The climate crisis being experienced across Europe means the need to focus on water waste critical, says Yvonne Orgill, MD at the Unified Water Label Association, as World Water Week gets underway (20-24 August).

The world experienced its hottest day ever recorded in July, breaking the global average temperature record set in 2016, with average global temperature topping 17C for the first time, according to EU climate monitoring service Copernicus.

August brought violent storms across northern Italy, which prompted the president, Sergio Mattarella, to join counterparts from Spain, Greece, Croatia and Slovenia in demanding urgent action from international leaders to tackle the climate crisis. “There is no more time to waste, no more time to compromise for political or economic reasons,” they wrote.

In Spain, the driest start to a year was registered in the first four months of 2023 since records began in the 1960s, with Catalonia and southern Spain’s Andalusia being the most affected.  This led to Catalonia’s authorities imposing new water usage restrictions on 22 villages around the Darnius Boadella reservoir in northeastern Spain, as the aquifer supplying it is almost empty.

Yvonne Orgill MD at UWLA, says, “Our water efficiency message is now absolutely critical. Industry must come together with governments to communicate the need to be water-wise and reduce waste if we are to have any impact and reduce the hardship that will result from severe water shortages. We hope that people can now see that the dangers of warming our planet are no longer something distant, it’s here and now and affecting every region in the world.

“The industry has a smart solution in the Unified Water Label, which is being driven and supported by 70 % of all major brands.  More and more companies across Europe are coming on board, displaying the Unified Water Label, and making it easier for consumers to make environmentally friendly choices.

“The Unified Water Label Association is committed to driving home the water efficiency message, encouraging everyone in the supply chain to support us by highlighting the label and the products that carry it, to ensure more of these products are used in the home. We are also working to help consumers understand that they can choose products that fit with their lifestyles, and that they can change behaviours to use products with more awareness.

“Those interested in supporting the UWLA or joining us to embrace a cleaner, greener bathroom revolution can find out more by visiting the website www.uwla.eu.”

A new Water Regs UK survey has exposed concerning health issues among plumbers nationwide. The data highlights the challenges faced by these professionals and calls for urgent industry-wide solutions to safeguard their well-being.

The survey findings reveal that a significant percentage of plumbers are grappling with various health problems. An alarming 73.2% reported joint aches, closely followed by 69.3% experiencing back pain.

Work-related stress was identified as a major concern, affecting 44.4% of respondents. Additional health issues reported include dry skin (33.2%), trapped nerves (29.8%), repetitive strain injury (23.4%), hearing loss (17.6%), and vertigo or other hearing problems (5.4%).

These statistics underscore the need for plumbers’ to prioritise their health and take appropriate steps to access help.

Julie Spinks, Managing Director at Water Regs UK recommends that plumbers first port of call should be their GP: “ “Plumbers provide a vital service helping others. It’s important that they take time to look after themselves too and seek help when they need it.”

Plumbers can approach their GP for a health check and many practices provide this support. Alternatively, those with private medical insurance can often arrange a health check through their provider, although additional fees might be incurred.

The survey’s standout statistic of 44.4% of plumbers experiencing work-related stress calls for particular attention to their work-life balance and mental well-being.

The plumbing profession demands physical exertion and imposes high-pressure situations, leading to significant mental strain. It is crucial to address the impact of work-related stress on their mental health.

Plumbers can find free support and resources in the UK through organisations such as the Mental Health – Lighthouse Club, Mind, Samaritans, and the NHS Mental Health Services, which offer helplines and counselling services.

Water Regs UK also emphasises the importance of implementing ergonomic practices and adopting appropriate tools and equipment to minimise physical strain associated with plumbing tasks.

Prioritising occupational health and safety enables plumbers to perform their duties more comfortably and reduces the risk of injury.

Water Regs UK remains committed to championing the welfare of plumbers in the UK. Collaborating with industry stakeholders, the organisation will develop strategies that prioritise the health and well-being of these vital professionals.

Harrison Bathrooms has announced a record turnover, breaking through the £40 million Landmark barrier.

Formed in only 2013, Harrison Bathrooms and Scudo offer hand-picked quality bathrooms, creating stunning collections and building a reputation for delivering the finest quality products at affordable prices throughout the UK & Ireland.

 Harrison Bathrooms says it allows retailers the highest discounts and terms to provide maximum profitability, offered through a competitively priced luxury retail brochure.

The Yorkshire-based bathroom company has experienced continued year-on-year growth since its formation in 2013. Featuring in the Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 league table twice, once in 2018 and again in 2020. This growth, through challenging market conditions such as Brexit & Covid, is a testament to the hard work and determination of all the 130 Harrison Bathrooms staff.

This pivotal year has seen the opening of two new state-of-the-art offices and warehousing facilities, packing, and tracking locations in North Leeds and Seacroft. Enabling the company to efficiently fulfil 24-hour delivery across the whole of the UK and Ireland, from over 200,000sqft of warehouse and £9m stocking facility.

This expansion has allowed the business to proactively service competitive market demand, supporting innovation and design-led product development. The strategic decision to import more products from Europe than China has also helped to service the sector reliably, streamline the supply chain and stabilise pricing.

“We are proud to achieve such an outstanding result despite challenging market conditions,” said James Harrison, managing director. “Back in 2019, we set the bold target to reach £40 million by 2023, and I’m pleased to report we have surpassed this ambitious milestone. #

“Since our launch in 2013, our focus has always been on delivering growth; this has accelerated, and turnover has doubled in the last few years.”

I want to thank our forward-thinking, committed team and valued retail partners for their continued support. We could not have done it without you.”

Simon Acres Group Limited, a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom (KBB) industry’s leading recruitment agency, hosted a successful roundtable event in partnership with apprenticeship training provider Workpays to examine the barriers to hiring apprentices.

Following the event, the company is sharing the main obstacles that hinder businesses from hiring apprentices in an effort to empower and inspire the industry to employ more apprentices.

The roundtable was held at the Stanwick Hotel in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. Industry professionals gathered to discuss the barriers that businesses face when hiring apprentices. A particular focus of the event was on the challenges within the KBB and construction industries. The event also aimed to reveal solutions and strategies that can help to overcome these barriers.

The diverse and knowledgeable panel included contributions from a variety of experts, including participants from leading apprenticeship bodies, training providers and KBB retailers. The panel was also joined by guest speaker Stephen Johnson, managing director at Quooker UK and Ireland, who shared valuable insights based on his experience of hiring young people and promoting the training and development of his colleagues at Quooker.

The main barriers to hiring apprentices identified during the roundtable event are:

1. A lack of information: Many businesses are unaware of the appropriate channels to explore when it comes to hiring apprentices, including being unaccustomed with apprenticeship training providers

2. Unfamiliarity with recognised and approved apprenticeship standards within the industry

3. Uncertainty around costs: The perceived financial burden of hiring apprentices is a concern for many businesses, as is a lack of awareness of the grants that are available and of some uncertainty surrounding apprenticeship wages

4. A lack of training awareness: On-the-job training requirements associated with apprenticeships are often unclear to businesses, including the amount of time required to be allocated to training apprentices

5. Confusing terminology and jargon: Many businesses experience confusion due to the vast amount of apprenticeship bodies, abbreviations and unclear language that exists

Simon Acres, managing director of Simon Acres Group Limited said: “Apprenticeships are a vital aspect to creating an experienced, knowledgeable and skilled KBB workforce. Hosting a lively and insightful roundtable on this important topic provided the opportunity to identify the challenges that prevent businesses from hiring apprentices, in addition to highlighting the ways in which these barriers can be overcome.

“With the support of Workpays, we hope to establish a collaborative approach to bring more apprentices into our sector. We’re encouraging other businesses to get involved and to work collaboratively with us to address the challenges surrounding hiring apprentices and to showcase the many benefits that apprenticeships offer while driving positive change and growth in our industry.”

For more information on Simon Acres Group Limited, please call the team on 0203 701 6660, email info@simonacres.co.uk or visit the website: https://simonacres.co.uk/