Following on from last year’s successful launch of the Qube Collection of modular and freestanding bathroom furniture, Utopia has now expanded the offering and introduced fitted and freestanding fitted furniture options into the range.
Key features of the expanded range include style, flexibility, quality and ‘Made in Britain’ assurance along with the existing quick delivery despatch service within 48 hours, which has been extended to cover the new additions.
Commenting on this strategic range extension, Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia, says “Our latest Qube offering presents the retailer and consumer with a compelling solution to incorporate bathroom furniture into their home, offering endless opportunities to create a completely unique combination from the multitude of beautifully co-ordinating elements available. Now, with the addition of fitted and freestanding fitted ranges, there really is a Qube style for everyone. ”
A new simplified ordering system makes it much easier for the retailer to sell and order, while the new 48 hour despatch service option available to the retailer at no extra charge is strengthened through an increased product offering available quickly, perfect for supply only businesses in particular.
The Qube Freestanding Fitted and Fitted ranges are available to order now in the new Qube Edge doorstyle, with the option for a top-mounted handle.
The full collection can be mixed and matched and offers seven on-trend finishes, including deep Indigo Blue and verdant Wild Green reflecting current trends in interior design for bold colours and two sophisticated matt finishes – Matt White and Matt Grey, joining White Gloss and two textured finishes, Anthracite Strata and Sorrento Walnut. As usual with Utopia, consumer samples of all finishes are available free of charge.
Flair Showers launched its ILI collection of shower doors in the UK at kbb Birmingham 2024. The ILI range of 1950mm high shower doors is available in three finishes – silver, matte black and brushed brass.
Designed with young families in mind, door options include bi-fold, slider and hinge doors in addition to sliding and hinged quadrants. Non-standard door widths are also used to cater to any configuration.
ILI is crafted from 6 mm toughened safety glass with a clear hydrophobic coating that resists the build-up of limescale and grime on the surface to maintain a spotless and sparkling clean finish.
The smooth curvature of the handle creates a truly ergonomic and tactile experience for the user while providing the additional benefit of an integrated towel or robe hook. The minimalist profiles and neatly curved hinges present simple, clean lines to the door aesthetic and complement the uniquely crafted handle design.
The new range is easy to fit thanks to Flair’s patented “Click Fit” screw-free assembly system. The tapered dovetail joint locks securely into position, connecting the vertical and horizontal profiles seamlessly. Furthermore, every ILI door style is fully reversible for either a left or right-hand configuration and ideal for wetroom and shower tray installation.
Ronan O’Grady, lead product designer at Flair Showers, says: “Key to every Flair product design are the stages of the family lifecycle. The ILI range is designed with young families in mind, its minimalist but robust frames are contrasted by gentle curvature and pillow shaped forms. It’s a range that celebrates functionality, colour and carefully considered features.”
“At Flair, we aim to create joy for our customers. We have introduced our ILI collection of shower doors that boasts aesthetically pleasing designs with clever functional innovations to ensure our retail partners can offer a showering solution that enhances both the bathroom space, and the consumers’ experience too. Consumers can embrace everyday adventures with ILI.”
GROHE has expanded its shower toilet offering with a new entry-level product, GROHE Sensia Pro. Designed to meet consumers’ hygiene needs in one streamlined solution, shower toilets combine a regular toilet with the benefits of a bidet.
Already standard in countries like Japan, this toilet solution contributes to a new hygiene experience, using the most natural cleaning agent there is: water. Water is kind to the skin, yet highly effective and hygienic – and more sustainable than toilet paper.
“Expanding our shower toilet portfolio allows us and our professional partners to reach new target groups,” says Stefan Schmied, leader commercial sales operations, LIXIL EMENA.
“As the ideal entry-level solution to complement the GROHE Sensia Arena, GROHE Sensia Pro makes pure hygiene affordable without compromising on advanced technology. With its versatile features, it appeals to diverse consumer groups, from wellness lovers to hygiene and technology enthusiasts.”
GROHE Sensia Pro is conveniently operated by remote control, which also features user-profile saving. To accommodate different personal needs, the twin shower arms come with adjustable water temperature and two sprays, one for cleaning the rear and a second spray that is ideal for the female intimate area. Both can be adjusted to operate an oscillating spray with an automatic forward and reverse motion. The nozzle position and spray strength can also be altered according to individual preference. After each use, the spray nozzles clean themselves with fresh water. The shower toilet offers another alternative to toilet paper in the integrated drying function, helping to reduce paper waste and further enhancing personal comfort.
Hygiene is also an important factor for the toilet itself. The ceramic glazing on the Sensia Pro has an antibacterial effect, while the anti-stick coating repels dirt and lime deposits. For thorough yet quiet cleaning, the GROHE Triple Vortex flush uses three water outlets to create a powerful swirl of water that covers every inch of the toilet bowl.
The GROHE Sensia Pro is also equipped with an automatic open and close function for the toilet seat and lid, further ensuring hygienic use. In addition, the shower toilet has a night-light to guide users safely in the dark. All these features are integrated with a modern design with clean lines – allowing the GROHE Sensia Pro to elevate any bathroom.
The GROHE Sensia Pro offers maximum flexibility in the bathroom, not only for consumers but also for installers when combined with the GROHE Rapid SLX. The fully pre-assembled toilet frame is the ideal solution for installing a shower toilet, as it comes with a universal water connection and an integrated power outlet. Moreover, the integrated flow manager makes it easy to regulate the flush flow intensity allowing the installer to limit unwanted splashing or overflow.
VitrA has unveiled a new partner programme exclusively for independent bathroom showrooms. As a VitrA Vitality partner, retailers will benefit from a package of benefits that are 100% focused on helping their business thrive.
With the Vitality Partner Programme, retailers can trust VitrA to deliver in every sense of the word, with a stock promise and long-term commitment to deliver priority service and great profitability, making a real impact on all aspects of a retailer’s business.
VitrA has consulted with its retailers and drawn on its decades of experience to build a Partner Programme offering a range of benefits designed to make a real difference to a showroom’s bottom line:
An exclusive product portfolio: The extensive Vitality Collection has over 1,200 products available only to VitrA Vitality Partners – VitrA’s biggest protected range ever.
Guaranteed availability: The entire Vitality Collection is backed by VitrA’s stock promise, meaning retailers can treat VitrA’s stock like their own.
Fast delivery: More than 600 products delivered within one day and 500 within a week. VitrA has upgraded its distribution stock profiles and warehouse facility to achieve industry-beating delivery times.
Priority service: A dedicated Partner phone line for pre and post- sales queries, manned by experienced consultants; and a devoted Partner email with same day response.
Enhanced display support: Access to carefully crafted display packages designed to ignite interest and achieve attractive ROI.
Training and support: To better aid designers and help drive sales.
Steve Breen, managing director at VitrA said: “At VitrA, we’re committed to helping independent bathroom showrooms thrive. We have taken the time to really listen and understand the challenges that our retailers face and the many hats they wear, and we want to lighten the load. We believe that the new VitrA Vitality Programme is the manufacturer-showroom collaboration they deserve.
“For over 30 years, our retailers have relied on us for products that stand the test of time. Now under new leadership, we’re ready to match our renowned product quality with a service they’ll remember for all the right reasons.
“Bathroom showrooms who partner with VitrA can be confident in an impressive range of products, offering plenty of choice. They will be able to trust and rely on VitrA to deliver quickly, in full and on time. We’ve re-focused our entire business on making our retailers lives easier, we’re here to help.”
For further information on the VitrA Vitality Partner Programme visit www.vitravitality.co.uk
Producers and society as a whole share a responsibility to achieve a sustainable future in terms of the manufacture and consumption of products for our homes. Vasco has committed to this goal with their collection of aluminium radiators and recycling processes, enabling customers to feel assured they are purchasing responsibly.
The majority of Vasco radiators are made entirely of lightweight, highly resistant, recycled aluminium. Stable, flexible and with a solid profile, aluminium has excellent thermal conductivity for optimal heat dissipation. All the aluminium radiators are manufactured with a patented press connection. After this, they receive a cataphoretic primer, which protects against any form of corrosion; finally, they are electrostatically coated with a high-quality epoxy-polyester powder coating.
If you are looking for the perfect fusion between heating and design, aluminium comes close. An aluminium radiator saves a lot of energy, conducting heat up to four times more efficiently than any other radiator, quickly bringing any room up to temperature, and using up to five times less water content. It works excellently on low temperature systems including solar and condensing boilers. It scores highly in terms of sustainability because aluminium is 100% recyclable and can be reused endlessly while retaining its specific properties. It is rust-free, making it ideal for a humid environment such as the bathroom, and particularly practical, being three times lighter than steel. Vasco aluminium radiators can be easily attached to any wall, require a minimum amount of space and are easy to install.
The aluminium collection of radiators delivers unique technical advantages, including excellent heat conduction, high output in low-temperature systems, light material and eye-catching designs – as well as being sustainable.
Vasco’s innovative portfolio has been honoured with internationally renowned design awards, such as the iF award, which combines energy-efficient heating and functionality into state-of-the-art design suitable for all rooms within the home or commercial environment. Comfortable, stylish design combined with sustainable manufacturing to deliver an innovative 360 degrees approach.
The 100% recycled aluminium radiator collection includes Alu-Zen, Oni, Beams, Bryce, Mono and Zaros. These radiators save energy in 3 ways:
Fast reaction time – The core of an aluminium radiator contains only two litres of water, whereas a classic radiator will easily contain ten litres. As a direct result, an aluminium radiator will react almost instantly to the heating temperature set on the thermostat, yielding a much higher efficiency.
Maximum heat output – The optimal conductivity characteristics of aluminium radiators ensure maximum heat output, even in low temperature systems. A low water temperature setting automatically reduces energy consumption.
Excellent radiation heat – The optimum combination of convection and radiant heat in aluminium radiators creates a comfortable feeling of warmth in the room.
Stylish and beautiful to look at, Vasco designer radiators are available in 56 contemporary colours, including the Noble colours: Pink, Silver, Pearl Beige, Gold Curry and Bronze. Finding the perfect accent or statement colour designer radiators has never been easier and with optional complementing towel rails available in a variety of colours and styles, demonstrating the perfect blend of design and functionality.
Vasco process, melt and extrude aluminium waste to create unique new designer radiators, such as the aluminium Oni and Beams Mono collections, which are also available as electronic versions -EL. These provide an alternative cost-efficient and user-friendly solution to traditional hydronic heating solutions and save money as they operate on a Plug & Plays-system which is not linked to a central heating installation. Both meet strict European Ecodesign standards for electrical appliances.
A musician-friendly club in the heart of Kings Cross, the Lafayette opened its doors in early 2020 before being swiftly closed due to lockdown. After successfully re-opening in 2021, it has become well-known on the UK music scene, hosting hundreds of music shows and performances from household name bands.
When the 600-capacity venue was refurbished, a kitchen was installed in the basement, and WCs were installed on the floor above, along with a cleaner’s cupboard. All waste water from these areas was formerly drained into a bespoke pumping system in the corner of the pot wash area, which then pumped the waste up to ground level and away to the main drain.
A soil inlet that was slightly submerged into the lower section of the chamber was preventing waste water from completely draining into the pit, whilst a 100mm inlet pipe was too close to one of the submersible pumps in the pit, preventing it from eliminating all paper waste. This caused clogging and blockages and became a general inconvenience to an otherwise excellent venue.
Surrey-based PumpServ, a national pump solutions maintenance company, was approached to evaluate the issue and suggest a solution. One option was to lower the chamber floor, but this would involve breaking out the concrete oversite. With concerns about the proximity of the Regent Canal and potential ground water ingress, PumpServ offered an alternative solution which would require the existing pumps to be swapped out. After a call to the technical team at Saniflo and a subsequent site inspection, the floor-standing Sanicubic 2 Pro lifting station was recommended for the job.
David Knight, business development manager for PumpServ, was delighted with the simplicity of the solution;
“The Saniflo Sanicubic Pro 2 has taken away the headache of blocked facilities for the Lafayette nightclub. Incoming pipework from the WC and shower in the Green Room and the small kitchen was too low at the point of entry to the pump station. The position of the two submersible pumps was restricting black waste and paper waste flow and these were building up at the point of entry. Occasionally the inflow would surcharge back to the kitchen floor drains causing a flood. With twin pumps – for failsafe operation –the sealed unit simply slotted into the space without any need for civils work and has eliminated the risk of overflow. The 110mm inlets, positioned at 140mm (floor height to centre of inlet), enabled a better fall for the swift discharge of incoming waste.”
The Saniflo commercial range has been designed for practical situations where waste needs to be lifted away safely and efficiently and the installation of this Sanicubic 2 Pro in the Lafayette nightclub illustrates perfectly the use for a Saniflo lifting station.
Bathroom and appliance distributor PJH has expanded its Learning and Development (L&D) team to introduce new talent and enrich its training programme further.
The new team members include Lauren Fergus as L&D content creator, Justyna Prasek as L&D business partner South, and Guy Buggie as L&D business partner north. Guy, previously responsible for health & safety and compliance training across the UK, brings extensive knowledge in warehousing, transport, and safety. Justyna’s expertise lies in people skills and leadership development. At the same time, Lauren focuses on content creation for online learning and ensuring smooth Learning Management System (LMS) operations.
The enlarged team can offer a variety of training, delivered both face-to-face and online, utilising various technologies to create tailor-made, engaging and effective learning materials, including the use of animation. Together the team will focus on interactivity and scenario-based learning as well as integrating the use of technology to make learning more relatable and targeted to specific PJH roles.
Speaking about the new team, PJH learning and development manager Dawn Kennedy said: “We have invested in and enlarged the L&D team to respond better to the diverse needs of the PJH workforce. We are now able to offer enhanced face-to-face and online learning in different ways, allowing employees to access a huge amount of content that is relevant to their role at the click of a button and at any time.
“The face-to-face learning components work alongside our online platform, allowing learners to book sessions online, receive certificates, and engage interactively during in-person sessions”.
Looking ahead, the enhanced L&D team aims to establish its new structure while exploring further innovations. Future plans include further expanding face-to-face learning opportunities and enhancing the use of technology in online learning.
The success of PJH’s evolving L&D program is evident in its impressive achievements: over 600 courses offered, more than 900 enrolments completed, 18,000 self-enrolments, 1,433 hours of online learning consumed, and an outstanding 4.9 out of 5 employee satisfaction rating. The innovative “Points for Modules” system, rewarding learners with “Points for Prizes,” has been a major hit, further motivating employee engagement and learning.
Bathroom manufacturer VitrA made its return to Kbb Birmingham 2024 this week and used the event to showcase its sanitaryware, brassware and bathroom furniture designs.
Vitra’s diverse portfolio includes popular lines like Sento, Valarte, and Root ranges, along with VitrA tiles and a host of new launches. A contemporary new addition is the M-Line range of furniture and washbasins. Drawing inspiration from urban aesthetics, the simple designs integrate various forms, colours, and sizes to create versatile bathroom spaces.
M-Line Collection
The M-Line Collection offers two styles: M-Line Edge and M-Line Pure. M-Line Edge features distinctive detailing and includes washbasin, tall, and mirror cabinets in walnut, black oak, and light oak finishes. Its mirrored cabinets include built-in sensor lights and storage options.
M-Line Pure is available in gloss white, matt light grey, and matt graphic. Embodying a relaxed design approach, the range comprises washbasin cabinets and tall cabinets and is available in white ceramic high gloss. A choice of sizes and configurations means there is something for everyone, whether traditional, natural or contemporary.
Recycled washbasin
VitrA also revealed the world’s first 100% recycled ceramic washbasin. Manufactured from 100% recycled materials, the basins deliver a timely solution for briefs where sustainability is a key driver. Available in five different shapes, each has soft, curved edges in a matt clay beige finish to suit both commercial and residential spaces.
Suit Tap Collection
VitrA’s Suit Tap Collection offers bathroom fixtures in an exquisite colour palette designed to harmonize with any aesthetic. Taps and thermostatic showers are available with a side or top handle in chrome, glossy black, soft gold, and soft copper.
ViBox & frames
Designed with the installer in mind, VitrA’s V-Box and a new range of frames are easy-to-install behind-the-wall solutions. Simpler, smarter and flexible, V-Box is the ultimate concealed solution for built-in shower mixers. VitrA’s versatile frames and concealed cisterns make installing wall-hung and back-to-wall WCs simpler.
VitrA Tiles
VitrA Tiles showcased its latest products, colors, and trends in a dedicated space, offering a comprehensive ‘total-solution’ response.
Prior to the event, Steve Breen, managing director at VitrA, said: “We can’t wait for this year’s show, as we’ve got an amazing story to tell in terms of our new products and how we are working closer than ever with our independent retailers. Our stand has something for everyone. In addition to discovering our latest product launches, visitors can explore a wide number of roomsets, with a huge range of products expertly curated to meet a wide range of design choices. We also have an area dedicated to the more specific needs of the installer and housebuilder.”
Cyncly, a software and content solutions provider, brought its connected portfolio of kitchen, bathroom, furniture and wardrobe software solutions to kbb Birmingham 2024. It is the first UK event where Cyncly has showcased its integrated solutions for the KBB industry, including Virtual Worlds, Winner Flex, EQ Flex, Ideal Spaces, 3CAD, Mozaik and Insight.
Bringing together over 35 years of industry experience, it provides specialised visualization, sales, manufacturing and content solutions for professional designers, retailers, and manufacturers to operate more effectively. The company says it offers the world’s largest catalogue content hub and a range of market-leading products on its integrated cloud platform.
“Our integration of leading solutions empowers businesses involved at every step of the KBB design, sales and manufacturing process,” said Gordon Bartels, General Manager of Kitchen, Bath and Furniture Retail Solutions. “We’re helping businesses provide an outstanding experience to their customers through capabilities including collaborative design, comprehensive pricing and accurate ordering.
Visitors to kbb Birmingham 2024 saw the value of Winner Flex for kitchen retail specialists and designers. The professional design tool can be used to design a customer’s dream kitchen, create technical documents and generate inspirational rendering. With the entire project managed in the cloud, it can be accessed from everywhere and shared across the organization for maximum collaboration within design teams— all helping retailers to sell more kitchens more quickly.
Immersive, engaging bathroom design using virtual reality
For bathroom retailers, Virtual Worlds showcases equal levels of efficiency, with dedicated functionalities allowing for quick and precise design using catalogues from a rich existing library. Virtual Worlds 4D Theatre enables consumers to visualise their dream bathroom with an immersive design experience in virtual reality—helping retailers improve sales and build stronger customer relationships. Add a few words about EQ integration.
Retail solutions to enable omni-channel experiences
Cyncly’s presence will also feature Ideal Spaces, a consumer-facing online configuration tool that delivers a seamless omni-channel experience to strengthen customer engagement. Retailers use the solution to inspire customers and complete the full journey—from inspiration to qualification, from space planning to purchasing—with an enhanced experience.
Manufacturing solutions that improve quality and margins
For manufacturers, the company’s solutions, including 3CAD, Insight and Mozaik, enable manufacturers to automate their processes for greater efficiency and flexibility. Through advanced production management software, the ability to manage orders based on real-time data, and market intelligence tools, Cyncly’s manufacturing software helps customers maximise margins and sales performance.
Cyncly continues to invest in new product capabilities to help KBB retailers and manufacturers succeed. For retailers, the company brings mood boards to 3D designs and auto decorating, and helps to define good, better and best scenarios, enabling customers provide consumers with an amazing experience designing and buying spaces for living. The company’s continued investments in AI-enabled solutions, leveraging its deep industry expertise and rich data, will further enable customers to access innovative capabilities that help them succeed.
Unveiling the next chapter of its brand story, Flair Showers has communicated its vision, purpose and mission at kbb Birmingham 2024.
The Flair brand evolution journey is about exploring those precious moments that bring joy and happiness to our lives. Imagery captured at Largy, an enclosed waterfall on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, as well as video content and new messaging, explains Flair’s design ethos.
‘WATERFALL BY FLAIR’ brings to life how you can ‘Find your Flair’ and embrace those moments of joy in your everyday. For many, the daily showering ritual has the power to lift spirits, calm the mind or invigorate. As you step into a Flair Shower, you can be transported into your own personal escape.and illustrates how moments of joy are achieved through each aspect of its business.
The vision for the waterfall photoshoot, and updated design language, was to bring the essence of joy to life, connecting Flair with nature and how that makes you feel. With over 70 years of experience in shower design and solution focused products that form an extensive portfolio, joy is the very essence of the Flair brand. Joy is a pivotal pillar within its innovations and award-winning designs to enhance the user experience and ensure Flair products look great, work perfectly and stand the test of time.
Louise Huston, marketing manager, Flair Showers, says: “At Flair, our vision is to create moments of joy in your everyday. Every moment has an opportunity for joy and our purpose is to help create some. A moment of joy when you open a silent shower door, touch a handle inspired by a handshake, or call our service team who are delighted to hear from you. We do all that we can to make Flair a joy to represent, purchase from, to install and ultimately to use.
“We are delighted to unveil ‘WATERFALL BY FLAIR’ at kbb, which really brings to life our mission for Flair Showers and accentuates our connection with nature. Today’s consumers are looking for authenticity, transparency, and a genuine connection with our brand. Which is why it’s more important than ever to focus on creating meaningful interactions with our audience, capturing the feeling of joyfulness and encouraging customers to ‘Find your Flair’.”
A brand new ‘WATERFALL BY FLAIR’ brochure and complementary point of sale materials that communicate the essence of the Flair brand, alongside the award-winning product portfolio will soon be available for bathroom retailers and specialists to share with customers and display in their showrooms, bringing Flair installations to life.
Pictured top : ORO, Flair’s award-winning premium offering, in all its frameless beauty, was right at home sitting in the magical, secret waterfall setting
Founded in 1952, Flair Showers has been designing shower doors, bathscreens and wetrooms for over 70 years’ and perfecting them ever since. Flair products are beautifully designed and expertly engineered to stand the test of time in the busiest of bathrooms. Flair aims to encourage everyone to create their own moments of joy by being surrounded with what’s important to you and finding your happy place. Flair’s knowledge is unrivalled within the European shower door industry, and its unwavering commitment to customer care means that the brand boasts an international presence among leading bathroom showrooms across the UK, Ireland, Italy and France.
