The Installer - Issue 18 - Summer 2019

What a few months It’s been since the last issue!

I’d like to say all positive, but the fact is it’s been far from it. In fact, it’s bloody horrible for many of our members.

I don’t like to kick off on a negative, because this latest issue of The Installer Magazine is once again a credit to everything we’re doing here at The Institute, but what I will say is that for those Bathstore installers out there, we’re on your side and we’ll remain so until we find solutions for your future and some recompense for the present.

Anyway, we must focus on the topics we can influence and as such, this issue really does showcase some of the amazing things we’re working on. It’s not all gloom either, as many of our partners are flourishing right now.

Green seems to be a lucky colour, not exclusive to the Irish, as both Wren and the Phoenix that is Homebase continue to demonstrate impressive growth. Hat’s off to Homebase in particular who have simply turned that ship. I was with the senior team just last week in Milton Keynes, I cannot help but feel optimistic for their future –especially now that bring the Bathstore brand into the family.

Whilst it’s unlikely the purchase will provide any significant recompense to the ‘unsecured creditors’ (a group of people I like to call loyal hard-working installers), it does potentially shed some light on a future for this experienced group of installation specialists. It’s early days, but I suspect watching the space may be a great idea – topical as we celebrate the 50th year since Neil & Buzz set foot on the moon!

Damian Walters, BiKBBI CEO

INSTALLERS WANTED!

Following the announcement at The Houses of Parliament in January, The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation has been busy developing their new Protected initiative.

Installer Magazine Editor Rob Nicholls met up with BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters for an exclusive update:

Thanks for taking time out to talk to us Damian, you’ve obviously had a busy time lately - can you provide an overview of the Protected initiative?

“In its simplest form, Protected is a digital platform that connects consumers with professional installers via retailers. It removes the need for retailers to own and operate an installation service and remove the associated risk, cost and complication.

The digital platform creates direct relationships between buyers (customers) and sellers (installers). The system subsequently manages the end-to-end workflow including quoting, agreements, variations and sign off. It takes care of the administration element of a robust installation service.

Protected allows retailers to signpost its customers to a professional installation service delivered by local, professional installers. It reduces risk, cost and complexity to all parties and

matches the right installer to the right customer based on a digital algorithm.

Think of it as an intuitive dating agency for installers and customers, matching people based on competency, location, availability, specialism and experience. Installers will receive reviews from their customers and these reviews will form the basis for consumer choice, thus encouraging a service led proposition, rewarding those business who excel and go beyond the call.

It’s completely free for installers, although they will need to meet and maintain BiKBBI Membership"

Upon completion, both parties sign off and the ESCROW pays out the balance, to the installer, within 2 hours, 7 days a week!

No retention, no invoice chasing, no creditor situations. Installers are guaranteed 100% of the balance"

How and who does it protect exactly?

“It protects all stakeholders. That’s the beauty behind Protected!

Before and during an installation, the protection is in the financial security.

A customers money is paid into a secure ESCROW account, much like those used by solicitors when buying and selling property. The money is paid in before the install starts and is instantly protected. The customer can be assured their money is safe, whist the installer can enjoy equal peace of mind knowing their money is waiting and released when the job is finished.

Post installation the future is Protected by an Insurance Backed Guarantee on workmanship – so even if there’s a problem months down the line, the customer is Protected.”

Broadly, how does it work?

“The customer inputs basic project details in an easy to use online interface. A dry-fit price is estimated, subject to survey. If the customer is happy in principle with the price, they get to choose

a local installer for the project from a list – the list includes previous customer reviews.

A survey is undertaken within a week and the customer is left with a digital price, breakdown and draft contract. The installer completes his/her health & safety obligation (CDM) during the survey. If the customer is happy to proceed, a digital contract is signed – a contract written by Trading Standards – and a deposit is paid into a secure ESCROW.

14 days before the install start, the customer pays the balance for installation into ESCROW and both parties have full visibility for the funds. The money is safe at this stage. The ESCROW is capable of releasing staged payments to help with installer cashflow.

If the project changes at any time, the system produces variation orders, providing both parties with clarity throughout. Protected removes all ambiguity!

Upon completion, both parties sign off and the ESCROW pays out the balance, to the installer, within 2 hours, 7 days a week! No retention, no invoice chasing, no creditor situations. Installers are guaranteed 100% of the balance assuming work is completed to the contract.

If there’s a dispute, either party can benefit from Dispute Resolution support, including independent onsite inspection and more formal support from an Ombudsman.

Damian Walters, CEO, BiKBBI

Finally, the customer is issued with an insurance backed guarantee, covering all aspects of workmanship.”

Who sets the prices?

“Protected has created a pricing matrix for the entire UK, based on competitive and fair market rates. Installers have the ability to amend pricing to suit the project requirement, but we feel the pricing structure reflects a great deal for both installers and their customers.

The customer receives an itemised quote that forms part of the contract if accepted, so there’s no ambiguity on price or what’s included.”

What role does the retailer play?

“The Retailer signposts its customers to Protected and the

Protected platform takes over. There’s no cost for retailers to participate - they simply agree to work with the platform and have access to a number of tools to help them (& their customers) to fully utilise the service.

Everything is taken care of through Protected, including installer recruitment, retention, performance management and dispute.

The retailer can create, maintain and manage installer relationships as this is key with any project… close working between design and installation is key.”

Who are the installers?

“BiKBBI represents over 6000 Installation businesses in the UK. We’re not short of installation talent. These businesses are

invited to register their interest in joint The scheme by visiting www.bikbbi.org.uk/Protected

Independent BiKBBI members can join, as can installers that may already be working with the Protected retailer.”

What does it cost for the installer to be part of Protected?

“Nothing. It’s completely free for installers, although they will need to meet and maintain BiKBBI Membership (See: www. bikbbi.org.uk/installers”

So if the installer doesn’t pay and neither does the retailer, how is Protected funded?

“The consumer pays a fee to use the platform, but this includes the cost for ESCROW, the Insurance Backed Guarantee and the Dispute resolution service as well as the platform itself.”

When does Protected launch?

“We’re working with a number of retailers on the launch. System work completes in September,

There’s no minimum commitment and installers are free to leave the initiative without contractual penalty. It’s a solution for them.”

with the BETA (test) starting in October. The Platform officially launches in December and will be available to retailers from then. We’ll be introducing retailers in a methodical way, ensuring that the system is robust before expansion. I urge anyone interested – installers and retailers – to register their interest asap.”

What has the level of interest been from retailers?

“Extremely encouraging to be honest as since the Protected announcement in January, we’ve had expressions of interest from 472 independent retail showrooms, 3 national retailers and 6 manufacturers. We can’t divulge names at this stage, but we’re completely satisfied that we’ll be launching with an impressive portfolio of retailers and installers.”

How many installations can Protected handle?

“There are no number boundaries to the number of installations the systems can manage.

However, this will be reliant on great installers joining the scheme and is clearly restricted on that number. We anticipate the service exceeding 100,000 installation transactions annually over time and we have a carefully considered plan to build up to this number (and beyond) to ensure the system meets the need of growth.”

contractual penalty. It’s a solution for them.”

The industry press have reported the Protected initiative with great optimism. Why do you think this is so special?

“Professionalism, integrity, high workmanship standards and pride when delivering their service. This service is exclusive to the very best installers. Remember, monies are held in ESCROW, so installers not meeting their end of the bargain will not receive funds, in accordance with Consumer Rights. HOWEVER, deliver a good service and installers are GUARANTEED fast and full payment, without any risk.

Installers can accept as much or as little work as they want through the portal. There’s no minimum commitment and installers are free to leave the initiative without

“The Installation element of our industry has failed to keep up with the times. It’s a complex subject that needs a rethink and Protected deliverers against all areas. It’s a modern, tech driven solution that goes back to basics, connecting buys with sellers allowing retailers to retail and installers to install.

This is a great proposition for installers, retailers and customers - it’s a no-brainier as far as we’re concerned! Why wouldn’t you have your installation Protected?”

How do retailers and installers get involved?

“Register your details, for free, at www.bikbbi.org.uk/protected/it’s as simple as that! We’re ready and waiting for both installers and retailers to get involved. Remember - there’s absolutely NO COST whatsoever for either.

Editors comment:

One of the key fundamentals of any successful new business initiative is timing, and in light of recent industry events, never can a business environment be more ready for the new BiKBBI initiative – Protected.

Protected offers a win, win, win solution for all the stakeholders involved in the installation of a kitchen, bedroom or bathroom but especially, and most importantly as far as this magazine is concerned, for KBB installers who have proven vulnerable recently to economic threats.

We applaud the BiKBBI for its vision in launching Protected and urge interested parties whether they are installers or retailers to quickly express their interest in this initiative by contacting: www.bikbbi.org.uk/protected/

What do you expect from those installers involved?

Rob Nicholls, Editor, BiKBBI The Installer Magazine

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL -1-2-3!

With all the recent political and industry doom and gloom, there’s some good news at last! The BiKBBI is proud to announce that THREE established industry brands have pledged themselves to the institute by becoming corporate sponsors.

In the biggest endorsement to date of the BiKBBI and its core pillars, three leading industry players have pledged their support since The Installer magazine’s spring issue which was published at the back end of April.

First to commit back in May was bathroom industry stalwart Roman. Roman has been one of the UK’s leading manufacturer of shower enclosures and screens for many years, with groundbreaking designs that area as installer driven as enduser and after-sales-service support that’s hard to better.

Based in Durham, Roman has been designing and manufacturing showering solutions for over 34 years with all products designed and created in Britain, offering the ultimate in quality, precision and craftsmanship. Roman's diverse and versatile collection of products encompasses something for every style and shape bathroom, no matter what the budget.

Roman’s range comprises Luxury Shower Enclosures, Bath Screens, Wetroom Panels, Walk- in’s, Shower Trays and Accessories. Its latest new products are

focussed on its highly popular ‘Liberty’ 10mm and 8mm range.

Speaking on the BiKBBI sponsorship, David Osbourne, Managing Director, commented, "We’ve been increasingly impressed with the activity of BiKBBI over recent months and years and their membership growth is itself a testament to their aims and objectives. We share their vision for education and communication at all levels of our industry and of course, we have a mutual interest in driving compliance and product standards.”

We have a mutual interest in driving compliance and product standards.”

David

Osbourne, Managing Director, Roman

Hot on the heels of Roman came impressive and fast growing CAD organisation, Compusoft who became the first software company to champion the organisation responsible for standards, education and compliance, Compusoft is celebrating its 30th birthday this year and provides a range of market leading software solutions in connection with kitchen, bedroom and bathroom design and KBB business management.

Compusoft is a global organisation with some 24 subsidiaries in 16 countries and has more than 400 fulltime employees servicing its customers. It boasts software development teams in Norway, UK, France, Germany, Belgium and South Africa.

Compusoft, MD Alexander Ainge commented on the three-year corporate sponsorship by saying: "We recognise the important role

that design software plays in educating the KBB industry, having supported retailers since 1989. We have identified that design software is pivotal in the installation process. This new relationship with BiKBBI ensures we can offer

our services, expertise and support to a wider audience.” Alexander concluded, “This new partnership with the BiKBBI demonstrates the importance of installation within the future development of our product.”

Alexander Ainge, MD, Compusoft

We have identified that design software is pivotal in the installation process."

These are truly exciting times for the BiKBBI; the speed of growth that we are experiencing could never have been imagined by many of us in those early days when we founded the organisation.”

The third company that has agreed a sponsorship with the BiKBBI is the vast Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group (KBBG), who is a part of Europe’s leading kitchen and bathroom buying group DER KREIS.

DER KREIS claims to be Europe’s largest kitchen and bathroom buying group, with thirty five years’ experience in supporting independent kitchen and bathroom retailers. With nearly 3,000 members, in nine countries, DER KREIS brings together kitchen and bathroom retailers who value their independence, but also appreciate the many advantages that come with working in partnership.

The KBBG offers UK independent kitchen retailers help and support by offering combined buying power conditions from leading European and UK suppliers, as well as access to unique private label kitchen furniture ranges, which is only available to KBBG members. Many suppliers also offer members

regular, exclusive promotions and discounted offers.

The KBBG sponsorship of the BiKBBI will give KBBG members access to the association’s approved installers. This will afford members an excellent new resource in order to better manage kitchen installations and make them more costeffective.

Bill Miller, Managing Director, KBBG commented: “It is a great pleasure and a superb

opportunity to support an organisation that promotes and improves standards in our industry. Our business is focused solely on the independent kitchen specialist retailer, and this sponsorship creates a very positive connection for the benefit of our members. We hope that by working together this will help make life easier with the benefit of managing time and costs successfully.”

KBBG has been established in the UK for six years and the membership numbers are growing at an exponential rate every year. With the buying power of over 3,000 members this creates a serious collaborative trading benefit that the group is able to provide and the sponsorship of the BiKBBI gives its members another tremendous benefit and endorsement of the business.

Our business is focused solely on the independent kitchen specialist retailer."

Bill Miller, Managing Director, KBBG

BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters said “These are truly exciting times for the BiKBBI; the speed of growth that we are experiencing could never have been imagined by many of us in those early days when we founded the organisation. What satisfies me most however, is when big established brands commit themselves to becoming sponsors, it acts as an endorsement of our principles which cascades down to our members giving them added kudos as they go about their day-to-day business.

Collectively these three brands add huge weight to our organisation at a time when we are actively lobbying MP’s to better support our industry but individually, each new sponsor brings something a little different to our membership. In the

case of Roman, not only will we benefit of it being a great brand that is well respected within our industry, it’s a business that very much operates ethically and to the very highest standards. We’re incredibly proud that Roman has committed to sponsorship and we look forward to working with the team, especially on the subject of CE Marking and the importance of product compliance messaging with our membership.”

With regards to Compusoft, we couldn’t be happier that it has stepped in to support our aims. This is a forward thinking global business with a proven track record of delivering success is the first of its kind to support our objectives. Of course is strongly involved with KBB retailers and the company’s

strength in this area will help provide a conduit between our installer membership and our retailer membership which we want to grow, especially through our ‘Protected’ initiative.

Finally, there’s KBBG which is a great addition to the BiKBBI and its collaboration with us will allow its member 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 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.”

Collectively these three brands add huge weight to our organisation at a time when we are actively lobbying MP’s to better support our industry."

Damian Walters CEO, BiKBBI

HELPING INSTALLERS AT A TIME OF NEED

It’s been ‘all hands to the pump’ for the BiKBBI team following the recent dreadful news that Bathstore had entered administration, the BiKBBI has been liaising with both Bathstore and the Insolvency Practitioner working on behalf of the retailer with an objective of supporting all those involved in a number of ways.

Damian Walters, Chief Executive, BiKBBI

Once again it’s the little guy that’s hit the most. Honest, hardworking people who are the backbone of our economy are once again victim of a scenario which is clearly way beyond their control. I give my personal assurances to each and every one of them and their families that we’ll do everything in our power to ensure their voice is heard.”

First and foremost is the institute’s installer members, where the strategy has been twofold. Firstly, it’s established itself as a conduit for information, helping installers to navigate the complicated process of recompense for monies owed. In the first two or three weeks alone the BiKBBI communicated important messages to members on six occasions.

Sadly in those first 3 weeks alone the BiKBBI received over 100 calls from members directly affected by Bathstore’s demise. This represents approximately a quarter of those potentially affected, who, we understand, are owed collectively in excess of one million pounds by Bathstore for completed installation work! By the time this issue is published, this figure will have risen considerably and for some the size of debt could be negatively life changing.

Many observers will understand the impact on the retail staff involved in these situations, but the impact it has on micro SME suppliers is sometimes overlooked. But BiKBBI members can be assured that the institute is committed to ensuring that they and their family’s voices are heard at the very highest level. The threat of losing money is one thing,

but this situation will affect their future order-book, with installers often being booked for 8-12 weeks in advance.

Great installers are always in demand and the BiKBBI will ensure that its members are connected with those businesses and individuals seeking a professional installation service.

On a more positive note, the BiKBBI pledged to support its members by connecting them with new work opportunities and is already doing so. The team is working with some great retailers and strategic partners and thankfully the general UK skills shortage will prove to be an asset in this scenario. Great installers are always in demand and the BiKBBI will ensure that its members are connected with those businesses and individuals seeking a professional installation service.

The BiKBBI’s find-a-member website, which is receiving a high volume of consumer visitors, will allow consumers to connect directly with our members and the team hopes that this will prove useful to those affected too. The BiKBBI has invited Bathstore / BDO to reference this facility on their website was await their response at the time of closing the summer issue of The Installer.

BIKBBI CEO Damian Walters (pictured) commented by saying: “Once again it’s the little guy that’s hit the most. Honest, hardworking people who are the backbone of our economy are once again victim of a scenario which is clearly way beyond their control. I give my personal assurances to each and every one of them and their families that we’ll do everything in our power to ensure their voice is heard.”

He added, “We have requested meetings with the appointed administrators at BDO and will be meeting MP’s to discuss the available support to our members and their customers. I

have spoken to our own Patron Stephen Metcalfe MP, and we are working on a strategy to seek government support on this matter – This will go right to the top and I will not rest until notice is taken and action is had.”

I have spoken to our own Patron Stephen Metcalfe MP, and we are working on a strategy to seek government support on this matter –This will go right to the top and I will not rest until notice is taken and action is had.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP, Official Patron, BiKBBI

Damian Walters, CEO, BiKBBI

Photo by Eva Dang on Unsplash

FROM THE CEO ...

The recent news from Bathstore is yet another blow for UK retailing in general as well as those employees directly involved and as you would expect, at the heart of the BiKBBI’s involvement is to make as much noise as possible around the welfare of the installer. We haven’t however, forgotten the plight of the retailer in all the Bathstore ‘fall-out.’

Whilst we are shouting about the installer’s losses from the rooftops, we are also focused on ensuring that the retailer is protected – not just for today, but for tomorrow too.

Simply speaking, retailers need installers to fulfil sales ambition and if we don’t protect the installer, we run the risk of losing them forever. With a skills gap evident, we are already running dangerously low on available talent.

The apprenticeship initiative that the BiKBBI is supporting will not bear fruit for many years and with our relationship with the EU far from clear, we simply can’t afford to let these experienced installers slip into early retirement or emigrate to other industries.

Our view is that by Protecting installers we are therefore protecting the retailer also! So, what are we hoping to achieve?

Change ...

Damian

We want our members to have a seat at the table and we want the government to step up their support of them in the same way they would support big businesses in times of crisis. The government has often referred to the SME as the “backbone of the UK economy”, so for me it’s time they put their money where their mouth is.

Our objective has always been to support all stakeholders in the world of installation. That includes the retailers, the customers they serve and those installers who operate on the front line - the conduit between the two. We need to collectively find a solution to prevent future failures affecting our precious installer commodity and we need to work it out quickly!

The world needs to know that these creditors are not big businesses, or printed lines on creditor spreadsheets. These are tiny businesses in the main, with these types of losses changing lives and affecting families.

But collectively, they are considerable. We know that this is a talented pool of experience with transferable skills - skills that could easily transition into other, less risky industries.

So, the reason why we’re shouting so loud, is because our industry will lose great people if we don’t act on their behalf.

Meanwhile, in addition to the work with installers, we’re also in dialogue with our retail partners. We’re sharing data (with permission from the subjects of course), not only for installers, but also for designers and installation management. Therefore, our retailers are benefiting from our connective support.

Finally, we’re also supporting Bathstore, potential buyers and the administrators – as well as those customers affected. Sadly, we cannot change the situation for all, but we can work smartly to support those who would benefit from our help.

Our industry will lose great people if we don’t act on their behalf."

Walters, CEO, BiKBBI

MEMBERSAFE: FINANCIAL PROTECTION LAUNCHED FOR MEMBERS

Damian Walters, CEO, BiKBBI

The BiKBBI has announced its MemberSafe initiative – the first of a number of measures planned to protect installers against financial loss when transacting with other businesses.

MemberSafe includes an early warning system linked to the industry’s financial profile, which will alert members to signs that may indicate risk within those businesses they engage. Members will have access to live data in order for them to make an informed choice on future financial transactions.

In recognition that a financial profile is just one part of a complex commercial jigsaw, The MemberSafe initiative includes an innovative credit insurance scheme in association with specialist global insurer Allianz, providing members with a facility to insure B2B invoices on an individual basis.

Whilst credit insurance is not necessary for all financial transactions, members would

be able to make an informed choice as to whether they insure an invoice based on the financial profile and early warning facility.

The pay-as-you-go insurance policies provide cover from as little as £13 for an invoice of £2,500, or £80 to cover £100,000.

The ‘trade friendly’ digital platform provides cover instantly online, with members able to pick and choose which invoices to insure, unlike many other more expensive schemes that provide provision calculated on annual turnover.

BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters, said, “These are the first two measures which will protect our members from future financial loss, but as announced in January at The Houses of Parliament, our full-circle solution BiKBBI Protected will provide unrivalled protection for all parties, including consumers, retailers and installers.”

BiKBBI confirmed that its Protected initiative was progressing well, with the

likelihood of two major national retailers being amongst the first to adopt the scheme when it is launched later this year.

BiKBBI also confirmed that over 350 independent retailers have registered interest, representing over 450 showrooms nationally!

“It’s important that we move with the times, embrace technology and new ways of thinking if we’re to safeguard the future of installations here in the UK. Protected covers all bases, is free to use for installers and those participating retailers and will change the way we provide professional installation services in the future.” Damian summarised.

Members are invited to login to their member portal to access the new MemberSafe features.

Those interested retailers or installers who wish to register their interest in Protected can visit:

www.bikbbi.org.uk/protected

These are the first two measures which will protect our members from future financial loss. BiKBBI Protected will provide unrivalled protection for all parties, including consumers, retailers and installers.”

LEEKES GROUP BECOMES THE LATEST BiKBBI RETAIL INSTALLATION STANDARDS PARTNER.

Joining

Yet another highly respected industry business has committed itself to the standards set by the BiKBBI by becoming the Institutes latest Installation Standards Partner. The long-established kitchens and bathrooms retailer Leekes, has pledged its support in a move that will see BiKBBI support Leekes in meeting its installation compliance requirement, Institute CEO Damian Walters summarised the move in one word“significant”.

Leekes, a family owned business, has a rich history spanning over 120 years and operates from four showrooms: Cross Hands,

Llantrisant, Bilston and Melksham – each with over 30 kitchen displays from suppliers including Omega, Symphony, Rotpunkt and designer Laura Ashley.

Commenting on the Partnership Leekes Kitchen & Bathroom Business Manager Sean BarnesHurley said: “We continue to look at opportunities to ensure we provide our customers with the reassurance they need when choosing to buy their kitchen and bathroom from us. Joining BiKBBI we believe will be a really positive step in achieving this and we look forward to working alongside them.”

BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters

stated: “We’re working with, and attracting, a broadening range of retailers, from small independent showrooms to regional and national retailers with a comprehensive portfolio of products and services to support businesses deliver a solid installation proposition.”

The BiKBBI invites specialist KBB retailers of all sizes to consider its Retail Installation Standards Partnership initiative which supports retailers to retail, installers to install and consumers to connect – all with education, standards and compliance at the heart of the organisation.

www.leekes.co.uk

BiKBBI we believe will be a really positive step and we look forward to working alongside them.”

BiKBBI SUPPORTS MILITARY VETERANS

Timed to coincide with Armed Forces Day 2019 (29th June), The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation teamed up with Defence Discount Service (DDS) to offer British military veterans and current reservists subsidies on BiKBBI Membership and opportunities to connect with new career opportunities.

In recognition of the tireless work performed by our armed forces and in thanks for the dedication and selfless service to our country from the men and women who have given and continue to give so much to our great nation, The BiKBBI is working with military charities to promote opportunities within the KBB industry, whilst helping to address the current shortage of professional installers.

The scheme not only provides a generous subsidy to current and former military personnel, but is also designed to attract this highly skilled workforce into our industry by connecting them to our retail partners and those consumers in search of a professional installation service.

Commenting on the initiative, BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters (pictured with his children, Alfie, Sienna and Harvey) said: “Those who have served and continue to do so, give so much and have so much more to give. It’s only right that we give them something

back and capitalise on their expertise as we rebuild our own industry workforce. Supporting veterans to start or continue a new chapter in their lives, whilst building a bridge over the skills gap for our industry is an absolute no-brainer.”

The scheme is accessed via The Defence Discount Service only. Details, including Terms & Conditions can be found by visiting:

www.defencediscountservice.co.uk

Those who have served and continue to do so, give so much and have so much more to give. It’s only right that we give them something back."

WILSONART INVEST IN LIFE-SAVING DEFIBRILLATOR

The head office of Wilsonart laminates in Shildon County Durham now has an automated external defibrillator (AED). Whilst it is not compulsory for companies/employers to invest in these lifesaving machines, Wilsonart which employs over 150 people at its busy manufacturing, sales and marketing facility recognised that people are becoming familiar with the concept and use of these machines in all walks of life. Training in the use of automated external defibrillators is not currently part of either the Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work courses but the HSE welcomes the presence of and any awareness of associated training as it instils greater confidence in the use of AEDs.

Holly Turnbull for Wilsonart “The Resuscitation Council UK guidance on AEDs is that this equipment is safe to use

and can be readily used by untrained bystanders. They are now commonplace in places of education, travel, hospitality and care. We are just one of many companies that have voluntarily invested in the equipment.”

Evidence suggests that where AEDs have been used the

COMPETITION WINNER!

The lucky winner of our Bushboard Evolve competition in the spring issue of The Installer was Andrew G Windibank of AGW Gas Ltd., who is based in Portishead, Bristol. Andrew is the recipient of a set of Bessey Seaming Tools worth £500 courtesy of

our friends from Bushboard.

*The competition was to support a new installation video by Bushboard to support its innovative solid core laminate worksurface range, Evolve. Easy to install with no on -site templating required, Bushboard teamed up with Bessey Clamps to offer one set of three Bessey Seaming Tools PS55’s which feature in the video, as a prize for one lucky installer.

outcomes are far more favourable for an individual who suffers from a heart attack than if it is delayed until the arrival of the emergency services.

www.wilsonart.co.uk

Image: Garry Applegarth (left), Maintenance Coordinator, and Scott Howdon, Operations Manager, pose with the new AED before its installation.

UIB Direct is a trading name of United Insurance Brokers Ltd. Registered office is 69 Mansell Street, London, E1 8AN, UK (company registration no. 2034497) The company are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registration number 307812)

VAN TOOL THEFT BEWARE –

TRADEPOINT HELPS VICTIM

Over the past year or so we have given extensive coverage to the problem of tool theft from vans but until now we haven’t had the opportunity to speak to someone directly affected.

This changed recently when eagle-eyed BiKBBI Communications Officer, Nicole Mercer, noticed on ‘Linked-in’ that one of the BiKBBI’s members, Tommy, had been robbed of his tools, from his van, on three different occasions in little more than a year! After discussing the matter with her colleagues at the institute, she contacted the friendly team at Tradepoint to see if there was something they could do to help.

Nicole then contacted The Installer Magazine and put us in contact with Tommy’s boss, Irvine Bowie of INM Building Services who runs two installation businesses, one dating back as far as 2009 for the oldest one.

Based in Leicester and Essex, the company covers the entire UK and employs eight full time fitters who use several vans on a day-today basis that he supplies.

Irvine has throughout his entire business history had to deal with tool theft but he has noticed a definite acceleration in thefts in recent years and has unfortunately endured an increase in thefts recently.

People say don’t leave your tools in the van but that’s not always possible when our guys are staying in hotels when away on projects and then what if you live in an apartment where it’s not easily accessible to carry all your tools every morning and evening?"

Each theft had the same ‘MO’ in that it was broken into via the rear doors."

Amazingly, they all happened to the same van in his fleet but in very different locations, one was in Woolwich SE London and the other two were in leafy, upmarket, Wimbledon and Canterbury!

Each theft had the same ‘MO’ (modus-operandi) in that it was broken into via the rear doors. Twice by having the handle and lock chiselled off and one gaining entry through a hole drilled in the back door.

Speaking on the thefts Irvine said. “Since we began our businesses we’ve probably had in excess of £25,000 in combined tool thefts, to be honest it’s demoralising. The police don’t really want to know as they are understaffed and have ‘more serious’ crime to deal with. People say don’t leave your tools in the van but that’s not always possible when our guys are staying in hotels when away on projects and then what if you live in an apartment where it’s not easily accessible to carry

all your tools every morning and evening? He continued, “Besides, the three recent robberies were in broad daylight! The theft in Canterbury was when the van was parked in a large council car park as the site Manager wouldn’t let them park on site but surprise, surprise the council’s CCTV camera didn’t cover the particular area where the van was parked and the other two robberies happened when parked in a main street where the van was overlooked by houses.”

Tommy being presented with his new tools courtesy of Tradepoint

Nicole contacted the friendly team at Tradepoint to see if there was something they could do to help

Nicole

Mercer, Communications Officer, BiKBBI

Do the vehicle manufacturers do enough?

“Absolutely not!” states Irvine, “It’s incredible really. They must know what’s going on out there and I’m sure it’s not just the UK that suffers, so why do they not make their vans more secure? For instance, if you were buying a new car for the same price as a good van you would expect state-of-the art alarm systems etc. far superior to what they currently include on vans. In my opinion they are failing their business customers.”

So how did Tradepoint become involved?

The Tradepoint team acted when they heard of Irvine’s plight, especially as the most recent robbery effected one of his younger installers Tommy, whose wife is about to give birth to their first child. Absolutely all of his tools were taken and he cannot afford to replace them which means that he cannot work and therefore his livelihood taken from him.

They have big hearts at Tradepoint and have lent the installer concerned a full range of Erbauer power tools to ‘test’ for them for a month or two which he will be able to keep permanently on the proviso that he reviews them for the company. We intend to publish his findings for our very own report on this brand of power tool. Better still, Tradepoint donated a £300

voucher for him to replace all of his hand-tools.

So it’s a very sad story but with a happy ending thanks to Tradepoint. I think the last word should go to Irvine Bowie who said “We are extremely grateful to Tradepoint for their generosity towards our installer, it’s rare these days that company’s think about the human side of business and it restores your faith somewhat.”

they are good Tradepoint customers and of course, we were all really sympathetic, I mean, losing one lot of tools is enough but three times and with a baby on the way too! So we felt that we wanted to help. The timing was pretty good as we wanted someone to review the practicalities and benefits of the Erbauer range or power tools so we stepped in and offered Tommy the opportunity to test and review them and presented him with a voucher which covered the immediate replacement of all his hand tools.”

One final question to Irvine –what piece advice would you give to other tradesman with vans?

Speaking on behalf of Tradepoint, National Accounts Manager, Duncan Heenan commented, “We heard of this lads plight as

“Well we can’t change the world and are stuck with this situation so I would do all you can to fortify your existing fleet/van; for example, we are in the process of investigating the practicality and costs of having stainless steel panels fitted to our van doors.”

www.trade-point.co.uk

Losing one lot of tools is enough but three times and with a baby on the way too! So we felt that we wanted to help."

Tommy with his new tools courtesy of Tradepoint

Duncan Heenan, National Accounts Manager, Tradepoint

WREN KITCHENS RECEIVES ISO ACCREDITATION FOR MANUFACTURING FACILITIES

Kitchen retailer Wren Kitchens has been awarded International Standards Organisation –ISO – accreditation for its manufacturing facilities in Barton-upon-Humber and Howden, which make more than 2,000 kitchens per week.

The retailer’s Howden factory has also received ISO 45001 accreditation, which focuses on employee health, safety and welfare, as well as ISO 14001 for “proactively minimising its environmental impact”.

“These recognitions further

cement our name as an industry-leading kitchen manufacturer, and it’s thanks to the tremendous efforts of our Wren family for making this possible,” said Wren Kitchens manufacturing and logistics director Rafal Klimek.

ARMITAGE SHANKS CREATES INCLUSIVE HOSPITAL WASHROOM FOR CHILDREN

Armitage Shanks has partnered with Royal Preston Hospital to create an “inclusive and welcoming” children’s washroom for the hospital’s paediatrics ward with a “sunny beach theme to put the children being cared for, as well as those around them, at ease”.

The company refurbished the washroom and installed grab rails, back supports and a hoist to help support young patients with physical limitations. Armitage Shanks also installed back-towall, supportive toilets with an anti-microbial glaze to reduce the risk of infection.

“We have worked on many hospital projects with the NHS and we were delighted to secure the contract with the Royal Preston Hospital’s Paediatric Ward, as we understand the importance of protecting vulnerable patients, especially children and disabled people,” said Ideal Standard senior sector marketing manager Tony Rheinberg.

“Our ultra-reliable, researchdriven bathroom solutions were chosen to improve the safety of young patients and also actively

“We’re proud to say that we’re celebrating our tenth year in business and as we continue to expand at pace, we’re focusing on streamlining our processes and further developing initiatives to create a happy, safe and healthy workplace.”

minimise the spread of harmful bacteria across their premises. We very much look forward to working with the Royal Preston Hospital going forward and hope the children and young people of the ward enjoy using their new washroom.”

BMA REVEALS JUDGES FOR AGELESS BATHROOM DESIGN COMPETITION

vitality) at Newcastle University Institute for Ageing.

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association – BMA – has revealed the judging panel for its first-ever ageless bathroom design competition, which was created to raise awareness of the importance of inclusive design and share best practice.

The judging panel for the competition comprises Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering – CIPHE – CEO Kevin Wellman; OT Service director and occupational therapist Kate Sheehan; BMA technical director Andy Mclean; and Peter Gore, professor of practice (ageing and

The competition has three categories – full bathroom, cloakroom and ensuite – and closes on the 30th August. The winners will be announced at the BMA’s 2019 Bathroom & Kitchen Business Conference, taking place in Cheshire on the 8th October.

“We are delighted to have secured such experienced and wellrespected specialists in this sector for the judging panel,” said BMA CEO Yvonne Orgill. “It is more important than ever that modern bathrooms deliver spaces that work for all, ensuring that everyone can wash and undertake personal hygiene with ease and enjoyment. We hope that our competition will highlight best practice and help promote the very best designers in this area.”

BLUM'S TURNOVER RISES

BY €48M IN 2018/2019

Blum Group has seen its turnover increase by €48.7m – equivalent to 2.6% – in the 2018/2019 financial year, reaching €1.9bn, with 48% of the Austrian group’s turnover achieved in the EU and 15% in the US. The group has also formed a new management board, with managing director Gerhard Blum focusing on the Blum Group Holding, and managing directors Philipp Blum and Martin Blum heading up the company. They will be joined on the board by Urs Bolter and Gerhard Humpeler.

Blum said in the

2018/2019 financial year, the market in Western Europe was “rather subdued” but there have continued to be “positive developments” in Central and Eastern Europe. The group added it will be investing in a new 49,000sq m product bay in its Bregenz plant.

In terms of the 2019/2020 financial year, Blum said there is a “great deal of uncertainty” about future global economic development. “There are global signs of a slowdown in the dynamic growth of previous years,” said managing director Philipp Blum.

KBB

solutions that take you from inspiration to design and production

OMEGA PLC DOUBLES CONSUMER GUARANTEE ON ALL CABINETS

Kitchen manufacturer Omega Plc has said it is “so confident in the quality of all its premium kitchen furniture” that it has doubled its consumer guarantee on all cabinets from 10 to 20 years.

“At Omega all of our kitchens are made for life, and our 20-year guarantee will assure customers that they’re made to be lived in and enjoyed,” said retail sales and marketing director Andrew North, pictured.

“We are proud that all of our kitchens are manufactured in Yorkshire and inspired by the principles of great British design and craftsmanship, and happy to guarantee that all our cabinets will be free from defects in materials and workmanship, or

else we’ll repair or replace them free of charge for a full 20 years.”

North added: “At Omega we also cover all our doors, including all our exciting new ranges and vast painted range,

as well as accessories for 15 years, so customers can enjoy their new kitchen with peace of mind knowing they are completely taken care of by our guarantee.”

ABODE KICKS OFF NEW SINKS AND TAPS SUMMER PROMOTION

Matt Black, including special display prices on Abode’s Atlas tap collection and Abode Swich water filter device.

Abode is also offering a promotion on its Pronteau 4IN1 taps, and is encouraging retailers to “buy one to show and one to go” with a special discounted price for two taps.

Abode has launched several new “enticing” promotions to help its retailers “change their showrooms up ready for the new season” with the latest sink and tap ranges on offer.

Running until the 30th September 2019, the promotion will allow retailers to take advantage of “significant and exclusive discounts” on Abode taps in Brushed Brass and

There are also summer promotions on Abode sinks, including large and single bowl granite and stainless steel models, as well as the new Matrix R15 extra large single bowl and Studio Compact.

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 DÉCOR HARMONIQUE BY VOGUE (UK)

The new Décor Harmonique by Vogue (UK) is a style combination rail with integrated flat panel radiator, which supplies the traditional heating solution of high heat output in a modern design. The sweeping, elegant lines of the Décor rail with flat crossbars will help achieve a modern and sleek vibe in any home Steve Birch, Sales Director, Vogue (UK) explains “Developments in technology and manufacturing techniques have made it possible to bring traditional design elements into the modern design era: giving you and your home the best of each time period. This has influenced traditional style heating solutions which are now being designed with contemporary style joints or tubing. In comparison, the addition of modern heating elements and/or accessories are enhancing more standard designs and demonstrating how a traditional heating design can also be contemporary in its own right” says Steve.

The new Décor Harmonique is wall-mounted to maximise available space and is designed with ample space to warm and dry towels. Its high output

of 842/2873 Watts/BTU’s will give the necessary heat to create a comfortably warm environment.

Crafted from Mild Steel, Décor Harmonique can be finished in the pictured Chrome or one of Vogue’s high-fashion bespoke and standard colours or finishes: www.vogueuk.co.uk

IDS’S MALMO™ RIGID LUXURY VINYL

TILE FLOORING GAINS ENDORSEMENT

IDS’s luxury vinyl tile flooring, Malmo™ Rigid, is the first flooring in its category to be endorsed by leading underfloor heating firm Uponor for use over its Minitec water-piped underfloor heating (UFH) system.

Malmo™ Rigid has been added to Uponor’s list of recommended floor coverings, widening its potential for use in both domestic and commercial settings. Uponor’s backing gives further credibility following independent performance tests by Exova BM TRADA of its tiles and plank formats over their own water-piped underfloor heating system (UFH), which showed no significant movement or change in visual effects.

Malmo™ Rigid flooring features advanced Välinge 5G installation system, making it fast and easy to fit, and has a built-in 1mm underlay. It comes with

17 fashionable tile and woodgrain designs and has a warranty of up to 15 years for residential applications and seven years for commercial applications.

Malmo™ Rigid, and the Malmo™ stickdown range, are available for 24-48 hour delivery from all IDS branches nationwide. Contact IDS: 0845 7 298 298, info@idsurfaces.co.uk or: www.idsurfaces.co.uk

LINDA BARKER OPENS THE 250TH ‘THE BATHROOM SHOWROOM’

In June, Linda Barker, star of BBC TV’s ‘Changing Rooms’, ITV’s ‘I’m a Celebrity…. Get me Out of Here!’, Interior Designer and Multipanel brand ambassador, cut the ribbon and officially opened the 250th ‘The Bathroom Showroom’ at their brand new location on the Trinity Trading Estate in Sittingbourne, Kent. Speaking at the event, Kevin Williams (MD Operations) stated, “Opening the 250th ‘The Bathroom Showroom’ is a milestone for the business and I’m really proud that we can offer our customers in Sittingbourne and right across Kent for that matter, what is in my opinion, the very best showroom.”

Maurice Webb, Branch Manager stated: “I’m so pleased that the hard work of a lot of people has finally paid off. I am really proud to manage this fantastic branch with such a friendly, enthusiastic and experienced team.”

Linda Barker, Multipanel brand ambassador stated: “It’s been an honour for me to open The Bathroom Showroom’s 250th showroom. I’m so pleased that I could meet the team in person and have an opportunity to showcase my Multipanel collection to customers in this wonderful showroom.”

The new Sittingbourne showroom is attached to the branch of City Plumbing. Both The Bathroom Showroom and City Plumbing are owned by the Travis Perkins Group.

THE NEW UNION ACCESSORIES COLLECTION FROM CROSSWATER

Crosswater has announced its new collection of UNION accessories. From soap dispensers to towel rails, the new range encompasses an array of statement accessories that will suit all bathroom schemes.

The UNION accessories collection includes towel rails, toilet roll holders, robe hooks, soap dispensers and toilet brush holders – all designed to complement the luxurious UNION range, engineered to provide unparalleled functionality and style across all bathroom designs. Presented across four distinctive finishes and manufactured with sleek, curvaceous edges and knurled detailing, each design is cast, polished and perfected to offer a truly individual aesthetic.

Challenging the traditional concept of bathroom aesthetics, the UNION accessories collection consists of four exquisite, statement finishes: Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Brushed Black Chrome and Brushed Brass. Inspired by the latest trends and the resurgence of rich, dark colour palettes across interiors, these cutting-edge finishes celebrate the modern bathroom.

www.crosswater.co.uk

‘GO ECO’ WITH NEW COFFEEINSPIRED WOOD COLOURS BY ROTPUNKT

Quality German Kitchen manufacturer Rotpunkt has responded to the growing trend for ecofriendly interior design by launching two coffeeinspired wood colours: Euca Caramel - a golden wood effect with smooth structure and highly visual contours and Euca Mocca – a rich, dark wood effect with distinct vertical pattern and even texture

“Looking at the construction of kitchen furniture before buying is a great way to be more environmentally aware as different materials can impact on how your kitchen looks, its weight, cost and carbon footprint” says Matt Philips, Head of UK Operations, Rotpunkt.

“We use 37% less timber across all of our kitchens; without compromising on any quality and stability. Conserving more of our natural forests, BioBoard by Rotpunkt is the sustainable, green and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chip boards. The weight is reduced by 30% by using corn and other yearly plants and both the stability and quality of the manufacturing process are maintained, making transport and installation even easier.”

“So how do you achieve the latest look in your kitchen whilst still being eco-friendly? Put simply, finishes! Premium door solutions are making

it easy to create super-realistic natural effect kitchen schemes that replicate genuine raw materials and our new Euca colours will help you achieve a distinct wood coloured kitchen without the extra load or price tag!”

Now available in BlackLine, the new Euca Caramel and Euca Mocca colours can be designed with circumferential zero-joint edging in ever-popular black. Outlining and framing each piece of Caramel or Mocca coloured furniture for the height of definition, these new coffee brown colours demonstrate how wood can be modernised and used to enrich any contemporary kitchen concept. www.rotpunktuk.com

HÄFELE ANNOUNCES OPENING OF SECOND DESIGN PARTNER SHOWROOM

Furniture fittings and architectural hardware specialist Häfele has announced the opening of a second showroom in its ‘design partner scheme’ in the Wimbledon-based trade centre of architectural ironmongery retailer SDS. The partnership follows on from the successful launch of a similar Häfele showroom in furniture store Daro last year.

The new showroom will benefit local tradespeople by showcasing a core range of Häfele products in store, as well as providing access to the company’s comprehensive range of over 25,000 products which will be available for next day delivery. Showroom customers will also have access to technical support,

product-range experts and bespoke offers and promotions.

Craig Chambers, Chief Executive Officer at Häfele UK, comments, “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and the industry partnerships that we build are therefore incredibly important to us. We are proud to partner with some of the industry’s finest names. We already enjoy a fantastic, mutually-supportive relationship with SDS and we’re delighted to be strengthening this partnership further. The company’s passion for excellence, which matches our own, has allowed it to establish a fantastic local reputation and loyal customer base, and these customers will now be able to

benefit from convenient, handson access to our extensive range.”

Craig added, “The showroom will be particularly advantageous for customers who come from smaller firms or are sole traders, making it more convenient than ever for them to purchase from our range in smaller and more frequent quantities.

Richard Trinick, Managing Director at SDS, concluded by saying: “The SDS team is looking forward to welcoming tradespeople from the London area to our new Häfele showroom, where they will find informative product displays and expert advice.”

www.hafele.co.uk

VITRA EXTENDS SCANDI-STYLE SENTO BATHROOM FURNITURE

Scandinavian styling has made the Sento range from VitrA a top choice for bathroom buyers looking for modern and versatile design. The wide range of options within the Sento range has now been extended with the addition of new washbasin units, designed to work with countertop bowls.

Sento, which is part of VitrA’s Designer Collection, was created by in-house designers. Available now, Sento’s new washbasin units are offered in 65, 80, 100 and 130cm sizes and can be used with any VitrA countertop basin. Every design need is covered as the units are available with or without legs, with doors or drawers (one or two) and in matt cream, matt anthracite and matt white finishes.

says VitrA Marketing Manager Margaret Talbot. "Our countertop basins

Image Captions: Top: Sento wall-hung washbasin unit, 100cm with one drawer, matt anthracite, £526. VitrA Options Geo soft-square washbasin, 60cm, £307. Sento 100cm mirror cabinet with LED lighting and shaver point in oak, £772. Sento wall-hung tall unit in matt anthracite, 40cm wide, £768. VitrA Sento wall-hung Rim-ex WC pan in white, £282, with slim, soft-closing seat, £144. Right: Sento wall-hung washbasin unit, 65cm with one drawer, matt white, £596. Shown with Options Geo oval washbasin, 55cm, £307. Basin taps in both shots from the Sento brassware collection, from £171 for a tall basin mixer in chrome.

www.VitrA.co.uk

"These additions give bathroom designers the ultimate freedom and choice,"

come in many different shapes, sizes and styles, making it easy to create that desirable Scandinavian look. The furniture provides practical storage space for toiletries and bathroom essentials, keeping the bathroom minimalist and free from clutter.”

HÄFELE HOSTS FIFTH ANNUAL STUDIO PARTNER AWARDS

Furniture fittings and architectural hardware specialist Häfele has hosted its fifth annual Studio Partner Awards, celebrating the achievements of some of the UK’s very best kitchen and bathroom specialists. The prestigious event, which took place on Thursday 27th June, was held at Scotland’s Gleneagles Hotel. Awards were presented across six categories, with each

winning studio receiving a trophy, alongside two places on an allexpenses paid trip next year.

Häfele’s innovative ‘Studio Partner Scheme’ offers exclusive products, extensive marketing, showroom display and customer lead generation to a network of hand-picked independent kitchen and bathroom studios across the UK.

Robyn Berry, Marketing Manager, Häfele UK, comments, “Our annual Studio Partner Awards are the perfect opportunity to show our appreciation for our outstanding Studio Partner network. Each one is hand-picked based on their commitment to quality, service and innovation, each and every one of our Studio Partners ensures our company values are reflected in the customer experience. We would like to offer our congratulations to all the award winners, as well as those who made the shortlists.”

Victoria Robert Studio

Regal Kitchens

Kitchen Living

Kitchen Living KF Kitchens and Duncans of Grantown

Hugo

ROMAN'S SELECT WETROOMS NOW IN MATT BLACK

Leading international shower designer and manufacturer, Roman, has added the matt black finish option to their Select Wetroom offering.

Roman’s Select Wetrooms is the perfect way to create a tailored wetroom to whatever configuration required and they have now launched it in the stunning matt black finish.

There are five simple steps to choosing the wetroom configuration and style, which is specifically designed for you and your bathroom requirements. Step 1is to choose the glass thickness either 8 or 10mm thick toughened glass. Step 2 is to select the number and size of your wetroom panels, depending on the space you have to work with. Step 3 is to decide whether

you would like a deflector panel (pivoting or fixed) to help guide the water back into the showering area. Step 4 is to select bracing bars if required and there are many different options to choose from in either round or square styling. Step 5 is to choose either silver chrome or newly launched matt black finish.

Black is one of the biggest bathroom trends at the moment and when you coordinate it throughout the bathroom it has the power to transform the room into a luxury retreat. Roman’s Black Wetroom Panel paired with black taps will look fresh and different, adding an industrial chic look to the simplest of bathrooms.

This Wetroom Collection from Roman makes sure the

experience of choosing a wetroom is as straight forward and simple as possible. They have an extensive range of different sizes and configurations available to help create a perfectly tailored wetroom, achieving the best solution for each individual design.

David Osborne, Managing Director of Roman, commented: “Our Select Wetroom System is there to easily guide people through each stage of choosing the desired wetroom requirements. We are always looking to add more choice where we can, so we are thrilled to introduce the matt black finish to the full Select Wetroom Collection.”

www.roman-showers.com

Select Wetroom Panels in matt black finish

FRANKE DOES THE DOUBLE AT PRESTIGIOUS DESIGN AWARDS

Sink, tap and appliance manufacturer, Franke, has scooped two prestigious design awards. It has won the Red Dot Design Awards for outstanding product design in the “Kitchen taps and sinks” category for the new Vital Capsule Filter tap, which launched in the UK recently, and the Kubus KNG range of Fragranite sinks.

To win a coveted Red Dot award, products must display a combination of outstanding design, functionality, quality and innovation.

Developed and made in Switzerland by Franke, the brand-

new Vital Capsule Filter tap range features pioneering and patented filtration technology. It is the first ever filter system to combine activated carbon with a high-tech membrane filtering water through 0.3 micrometre pore holes, finer

VITRA APPOINTS NEW SPECIFICATIONS MANAGER

Delia Lakwera has been appointed as Specifications Manager for VitrA bathrooms in the UK. Delia joins VitrA from THG Paris where she was an Architectural Consultant, she was previously with Vola, where she was an Architectural Specifications Consultant for four years.

Delia will be responsible for managing the relationships with architects and designers and will be based in London.

Delia has a keen interest in interior design and

architecture and has worked in the bathroom industry for more than a decade.

Margaret Talbot, marketing manager for VitrA says “We are delighted to welcome Delia on board. She brings a wealth of experience, a genuine love of the subject and has an abundance of technical skill. Contract sales is a growth area for VitrA and one where a longstanding relationship is formed based on trust and in-depth knowledge.”

Delia says “I’ve been watching VitrA for several years and I am

than the width of a human hair, setting the new standard for filtered drinking water.

The Kubus KNG range of Fragranite sinks is available in four sizes, three single and a 1.5 bowl, with the latter cleverly offering a second work level across the two bowls, allowing the Franke Rollamat to be easily placed on an integrated ledge – perfect for positioning pots, bowls or steamer baskets.

For further information, contact Franke on tel: 0161 436 6280 or visit: www.franke.co.uk

thrilled to be part of the growing team. Working with the architectural and specification industry demands focus, attention to detail and thorough planning, all things that I enjoy.”

www.VitrA.co.uk

TEN YEARS ON AND GROWING FASTER THAN EVER...

When it comes to British manufacturing success stories, they don’t come much bigger than that of Wren Kitchens.

Currently celebrating its 10th anniversary, Wren Kitchens has been on quite a journey since it opened the doors of its first showroom 10 years ago. From one showroom to 80 (with many more on the way), from five employees to nearly 5,000, the growth has been unprecedented.

For example, there are 12 more showrooms set to open before

the end of 2019 which are part of the company’s dynamic growth plan. Earlier this year Wren Kitchens made the national news headlines when it announced plans to open an additional manufacturing facility at its Barton-upon-Humber site in 2021 to keep up with growing demand.

The new factory, Wren’s fourth, will cost over £120 million and be the single biggest investment in the company’s history. At 990,000 sq ft, the factory will create up to 1,200 new manufacturing roles once fully operational, as

well as support new positions in IT, development, engineering, customer service and product development.

Additionally, Wren has recently started to manufacture its own brand worktops – known as Xena Quartz – in a new dedicated high tech factory. This multimillion pound investment means customers have access to a highquality, more affordable quartz product with a quicker lead time. With a gap in the market for such a product, Wren is expecting production to be busy with up to

16,000 Xena Quartz orders per year – or about 300 per week.

At present, Wren designs, manufactures and delivers 2,000 kitchens a week but with new showrooms and a mega factory in the pipeline, this number will rapidly increase. In 2019, Wren’s award-winning installation team currently number in excess of 1,100 installers but many more professionals are needed to keep up with its growth.

Wren Kitchens is the only company to have been awarded FIRA Gold for both product and installation. That’s why the company only works with professional installers who share its values and commitment to customers - and there are plenty of advantages for installers who work with the Lincolnshire-based national company.

Wren showrooms are located across the UK from Aberdeen in the north to Eastbourne in the south, from Plymouth in west to Norwich in the east. Its installation service is available nationwide and jobs are offered within installers’ preferred locations.

All of the kitchen units in Wren’s Infinity and Infinity Plus collections are manufactured just in time in its own factories and delivered ready built for faster, simpler installation. Kitchens are delivered by Wren’s own delivery fleet and with a record of delivering 99.5% on time and

There are 12 more showrooms set to open before the end of 2019 which are part of the company’s dynamic growth plan.

but many more

are needed to keep up with its growth.

in full, a Wren Approved Installer has peace of mind knowing that an installation can proceed on schedule with no hold-ups or time wasted.

Wren’s installation service is a ‘dry fit’, so the customer can choose their own contractor for any supplementary works that might be required. That means if the customer asks, and the installer is qualified to undertake the work required, installers can contract for any supplementary work directly with the customer.

Wren provides a complete project support system for installer. This includes Field Installation Managers who oversee projects to installers being provided with their own personal iPad and custom Wren app free of charge. The app, Chirp, includes an electronic diary which indicates

an installer’s availability for installations and monitors the progress of each job. Wren also pays for BiKBBI Membership so installers don’t have to. Wren Approved Installers are CIS registered so the company can pay them promptly once a job is completed.

As one of BiKBBI’s Retail Partners, all of Wren’s approved kitchen installers are required to be BiKBBI members and need to demonstrate BiKBBI’s exacting requirements for installation quality and service. During the recruitment process, details of potential installers are forwarded to BiKBBI to check their database for any previous record of installer membership.

Any installer who is not a member of BiKBBI will be sent the documents they need to

join before they can work with Wren. This process helps Wren to approve installers as in order to meet the requirements to become a member of BiKBBI, every installer has to complete DBS and compliance documentation.

For professional kitchen installers, this is an exciting time with lots of opportunities. As a fast-growing UK company, Wren Kitchens needs top quality installers to meet the demand generated by more showrooms and more customers choosing Wren to create, deliver and install their affordable luxury dream kitchens. It’s win-win-win - for Wren Kitchens, its customers and its Approved Installers.

www.wrenkitchens.com

‘MULTI-FORM FURNITURE’

Daval, announces the versatile nature of its multi-form furniture which is able to translate from room to room.

What is multi-form?

Multi-form is a current trend for UK home interiors, its transformative furniture that is systematic and not defined by purpose which is fast becoming a mainstream proposition for the modern homeowner and is used to convert redundant space into a usable, versatile, practical area in the home.

For example, a mezzanine area with landing space is usually just a ‘walk-through’ space which has little or no impact on the home or its interior design. Rather than waste this space, made-tomeasure furniture provides an ideal solution for turning what

would be dead space into a multifunctional storage which can be could also be coordinated with the bedroom furniture.

A really good example of multiform furniture that is welldesigned and purposeful, is the pictured mezzanine furniture concept by Daval showing Harvard Angled-end Wardrobes with integrated window seat. The full length mirrors naturally extend space assigned for dressing and beautification, typically reserved for the master bedroom or en suite bathroom, and the comfortable window seat provides a new area in the home to relax and unwind.

The simple shaker design of Harvard is shown in warming Stone Grey which creates a neutral furniture arrangement for storing surplus garments, shoes,

Multi-form inspires creativity, for example, a dwelling that has a good size hall by the front door can be made more welcoming by creating a Boot-room with bespoke coat racks, umbrella stands and shelving to store obstruent shoes and bags.

winter bedding or function as a practical play area that discreetly organises your kid’s toys, accessories and extra clothing.

Multi-form inspires creativity, for example, a dwelling that has a good size hall by the front door can be made more welcoming by creating a Boot-room with bespoke coat racks, umbrella stands and shelving to store obstruent shoes and bags.

The Dove Grey and Charcoal colouring provides the perfect contrast and texture against the Rough-Cut Oak details. Calm and contemporary in style, this hallway concept in Salcombe Furniture is actually featured in the Daval Kitchen Collection: proving that multi-form furniture really can translate across different rooms in the home, all the while linking one space to another through design.

Fitted furniture is helping to create opportunities for wholehouse coordination and Como by Daval is a great exponent for synchronising living space alongside your kitchen and/ or dining furniture. Creating a dedicated area for housing your TV and other media equipment, this made-to-measure Como sideboard in Gloss Stone has an unrestrictive design aesthetic which bridges the gap between kitchen and living area for a true ‘Multi-form’ furniture design scheme.

Daval British fitted Furniture Collections are made-to-order and made-to-measure with prices starting from as a little as £3,000+vat. For further information please contact: t 01484 848500 www.daval-furniture.co.uk

Rather than waste a ‘walkthrough’ space which has little or no impact on the home or its interior design. Made-to-measure furniture provides an ideal solution for turning what would be dead space into multi-functional storage.

STEP BY STEP

INSTALLING SHOWERWALL WALL PANELS

Showerwall’s Product Manager, Steph Harris, offers a step by step guide on the simplicity of installing the company’s versatile and stylish bathroom wall panelling system.

Steph Harris, Product Manager, Showerwall

With its easy and fast installation process, low maintenance and large choice of stylish designs, Showerwall’s panels provide a decorative statement in the bathroom with minimum fuss. The panels provide a large watertight and hard wearing surface with near invisible joints, ideal for shower enclosures, bathroom feature walls and panelling around baths. With no grouting required, they are easy to fit, clean and look after, offering many advantages over tiling.

Showerwall’s HPL panels are surfaced in high pressure decorative laminate which

2

offers high performance and durability and can be placed over existing tiles or directly onto walls. Installation is made easy with the option of square cut panels using trims or Showerwall’s unique Proclick technology which locks the panels together with no trims required.

HPL square cut panels are available in sizes 900mm and 1200mm x 2400mm and Proclick in two sizes of 600mm and 1200mm x 2400mm to offer installers flexibility. Although the panels are large, they are easy to transport, handle and cut, and can be installed in less than a day with simple joinery tools and so is far less time-consuming that tiling. The following process can be used for installing a two-sided shower area onto a shower tray.

1Step 1: Preparation of toolkit and walls

Tools required are: tape measure, 1200mm spirit level, handsaw, utility knife, hacksaw, circular saw, jigsaw, drill, sealant gun, masking tape. Suction grips and ear protection are also recommended.

The wall panels can be fixed to an existing wall or directly over tiles providing the surface is flat and plumb. It is also essential that the walls are completely dry, free from dust and clean. If the walls are not flat then treated battens must be used to install the panels.

Step 2: Measuring and cutting panels to size

Showerwall panels will often require cutting before installation so ensure the cutting line is measured and marked before any alterations. Take measurements for the height and width of the panel, measuring from Nib A to the ceiling.

Remove the protective film from panel then mark and cut the Showerwall panel to the correct height and width, ensuring any holes for pipes or showerheads are made at this point.

Showerwall’s Sureseal is a three-part system for installations onto shower trays and provides a watertight finish at the base of the panel. It consists of a two-part PVC strip and Showerwall sealant.

Measure the shower tray to determine the lengths of the Sureseal strips required. Using the mitre box provided from the Showerwall installation kit, insert the Sureseal strip, complete with face cap and cut the required 45 degree internal corner angle. Notch

both ends to accommodate the internal corner with a hacksaw. Check the mitre cuts and notches match up and mark with a pencil as a guide.

Apply Showerwall sealant into the underside channel of the Sureseal strip, making sure the cavity is totally filled. Lay a straight line of Showerwall sealant on the shower tray and on the mitred joint to fuse together and nail to the wall.

4a 4b

Step 4 a & b: Panel and trims

Fix the internal corner trim to the wall using Showerwall adhesive. Place the panel in position to ensure it is the correct size, to confirm a 3mm gap is left at the top edge of the panel and around any cut outs.

Apply a generous bead of Showerwall sealant into the end trim and fit it to the left hand edge of the panel, ensuring that the sealant spreads around the edge.

Apply a generous bead of Showerwall sealant into the left hand channel of the internal corner trim and run a continuous bead of Showerwall sealant into the Sureseal strip channel, filling it completely to the height of the channel.

Apply generous amounts of Showerwall adhesive to the wall or directly to the panel using lines or zig zags.

Step 3: Showerwall Sureseal for a watertight finish

4c 4c

Step 4 c: Panel and trims

Install the panels onto the Sureseal strip, ensuring it drops fully into the base channel and slide it into the internal corner trim profile. Remove excess sealant from the front edge of Sureseal strip using the Showerwall sealant profiler and repeat process

for second panel. Locate the front capping into the Sureseal strip and firmly push it in place along its entire length, making sure the top edge of the capping is fully flush with the face of the Showerwall panel, before inserting the Sureseal end caps.

Step 5: Finishing

Fill any holes made for pipes or showerheads with sealant before sealing around the fixates and fittings. Leave for 24 hours for the sealant and adhesive to set and it is ready to use. The full installation video can be found here.

The final look

Showerwall offers 69 designs across five stylish collections ranging from beautifully veined marbles to earthy stones and on-trend geometric and artdeco inspired designs to polished glass-like acrylics and custom prints. The large format HPL panels are available in three collections of Marble, Quarry and Mineral. The acrylic wall panels in the Acrylic and Custom collections are available in two sizes of 900 and 1220 x 2440mm.

The panels come with a 15 year guarantee. t: 0845 604 7334, e: info@showerwall.co.uk www.showerwall.co.uk

Showerwall HPL wall panels in Oxidised Copper from the Mineral Collection and Lightning Marble from the Marble Collection Showerwall

Häfele is proud to offer a full Guarantee against the expected lifetime of its own brand product ranges. So now you can purchase from us knowing that should anything go wrong in future, we will replace the item in question for free.

To find out more about our Lifetime Guarantee, please visit www.hafele.co.uk/lifetimeguarantee

HÄFELE MAKING INSTALLERS LIVES EASIER

Not content with the launch of a range of innovative and installerfriendly products, fixtures and fittings specialist Häfele has now opened a new training academy offering even greater support for its customers. Marketing Communications Manager Becci Pell gives us the full story …

Becci Pell, Marketing Communications Manager, Hafele

Think of Häfele and you might only think of hinges. But there’s a lot more to this German KBB giant than that – as installers will happily testify.

Since way back in 1927, this global manufacturer and distributor of fixtures and fittings has pioneered many new industry standards, trends and best practices. When Häfele senses a demand for something new, it either creates it or sources it internationally. The drive to always think ahead is part of its corporate DNA, and today in the UK alone, it can offer over 25,000 products.

But Häfele UK also provides a range of additional services to help make

Daniel McGlinchey, Hafele Technical Support Advisor, for all product advice and support

customers lives easier. Whether it’s bespoke cutting through its Häfele to Order service, or helping with an installation query via its free technical helpline, the company is proud of its intense focus on quick and effective customer care.

And if you want even harder evidence of how Häfele is going the extra mile to support installers, you only have to look back as far as last year and the launch of Axilo™ – a new plinth foot fitting system that underlines its commitment to developing genuinely innovative products.

“Axilo™ makes adjustment in situ quick and simple, using an extendable adjustment tool,” explains Häfele marketing communications manager Becci Pell. “It addresses the age-old issue that all installers face of adjusting rear cabinet legs in kitchens, and particularly in corner spaces. The tool can be used by hand or in conjunction

with a drill to make easy work of accessing hard-to-reach legs.”

Another area that can be daunting for installers is kitchen lighting. Normally the job of a qualified electrician, installation throughout a kitchen can hold jobs up when not planned correctly. But Häfele has been manufacturing its own brand of lighting – Loox – since 2011 which is simple and effective to install.

It uses plug and play technology across a range of strip lights, down lights and plinth lighting – all connected to a central driver that either simply plugs into a normal 3-pin socket or can be hard wired. This completely removes the need for qualified electricians, leaving them free to complete other work on large-scale projects and the installation team completely in control of their schedule.

But even bigger news for retailers last year was the launch of Häfele’s brand new training

academy which aims to support customers by providing them with superior product knowledge and a high level of installation skills.

“We understand that our customers are operating in a market where consumers expectations are high, and many businesses are relying on reputation to ensure their next enquiry,” says Pell. “If we can help to provide them with the means to avoid installation issues, it will save them time and money shortterm but hopefully contribute to their businesses long term as well. At the moment, we are rolling out product training across our internal teams, with a view to having a range of customer courses available in January 2020.”

This is all really positive stuff for installers, of course, but these are challenging times for the KBB sector as a whole. “At the moment the market is tough,” Pell admits. “There are lots of brands

Axilo™ makes adjustment in situ quick and simple, using an extendable adjustment tool. It addresses the age-old issue that all installers face of adjusting rear cabinet legs in kitchens, and particularly in corner spaces. ”

Axilo™ - Revolutionary Plinth Adjusting System

offering similar products and we’ve noticed a trend, and need, to differentiate. Recently though, we’ve brought some really exciting product innovations to market, particularly because they are so installer friendly - Axilo is definitely one, but we are also exclusively distributing a fantastic splash back called AluSplash. It’s an alternative to glass and tiling splash backs, and is very versatile due to its aluminium composition. We’ve found the product to be very fitter friendly, and due to it being Fira tested and therefore able to be run behind gas jobs, offers consumers the ability to have a seamless run of coloured splash backs through their kitchen.”

Another area that can be daunting for installers is kitchen lighting. Normally the job of a qualified electrician, installation throughout a kitchen can hold jobs up when not planned correctly. But Häfele has been manufacturing its own brand of lighting – Loox – since 2011 which is simple and effective to install.”

Anthony Waddingham, National Field Technical Sales Manager

So is the challenging market linked to uncertainty over Brexit? And how much impact is the situation having on the business?

“Our stance on Brexit is to mitigate or reduce as much risk as possible regarding areas that we have control over,” Pell says. “We’ve made investments in additional stock and ensured all of our hauliers have the right qualifications and procedures to manage logistical impact, so that our customers don’t need to worry about how we will be able to continue supporting them.”

Häfele is also strongly behind the BiKBBi’s new Protected scheme launched in February. The muchheralded initiative helps offer everyone involved in the process of kitchen design and supply, peace of mind when it comes to installation and gets a big thumbs up from Pell.

“In our view, it can only help to create more valuable relationships between consumers and both retailers and installers,”

she says. “It gives everyone the confidence that any conflict will be resolved fairly and no-one will walk away without getting the best result possible.”

Häfele is also hugely supportive of the BiKBBI’s apprenticeship scheme and warns that the kitchen industry faces a very serious skills shortage in the next 10-15 years unless it begins to attract new, young talent. “The BiKBBI are the perfect organisation to spearhead a change in approach in how we attract, train and retain young people, so that the retail sector continues to be supported by knowledgeable, skilled fitters and installers,” Pell says.

In terms of the wider market picture, Häfele believes the biggest current trend is how the industry helps end consumers get the most value from the spaces they own. “Everyone leads very busy lives, and there are a multitude of circumstances consumers find themselves on nowadays which puts pressure on

habitable spaces,” she explains. “Our job is to continue bringing innovative products to market that make the most of valuable spaces, so our customers can continue to grow and diversify their own businesses in line with consumer demand.”

But clearly this is a time when the internet is playing a pivotal role in the evolution of the market. Häfele doesn’t sell directly to consumers, but Pell admits the competition across the sector is “fierce”, particularly with appliances.

“Online retailers are having a huge impact on the market because of their ability to price so competitively,” she concludes. “This is an area where we feel our ability to wrap a number of additional service offers, and provide a broad range of pricing points across appliances, helps to offer our customers choice and peace of mind when sourcing appliances for kitchens.”

www.hafele.co.uk

Darren Drage, Area Field Sales Technician

INSTALLER-FRIENDLY DESIGN SERVICE LAUNCHED

Sara K Designs is a new kitchen and bathroom design service has been launched for KBB installers who operate autonomously from a kitchen retailer.

All I need is to be supplied with accurate room dimensions and key features along with a project brief and I can provide technical drawings and presentations that would compare with any designer in any KBB studio.”

The service will enable installers to offer customers a professional design at an affordable price so if they are quoting for a kitchen or bathroom, sourced by a consumer or they are purchasing it for a customer, they can compete with retailers in terms of service.

The service is the brainchild of KBB designer Sara Wells who is vastly experienced, learning and plying her trade for over 20 years. She began her kitchen and bathroom design career in a prestigious showroom on trendy Wigmore Street, Central London.

Sara also worked for other established and acclaimed London KBB retailers and with many Brands & Manufacturers, products that include kitchens by

Poggenpohl and Siematic and bathrooms by Villeroy and Boch.

Speaking about the new service Sara says, “There are many installers who are not permanently contracted to retailers and therefore either install kitchens provided by a potential customer or purchase the kitchen themselves and do their best at designing for a potential customer. Others may provide for small housing projects or self-builds. It’s this sphere of installers that I can help by providing them with a professional design to present to their potential customers which will hopefully make them the preferred choice, thus increasing business for them.” Sara added, “All I need is to be supplied with accurate room dimensions and key features along with a project brief and I can provide technical drawings and presentations that would compare with any designer in any KBB studio.”

Contact Sara at Sara K Designs on 07736 876 818 for more details.

Sara Wells, Sara K Designs

IN 1905 PEOPLE PREFERRED

CLEAN AND CUSTOM-FIT FRAME INSTALLATIONS. ELEGANCE AND FUNCTIONALITY WITH OUR ONE- TO FIVE-GANG SOLUTIONS.

CAN NOW BE DISCOVERED AT GIRA.COM/UK

LEADING DESIGN & INNOVATION

TODAY, THEY STILL DO.

TO HAVE THINGS TAILOR-MADE.

GIRA SMART KITCHEN SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE AT POGGENPOHL’S FLAGSHIP SHOWROOM

German kitchen brand, Poggenpohl is now offering ‘partner products‘ to its customers by introducing Gira smart solutions to complement its kitchen furniture.

Recognising that the fast growing trend for smart home design is here to stay, the newly designed flagship Poggenpohl showroom in Wigmore St, Central London, will showcase a host of smart lighting systems and solutions that enable connection, communication and power supply for the kitchen!

Poggenpohl Showroom, Exterior, Wigmore Street

We are designing for the home of tomorrow – today! And modern lifestyle is increasingly demanding of increased convenience, higher economic efficiency and better security."

Mark Booth, Managing

Director, Gira UK

Whether designed with reactive or sensitive operation, remote access, programming and control, or very simply - improved utility and convenience, smart lighting is extremely valuable to both the overall design and function of a kitchen.

Mark Booth, Managing Director at Gira UK says “We are designing for the home of tomorrow – today! And modern lifestyle is increasingly demanding of increased convenience, higher economic efficiency and better security, all of which our products fulfil. We are excited about our partnership with Poggenpohl because there is great synergy between their customers and ours.”

Kitchen designers will increasingly become charged with planning innovative functionality within their designs but it’s also quite a specialist area of expertise so Poggenpohl, in conjunction with Gira, will be overcoming this potential hurdle by designing furniture that accommodates smart home technology at the manufacturing stage. By fabricating the furniture to accommodate Gira smart solutions as standard, it will be easy

for designers and planners to integrate all types of intelligent build applications in one single KNX installation.

Richard Anderson, Studio Manager at Poggenpohl, Wigmore Street, explains “As a team we are so proud of our new studio concept. We are confident by introducing these new state of the art kitchen solutions by Gira as part of our furniture, we will maintain our high level of design and innovation: especially at a time when the smart generation continues to drive market change. It definitely gives us a differential from other kitchen showrooms“

To check out the latest Gira smart solutions across a range of lifestyle kitchen displays, visit Poggenpohl Wigmore Street, 118 Wigmore St, Mayfair, London W1U 3RT.

You can also visit the Gira Experience Centre at 2325 Baker Street, London W1U 8EQ, where you will discover the form and function of a real smart home in an apartment setting: by appointment only.

www.gira.com/en_GB/index.html

MEETING THE NEEDS OF INSTALLERS WITH DESIGNDRIVEN PRODUCTS

Olivia Maycock, Senior Channel Marketing Manager, Ideal Standard UK

Industry giant, Ideal Standard, is working closely with installers to ensure the products within its extensive range are not only easy to fit, but also offer unique benefits for their customers. Here, Olivia Maycock, Senior Channel Marketing Manager at Ideal Standard UK, reveals information about the company’s latest product launches and the features each has to offer.

“When it comes to creating the perfect bathroom environment and experience, manufacturers need to strike a balance between both design and functionality when developing fixtures for a space. This means making products that appeal directly to specifiers end users, but also to installers as well. This means the key considerations for manufacturers are ensuring that products are easy to install and simple to maintain.

At Ideal Standard, we find the best way to make sure we’re hitting these targets is by regularly speaking to installers at all stages of development. We recently showcased some of our latest innovations at ISH 2019 in Frankfurt, many of which UK installers will soon be working with. Here are just some of the solutions we’re launching over the next year…

Bringing smart design into the bathroom

Let’s start with our state-of-the-art Intellimix® tap. The preview of this unique, smart mixer has been created in collaboration with Ideal Standard’s design and technology partners from around the world, with the aim of overcoming a number of pain points for commercial washroom users and those responsible for maintenance. This tap provides soap and water together in a hand-washing cycle, while also featuring a touch-free screen that enables users to select their washing preferences by simply waving their hand over the

The key considerations for manufacturers are ensuring that products are easy to install and simple to maintain."

product. We know that infection control, cleanliness and efficiency are key considerations across a number of environments, so we’ve developed this tap to be highly functional as well as stylish.

The assumption might be that this level of integrated technology could make maintenance more complicated. However, we’ve created an innovative smart servicing mobile app that uses Bluetooth technology to give real-time performance and maintenance data to those who need it.

For customers looking to reduce their water consumption, this is the tap for them as exact quantities of water dispense can be pre-set to help reduce the amount of waste with every use, as well as contributing to their overall sustainability goals.

An improved showering experience

When it comes to showering solutions for residential customers, we’ve worked closely with our interface design partner

to develop a range that helps meet the needs of homeowners, while also being simple to install.

Our enhanced showering range now includes upgraded thermostatic technology, allowing for precise temperate control no matter what the customer’s budget or style. Our exposed thermostats feature a new, slimmer design and come with cool body technology as standard, meaning the external part of the product stays cool to prevent scolding. We’ve also introduced our pioneering

Navigo® technology, which allows users to easily control the flow rate as well as the temperature of the shower simply by twisting a rotary handle.

Installing Ideal Standard shower systems couldn’t be simpler. Easybox Navigo® is our new built-in shower control product available in square and round designs, to suit every project. It supports up to two outlets, such as a rain and hand showers and has just two key components: a standard plastic box containing a manifold which is built into the wall and has all pipework connected, and a secondary kit which can be quickly bolted on to provide the perfect shower solution. If the Easybox is already in place, installers can easily remove and replace the attached showers, allowing for hassle-free upgrades at any time in the future

Innovative flush plates

Our offering also now includes innovative design solutions across our flush plate range. Created in partnership with two world-famous design studios, Milan’s Palomba Serafini Associati and London’s Studio Levien, the enhanced range builds on our experience in developing products based on an understanding of the needs of both installers and end users.

The new Altes™ and Symfo™ ranges have been designed by Roberto and Ludovica Palomba, and both feature the latest no-touch technology. Sensors in the ceramic or glass detect movement at around 20mm, meaning there is no need for any contact to activate the flush,

making it both easy to use and hygienic. These new collections will be launched to the UK market in 2020.

The Oleas™ range, which will be available from Q3 2019, has been developed as part of our longstanding partnership with Studio Levien and features four models which are all minimalistic and highly functional. The collection perfectly matches the design of other bathroom elements, particularly WC bowls and basins, regardless of style.

The full flush plate range has been designed to perfectly fit

with the pre-wall systems, giving installers a complete, simple to fit and easy to maintain solution.

At Ideal Standard, we recognise that design also needs to work hand-in-hand with functionality for both end users and installers. We’ve considered that as part of all of our latest product launches, and will continue to use the same ethos for our innovations to ensure we’re meeting their needs now and in the future. For more information about Ideal Standard and its full range of solutions, visit:

www.ideal-standard.co.uk.

IN FOCUS

Duncan Heenan, Tradepoint

In our latest look at the working and personal life of a senior industry figure, we talk to Tradepoint national accounts manager Duncan Heenan

How long have you been at Tradepoint and what does the role entail?

I’ve been with Kingfisher and B&Q for eight years and in my current role for two. My job is to support the divisional field managers in managing and growing their accounts.

Tradepoint is owned by Kingfisher and was created ten years ago for serious trade customers that needed a different level of service from our tills. It gives them wider parking spaces, easy access to heavy loading and their own dedicated counters and tills.

What do you most enjoy about the job?

I love the freedom I have. My director, Neil Daly, gives me great support but full autonomy to run it. What’s interesting is I get to travel all over the UK and Ireland to meet companies of various sizes. There are 330 B&Q

stores in the UK and 290 have a Tradepoint presence. It’s a challenging job and keeps me on my toes.

Tell us more about yourself and any major life achievements?

I’ve been married to my wife Esta for almost nine years and have three children: Ciaran, Evie and Charlie. Other than being a proud father, I ran the London Marathon in 2012 for leukaemia and lymphoma research, raising over £2,000. About four days before that I climbed Snowdon with B&Q.

Where are you from?

I live just outside Matlock. I’m a Derby fan, much to my distress after losing in the playoffs.

What’s your industry history before Tradepoint?

Before I took over Tradepoint accounts I ran showrooms, training and development for the Southern division of the company. We implemented a unique training academy for B&Q showroom managers. But I’ve been passionate about this

industry for my entire working life – from starting out as a bedroom installer for Sharps to a kitchen installer to a site carpenter.

How’s the job and the wider business going?

Last year was a year of simplifying our operations and making sure our offer was easy to digest for

I’ve been married to my wife Esta for almost nine years and have three children. Other than being a proud father, I ran the London Marathon in 2012 for leukaemia and lymphoma research, raising over £2,000. About four days before that I climbed Snowdon with B&Q."

our trade customers. Now we’re focusing back on trading. As no final decisions have made on the direction, which is the same for any business, we’re definitely focused on driving the right change for trade. We have a strong price position versus our competition and our revised loyalty scheme enhances this. We’ve gone from a one-month typical cycle to a three-month for standard trade customers. That will definitely enhance that offer for them.

Has the loyalty scheme helped change the perception of Tradepoint?

Yes, we have a great trade offer for B2B customers and we’re now enhancing that with up to 10% off, which is great, especially as B&Q work so hard on their EDLP [Everyday Low Price] model. It’s for the trade and covers a wide plethora of products. We’ve now got 70,000 products plus, a figure

that’s growing, which is great.

For the B2B section I run, BiKBBI members are subject to a flat 10% no-threshold offer. So whether they shop with us every day – which is our preferred approach – or they come to us at their convenience we will always reward that relationship as part of the BiKBBI with a 10% discount.

Tell us more about the benefits of EDLP over yo-yo pricing?

I think EDLP is a great sounding board for the industry versus yo-yo pricing. People will always want a deal but whether the perception is they need to get 50% off or just get great everyday low prices, that will always be the balance.

If we do our intelligence and look at costs per basket, our discount opportunities come out on top and loyalty will be repaid. If they buy a full basket,

they’ll get an even better discount over what are already strong shelf prices. And the great thing about our offer is its long-term sustainability. A lot of big high street names are closing because they follow the yo-yo pricing pattern but we always aim to support our retail and trade partners.

What’s your ultimate ambition for the business?

To get the Tradepoint team to a place where it’s revered as one of the best trade suppliers in the UK. At the moment it’s probably looked on as a bit of a convenience buy and I know we’ve got a lot more to give. We’ve enjoyed that convenience status but some of the serious tradespeople say we’re not really offering them a great deal – we’re offering everyone a great deal and that’s not sustainable long term. So we’ve taken a gutsy move towards focusing on serious trade

and that message is getting there. We’re really pleased.

Who are Tradepoint’s main competitors?

The smaller format companies like Howdens and Toolstation, with Selco bringing in the challenges from the larger format trade outlets, certainly in the London area.

How big a concern is Brexit?

It’s probably affecting the business around import / export. Some are increasing prices as a knee jerk before it’s required. But we need 300,000 new homes a year in the UK. That’s the focus for us at Tradepoint. Houses are still

being built and people are still improving their homes.

What would be your advice to installers right now?

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket There’s an easy route to market with companies like Wickes and B&Q. But on the flip side, when I was a young installer, I’d send customers there, ask them to get a price and then beat it as a single contractor without the overheads. Once you’ve got a book full of great private work there’s no reason you can’t expand your business with the giants.

How much of a concern do the cowboys still represent?

It’s always a worry but I work really closely with Damian Walters at the BiKBBI and I’m a big supporter of their new Protected scheme. I also work with the Federation of Master Builders and we have great belief around their ‘Licence to Build’ initiative. We need to put a tighter noose around the cowboys. Protected is absolutely the way forward. B&Q are working closely with Damian to get that message out there. I’m encouraged by pioneers like him and extremely excited about the future of installations. If they’ve got nothing to hide, installers should be getting their ID card done. Over the next five years, installation could really come into its own and be properly regulated.

On a personal note, what would be your perfect Saturday evening?

At home with the family; we like to play Monopoly and have a

We have a great trade offer for B2B customers and we’re now enhancing that with up to 10% off, which is great, especially as B&Q work so hard on their EDLP [Everyday Low Price] model."

takeaway with some trashy TV that we’re not really watching. I’ll have a gin and tonic and enjoy family life. We’ll also sometimes invite friends over. I prefer it to hitting the town – it takes longer to recover these days.

Favourite holiday destination?

We’ve been going to Kefalonia for many years with the wife’s parents. But if I could go anywhere I’d go back to the Maldives which is where we spent our honeymoon. It was the most beautiful experience ever and one I don’t think I’ll ever be able to replicate. But my wife wasn’t well as she was in the very early stages of pregnancy with my daughter, so we’d like to go back.

Favourite novel?

I’m reading a book at the moment called the Secret by Rhonda Byrne which is based around the laws of attraction. It’s a great read, focusing on the beliefs of people across the ages on what they can achieve and how they can achieve more. It’s very inspiring.

What was your first car?

A 1969 black VW Beetle. It used to

be covered up under a tarpaulin when I did my paper round and I asked this man what was under it. He showed me and I spent a few years saving up and finally bought it when I turned 16.

What makes you laugh?

Usually my children. Also a little bit of old-school silly humour. That’s missed in today’s society. Anything from the Carry On films and Frank Drebin in Police Squad to Bo’ Selecta and Keith Lemon.

Any unfulfilled ambitions?

I want to pluck up the courage to do a parachute jump. And workwise, to get the Tradepoint team to a place where it’s revered as one of the best trade suppliers in the UK. At the moment it’s probably looked on as a bit of a convenience buy and I know we’ve got a lot more to give.

Photo by Muzammil Soorma

PLANNING FOR A NEW SEASON

Riteesh Mishra CAWFC Manager

The Charlton women’s team wrapped up a third place finish in the first ever FA Women’s Championship season with an impressive 4-0 victory over Leicester City. With Durham losing to Tottenham, the win, their second 4-0 against the Foxes this term, cemented an excellent maiden season in the second tier.

Just barely into the close season first team Manager Riteesh Mishra turns his attention to what lies ahead through the remainder of the summer and the forthcoming season with a special

message to readers of

Magazine:

“Charlton Athletic Women FC is in a good place right now, it has picked up a lot of new fans throughout the previous 12 months and I want to say thank you to them for driving us to a third place finish last season. I’ve said it a lot but everyone makes a big difference and you notice the crowd when at the game. Help from sponsors like the BiKBBI is immeasurable too and has undoubtedly played its part in our successes.

The Installer

The off season for us, like many clubs, has been just as busy as the season itself, managing lots of changes, strengthening the squad which is never easy. Every effort is being made by all at the club to continue our progress. This, coupled with the men’s team’s success in gaining promotion to the SkyBet Championship for next season has a set a real feel good factor to all at the club at every level. The win in the play-off final at Wembley against Sunderland was an amazing experience for all connected with the club, none more so than the supporters.

The promotion all serves to strengthen our brand as a club attracting players of a higher calibre and more sponsors etc., not to mention increased attendances.

The close season is one of the hardest periods of the year,

The promotion all serves to strengthen our brand as a club attracting players of a higher calibre and more sponsors etc., not to mention increased attendances.”

The Oakwood

Dixson, Mishra & Marrs

and has already been a very challenging one. As always, we've had some changes both with players and staff, but we've worked harder than ever before to make sure we are building on everything that has been put in place here over the past few years. After a few tough weeks, I can't wait now to get back to the real work, which is out there on the grass!

I'm really pleased with how the squad is shaping up. We've brought in some really good, hungry players who are joining us for the right reasons, and importantly, a lot of our core squad who have been with us through our journey remain. That's the most important thing for me. We have been on a

journey and our story continues and I'm pleased we've got a lot of those who've been at the core to continue on helping me improve the club.

Of course at every successful club your players get attention from elsewhere and therefore have had a few players move on, which is part of the game. But I think we still have one or two new players on the horizon to join, and if we can get them over the line, I think we'll be in fantastic shape for the new season.

There was a 131% increase on our overall attendances for last season and we are sure that the huge exposure of the Women’s World Cup in the summer, combined with the England

team’s success, will see crowds grow hugely next season. A whopping 6.1 million viewers watched the Lionesses opening game alone for example!

We have announced some of our pre-season friendlies which includes a testimonial match for Kim Dixson. Kim has been an outstanding player, coach and role model and no one deserves a testimonial more than her for her loyalty to the club. I encourage readers of The Installer Magazine to come down to The Oakwood on July 31st to support us in saying thank you to Kim for her loyalty and all she has done for the club to date, and will be doing in the future as her journey with Charlton Athletic Women is by no means finished yet.”

MATCH DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Kim Dixson testimonial Charlton Athletic Women V Gillingham Ladies 19:45. July 31st 2019 Oakwood, Crayford, Kent. DA1 4DN

HOW TO GET THERE TRAIN

The nearest train station is Crayford (South-Eastern Rail) -Fare Zone 6. From London Charing Cross and London Bridge or Dartford

BUS 96 bus stops in Old Road

If you’re in any doubt then just plan your journey to VCD Athletic with Transport for London. Readers can get more information about Charlton Athletic Women and Women’s football including season tickets, marketing and advertising by emailing: charltonwomen@cafc.co.uk

VitrA has pioneered easy, fuss free installation for wall hung sanitaryware with its extensive range of in wall frames and has now taken another step forward with the introduction of Vitrus, an elegant glass casing-control panel combination that means wall-hung, or back to wall WCs can be retro fitted and new installations can be made without the need for a false wall.

Now, VitrA is offering readers a chance to win a Vitrus wall-hung panel worth £611:

All you have to do is follow and tweet @vitrabathrooms and choose your favourite Vitrus benefit from the list below:

1. My favourite thing about Vitrus is that you can have a wall-hung toilet with a stud wall

2. My favourite thing about Vitrus is that you can access the cistern whenever needed within seconds

3. My favourite thing about Vitrus is that it’s available in black and white to match my bathroom sanitaryware

Get your tweets in by 31st August 2019 and the winner will be announced the following week! Good Luck!

Be

Our patented wall panels and vanity

create long-lasting style. 15 brand new designs have been added to the collection to showcase the best of current and upcoming trends including three new breathtaking marble decors.

DISCOVERING NUANCE

With the growth in popularity of waterproof panel systems for bathrooms, we caught up with Bushboard’s Commercial Director, Neil Horton, to get his take on this exciting product area: What is Nuance bathroom panelling?

Nuance from Bushboard is a waterproof panel system that provides a decorative, easy to clean, quick-to-fit surface. Nuance and Nuance Designer panels are manufactured using a patented core that is 100 percent impervious to water so there is never 

any danger of warping, peeling or leaking. The Nuance collection is a unique patented, totally trimfree system. The large format panels have a postformed outer edge that means there is no need to use edges for finishing, resulting in a streamlined, sleek appearance that complements all sizes and styles of bathroom. The tongue and groove panels can be jointed using Nuance bespoke adhesive. This makes joints which are 100% watertight and virtually invisible to the eye. Bushboard also now offers seven acrylic designs including a stunning book-matched marble. The new brochure is packed with design ideas on how to use the panels to create stunning and stylish bathrooms.

How can the panels be used?

The panels can be used for walls, around the bath or basin, inside a shower enclosure or to create a true wet room. Because there is no need for trims or extrusions, Nuance panels present a sleek, seam free look. The panelling is easy to clean too with no grout lines to attract grime, limescale and mould. All that is needed is a wipe down with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

panels

Special equipment isn’t necessary – all you need is standard woodworking tools and blades

Are the

easy to fit –do installers need special equipment?

Nuance from Bushboard is a waterproof panel system that provides a decorative, easy to clean, quick-to-fit surface. Nuance and Nuance Designer panels are manufactured using a patented core that is 100 percent impervious to water."

plus a high-speed drill. The website at www.bushboard.co.uk includes an installation video.

What are the advantages over tiling?

Tiling an average bathroom floor to ceiling as a straightforward job using only one tile type without complicated layouts and will take around two days, whereas using a waterproof panelling system like Bushboard’s Nuance is much faster as typically the job can be completed in a day, this reduces labour costs and disruption considerably.

What importance do Bushboard put on keeping pace with design trends?

The Nuance range is available in designs and textures to suit every bathroom. With looks from luxury granites to tile effects, on trend concrete, weathered wood and subtle neutrals, creating fabulous waterproof walls is fast and easy. We are constantly researching the market and reacting quickly to design trends with new collections. Bushboard’s patented panels have been a well-deserved success for the company and the range has recently been boosted with the addition of an exciting new Designer Collection comprising eight new decors and seven new stylish, glossy acrylic panels.

You’ve made it clear how important installers are to Bushboard but how does the company support retailers and specifiers?

Bushboard is committed to supporting Nuance trade customers, retail as well as

installers, and accordingly, it has a continuous programme of promotions, offers and other incentives. The company recently secured a patent for Nuance, we feel that its design is unique and superior in the market and is now fully protected. Bushboard offers a trial-room installation service for larger contract customers - a service that has produced a 100% take-up rate with specifiers!

To celebrate the new Nuance patent, Bushboard has invested in a dedicated Nuance showroom, at the company’s head office in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. Located alongside Bushboard’s worksurface display space, the Nuance showroom includes displays demonstrating innovative designs in a variety of shower, bath and wetroom settings.

How important is the Nuance product to Bushboard?

We are justifiably proud of Nuance as we broke the mould with the product and created a

fantastic looking, time and messsaving alternative to ceramic tiling. It’s been particularly popular with consumers who want the look of luxury solid materials like marble but are working to a budget or simply want their bathroom back in use quickly without the mess of grout and dust, and those who appreciate the lack of ongoing maintenance required. Customers who want a tile effect can choose from a good selection of designs including recently introduced Moorish patterns. Bushboard has been a leading player in the market both in terms of product development on the understanding that bathroom panels are not a compromise but a first choice for delivering robust and beautiful bathroom design.

Are the panels guaranteed?

The panels come with a 15year guarantee when installed with Bushboard BB Complete specialist adhesive.

www.bushboard.co.uk

INTRODUCING THE BRAND NEW AQUALISA INSTALLER CLUB

In September 2019 Aqualisa will be officially relaunching its Installer Club, the company claim it’s an industry first, free rewards programme designed and tailored around bathroom installers. The Aqualisa Installer Club has been entirely redesigned from the original and offers participants many new functionalities. Aqualisa prides itself on having the first installer Club with special features for an installer on the go.

What Aqualisa stands for in the showering industry

Over the past four decades, Aqualisa’s award-winning, patented technology has been integrated into its range of electric, digital and mixer showers and enjoyed by millions of people around the country every day.

A brand pillar of Aqualisa’s business is that the company creates products

Sian Brink, Head of Channel Marketing, Aqualisa

that are easy and simple to fit by installers and with designs and functionality that consumers love and appreciate.

What is the Installer Club?

The Aqualisa team is proud of its community of installers who regularly fits its showers and thereby represents the brand in the field. The Aqualisa team wants to repay their loyalty whilst recognising their hard work and so the creation of the club will enable them to earn points and get rewards whilst going about their day to day tasks.

plumbers who will be enjoying the benefits of the Installer Club come September.

How you can The Installer readers become a part of it?

Signing up to the Aqualisa Installer Club is free and simple. Just head to Aqualisa.co.uk/ Installerclub and earn 2,000 points just for coming on board.

They can then use the points accrued to reward themselves with a choice of perks therefore taking advantage of the benefits of their hard work!

www.aqualisa.co.uk/Installerclub

What are the exclusive benefits? ☑ Loyalty points for purchases of Aqualisa products ☑ Giveaways of Aqualisa merchandise ☑ A free online profile and personal account ☑ Priority technical support ☑ Advice and tips to help you grow your business ☑ Priority access to free training

Installers can choose from three membership tiers that reflect the different levels of activity and rewards: Bronze, Silver and Gold. There is now the opportunity for BiKBBI members and other KBB installers to join 100’s of other

Sian Brink, Head of Channel Marketing says, “I can't stress enough how important KBB installers are to us and we feel that the relaunch of the Installer Club will be very user-friendly for them and hope that they feel appreciated by us, which they are greatly. They can earn points each time they install a shower from our qualified list of products and log them using our online portal.

I can't stress enough how important KBB installers are to us and we feel that the relaunch of the Installer Club will be very user-friendly for them and hope that they feel appreciated by us, which they are greatly."

With the wonderful filter Sy stem, the benefit s are clear

Enjoy cleaner, healthier, better tasting water with the innovative Vital Capsule Filter System

The easy change filter removes 99.9% of bacteria, 99% of viruses, 99% of microplastics, plus rust, sediments and other small par ticles.

Vital also helps reduce single use plastics and can save the cost of buying bottled water. O ering a choice of designs and colours plus an additional chiller option, the Vital Capsule Filter System is clearly like nothing else

FRANKE’S VITAL TAP SAVES TIME AND SPACE

Franke’s new Vital filter tap range is both a space and time saver thanks to its clever design and innovative technology, importantly, it offers a simple solution for installers.

The rise in popularity of fresh, filtered water and the increased concerns over single use plastic has driven the demand for filter taps in the home, and Franke has responded with its iconic filter tap.

Featuring advanced technology and a unique ‘above the worksurface’ design, the Vital tap is installed with the same ease as any standard tap with hot and cold mains plumbing, requiring no tools.

The tiny 35 x 70mm filter cartridge is housed in an ergonomically designed metal capsule that is integral to the tap. Unlike all other models on the market, there is no filter system under the sink, saving valuable cupboard space and offering super- easy cartridge replacement by twisting the capsule open and popping in a new one.

The pioneering design enables quick and easy installation for every home, and with the trend for a healthier lifestyle and cleaner environment, the Vital tap can offer benefits for installers and consumers.

Premium design matches the premium technology with the Vital filter tap range available in a choice of three styles: a compact dedicated

single dispense; a 3-in-1 J-Spout and a 3-in-1 Semi-Pro with a flexible hose and spray function. Reflecting the vogue for metal finishes, all models are available in two tactile combinations of Chrome with a Gunmetal capsule or Matt Black with a SilkSteel capsule. Further information is available from t: 0161 436 6280 or visit: www.franke.co.uk

There is no filter system under the sink, saving valuable cupboard space and offering supereasy cartridge replacement by twisting the capsule open and popping in a new one.

Franke’s new Vital filter tap range

APOLLO MISSION PROVING A BIG SUCCESS FOR SHERIDAN

Our regular ‘On the Surface’ feature focusses on BiKBBI Installation Standards Partner, Sheridan Fabrications Ltd’s exciting new Apollo Recycled Glass product. Installations Director Dave Mercer shares with us how the concept came from drawing board to successful launch in the market:

In recent years, we have seen unprecedented changes in our technology and environment, which have fundamentally changed the way we do things. We have never been more aware of our impact on the world around us, and this has led to a rise in demand for ethically sourced, environmentally friendly products.

Every year the UK sends around 200,000 tonnes of glass to landfill, which is around 50% of our total usage. As a material, glass is fully recyclable, saving around 20% on emissions and 50% in water pollution when re-used, as opposed to when manufactured from scratch.

We decided that from our position as one of the market’s leading suppliers that we were in an ideal position to help drive the industry towards a more responsible use of materials. Accordingly, in 2017, we began research and development of a recycled glass product that needed to match certain criteria in order to be considered a success. The following constituted our wish-list:

Dave Mercer, Installations Director, Sheridan Fabrications

For our new product to be viable as an eco-friendly surface, we needed to be sure that it was both high-performing and long-lasting. To do this, we drew from our experience of working with Quartz. The result was a surface with the same impressive strength and hygienic properties, which we could guarantee under the Sheridan 10 year manufacturer warranty.

Appearance

The material is very tactile so we thought it critical that our customers were able touch the product to appreciate it, furthermore, we thought it important for them to see it ‘in the flesh’ so to speak as the chips we use in Apollo Recycled Glass are much larger, which gives the surface its’ own unique look.

Price

Consumer demand is the real driving force for change, so we wanted to make our new product to be accessible for the average budget. Apollo Recycled Glass is priced similarly to the lower bands of Silestone, and to our own veined range of Apollo Quartz worktops.

From the initial idea, we began to experiment with different mixes of minerals, binders, and manufacturing processes until we settled on a functional prototype. Because we had planned a national rollout through our retail and commercial partners, our next challenge was to make sure the concept was scalable.

We set about a lengthy process of sourcing consistent and dependable sources of recycled glass; which matched the most popular kitchen décors and fascias. We eventually settled on a solution whereby we would treat and colour the glass before crushing, thus ensuring that we could consistently reproduce our designs with effective quality control.

After 18 months of development, we began to rollout the first Apollo Recycled Glass surfaces. The result is a beautiful, high performance and environmentally conscious product with its own unique character.

Apollo Recycled Glass is visually stunning as it elevates the natural qualities of Quartz to a three dimensional concept. Each crystal embeds its own intricate contours

deep into the surface, while as a whole the material casually scatters light with pearlescent flavour, creating a natural sparkle which is completely unique to this material.

Beneath the top face of the surface, crushed glass fragments add a subtle glisten which is more apparent in the Blue Star variant. The stylish colouring of Blue Star offers a glance of the future of this product, teasing the potential for innovative new combinations of colours and textures for this material which as yet is in its infancy.

On the surface

Reception so far has been extremely positive, with sales outstripping forecasts within the first few months of its launch.

This encourages us that there is definitely an appetite in the market for Apollo Recycled Glass, and with new styles on the horizon, we are extremely optimistic about its commercial viability for the future.

www.sheridan-uk.com

Sources: 200,000 tonnes, half material: here. 20% air pollution: here.

Beneath the top face of the surface, crushed glass fragments add a subtle glisten

CREATING A HEALTHIER WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Creating healthier working environments for tradespeople is not a new topic. With an estimated 13,000 deaths per year, according to a 2017 Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report, as a result of exposure to dust and chemicals at work, it is unsurprising that authorities are getting stricter on enforcing regulations to ensure safer working environments.

From kitchen worktops that contain plastics, coated manmade board for decorative effects, timber treated to last many years, waterproof boards with a high cement content – all these materials need to be cut, shaped, sanded and edged. And what the materials are made from and the long-term effects on health, needs to be taken into consideration.

Bluetooth technology enables the dust extractor to be started automatically when a cordless power tool is switched on.

Thankfully, these days, minimising the amount of harmful dust in the work environment is simple as dust extractors can be directly connected to power tools, removing most of the dust produced at the source. If the harmful dust produced from cutting, shaping and sanding can be removed close to the source, then the health issues that tradespersons face can be greatly reduced.

New innovative dust extractors, such as the Festool CTM MIDI, have integrated Bluetooth technology that enable the dust extractor to be started automatically when a cordless

power tool is switched on. Several Festool dust extractors also have an AUTOCLEAN (AC) function which automatically cleans the filter at intervals to ensure consistently high suction power. These features are all designed to make working with dust extraction even easier and intuitive for tradespeople.

Dust extractors are obviously key to healthier working environments. However, the design of the power tool right at the beginning can also assist in reducing the dust. MULTIJETSTREAM 2 pads on sanders, for example, optimises the intake and exhaust of air. This not only

ensures more effective dust extraction but also enables the abrasive to remain dust-free for longer and therefore be used for longer.

With power tools designed to optimise dust extraction and dust extractors designed to connect perfectly to the tools, this system approach from Festool allows you to meet any challenge. With the right tools the negative affect on your health and those around you can be greatly reduced. To discover more about the Festool dust extractor and working dust free visit:

www.festool.co.uk/dustfree

FIGHTING BACK AGAINST FLY-TIPPERS!

Annual statistics on fly-tipping incidents from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) released last year make for grim reading. The report shows that fly-tipping incidents remain high with 998,000 reported in 2017/18. Fly-tipping incidents have risen by nearly 40% in the last 5 years. The cost of clearing up sites across the UK has risen significantly too, continuing to burden local authorities and individual taxpayers, diverting funds from other key areas of local government spend.

Installation professionals have a responsibility, on behalf of their customers, of ensuring that any waste generated on a project is disposed of responsibly. Homeowners are ultimately responsible but will clearly wish for BiKBBI members to help them do the right thing and ensure they avoid the potentially substantial fines for fly tipping. There’s always the additional benefit of taking care of the environment we live in!

During 2017-2018 the cost of large fly-tipping incidents was £12.2 million, compared with £9.9 million the year before, that’s an increase of over 23%!

Local councils work hard to identify those responsible, reduce clear up costs and protect local environments. Offenders could be faced with a £50,000 fine or even sentenced with up to 5 years in prison. But new analysis reported on by the BBC claims nobody has faced the maximum penalty at magistrates' court since new guidelines were introduced five years ago. Councils are struggling with budgets for the time consuming and laborious investigations, leaving many fly

tippers unpunished. However, despite this local authorities carried out 494,000 enforcement actions in 17/18.

Many installers and residents are looking for cheap alternatives to getting rid of their rubbish and this is where the rogue trader has become a growing blight within the waste industry. Fly tippers who choose not to use a legitimate waste site will save themselves thousands every year by not paying for the safe and responsible disposal of waste.

But many are unaware that if a rogue trader is used, it is the

Reducing

tipping

resident that remains responsible for the waste and could be liable for fines and sentences from the local council. It is down to you as an installer to engage a reputable company like HIPPO to get rid of the waste.

HIPPOWASTE continues to battle fly-tipping numbers across the UK and has spent over 15 years dedicated to disposing of waste safely and legally with a wide range of waste solutions for installers and residents.

Gareth Lloyd-Jones, MD at HIPPOWASTE said: “Reducing fly tipping has been part of HIPPO’s

fly

has been part of HIPPO’s mission from the start."

Ready.

For accurate cuts with no dust.

The DSC-AGC 18 FH cordless freehand cutting system: The dust-extraction attachment transports over 95 % of dust directly to the mobile dust extractor for a safe working environment – ideal for cutting mineral materials indoors with no dust. The open design provides a clear view of the interface – for easy orientation along the scribe mark. The dust-extraction attachment can also be easily opened at the front for cutting close to edges. And the encapsulated EC-TEC motor and protected electronics ensure that the tool is dust-resistant.

Find out more at www.festool.co.uk/ready

mission from the start and we are doing our best to contribute to safe and legal waste removal nationwide by providing solutions that are accessible to everyone.”

All waste removed by HIPPO is taken to a regulated and authorised waste transfer station – and over 95% is diverted from landfill.

HIPPO clearly takes its recycling responsibilities seriously and through its dedicated national network of licensed waste transfer partners it will continue to minimise the volume of waste ending up in landfill.

HOW TO PREVENT FLY-TIPPING

To avoid unauthorised waste removal providers and rogue traders here are a few pieces of advice on what to look out for:

• Always check the provider’s Waste Carrier Licence documentation. Approved waste carriers like HIPPO will be fully licensed, and will provide paperwork taking over the responsibility for your waste and its disposal

• Ask questions about the waste and the disposal process and you’ll find those companies that really care will be able to give you all the details. HIPPO is proud of its expertise in the waste industry and knows its stuff. Just ask and get yourself acquainted with what happens.

• Look online at the various review sites. HIPPO has a 5-star reputation through thousands of Trustpilot reviews. Check out reviews and listen to the words of genuine customers to help you make a choice.

• Don’t pay in cash. Credit card transactions are a more secure method

• Unfortunately prices are not always an indicator of a fully licensed provider. Often rogue traders charge as much, if not more than legitimate businesses. However be wary of prices that are too good to be true. Get quotes from a few companies and if a quote is a lot lower than others then they may possibly be cutting important corners somewhere. If in doubt, avoid them We await this year’s DEFRA report but hope through the combined efforts of BiKBBI members, householders and responsible companies like HIPPO we will see an improvement in the negative impact of illegal waste removal.

ADDING THAT FINISHING TOUCH

HOW DECORATIVE WIRING ACCESSORIES, LIGHTING & AUDIO CONTROL CAN COMPLETE A BATHROOM

“We’re definitely seeing greater demand for electrical accessories and controls that add an element of luxury, similar to high-end hotels by UK homeowners; none more so than for the bathroom. Bold colours, patterns and a mixture of materials are being combined to create eye-catching schemes, with a huge range of wiring accessories available to complement these.

Light switches and shaver sockets come in a vast array of designs, materials and finishes to complement the choice of tiles, taps, heating solutions and colour schemes.

Hamilton’s Vogue range for instance, offers a contemporary slant on the clean, traditional and minimalist white plastic plate, with rounded corners giving it an updated and stylised look. Meanwhile, with high-shine metals a popular choice for fixtures and fittings, Hamilton’s complementary Bright and Satin finishes in Stainless Steel, Chrome and Nickel are also favoured choices for this environment.

A hotel trend that’s filtering through to residential properties is the

incorporation of warm bronzes and brasses in design schemes. We’ve seen an upturn in interest for our contemporary Hartland CFX and Sheer CFX plate designs in elegant Connaught, Copper, Etrium and Richmond Bronze finishes, plus Antique Brass adding that final touch of refinement to the bathroom.

On the other end of the scale, polycarbonate plates offer a modern alternative. Hamilton’s Perception CFX is supplied in a transparent finish to allow a bathroom wall colour or paper design to show through, while the Hartland CFX Colours comes in white, red and black gloss finish with both white or black inserts to add an intense pop of colour.

But it’s not just the wiring accessories that can offer an upgrade to the bathroom. Hotel smart technology is also becoming more accessible for residential projects, allowing lighting and audio to be controlled at the flick of a switch or swipe of a finger. A recent poll by interior design outfit Houzz* indicated that a luxury bathroom experience was high in demand, with good lighting and a relaxing space top considerations.

In the bathroom, Hamilton’s plug-andplay Smart Lighting Control solution can be programmed with different lighting scenes for varying tasks and recalled at the touch of a button. Bright lighting scenes can support make-up application or shaving, while dimmed scenes help provide that sought-after relaxing environment that’s perfect for a soak in the bath. The mood can be further enhanced with Hamilton’s DMX lighting control, which adds an RGB colour wash of light throughout the space.

Taking this one step further, relaxing music can fill the bathroom courtesy of Hamilton’s Smart Audio Control. With

the ability to play music throughout the home – inside and out – this flexible solution is scalable to meet the demands of the project. This and the company’s Smart Lighting Control can be commanded via switches, touchscreen controllers or the Hamilton App, which is available on iOS or Android for the utmost convenience.

Combined, designer wiring accessories, smart lighting control and smart audio control can add another level of luxury to the home, helping transform the bathroom into a sanctuary of tranquillity. For more information, email: info@hamilton-litestat.com or visit: www.hamilton-litestat.com

SIMPLE STEPS TO HELP SETTLE A CLAIM QUICKLY

As a business owner, each day is a race against the clock to tick off as many jobs from your to-do list as you can. As the old saying goes: time is money. So when something goes wrong and you need make an insurance claim, it never feels like you have time to spare to navigate an often slow or complex claims process to help make things right.

However, if you want to save time and speed up the process which could mean you being reimbursed for your claim more quickly then check out some of these top time-saving tips:

1. Gather your policy information before calling your broker and have it to hand to get ahead of the game - below is a checklist:

A. Your policy number and business details;

B. Your trade or occupation;

C. The address you’re insured at;

D. The date when the damage or loss happened;

E. Your VAT status and number;

F. Bank details including the sort code, account number and name of the account holder the insurer should pay – nowadays many insurers have

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

an electronic payment service (which is a preferred payment method) so your money could be in your account within two hours!

2. Provide as much detail as you can.

The devil’s in the detail, so provide as much of the information as early as possible, allowing insurer’s to deal with your business insurance claim more effectively.

So, before calling to discuss your claim, try to provide as much of the following information as you can:

A. A description of your business;

B. Details of exactly what happened which leads to your claim;

C. The full nature and extent of your loss, including details of all damage. Don’t forget any supporting evidence you can provide, such as estimates, images or original invoices, can help insurer’s settle your claim sooner;

D. A description of your business premises (if you’ve insured them), whether the premises are occupied or not and the typical hours they tend to be occupied.

Insurers are not looking for War and Peace, but the more in-depth you can go, the better they can understand the ins and outs of your claim and get it processed.

3. Store your policy information in a safe, easy-to-reach place.

Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Why not pre-empt a claim by storing the important information listed above in a secure but easy-to-

access location and downloading your policy to your laptop or phone? When you’re in the middle of an emergency, the last thing you want to be doing is wasting precious time rummaging around for your business insurance policy details. Having them nearby means you can begin the claims process quicker.

4. Get emergency repair work done as quickly as you can

Damage can become worse

and take longer to repair if left; for example, if a roof leak isn’t repaired, the water will continue to gather inside the structure, resulting in greater harm to not only the property, but your wallet too, due to increased expensive final repairs.

If you must call out an emergency tradesperson to help limit damage to premises following an incident, always remember to keep copies of the receipts for the work carried out. That way you can include them at the beginning of your business insurance claim, which can help the process run smoother.

5. Make the claim as soon as possible

This may sound obvious, but if an incident feels like a non-emergency, you may be tempted to leave it until after the weekend. But with an insurance claim, the early bird catches the worm, and the sooner you report your claim the quicker we can set things in motion.

We all try our best to prepare for the worst, but sometimes unexpected incidents can stop us in our tracks. Reduce stress and save time and money by keeping these five simple steps in mind if the worst happens. By staying organised, you’ll feel reassured in knowing that you can make a claim quickly and efficiently, leaving you to get back to doing what you do best: keeping your customers happy.

UIB Is the only insurance broker recommended by the BiKBBI and can be contacted via:

www.uibdirect.co.uk

CHANGES TO VAT THAT YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF!

What are the new changes in relation to the reverse charges mechanism for construction and building services?

VAT registered business are normally required to charge VAT to their customers and then pay collected VAT monies over to HMR&C. The customer, if VAT registered, would typically recover the VAT in their own VAT return.

HMR&C has identified that the construction and building industry has a higher than normal occurrence of traders who are charging VAT but failing to make the relevant declarations and payments to HMR&C. This has a knock on effect for the customers who are sometimes unable to

legitimately recover the input VAT as well as an effect of reducing the collectability of these taxes.

From 1st October 2019, some VAT registered building and construction services will become subject to the ‘Reverse Charging’ rules. Those rules mean that the supplier does not raise a charge for the VAT element of their invoices. However, the customer has to recognise the VAT element and show this as output VAT in their own VAT return, whilst at the same time recovering the input VAT that would have been charged by the supplier. The net effect is that the customer has essentially collected the VAT from the supplier on behalf of HMR&C.

Dean Flood www.rowlandhall.co.uk

Are there any criteria for this to apply?

The new rules will only apply to activities that would normally be subject to the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). The services that would be covered include general building and construction work including renovations, maintenance services, heating and air conditioning, painting and decorating and cleaning services where part of a construction project. Standard rated (20%) and reduced rated supplies (5%) are both affected but zero rated supplies are not.

Professional services are not covered by this legislation and neither are supplies of security systems or burglar alarms.

If there is a combination of services supplied, where some will qualify and others don’t, the expectation is that the whole charge will be accounted for using the reverse charge mechanism.

Please note that these changes only affect businesses that are part of the supply chain and this does not affect the charges raised to the end customer by the main contractor.

What are the practical implications?

Aside from the obvious complexities when preparing invoices, businesses will need to ensure that accounting software is properly programmed to address these changes.

Subcontractors who work primarily for larger contractors within the building industry may find that all of their subsequent VAT returns will produce a refund position. In such circumstances, the sub-contractor may wish to consider moving to monthly VAT returns to accelerate the inward cash-flow. The fact that subcontractors will also not be receiving VAT from their customers may also mean that inward cash flow is compromised, especially in the transition period.

How do I show this on my invoices and VAT return?

The supplier/subcontractor will still need to refer to VAT registration numbers on his invoice but will invoice without the VAT charge shown. The invoice should state that the services are subject to the Reverse Charge. When completing the VAT return the supplier will need to show the turnover in box 6 but not show any output VAT in boxes 1 and 3. The net effect is that no VAT is due on that particular sales invoice.

The customer, upon receipt of the reverse charge invoice will present this in his VAT return as normal but with a dummy entry for the implied input VAT in box 4. There will also be a dummy entry for Output Vat in boxes 1 and 3 but no corresponding entry in Box 6.

The net effect on the customer is that no VAT is recovered from the supplier’s invoice as none was paid to HMR&C in the first place.

What next?

It is imperative that any business that expects to be affected by these changes liaises with their tax advisor. The legislation is quite complex and the above only covers the main criteria so further research is recommended to ensure the approach is tailored to each business scenario. HMR&C appreciate that this is a substantial change for many businesses and have suggested they will adopt a ‘light touch’ approach to the first couple of VAT returns following these changes, but only where it can be seen that the tax payer is trying to comply with the legislation.

'Building and construction services will become subject to the 'Reverse Charging' rules.'

Q& A

with

Michael Burke

In our summer issue we feature Michael Burk for our staff Q & A. Michael is an experienced installations leader and is responsible for the development of the BiKBBI's Apprenticeship Programme.

You’ve fairly recently joined the BiKBBI, what are your impressions?

My first impressions are of a great institution led by some very passionate people who have a clear vision of what the industry should look like and how it could operate more effectively. They also have a great strategy in place to help shape the future of the BIKBBI to improve the industry even further.

What attracted you to your role with the BiKBBI?

Throughout my 35 years in this industry, I have become increasingly aware of the steady decline of opportunities for young people to enrol in apprenticeships. I believe that the BiKKBI is successfully addressing this situation whilst also opening doors for more mature students including ex-military personnel who still have a lot to offer.

stakeholders to help smooth the journey for all potential apprentices from start to finish. Examples of this would be incentives to employers to employ apprentices, whilst giving more information for schools and colleges to promote the various trades.

Enough of business, tell us about yourself, married? Family?

I am a huge family man and have four children, five grandchildren and a long suffering partner of 32 years! We are a very close family and its great having grandchildren around and enjoying them growing up especially for those special moments again especially Christmas.

Formally of MFI and Homebase, Michael is a committed supporter of education within the sector and a believer that apprenticeships are the key to the future of KBB installation.

What one single thing would you do to change the industry for the better?

I would like to see more alignment between government agencies and departments and other interested

What’s your favourite holiday destination?

Benidorm has always been a favourite, however I have recently become a big fan of cruises so many great places to see whilst plenty of new shops for the wife to enjoy!

Name 3 people you’d least like to share a dinner party with?

Anybody who mentions Brexit!

Tell us a secret

During my teenage years my main hobby was Irish dancing!

Book or Kindle?

Book Red or white wine?

Sorry I don’t like wine

What’s your favourite movie?

This always depends on my mood so in no order: Godfather Dawn till Dusk PS I love you

What or who makes you laugh?

My Grandchildren

What or who makes you cringe?

TV soaps

Name 3 people you’d most like to share a dinner party with?

Peter Kay Elton John and Richard Branson.

What song would most likely get you up on the dance floor?

Any pop or Motown record depending on what I am drinking

Hopes for the future both personally and professionally?

All the family to be settled and secure in the future professionally as I am getting older, I would like to give more back to my community and as well as my charity work with the apprenticeships I am currently studying to become a local magistrate.

BiKBBI sponsors www.myapplainces.co.uk has announced a range of

benefits to BiKBBI members as part of an initiative to demonstrate its user-friendliness for installers.

HONESTY AND TAKING CARE OF PRODUCTS PAYS ...

If the number of phone calls I received were anything to go by, Mrs B was clearly worried about her new kitchen and she seemed even more anxious about complaining. We’d talked about the problems several times, namely, dents and chips in her gloss white doors and drawer fronts that showed the poor quality of the units she had bought.

Richard Renouf, Furniture & Floorcoverings Consultant

The installer had been extremely helpful. He’d given her the supplier’s contact details so she could report the faults to them, but they’d repeatedly denied it was their problem and because they hadn’t even come to look at what she was complaining about, Mrs B understandably felt they were offhand and didn’t care. Mrs B had asked me to undertake an independent inspection and so I duly obliged.

Whilst standing in her kitchen listening to her story and looking at the units, I couldn’t help but notice that the dummy drawer front under the sink had clearly fallen off several times and the corners were badly damaged, showing the MDF beneath. There were chips on the top edges of the drawers, especially the cutlery drawer. Worse, there are bubbles along two of bottom edges of the doors of the wall units near the hob. It doesn’t look good, so Mrs B goes for a coffee on her balcony with her friend who’s there for moral support while I take a closer look.

I take no chances when inspecting and accordingly, I have a macro lens for my camera which allows me to take photographs really close up, as close as 12mm away, and then I can blow them

up even larger

computer.

and

shows the simple truth: these are not bubbles in or under the lacquer, they are bulges where the bottom edge of the door has been knocked. Under high magnification the cracking of the lacquer and the crushing of the edge of the door is easy to see.

I joined Mrs B on her balcony and I showed her and her friend the pictures on my camera, the conversation went as follows:

“I know exactly what the problem is, and it’s not a manufacturing fault, it’s damaged, and it looks as if your fitter dropped the two doors on the edge of the worktop below.”

Mrs B, “But he was such a nice man, and so helpful getting the details of the company for me.”

Me: “Perhaps he really thought this was a fault.”

on my camera screen or

I photograph the two bubbles

as the camera focuses the screen

Her impression of the installer had been undone by his bluff, and now he’ll have the added cost of an expert’s report to reimburse in addition to putting things right."

Mrs B, pointing at a badly cut down door: “Or, perhaps he wanted to try and make someone else pay for it! He admitted to doing that but told me to claim against his insurance and I’m still waiting to hear.’

Me: “Insurance? That covers public liability, so it would cover accidental damage, but it doesn’t cover incompetence or poor workmanship.”

This is a common misperception, seen as an easy way out by

many installers, but be warned, insurers won’t pay and the customer is often left angry and with unresolved problems that can only lead to loss of future business as word of mouth gets around.

So to all installers out there, I would say that we have a duty of care for the products we install. Any self-employed fitter will know how quickly a retailer will make us pay for damage. It applies to our customers, too. We must look after their

products and treat them with care and respect – kid gloves, if you like.

On the day, Mrs B held herself together, but I could tell she would have been in tears soon after I left for my next call. Her impression of the installer had been undone by his bluff, and now he’ll have the added cost of an expert’s report to reimburse in addition to putting things right.

www.richard-renouf.com

NEW HIGHLY DESIRABLE FINISHES TO ABODE’S TAP RANGES

Trend-setting Abode has launched new finishes to some of its kitchen brassware ranges

With the kitchen tap market evolving and embracing new modern textures and finishes, Abode introduced two brushed brass finishes.

In keeping with Abode’s credo of keeping things simple for its retailers, the new brushed brass finish will be available on some of its most popular ranges.

With two brass finishes now available from Abode; brushed brass which is tailored for more contemporary settings and antique brass for the traditional

tap collections. The Althia Single Lever (pictured), is one option which highlights brushed brass as a stand-out finish that can be used to inject a level of luxury into kitchen design.

BACK TO BLACK

With matt black taps being one of the hottest trends in kitchen design, creating a sleek, sophisticated and modern impression with this must-have look is now simpler than ever, with Abode adding this popular finish across even more of its ranges.

Responding to growing demand to this on-trend finish, Abode

now offers its stunning matt black finish across several of its best-selling tap ranges, giving consumers even greater style choices, even when opting for the latest filtered and steaming hot water technology for their kitchen.

Not to be outdone, the innovative and award winning Abode Swich water filter diverter, which converts any kitchen tap into a filtered water tap, can now also be chosen in matt black, proving there are absolutely no style restrictions in the kitchen. For more information contact: www.abode.eu

BORA PRESENTS THE SPEEDIEST SAWHORSE ON SITE

When you need to visit multiple worksites in one day, you need equipment that is fast and easy to set up, take down and transfer from one location to another.

The ultimate upgrade for your jobsite, work space or work shop, the Bora Speedhorse takes just 1.6 seconds to set up, saving precious time so you can work faster and complete jobs more efficiently.

Designed for flexibility in a wide range of environments the Bora Speedhorse is built to withstand the heaviest of projects, able to bear weight up to 680kg (1500lb)

The Bora Speedhorse offers a whole host of beneficial features once in use too, including a longer beam for a wider support area and leg supports that can be flipped out to take the weight of boards, doors plywood and other sheet material.

A pre-drilled beam enables a sacrificial surface timber to be easily secured, while the Speedhorse itself stands at a graceful 2.5ft (76cm), so it won’t break your back. And when the job is finished simply pull the lever and fold the legs up – in any order.

www.brianhyde.co.uk t: 0121 705 7987

GIRA

LAUNCHES VIDEO HOME STATION 7

Gira, has launched its new and award-winning Gira Video Home Station 7: a modern surfacemounted video and door communication system with 7-inch TFT touch display.

Recently awarded a Red Dot Award 2019, the new Gira Video Home Station 7 is designed to help your customers achieve a comfortable and secure living environment that embodies highdesign.

The 7-inch (17.78 cm) touch display automatically switches on the instant someone rings the doorbell; it is ready for convenient operation of its set functions via the intuitive menu. Users can define ‘favourite’ functions from the start screen, as well as ‘one-touch’ buttons that allow for super quick and convenient light control and door entry – even when the display is set to off-mode!

‘One-touch’ also provides access to communication records, allowing end-users to review missed visitors, deactivate set ringtones, manage image memory, make internal calls between installed systems and importantly, check system status.

Available in two colour options, Pure White Glossy and Black Matt, with each variant designed with a matching glass surface: pure white glossy with white glass, and black matt with black glass. Highly flexible, the new communication system is designed for the wall via surfacemounted installation or deckmounted using its base and

it is ideal for conversions and retrofits, Gira recommends that the home station is supplied in combination with the Gira DCS 2-wire bus system - a configuration tool which enables connection to the IP network and easy configuration. By doing so, the DCS bus allows supply for up to 28 Gira surface-mounted video home station 7 devices: ideal when specifying for a high-rise apartment building as each home station does not require additional power supply to operate! Simply select the push-button start-up function or quickly and conveniently set-up the device using the Gira Project Assistant (GPA).

Its TFT display technology means that users benefit from less energy consumption which will

reduce the cost of utility bills in the home. It also provides a sharp visibility by removing any geometric distortion on-screen: great for tired eyes or users with laboured vision.

Significantly, the new Gira Video Home Station 7 is designed with an ‘alert feature’ meaning if the user is visually or hearing impaired, the home station can provide tactile feedback by vibrating during full touch operation: similar to how smartphones operate today. That, combined with the high speech quality of the in-built speakerphone function promises optimum control and accessibility for all types of customer.

www.gira.com/uk

VOGUE (UK) CLAIMED ‘BEST HEATING BRAND’ 2019

Vogue (UK), triumphed at this year’s Bathroom & Kitchen Update [BKU] Awards, voted by industry peers as ‘Best Heating Brand’, for the second year running.

The BKU Awards are designed to recognise retailers, brands, people and services that make the kbb sector great, with votes taken from the entire cross section of the kitchen and bathroom industry including retailers, manufacturers, and distributors.

The event hosted by Sean Collins, the British-based Canadian

comedian, was held at The Tower Hotel, London on 20th June 2019 and was.

The BKU Award winners are not decided by a panel of experts, rather, they are recognised on merit by votes from industry peers. Secure online nominations are made and then voted on to produce five finalists in each category with the winner attracting the most votes overall!

Steve Birch, Sales Director at Vogue (UK) said, “To be recognised as ‘Best Heating Brand’ again by the very people who help build our business two years running

is incredibly rewarding. With fierce competition within the heating market, creating a point of difference and a USP for our customers is the cornerstone of our growth and success. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to vote in recognition of this. To be awarded ‘Best Heating Brand’ for 2019’ is an honour for all of our workforce.”

www.vogueuk.co.uk

Steve Birch, Sales Director, Vogue (UK).

GROHE’S BRAND NEW ESSENCE CERAMICS RANGE OFFERS CUSTOMERS COMPLETE AND COORDINATED BATHROOM SOLUTIONS

GROHE, global supplier of brassware and sanitaryware, has launched its premium Essence Ceramics Collection which marks its first ever offering of complete and coordinated bathroom solutions.

The new GROHE Essence ceramics collection blends soft curves inspired by organic forms with a slim and sculptured profile. This range has been created to

expose the beauty of ceramics presented in its purest, most simplistic form and comprises three sizes of vanity basins, a selection of wc’s and for the very first time, a selection of bath tubs in three different styles: back to wall, built-in and freestanding.

GROHE’s recently newfound status as complete bathroom supplier has already been

well-received by the industry. Key distribution partners Robert Lee and Faucets have invested in the new collection within their latest July catalogues available for delivery across the country. In addition to their already extensive distribution of GROHE’s three other ceramic ranges; Bau, Euro and Cube, there are a range of solutions for all customers.

www.grohe.co.uk

CRL QUARTZ STARS IN CHANNEL 4 INTERIORS PROGRAMME

CRL Stone surfaces recently appeared on national prime time TV, as part of the popular home makeover programme George Clarke’s Old House, New Home.

CRL Quartz Statuario Bianco from CRL Stone takes a starring role in the first episode of the second series of the show, which sees

architect George Clarke showing how a modern interior can transform a period home without messing with the home's history.

Providing the perfect visual contrast to the kitchen’s new sage green units, the marble-effect of CRL Quartz Statuario Bianco makes the worktops a stand-out

feature of the space. Practical because of its high level of durability and exuding a natural beauty, the surface transforms a central island unit into a striking focal point. For more information call CRL Stone on 01706 863600 or visit: www.crlstone.co.uk

FRANKE UNVEILS NEW HIGHLIGHTS BROCHURE FOR CONSUMERS

Franke has unveiled a brand new brochure featuring highlights from its latest product range that reflect current and upcoming trends in the kitchen market. The brochures will be available via Franke retailers and will help guide and inspire consumers on their purchasing journey.

The easy-to-navigate brochure provides consumers with an overview of the brand’s latest products and is packed with design inspiration and practical advice to help them choose the right sink, tap, worktop, cooker hood and accessories for their kitchen, with products categorised under distinct sections. It features informationrich content about product design, function and technology, and includes a helpful highlights

icon, drawing the consumers’ attention to key product features.

The new highlights brochure puts the spotlight on Franke’s latest products including the Vital Capsule Filter tap, which features the world’s best filtration system, the Box Center sink which doubles as a compact workstation and the brand’s range of stylish stainless steel worksurfaces. It

is designed to complement the brand’s master brochure which is a detailed and definitive guide to the full Franke range.

The new Highlights brochure can be downloaded from website www.franke.co.uk/brochures. For further information, contact Franke on t: 0161 436 6280 or visit www.franke.co.uk

SIRIUS BUYING GROUP ENCOURAGING APPROVED MEMBERS TO HAVE A BRAND PRESENCE ONLINE

Sirius Buying Group, is calling upon its retail members to join the online community and create a positive digital footprint to actively drive new enquiries to their businesses.

An unavoidable prospect for bricks-and-mortar retailers, online retailers are now competing for business and this has prompted Sirius to implement an extremely productive web program that has been exclusively designed for its members. Its primary aim is to allow members to become visible online or improve the existing presentation of their business to start winning more sales and increase consumer confidence as a natural by-product.

Enlisting the expertise of Digital NRG, a leading digital agency and one of ‘Google's Leading EMEA (Europe Middle East & Africa) Channel Premier Partners’, Sirius Buying Group is now able to offer its members who sign-up to this web program a fullyinteractive branded website that communicates directly with Approved Suppliers by virtue of real-time product updates and exclusive promotions.

Steve Jones, Commercial Director at Sirius Buying Group comments “Now a typical day-to-day command, ‘google it’ has become the first step for consumers researching a

new purchase. Whether they are looking for a particular product, price comparison or a retailer that is in their local area our retail members need to be seen to ensure a competitive advantage. Without the benefit of a reliable website, you will be forfeiting access to an available customer base and miss out on invaluable supplier support.”

Digital NRG placed a focus on ‘Consumer Communication’ which has been instrumental to the huge uplift of leads to Sirius member websites and collectively, are seeing over 100,000 unique visitors per month!

www.siriusbuyinggroupltd.co.uk

VITRA LAUNCHES WC WITH BUILT-IN BIDET

WC’s that have a built-in bidet washing function have been used throughout the Far East and the Mediterranean for many years, and now a simple solution for enhanced personal hygiene is being launched in UK on selected WC’s from VitrA.

VitrA Aquacare is an innovative solution that makes it easy and quick to install a mechanical bidet function within a WC pan, and the advanced technology prevents any possible contamination with household water supply. VitrA Aquacare comes as a complete

set: a WC with a pre-assembled and integrated air breaker, and a WC seat and cover. The WC pan requires no additional equipment or preparation besides water installation. If maintenance is required, one simple click is all that is needed to remove the Aquacare cover below the WC seat.

VitrA has designed, with a patent pending, Aquacare to protect potable water against contamination from dirty water while saving time and money for the installer. Additionally, it

represents an invisible, concealed solution for end users that offers extra hygiene in the bathroom. This highly engineered solution is available for Sento, Integra and M-Line wall-hung WC pans and is automatically compatible with EN1717 as well as LGA and DVGW certified.

Image: VitrA Sento wall-hung WC hung pan showing Aquaclean in action. Aquaclean is also available on VitrA’s Integra and M-Line wall hung WC pans.

www.VitrA.co.uk

www.anyjunk.co.uk www.compusoftgroup.com

www.aqualisa.co.uk www.armitage-shanks.co.uk www.blum.com www.bushboard.co.uk www.classic-marble.com www.clearabee.co.uk

www.fitfrankefirst.co.uk www.festool.co.uk www.hippowaste.co.uk www.ideal-standard.co.uk www.wearepolar.com www.publicityengineers.com

BiKBBI

www.wilsonart.co.uk

www.trade-point.co.uk www.ubm.com www.hafele.co.uk www.myappliances.co.uk www.kbbg.co.uk www.roman-showers.com

www.vitra.co.uk www.johnlewis.com www.leekes.co.uk

www.diy.com www.handicare.co.uk www.kindred.co.uk