative technologies could push back the date of Earth Overshoot Day. Here, Ronke Ugbaja, leader, product management, LIXIL EMENA, and GROHE UK highlights the home innovations available to help reduce consumption at home.
1. When it comes to the bathroom tap, GROHE SilkMove ES technology helps to save energy. When operating standard taps with the lever in the middle position, mixed hot and cold water flows every time – even when only briefly rinsing a toothbrush or washing hands.
2. To reduce water consumption, GROHE taps with EcoJoy technology are equipped with a flow-limiting mousseur. This helps to reduce water flow from the usual 10 liters per minute, to just over 5 liters per minute.
3. GROHE EcoJoy technology can also save water and energy in the shower area. The water flow is reduced by a flow limiter and, thanks to smaller nozzles, this is not noticeable when showering as the flow remains as strong as usual.
4. Shower thermostats also help to save water and energy, as they maintain the chosen water temperature for the duration of the shower, so there is no need to spend time re-adjusting or waiting for the shower to reach the desired temperature.
5. The latest innovation is GROHE Everstream, the brand’s first water-recycling shower technology that circulates hygienically treated water in order to create the showering experience users expect but consuming as little fresh water as possible – and using far less energy.
When Sussex Wetrooms was asked to design and install pedicure thrones in the treatment rooms of The Old Rectory luxury boutique hotel in Hastings Old Town, East Sussex, the team turned to Schlüter-Systems to ensure the entire scheme was water- and future-proof; after all, the two companies had worked in tandem in other projects there including two wetrooms and a free-standing in-room bath.
Adam McEwan of Sussex Wetrooms explains, “We were tasked with designing and building these beautiful pedicure thrones for a treatment room. They not only needed to be aesthetically pleasing but also functional so that the technicians could work at a comfortable height whilst having space for their equipment. We created a solid timber framework clad in marine ply then covered it with Schlüter-DITRA and Schlüter-KERDI-200 waterproofing membrane; it was all then finished with a large-format, green onyx porcelain tile. All external edges were mitred and finished with a gloss resin colour-matched to suit the tile. Along with installing the basins and mixer taps, we also the Schlüter-REMA system to create a concealed access panel to ensure the taps and basin wastes were accessible for servicing in the future.”
Susie Waddilove, marketing manager at The Old Rectory commented “Sussex Wetrooms is the only company we trust to look after our grade 2 listed hotel. Adam is more than a plumber; he is a master craftsman and a consummate professional. From our initial discussion to the final product, Adam consistently demonstrates incredible design skills. His innovative approach guarantees that the finished product will be the best possible fit for our requirements. He is utterly trustworthy, and his delivery is timely. His wealth of knowledge is invaluable”.
Adam has been installing bathrooms and wet rooms for over 20 years, but it wasn’t until 2016 that he turned to Schlüter-Systems and he hasn’t looked back since.
Sussex Wetrooms handles around 16 projects a year and only specifies Schlüter’s comprehensive range of trims, waterproofing, underfloor heating and drainage systems.
One of Schlüter’s many advantages, he adds, is its unrivalled product portfolio: “You can give customers options on things they didn’t even realise were possible,” he says. “Schlüter offers more options than competing brands and that was one of the biggest draws for me. I don’t give customers a choice. We work to a minimum specification.”
What also attracted Adam to Schlüter was the versality of the product: “We’ve even created shaped seating in the past,” he says. “They do a product that actually flexes. And we’ve done curved walls whereas, historically, you would’ve been trying to manufacture that. “
Staff at Utopia’s Wolverhampton headquarters have raised over £1,110 for charity following a 10k walk last weekend. The fun annual event is organised by Matt Cox, an assembly team supervisor at the bathroom furniture manufacturer. According to Matt, the walk is definitely not a race but more of a pleasant stroll with colleagues, stopping for refreshments at pubs along the way.
With so much raised already and donations still coming in, the total sum will be split between the Make a Wish Foundation, the national charity that helps to fulfil the wishes of critically ill children, and Utopia’s own Liz Green Fund, set up to benefit cancer charities and local causes following the sad passing of founding director Liz Green last year.
Despite threatening weather, the group of 25 walkers had a brilliant day and are seen here at one of the stops along the way. All the walkers wore T-shirts proudly displaying the logos for the two charities.
Matt comments, “As well as raising valuable funds for charity, our walk is a great way for colleagues to spend some time together out of the work environment. We had a lot of fun, and there weren’t too many blisters at the end, so well done to everyone who took part. We’ve already set the date for next year’s walk when we hope even more people will take part. ”
KBB Distributor PJH has further enhanced its class-leading e-commerce site, the Partners Portal™ (www.partners.pjh.uk), bringing several new features and functionality to support its growing network of retailers.
Developed from feedback received through PJH’s “Voice of the Customer” (VOTC) programme, Partners Portal™ now adds a Digital Paperwork function which allows customers to view and download important documentation such as invoice and credit paperwork as well as delivery and collection notes, with proof of delivery containing signatures and times stamps for ease and simplicity.
Plus, a new Returns & Credits function enables the full returns process to be managed online through the Portal. Customers can raise and manage their returns, including selecting collection dates.
With the number of customers using the Partners Portal™ growing month-on-month, and average transaction values increasing too, the addition of these two new features to the constantly evolving platform, vastly improves PJH’s digital capabilities and e-commerce offering whilst providing the platform PJH’s customers want.
Speaking about the Portal’s new features, Brett Jenkinson, head of retail customer experience, PJH, said: “So much of the PJH Partners Portal™ functionality is driven by the feedback we receive from our customers through our VOTC programme and both the Digital Paperwork and Returns features were developed through this valuable feedback route and join other functionality such as delivery tracking, product images and data downloads – as well as an updated virtual showroom.
“PJH continues to invest heavily in the Partners Portal™ through the constant addition of innovative features and functions, recognising its importance as a sales channel, which now accounts for over two-thirds of all PJH sales orders. All new features bring us closer to our customers, providing convenience and ease of use and to support our aim to be the customers’ ‘First Choice’.”
Customer feedback from using the PJH’s Partners Portal™ is currently 4.85 stars out of a maximum of 5. This highlights just how well it meets the customers’ needs, and PJH will continue to invest to ensure it evolves to meet the ever-changing demands of customers and the KBB market sector.
To find out more about the updated PJH Partners Portal™, contact PJH on:- Tel: 0800 8 77 88 99 or visit the website: www.partners.pjh.uk
Features by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review. Diane Larner launched both titles over 12 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.
Maximising space whilst creating luxurious bathrooms, ensuites, and cloakrooms has become ever more crucial for house-builders and developers wishing to stay competitive in the current property market. With a growing number of manufacturers offering a range of space-saving alternatives, from compact baths to combo furniture solutions, the selection choice has never been so good. BR explores the latest innovations on offer.
Cleverly compact
Today’s space-saving designs cater for those seeking a complete bathroom experience, including a shower, bath, WC, and storage. Hybrid baths balance luxurious soaking with practical showering, making them an excellent addition to family bathrooms, whilst storage combined with a basin & WC offers an efficient and compact option.
Julie Lockwood, product manager, Bathrooms to Love from PJH, agrees, “Cleverly designed products, compact styles, short projection depths and back-to-wall options are perfect for many small bathroom spaces – whether it’s under the stairs, within a compact ensuite or in an awkwardly sized space.”
Bathroom to Love offers a variety of clever design solutions, from bathroom furniture to ceramics and showering enclosures to baths. Compact bathroom units, such as the Valesso slimline range with a short projection depth of 222mm (pictured above), come in various cabinet types and widths. They are specially designed to fit into small spaces with a minimal footprint whilst providing flexible storage space. These options work well with slim semi-recessed basins and WCs for super organised and efficient use of space.
Small luxuries
Wellness is one of the biggest interior bathroom trends this year, as consumers seek products promoting well-being and much-needed escapism. Free-standing baths are an industry go-to, but how do you create this luxury style in a small bathroom?
Director of Waters Baths of Ashbourne, Lee Frost explains, “When it comes to a smaller bathroom, try to think outside of the box. Compact shower baths, space-saving back-to-wall baths and smaller freestanding baths can all fuse function and a feeling of sanctuary, mirroring and equalling the quality, comfort, and aesthetic of their standard/oversized counterparts.”
Providing the answer to awkward-shaped bathrooms, Waters Baths of Ashbourne’s Coast Corner Set Bath (pictured above) cleverly combines the practicality of a corner bath with the modern indulgence of a freestanding bath.
Kaldewei also stocks a variety of freestanding baths for compact spaces and offers the practical necessity of reduced dimensions without compromising the bathing experience. “When creating a bathroom in a smaller space, a bath that has a reduced length is a great option; Kaldewei’s Cayono is available in a smaller 150cm length, but its steep sides still ensure a generously dimensioned interior bath.” says Adam Teal, head of sales Kaldewei UK.
Kaldewei’s Meisterstueck Centro Duo bathtub with central waste in Alpine White (bottom left) also provides compact bathing for two. For visual continuity, specifiers can select Kaldewei’s Cayonoplan shower tray (also shown below in Alpine White). The shower tray is available in 22 dimensions, and both are made with 100% recyclable Kaldewei steel enamel.
Teal continues, “The OYO DUO freestanding bathtub (pictured above left) is also good in small spaces as the pipework is concealed and the taps are also freestanding. The bath can be placed in almost any location in the bathroom, and the Meisterstueck Centro Duo allows you to create additional space as it fits perfectly against the wall.”
Calling for recess
The Shower Lab
Utilising an alcove, taking space from an adjoining room, or re-purposing cupboard space is an ingenious way to create a walk-in shower without compromising available bathroom space.
TSL agrees, “A recess shower space can look stunning, and whilst it may maximise available space in different size alcoves, it can also deliver a head-turning focal point.”
Basin and storage combo units are the perfect solution for small bathrooms and en-suites, offering a range of stylish in-vogue options. Wall-hung units also create the impression of space by keeping the floor area free and clear.
Sarah Collison, Saneux marketing manager, explains, “The trend of bathrooms getting smaller is continuing, and homeowners want products that need to be practical in the space whilst looking good too. It’s important to be adaptable and adjust to those changes so that every bathroom, no matter its size, can serve its best purpose.”
Saneux’s UNI and Monument collections both offer short projection basins. Monument is available in an on-trend fluted design that blends modern and classic styles, whilst UNI features two new short projection basins in 40cm and 50cm sizes. Both UNI basins have a depth of only 36cm, allowing them to fit snugly into cloakrooms or small bathrooms, even when paired with their corresponding vanity units.
We hope you enjoyed this space-saving feature from Bathroom Review. Please look through our feature archivefor more helpful information.
If you want to see the latest trends in Kitchen design, please visit our sister site Kitchens Review.
The new head of marketing for Schlüter-Systems is David Naylor (pictured), who brings years of experience in the building industry to the manufacturer of system solutions for the function, protection and decoration of tile and natural stone. David’s most recent position wasas Head of Product Management for George Fischer, a plastic pipe systems specialist.
During his career, David has been involved in developing new innovative products, such as Durapipe PLX+, a fuel station pipe system now distributed worldwide, and George Fischer’s Fuseal, a chemical waste drainage system. Also, during his time at Tremco Illbruck, David launched popular adhesive products such as Shark Bond and PU700.
Heading a team of 5, David explains, “I look forward to making a positive impact here by helping the business grow and expanding the coverage across the industry. I am also enjoying working with my new team, who have been very supportive. It’s an exciting time to join Schlüter-Systems”.
Cyncly, a leading global provider of software and content solutions, today shared its perspective on the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for the home improvement industry.
To meet consumer needs, every business in the industry – from designers to retailers and manufacturers – is navigating increasing complexity. Customers expect new digital services, including self-service and high levels of customization, as well as a personalized and frictionless buying experience.
Cyncly has a proven history of building and deploying market-leading intelligent technologies. To support customers with innovative product features, more immersive experiences and augmented data, Cyncly will add the power of artificial intelligence across its solution portfolio, which covers every stage of the consumer value cycle. AI-based solutions will provide consumers access to new services, such as enhanced design inspiration while delivering capabilities for Cyncly customers to gain greater efficiency and higher margins through improved operations.
“We believe that Cyncly is in a unique position to unlock the power of AI and lead in delivering new sources of value for the Spaces for Living industry,” said David Tombre, CEO.
“AI can open up new ways of interacting with large amounts of data and information to support designers, retailers, dealers and manufacturers. We will harness the power of AI by leveraging our strengths: our unparalleled content and data repository, our deep vertical expertise built over decades, and the innovative capability of our global engineering team. These assets uniquely position Cyncly at the forefront of our industry, enabling our customers to provide consumers with highly personalized, extraordinary experiences.”
Three principles provide the foundation for Cyncly’s strategy to lead the industry with real market innovation:
The power of AI is unlocked with data Training and optimizing AI models is all about the quantity and quality of data available. Cyncly’s deep repository of content and data, drawn from years of industry-leading service, provides a unique advantage as a foundation for AI-enabled capabilities.
The power of AI is in specific applications The most valuable AI models leverage recent technological advances to create vertical solutions specific to an industry and use case. Cyncly’s engineering capability, its deep industry focus and the digitization of core business processes provide opportunities to train AI models that deliver unique insights and superior outcomes.
The power of AI should be harnessed responsibly Bringing AI to life requires the technical ability to deliver and also the values to act responsibly. Cyncly follows the highest standards on safety and security to guide the largest engineering team in the market. Cyncly’s AI initiatives, in combination with its cloud platform and content lifecycle strategy, will accelerate the digitization of the home improvement market.
Cyncly provides solutions for businesses at each stage of the consumer value cycle – from inspiration, to design and sales, to manufacturing, and ultimately installation. AI will enable new product capabilities, guided customer journeys and augmented manufacturer data to keep consumers at the heart of every home improvement project.
“Cyncly already leverages intelligent technologies to support room planning through auto design. But we see the power of AI going far beyond efficiency gains within a single tool,” said Hetal Shah, CTO at Cyncly. “Our years-long investment in cloud-based content and our platform approach give us a head-start in bringing use cases to market that deliver unmatched value for our customers.”
The UK housebuilding sector has experienced a significant setback due to higher mortgage rates, with activity falling at its steepest rate in more than a decade. Development companies expect a market downturn due to the increase in interest rates.
Total housing completions in the financial year just ended were down 3.9% on the previous 12 months. The last six months of 2022 saw Barratt Development complete 6.9% more homes than 2021, but the first six months of 2023, completions were off 12.8% on the same period earlier, now proposing they may build 20% fewer homes. This change is suggesting the rise in interest rates is starting to have an impact on homebuyers, especially first time buyers.
Clive Holland, presenter at Fix Radio– the UK’s only national radio station dedicated to tradespeople – provides his insight on the current state of the construction industry:
“The government target of 300,000 houses to be built per year, even before COVID was extremely unrealistic for a couple of reasons. After Brexit, a lot of our support teams went back to their own countries; we didn’t have enough people in our industry, and we’re already short of tradespeople as it is. Everybody except for emergency services, and the building industry, believe it or not, and trade-associated trades virtually stopped working during COVID, you know, 80% of the population were furloughed, and so on. So it was always going to be a tricky one to try and get anywhere near that demand of 300,000 houses built.
“Now you’re in a situation where many house builders have mothballed a lot of their sites because they can’t sell them due to rising interest rates. Lots of sites around the country would have been flooded with people buying off-plan without even looking at the house.”
Whether it be battling against record material and labour prices, a historically small workforce, regulations that stifle the ability for builders to work, as well as being in the grips of a mental health crisis, the construction industry is facing significant obstacles.
The latest PMI Survey revealed that builders attributed this decline to higher borrowing costs and a “subdued” outlook for the housing market. Despite the UK avoiding a recession, as confirmed in the most recent Budget, the construction industry is still significantly hampered by a crippling skills deficit and record material prices. The latest Construction Skills Network report cites that the UK needs an extra 225,000 workers by 2027 to meet construction demand, the equivalent of 45,000 per year. Overwhelming work schedules, material shortages and new directives such as ULEZ have left hundreds of thousands of small businesses – equalling 27% of SMEs in the trade – on the verge of breaking point and collapse, a study from Fix Radio found.
Bathroom furniture is a key element in helping to design a stunning yet functional small bathroom space. Not only can retailers and designers experiment with colour and texture, but carefully chosen cabinets can provide compact yet generous storage space to keep the ‘clutter’ hidden behind closed doors. Wall-hung units are particularly suited to small bathroom spaces as they create the illusion of more space by keeping the floor area clear (see the Elements wall-hung basin unit, pictured above).
Bathroom units with short projection depths, such as Valesso slimline range at 222mm (pictured below), are available in many different cabinet types and widths and have been specially designed to fit into small spaces with a minimum footprint and provide flexible storage space. Team with slim semi-recessed basins and WC for super organised and efficient use of space.
Another innovative design to join Bathroom to Love’s evolving bathroom furniture category is a new ‘One-piece’ basin and WC unit measuring just 124cm in width. This practical solution includes a one-piece worktop with an integrated basin, cupboard, WC unit, and end panels and plinths. Launched last month, it is available across many of the brand’s fitted furniture ranges. It boasts a luxurious and seamless look (pictured below in the Benita range in a flawless Matt Latte finish with brushed brass fittings).
For showering solutions in a space-challenged room, look to In-fold enclosures, such as the innovative RefleXion model from Bathrooms to Love. An excellent space-saver design, theRefleXion In-fold Enclosure– a more modern version of the well-known Bi-fold door – features a smooth opening and closing mechanism that slides into the showering space instead of outwards into the room. Therefore, it takes up less space and avoids difficulties in being too close to a basin or WC. It is pictured here in a recess bathroom space.
In terms of ceramics, plenty of compact options are now available such as the beautiful Cedarwood range (pictured below) with soft curves, finely tapered edges and slimline seats – all to provide the illusion of more space. This space-saving, wall-hung basin is just 450mm x 320mm with a bottle trap, keeping that valuable floor space clear and open, and a slim close-coupled WC (just 350mm wide) features a fine-edged wrapover seat for efficient, streamlined looks.
In addition to offering luxurious space-saving bathroom solutions, Bathrooms to Love is supported by a first-class distribution service through PJH, one of the UK’s largest KBB distributors. A premium customer service package includes many benefits such as; Next Day Delivery to 91% of UK postcodes, the opportunity to have deliveries made to store or home addresses, online ordering and account management via the PJH Partners Portal™, a virtual showroom, QR codes and AR (Augmented Reality), the Bathrooms to Love ‘BOND’, and PJH’s much lauded ‘First Choice’ customer service. Huge stockholding means all Bathrooms to Love products are usually always in stock for next day delivery.
Illustrating just a flavour of the space-saving bathroom solutions available from Bathrooms to Love, contact PJH for further information on the full Collection:
