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Shower manufacturer Methven’s showerware and tapware will be installed in homes across East Kent as part of Pentland Homes 2023 specification range.

Methven products are set to be installed in 100 homes per year in East Kent as part of its 2023 Specification Range.

Bathroom Review Methven Pentland Homes

Products in the Specification Range include the Methven Wai Mini Basin Mixer and the Methven Chrome Bottle Trap for the cloakroom basin.

Elsewhere, the Methven Wai Chrome basin tap, Methven Bath Filler and the Methven Aurajet Shower for bathrooms and ensuites form part of Pentland Homes’ Methven product mix.

Pentland Homes has developed a reputation for constructing contemporary, high-quality homes in some of Kent’s most desirable, semi-rural locations where town, country, and coast meet. With roots dating back to the 1960s, the company has seen exceptional growth in the last few years as more and more of the county’s residents discover ‘the Pentland difference’.

All homes are designed to Pentland’s high standards to appeal to a variety of buyers and lifestyles, a perfect match for Methven’s dedication for delivering premium products which do not compromise on performance.

Katie Muller, commercial buyer at Pentland Homes, said:

“When we chose to work with Methven, we were impressed by the brand’s commitment to meeting part G water conservation regulations. As water conservation becomes increasingly important, housebuilders and manufacturers alike must ensure we are optimising homes for efficient water consumption by supplying products that are designed with sustainability in mind.

“This shared ambition made Methven a natural fit for supplying our new homes.

“We were also impressed by Methven’s contemporary product designs and fixed price agreement which ensures build cost consistency.

“Having recently respecified internal finishes throughout to achieve the best quality and value for our customers and the business, we knew Methven was a great fit to maximise this.”

On supplying Pentland Homes with its products, Methven’s head of marketing and innovation, Chris Billingham, said:

“We are delighted to be supporting such a prominent housebuilder and support in their mission to develop properties with homeowner satisfaction at the forefront. We have found great synergy between our two brands.

“With our focus on performance without compromise, and creating premium products, it was a given that we would want to work with an award-winning housebuilder like Pentland Homes.”

Bathroom Review Methven Pentland Homes

About Methven

Founded in 1866, Methven is a leading showers, taps, and valves manufacturer, dedicated to setting industry standards for specifiers and customers, old and new.

The Villeroy & Boch AG Supervisory Board has appointed Gabi Schupp as the company’s new CEO with effect from 1 January 2024. She will take over the role from Frank Göring. In addition, the contract of CFO Dr Markus Warncke has been extended.

“I am very happy that by appointing Gabi Schupp we have a highly successful and skilled manager from within our own ranks to take on this great responsibility,” said Andreas Schmid, Chairman of the Supervisory Board. “She has many years of wide-ranging experience leading global brands and managing complex M&A processes, which means she has what it takes to continue the growth trajectory launched by Frank Göring and bring the integration of Ideal Standard to a successful conclusion. The Supervisory Board has no doubt that Gabi Schupp, together with the Management Board and all employees, will lead Villeroy & Boch to continued future success.”

Over a period of almost five years prior to this appointment, Gabi Schupp and her management team have strategically repositioned the Dining & Lifestyle Division, putting it on a sound, sustainable ground, both structurally and commercially. This has included a realignment of the marketing, sales and supply chain strategies. As a result, sales and revenue have risen significantly in a challenging environment. Before joining Villeroy & Boch, Gabi Schupp spent more than 20 years in a variety of executive roles at Procter & Gamble, ultimately in the Global Executive Management team, and at Spencer Stuart, where she advised clients in renowned international businesses in her role as EMEA Practice Leader for Consumer Goods and Retail.

Current CEO Frank Göring’s contract comes to an end on 31 December 2023, after which he plans to dedicate more time to private interests. Nevertheless, he will continue to be available to the company in an advisory capacity with regard to the integration of Ideal Standard. Andreas Schmid added, “We owe a great debt of gratitude to Frank Göring, after 26 years with the company. Since 2007, he has put his heart and soul into leading the business through internationalization and digitalization processes, taking Villeroy & Boch to new levels in terms of revenue. We are delighted that he will continue to support us with his expertise during the integration of Ideal Standard.”

In addition, the Supervisory Board has extended Dr Markus Warncke’s contract as CFO for a further three years from 1 January 2024. This is a clear signal for continuity and stability on the executive floor. “Markus Warncke has successfully guided the Villeroy & Boch finances through the demanding last few years and laid the foundations for the sound financing underpinning the previously announced takeover of Ideal Standard, for which he will now continue to assume responsibility,” explained Schmid.

Hot on the heels of unveiling the first industrial pump with brushless technology, Saniflo has added two models to the Sanicubic lifting station range. The Sanicubic GR HP range consists is manufactured in France to the same exceptional quality as the whole range of Saniflo products.  

The Sanicubic 1 and 2GR HP are designed to be highly competitive solutions, with performance that positions them between the best-selling Sanicom grey water lifting stations and the classic Sanicubic models. The 1GR features a single pump, whilst the 2GR has twin pumps for situations where continuity of operation is essential. Both models are designed to lift grey and black waste water and feature Pro XK2 grinder technology, an aluminium motor frame and a sturdy Rotomoulder tank in high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Exceptional access for maintenance, including to the pressure switch and motor, is a notable benefit, as is the adjustable motor power, enabling the units to be fine-tuned to the job at hand. 

The compact yet powerful Sanicubic 1 GR HP is designed for pumping black waste water from individual houses, flats, pool houses or small business premises and features automated pneumatic control via an internal immersion pipe. 

The Sanicubic 2 GR HP is a larger unit with twin pumps for commercial premises, large individual buildings or multiple small buildings. During normal operation, the pumps work alternately to even wear and increase longevity and efficiency. However, should one pump fail, the other will assume all operations whilst any issue is swiftly addressed. 

An optional alarm or control box can be specified with either option. 

Manufacturing toilet paper consumes vast quantities of water and wood. Today, Duravit outlines the sustainable benefits of a shower toilet.

As people seek to live more mindfully, using fewer resources, the sustainable bathroom focuses on products that directly reduce water and energy consumption. In particular, the potential savings in the reduced use of toilet paper, which has a poor environmental footprint overall. In this case, going without doesn’t mean doing without. The shower-toilet cleans more gently, thoroughly, and sustainably than toilet paper. Additionally, it improves physical hygiene, is soothing on the skin, and leaves a feeling of pure freshness.

Poor environmental footprint of toilet paper

According to the WWF, some 26,000 trees around the world are destroyed every day to make toilet paper. Producers rely on fresh pulp to give consumers the high levels of comfort they demand. Made from spruce, birch, and eucalyptus trees it involves the clearance of large forested areas of Brazil, Chile, Canada, Russia, and Uruguay.

Chemicals are added during the water-intensive manufacturing process (approx. 50 liters of fresh water per kg of toilet paper) to make the paper especially soft and fragrant, or for patterns to be printed on the surface. After disposal, these substances pollute the water and the additives make them less recyclable. Moist toilet paper is even worse as it doesn’t dissolve well and causes significant problems for sewage works.

Some moist wipes contain micro-plastics, preservatives containing formaldehyde, and other chemical additives that both affect the environment, and can cause skin irritation. It is all compounded by issues from plastic waste from packaging, pollutants, and CO2 from transportation.

The shower-toilet as a sustainable alternative to toilet paper

The shower-toilet as a sustainable alternative to toilet paper The shower-toilet is a contemporary and sustainable
alternative to toilet paper. More practical than bidets, it combines the toilet and cleaning function in one – and models with a dryer enable drying afterwards. Saving a huge quantity of toilet paper in the long term, which benefits both the environment, your skin, and your wallet.

Cleaning with water is a more thorough and hygienic option than using paper. Conversely, the water consumption of one cleansing with a shower-toilet is just 0.35–0.6 liters per minute (depending on which intensity has been set). The system Duravit uses to warm the water is particularly energy efficient as warm water is only provided as demand requires.

SensoWash® Starck f offers hygienic comfort.

Simultaneously iconic and minimalistic, the SensoWash® Starck f shower-toilet is a synonym for contemporary, gentle, and flawless toilet hygiene.

It can be individually configured and optionally controlled using a remote control with the associated SensoWash® app. Individual user profiles can be loaded at any time.

The temperature of the water and the intensity of the shower flow can be fine-tuned to users’ specific requirements.

Maximum comfort is guaranteed thanks to technical finishing touches such as the motion sensor for automatic cover opening, user recognition in the seat, a range of configuration options for the seat heating, and the controllable warm-air dryer plus integrated nightlight. In addition, the SensoWash® Starck offers added-value for people with restricted mobility.


Pictured top – SensoWash®_Starck

Pictured bottom SensoWash®-D-Neo


Bathrooms to Love, the bathroom brand from PJH, has added a new Matt Olive Green colourway and a floor-standing range (previously all wall-hung) to ‘Statement’, its modular furniture family. Various additional new unit sizes are also available.

The new Matt Olive Green finish joins four other ‘Statement’ family matt colours – Deep Blue, Latte, White and Antique Rose. It can be teamed with an optional metal frame with a practical towel rail. The slim metal frame system, previously only available in Matt Black, is now offered in a Brushed Brass or Chrome finish and teams up perfectly with the wall-hung Statement basin units.    

PJH Statement Range Matt Olive

Boasting a premium look and finish with a high-specification design and build, the new Matt Olive Green Statement range is classy, contemporary and cool.

The range features generous drawer storage space, luxurious smoked glass sides and anti-slip drawer liners. The one-door tall units also include spacious interior shelves. Soft-close doors and drawers come as standard, complete with high-quality GRASS and BLUM fittings.

Available as a single or double basin unit with worktop and vessel basin, or with a built-in ceramic basin, the Statement collection welcomes a number of new units including a WC unit and a new floor-standing basin unit with two doors. With such a comprehensive choice of storage units now available, the enhanced Statement family offers fantastic design flexibility for both small and large bathroom spaces. Basin units range in widths from 590mm to 1180mm.     

What’s more, designers can create a bespoke look with further choices of handles (matt black, brushed brass or chrome), worktops (Urban Black, White Slate or Matt Latte), and vessel basins – and really make a sophisticated bathroom ‘statement’.                                                                                                                 

Packaged with comprehensive retailer sales support from PJH, including display deals, marketing collateral, POS, virtual showroom, Augmented Reality, the PJH Partners Portal™ and Next Day Delivery, the full Statement furniture range is available to order now.

Further information:

Bathrooms to Love by PJH: T: 0800 8 77 88 99  / www.partners.pjh.uk  / www.bathroomstolove.uk

The Neoperl Group has developed a ‘Water & Energy Saving Calculator’ to help us understand our household usage and the savings that can be made. It’s now live on their website.

Neoperl has been creating water-saving products globally for over 60 years. Their products shape the water stream in taps and showers and regulate its flow rate. The new calculator can be used to clarify the individual saving potential of each household, and it’s driven by the desire to help people use less electricity, oil or gas, making an important contribution to overcoming the energy crisis and helping the environment.

The online ‘Water & Energy Saving Calculator’ calculates the water savings per year, the energy savings per year when heating water with electricity, oil or gas and the cost savings for water, wastewater and hot water treatment (electricity, oil or gas).

The basic version of the calculator requires information on the size of household and personal habits. How many people use the water at the washbasin, shower and kitchen tap daily and for how long. The calculation is then based on average values regarding temperature, water flow etc. Based on the information provided by the user, the annual water savings are calculated showing how many litres of water could be saved with water-saving products in the shower, at the washbasin and in the kitchen. Based on the water savings, the energy savings for hot water generation are also calculated so the user can see how much less electricity, oil or gas would be needed as a result. The calculator then accesses average values and uses them to calculate the potential savings per year for water and energy.

Water & energy saving

It is also possible to manually enter your individual water and energy costs to demonstrate a more accurate result. This is an expert version of the calculator under ‘advanced settings’ where all basic values can be adjusted, and information added such as actual flow rates of specific taps.

The calculator can currently be customised to Europe, USA, Switzerland and UK where it stores average data appropriate to those regions, and Neoperl are encouraging staff and website visitors alike to make use of the data in this easy-to-use calculator.

“We are delighted that this calculator is now live for the UK.” Said UK Sales Director Chris Neath.

“The HQ team has worked hard on imputing all the average data to assist people in understanding the savings that can be made. It’s in an easy-to-use format too and it’s totally free to access.  It’s an investment we have made to help people save water and energy and today that could result in substantial money savings too.”

This Autumn, the Clerkenwell Design Trail (4-5 October) will bring the A&D community together to re-connect and network across Clerkenwell’s historic cobbles.

The stand-alone event will bring the area to life as CDW’s iconic pink trail, flags and window vinyl return to EC1. The two-day programme will be jam packed with engaging events all within walking distance, allowing visitors to explore the area with ease. CDT showrooms will showcase product launches and new collections as well as host workshops, talks, demonstrations, parties and more, spotlighting Clerkenwell as the UK’s most important hub for design.

Visit the website for the events programme.

Styled to include the signature features of modern bathroom design, each range perfectly accompanies any contemporary countertop basin. Available in Matt Black, Brushed Brass and Chrome, the Drift and Fuse collections both allow for colour matching across an entire bathroom design.

The Drift range features a rounded finish and includes a Basin Mono, 2 Hole Wall Mounted Basin Set, Tall Basin Mono, Bath Filler, Bath Shower Mixer and Floor Standing Bath Shower Mixer with prices ranging from £159 to £899.

The Fuse range features a more sleek and squared finish and includes a Basin Mono, 2 Hole Wall Mounted Basin Set, Tall Basin Mono, Bath Filler, Bath Shower Mixer and Floor Standing Bath Shower Mixer with prices ranging from £169 to £999.

Crosswater

The biennial EuroSkills Competition is the biggest vocational education and skills event in Europe. GROHE is a premium sponsor and supported the competition by providing Plumbing and Heating products for installation.

This year, AmberExpo and Polsat Plus Arena in Gdańsk, Poland, have been filled with incredible talent, cheering crowds and excitement as the event took place from September 5th to 9th.

“For us as one of the industry leaders, it is a matter of course to encourage young plumbing professionals. We need to equip trainees with the right skills and at the same time get more people excited about this profession. That’s why our partnership with WorldSkills Europe is so valuable. We share the same goal: to raise the profile and recognition of skilled people,” said Timo Kurz, Leader GIVE Program and WorldSkills, LIXIL EMENA. 

Putting the installer profession in the spotlight is an important task, as the sanitary industry faces challenges in attracting young talent to open positions worldwide. GROHE’s partnership with WorldSkills Europe and WorldSkills International is just one building block in GROHE’s strategy to address this shortage. The brand’s GIVE Program supports plumbing schools in creating a uniform approach, with modern equipment, training materials, and written and practical examinations that set new industry standards. GROHE is already cooperating with more than 65 schools in the EMENA region, aiming to reach up to 5,000 students annually.

KBB distributor PJH has announced it has selected Charity of The Year, Macmillan Cancer Support, for which it aims to raise £10,000 in fundraising throughout the next twelve months, with the help of all PJH staff across the UK. In addition, PJH promises to match this amount once this target has been achieved.

The company says it has already made a good start to the campaign, with 30% of the £10,000 fundraising target achieved in just three months. PJH achieved an impressive £3,000 from its first few fundraising events, including one held at the PJH Cannock Distribution Centre in the West Midlands and one at the Annual PJH Football Tournament, held in Bolton.

Cannock colleagues hosted the inaugural Macmillan ‘launch’ day, by organising a range of classic fundraising events, enabling all to get involved with the fun and get the charity partnership off to a flying start. Staff successfully arranged a Bake Sale, a Play Your Cards Right game, ‘Guess the name of the Teddy’ competition and a tombola with plenty of fantastic prizes to be won.

Meanwhile, the much anticipated, PJH 2023 Football Tournament & Family Day attracted staff from all PJH sites. It was a day of spirited team competition for the coveted trophy, enthusiastic cheers from the sidelines, and an opportunity to engage in the continued fundraising.

Securing victory amongst 15 teams was a team from the PJH Bolton Distribution Centre, the “Finest Screwdrivers” who proudly claimed their fourth consecutive championship. Friends and family also participated in a range of fundraising activities, such as inflatable football games, scratch cards, a raffle and plenty of face painting and glitter!                                     

Other fundraising activities completed so far include a ‘Smartie Tube Challenge’ for staff at the PJH Worcester site, who filled empty tubes with silver coins after enjoying the original chocolate contents, as well as the Annual PJH Fantasy Football League, where a portion of each entry fee was donated to the Charity.

PJH names Macmillan

All PJH events presented the opportunity to raise awareness of the Macmillan Cancer Support charity and communicate the incredibly important work it does in supporting people affected by cancer.

Katy Burns, PJH’s HR business partner, said: “We chose Macmillan as this year’s PJH charity partner, as it is such an amazing organisation that makes a huge difference to the lives of millions of people affected by cancer. Macmillan is funded by voluntary donations, so fundraising is essential to ensure it can deliver vital cancer services, research and campaigns to achieve better cancer care, and support the cancer workforce.”                                                                  

All PJH staff are delighted with the amount of funds raised in just the initial few events and had plenty of fun at the same time! Many more PJH fundraising activities are planned over this year and next, in order to meet the £10,000 target.

For further information on Macmillan Cancer Care, visit www.macmillan.org.uk, and for PJH, visit www.pjh.uk , www.partners.pjh.uk or call, T: 0800 8 77 88 99.

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