The Installer - Issue 16 - Winter 2019

Wow, what a great start to 2019!

Our conference highlighted a brand new initiative which has been in the making for a number of years and we believe has the potential to change the way in which we deliver an installation service here in the UK moving forward.

I guess it is a shame that we need to initiate change, as it is possibly an indicator that things aren’t great within this industry when it comes to installation, however like other aspects of life, change is sometimes necessary if we are to prevail. In 2016, the government commissioned Mark Farmer to undertake a review of the UK labour model, his findings were nothing short of depressing but a clear indicator as to what we need to do to survive. The report incidentally is named ‘modernise or die’.

Our initiative is both simple and clear. It will allow retailers to retail, installers to install and consumers to connect. All of which underpinned by the Institute’s robust management of compliance and new technology that will drive protection for all stakeholders, including the installer. The initiative draws clear lines of responsibility whilst providing a great platform from which to trade. Clarity unfortunately, or lack of it to be precise, is often where disputes originate and subsequently escalate. What we will be doing is removing all ambiguity from relationships which protects pockets, people and brands.

Of course, we are not ready to publish the finer details but we urge those interested to watch this space.

Read more on page 11 and if you want any more information, please do get in touch.

Damian Walters, BiKBBI CEO

GAME-CHANGING ANNOUNCEMENT WOWS VISITORS AT BiKBBI ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The BiKBBI hosted its Annual Conference at The Houses of Parliament at the back end of January. It was attended by a record number of guests including sponsors, Installation Standards Partners, manufacturers, retailers and installers of course, around one hundred in all!

The event was also attended by more members of the press than ever before, an endorsement of how the institute is now being accepted industry wide and beyond.

The Conference was hosted by national radio personality Mike Jones, who introduced Member of Parliament and BiKBBI Patron Stephen Metcalfe who delivered an opening address on his association with the institute and its relevance. He also mentioned the important role it plays within the industry and to the consumer.

Stephen avoided using the B word (Brexit), but made an amusing reference to it once

or twice within his speech.

Next up was BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters, who spoke about a wide range of subjects. These included a report on the unprecedented year that the institute had enjoyed in 2018, which saw the successful launch of a number of initiatives and collaborations, attracting more sponsors and installations Standards Partners, a huge improvement on brand awareness that

Damian Walters

Stephen Metcalfe

Mike Jones

'The event was also attended by more members of the press than ever before, an endorsement of how the institute is now being accepted industry wide and beyond.'

led to a massive increase in interaction with the consumer, and all underpinned by the most important thing, a continued upward surge in installer membership, the bedrock of the BiKBBI and the main reason why it exists.

Damian also spoke about the successful launch of the Apprenticeship Scheme where the very first batch of BiKBBI apprentices were welcomed to the state-ofthe-art PROCAT training facility in Basildon, Essex, he also announced ambitious plans for the apprenticeship scheme to be rolled out across the UK which included a target figure of some 500 new apprentices within 2 years!

'BiKBBI Protected is an innovative new service, operated by the BiKBBI, that is offered to retailers of all sizes, from independent single showrooms, to national retailers.'

Damian gave the podium to Michael Burke who delivered a light-hearted and informative address on BiKBBI apprenticeships and the part he will play in developing them in his role as Apprentice Ambassador.

Staff long service awards were presented to Christine Masson and Lynsey Easom for reaching the 5 year mark with BiKBBI, whilst Claire Walters received her 10 year accolade, before Damian Walters took to the podium again to announce the launch of a ground-breaking initiative that will change the way in which domestic KBB installations are operated in the UK!

BiKBBI Protected is an innovative new service, operated by the BiKBBI, that is offered to retailers of all sizes, from independent single showrooms, to national retailers. The service, which is driven by leading technology and under-pinned by the institute’s existing compliance management, will allow retailers to signpost customers to a robust installation service, which is either delivered by the retailers own approved installers, the wider BiKBBI membership or a mixture of both.

Essentially, the new service takes the retailer out of the contractual equation,

connecting consumers with installers nationally, creating a robust direct legal relationship, to include contracts, schedules, pricing and payments. More details can be viewed in this magazine on page 11.

So all-in-all, the conference was a great success which reflects the maturity, growth and acceptance of the BiKBBI within the KBB industry. Now in its 14th year, opinions of the organisation have developed from ‘a good idea with great ethics but requiring support,’ to the highly respected, influential and opinion-forming body that is today.

Michael Burke

Steve Adamson

A NEW ...

A NEW DAWN FOR UK INSTALLATIONS!

Announced at its recent annual conference held at the Houses of Parliament, BiKBBI Protected was originated in response to a number of industry challenges from the perspective of retailers, installers and the consumers they serve. Consumer legislation relating to payments and their rights launched in 2015 and a changing consumer landscape prompted BiKBBI to take a holistic look at how it can support the industry to deliver installations in a clear, risk and cost-free way – a galaxy away from where the industry is today.

BiKBBI Protected will immediately safeguard KBB retailers and installers from this unnecessary exposure. So how does it work?

“BiKBBI Protected is an innovative new retail solution and is set to change the way in which domestic KBB installations are operated in the UK” said BiKBBI, CEO, Damian Walters.

The new service will be operated by BiKBBI and is offered to retailers of all sizes, from independent single showrooms, to national retailers. The service, which is driven by leading technology and underpinned by the institute’s existing compliance management, will allow retailers to signpost customers to a robust installation service, which is either delivered by the retailers own approved installers, the wider BiKBBI membership or a mixture of both. Essentially, the

It’s extremely rare that we hear of a new and truly industry defining initiative but BiKBBI Protected will be a true game-changer.

new service takes the retailer out of the contractual equation, connecting consumers with installers nationally, creating a robust direct legal relationship, to include contracts, schedules, pricing and payments.

Consumers pay for their installation service into a ringfenced, financially protected client account, which is paid to the installer upon satisfactory completion of the project. In the event of dispute, both the consumer and the installer have access to onsite assessment from the BiKBBI to support dispute resolution. The consumer is fully financially protected, as is the installer and the entire proposition is underpinned by insurance backed workmanship warranties and the high standards set by The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation.

BiKBBI Protected allows retailers to take a step back from the responsibility of installations,

reducing or in some cases, entirely removing significant costs and risk associated to installation, whilst providing their customers with an installation solution that is both robust and protective of both the installer and crucially the consumer’s best interests. Best of all, it allows retailers to retail, installers to install and consumers to connect, with clear boundaries of responsibility, based on respective expertise and commercial aspiration.

Damian Walters comments, “The new service will be available in the spring and will completely revolutionise the retailer–installer–consumer proposition.

Consumers will have access to a network of specialist installers nationally and therefore their relationship will be built upon solid foundations in the form of a direct contract, which will be lawful, fair and protected by BiKBBI Protected”.

Damian added: “We operate within changing times. Consumers are changing, as are laws and indeed the complexity of our industry and the world we live in. Retailers that operate any form of installation service, whether

employed, sub-contracted or recommended do so because they know that it’s what their customers expect, but they do so with expense, complexity and for most a deviation to their core objective which is selling product of course. This service allows them to continue to do all of that, but with none of the cost or distraction.”

Damian summarised, “Advancements and change is often met with fear, the fear of losing something. We’ve seen it over the years, for example, the printing press, the automotive industry, electronic and industrial technology all created employee fear of how new innovations and changes might make their job obsolete, but in fact, it almost always actually created more jobs, delivering to more customers, more efficiently. Mark my words, this as a definitive moment for our industry and we will welcome those installers and retailers who want to be part of it”.

Those retailers interested in finding out more are invited to register their details at: www.supportchange.uk

The new service will be available in the spring and will completely revolutionise the retailer – installer – consumer proposition."

HOMEBASE BECOMES LATEST BiKBBI INSTALLATIONS STANDARDS PARTNER

The BiKBBI has announced that retail giant, Homebase, is its latest retail Installation Standards Partner (ISP). The announcement was made at the BiKBBI’s annual conference, which was held at the Houses of Parliament on the 30th January. The partnership will see Homebase’s national network of recommended installers become independently accredited by the BiKBBI.

“We are delighted that Homebase has become an ISP as it’s a household brand with big KBB ambitions,” said BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters. “These are changing times for the industry and it’s imperative that the institute is at the forefront of supporting positive change and we’re delighted that yet another highly respected brand of has joined our family.”

Speaking on behalf of Homebase, Damian McGloughlin, CEO, added: “Partnering with BiKBBI is an exciting move for Homebase as it supports our ambition to create and deliver a unique service for our customers in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. We are accelerating our turnaround strategy, investing in our brand and product range, and this is one of the many ways we’re working with partners to provide our customers with the best possible service.”

MILESTONES

The BiKBBI would like to acknowledge ten year membership milestones of the installation business listed below. BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters, says, “We would like to sincerely thank all kbb installation businesses and installers who are BiKBBI members as it demonstrates that they care about the industry as much as we do. I hope they feel that they get a great return on their modest outlay for membership each year. This brings me to the list of twenty odd businesses listed below who have reached a membership milestone of ten years – what an incredible achievement, the entire team at the institute thank them for their unswerving loyalty it is hugely appreciated.”

Al's Installations London

Home Enhancement Flintshire

MJ Interiors Cleveland

LSI Interiors Limited Kent

John Lewis of Hungerford PLC Oxfordshire

On Tap Bathrooms Hampshire

NJ Design Solid Surface Limited Lancashire

Asterisk Maintenance West Midlands

Eclipse Property Maintenance Berkshire SMB Kitchens Cambridgeshire

Alan Holden East Sussex

Dream Bathrooms Essex

Kent Premier Building Services Limited Kent Conexx Services West Sussex M Cookesley East Sussex

MILESTONES

BiKBBI employees

Claire Walters (10 years), Lynsey Easom (5 years), Christine Masson (5 years) all achieved long-service markers with the institute. CEO, Damian Walters said,

“All businesses are only as good as the people within it and I am blessed to have just the most fantastically supportive team. I want to personally thank Claire, Lynsey

TDH Installations

Cornwall

Hancock's Plumbing & Heating Limited Somerset

ACG Interiors Limited Devon Chris Morgan Glamorgan

NPP Installations Hampshire

Essex Property Managing & Developing Ltd Essex Kenny Baldwin Surrey Liberty Fitting Service Limited Tayside

and Christine for their dedication and unswerving loyalty to the institute. It really is a pleasure working with them all, as it is the rest of this brilliant team.”

All businesses are only as good as the people within it and I am blessed to have just the most fantastically supportive team."

Lynsey Christine Claire

NEW APPRENTICESHIP AMBASSADOR APPOINTED

Following the successful launch of the Apprenticeship scheme, to meet ambitious plans to expand the programme nationally, The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation has appointment a familiar industry face to head up in Michael Burke.

Michael is a highly experienced Retail Installation Manager, education champion and is a perfect fit for this extremely

important role. He will be ultimately responsible for the development and national roll out of the Apprenticeship scheme.

BiKBBI Education Officer, Stephanie Gray, commented on the appointment, “We are delighted with the progress of our year one Apprenticeship programme and we are now ready to initiate a national roll-out strategy. We see Michael, together with his vast experience within this industry,

as being an important ingredient to this the success of this initiative. Michael brings a plethora of experience and importantly, key contacts. We are looking forward to working with him and developing this vitally important programme.” Michael commented, “I have total admiration for what the BiKBBI is achieving in the field of education and I am delighted to have the opportunity to be part of this incredibly important

initiative, it’s also fabulous to have an opportunity to work with one or two familiar faces.”

BIKBBI FUNDER FINDER LAUNCHED

Building upon its member financial services and extensive member benefits package, the BiKBBI has announced a new financial services product to help members source financial funding solutions for their business.

The BiKBBI Funder Finder provides free and simple access for its members to source financial funding for their businesses, including vehicle & asset financing, cash flow loans, commercial mortgages, invoice finance, pension-led funds, term loans and trade finance.

The service allows members to search for finance from multiple UK providers for the best matched products, without impacting credit ratings. The innovative product, delivered

by Funder Finder Limited, which is an appointed representative of Clifton Compliance Services Limited (FCA no. 480676) and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, will connect members with leading lenders within minutes via the online fund engine. The engine powers Alternative Business Funding who have been approved as a designated platform by HM Treasury and the British Business Bank.

Anthony Carty, Funder Finder

Business Development Director said ‘We are excited to be partnering with BiKBBI. This is an important collaboration for both BiKBBI & Funder Finder to make access to finance easier and more transparent for an essential part of the UK economy.’

BiKBBI’s Communications Manager Nicole Mercer (pictured) added: “Many businesses will require some form of funding to drive commercial development. BiKBBI’s Funder Finder is a robust, simple and safe option for our members and another addition to our growing portfolio of member benefits”.

Visit the BiKBBI Funder Finder engine: www.bikbbi.org.uk/funding

PRIDE OF SCOTLANDLIBERTY FITTING SERVICES SCOOPS TOP GONG!

Liberty Fitting Services Limited was unveiled as Installer of the Year 2018 at the prestigious ek&bbusiness Awards & Review ceremony in Central London. The Scottish based company kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installation specialist was awarded the coveted title as the industry celebrated successes and reviewed its progress through 2018.

The award was collected by Company Directors Mark Conacher and Thomas McAuley, who expressed their delight at winning the award by saying: “It’s an honour to be recognised for our hard work and we cannot thank the industry enough for this accolade.”

BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters addressed the sell-out audience by saying, “Whilst installations is far from the glamorous end of the industry, it is a vital part of the customer journey and one that is often undervalued, so It gives me great pleasure to be part of an industry awards that recognises the contribution that our installation colleagues deliver.”

Damian added, Liberty Fitting Services are a shining example of professionalism, both on the tools and off. We operate in an environment whereby consumers both shop and review digitally and it’s clear that the Liberty team both understands and values its digital presence. This is a great installation business,

an asset to Scotland and indeed The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation – Congratulations”.

Liberty Fitting Services has been a member of the BiKBBI since 2009 and more information on the company and its personalities appear later in the magazine when they take centre stage in our regular ‘Installer Profile’ feature.

Final word goes to Damian Walters, who summarised, “I would like to congratulate all the ‘Installer of the Year’ finalists for their professionalism and contribution to our industry. Clearly the award can only go to one business, but the reality is, they all deserve recognition for being top of their game. Well done to you all”.

VISITS TO BIKBBI FIND A MEMBER WEBSITE

ROCKET!

For any installers out there questioning the validity of being a BiKBBI member then just one of the institute’s member benefits alone will convince them of membership worthiness.

I’m talking about the BiKBBI ‘Find a member’ facility on the institute’s website. Visits to our Find a Member site have significantly risen from an average of 1,500 visitors per month in 2017, to a whopping average of 2,500 per day!

The vast majority of these enquiries will be from consumers looking to source an installer to fit a kitchen, bedroom or bathroom and so BiKBBI membership can mean a flow of new business leads being provided.

“The amount of visits to the ‘Find a member’ site has grown beyond expectation and is a true marker of how awareness and trust of the organisation has grown.” States Nicole Mercer, Communications Manager at the BiKBBI, “It’s a tangible benefit to our members as they only have to secure one installation and the cost of membership pays for itself over and over again.”

CARING MOORES DONATES A NEW KITCHEN

Carmel Care planned a luncheon that was well attended by local patrons, volunteers and service users all of whom were delighted with the new kitchen. Bishop Ralph, Bishop of Hallam Dioceses was in attendance to support the recent renovation project. Members of the lunch were delighted with the new space and one commented “Having the new kitchen will enable the centre to cater for more members of the community and has made our meeting place a nicer brighter place to come.”

Moores is delighted to have been given the opportunity to provide a brand-new kitchen to the not-for-profit support organisation Carmel Care in Sheffield. Moores collaborated with Places for People to install the new kitchen, giving it a new lease of life for members to enjoy refreshments and meals after its original kitchen was in need of repair. In celebration of the newly installed kitchen,

ASBESTOS REFRESHER COURSE NOW AVAILABLE

The BiKBBI has announced that a new Asbestos Awareness Refresher Course is now live and ready for members to use.

However, it’s EXTREMELY IMPORTANT for members to understand that the refresher course is ONLY AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED THE ‘CCUK’ FULL ASBESTOS AWARENESS COURSE.

For those who have,

the refresher course is available immediately but for those who haven’t previously used the CCUK Asbestos Awareness Course (Full), they will need to do this first, then the next time they need to submit a certificate, it can be the refresher.

High priority should be given to keeping up with asbestos related matters as it still a major killer in the UK. In a report published

David Lambert, Moores Business Development Manager for the North West says “We were delighted to assist with this project by supplying one of our kitchens free of charge. The kitchen is now complete and can again be used as a central hub for members of the community. There has been lots of great feedback and we look forward to hearing about the great work Carmel Care get up to in the near future.”

in October 2018 by HSE government, there are currently over 5,000 asbestosrelated disease deaths per year currently in the UK, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. So having a refresher is extremely important.

Click on the ‘Start the

course’ button under ‘Refresher’,

• You will notice that there are plenty of warnings confirming the fact that you need to have already completed the CCUK full asbestos awareness course.

For those interested, please visit here

PRACTICAL, ADAPTABLE EVOLVE IS CHOSEN FOR COMMUNITY PROJECT

Good habits start young, which is why top-rated Bramhope primary school in Bramhope, Leeds is introducing hands on cooking lessons for its pupils. When they heard of the project, Harrogate based Nest Kitchens who specialise in bespoke furniture decided they would like to be involved.

“Every year the team here at Nest Kitchens like to get involved in a community project, giving a chance for a local charity to undertake a task that they would not necessarily have the time or budget to complete themselves. An opportunity arose earlier this year to support our local primary school who are striving to bring back hands on cooking lessons for their children,” says Nest founder Holly Simpson.

“Having taken a brief from the school, we have designed a fully functional kitchen that can be easily and safely be used by the children. The kitchen will allow the school to regularly provide cookery lessons to the children empowering them to cook

and create. The lessons will help to promote healthy eating, measuring ingredients will provide a fun maths lesson and mixing and cooking ingredients will show science in action! Thanks to the additional support of many of our suppliers, we are able to provide this to the school free of charge.”

Bushboard was delighted to become involved when Nest chose recently launched Evolve solid core worksurfaces for the scheme. Practical, hard wearing, easy to clean and available in a good choice of designs including the Urban Concrete selected by Nest, Evolve has been widely praised by installers and end users. It is easy to install – there is no need for fabrication. An excellent lower cost alternative to quartz tops, Evolve is just 12.5mm thick, giving a sleek, low profile look and is completely waterproof. Matching splashbacks make a practical, labour and cost saving alternative to tiles.

www.bushboard.co.uk

WILSONART TAKES TO TWITTER FOR #WILSONARTQUESTIONHOUR

company, as well as “tips and tricks, hacks and hints”.

Laminate work surface manufacturer and distributor Wilsonart UK, has launched a new question and answers hour on Twitter.

The new #wilsonartquestionhour encourages customers, retailers, installers and housebuilders to send their questions to the

Wilsonart’s product experts will be on hand every Thursday at 3pm on Twitter to answer any technical, design, installation, specification, project or maintenance queries. “Twitter is

a quick and easy place for everyone to interact,” said Wilsonart marketing manager

Caroline Elliott, “Many of our customers are contacting us via all social media platforms so we felt taking it one step further to develop a fun and informative hour would be fitting.”

INSTALLED WITH CONFIDENCE

No bathroom collection is complete without VitrA’s high quality wall-hung frames and flush plates. Discover more at www.vitra-fitandforget.co.uk

NEW VALARTE MAKES CLASSIC CURRENT

VitrA has announced details of a new bathroom range joining its Signature Collection in March. A perfect complement to the contemporary designs associated with VitrA, Valarte embraces Shaker style which combines simplicity with fine craftsmanship and functionality.

Valarte is a modern take on a proven classic style that can be used in a traditional or a modern interior. The design, produced by VitrA’s in-house team, takes its inspiration from Shaker and is available in three soft, nostalgic and on trend shades with circular metal ring handles. The comprehensive furniture range includes vanities, a statement towel cupboard and variety of

dresser pieces. The washbasin is also available with chrome legs bringing it bang up to date for today’s bathroom styles.

“Valarte is a characteristically classic design, but is so well suited to modern, functional needs,” says VitrA’s marketing manager Margaret Talbot. “There is a mix of open and closed storage options with single and double door bases. Units of different sizes can be mixed and matched to suit the style and shape of the bathroom. Mid height and tall cabinets provide useful extra storage space. Both countertop and vanity basins are available. The vanity basins come in 65, 80 and 100cm sizes and the countertop in 60cm. “

The vanity basins have an attractive double rim design with an upstand at the back and are available in one and three tap hole formats. The range also includes mirrors and illuminated mirror cabinets. The back-to-wall, wall-hung, and close-coupled WC pans complete the range.

“Consumers are looking for timeless designs and for products that combine value for money without compromising on good looks,” says Margaret Talbot. “This is exactly what Valarte offers. The choice of furniture styles and sizes and the complementary sanitaryware means that the range can be used for an en-suite, family bathrooms, cloakrooms or guest bathrooms.”

www.VitrA.co.uk

BATHROOM INDUSTRY EXPERT RETURNS TO VITRA

International bathroom manufacturer VitrA has expanded its UK sales team with the appointment of Paul Cook as Contract Sales Manager for the South, he will be working primarily with housebuilders as well as government property developers.

Paul has enjoyed a long career in our industry working for several leading bathroom manufacturers including VitrA in his earlier career.

VitrA is enjoying huge growth in the contract sector thanks to exposure at leading industry events like designjunction,

MINIMALIST VANITY BASIN, WC & ELECTRONIC-FLUSH

URINAL FOR ISTANBUL.

The Istanbul collection designed for VitrA by Ross Lovegrove has been an international success since it was first launched in 2004. The sanitaryware and furniture collection draws its inspiration from the organic shapes found in nature and the fluidity of water. The latest addition to this design classic is a minimalist vanity basin which reflects the curved theme that runs through the range.

The ceramic vanity basin incorporates an elegant shallow inset bowl with a curved upstand edge. The basin is supported by a chrome frame featuring Istanbul’s characteristic curved lines at its joints. Also new is a wall hung WC and a urinal with electronic flush.

“The vanity unit is a beautiful addition to the Istanbul collection, “comments VitrA marketing manager Margaret Talbot. “The top is extremely difficult to manufacturer as it is all made from one single piece of ceramic so all credit to our highly skilled team for turning Ross Lovegrove’s creation into reality.”

The new vanity basin which measures 100 x 600cm was revealed at Sleep+Eat 2018. It includes a slimline tap and pebble shape basin mixer and was paired with the illuminated mirror. The urinal (shown in black) has the same curved tear drop shape as wall hung pans and bidets within the Istanbul collection and the

Sleep + Eat and the high-profile RIBA + VitrA Talks Series.

Paul commented, “It’s great to be back at VitrA. The company has really set its focus on this sector and I look forward to contributing to its continued growth.”

Darren Paxford, national sales manager for VitrA, said “Paul is very well known and respected in the sector and we are all delighted to welcome him back. He will be a strategic part of VitrA’s excellent customer service in this growing part of our business.”

www.VitrA.co.uk

accessories, which include a WC brush holder, roll holder and towel ring which all reflect the smooth, curved lines that define the range.

www.VitrA.co.uk

WINTER PROMOTIONS FOR BUSHBOARD EVOLVE

Bushboard Invest £1m in Wellingborough Nuance Plant! Visually striking, faster to install and more economical than traditional ceramic tiling, Bushboard’s 100% waterproof Nuance bathroom panels have been a massive success in the domestic and commercial bathroom markets both here and now in mainland Europe. In anticipation of continued growth, the company has completed a £1million investment increasing its state-of-the-art manufacturing capacity at its factory in Wellingborough, Northants.

Love To Shop on Every Evolve Surface + Free Evolve Displays

To celebrate the success of Evolve solid core surfaces, Bushboard is extending its £20 Love to Shop promotion until the end of April 2019. The promotion awards a voucher for every worktop sold. This is for every surface, not every order, so if a retailer sells three worksurfaces to one customer or an installer purchases three - £60 worth of vouchers will be awarded.

Further good news is that Evolve displays will be 100 percent free of charge, encouraging retailers to market this innovative and very successful product to consumers who appreciate the slim lines, heat resistance, easy cleaning and straightforward fitting offered by this unique material. Evolve comes in finishes to suit every kitchen – including marble and natural stone effects – and it can be installed on site by any good kitchen fitter so there is no need for specialised trades.

Hannah Abbott, PR and Graphics Manager for Bushboard explains “Evolve is such a adaptable and versatile product, we want our retailer partners to have the best chance to display the product as cost effectively as possible. There is no off site templating required and it can be used to create drainer grooves and open shelving.”

www.bushboard.co.uk

BUSHBOARD INVESTS IN AWARDWINNING NUANCE

Neil Horton, Western Europe Sales Director for Panel Systems spearheads the development of the Nuance concept across all markets and explains “Nuance bathroom panels are a real success story in the UK, where the range of decors, the speed of installation and easy aftercare are major selling features. Specialist retailers, designers and contractors have welcomed the great looks, durability and time and labour savings of Nuance over ceramic tiling which has all contributed to significant, record growth year on year.”

The new robotic production line manufactures, finishes and packs the Nuance panels, cutting out manual lifting and speeding the production process by approximately 30% and increasing the overall productivity gain for the line by around 400%.

“Investing in manufacturing here in the UK is a terrific acknowledgement of the potential of the range. Our customers know we control all elements, produce every component and manage quality stringently. We are confident that the markets will continue to grow, and this new production line will allow us to meet both the current and future demand and allow us respond and create exciting new trends.” says Neil.

Bushboard Nuance bathroom panels can be tailored and installed in a matter of hours. In Bushboard’s time trials, Nuance was up to six times faster to install than traditional tiles. For a project, Nuance is perfect to cut down the disruption.

www.bushboard.co.uk

INSINKERATOR RELEASES NEW SHOWROOM COLLECTION BROCHURE

Insinkerator has launched its new brochure detailing the products featured in its premium Showroom Collection, including its 4N1 Touch taps.

The rose gold 3N1 J Shape steaming hot water tap and Evolution 250 food waste disposer – which gained Good Housekeeping Instituteapproved status last year – are also featured.

The brochure displays products in a “variety of differently style, reallife showroom settings” and contains “all the need-to-know” product information as well as details of the NeoTank, designed specifically for Insinkerator steaming hot water taps.

“The new literature is a handy asset to support our highly valued partners at the point of

Brassware manufacturer Abode has launched a new brochure dedicated to its Classically Abode premium kitchen tap range.

The 56-page, fullcolour brochure features details on the manufacturing process for the tap range,

sale and to encourage consumers to invest in an Insinkerator Showroom Collection product,” said Insinkerator Europe and Russia marketing communications manager Anne Kaarlela.

“It is packed with images to help the consumer visualise our products, alongside detailed specifications and valuable information including safety and warranties available.”

Grab your copy now: here

including hand assembly, hand finishing and individual testing.

Each tap in the Classically Abode range – namely Astbury, Bayenne, Brompton and Langley – is detailed in the brochure to “make selection and ordering simple for retailers”.

BARWICK OPENS NEW DEPOT IN SCOTLAND

Bathroom distributor Barwick has invested in a new depot in Scotland to strengthen its service network as well as increase its presence in the region.

The company said the investment is a result of “significant growth” in recent years. The new, larger Bellshill-based facility has a fleet of five Barwick vehicles servicing Scotland and North Cumbria.

“Barwick are known for providing great service and this is a really positive step forward, demonstrating our commitment to our customers,” said Barwick operations director Bob Ashley.

“The new depot will undoubtedly improve our distribution capacity and service levels for all of our valued Scottish and North Cumbria customers.”

ABODE LAUNCHES BROCHURE FOR PREMIUM KITCHEN TAP RANGE

Alongside information on the range’s antisplash aerators, ceramic valves and pre-fitted flexible tailpipes, Abode’s ceramic and stainless steel undermount sink range is also featured in the brochure.

Grab your copy now: here

UNCOVERED: BRITS’ MOST COMMON NEW BATHROOM PROBLEMS

A new survey by consumer group Which? has uncovered the complications Brits experience when buying a new bathroom or bathroom components, with nearly 40% running into problems when having a new bathroom installed.

The survey – which questioned 3,982 Which? members – were asked how their most recent bathroom renovations had gone, and 14% said that new toilets were the source of a problem, while 12% said new showers and 9% said new taps.

In terms of installation, 15% said the installation took longer than planned, while 6% said the problem was poor quality workmanship and a further 6% said the wrong parts were delivered. For 32% of people, the problem was fixed within a week, while 23% said they were still waiting.

Consumers added that extra costs during the installation due to necessary extra work, the installation being delayed by the installer or due to parts not being available when needed, and components not fitting as well as they should were also frustrating.

More than 40% of people questioned said they used an installer they found themselves, while 30% said the company from which they bought the bathroom to install it. For 40% of people, it took between a week and a month to have their bathroom delivered and installed.

Close to 30% said it took between one and two months, while 15% said it took two to three months. Just 8% reported a speedy installation – done in less than a week from start to finish.

ARTICAD WELCOMES UFORM TO SUPPLIER PROGRAMME

CAD software specialist for the KBB market ArtiCAD has welcomed kitchen door and component supplier Uform to its supplier partnership programme, which ArtiCAD said will “underpin the strong working relationship between the two companies” after many years of working together.

Graphics for Uform’s Aisling and Uform catalogues are now available for designers on the ArtiCAD-Pro software, including an updated door and materials library for the Aisling brand, as well as configurations for tall units. For the Uform range, changes include an updated door and colour library.

“We are delighted to welcome Uform to the Supplier Partnership Programme,” said

ArtiCAD director Theresa Turner. “This ensures that designers have access to the latest Uform graphics, free of charge and the latest doors and components are available as and when they’re brought to market.”

Uform product manager Sara Cotter added: “We’re pleased to make this latest announcement. We believe this latest step will help to provide an enhanced buying experience for our retailers nationwide.

“By being part of the Supplier Programme, we can make it even easier for customers to specify our products in their designs which in turn can enable them to have endless design possibilities at their fingertips.”

ROMAN LAUNCHES SHOWER SURGE, ITS FIRST ONLINE GAME

Shower manufacturer Roman has launched Shower Surge, its first online game, designed to “add another dimension” to the company’s social media channels. The game is accessible from Roman’s website or its Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts. The aim of the game is to match as many ducks in any direction, with bigger combinations garnering better scores.

Players can submit their high scores by taking a screenshot and posting it on social media with the hashtags #showersurge and #pamperhamper. The

player with the highest overall score will be revealed on 28th February and will receive an exclusive Roman at Home ‘pamper hamper’.

“We want to create both informative and fun social media platforms that offer our followers more than just product promotion,” said Roman managing director David Osborne.

“The idea of our Shower Surge game is to give people a 10-minute break from their working day where they can switch off and have some fun – it is also a bit of a challenge!”

IMPEY’S WE ARE WETROOMS TOUR RETURNS FOR 2019

Wetroom manufacturer Impey is bringing back its We Are Wetrooms UK training tour for the fourth year with new dates and venues added to the schedule, which kicks off on the 10th April 2019 in Milton Keynes.

Impey’s technical manager Shaun Hunt will head up the daylong training sessions, which focus on “providing information and skills to those wishing to expand upon their wetroom knowledge and learn about installation in a practical way”, the company said.

Following Milton

Keynes, the tour will stop at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth on the 17th April; Villa Park in Birmingham on the 8th May; Pittodrie Stadium in Aberdeen on the 22nd May; and in Cardiff on the 26th June, with more dates expected for the latter half of 2019.

To secure a place on the tour, there is a one-off registration fee of £15. Each day course has a maximum of 25 spaces, where attendants will be able to ask questions, try out equipment and “tailor the participation opportunities to their own skill level”, Impey said.

Find out more: here

FIRST IN UK RANGE ARRIVED

Danby Appliances, Canada’s principal household appliance manufacturer which announced its expansion to Europe in October, has revealed the first of its products to become available through distributors Exertis.co.uk.

This Danby compact under-counter refrigerator (pictured left) is the first product from an initial line-up that will include compact cooling, freezing and wine coolers. John Welbourn, who is leading the Danby launch into the UK explains “These appliances are all the product of Danby’s own manufacturing. So, the design, style, features and benefits are exclusive to the Danby brand.”

This compact refrigerator, which holds a Red Dot Design Award 2017, incorporates the Danby retro-curved door - a standard feature throughout the UK cooling range – along with a chrome handle with rubber grip, a striking LED-lit black interior and the exclusive Danby CanStor®can dispenser.

"There is enormous potential for a new range of fantastic looking, well-specified appliances – whether as second appliances in the home kitchen, utility area, office, bar areas, teenagers’ rooms or as extra space for multi-generational households,” said John. The initial Danby cooling range is now available from stock from Exertis and is available for next day delivery.

www.Danby.com

New for 2109from Vogue (UK) is the Focus Towel Warmer in brand New Grey Sparkle finish. A highly practical wallmounted towel warmer with high capacity for hanging and drying towels, the new

heat your home in style” says Steve Birch, Sales Director at Vogue (UK) (pictured below).

For the ‘individual’, Vogue (UK) also offers ‘Custom-made’ solutions across its standard portfolio

VOGUE ADDS A TOUCH OF SPARKLE!

Focus Grey Sparkle is exclusively distinct and taps into the market’s unwavering admiration for grey interiors! “Tactile interior design is a top priority for 2019, with the latest interior fashions seeking out new and exciting materials, finishes and atypical effects to create that all important wow-factor. Our new Grey Sparkle finish adds glitz and glamour to this classic multirail design, so you can answer this trend and

featured in the 2019 Brochure. This allows for quick modification of our existing models, so we can adapt and transform both design and construction to suit you. Thus you can develop your own unique heating solution, in confidence of the highest level of quality and service.

For further information on Vogue (UK) please call 01902 387000, email info@ vogueuk.co.uk or visit www.vogueuk.co.uk

HALF-TIME REPORT 1-0

In the autumn issue of The Installer magazine we delivered ‘Breaking News’ that in a bid to attract more females to the industry, the BiKBBI had become sponsors of Charlton Athletic Women’s Football Club.

Adamson, CAWFC General Manager

With the turn of the year just behind us it means that around half the season has been completed and so we thought we would bring you an update on how it is going on and off the pitch by having a chat with CAWFC General Manager, Steve Adamson …

So what is your assessment of the season so far Steve?

The team have had a successful start to the season, and one which truly shows the calibre and ambition of the players and coaches which we have at the club. Every game they strive to win and this has been shown in our results.

(At the time of writing) We sit in second place with only Tottenham Hotspur ahead of us and we are confident that we can catch them if we play at our best,

especially as we have to play Spurs again at home.

The next few months will really test us as we want to finish as high as possible with the overall aim of Charlton Athletic Women to play in the highest divisions we can.

What has given you the most pleasure this season?

This season was going to be a huge step up for the club. Promotion although positive always brings new challenges and we have been able to adapt to the higher division very quickly which has seen an increase in our crowd sizes both in the stadium and our digital following online.

Each one of our teams is competing well this season from youth football in the U10s all the way through to our development team and first team and we are proud that every player is receiving the best coaching to help them perform on the pitch.

Steve

What are your hopes for the remainder of the season for the Charlton Athletic Women’s first team?

The second half of the season is always the most crucial. You can never win promotion in the first half of the season but you can go along way to missing out. Fortunately we have made sure that we have stuck to our game plans which have allowed us to get points out of games to leave us fighting for the top two promotion spots.

watch our games. We have had a huge increase since last season and the players appreciate this but if we can get even more it allows us to do more community events and build a family activity zone to give kids a fun day out which is more than just the football on the pitch.

Finally how is the relationship with BiKBBI progressing?

The relationship between the two companies has been

can help grow BiKBBI trade to get the next generation of fitters into companies.

Thanks Steve, we look forward to catching up with you in our spring issue when we will be approaching the business end of the season.

We have a few big games over the upcoming months including a fixture at The Valley against Millwall. On top of this we enter The Women’s FA Cup which last year saw us progress to the quarter-finals just two games from Wembley. We want to go one better this year and progress as far as we can in the competition. We also want to get more fans down to

a delight so far. We have had many BiKBBI members come down to watch our games and we have people interested in promoting apprenticeships to get more people including females into the trade. The relationship between the two parties was always going to be more than just BiKBBI supporting Charlton Athletic Women and we hope as a club we

This season was going to be a huge step up for the club. Promotion although positive always brings new challenges and we have been able to adapt to the higher division very quickly which has seen an increase in our crowd sizes both in the stadium and our digital following online."

There are actually two models from which to choose, the ART10219 60cm IQ Lift Downdraft extractor usually retails at £848 and can be purchased for just £299.99, a saving of some £548.01!

An even bigger saving can be found when purchasing its larger brother, the ART10220 90cm IQ Lift Downdraft as it is on offer for £329.99 reduced from £899.00 a saving of a whopping £569.01!

Both models are motorised and come with a 5 year parts and 2 year labour warranty. Designed to be used with an electric hob only, both models, apart from size, one being 60mm and the other 90mm, share the same specifications:

APPRENTICE UPDATE

Ian Rist, Head of Building Services/ Built Environment

In line with our ongoing support of the recently lunched BiKBBI Apprenticeship Scheme, we speak to Ian Rist, Head of Building Services/Built Environment at the PROCAT facility that plays host to the BiKBBI apprentices, to discover amongst other things, how he feels the scheme is going in its early days.

Can you please explain how involved were you in the creation of the BiKBBI apprenticeship scheme?

My involvement was roughly a quarter of the way through the planning and development stages, I was heavily involved in selecting the qualification units, mapping across the qualification , liaising with employers to make sure that the units are what they wanted. Other areas where staffing the apprenticeship and construction the workshop from the ground up. Liaising with sponsors to obtaining current goods and materials from leading kitchen and bathroom manufactures.

Has the scheme had any teething troubles or has it been plain sailing so far?

The main teething problem was staffing due to the lack of installers, which is the main driver for launching this apprenticeship scheme in the first place.

What would you change about the scheme in hindsight?

I would have liked a longer period to promote this standard. This would have increased student numbers. Now going forward I would like to push this out at apprenticeship week and further out to schools.

How keen are the students?

They are very keen, even though it’s a new course. They do enjoy the practical aspect of this qualification most. And have they surprised you at all?

Yes they have surprised me, in a good way too; they are very dedicated and are even willing to become case studies to further promote this apprenticeship initiative.

What do you enjoy most about the role you play?

I enjoyed being a part of something that was just a dream actually become a reality. I also am gaining great satisfaction from seeing the scheme go from strength to strength

What are your hopes for the future of the BiKBBI apprenticeship initiative?

I would like to see larger numbers of students passing through our college’s doors. Having the facility as a recognised flagship and to also oversee the development of the course further and delivered nationwide.

For more information please telephone: 01268 662 444 (option 2 for apprenticeships) or email enquiries@procat.ac.uk

TIPS FOR LONGER LASTING TOOLS

A power tool out of action is the bane of many a tradespersons’ professional life. Without your machine, jobs can be delayed, cancelled or not completed –potentially causing detrimental effects to a business.

Day to day there are a few things that can be done to help ensure a longer tool life. When not in use simply keeping a tool in a systainer for example, will always go a long way to help look after the machine. If you are working outside in poor weather or when transporting, then the systainer will protect your tools. Dust extraction is also

key to keeping your tool working at its optimum. Not only do dust extractors protect your health, they also protect your machine. With less dust, parts last longer as does your overall machine.

Phil Beckley Technical trainer, Festool UK

Each part of your tool kit is an investment and so should always be regularly serviced and checked by specialists to ensure all is performing to its best and prevent a small issue becoming a major one. Festool understands these pain points, which is why once a new tool is registered it is covered under Festool Service’s warranty allinclusive for the first three years.

Servicing and repairs are at no cost under warranty allinclusive. The service will get back to your tool back to

you as quickly as possible, includes wear parts and the machine will be reset for accuracy to ensure that it performs perfectly.

Even after the three year warranty ends, you can continue to take advantage of Festool Service. With unrivalled expertise, our inhouse service technicians can carry out repairs and servicing swiftly and precisely, to help make your tools last.

Obviously, when it comes to caring for your tool not everything is in your control. Tool theft is unfortunately, not uncommon Thankfully Festool’s warranty allinclusive policy also includes tool replacement in the event of theft. Helping you get back to work as quickly as possible.

Your tool is your livelihood. Taking simple steps to look after your tool kit can mean a long lasting tool that performs at its optimum, allowing you to get on with your job.

www.festool.co.uk/service

Your tool is your livelihood. Taking simple steps to look after your tool kit can mean a long lasting tool that performs at its optimum, allowing you to get on with your job."

A TIMELY REMINDER NOT TO FLY-TIP

From time-to-time The Installer Magazine publishes articles or news items about the dangers, cost and frustrations of fly-tipping and with the topic coming up again in the media again, we thought it worthwhile revisiting the subject in consultation with our friends and BiKBBI sponsors HIPPO over the next 2 issues.

BiKBBI members and other installers would do well to take in the following:

ROGUE TRADERS CAUGHT IN THE ACT

You may have seen the BBC Watchdog report all about rogue house clearance companies, if you didn’t catch it try and view it on ‘catch up’ as it’s well worth a watch, especially if you are an installer who deals with rubbish on a day-to-day basis.

As an installer, you will almost certainly be aware that it is illegal to dump any waste anywhere in the UK and it is regarded as an environmental crime and so should any business that creates rubbish that needs removing from site, but this doesn’t prevent some from thinking that they can get away with what is, let’s face it, an antisocial crime. Some get away with it but there’s always a potential to get caught, subsequently, the BBC’s Watchdog team ‘Rogue Traders’ caught a company flytipping the rubbish that they had picked up for a house clearance.

So this is how it played out …

THE WATCHDOG STING

The sting carried out by the BBC saw them phone and book a company they suspected as being a

potential law-breaker to visit a fake property to pick up various items. These items should have been taken away to be resold or recycled; however, this wasn’t the case for this particular business as they had other, unscrupulous

ideas which were about to backfire on them as little did they know that both the fridge and sofa contained hidden tracking devices. It only took a few hours for the company to dump the items but not at an official waste site, but as you probably can guess - in the middle of the countryside.

To prove that it wasn’t just a one-off action the Watchdog team set the company up again and annoyingly, they fly-tipped again!

Fly-tipping is a growing problem and sadly, I’m sure you’re aware that it isn’t just the odd rogue company that partakes. It’s taking place across the length and breadth of the UK and put simply, it’s in the main about

money. Why? Because, all businesses that go to an organised tip to dispose of waste will be charged for its safe disposal and recycling; depending on the type of waste and volume the cost can run into thousands. That means a rogue trader that disposes of waste by fly tipping will be saving thousands of pounds every year and that’s why so many do it. According to the Watchdog episode 114 flytipping incidents take place every hour in England. Whilst rogue traders make money from it, each of us pay for it through elevated council tax fees as it costs vast amounts for councils to clear fly-tipped waste away each year. In 2017 alone some £58 million of council tax money was used to cover this scourge!

YOU REALLY SHOULD CARE – YOU’RE RESPONSIBLE

Many installers don’t realise that if a rogue trader does dispose of their rubbish by fly-tipping then as far as the council is concerned it’s the installer or householder that hired the company that is ultimately responsible!

It is down to you to engage a reputable company like HIPPO to remove waste from a site. Councils are tackling this issue with growing seriousness and, like the Watchdog team, do sometimes trace rubbish to its source. It’s a shame this is necessary but standing up to fly tipping is everyone’s responsibility.

ACT NOW

There are some simple steps that you can take to fight against fly-tipping and put these rogue traders out of business.

The Environment Agency issues a Waste Carrier Licence to all legal businesses that carry your rubbish away. Just ask to see it from who you hire, HIPPO or other reputable companies will be only too happy to share it with you. If they have no licence, don’t use them.

Many of these rogue businesses are unscrupulous and so never pay in cash. Credit card transactions are more secure and allow for improved tracking of any transaction.

Ask the company if it has public liability insurance. This is an important protection for you and their employees. You’d expect nothing less from a trustworthy company.

If the items cannot be sold they will all go to a tipping site; don’t be afraid to ask questions about how and where they intend to do this, you’ll find those companies that really care will be able to give you all the details of the waste and the tipping / recycling process. HIPPO boasts a 95% recycling rate and its operatives are happy to answer questions and provide information when requested.

If the price seems too good to be true then it probably is! The Installer Magazine strongly advises its readers to obtain quotes from a few companies and if you feel that it’s a bit on the cheap side then consider that they all have to pay for wages, fuel and those tipping charges and then you will be able to take an educated view on whether the company is reputable or not. If a quote is a lot lower than others then they may well be cutting some corners somewhere. If in any doubt, don’t use them!

Another good measure to use when considering which waste removal company to employ, is to look online at the various review sites. HIPPO for instance, has a 5-star reputation through thousands of Trustpilot reviews. Check a good selection of reviews and listen to the words of genuine customers to help you make an informed choice.

IN SUMMARY

Always use a credible company, anyone who has been in the industry for a while will know the names of those they can trust. HIPPO is a national licensed carrier with longevity as it was established in 2002. Reputable companies like HIPPO are happy to be completely transparent with its customers, they operate above board and reinvest profits to remain at the forefront of innovations and standards within the waste industry.

I think it’s worth considering this … Installers often have to argue their case with homeowners where the customer has received a ridiculously low quote to fit a kitchen or bathroom from a rogue trader; they have to explain how it’s impossible to fit the kitchen to the standard they expect and why they will benefit from paying a professional more to get a professional finish. So why cast those ideals and values aside when employing a waste removal company. There’s good reason why some charge a little more than others!

Look out for another indepth article on fly-tipping in our spring issue in April. www.hippowaste.co.uk

WHAT TO DO IF IN DOUBT

Use

It’s

A fitting addition to any customer’s kitchen, the Mythos hob extractor is easy to install; seamlessly integrating alongside the hob. Energy efficient and discreet in design, it uses a constant flow of air pressure to extract vapours and reduce cooking odours.

Make it wonderful at franke.co.uk

Excellent air pressure captures the vapour and cooking odours

how it fits in so perfectly

TAX & ACCOUNTANCY TIPS

A happy new year to all readers.

Brexit is dominating the political and perhaps economic landscape, but behind all that noise, the day to day compliance requirements for business remain. I have placed a couple of useful reminders in my comments.

Making Tax Digital (MTD)

This project has crept up very quickly from when it was first discussed some years ago and is now very much ‘around the corner’.

VAT registered businesses that are not voluntarily registered for VAT will need to ensure that VAT returns are submitted via appropriate software for any VAT return that commences for the period after 31st March 2019. If you are within that group of businesses and are not already submitting VAT returns directly from appropriate accounting software you should take immediate action and advice from your accountant or advisor as to how to become compliant.

Tax return deadlines

Just before Christmas, approximately just under half of the personal tax returns for the year to 5th April 2018, expected by HMR&C (about 5.5 million), were still outstanding. By the time this column is published the 31st January deadline will most likely have passed. If you have not submitted a tax return and you were aware that one had been expected

or requested by HMR&C, automatic penalties will be levied and interest and surcharges could be levied for late settlement of any tax due. It is strongly advised that outstanding returns are attended to as soon as possible.

Tax free gifts to employees

Employers have often historically been reluctant to give small gifts to staff and claim them as business costs for fear of HMR&C seeing these as taxable gifts that may prompt P11d benefit calculations. HMR&C now have a more relaxed view of such matters and it is now permissible for employers to make small gifts to employees and claim them as a deductible expense and not worry about PAYE compliance issues. The gift cannot be in the form of cash or cash redeemable vouchers and cannot be in excess of £50 in value or as a reward for contractual work undertaken. Gifts to directors or close family members who are employees is permissible but the total value of gifts in a given year cannot exceed £300 in total for each director.

Budget Highlights

The October 2018 budget seemed to go past without a great deal of fuss, probably due to the dominance of Brexit. There were however a couple of highlights to consider.

• The Annual Investment Allowance (the amount businesses can claim 100% tax deductions on qualifying capital expenditure) has been increased from £200,000 to £1m with effect from 1st January 2019.

• The changes to IR35 legislation that came into effect in April 2017 for the public sector are to be extended to medium and large businesses in the private sector from April 2020. This places responsibility with the contractor (rather than subcontractor) where employment status and personal service companies are being considered. This is an area for serious consideration for contractors are engaging the services of smaller owner managed companies.

Dean Flood www.rowlandhall.co.uk

In Focus - Neil Clark, Managing Director, Franke UK

IN FOCUS

Neil Clark, Franke UK

2019 brings a brand new regular feature to The Installer Magazine called ‘IN FOCUS, ‘where we look at the working and personal life of an industry personality. We are delighted to launch this series by interviewing Neil Clark, the highly respected Managing Director of Franke UK.

How long have you been at Franke?

I joined the Franke Group in 2004 as Sales and Marketing Director for Carron Phoenix and moved to Franke UK in January 2013.

What is your industry history before joining Franke?

Prior to that I was in the electronics industry - everything from power supplies to automotive sensors to radar systems!

Were your impressions of Franke before you joined the company accurate?

Yes. Having worked for our sister company, Carron Phoenix, for eight years, I had a clear idea of how the group and the UK business were operating.

If so, have the opportunities to improve the company that you envisaged been difficult to implement and why?

No - we have a fantastic team here with a progressive outlook. We’ve made significant progress in all areas, but especially in consumer care and marketing. The challenge is how to move the business forward without damaging what has gone before.

Neil Clark, Managing Director at Franke UK

In Focus - Neil Clark, Managing Director, Franke UK

What are the strengths of the brand in your opinion?

Our strength lies in the depth and breadth of products across all of our brands and providing access to quality and design for different segments of the market. We focus on premium quality and are always looking at new ways to innovate. For example, we have patented hood technologies such as the Atmos ‘Steam Off’; the exciting new Box Center reinvents the sink and transforms it into a multifunctional workcentre; we have exclusive finishes on our stainless steel worksurfaces; we were first to market with a 4-in-1 tap that delivers filtered boiling and filtered cold water as well as standard hot and cold; plus of course installer innovations like our Fastfix fixing system for stainless steel (and soon granite) sinks…. I could go on!

Franke has traditionally been acclaimed for its quality sink design and manufacture and most industry diehards would probably still recognise the brand for sinks and taps, so do you think that the shift into making hoods available through the brand could be developed further?

Sinks and taps are undoubtedly our traditional heartland where we see big opportunities, especially in the instant boiling water sector. Franke owns the Faber Group, which is the world’s largest manufacturer of extractors and renowned for its expertise with around 60 designers working on R&D, so this gives us the means and opportunity to look at increasing market penetration for hoods too with a flow of new products from our innovation pipeline.

We were first to market with a 4-in-1 tap that delivers filtered boiling and filtered cold water as well as standard hot and cold"

In Focus - Neil Clark, Managing Director, Franke UK

The Installer Magazine is almost 4 years old, and my perception is that of all the brands that I have encountered in my role as Editor, Franke probably makes the best use of different sales promotions, why do you think they work so well for you?

Our products are widely available and we are always looking to support promotional activity with our trade partners, regardless of their market position. Our current ‘Wonderful Offers’ include many of our best-selling sink ranges paired with a nice range of taps at an attractive price point.

As a UK subsidiary of a European brand do you view Brexit as a pain or an opportunity and have you made any special plans?

Brexit presents us with some challenges, but we are confident that we have made appropriate plans regardless of the outcome. The greatest challenge is the uncertainty.

- Neil Clark, Managing Director, Franke

A little more about the products themselves; how much is the installer/fitter considered when designing a new product?

Installers are very much considered as part of our design process. To be a reputable brand, it’s important to look at installation topics properly and provide the right balance of costs vs ease of installation. If a product is complex to fit or takes too long, it’s costing an installer time and money as well as storing up potential problems arising from incorrect installation. We experienced this with our first boiling hot water tap, the Minerva, which was proving quite tricky to install. We took feedback on board and developed our M-Box, a ‘plug and play’ system for the pipework and parts allowing our Minerva taps to be fitted in less than 30 minutes. It turned a negative into a big positive for the installer, the retailer and ourselves. Another example was the development of our Fastfix clip system for our mid-

market inset sink ranges which allows a sink to be fitted in seconds once the cut-out has been done. We recognised that, as a volume seller of sinks, it was crucial to have a high level of installation excellence.

Tell us a little more about yourself … are you married? Do you have a family?

I am married with four children, including three teenagers!

Any leisure interests?

Basketball – all of my kids play or have played. It’s the best team sport (in my opinion!).

Franke has an enviable reputation built up over decades, where do you see the company heading over the next decade?

The outlook for Franke is very positive. We have a strong position in the UK but never take this for granted. We will continue to invest in further innovation within all our product categories – and never forget the installer. Speed to market will increase and product trends will come and go at a faster pace. Service will become increasingly important – we’ve taken first steps with our field service team and I see this expanding as consumers and our trade partners become ever more demanding.

www.franke.co.uk

Franke owns the Faber Group, which is the world’s largest manufacturer of extractors

Franke’s Atmos hood features an innovative Steam Control System to solve the problem of dripping condensation by capturing rising steam before it condenses on surfaces. Ideal for use with induction hobs where condensation can be more common, the hood uses a second motor which emits air jets that create a vortex effect. This draws up the steam and eliminates water droplets forming on the underside of the hood, keeping glass, walls, the cabinet and the hood’s filters moisture-free.

In Focus

FOCUS ON LIBERTY FITTING SERVICESWORTHY WINNERS OF 'THE INSTALLER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2018

At the prestigious ek&bbusiness Awards & Review 2018, held recently in London, Liberty Fitting Service Ltd scooped the much sought-after ‘INSTALLER OF THE YEAR AWARD.'

It’s been a tumultuous period for the company as it was also voted ‘Scotland Best All Trade Company’ at the 2018 Scottish Home Improvement Awards. These honours have clearly been bestowed on well deserving recipients and as the market leading KBB installer magazine, we were the first to speak to the owners of Liberty, Mark Conacher and Tom McAuley; we asked how it feels to win and how the business has risen to such prominence:

Many congratulations Mark and Tom, what does this honour mean to you?

Wow! Winning this award means everything to us. In essence, the work that we do as a company has been given a huge nod from our industry peers. That’s a great feeling.

How do you think you can use the title to your best advantage?

We will look to use the award to help separate Liberty from the crowd. Also, when we are looking to win contracts or private customers, this award will instantly give the client greater confidence in the company.

What advice do you have for anyone else being nominated?

Just being nominated or shortlisted for this award really is a massive achievement in itself. If it happens, celebrate it, use it.

So, going right back to the beginning, what got you into fitting kitchens and bathrooms?

M: I served my time working in private homes and always loved it. So, when the opportunity arose to move away from building site work where I was at the time and back into private homes installing for MFI, it was too good a chance to pass up.

T: Agreed, meeting new customers, working in their homes, never in the same place for too long always beats a building site for me, hands down.

How long have you been installing?

M: Solely focusing on kitchens and bathrooms, 23 years but

33 years in the trade.

T: Kitchens and bathrooms, 9 years, all in, 30 years. That makes me younger!!

What’s has been your biggest challenge whilst growing your business?

Being honest, probably finding and keeping good staff. There is definitely a shortage of skilled tradesmen out there, though we do have an electrician that has been working with the company for over 20 years.

Do you have any retail contracts?

Yes, we are currently carrying out installations on behalf of Wren Kitchens and Bathstore.

Why do you work with retailers?

With retailers, it’s a steady stream of work that you can pretty much count on. When you are trying to grow a business, having regular work is a good place to start.

What do you want from a retail contract?

Other than steady work, it’s sometimes good to feel part of something bigger.

What’s the secret of growing a successful business?

Remembering to work ON your business and not just IN your business. It’s so easy to hide behind being busy but busy doesn’t always mean success.

How has BiKBBI helped your journey?

Obviously as business owners, the buck stops at us. For Liberty, knowing that the BiKBBI are there and that they have our back is very reassuring. These guys are fighting for this industry every day to make our jobs as installers and business owners better. The support they offer from legal to financial to training, etc. is amazing. We definitely see being members of the BiKBBI as part of our success.

What is your biggest challenge today?

We both agree that actually switching off from work can

Wow! Winning this award means everything to us. In essence, the work that we do as a company has been given a huge nod from our industry peers. That’s a great feeling."

be a big challenge. This is an exciting time for the company and we both have families, so making sure we remember to shut down and spend quality time with them is hugely important.

M: It seems for some reason my 11yr old son doesn’t

For Liberty, knowing that the BiKBBI are there and that they have our back is very reassuring. These guys are fighting for this industry every day to make our jobs as installers and business owners better."

actually care about kitchens?

What’s next for Liberty?

Having just won these two awards, customer expectation has obviously gone through the roof. Managing those expectations and living up to the

accolades is our number one focus at this time.

What are your opinions of the BiKBBI?

We have nothing but positive things to say about the BiKBBI and would definitely encourage anyone

considering membership with them to jump right in. Your membership will pay for itself, over and over. They are leading this industry to better things and we are very excited to be part of that.

Will Liberty be utilising the BiKBBI led apprenticeship scheme?

This is something we have been discussing lately and hopefully we will be taking

advantage of this scheme in the near future.

If you can offer one piece of advice for an apprentice, what will it be?

M: Measure twice and cut once.

T: Pay attention to ALL the different trades you work alongside, there is so much you can learn from them as well.

And if you had one piece of advice for an existing installer wanting to grow his business, what would it be?

Growing your business from being a sole trader to a multi-team means you will be spending more time running your business and chasing work rather than actually installing. Be prepared for that and learn as much as you can about business beforehand and get to know your numbers, costs, etc. inside-out.

What’s the future for Liberty?

Great question. The KBB industry is definitely changing and changing for the better. We look forward being part of that and changing with it. The really big picture would be to hopefully create an installation company that will outlast both of us and that will help sustain local employment for as many tradesmen as possible.

www.libertyfittingservice.co.uk

MEET THE TWO DAVES

Aqualisa's Shower Training Experts

This month The Installer magazine speaks to David Beattie and David May – the Northern and Southern Technical Product Trainers at Aqualisa, respectively. Both trainers talk about their career, training and the work Aqualisa are carrying out with apprentices and installers within the UK.

Can you tell us a bit about your careers? What was your background prior to your current roles as Technical Product Trainer?

DM: Before joining Aqualisa in 2000, I had been in the plumbing and heating industry for about 15 years, working in a variety of roles including sales positions and as a plumber. I originally joined Aqualisa as a service engineer before moving on to a Technical Product Trainer, a role I have enjoyed for the last 17 years. You wouldn’t think I was that old, would you?

DB: When I was 16, I started an apprenticeship in Northern Ireland for Scottish & Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation (SNIPEF) before working full-time as a heating engineer for Willis Heating in Belfast. After this, I worked as a self-employed service engineer for 16 years, servicing a range of products from various shower brands including Aqualisa. Finally, I joined the Aqualisa team as a Technical Product Trainer, a position I have held for the last five years.

David May, your training role has taken you beyond the United Kingdom, can you tell us a bit about the training you have been involved with abroad?

DM: During my time at Aqualisa I have been lucky enough to train qualified installers in both Belgium and Dubai as

Aqualisa’s products have achieved success in both countries. These trips were a learning curve for me, as well as the installers, as they work with different systems to the UK so I had to adjust my training accordingly. It was certainly challenging but it’s great to expand my own knowledge, so I can pass that on in my training here.

David Beattie, much of your role in the North involves working with and training apprentices in colleges – can you tell us a little more about this?

DB: I work very closely with colleges, putting together training courses to help get Level 2 and Level 3 apprentices up to speed on installing showers, which is also a great introduction to the Aqualisa brand. Having gone down the apprentice route myself, I feel this helps me to relate to the students I meet on a regular basis.

The training seminars I present are always very well received. We present information on Aqualisa and effectively show samples of our products; including the original bi-metallic coil which has been used in a range of our showers for over 40 years. The course is also completely hands-on – for example, for smart and digital showers, we show them how to fit the smart valve and then they can try themselves.

David Beattie, Northern Technical Product Trainer

David May, Southern Technical Product Trainer

I have been lucky enough to train qualified installers in both Belgium and Dubai as Aqualisa’s products have achieved success in both countries."

I work very closely with colleges, putting together training courses to help get Level 2 and Level 3 apprentices up to speed on installing showers."

David Beattie

You both conduct regular free training sessions for qualified installers to attend. Why do you think installers benefit from this?

DM: Installers need to know the products inside-out and understand what they offer to be able to talk to a customer about them. Demonstrating knowledge gives customers confidence in their installer and from our point of view, it makes such a difference if installers are able to iron out any queries ahead of their first installation.

We really appreciate the installers who come to our training as they essentially become brand ambassadors and with the influence they have over what their customers choose, having their ear is crucial.

DB: Digital showering is the way the market is heading, and it is

imperative for all installers to be clued up on the concept. After attending our training, we feel that an installer will have the confidence to fit any Aqualisa Smart Digital product easily and efficiently – even if it’s their first time. It’s also handy for them to come along just to get a feel for our high-quality products.

You have both worked with Aqualisa products for a long time - what do you like most about the brand, and do you have a favourite product?

DM: The key for me is that I trust and like the products. Even before I started working for Aqualisa I liked the products and installed them myself. Due to this, there is a lot of loyalty to the brand which I enjoy seeing in the industry. Sometimes, I see students I have trained come back for refresher training after starting businesses of their own!

With regards to my favourite product – I couldn’t possibly choose one out of so many!

DB: My favourite thing about the Aqualisa brand is the quality we can offer to installers and customers. For me, it’s difficult to choose between two products. I like the Aqualisa Q™ purely for the technological advantages and how it stands out amongst other products on the market. Nonetheless, the Aqualisa Quartz™ will always be my true favourite, I’ve always been smitten with the performance of the shower and I also admire its classic design, userfriendliness and simple ‘fit and forget’ composition for installers. The bi-metallic thermostatic technology found in a wide range of Aqualisa’s products is also a stand out characteristic for me.

www.aqualisa.co.uk www.aqualisa.co.uk/training

Digital showering is the way the market is heading, and it is imperative for all installers to be clued up on the concept. After attending our training, we feel that an installer will have the confidence to fit any Aqualisa Smart Digital product easily and efficiently."

David May

FIT WITH CONFIDENCE

VitrA’s Fit & Forget concealed frames campaign ‘does just that’ says Darren Paxford, National Sales Manager at VitrA. “You really can fit a VitrA frame without worrying about future problems. Providing access has been a concern for installers with some systems so VitrA frames have a panel gap on the body and an easy to remove flush plate that provides

1.

2.

optimum opening space to access the cistern for servicing or repairs. Every frame is WRAS approved and as more consumers seek a reduced flush volume it is great that we can provide frames that operate at 3/6 litres and 2.5/4 litres. Not only do they create an opportunity to save huge amounts of water they are easy to install too.

1. We recommend you empty the box and layout all of the pieces away from your working area and check that everything needed is there and you can familiarise yourself with the instructions. The water and waste inlets/outlets should be in place at the right height for the WC pan before starting the job.

2. Position the lower bolts and plates to secure the frame to the wall and floor. Check that the frame is level both vertically and horizontally using a spirit level. Mark the position of the drill holes. Remove the frame and drill in the required positions.

Darren Paxford, National Sales Manager, VitrA

3. The frame should be a minimum of 160mm and a maximum of 240mm from the wall. VitrA frames are height adjustable so the WC can be positioned to suit the user.

4 & 5.

6. Complete the wall with dryboard or similar then tile as wished, leaving the box and the fittings below exposed. Carefully run a sharp knife around the box cover so that it can be lifted away. Water test at this point.

4. Bolt the frame to the wall, checking levels as you work. Remove the cover from the small box at the top of the cistern and fit the incoming cold connection as shown. The incoming cold can be isolated on VitrA frames without turning the water off in the rest of the property.

5. Fit the waste connector – VitrA provides a collar that helps to locate the waste connector accurately. Attach the soil pipe to the WC connector.

7. Now replace the inner splash guard cover and fit the back plate that holds the chosen flush plate in position, cropping the bolts so that they project by 23mm.

8. Attach your chosen flush plate and then the WC pan to the waste connector and bolts, flush to test.

BLAST-OFF FOR APOLLO

The kitchen worktops industry is not usually renowned for its fast pace and technological trends, but like any other sector there is a steady pulse of research and development behind the scenes. We speak to Dave Mercer to discuss three new materials Sheridan Fabrications are bringing to market in 2019.

What’s the name of your first new material?

Apollo Compact

What’s it made from?

Solid Grade / Compact Laminate

Can you tell us more? Yes, of course, Solid Grade Laminates have been used in commercial sectors for a number of years now but have only recently entered the domestic market. Created from celluloid fibres bound together with Phelonic resin, Solid Grade Laminate (also known as Compact Laminate) is a dense, highly durable surface which is completely impermeable to water and highly resistant to abrasion & staining.

Dave Mercer, Sheridan Fabrications

It sounds like an ideal product so is this aimed at the top-end of the market?

Surprisingly no, it’s aimed at economy to mid-range renovators and also for commercial washrooms & kitchens.

What does it look like?

Apollo Compact comes in a slim-line 12.5mm profile with a consistent black core throughout. As a two sided worktop, each end comes with embedded designs in one of our two introductory styles, Golden Campino & Piazza, with three more styles due in February 2019.

And what are the key benefits? Its highly accessible and versatile as it can create complex curved designs on-site thanks to the slimline 12.5mm profile and

consistent black core. Also, its high flexural strength & availability of modular blanks makes it logistically ideal. Basically, it's a great value product with many of the traits of higher end worktop materials.

Tell us about Sheridan’s second new material, what its name?

Apollo Recycled Glass

What’s it made from?

70% Glass, 20% Quartz & 10% Binding Resin

What does that mean exactly?

It means that Apollo Recycled Glass is sustainably sourced, and combines the strength of quartz with the translucency of glass. As a man-made composite, it has around 4-5 times the flexural strength of Granite, is highly

Basically, it's a great value product with many of the traits of higher end worktop."

Apollo Ceramicá™,

Its hygienic nonporous surface requires little maintenance."

consistent in its finish, and is resistant to heat and abrasion.

Who is it targeted at? All domestic and commercial uses

What does it look like?

Aesthetically, the worktops are beautiful and must be seen in person to be fully appreciated. Translucent shards on the surface peer into the glistening powdered glass fragments beneath for a finish rich in depth and character.

And its key Benefits?

Its hygienic non-porous surface requires little maintenance and its unique appearance which is inimitable by other traditional worktops. Importantly, its sustainably sourced from recycled materials and will appeal to those who are conscious about ‘green issues.’

What is your final new product? Apollo Ceramicá

And is it manufactured as a composite?

No, not at all, it’s made from 100% natural stone minerals

Tell us more?

Ceramicá is made in a way which emulates the natural formation of Granite and Quartzite, through intense heat and pressure.

The specially selected blend of minerals and highly controlled manufacturing techniques employed result in a superior engineered stone which is incredibly durable and resistant to daily wear.

Who is it for?

High-end domestic & commercial projects.

What does it look like?

The composition of Apollo Ceramicá means it is available in a range of natural and consistent tones; each of which can be chosen in a Glossy, Satin or Honed finish. High-end variants can also be chosen in neutral marbled styles for an executive feel.

What are its benefits?

It’s incredibly durable, resistant to heat, impact, abrasion, staining & UV, and of course its made from all natural recyclable materials. It has beautiful luxury finishes in classic colours & and styles.

Thanks for your time Dave, good luck with these 3 exciting finishes, I’m sure they will prove commercial winners for you

www.sheridan-uk.com

Apollo® Compact, Golden Campino

GET SMART ON LIGHTING

Often a new year is a good time to reflect on the year passed and wonder what lies ahead for the next 12 months. We decided on taking the latter when discussing lighting innovation. Gavin Williams, Head of Marketing at Hamilton Litestat gives us his take on what we can expect in 2019.

“Smart controls will continue to be a hot topic, with wireless lighting control set to be a front-running industry trend for the coming year.

More and more consumers are attracted to the proposition of a ‘smarter home’, fuelled in part by the numerous smart devices currently on the market. Smart lighting control is particularly appealing, as the use of dimmers and sensors

allows homeowners to set several lighting scenes that create a multi-functional living environment: daily living, work and entertainment, as well as reducing energy costs.

There is an expanding range of wireless lighting control solutions on the market to support this demand which continues to inform Hamilton’s product development programme.

Smart controls will continue to be a hot topic, with wireless lighting control set to be a front-running industry trend for the coming year."

Gavin Williams, Head of Marketing, Hamilton Litestat

Wireless lighting control will also be an extremely useful solution in renovation properties, where chasing cabling isn’t possible or cost effective.”

Subsequently, we have new quick and easy-toinstall solutions set for release through 2019.

However, during the past year the majority of our customers with high-value residential projects have shown preference for a wired solution. A wired solution provides system stability and is particularly suited to

new-build projects as cabling can be chased neatly into the walls before the plasterwork is finished and centralised to one main control point. These systems still offer remote control of the lighting, for example, Hamilton’s solutions are controlled through the Hamilton app and so meet the growing

customer demand for control via a phone or tablet.

We don’t see this trend for a wired infrastructure changing in these projects. What we anticipate is that wireless lighting control will increasingly be used to support and expand the wired infrastructure. These solutions will be utilised to provide

additional lighting and control features, such as garden lighting, garage doors, water features and security gates. Wireless lighting control will also be an extremely useful solution in renovation properties, where chasing cabling isn’t possible or cost effective.”

www.hamilton-litestat.com

The locationbased-control function, allows tado° to automatically turn the heating down or even off when the last person leaves home, and begins to warm it up again when it detects someone returning."

the eNet SMART HOME app on a smartphone

GET SMART ON HEATING

Smart Homes are becoming smarter all the time and it is a huge growth area that offers installers an opportunity to get in on a young market that is set to boom. Encouragingly, it’s not so difficult for a competent installer to get his head around either, given the right training opportunities.

Mark Booth, Managing Director Gira UK Ltd

system can be easily controlled and configured – even while on the go. When used in conjunction with the smart heating control from tado°, you can also control the room temperature using the eNet SMART HOME app and visualise the actual temperature and humidity.”

With this being the winter issue we decided to look at how using smart technology improves heating functionality and reduces household bills through efficient heating management.

Mark Booth, Managing Director at Gira UK Ltd, comments “It's not easy to heat rooms efficiently using manual controls. Living rooms

should be heated to a higher temperature than bedrooms, and the heating can be lower on the sunny side of the house than in rooms that are shaded. Reducing energy use, whilst increasing comfort is therefore of primary concern for the smart homeowner and the good news is intelligent building control makes it possible to heat the home efficiently. Several features are unique to tado°; the most significant feature is the location-based-control function, which allows tado° to automatically turn the heating down or even off when the last person leaves home, and begins to warm it up again when it detects someone returning.

An alliance of leading vendors has developed eNet as a manufacturerneutral industry standard that has already proven its worth in many households. With eNet SMART HOME, a new expansion stage is now available from Gira. It offers the possibility to conveniently control and monitor the building technology via smartphone: at home, on the road and most importantly, securely. www.gira.com/uk What the tado°

Via the eNet SMART HOME app, the entire building technology

TAKE CONTROL

eNet SMART HOME heating control with tado°

Gira, one of the world’s leading full-range suppliers of intelligent system solutions for building management, announces a collaboration with tado°: to introduce a smart heating control system with tado° wireless technology for the eNet SMART HOME that will bring end-users convenience for maximum living comfort.

The intelligent networking of eNet SMART HOME with tado° enables convenient control of radiators and underfloor heating – with the Gira eNet wireless wall transmitter or the eNet SMART HOME app on the Gira G1 or a smartphone.

Special features include the automatic detection of an open window, consideration of the weather forecast and the locationdependent control during periods of absence.

Thermostatically controlled, the new eNet tado° heating system is designed to automatically control shading, lighting and temperature when no-one is home. Using cutting-edge technology, tado° features an integrated, locationdependent control so when the home is empty, the eNet SMART HOME system is able to turn down the heating, as well as switch off the lighting and shut down darkening via blind control.

The Gira eNet server brings maximum convenience and very high flexibility to the smart home. It is the versatile control centre that allows the configuration of scenes, timers and if-then rules. With the Gira eNet server, not only can you program the entire eNet SMART HOME system, you can also visualize and document it automatically.

Gira System 3000 lighting and blind controller

The Gira System 3000 o ers maximum fl exibility for advanced lighting and blind control: Five di erent operating top units can be used. They are simple to use and o er compelling solutions for every desired level of comfort. Additionally, you can choose from various motion detectors for automatic and energye cient lighting control.

The Bluetooth system top units take lighting and blind control to a whole new level. You can confi gure, start up and control all functions and settings conveniently via the Gira app using your smartphone or tablet.

For more information: www.gira.com/uk

ARE YOU COVERED?

In this issue of The Installer, insurance expert Christopher Bates of strategic BiKBBI partner UIB Insurance gives his advice on how to choose a business insurance policy …

Insurance is a serious business and should be regarded as a fundamental part of protecting your company, covering you against a variety of risks ranging from accidental damage to angry customers. Importantly, installers need to understand that some insurance cover is required by law whereas some come as an optional safeguard against threats to you or your business and are designed to give you peace of mind whilst you go about your everyday business.

Understanding what you need and defining which is which policy, and where to find the right ones for you, is part and parcel of choosing the best small business insurance policy for you.

Christopher Bates, Divisional Director, Corporate and Commercial Division, UIB Group.

You can tailor most policies to include the things that are relevant to your business."

Legal essentials

Employers’ liability insurance is generally required by law for everyone with employees in the UK. It covers you against claims for compensation if an employee is injured or becomes ill as a result of negligence in the workplace. When deciding on a policy, do consider:

• The amount covered. Most policies provide cover for £10 million as standard.

• The assistance offered. Some policies include access to legal advice in some circumstances.

• The extras. Certain policies can cover temporary employees, for example. Protecting property

Buildings insurance will often cover damage to property that you own, but if you’re in an office or retail unit, you could look for specialist office or shop insurance cover. These specialist products protect against things like damage to your computers, stock etc.

Many businesses also rely on a trusty van. A dedicated business vehicle policy could help you stay on the road in the event of things like breakdown, damage and theft, for example, something we’ve covered in this magazine a lot recently Covering your back

Any public-facing business should also consider the risk of injuring or badly advising their clients. There are two key protections against this:

• Public liability insurance, which covers your legal costs and business losses resulting from accidents that happen to anyone at your premises or as a result of negligence in your work environment.

• Professional indemnity is designed for advisers and professionals. It protects you if your client feels they have suffered financial losses because of negligence or mistakes in your advice or services.

Covering your concerns

You can tailor most policies to include the things that are relevant to your business, but sometimes you’ll need to buy separate insurance. For example, you may need to insure company smartphones against theft or damage, or plan for separate healthcare cover if illness and absenteeism are a worry.

Ultimately, it comes down to the protections that are right for your own business. If you know what you need, a clear search can yield the perfect policy.

If assistance is needed, it may be best to contact an insurance broker. UIB Is the only insurance broker recommended by the BiKBBI and can be contacted via www.uibdirect.co.uk

CAN DESIGNER BATHROOM PIECES INCREASE IN VALUE?

“With the current market for refurbished Victorian and Edwardian sanitaryware, the answer is a definite yes! The idea may seem a little farfetched but a restored Victorian console basin on a stand can sell for up to £3000 while a refinished cast iron roll top will be well over £1000. Sanitary pioneers such as Thomas Twyford, George Jennings and Frederick Humpherson probably never imagined that their products would be highly desirable over 100 years since they were first produced but there are many flourishing

We asked our friends at VitrA Bathrooms if the implausible is possible. Marketing Manager Margaret Talbot shares her views ...

restoration specialists selling baths, basins, showers and WCs to home owners in search of the authentic.

The current trend for authentic design is gradually moving away from period to retro with classic suites by designers such as Renzo Piano, Axel Enthoven and Courréges now in demand from specialists in discontinued sanitaryware.

Today, anyone installing a new bathroom can create a design classic for the future and potentially have their bathroom art accrue value too. VitrA is

a leader in using internationally known designers to create products with cutting edge yet timeless style. Istanbul by Ross Lovegrove was launched in 2005 and is hailed as a groundbreaking and iconic design – it continues to do well in the VitrA portfolio almost 15 years later. VitrA has also teamed up

with Christophe Pillet for Memoria and has commissioned inspired accessory products from Sebastian Conran, along with products from Matteo Thun and NOA. The company’s latest designer collaboration has created Plural with Milan-based American designer,

Margaret Talbot, Marketing Manager, VitrA

The answer is a definite yes! The idea may seem a little far-fetched but a restored Victorian console basin on a stand can sell for up to £3000 while a refinished cast iron roll top will be well over £1000."

Water Jewels basin designed by Matteo Thun – available in platinum, gold, copper and white.

Bathroom Trends

Terri Pecora. The range is inspired by the heritage of communal bathing spaces and rituals, introducing the bathroom as a social hub where people meet and reconnect with themselves and with their close friends and family.

Terri Pecora aims at reinterpreting the traditional bathroom lay-out and encourages new ways of using the space. A key feature is the layering and grouping of different furniture pieces that enable them to work together in overlapping heights, colours and dynamic

configurations. Some of the basins can also be regrouped at the centre of the room as a contemporary nod to the communal basins used in public washing spaces –surely pieces that will be icon of design.

What designers bring to the party is a genuinely different eye, a unique concept for an everyday object. A Lovegrove Istanbul basin may not, for instance, increase in value like a painting but it will certainly add value and distinction to a home – especially when the property is on the market. We believe strongly

in the value that leading international designers can bring to our products. Look at Istanbul –it is a design icon definitive and its organic shapes are a tribute to VitrA’s manufacturing skill. Ultimately bathroom design relies very much on expert manufacturing knowledge – clay is a living material and it changes shape and size in the kiln, so huge skill is required to bring ideas to life. The same applies to Matteo Thun’s Water Jewels basins and the wonderful understated lines of Memoria from Christophe Pillet.

Our Designer Collection offers consumers and retailers access to some of the most creative minds in the world.”

www.VitrA.co.uk

Terri Pecora aims at reinterpreting the traditional bathroom lay-out and encourages new ways of using the space."

VitrA Plural designed by Terri Pecora

Q& A with

Caroline Sommerville

Subject of this issue’s Q & A is BiKBBI Compliance Officer Caroline Sommerville. Caroline joined the team in August 2018 and focuses specifically on member compliance.

" I climbed the 3 peaks last year; it did give me a seizure and I broke my front tooth but I did raise some money for charity!"

Tell us a little more about your work history?

My work history involves customer service experience with both the public and retailers.

How do your first impressions of the BiKBBI differ from before you joined the organisation?

It’s a brilliant organisation and does so much good not just for installers but the public too. I wished I had known about the BiKBBI before I worked here as I’ve had a bad experience with a cowboy builder, it was hilarious and expensive!

What would you like to achieve in your career?

I don’t have a plan but I hope in my career I can be the best I can and grow with the organisation.

And your personal life?

In my personal life I’d like to see my children achieve their goals and dreams. I also plan to do more things outside work that challenge me.

Tell us a bit more about your personal life, marital status?

I’m married and my husband is feeling a bit outnumbered right now as we have 2

gorgeous girls, 6 guitars, 2 ukulele, a keyboard and new neighbours!

Major life achievement so far?

Life achievement? I climbed the 3 peaks last year; it did give me a seizure and I broke my front tooth but I did raise some money for charity!

What would be your perfect weekend?

Perfect weekend? I love going to places I’ve never been, although I always loved crewing for my Dad on his small sailing craft … great memories.

Favourite holiday destination?

Favourite holiday? Thailand I hope as we go there soon, I’ll let you know how it goes … 5 weeks and counting.

What was your first car?

A Suzuki Rhino

First record purchased? You can ring my bell, Anita Ward

Favourite movie? Road House, Patrick Swayze

Tell us your three desert island discs?

I’ll Be Around by The Spinners, All This Love I’m Giving by Gwen McCrae, & Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

Favourite all time sporting moment?

Torvil & Dean - Bolero, my heart was in my mouth.

Who makes you laugh?

Usually whatever nobody else is laughing at! I like Carl Pilkington, when he moans it’s hilarious. We have lots of laughs and banter at work, I never dreamed that one day I’d end up with a nickname like Eddie?

What makes you cry?

Christmas adverts, they get me every time.

Finally, do you have any unfulfilled life ambitions?

I’d like to see more of the world, & maybe one day cross the U.S. in an R.V. or on a Harley Davidson.

KEEP TRAINING AND STAY AHEAD

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is not something we hear about too much in our industry but in some other professions it’s an essential way of life. Lawyers, Accountants, and Architects for example have to keep up to date with all the latest developments that effect their businesses, for example; new materials, regulations and working practices. They are obliged to take time out to keep on learning or risk being falling behind or worse, accused of negligence.

However, for many of us in the KBB installer industry, the idea of downing tools, even for a day, is unthinkable … “we’d lose a day’s money,” and “we already know all we need to know to do a good job, so why go?” In reality, many of us never even see another fitting team at work, so we keep on doing what we know best and getting the same results but perhaps with an occasional step forward when we pick up a hint or tip from a colleague or article in a trade magazine like The Installer or perhaps purchase a new tool or gadget on the advice of our local supplier or merchant.

But we’re professionals, too, aren’t we? This shouldn’t mean that we just get paid to do what we do; professionalism should engender an attitude of wanting to be the best, of wanting to learner better ways of doing things and then sharing them to help improve our industry.

So why am I saying all this? Well, I was recently given the opportunity to spend two days with Corian on

their fabricators’ training course. I was with a group of other independent experts who, like me, get called in when installations go wrong. In our small group we had more than 150 years of experience, so what more could we possibly learn?

The answer was … a lot! The course was actually, invaluable. For example, we learned:

The right steps and the right sequence to ensure a perfect result

New skills that will improve the range of work that we can accomplish professionally

The reasons why aspects of the job go wrong for some installers (learn from everyone else’s mistakes instead of your own, it’s cheaper!)

Tips and tricks from someone who has not only done this job many times, but has picked up ideas from previous course attendees that are worth passing on

We also had the chance to meet others doing the same or similar work, allowing us to ask questions and share ideas. For me, it was great to be back on the tools completing the exercises in an atmosphere where mistakes were part of the learning process and there was time to learn to get things right rather than pressure not to get things wrong.

Training is not just for newbies. It’s an important part of being a professional tradesperson. If we’re still doing things the way we did five years’ ago, or even one year ago, we’re not developing and we’re probably not doing things as efficiently – and therefore as profitably – as we could.

In conclusion, the CPD event I attended at CorIan was an eye-opener as it reminded me, and the colleagues that also attended, that no matter how long we’ve been performing KBB installation as a career, there is still plenty to learn that will enable us to improve. Whether it’s a course run by our Institute, our suppliers, or even companies like Axminster Tools, it’s worth investing in our own development believe me.

www.richard-renouf.com

Training is not just for newbies. It’s an important part of being a professional tradesperson. If we’re still doing things the way we did five years’ ago, or even one year ago, we’re not developing and we’re probably not doing things as efficiently – and therefore as profitably – as we could."

Canadian brand Danby, is launching into Europe and the UK with its specialist appliances and predicts that the spring and summer of 2019 is set to bring continued growth for brands targeting outside, ancillary and multigenerational space in UK homes.

John Welbourn, who is spearheading the European launch here in the UK explains, “After the glorious summer and autumn of 2018, UK residents will feel more justified in investing in their gardens. Popular off-the-peg items like bars and outside kitchens have grown in popularity, but also bigger investments are rising too like building-on, extending

up or out to provide living areas due to the changing social climate where kids can no longer afford to buy their own house and the fact that people are growing older and therefore needing family care … something many of our parents didn’t have to worry about as their folk passed away much younger”

John continued, “These consumers will be seeking fixtures and fittings to complement and enhance these areas that are autonomous from the main dwelling. For kitchen and electrical retailers this presents a second profitable tier of opportunity and we feel that the strongest example are

cooling appliances. Bar fridges, compact refrigeration, both small and large specialist wine storage and additional great looking freestanding refrigeration appliances that provide useful worktop space for grandparents and teens who want to make snacks and beverages in their own spaces. Product design will play a huge part in these decisions as nobody wants a boring white box in a bedroom, studio or a bar even. Colour, finish, texture along with thoughtfully designed functionality products that look terrific freestanding on their own or built-under will all be on consumers wish-lists for the coming year.”

www.Danby.com.

DANBY TARGETS SPRING AND SUMMER FOR IMPACT

NEW P.O.S FOR VISTA STATEMENT SPLASHBACKS

Bringing colour, pattern and a funky new look to kitchen walls, recently launched Vista splashbacks have been an outstanding success for Bushboard. Hundreds of kitchen specialists have listed the new range that includes a compelling showroom lure like Summer Palms (below) along with Moorish patterns, geometrics, weathered London brick, metro tiling and vintage prints are just some of the inspiring options in the new collection which includes 14 designs in 9mm mdf and six in 4mm acrylic.

To support the increasing network of Vista retailers, Bushboard has created a 48 cm x 40 cm countertop display box that includes samples and brochures for the new range. The splashback designs coordinate well with all of Bushboard’s laminate, solid surface and solid core worksurface ranges. Vista splashbacks are easier and faster to install than tiles, cutting down fitting time and costs. The end result is a sleek, smooth surface that is easy to clean. “Bushboard is the first to market with this exciting design idea says Hannah Abbott PR and Graphics Manager for Bushboard. “The uptake has been amazing. To help show a spread of designs we have introduced a double display box that holds all the panel samples and allows consumers to see how the pattern will look with the worktop or kitchen units of their choice.”

Vista 9mm statement splashbacks are easy to install using the company’s BB Complete adhesive and sealant range. There is an installation, care and maintenance leaflet with every splashback and products carry the Bushboard lifetime guarantee. www.bushboard.co.uk

ACQUABELLA PUTTING INSTALLERS FIRST

In line with the company’s ongoing commitment to improve and adapt to the British market, the entire range of Acquabella shower trays now is being supplied with McAlpine waste trap – adapted for UK installation including custom shower trays(any shape or adaptation to size can be cut on site), in different anti-slip textures and in a wide range of colours”.

The Acquabella FOCUS collection of shower trays has been nominated as ‘finalist’ for the kbbreview Awards 2019.

Find out and check out the installation videos: www. acquabella.com/en/documents/catalogos-en/

For technical questions or to locate retailers please contact the company on: www.acquabella.com/en/ contacto

VOGUE PUBLISHES

NEW BROCHURE FOR 2019

Manufacturer of designer radiators and towel warmers, Vogue (UK), has announced its new brochure for 2019, featuring a host of on-trend products to help create stylish heating and drying solutions for your customers.

The brochure showcases a market leading collection of pioneering heating solutions for every room in the home, including new innovations and competitive pricing. Its userfriendly design offers even more product information than before, now supported by accessory recommendations, helpful model graphics and colourful product symbols which help define each design by construction, fuel type, finish and guarantee.

The 2019 brochure by Vogue (UK) also includes the following new solutions:

New Heating Designs –contemporary models defined by functionalit

New Colours – a modern interpretation of white, black and grey

New Finishes – an introduction to metallic inspired textures

New Dimensions [select models] – wider and taller

New Valve Colours – for the height of coordination

To request a copy of the New 2019 Brochure by Vogue (UK) follow this link and choose between a digital download or hard copy sent in the post: link here www.vogueuk.co.uk

JOB POSITION AVAILABLE FOR THE BiKBBI

Position: Inspector

Accountable to: The Inspection Officer

Location(s): Wales

Contract type: Upon request, Self-Employed Consultant, (QUOTE: INSP/0219)

Background: The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) was established in 2006 with the purpose of ‘raising standards, promoting education and supporting key stakeholders within the industry, to include professional installers,’ retailers, manufacturers and consumers’.

Job Purpose:

Our self-employed inspectors are kitchen, bedroom and/or bathroom installation specialists – either experienced installation managers or installers with a proven track record of operation within the industry.

Our inspectors are responsible for providing ‘Expert Witness’ services and the delivery of audits and Section 35 (Civil Proceedings) reports for use with Alternative Dispute Resolution.

The successful candidate(s) will have in depth technical experience in all aspects of kitchen and/or bedroom and/or bathroom installation. Additional qualification in gas / electrical / tiling / fabrication desirable, but not essential.

Candidates must have superior customer service focus and great communication skills. Our inspectors will receive full training, but must have basic IT skills and excellent English, spelling & grammar ability.

Inspectors report to the inspection Officer.

Application Process:

Please download and complete our application form, sending it to:

HR Team (S6), BiKBBI Limited, Riverside, Business Centre, Fort Road, Essex RM18 7ND or email it to: inspection@bikbbi.org.uk

PLEASE REMEMBER TO QUOTE THE JOB REFERENCE ABOVE

Closing Date: 30/03/19

www.anyjunk.co.uk

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www.myappliances.co.uk www.clearabee.co.uk

www.vitra.co.uk www.hafele.co.uk www.newwayinternational.co.uk

www.hippowaste.co.uk www.ideal-standard.co.uk www.wearepolar.com www.publicityengineers.com www.trade-point.co.uk www.ubm.com

www.wilsonart.co.uk

BiKBBI

www.diy.com www.bathstore.com www.handicare.co.uk www.johnlewis.com www.kindred.co.uk www.moores.co.uk

www.premierbathrooms.co.uk