The Installer - Issue 24 - Winter 2021

Photo by SpaceX on Unsplash

Firstly, I hope that you and your families are safe and well. For those of you who are suffering, please know that you’re not alone and that our thoughts are with you.

Our lives sadly remain dominated by this Godawful virus, but it’s my belief that we have entered the final phase of the pandemic and that some semblance of normality will return this year.

With changing seasons just a few weeks away and milder weather inbound, the vaccination programme accelerating, and dare I say an element of herd immunity will no doubt to play a factor, I believe that 2021 will be the year that we begin the process of healing.

One thing for sure, is that the world won't be the same again as a result of the pandemic - we have changed.

Whilst COVID-19 has brought about disruption for all, sadness and pain for some, it has also instigated change. I am a firm believer that we must look for silver linings in even the darkest of clouds, and whilst I’m sure that we all wish that the virus never happened, the fact that it has, and that it has accelerated change is, for me, one of the more positive outcomes.

Freedom is something we perhaps all take for granted. The ability to do what we want, when we want and that those around us whom we love will be there. We now all know, the value of even the simplest of things are, quite frankly, way more important that anything material.

As we emerge from our homes in the spring, with warm sunshine on our faces, let’s do so with humanity and compassion, a new-found appreciation of what’s really important, and an acceptance that change is here. Assess our commercial landscape, evaluate the options and adapt quickly.

You’ll have heard me many times quote JFK, but I think his words are more relevant today than ever:

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."

Such a profound quote. We can't help but wonder what JFK would have thought about today's speed of change.

Change is inevitable. You can't ignore it. There’s a huge shift taking place right now and it’s disrupting entire industries, businesses and jobs around the world - and it’s called digital transformation.

The old way of doing things is becoming redundant and companies now need to adapt to digital innovations, new emerging technologies, changing cultures, and new business models and processes in order to compete and survive. Just look at Uber, Airbnb, Netflix, Amazon, and GE - they digitally transformed their industries... and the rest is history.

Damian Walters, BiKBBI CEO

LIFT OFF FOR APPRENTICESHIPS!

Johnson, Quooker (UK), Managing Director

In mid-January, almost seventy key industry people including, press and other stakeholders attended an online event where the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation made a key announcement, and present how it will facilitate a huge acceleration in the growth of its already celebrated BiKBBI Installation Apprenticeship initiative.

The breaking news was that Quooker has become the latest brand to support the institute, and how! The company has agreed to invest a six-figure some into the BiKBBI with a specific focus on fast-tracking plans to extend the reach of KBB installation Apprenticeship scheme.

The investment from Quooker, the first instalment of a three-year package of support for BiKBBI, will drive the institute towards delivering the first phase of what it calls ‘Operation Next-Gen.’ This initiative involves delivering intensified promotion of KBB apprenticeship opportunities to the next generation.

Stephen

Photo by Bill Jelen on Unsplash

The investment from Quooker, the first instalment of a threeyear package of support for BiKBBI, will drive the institute towards delivering the first phase of what it calls ‘Operation Next-Gen.’ This initiative involves delivering intensified promotion of KBB apprenticeship opportunities to the next generation –predominantly secondary school students in years 9-11.

Quooker (UK) Managing Director Stephen Johnson (pictured) who spoke at the event said, “We’ve undergone some of the toughest trading conditions our industry has ever faced. At Quooker, we too have felt the strain of this crisis. We’ve seen first-hand how its affected smaller independent retailers and how changing consumer habits have dramatically impacted sales. However, during these difficult times, brands are faced with two choices – to shrivel up and remain

inwardly focused, or to work together, sharing expertise, resources and help the industry rebuild, recover and thrive”.

In a somewhat emotional event that reviewed challenges faced by the industry and

Apprenticeships from September. The Institute will use the learnings and blueprint from their successful pilot of the scheme in the South East to roll the scheme out nationally.

CEO Damian Walters

announcement Damian summarised by adding, “There is an ever growing skills gap that needs tackling fast; no-one else will fix the issue of building a future workforce on the scale required and so I call upon other brands to

an upward trend as the organisation enters its 15th year of incorporation.

Director of Operations at Protected, Chris Parry, provided an update that confirmed “impressive and diverse retailer uptake” and the scheme’s protection of “tens of thousands of pounds of consumer and installer money during BETA testing”. Parry confirmed that it would “welcome conversation from any retailer who wanted another installation option for their customers”.

organisation over the last year, CEO Damian Walters and Chris Parry, Director of Ops for www. protectmyinstall.co.uk discussed the BiKBBI’s plans to open ten new Centres of Excellence regionally across England, ready for the delivery of KBB Fitted Interior

closed the event by giving his heartfelt thanks to his team, members, retail partners and corporate sponsors, stating that “without them, we would not be in a position to support the industry as we are.”

Speaking in reference to the apprenticeship

follow Quooker’s lead on this topic as we critically need more brands to get behind our efforts”.

The institute remains optimistic about the future of the industry, sharing news that membership increased overall in 2020,continuing

BiKBBI confirmed that it would keep the industry updated over the next few weeks, to include new retail relationships and a Director of Education that will lead the organisations L&D strategy moving forward.

Exciting times at BiKBBI and much needed change now in full swing.

www.bikbbi.org

IS REQUIRED!

The news that Quooker has invested and made such a huge commitment to the BiKBBI Apprenticeship Initiative is the most exciting and encouraging announcement in recent memory.

I applaud MD Stephen Johnson and his colleagues for recognising the widening skills gap and acting to help arrest a worrying situation, but to be frank, the BiKBBI, even with Quooker’s help, has a monumental task in front of it and so much more is required to ensure success. It’s vital therefore that others also commit.

It needs for kbb manufacturers, distributors, retailers and installers to

invest time and budget where possible and for installation companies to get on board by offering apprenticeship work placements. If this kind of support is generated it will ensure that the nationwide roll-out of the apprenticeship initiative bears fruit in years to come and will keep opportunist cowboy installers from damaging public perception of our brilliant industry.

So please, I urge you, get on board and play your part. You can register your interest in the first instance by contacting Erin Sealy at the BiKBBI:

erin.sealy@bikbbi.org.uk Tel: 01375 213199

“There is an ever growing skills gap that needs tackling fast; no-one else will fix the issue of building a future workforce on the scale required and so I call upon other brands to follow Quooker’s lead on this topic as we critically need more brands to get behind our efforts”.

Rob Nicholls, Publisher & Editor, BiKBBI The Installer Magazine

QUOOKER UNVEILED AS INSTITUTES LATEST SPONSOR!

CHECK YOUR POLICY NOW!

BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters, urged tradespeople and retailers to check their insurance policies, after The Supreme Court ruled on business disruption policies.

The basis of the court case was to decide whether or not, companies who held business interruption policies, were entitled to compensation after having to close during the first national lockdown.

pandemic rather than a localised occurrence.

Since the court’s ruling, the majority of businesses who will now receive claims will be customers of these six insurers, but thankfully, firms who hold similar policies with other insurance companies now stand a far greater chance of success.

Damian commented on the ruling by saying, “This is great

Established kitchen appliance brand Quooker has joined the BiKBBI family of sponsors.

The company is supporting the institute with a huge investment into the BiKBBI Installation Apprenticeship Scheme and will work in collaboration to enable the growth required to help ensure the future well-being of the industry.

Quooker is a family business that’s modusoperandi is based on enthusiasm and entrepreneurship. This is borne out by the fact that the world’s first boiling-water tap was the brain-child of company Director Niels Peteri. Further inventions

like the high-vacuum insulated tank, the all-inone taps Quooker Fusion and Flex and the series of black boiling-water taps has completely changed the landscape of the sink area of a kitchen.

Led in the UK by the dynamic Stephen Johnson, the brand is hugely established and is now ready to support the UK kitchen industry by backing the BiKBBI in its quest to grow the next generation of kbb installers by investing at grass-roots level.

Stephen comments, “It’s vital that we look after the future of our industry and installers are an absolute vital cog. There is already a growing skills gap that needs to be closed and we hope

that our collaboration with the BiKBBI will help accelerate this objective.”

On behalf of the BiKBBI, Damian Walters enthused, “We are absolutely delighted that such an established and recognised brand as Quooker has recognised our work in all areas of improving standards by becoming a corporate sponsor. However, its recognition of the necessity to develop the next generation on installers and supporting it so generously financially is massively welcome. Let’s hope that it inspires others to follow Quookers lead as much further investment is required to ensure that our apprenticeship objectives are fulfilled.”

These policies usually only cover disruption to commercial activity caused by property damage, but they can also include losses from ‘infectious’ or notifiable diseases.

Six insurers who had sold business interruption insurance products, namely, Arch, Argenta, Hiscox, MS Amlin, QBE and RSA, all unsuccessfully argued that their policies did not cover COVID-19 because it was a global

news for the SME. If an insurance policy includes protection against business disruption caused by disease, then rightfully policy holders be entitled to claim!” Damian added, “My advice to all tradespeople would be to check your policy. We written to our members who we believe should be aware that they could make a valid claim.”

“This is great news for the SME. If an insurance policy includes protection against business disruption caused by disease, then rightfully policy holders be entitled to claim!”

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INCREDIBLE BACKING FOR INSTITUTE UNDERLINED BY NEW CORPORATE SPONSOR ADDITIONS!

As a testimony to the BiKBBI’s values and its industry acceptance, 4 more businesses have committed to the organisation to become corporate sponsors.

My-bathrooms, AO, and Anthill software have all joined Quooker in becoming the latest businesses to pledge support.

My-Bathrooms

Online bathroom specialist MyBathrooms, via its network of approved installation partners, provide a turnkey supply and fit service to consumers via its website (here) and is looking to connect with installation businesses to promote partnership benefits. The tie in with BiKBBI is a vehicle to connect the online business with a network of independently accredited institute members.

My-Bathrooms MD, Justin Adgar, commented on the sponsorship by

AO

Electrical retailer AO operates across the UK and Germany with in excess of 20 years of experience in selling, delivering, and installing household appliances for the public, as well as offering its unique proposition to B2B clients through, AO Business. AO’s sponsorship plays an integral role in the support of the institute’s objectives, including the development of industry apprenticeships,

something the organisation is focusing on over the next three years.

Anthony Sant, MD at AO Business, said: “We’re so proud to have come on board as a sponsor of the British Institute of KBB Installation. At AO Business, we offer a unique proposition to customers, with our trained delivery fleet equipped to install any appliance we sell into customers’ homes. Whether we’re delivering to a vulnerable customer

saying: “The BiKBBI is at the forefront of professional standards and it’s important that industry businesses like ours support them to do so. We’re particularly impressed by their approach to Apprenticeships and the obvious industry benefits that will follow.” He added, “Our national network of installation Trading Partners undertake comprehensive training on our product and installation method, which is currently achieved by in-house training supported by our suppliers; However, we understand that the topic of education

is much wider than our own approach and we won’t be able to influence mass change on our own… this is where our collaboration with BiKBBI will help.”

Damian Walters, BiKBBI Chief Executive stated: “It’s great to be working with a familiar face in Justin and a business that shares our values, especially on the subject of education. We look forward to developing this partnership over time and are thankful to My Bathrooms for their support”.

through our supported living team or installing 100s of appliances into new build homes with our house builder team, we truly understand the art of installation. Our proposition ensures all deliveries are hassle free for customers and we’ll even remove old appliances for safe recycling at AO’s plant in Telford!”

Damian Walters, enthused, “We’re working with some amazing businesses and we’re proud that leading brands

continue to support our objectives via Corporate Sponsorship. AO is another example of a robust, reputable industry relevant business that understands the importance of installation and the work we do to make the industry a better place for all stakeholders. I am bowled over by AO’s support and I welcome them into the BiKBBI family with open arms!”

Justin Adgar, MD, My-bathrooms

Anthony Sant, MD, AO

Anthill Software

Anthill specialises in CRM, process management and automation with a technology that focuses on how companies and their customers interact. Its software is highly customisable, providing customers with a consistent experience across different channels, teams and locations, enabling organisations to “bridge the gap between companies and their customers” improving efficiency and consistency.

Their sponsorship of BiKBBI is exciting as the software is a great tool for individual operators and larger retailers and suppliers alike. Anthill uses technology as an enabler of a great experience, which helps staff perform to the best of their ability, make smarter decisions, and accelerate growth.

Working with KBB retailers and distributors for over 12 years, Anthill have continuously progressed the way in which CRM and workflow systems work to cater for KBB specific companies.

On becoming corporate sponsors, Anthill founder

and CEO John Endeacott said: “Working alongside and collaborating with the BiKBBI provides a fantastic opportunity for Anthill to build upon the solid foundation of growth we’ve seen across the KBB sector. Our mission is to help KBB organisations provide a consistent customer experience across teams, channels and locations and through this partnership, we can expand our voice within the community and continue to add value to professional installers, retailers, manufacturers, suppliers and distributors."

Joining forces with BiKBBI will undoubtedly help us to achieve this and allow us to introduce our technology to an audience with a compelling product fit.”

Speaking on behalf of BiKBBI, Erin Sealy added: “Anthill has a proven track record of working within the KBB sector and we have seen first-hand how their systems integration can change the efficiency of an organisation. We’re proud to be working with John and his team on the ProtectMyInstall initiative, changing the face of installations in the UK.”

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John Endeacott

CEO, & Founder, Anthill

“We’re working with some amazing businesses and we’re proud that leading brands continue to support our objectives via Corporate Sponsorship."

BIG NAMES GET BEHIND protectmyinstall.co.uk

Buildbase Buildbase has become the latest high profile retailer to adopt the ProtectMyInstall. co.uk platform for its retail kitchen and bathroom operation, an installation service with a number of unique features to protect both installers and their customers.

Acquired by The Grafton Group in 1997, Buildbase operates its retail

kitchen and bathroom proposition from over 50 showrooms across the UK, previously offering a supply only service to its customers.

The new relationship with BiKBBI and the ProtectMyInstall. co.uk platform will allow Buildbase to signpost its customers to a national network of independently accredited installers, forming independent relationships between these installers and their customers

The Range

Also new to ProtectMyinstall. co.uk is high-profile homeware specialist retailer, The Range. This fast growing company has already established in excess of 180 stores across the UK and Ireland, and the introduction of ProtectMyinstall. co.uk is perfectly timed due to the popularity of its exclusive Jonas & James luxury kitchen brand which The

Range launched back in 2019. The company has provided its customers with the ProtectMyInstall.co.uk service from January 1st 2021.

Speaking on behalf of BiKBBI, CEO Damian Walters said: “I’m delighted that The Range is supporting the institute and the ProtectMyInstall. co.uk initiative. This has been a fairly straightforward plug in-and-play solution for them and our members are excited to be working with them.”

for the installation element of the project.

Speaking on behalf of , Chris Parry, UK Operations Director, said: “We’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the support shown by both the senior and showroom team at Buildbase. This is a business that is embracing industry change and proactive in the protection of its customers and those installers they engage.”

Commenting on behalf of Buildbase, Andrew Arnold, National Showrooms Manager stated, “We’re focused on providing our customers with a robust and innovative installation offering that provides a service that both meets customer expectations and protects the relationship. Adopting the ProtectMyInstall. co.uk initiative was simple for us.”

ProtectMyInstall.co.uk is a free to use service for retailers, allowing them to focus on designing and selling kitchens and bathrooms, without the complexity of installation. The service includes a number of beneficial elements for both the installer and their customer, to include protected payments, Trading Standards approved contracts, itemised quotes and an insurance backed guarantee for workmanship. The service also includes a pathway for Alternative Dispute Resolution for added peace of mind.

More information can be found on the ProtectMyInstall.co.uk website: www.protectmyinstall.co.uk

Chris Parry, UK Operations Director

“We’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the support."

BiKBBI WELCOMES RAPID TESTING FOR TRADESPEOPLE

The UK government has announced a national roll out of asymptomatic rapid testing across England, encouraging tradespeople to get tested, even if they’re not showing symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Rapid, regular testing for people without symptoms of coronavirus will be made available across the country from this week, with the eligibility of the community testing programme expanded to cover all 317 local authorities.

Local authorities will be encouraged to test people who are unable to work from home during the national lockdown, naming tradespeople in particular, amongst those who should use the service.

Expansion of asymptomatic testing will identify more positive cases of COVID-19 and ensure those infected isolate, protecting those who cannot work from home and our vital services. This programme is crucial given that around 1 in 3 people have coronavirus without displaying any symptoms. However, it must be reiterated that the single most important action we can all take to protect the NHS and save lives, is to stay at home.

So far, 131 local authorities have signed up to community testing, with 107 already having started testing in their communities. Many of these, including Essex and Milton Keynes, are focusing on the testing of critical workers

and those who must leave home for essential reasons.

In addition to local authorities, NHS Test and Trace will also work closely with other government departments to scale up workforce testing. Many are already piloting regular workforce testing, with 15 large employers having taken up this offer already across 64 sites, including organisations operating in the food, manufacturing, energy and retail sectors, and within the public sector including job centres, transport networks, and the military. An estimated 27,000 tests have taken place across the public sector as part of pilots so far.

BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters welcomes the rapid testing roll out by saying: “This is a great move that will reduce risk to public

health, whilst facilitating tradespeople and their vital contribution to our economy. These small enterprises play a vital role within their communities and this testing will help control the spread of this awful virus”.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “With roughly a third of people who have coronavirus not showing symptoms, targeted asymptomatic testing and subsequent isolation is highly effective in breaking chains of transmission. Rapid, regular testing is led by local authorities who design programmes based on their in-depth knowledge of the local populations, so testing can have the greatest impact.”

Mr Hancock added: “We are now expanding this offer to every local authority across the country, and asking testing to be targeted on workers who cannot work from home during this national lockdown, while asking employers to work with us to scale up workforce testing. Lateral flow tests have already been hugely successful in finding positive cases quickly – and every positive case found is helping to stop the spread – so I encourage employers and workers to take this offer up. We must all do all we can to stop the spread of COVID, right now.”

Rapid testing can be organised via the local authority, not via the national booking service at present. Tradespeople are encouraged to visit their local authority website to arrange the test.

BiKBBI TO PROVIDE DAILY

COVID-19 CLARITY FOR TRADESPEOPLE

In response to recent ‘confusing messaging’ from the devolved governments, The BiKBBI has launched a new tool for the industry, which will provide clarity for tradespeople in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in relation to current trading restrictions, by country.

CEO, Damian Walters, had previously voiced his frustrations at the mixed messaging from the devolved governments in relation to Coronavirus restrictions placed upon tradespeople. Damian raised this topic at a meeting with Kwasi Kwarteng, the newly appointed Secretary of State at The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

The new ‘COVID status checker’ can be found on the BiKBBI news page (HERE) which clarifies the current status for each country for both domestic and construction settings. The website also links to the relevant pages within the respective government websites to aid understanding of responsibility.

The new ‘COVID status checker’ can be found on the BiKBBI news page which clarifies the current status for each country for both domestic and construction settings.

Damian said, “Whilst I think it’s fair to say that the government has done a great job in many respects relating to this pandemic, the lack of cohesion between England, Scotland and Wales, especially on the subject of the differences in social restrictions, has been less than satisfactory. Messaging for the thousands of tradespeople out there needs to be clearer, more consistent and better aligned between the devolved powers, or else this pandemic will not only have health implications, but also impact greatly on SME livelihoods”.

The system, which is free to access by anyone, will be updated upon new guidance and reviewed daily.

CONSUMER DISPUTES –WHO NEEDS THE HEADACHE OR THE COST!

If you face a consumer dispute, wouldn’t you like to just hand it over to someone to manage, saving you time, money, and stress?

BiKKBI and Protected have partnered with QASSS who can manage disputes for members providing a quick and costeffective solution.

QASSS are industry-leading providing super quick alternative dispute resolution services, or ADR for short.

ADR helps resolve disputes between businesses and consumers using mediation and conciliation. QASSS has a team of expert Dispute Resolution Officers, specialists in the home improvement sector, who can help find a fair resolution and help businesses avoid lengthy court proceedings.

WHY USE ADR?

• Save time and resource – referring disputes to an experienced ADR provider will free up internal resources so that you can spend more time on what you do best.

• Save money – ADR helps avoid lengthy court proceedings which are not only timeintensive, stressful, and costly (average costs excluding compensation pay-outs can range from £2,500 to £10,000+), but also in the public domain.

• Reach a quicker decision – QASSS are industry-leading for speed with an average resolution time of just 3.59 days (compared to an industry average of 80 days).

• Drive better outcomes - avoid deadlocks and potential reputational damage.

• Ensure fairness - ADR officials act with impartiality when resolving disputes.

• Improve conversion and retention - stand out from competitors by demonstrating customer commitment and giving customers extra confidence.

BiKKBI members. 

QASSS will take away the headache and handle all disputes for you, so you don’t have to. And, instead of the traditional way of charging per hour or per case, they have bespoke options for both smaller and larger

HOW QASSS CAN HELP

QASSS will take away the headache and handle all disputes for you, so you don’t have to. And, instead of the traditional way of charging per hour or per case, they have bespoke options for both smaller and larger BiKKBI members.

A) Dispute management for larger members

Would you, and your customers, like access to award-winning dispute resolution services at a nominal price that’s also cashflow neutral?

‘Dispute Assist’ is an innovative product from QASSS which offers super-quick ADR at a nominal price of less than £15 per installation, giving businesses extra protection whilst maintaining competitive advantage.

In a similar way to a pre-paid cover plan, Dispute Assist is enacted at the point

of purchase, protecting businesses and consumers should a dispute arise for six years.

The nominal charge is fully inclusive so no surprise bills either. Should a dispute arise, businesses, and their customers, receive free mediation services, free independent inspections, free forensic reports, and free Ombudsman access.

B) Dispute management for smaller members

QASSS also offer a monthly subscription service which includes mediation services, independent inspections, and Ombudsman access. It helps with budgeting for smaller members and also gives you that all important protection should a dispute arise. Plus, as an exclusive offer for BiKBBI members, you’ll get one month free with our 13 months for the price of 12 offer!

A BiKBBI partnership

BiKKBI were impressed by QASSS’s sector expertise, industry-leading resolution times and low-cost options for members. Understanding how much time and costs disputes take on installers, BiKKBI wanted to find a simple, quick, and cost-effective solution for members.

Damian Walters, Chief Executive of BiKBBI, commented, “No installer is exempt from a dispute arising and our collaboration with QASS is a strategic one that will benefit institute members who find themselves in this predicament. I’m sure our association will prove a mutually beneficial one for all concerned ”

www.qasss.co.uk/dispute-assist/ t: 0161 676 0919 e: info@dispute-assist.co.uk

The nominal charge is fully inclusive so no surprise bills either. Should a dispute arise, businesses, and their customers, receive free mediation services, free independent inspections, free forensic reports, and free Ombudsman access.

ULTRA-MATT WORKTOP RANGE

BiKBBI sponsor and online supplier of kitchen worktops, Worktop Express has launched FENIX NTM®

Striking for its sleek and contemporary appearance, the company suggest that this new worktop range will enable kitchen design to be redefined.

FENIX NTM worktops are both beautifully designed and durable, whilst providing a technical, aesthetic solution to two prominent interior design trends: combining smart materials and ultra-matt surfaces. They are available in two thicknesses and five elegant colours with a selection of colourmatched sinks and accessories, customers now have all the products they need to redefine their kitchen design.

FENIX NTM is made using a proprietary technology that creates a surface which is soft to the touch and anti-fingerprint, which only requires simple everyday care. They also have cutting-edge thermal-healing properties which allows customers to easily repair

superficial micro-scratches using everyday household items.

FENIX NTM is available in a slimline 12mm profile and completely solid construction called Solid FENIX NTM which have all the benefits of this innovative material, as well as being waterproof. They are very durable with a high resistance to heat, impact and abrasion and are fully customisable, giving the customer complete control over the aesthetics and functionality of their kitchen worktop. Worktop Express offers a generous 10-year warranty on Solid FENIX NTM worktops.

Available in the same appealing colours and ultra-matt aesthetic in a 39mm profile. Known as Bonded FENIX NTM, it is a more cost-effective way to get all the benefits of a FENIX NTM worktop in their home, supported by a 3-year warranty. Installers can also pair worktops with a colour-matched sink to easily achieve an incredibly contemporary and seamless aesthetic throughout their customers kitchen. This material creates a

“lotus effect”, allowing for the rapid flowing of water and easy cleaning, perfectly balancing aesthetics and functionality. All sinks are available in two sizes: 500mm and 720mm widths - giving customers a choice to select a size that is right for them.

Complementing accessories including splashbacks and upstands are also available and made from the same unique material as the worktops, so installers can achieve a seamless look from worktops to sinks and accessories.

Simply visit worktop-express.co.uk/fenixntm to view the whole range of worktops, sinks and accessories or to order a FENIX NTM worktop sample pack and experience the beautiful colours and superior ultra-matt effect of this innovative smart material first-hand. Find out just how easy it is to modernise a kitchen with FENIX NTM worktop by ordering online at worktop-express.co.uk/ fenixntm.

www.worktop-express.co.uk/fenixntm

AQUALISA AWARDED ‘HIGHLY COMMENDED’ IN ‘BEST IN TECH’ IN BRIT LIST AWARDS 2020

Shower manufacturer Aqualisa has been ‘Highly Commended’ in the Best in Tech category at this year’s Brit List Awards. Now in its fourth year, The Brit List Awards is Hotel Designs’ nationwide search to find the most influential designers, architects, hoteliers and suppliers operating in Britain.

Aqualisa, an Award Partner for the second year running, was ‘Highly Commended’ in the Best in Tech award for its Aqualisa Quartz Touch smart shower. The app controlled shower and bath fill product was identified by the international panel of judges as a significant development for bathroom technology and for pushing the boundaries of the hotel in-room experience in terms of convenience and control.

Aqualisa CEO, Colin Sykes, said, “It’s always nice to be recognised for the quality of the products we make and we are delighted to have done so well in these acclaimed design awards. We believe our latest smart showers, which are operated by Alexa and Google voice activation and a first-tomarket shower app, will achieve prominence in bathroom design and technology over the next few years. We’re delighted Quartz Touch has been acknowledged as the leading edge product it is and for the opportunities smart showers offer a Hotel industry that’s having to adjust to new post-Covid parameters.”

www.aqualisa.co.uk.

MARGARET TALBOT TO HANDLE VITRA’S EUROPEAN MARKETING

Vitra has promoted Margaret Talbot from Marketing Manager in the UK to Regional Marketing Manager for Europe.

In her new role, Talbot’s responsibilities include marketing strategy and management for France, Germany and Italy, as well as managing plans in the UK.

Talbot has been with the Oxfordshire-based bathroom company since 2016, after a successful career in telecoms and IT. The company said that

she has played a vital part in the growth of Vitra in the UK.

Talbot said: “I am thrilled to be offered this new opportunity. The marketing team, here in Oxford, have been a key part of our success and I look forward to building on these relationships with our customers and teams across Europe. The new showroom will be a creative hub that will be used by Vitra and its customers globally. I look forward to playing my part.”

www.vitra.co.uk

IDS APPOINTS NEW DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

IDS has strengthened its marketing team by creating a new role and appointed Rob Mckechnie as Digital Marketing Manager.

Mckechnie has a wealth of experience specialising in creative digital marketing and social media. In his new role, he will oversee IDS’s corporate site as well as those of its many decorative surfacing brands spanning worksurfaces, solid surfacing, flooring, and wall and ceiling panels, while also being responsible for developing strategies that span the company’s digital functions, from e-commerce to email campaigns.

Says Mckechnie of his new role: “I am pleased to join the IDS marketing team and to

have the opportunity to further strengthen the company’s digital portfolio. My aim is to create a more customer centric online experience across the business, while continuing to build upon and improve our customer communications. Enhancing brand awareness across our social media platforms will be another key priority.”

www.idsurfaces.co.uk

KBBG LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE MAKES IT EASY TO GET IN TOUCH

The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group (KBBG) has launched a new website to help retailers find the information they need abut the organisation.

The new website from the buying group, which is part of European kitchen and bathroom buying group Der Kreis, explains the benefits of KBBG membership and makes it easy for independent retailers to get in touch with the group a time when face-to-face meeting are difficult.

The site includes an introductory video, giving further insight into the aims of the group, along

with a selection of FAQs. It also contains all the latest news and events from the group. The new site details all of the buying group’s suppliers in a special section that is split into kitchens, appliances, bathrooms and support services.

KBBG Managing Director Bill Miller said: “The launch of our new website couldn’t have come at a better time. Much of our business is based on face-to-face meetings with the KBBG sales team visiting KBB showrooms up and down the country. But while this has been difficult for much of the last year, we wanted to ensure that our online presence

is strong, so that independent retailers can realise the benefits and easily find the information they need about our buying group.

“We worked hard on the design and development of the new website to ensure that it is on-brand, easy on the eye and informative. We hope it will be a useful tool for both prospective and current members of the KBBG.”

www.derkreis.co.uk

CAVALIER BATHROOMS ENTERS KITCHENS

MARKET WITH ACQUISITION OF TRE MERCATI

Bathroom manufacturer Cavalier Bathrooms has acquired Oldham-based bathroom and kitchen brassware company Tre Mercati for an undisclosed sum.

West Yorkshire-based Cavalier Bathrooms, whose brands include Aquadart, Elation, April Products and Niagara, has a portfolio that includes everything from shower enclosures and wet rooms to furniture and cabinets. It said the move will allow it to bring a stronger offering to retailers across the country.

Tre Mercati is a third-generation family-owned business whose products are said to offer Italian style that suits traditional or contemporary home designs.

Commenting on the acquisition, Cavalier Bathrooms Managing Director Robert Harrison (pictured) said: “We’re really excited to welcome the Tre Mercati name under the Cavalier Bathrooms portfolio. As two long-standing familyowned brands in the home improvement industry, it’s great to bring together our skills, products and experience to more retailers and distribution networks for their customers.

“The acquisition comes after a busy year for us, despite the pandemic. It’s provided us with time to invest in our business processes and technology to strengthen our offering and networks; it’s a fantastic time to bring Tre Mercati on board with us.”

Speaking on behalf of Tre Mercati, Managing Director Helena Parkinson said: “Joining the Cavalier Bathrooms portfolio

felt right to us. We share the same values and are driven by bringing great design and functional products to market. It’s important for us that everything remains seamless for our customers, which is why we’re delighted to be joining the Cavalier family as people with great credentials and experience in the industry.”

www.cavalierbathrooms.co.uk

1810 COMPANY LAUNCHES ONLINE ORDERING

APP

Sinks, taps and accessories suppler The 1810 Company has launched a new online ordering system.

Called the 1810 Hub, the system can be accessed by downloading the free app to a laptop, PC, table or Apple or Android smartphone.

The new Hub is said to be compatible with industry management software, such as EQ and Compusoft.

As well as offering a simple ordering system, the 1810 Hub will also automatically notify registered users of any special offers or the latest multi-buy promotions. Users will also be able to check order history, stock levels and make payments.

The company says that the first step is to register on its website. Retailers will then be sent their user name and password and can then start to use the Hub immediately.

www.the1810company.co.uk

is a colour thing

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Colour

USED KITCHEN COMPANY LAUNCHES TWO GREEN AWARENESS EVENTS

The Used Kitchen Company (TUKC) is pushing the recycling message with two new green awareness events – No Skip Sunday on March 28 and Kitchen Passport Week, which kicks off on May 17.

These initiatives will be publicised through TUKC’s website, social media channels and through retailers.

The inaugural No Skip Sunday takes place on the Sunday when the clocks skip forward (March 28), and is intended to raise awareness about recycling old kitchens to ensure they do not end up in a skip and then go to landfill. This day is also six days after Earth Day and is said to be mark the start of DIY season as spring starts.

Kitchen Passport Week will aim to encourage kitchen retailers and customers to create a TUKC Kitchen Passport. The ‘passport’ is similar to a car’s logbook with details about when the kitchen’s materials and components were made and how these parts can be recycled.

The weeklong event will run from May 17 each year, as this is the Saints Day of San Pasqual, the patron saint of kitchens.

TUKC chief executive Looeeze Grossman said: “We wish to continue to set the agenda in our used kitchen sector and get everyone talking about the conscientious thing to do when it comes to buying or selling a kitchen.

“We want to get to the stage where everyone thinks twice before just replacing a kitchen without recycling the one they already have. These awareness days will help us to drive the conversation and achieve this goal.”

Retailers can get involved with the events by either encouraging their customers to use the TUKC services of the kitchen reselling website and get a kitchen passport for their kitchen, or to use the service themselves when updating their showroom.

Grossman believes that lockdown is an opportunity to change displays or become passport partners. She said: “Now is the ideal time for showrooms to proceed with any changes of displays they may be planning in 2021. Lockdown also presents them with the opportunity to work with Kitchen Passport and create passports for all the kitchens they have sold and are selling.

“When they become Kitchen Passport partners, they can use the initiative’s green logos and stickers for promotional purposes. Consumer research tells us that eco principles are vital for the future success of businesses. Kitchen Passport is a very easy route to take, if you wish to boost your green credentials and add some futureproofing to your business by doing so.”

theusedkitchencompany.com

ROCA ACQUIRES 75% STAKE IN BATHROOM FURNITURE COMPANY ROYO GROUP

The Roca Group has taken a 75% stake in Royo Group, a Valenciabased bathroom furniture company.

The Royo family still holds 25% of the company’s capital, while Roca has purchased 62% from American fund HIG and a further 13% from Royo.

Royo Group had a turnover of €95 million (£84m) in 2019 and employs 793 people across its three production plants in Spain and Poland and two innovation centres.

Roca will now have its global bathroom furniture development centre based in Valencia. This move is part of the group’s strategy to set up specialised centres for different product categories in the bathroom.

Roca Group Chief Executive Albert Malgrans said: “With this alliance, we reinforce the bathroom furniture category, key in our sector, with the European leader, with whom we share the business vision and with whom we have collaborated closely over the past 10 years. This merger will allow us to further increase our competitiveness in the bathroom space and achieve the world’s leadership in this segment.”

Raúl Royo, CEO at Royo Group, said: “[It is] a great strategic alliance through a joint venture between the two companies that reinforces the maximum possible commitment between both parties.

“The agreement with Roca, one of the largest Spanish industrial groups and a leader in the bathroom business worldwide, will help us to jointly build an even more leading and innovative company, accumulating almost 150 years of history in the bathroom sector between the two families.”

This alliance, said Roca Group and Royo, will “create a world leader in bathroom furniture”. It will have a global turnover of more than €173m in the furniture segment and a production of close to two million units per year in nine production centres in Spain, Portugal, Poland, Czech Republic, Russia, China and Brazil.

Roca Group has 81 production centres and operates in 170 countries with a workforce of 24,000 worldwide. In 2019, it recorded a turnover of €1.86 billion.

www.uk.roca.com

BACK TO BLACK

Imperial Bathrooms, galvanises the growing trend for Noir Luxe bathroom interiors with the launch of its brand new Black Sapphire Collection.

Featured in the company’s 2020/21 Brochure, the newly curated Black Sapphire Collection is a luxurious, all-black bathroom series of UK manufactured sanitaryware designs. Finished in high quality, colour-rich black glaze, this new collection is timeless and achieves the right level of grandeur long associated with black-glamour interiors.

The new Black Sapphire Collection includes 4 ranges:

ETOILE BLACK SAPPHIRE: Opulent and unashamedly glamorous by expert UK artisans who craft and fire each individual piece up-to six times to enable meticulously smoothing of the surface at every stage to create a gleaming, flawless finish which is unique to Imperial Bathrooms.

ASTORIA DECO BLACK SAPPHIRE: A high-shine, glossy black finish gives the Astoria Deco range a new take on traditional design.

DRIFT BLACK SAPPHIRE: Black Sapphire provides a solid foundation for the highly decorative Drift range. Every intricate detail is able to create even more impact when set against a Noir Luxe backdrop and when designed in combination with white walls and matching black accessories.

RADCLIFFE BLACK SAPPHIRE: Radcliffe in new black colourway is a unique mix of traditional British design with rococo-styling. Known for being majestic and grandiose, Radcliffe Black Sapphire is now defined by its deep, glassy finish and inspired range of exclusive Imperial brassware, lighting and mirrors.

James Stevenson, Creative Director, Imperial Bathrooms says, “Our new Black Sapphire Collection makes it possible to achieve a top-of-the-line bathroom interior, which is premium by design and rich in quality. By introducing this newly defined product collection, we’re able to complement and enhance our range of ceramic ware alongside the best in black accessories, light fixtures, trims, paint schemes and bold furniture designs so popular today.”

Graham Bucktrout, Managing Director, Imperial Bathrooms says, “Market trends continue to appreciate highly-stylised bathroom interiors and this has led to darker colour palettes being used to create a bold statement in the home.”

www.imperialbathrooms.com

Imperial Bathrooms unveils its new Black Sapphire Collection

Radcliffe large basin and pedestal

Radcliffe Troon basin stand with the Radcliffe vanity basin Black

Drift large basin and pedestal

FREE

JOB SEEKERS CLUB

Foyne Jones, executive search and talent acquisition service providers for the KBB, Builders Merchant & Construction Sales Industries, has launched a Weekly Job Seekers Club with a view to help those who have lost their job or currently seeking a change of employment during Lockdown #3.

Working in partnership with Quooker UK, the premiere episode of this exclusive Job Seekers Club debuted on Friday 15th January 2021, and runs on a weekly basis throughout January, February and March. Spaces are limited to 50 participants per session with each instalment hosted by Peter Jones, Founder & Managing Director, at Foyne Jones alongside a well-respected guest list. Each session will provide attendees with:

Renowned for his fresh and innovative approach to recruitment and networking in the digital age, Peter Jones explains, “Personality and an ability to listen and learn is the cornerstone of recruitment, so we have decided to create a unique, free programme of interactive workshops to support job seekers and mitigate the inevitable after-effects of the newly imposed lockdown in 2021.”

The debut session will take place on Friday 15th and the initiative is welcomed by supporter and backer Stephen Johnson, the Managing Director at Quooker UK who comments, “I am delighted to take part in the first of these exclusive workshops and work with Peter to help transform careers and shape positive change for our industry. We are particularly proud of the partnership we formed together last summer in order to support the KBB industry and offer next-level redundancy support including specialist coaching and mentoring, alongside dedicated seminars and podcasts” says Stephen.

Peter adds, “We want to provide targeted advice, along with the latest creative strategies to optimize career opportunities within the KBB, Builders

Merchant & Construction Sales Industries. Making a commitment to improve your life is the biggest thing you can ever do and we want to help facilitate this by providing you with a solid foundation for success so you can fulfil your long-term career aspirations.”

Peter concluded, “With the health crisis and digital landscape changing on a weekly basis, job hunting and recruitment has to be fluid and therefore evolve, because if we don’t start doing things differently, we are in danger of losing our best players to other sectors: and potentially, stop attracting experts within our field and much sought after stars of the future.

Do you want to attend the Foyne Jones Weekly Job Seekers Club? Please contact:

www.foynejones.com 0207 486 1777 | info@foynejones.com

Peter Jones, Founder & Managing Director, Foyne Jones

“With the health crisis and digital landscape changing on a weekly basis, job hunting and recruitment has to be fluid and therefore evolve, because if we don’t start doing things differently, we are in danger of losing our best players to other sectors"

INNOVATIVE SEAMLESS MAKEOVER RANGE BY WHARF

Specialist seamless worksurface manufacturer Wharf, has unveiled its new makeover range of kitchen and bathroom worktops and splashbacks. It is ingeniously designed and precision engineered to custom-fit over existing surfaces for consumers wishing to modernise their kitchen without having to replace their existing cabinets, doors & appliances, which means that there less budget required and importantly, environmentally friendly as there is zero landfill.

The Wharf Seamless Makeover® Worktop in Callisto finish (pictured) with square edged profile and custom curve feature is designed to give the look and feel of a one-piece seamless

worktop. This solid surface solution creates a naturally flowing appearance, which is not just aesthetically eye-catching but hygienic, 100% waterproof and entirely bespoke too.

To enable it to be overlaid over existing worktops, digital technology has been used throughout the entire manufacturing process to enable a precision fit.

Installer-friendliness is high on Wharf’s agenda and for this purpose they have introduced a simple order process to complement ease of installation of the product itself. It makes for hassle-free, convenience for a kitchen makeover.

www.wharfmakeover.co.uk

This solid surface solution creates a naturally flowing appearance, which is not just aesthetically eye-catching but hygienic, 100% waterproof and entirely bespoke too.

VITRA PREDICTS NATURE AND HYGIENE TO BE BIG FOR 2021

It might sound like a particularly gruesome illness, but Biophilia is predicted to be big in bathrooms for 2021.

Biophilia is the integration and inclusion of nature as a focal point –with lavish, well cared for greenery, natural wood finishes and subtle shapes and colours. A biophilic bathroom design features shapes and colours that have a relationship with the great outdoors. Various ferns and air plants like Tillandsia will thrive in humid bathrooms. Succulent plants (plants that store water in their leaves) also love bathrooms. To complement glossy leaves and foliage, white remains the top choice for sanitaryware – but splashes of subtle colour can be added with vessel

basins. "The return to the full-colour suite may not be around the corner," comments VitrA's Margaret Talbot, but a subtle hint of colour in a soft earth tone adds character and distinction to a bathroom."

Bathscaping is the other bathroom buzzword for 2021 –the art of creating a harmonising scheme that meets all the family's needs while also being practical, clutter-free, and easy to look after. Clutter-free modern shapes create a peaceful atmosphere – something everyone is seeking after the stressful ups and downs of 2020. Plants play to this desire with consumers who have had time to spend time outdoors this year or are yearning tropical influences from missed vacations.

Equal bathroom furniture collection in black patterned oak reflects the consumer interest in finishes reflecting nature – pictured here with a Prickly Pear Cactus.

Various ferns and air plants like Tillandsia will thrive in humid bathrooms. Succulent plants (plants that store water in their leaves) also love bathrooms.

The connection between water, wellbeing and nature has never been easier with waterfall showerheads, walk-in showers, and statement baths. Elegant furniture that reflects this need for relaxation with nature-inspired wood finishes, presented with lush leaves and foliage will be popular with consumers happy to spend on home improvements in the absence of far-flung holidays.

Cleanliness and hygiene is a high priority for the future and combined with easy cleaning will feature high in 2021. Accordingly, consumers will appreciate sanitaryware that features a glaze that does not allow grime to linger and slows bacteria's growth.

Rimless toilet designs and those that offer integrated disinfectant flushes will be popular. Shower toilets will be seen in more and more British bathrooms thanks to their unrivalled hygiene and comfort advantages. VitrA's V-Care shower WC's are stylish, practical and will be appreciated by users of all ages. They offer a range of features including a sensor that opens the lid as the user approaches, adjustable washing and drying functions, a heated seat and more. The pan is wall hung so can be set at a comfortable height. It also features odour

control and VitrA's Rim-ex design, which means there is no rim around the inside of the pan for germs and limescale to lurk. The control is simple and easy to use. "There are many benefits to shower toilets," comments Margaret Talbot. "Hands-free cleaning is hygienic and helps to stop the spread of illnesses, plus the cleaning and drying functions negate the need for toilet paper. For the consumer looking to stay at home, one is a vital consideration.

Margaret Talbot predicts that sales of wallhung fittings will also continue to grow. "Easy to install frame systems and retrofit products such as Vitrus have made wall hung easy for anyone wanting the most hygienic and up to date look. Wall hung fittings give an uncluttered look which is very much in line with the ‘bathscaping’ trend, and the bathroom is much easier to clean as there are no nooks and crannies and the floor can be cleaned without fittings getting in the way of the mop. Many of our wall-hung WCs feature Rim-ex – a rimless design that gets rid of one of the most unhygienic aspects of WC design without compromising flush performance."

www.VitrA.co.uk

Countertop basin from the VitrA Outline collection features VitrA Clean Glaze for added hygiene and easy cleaning shown in one of four matt colours – all inspired by nature. White also available.

"Bathscaping is the other bathroom buzzword for 2021 – the art of creating a harmonising scheme that meets all the family's needs while also being practical, clutter-free, and easy to look after."

Margaret

Talbot Marketing Manager, VitrA

ROCA TO SHINE WITH

NEW SMART SHOWER

No shower experience is the same and, with this in mind, Roca has developed a Smart Shower to revolutionise this daily routine. The innovative shower uses smart technology to provide a truly unique showering experience. With its customisable settings and ease of use, the smart shower is a beneficial addition to any bathroom design.

The intelligent smart shower has a sleek, simple interface and allows up to three users within the same household to pre-set their desired settings. They can set their shower duration, maximum temperature and flow rates all based on their own individual needs.

The interface features a colour LCD display and touch sensitive controls with soft turn dials to ensure it is extremely easy to use and control. Users can install two or three outlets including a Raindream showerhead, handset and Puzzle Square Jets. If homeowners select the three outlet option, the clever design allows two of them to work simultaneously.

www.uk.roca.com

One of the smart benefits to the digital shower is that it can be controlled via an app. This means that users can use their phone or tablet from a bedside to turn on the shower and activate the warm-up function.

For young families, the shower is equipped with a child safety mode so children can only turn the shower off and also allows for the control of flow, temperature and duration to provide peace of mind. This is reinforced by the temperature monitoring system which measures the temperature to eliminate the risk of scalding.

The Smart Shower solution also includes a Legionella cleaning programme to eliminate bacteria without the use of chemical products and a cleaning program to clean stains from built up lime and impurities.

The smart shower has the ability to detect and notify the user about functionality issues or if there are problems with the installation, this allows for complications to be solved immediately even if they are not related to the shower.

Roca Smart Showering

BUSHBOARD LAUNCHES ITS COLLECTION OF FIRE-SAFE DECORATIVE KITCHEN SPLASHBACKS

Bring dream kitchen designs to life with Alloy splashbacks, launching in Spring 2021.

The Alloy range offers twelve beautifully patterned aluminium splashbacks, designed to fill the entire wall space behind a hob, without compromising safety.

Alloy splashbacks are both 100% fire safe and waterproof, making them a safe and longlasting surface solution for wall space both behind the hob and the sink. Available in simple sizing templates that cater for all kitchen specifications, Alloy splashbacks eliminate the need for an expensive glass hob cover, or stainless steel hob panels that interrupt the overall aesthetic of the kitchen design.

In a UK first, Alloy splashbacks are designed to fill the entire space between the worktop and extractor hood, offering complete design freedom all around the kitchen.

Comprising of twelve versatile designs, the collection is inspired by traditional tile designs, geometric patterns and natural materials, with every design carefully developed to complement the most popular and desirable kitchen trends.

Unlike other splashbacks, every Alloy design is steam, heat and fire resistant so it can be placed on any wall in the kitchen without compromising safety, even in the hot zone around the hob where heat is most intense.

“Normally with a patterned splashback solution you have to have a glass cover, or choose a stainless steel hob panel for safety,” says Product Manager for Worktops UK, Caroline Elliott. “We recognise that people want beautiful splashbacks without breaking up patterns, or to mimic tiles without the hassle of installation or cleaning. Alloy splashbacks allow people to create the look they want – a beautiful design that fills the wall and is safe wherever you put it.”

Every Alloy splashback designs comes in four sizes: high rise, designed to fill the entire wall between worktop and extractor hood; mid rise, designed to fill the space behind a sink; hob panel for placement behind a hob only; and wide hob panel,

ideal for use behind wider hobs.

Alloy splashbacks are quick and simple to cut to size if needed, whilst also being easy to fit, easy to clean and resistant to heat and scratches. Additionally, Alloy splashbacks can be affixed directly to the wall with Complete adhesive, eliminating the need for an expensive installation kit, with an innovative trim system to complete the look? available to purchase separately.

The Alloy splashbacks range is available through Bushboard from Spring 2021, providing an appealing solution across contract, residential, commercial and other kitchen project applications. A preview of the range can be seen at:

www.bushboard.co.uk

Bushboard Alloy splashback in Geometry

Bushboard Alloy Walnut Geometric splashback

Bushboard Alloy Herringbone Cement splashback

WHY INSTALLERS SHOULD TAKE CAD SERIOUSLY

Alex Ainge Managing Director, Compusoft GB LTD

Computer Aided Design or CAD software is a useful tool commonly used by bathroom retailers and designers to create plans for their customers, as well as generate renders of their customer’s bathrooms, to show them how the final project will look. But CAD isn’t exclusively for designers and retailers, it can be a really useful tool for installers too.

As well as offering a straightforward design tool, Compusoft’s Winner and Innoplus software features comprehensive searchable catalogues with details and highly accurate measurements, which allow the user to create accurate 2D plans which can be used as an installation guide.

These 2D plans can then easily and quickly be converted into photo-realistic 3D renders.

EASY TO USE

It is often assumed that CAD software is complicated to use and that you have to be an expert to use it. This is wrong!

It’s true that some CAD software packages are trickier to get to grips with than others, but some are incredibly simple to learn and use.

"Installers should embrace the technology now available and use it as a vehicle to stand out, win more business, reduce operating costs through clarity, upsell new and exciting product and concepts, all whilst providing the customer with an experience to match their expectations."

BiKKBI CEO Damian Walters, comments: “Whilst CAD may seem like a step too far for some tradespeople, it really shouldn’t be dismissed as a tool for others. Installers should embrace the technology now available and use it as a vehicle to stand out, win more business, reduce operating costs through clarity, upsell new and exciting product and concepts, all whilst providing the customer with an experience to match their expectations.

“Long gone are the days of ‘cigarette-packetquotes’ and hand drawn concepts. We must all embrace change and use technology as part of our commercial planning moving forward.”

Compusoft CAD software features a clear and simple interface with pre-defined room templates to which you simply add your measurements.



Once the room is ready, everything can put into place by simply dragging and dropping it from the searchable catalogues. This can be done in either 2D or 3D to make it even easier for the user.

The software also has intuitive functionality that will be familiar to most people that have basic working knowledge of any computer. For example, right clicking on an object will bring up a menu or holding down the mouse to move and position tiles or objects will work as you would expect.

Comprehensive training can be done in just one day, so most users are ready to start using it very quickly. And if you do have any problems, there’s always a local customer service team on hand to answer any questions you might have.

In addition, you don’t need a particularly high-spec computer to use it. Providing your computer is no more than five or six years old, it should be able to easily handle a CAD software package. And, if you really want to use your CAD package on the go, then you could invest in a higher-spec or gaming laptop which would have the kind of processor and graphics card needed to run a CAD package.

TIME SAVING

Some installers tend to work from handdrawn plans and these work fine provided you have no changes to make – which is rarely the case. Pricing is also often undertaken on paper so changes in the design and therefore the order, can be much more time-consuming.

CAD software allows the user to make changes instantly and easily. As the design is changed, the parts list and details are also changed and where there is a link to an accurate database of products, the parts list will have all of the details needed for ordering and quoting. As well as saving time, this also means you don’t miss anything when plans are changed.

SEARCHABLE CATALOGUES TO FIND WHAT YOU NEED

In addition, searchable product catalogues are preferable to physical brochures which, in their number and volume, can overwhelm and put off prospects. With searchable catalogues you need only need an idea of what your customer likes and then you can search easily to find exactly what they want.

HIGHLY ACCURATE

The 2D installation plans that CAD packages can create are to scale and highly accurate and are all made automatically. The software will also alert you if there might be a problem with the positioning of an object, such as openings of cabinets clashing with other objects or required spacing for disabled bathrooms.

Once the design is right, a photo-realistic 3D rendering is quickly produced – within 90 seconds – and because the software is easy to use and intuitive, you can spend more time engaging with the customer.

IMPORT DESIGNS EASILY

If you are already working with a wholesaler or retailer that provides the designs, you can import those designs to make your own changes. This can cut down the amount of time you spend going back to another designer to get the right plans, which helps when you know the space and needs of the customer.

CONSIDERATIONS

If you want to get the maximum out of a CAD package, it’s important it has all of the features and functionality listed above. It should be easy to use and intuitive, it should feature searchable catalogues for well-known, trusted brands, with accurate measurements for all items. It should be able to create 3D renders from 2D plans, and you should be able to import designs to make any changes needed.

CONCLUSION

For installers, the accuracy and the timesaving features that CAD packages offer can be invaluable for those who might otherwise be working from hand-scribbled drawings and hand-written notes. Making amends quickly to designs in response to changes is something that can save a huge amount of time and ensure that you fit exactly what was agreed and promised to the customer.

Visually showing a finished bathroom in a 3D CAD system has also been proven to improve sales, as customers can be more reassured, they will get what they want for their investment.

When choosing a CAD package, have a clear idea of what you need it to do. Does it need to be able to support fitting plans or simply provide a nice picture for the customer? Also consider your own knowledge of computers and how user-friendly the package needs to be when making a decision. There are a huge number of benefits for an installer looking to grow their business and remove some of the time involved in planning and selling bathrooms. www.compusoftgroup.com

Comprehensive training can be done in just one day, so most users are ready to start using it very quickly.

WILSONART ZENITH RANGE LAUNCHES INTO DISTRIBUTION

Following a surge in market demand for thin profile compact laminate worktops, Wilsonart has announced from Spring 2021 that it will distribute its popular Zenith compact laminate into its builders’ merchants network.

Zenith is Wilsonart’s bestperforming compact laminate: 12.5mm thin, and a tough performer that looks and feels like stone but doesn't require templating, allowing for fuss-free, easy installation. Manufactured with toughness in mind and with a solid-core composition, Zenith is fully waterproof with a consistent colour all the way through and double-sided decorative finish. These features make Zenith worktops ideal for cutting into any shape you need for worktops, shelves and sills, and simply require a light refinishing to the front edge, allowing customers to enjoy the coloured core.

Zenith also benefits from a unique and innovative hygienefocussed twist. The surfaces boast a lifelong anti-bacterial protection that is food-safe and

destroys 99.9% of bacteria within just 24 hours.

As a result of its unique properties, Zenith has seen increasing demand over the past twelve months across the construction, contract market and private residential sectors.

To mark the prosperous new direction for the Zenith brand, Wilsonart will also be launching free installation training in the coming months, to provide further support to its installer partners. The sessions will offer detailed product information and guidance on fitting to enable installers to fit Zenith surfaces with confidence and ease.

Installers can sign up to Wilsonart’s Installer Network to be the first to receive information about upcoming training sessions, as well as benefitting from other opportunities such as competitions and the option to submit their own Zenith projects as case studies. For more information and to sign up to free training, visit

Wilsonart Installer Network

Zenith also benefits from a unique and innovative hygiene-focussed twist. The surfaces boast a lifelong anti-bacterial protection that is food-safe and destroys 99.9% of bacteria within just 24 hours.

Wilsonart Zenith Marbre Gris

WHY OUR HOMES WILL LOOK DIFFERENT IN 2021

Elizabeth Briggs, Category Manager Sliding, Room & Building, Häfele UK explains why the last year has changed how we use our homes and what this will mean for kitchen fitters in 2021.

The past 12 months have been life changing. The way we live day-to-day was turned on its head and the things we took for granted were removed from under our feet almost overnight.

As a result, our lives, and in turn, our homes are likely to have changed forever. But this change brings opportunity for kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installers, as we adapt our homes to suit our new lifestyles.

Home comforts and discomforts: In 2020, we discovered a new-found solace in our homes. Where we live became a place of safety and comfort, and due to restrictions, it was also where many people spent most of their days. In fact, one survey found we spent an extra eight hours in our homes per day during the first lockdown – that’s almost double what it was before.

Likewise, our homes had to take on new roles. No longer are they just the place we eat, sleep and be with our families, they’ve become schools, offices and gyms too.

Without warning, our homes had to become multifunctional and from spending around 17 hours a day there, we quickly realised their flaws.

As 2020 drew to a close, we started to see an increased focus on the configuration of internal spaces. It was no longer enough to improve the face of a room, changing paint colours and wallpaper. Consumers became increasingly interested in making spaces work harder for them and were prepared to make significant changes to create the flexible homes they wanted and needed.

The rise of the home office: Nowhere has this change been more prevalent than in the home office. Almost half the population did some work at home in 2020 (ONS) and in a survey completed by Häfele UK late last year, respondents told us they expect to spend 54% of their working week working from home in 2021. 

Almost half the population did some work at home in 2020 (ONS) and in a survey completed by Häfele UK late last year, respondents told us they expect to spend 54% of their working week working from home in 2021.

Because of this huge change in working practices, our research found that 40% of home workers are planning to create a dedicated workspace in their property within the next 12 months. This planned investment is a massive opportunity for kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installers, as spare rooms, kitchens and dining spaces have become the temporary home of many would-be office workers.

Our survey of 2,000 people found that 31% regularly work at their dining table and one in ten use kitchen worktops. Over two-fifths (43%) of respondents also said they often work from a bedroom, whether that’s their own, someone else’s or a spare bedroom, and 8% work from their dressing table.

While this improvised approach served many home workers well for the first few months, it’s now wearing thin. Over half (55%) of our respondents told us they hated working in a space used for other purposes and 42% are frustrated they can’t shut away their workspace at the end of the day.

As a result, one in five respondents are planning to reconfigure an existing room to make a dedicated home office set up. A further 18% are considering converting an existing room into a dedicated office, while 19% are hoping to build a garden room or convert their garage.

Yet rather than taking the DIY approach, around half of people would speak to a joiner or builder during the early planning process for advice, meaning there’s a clear opportunity for fitters to guide customers on the best way to create a more permanent working-from-home solution in these areas.

Our homes had to take on new roles. No longer are they just the place we eat, sleep and be with our families, they’ve become schools, offices and gyms too.

The kitchen-diner-office: While home office design might not be the natural territory of many kitchen and bedroom installers, it’s likely a brief they’ll get more of in 2021 and beyond.

Although converting a spare room would probably be the first choice of many wouldbe office workers, an extra room is a luxury many of us don’t have. As a result, many customers are looking to create a dedicated workspace, while not sacrificing a room in their home, and kitchen dining rooms and bedrooms are often natural choices.

Fortunately, there are tonnes of products out there that fitters can recommend to customers to create the perfect workspace.

Our survey of home workers found that the majority of people (83%) wanted a space they could close off or put away at the end of the day and likewise, there was a strong desire for a compact workspace that doesn’t take up too much room (78%).

Combined, these responses give a strong mandate for concealed office designs created using sliding or pocket door systems. Using sliding door or pocket door systems, homeowners can partition off an open plan kitchen or dining area for example, making an office space that’s there when they need it but can be hidden away at 5.30 pm. These innovative systems also have an added space-saving bonus as they take up around 1270mm less operating space per door versus a traditional hung door.

The Hawa Concepta pivot sliding system is one such example. This clever solution hides away within a wall recess and doesn’t need a floor channel, making it the perfect concealed option. As well as being a great solution for the homeowner, it’s also designed for easy fitting with all adjustments carried out from the front, and thanks to a unique scissor technology, it’s highly versatile too. The system can carry up to 2.6m in height and a maximum door weight of 50kg. This allows fitters to create a substantial hidden office space for their customers.

If needing an easier retrofit partition option, installers can recommend the Hawa Junior 80/b top hung system. This solution can be used to create a sliding interior door to divide a room and hide away a working space when not in use.

And for those customers wanting to create a home office in a spare room and still have space for a guest bed, foldaway bed fittings such as the Tavoletto Combi-Fitting are a great solution.

Further opportunities for fitters: While the basics of a home office space are one thing, for kitchen and bedroom fitters who want to expand their offer in 2021, additional home office design services are a huge opportunity and a relatively easy way to bring in extra revenue once you know what’s important to the customer.

As part of our research, we did just that, asking consumers to describe their perfect home office in more detail.

In their responses, home workers chose good lighting as their top requirement, with 89% of home workers rating it as a crucial design factor. Technology also ranked as a key consideration, with work-from-homers choosing charging points for phones (84%), power sockets (83%) and ways to hide cables and wires (77%) as other important factors in their dream home office. Storage for paperwork and files was also important (77.35%) and after months of aching backs, adjustable table height was included by almost a quarter of respondents (72.50%).

Looking at this list of needs further, there are so many ways savvy kitchen and bedroom installers can add value.

Let there be light…and power: While lighting has traditionally been an area that some fitters might steer away from, thanks to innovation in this area, it’s becoming easier to provide the full package. Loox by Häfele has been developed specifically for the furniture industry. A simple, modular plug and play system, fitters can easily incorporate it into office furniture – as well as kitchen cabinetry – to create a practical, well-lit working space for customers. The system also features modular USB charging stations and audio systems that can be integrated into designs with ease creating a true 3D experience.

For fitters who want extra support on lighting, Häfele has also launched a freeof-charge Lighting Design Service whereby fitters simply submit their requirements and one of our expert team will return a list of products needed to transform the space.

Simple storage: Another great way for fitters to add value is by designing and building functional home office storage for their customers using a range of innovative components.

If a client has limited space, our pioneering hingeless flap fittings, free space, would be an ideal way to create more storage room within cabinetry by eliminating the need for large cover caps. This reduces the internal installation depth to just 63mm.

Likewise, fitters can also use Häfele to Order to support home office projects as it has recently been extended to feature a bespoke timber drawer service. Through this, installers can submit their requirements and Häfele will supply handmade, high grade solid timber drawers in a choice of wood types, complete with drawer runners.

A year of opportunity: As we start a new year and reflect on the last 12 months, it’s true that how we live and work might never be quite the same, but from this immense change, there is equally immense opportunity. By responding to the ‘new normal’ and working closely with manufacturers like Häfele, there’s a whole new world for kitchen, bathroom and bedroom installers to take advantage of and make 2021 their best year yet.

www.hafele.co.uk

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)

With the onset of a new year and all that it might bring with it, we asked insurance expert Christopher Bates of strategic BiKBBI partner UIB Insurance to give us his advice on how to choose a business insurance policy …

Understanding what you need and defining which is which policy, and where to find the right ones for you, is essential when choosing the best small business insurance. Business insurance is to be taken seriously and should be a fundamental part of protecting your company, covering you against a variety of risks ranging from accidental damage to angry customers.

Critically, installers need to understand that some insurance cover is required by law whereas some are an optional safeguard against threats to you or your business and are designed to give you peace of mind whilst you go about your everyday business.

LEGAL ESSENTIALS

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

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

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

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

PROTECTING PROPERTY

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

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

COVERING YOUR BACK

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

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

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

COVERING YOUR CONCERNS

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

Ultimately, you need to ensure that the protections you choose are the right ones for your own business and this will come from understanding what you need.

If you feel that need guidance, then contact an insurance broker who will be competent in accessing your specific needs. To be certain, UIB Is the only insurance broker recommended by the BiKBBI and can be contacted via: www.uibdirect.co.uk

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

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

FRANKE’S COOKER HOODS COMBINE STYLE, HIGH PERFORMANCE & INSTALLATION FLEXIBILITY

With the rise in people working and cooking more at home, efficient and quiet extraction is a more important consideration than ever. Franke is perfectly placed to meet this demand with its wide-ranging hoods portfolio which has been designed to meet every need, taste and budget and to offer installation flexibility.

EASY INSTALLATION

As the owner of Faber, the world’s largest cooker hood manufacturer, Franke has drawn on this design and technical expertise to offer an impressive range of hob extractors, downdraft, wall mounted, island, ceiling and under cabinet models in a choice of colours, sizes and materials, and offering installation options for any kitchen layout.

The expansion of the range over the past 12 months has opened up the scope for installers when recommending products to clients that look stylish, are

high performance and which are easy to install. Each hood category has models available to suit ducted or recirculatory installation and all but two of the hoods in Franke’s portfolio are designed with the flexibility to be operated in both modes. This offers consumers the freedom to have the design they want in any position in their kitchen.

HIGH PERFORMANCE

Franke’s high-performance hoods feature cutting-edge technology to make them highly efficient as well as easy to use. Technical features evident across the range include a choice of speed settings, builtin LED lighting, easy to use touch controls and a 24-hour ventilation option which allows the user to set an extraction cycle at a particular speed. Many models have an energy label of A or higher, answering the call for more eco-friendly and energy efficient products in the home.

BROAD DESIGN CHOICE

Franke’s hoods portfolio offers a broad choice of designs ranging from colourful retro models aimed at a younger market to smooth and streamlined wall mounted designs with lots of functionality that have wide appeal. In the upper segment of the market, uniquely hand sculpted glass designs are a draw for luxury purchasers.

In larger kitchens with an island cooking area, island freestanding hoods create a focal point for the space. The ceiling-mounted Crystal Island hood is a timeless addition to the Franke range

with its stylish material mix of black glass front and rear panels, elegantly complementing the main stainless-steel body.

Crystal Island features touch controls, four energy efficient LED lights and offers three speeds plus intensive, with an extraction rate of 700 m³/h at intensive speed with a noise level of 69dB.

Built in extractors like the discreet Atmos Steam Off work well in kitchens where space is more limited. It sits completely flush under cabinets and

captures steam and fumes from induction and gas hobs alike.

The patented Steam Control System suppresses condensation by actively channelling airflow above the worktop, while a separate anti-condensation button pushes a dual vortex of air downwards through the central vent forcing steam from pans into the hood even faster.

Franke offers a wide range of wall mounted hoods in a variety of styles and colours to suit both modern and traditional kitchens. One option is the colourful Smart Deco hood which is available in

Green, Soft Grey and Mustard. This stylish and economical hood offers the flexibility to coordinate with sinks, taps and furniture to create a modern retro look. It features a push button rotary control with dimmable LED light bar, offers three speeds with an extraction rate of 650 m³/h at maximum speed and is rated A for energy efficiency.

www.franke.co.uk

NO PAIN, ALL GAIN

configurator

Hamilton Litestat states that it will empower KBB installers and their customers with new product configurator.

Helping a customer find the right decorative wiring accessories for their kitchen, bedroom or bathroom installation project is extremely rewarding and can generate lucrative upsell opportunities. These finishing touches can really elevate a project, giving it a polished, high-end feel that results in an incredibly happy customer. However, traditionally it can be a long and laborious process of trawling supplier sites and time-consuming liaison with supplier sales teams to agree products and specifications.

“The new Hamilton visual product configurator has been designed to put more power in the hands of the installer and enable them to create and view product solutions online in just a few clicks,” explains Gavin Williams, Hamilton’s Sales & Marketing Director. “It’s a simple and intuitive tool that allows installers – or their customers – to select their preferred design, finish and functionality requirement. The configurator provides a visual of the solution, along with all the technical product information needed at the click of a button. With this tool we aim to give more power and control over the process, making it quicker and as painless as possible.”

The configurator allows visitors to view Hamilton’s vast range of designer wiring accessory collections, which include traditional and contemporary designs. Once one collection is selected, such as the popular Hartland design, the functionality can be chosen. Should Rotary Dimmer Switches be selected, it’s at this point that the plate finish, insert type, trim colour, insert colour,

rating and number of gangs can be viewed and selected, with the product configurator providing a visual representation of the selection made.

Once complete, the configurator automatically generates a bespoke technical datasheet for the product, which can be downloaded with the click of a button. To ensure the client is happy, the ETIM formatted datasheet features a visual representation of the product for a quick and simple sign-off procedure.

To access the product configurator, click below: www.hamilton-litestat.com.

Hamilton empowers installers and their customers with new product

“The new Hamilton visual product configurator has been designed to put more power in the hands of the installer and enable them to create and view product solutions online in just a few clicks."

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

COST, CONVENIENCE, CHOICE, EASE OF INSTALLATION

WHY KBB INSTALLERS SHOULD CONSIDER BATHROOM WALL PANELLING

Spending more time at home is encouraging consumers to look at new ways in which they can improve their living spaces. This is providing a great opportunity for installers and plumbers, with demand for tradespeople, who can provide invaluable advice and skills, remaining high.

It’s just one of the reasons that we decided that now was the right time to launch our Find a Fitter campaign. After all, bathroom wall panelling is one of the fastest growing markets. Offering a practical, decorative and hygienic alternative to tiles, it has really captured the imagination of homeowners keen to transform their bathrooms into sleek, stylish and lowmaintenance retreats. The panels are also quick and easy to install, which is making them a firm favourite with plumbers and kbb installers, too.

More design choice

Long considered something of a low-cost and less inspirational alternative to tiles, bathroom wall panelling has undergone a transformation in recent years. Manufacturers have really upped their game, investing in design and product development and utilising advances in print quality and surface textures to revolutionise the market. As a result, there

is now a truly stunning selection of sophisticated designs to choose from. Showerwall, for example, offers consumers 84 stylish decors, including subway and hexagon tile designs, terrazzos and minimalist prints. Panels that replicate the beauty of natural marble and stone with the high performance and lower price point of a man-made material are also readily available. It’s resulted in consumers now considering bathroom wall panelling as an aspirational product and the market is showing impressive growth year on year.

Perfect for use in shower enclosures, around baths, behind basins or to create an eye-catching feature wall, panels provide a large, waterproof and hard-wearing surface with near invisible joints for a seamless look. As there are no grout lines, your customers will find them super easy to keep clean and more hygienic as there are no hiding places for mould, dirt or germs.

Fast to fit

Incredibly versatile, our high pressure laminate and acrylic wall panels can really transform the look and feel of a space and are ideal for a partial or full bathroom renovation. They are easy to transport, cut and handle and, using simple joinery tools, can be fitted to a wall or on top of existing tiles by a sole installer in less than a day. Great if you want to get in and out quickly, our panels, which are 4mm thick in acrylic and 10.5mm thick in HPL come in sizes of 600mm, 900mm

Steph Harris, Product Manager, Showerwall

Steph Harris, Product Manager for Showerwall, discusses the growing consumer demand for bathroom wall panelling and why it’s the natural choice for installers

Showerwall bathroom panels in Emerald Subway design

and 1220mm x 2440mm, can be fitted in less than half the time it would take you to tile a like-for-like space.

Satisfaction guaranteed

In our experience, consumers also love the manufacturer’s guarantees that come with bathroom wall panelling – in Showerwall’s case

up to 15 years – as it gives them added peace of mind. We also expect our Find a Fitter scheme, which reflects our commitment to support plumbers, joiners, builders and bathroom retailer fitting teams by creating a recognised pool of professional installers of Showerwall panels, will provide a further boost to the market as a whole.

www.showerwall.co.uk

Showerwall bathroom panelling in Positano Blue Terrazzo

PERSONALISATION IS THE BUZZ-WORD FOR 2021 HEATING TRENDS

Sustainable interior design and home products are leading to new kinds of innovations in heating and are enhancing different types of property in an eco-friendly way: a huge trend for 2021. Sales Director Steve Birch from Vogue (UK) shares his insight to the year ahead.

“We have seen an extremely positive response to aluminium heating designs and we predict this will only grow as we go through 2021. These types of products are great for installers as it’s a lightweight material but has excellent heat retention qualities as well as impressive longevity and water efficiency.

There is already a move for consumers wanting to put their own stamp on their properties and heating can be a fundamental part of this design process. There is a huge variety of design-oriented heating solutions set to inspire UK consumers in 2021. There’s a wealth of added-extra design elements like fold-out shelves and dual-access bars,

so you can put the ‘fun’ into functional with eye-catching and practical heating solutions, which will enrich any type of bathroom space.

Bespoke designs and colour-match finishes are set to dominate the home. The advantage for installers working with a premium manufacturer is that various levels of bespoke service are available, from tweaking an existing design to creating a one-off piece. Always ask to see the range of colours, textures and finishes available as the latest bathroom innovations are placing huge emphasis on sculptural designs and striking finishes.

The luxury interior market is evolving in 2021 with fresh impetus for user-friendly design and subtle refinement in terms of fixtures and fittings. Pure and simple lines will outweigh more intricate models and playing with shape and colour contrast will be used to give a modern edge to tranquil bathroom environments."

www.vogueuk.co.uk

Steve Birch Sales Director, Vogue (UK)

“We have seen an extremely positive response to aluminium heating designs and we predict this will only grow as we go through 2021. These types of products are great for installers as it’s a lightweight material but has excellent heat retention qualities as well as impressive longevity and water efficiency."

HEALTHY AND SAFE WORK PAYS OFF IN THE LONG RUN

The construction industry is known to be among the professional groups with the highest risk of occupational hazards. For this reason, awareness of health and safety at work should be constantly reviewed and improved upon. It definitely pays off in the long run because the health and well-being of employees is essential to any business.

In everyday working life, legal requirements and regulations for health protection and safety at work are often seen as an annoying but necessary duty. They pose organisational challenges, especially for small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs). However, the longterm benefits, such as higher productivity and competitiveness, are convincing.

Occupational health and safety measures contribute to the prevention of accidents, reduce absences and lower the cost of continued pay. The following figures make for interesting reading:

• 50.8% of the days absent from work in the trades sector are attributable to long-term illnesses (over 42 days) (Source: IKK classic report 2018 Germany)

• Employees in the trades sector are absent from work because of musculoskeletal disorders (33.5%), injury and poisoning (17.2%) and respiratory illnesses (14.5%) (see above source).

The "Safety and Health at Work" report published in 2019 by the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) shows that prevention measures are effective. According to this report, there were 33% fewer fatal accidents at work and 15% fewer reportable accidents at work in the metal and electrical industry in 2018 than in previous years. Risk assessments as a basis for health protection and occupational safety.

Risk assessments form the basis for suitable and effective measures to make working in the company safer and healthier. These are well worth the effort because weak points within the company can be identified and eliminated. Carrying out a risk assessment is thus part of the principle of a "continuous improvement process" (CIP) and results in higher productivity. The respective scope of a risk assessment is based on the operational requirements and conditions. All known work processes are recorded. This also includes events and tasks that take place outside "normal" operating conditions, such as maintenance work, commissioning and decommissioning, procedures in the event of breakdowns, cleaning work or waste disposal.

Depending on the size of the company, the management or respective team leaders carry out the assessment. The employees are actively involved, as they themselves are best acquainted with the operational work processes, the risk factors and the protective measures implemented so far. The exact procedure of the assessment is determined individually. The Institute of Applied Industrial Engineering and Ergonomics (ifaa) provides further assistance in this respect. It's worth the effort. Every employee matters, especially in small companies. Any absence

"Festool

due to an accident or illness has a negative impact on the operating result.

Studies have shown that every pound invested in occupational safety and health is money well spent, because every pound invested is worth twice as much (International Social Security Association, ISSA).

Even simply purchasing safety shoes, work gloves, protective goggles and breathing masks increases safety and protects health. Festool, a German company, supports healthy work with a wide range of different mobile dust extractors. Philipp Stahl, Application Engineer at Festool, has this to say: "During renovation work and substrate preparation, in particular, sanding down

cement-based filler, plaster filler, plaster or clear coats generates a huge amount of dust which is made up of particles that can cause permanent damage to your lungs and airways. Dust-free work is therefore imperative and with the suitable mobile dust extractors and the right system accessories from the dust extraction and sanding ranges.”

Philipp continued, “Festool provides the ideal all-inclusive package for painters, floor tilers, drywallers and all renovation and restoration companies. After all, it does not take much to protect yourself and your employees. Efficient dust extraction is so easy and quick to set up that you can get to work immediately. The right combination of a sander, abrasive and mobile dust

extractor is crucial for low-dust work. The mobile dust extractor is the deciding factor here – its extraction and filter performance must be exactly right, so that the dust which has formed can be directly extracted, not thrown into the air. In this respect, the CTM 26 E AC, CTM 36 E AC and CTM 36 E AC HD mobile dust extractors with dust class M and Autoclean function are ideal for all painting and decorating renovation work. The more compact CTM 26 E AC, with its container capacity of 26 litres, is particularly suited to smaller areas and the larger CTM 36 E AC and CTM 36 E AC HD mobile dust extractors with a container capacity of 36 litres are particularly effective on larger surfaces."

www.festool.co.uk

"The right combination of a sander, abrasive and mobile dust extractor is crucial for low-dust work."

Richard Renouf, Furniture & Floorcoverings Consultant

BEWARE THE 'PICKY' CUSTOMER

Mrs S consulted her long snagging list and then, using the magnifying glass, tried to locate the issues that she had previously identified, but she wasn’t too successful and had to resort to describing and pointing vaguely to where she thought she’d seen about two-thirds of the items on the list.

It was the magnifying glass that caught my eye when the customer showed me into her kitchen. It would have been the pride of Sherlock’s collection, no doubt, except that I don’t think it worked properly!

Mrs S consulted her long snagging list and then, using the magnifying glass, tried to locate the issues that she had previously identified, but she wasn’t too successful and had to resort to describing and pointing vaguely to where she thought she’d seen about two-thirds of the items on the list.

The inspection didn’t take long because I work to the general principle that unless a defect is easy to see in normal use of the kitchen, or is likely to lead to problems (such as poor sealing of a worktop joint) then it’s not a valid complaint. After all, fitting a kitchen relies a lot on hand skills and installers have differences in the way they work, so no two installations will ever be the same, therefore the ‘perfection’ that might come with a mass-produced hi-tech item isn’t going to be found.

Other customers have resorted to examining the underside of worktops, the wiring on top of cupboards, the fixing of cornices and light pelmets and similar items that are not within normal sight lines. As long as they are safe, secure and function correctly that’s what matters, although I do have a lot of respect for installers who take the trouble to keep their work tidy even in such places.

I should point out that some of the issues raised by Mrs S were valid complaints, and this was probably what

caused her to get the magnifying glass out. It’s not very often that I go out to a job where there is nothing wrong.

A short while after visiting Mrs S, a worktop manufacturer asked me to look at a square edged laminate worktop. The front edging was coming unstuck. The complaint questionnaire had been filled in and the answers gave no clues about the possible cause of the problem. Everything in the installation instructions had apparently been done: even the positioning of the dog bones and the sealing of the cutouts. There was no swelling, just the lipping separating from the worktop. Therefore, suggested the installer, this was simply a manufacturing fault with the gluing of the lipping. It couldn’t be anything to do with moisture as it wasn’t near the sink.

All of that information was misleading. Actually, I’m being too kind, it was wrong! Moisture checks along the worktop edge showed that there was moisture ingress along the edge of the drainer section of the sink and it was easy to see that the sink had not been fully sealed to the worktop and the failsafe sealant around the cut-out had not been applied. The top of the cabinet below looked as if it had been cut out with an axe, it was so rough, and it was clear that the problems were only going to get worse. The customer was not going to be impressed when the manufacturer sent her the report and she had to have a discussion with the fitter. I couldn’t help but think what Mrs S and her magnifying glass might have found.

www.richard-renouf.com

Healthy, precise and time-saving work. Festool offers an uncompromising connection between mobile dust extractors and tools for every application, dust category and workplace. The result: simple and effective health protection in every situation thanks to a perfectly optimised system.

For more information visit www.festool.co.uk

Clean air with the system. We conquer dust together.

WHAT PROFESSIONALS ON HOUZZ HAVE LEARNT FROM RUNNING A BUSINESS IN 2020

This has certainly been a year like no other with the global COVID-19 pandemic forcing us to live and work in unprecedented ways. Houzz.co.uk, the platform for home renovation and design, has spoken with professionals in its community to discover what they’ve learnt from the experience, how it’s changed their approach and how that might impact the way home renovation pros work in the future.

Technology opens up possibilities

After being forced to halt face to face meetings, being able to communicate remotely was vital for professionals this year. This was also an opportunity for many professionals to test out new communication methods. Brian O’Tuama of Brian O’Tuama Architects, an architect on Houzz, explains, “I suppose what this year has taught us most is that we can carry out initial consultations with prospective clients, and conduct some design review meetings with existing clients, using technology platforms. We’ve had many such meetings over the lockdown period and, in the case of prospective clients, have found it so much easier to begin to get to know one another when we can see one another.”

Technology has also allowed professionals to speed up business processes and delight their clients in the process, as Dorota Hrstic of Moodesignz, an interior designer on Houzz explains. “The response from our clients has been extremely positive since introducing Houzz Pro to our projects. It allows for smooth, remote communications between us and the client, easy and attractive ‘mood board’ creation and the live budget feature has saved us countless hours already.”

Flexibility is key

With ever-changing circumstances, professionals on Houzz have found that being flexible and able to quickly adapt to be major assets this year. Bhavin Taylor of Bhavin Taylor Design, an interior designer on Houzz comments “However, when working on projects during a pandemic, things are never straightforward and multiple curveballs are thrown at you. Adaptability has allowed me to overcome many a bump in the road.”

As a result, many pros feel like they are having to be much more organised. “I think when you’re faced with so much uncertainty, it does make you quite resilient and forces you to be very organised,” says interior designer on Houzz, Fiona Duke, of Fiona Duke Interiors. “When working on a project, making sure you have options and alternatives is key, especially in this new climate.”

“At times, suppliers have really struggled with lead times, so you need to manage client expectations and ensure you communicate this and manage it accordingly,” Fiona says. “Your scheduling has to be detailed, and you have to plan ahead to accommodate these changes – sourcing and ordering items far earlier than before in order to keep projects on track.”

Communication increased

During uncertain times, where meeting in person was difficult and delays were likely, many homeowners reported that they found it helpful to utilise online tools for remote communication as well as shopping, invoicing, payments and contract approvals according to recent Houzz research.

Communicating (and overcommunicating) was a key tool used by professionals on Houzz to reassure their clients and keep projects moving forward. “The changes that were taking place around us were all pretty daunting, but after the initial shock of the situation, I wanted to try to focus on how to keep the momentum going for the business,” says Fiona Duke of Fiona Duke Interiors. “Communication was key,” she continues. “Without being able to physically meet with clients and suppliers, I had to make sure regular contact was being made and updates given on deliveries and progress.

Micheal Brett of Milestone Builders, a building firm on Houzz agrees, adding, “Houzz Pro allowed us to communicate effectively with our clients and ensured critical touchpoints weren’t missed.”

We can do things differently

"Without being able to physically meet with clients and suppliers, I had to make sure regular contact was being made and updates given on deliveries and progress. Houzz Pro allowed us to communicate effectively with our clients and ensured critical touch-points weren’t missed."

It’s okay to take a breath

For many, lockdown was a time that forced them to slow down, as Bhavin explains. “As a small business owner, it can be really hard to switch off, as you’re always under pressure to find new clients, keep the business moving, and ensure invoices are paid – all of which can be extremely stressful,” he says. “However, this year, with its periods of lockdown, has highlighted that there will be situations that are out of my control and that it’s OK to slow down or even stop occasionally.

“This has been quite difficult for me to get my head around (and I’m sure many other people have struggled with this),” he says, “but it’s actually a good practice to learn, especially for my health and mental wellbeing, and one that I hope I’ll be able to keep up going forwards.”

As we were encouraged to work from home, one of the most significant shifts through 2020 has been how and where we work. And this looks set to become a more permanent fixture for many. “We’ve all realised that working from home is much more possible and efficient than we thought it would be, so some form of working from home looks like it’s becoming much more common,” pro on Houzz, Cat Hoad of Absolute Project Management says.

“Accordingly, whatever space you work in at home, give some thought to making it as comfortable and tranquil as possible – try to ensure you have a comfy chair, good light, some convenient storage and some things to look at from your desk that give you pleasure – this could be plants, artworks, photos or other ‘objects’,”

BRANDT DESIGN TURNS PARTY PLANNER!

A party space like no other, this ergonomic open-plan kitchen offers style and substance thanks to the carefully considered madeto-measure Heritage kitchen furniture, which maximises storage space and is part of the Brandt Collection by Brandt Design.

The centre piece of this kitchen is an island which houses a generous sink area with ample work surfaces, deep fireclay flush-mounted Butler sink and swan necked single lever tap in authentic brass. In complete contrast, the living room side of the island unit is designed for social living, featuring a raised wooden bar area with space for four diners to sit on luxury barstools in opulent blue velvet and gold: elegant and practical. The Obsidian Green classic 

Brandt Kitchens The Old Vicarage

Brandt Kitchens The Old Vicarage

off-black painted finish anchors the cook zone, which is centred around a generous range cooker and 5-ring gas hob framed by a wall of bright white, in-frame cupboards in Shirting painted finish: both by Little Greene. These shaker-style cabinets are finished with industrialstyle brass bar handles and an inspired Bronze Vincenzo mirror splashback.

The wall of white storage cupboards house an integrated drinks station with space for a barista-style coffee machine, extra shelving for storing glass and china ware, plus extra power outlets for phone charging, playing music etc. At the opposite end, counter units make way for hidden storage, which conceals a mid-level integrated microwave and extra worktop space below so the homeowner is able to present a fuss-free environment ideal for easy socialising and homeentertaining.

Scott Davis, Director, Brandt Design, says “Part of a new extension in a period property, this multi-layered project required significant work to the back of the property in order to create a suitable environment

•

• Quooker Fusion Round Tap in Patented Brass finish: 3-in-1 cold, hot and boiling water

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• Worktops: client supplied

• Whitehall Butler Sink, flush-mounted by Shaws of Darwen

• Samsung built-in RS50N3513SA American Fridge Freezer in Metal Graphite finish

• Miele H7464BPCLST Vitroline Ovens x 2

• Miele KM2354 Gas Hob

• Extractor: under cooktop canopy

• Miele M2234SC 60cm built-in Microwave & Grill: designed for wall unit installation

• Caple WI6160 integrated Wine Fridge

that satisfied the main objective: an open-plan kitchen, living and dining space all in one. With the large amount of floor space and monopoly of natural light from the run of French windows and overhead vaulted skylight, we needed to ensure the kitchen was designed with comparative significance and this is why we chose a 5-piece shaker door in such an identifiable dark green finish.”

“We worked very closely with the client during the concept and design phase, making sure that the living area and dining space were considered at all times, which also included an old water well in the floor. Our final selection of kitchen furniture and appliances complement the homeowners choice of herringbone parquet flooring, bold soft furnishings, tables and chairs, feature wallpaper

and decorative lighting to bring a level of maturity, that when needed, can transform into a party space able to hold up to 50 guests. This project combined the social aspects of entertaining and routine nature of everyday family-life and Brandt is very proud to have completed this kitchen in only two weeks!”

www.brandtdesign.co.uk

“We worked very closely with the client during the concept and design phase, making sure that the living area and dining space were considered at all times, which also included an old water well in the floor."

Party Space Heritage Kitchen project by Brandt Design features:

Custom kitchen furniture by Brandt Design - Heritage Collection in Obsidian Green & Shirting (bright white) painted finishes by Little Greene

Bronze Vincenzo Mirror Splashback by Brandt Design

Brandt Kitchens The Old Vicarage

With the wonderful Minerva 4-in-1 Electronic a touch is all it takes to deliver 100°C boiling, warm, cold or cold filtered water in an instant.

Designed for a fast, flawless installation in as little as just 20 minutes, the Minerva 4-in-1 features our compact M-Box control box. This pipework tidying, space-saving unit can be fitted vertically or horizontally in customers’ cabinets.

How’s that for a neat little touch?

Now available in 3 new industrial colours, will you choose the tough Industrial Black, the stand out Industrial Gold or the on-trend Industrial Copper?

Industrial Black Industrial GOLD Industrial copper

Make it wonderful at franke.co.uk

The furlough scheme remains in place until 30th April. The rules of the scheme remain largely consistent with those previously applied. Applications for furlough payments for periods up to October 2020 are now closed.

COVID-19 INITIATIVES STILL DOMINATE

Unfortunately, the human impact of the COVID pandemic and resulting lockdown give us little to be joyous about, but I am sure we will prevail as the vaccination programme gathers pace.

The government has extended many of the tax and income support programmes to recognise the continued impact of lockdown on the business environment. Reference to the HMR&C website and your local authority websites should provide a relatively easy access to those schemes accessible for you. www.gov.uk/business-coronavirus-support-finder is a useful tool for this purpose.

Publication of Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Claims

The furlough scheme remains in place until 30th April. The rules of the scheme remain largely consistent with those previously applied. Applications for furlough payments for periods up to October 2020 are now closed.

HMR&C have announced that from the 26th January 2021, they will start publishing details of all employers who are registering claims under the furlough scheme for periods starting on or after 1st December 2020. From February, the publicised data will include the employer’s name, company registration number (if relevant) and an indication of the level of claims within a ‘banded’ range. Employers can register to have their details omitted from the list but only for reasons such as a serious risk of violence or intimidation towards individuals.

In addition to the above, HMR&C have advised that individual employees can obtain details of whether furlough claims have been made in their name through their own individual online tax accounts.

It is clear that the objective of the above is to identify scenarios where fraudulent claims are being made.

Scam Communications

Time to pay

For some businesses, the next couple of months will be critical in terms of cashflows. Some business owners may be facing high personal tax bills at the end of January following the deferral of July 2020 on account payments.

That may be compounded by the need to settle the deferred VAT liabilities from the initial lockdown period on the Spring of 2020. Those amounts are expected to be settled by the end of March 2021.

Despite HMR&C expecting these payments to be made, they are still acknowledging the difficulties for some businesses due to lockdown and the pandemic. They have therefore retained their ‘time to pay’ facilities to allow tax payers to discuss extended payment terms where necessary.

If any taxpayers (individuals and businesses) feel that they need to access these arrangements, it is strongly recommended that they contact HMR&C as soon as possible. Callers should be forearmed with their business details, Unique tax reference numbers and an outline of how they perceive debts to be settled.

The concept of scam communications is not new to the tax and general business environment. However, we are now working in a far more remote manner due to lockdown. This means the volume of online communications and their increased use by sectors of the population (that may have previously been reticent to use these communication techniques), has substantially increased the scope for fraudsters to exploit potential weaknesses. This is further exacerbated by the presence of tax return deadlines and financial hardship for some.

Readers should note that HMR&C will not typically contact you by text or email to confirm tax refunds and readers should be extremely cautious should they receive communications of this kind. If in doubt, speak to your appointed advisor or contact HMR&C directly using contact numbers from their website.

Email identity theft is also increasing so readers should be extra vigilant with regard to email communications. Consider whether emails received are from correct addresses. If the language and tone of an email seems different to the norm, don’t hesitate to challenge its authenticity. Never react to a request for payment via email especially if being requested to redirect funds to an unknown account. If in doubt, pick up the phone.

Stay well. Financial advice by Dean Flood | www. rowlandhall.co.uk

Dean

NEW Hampstead Showroom

489, Finchley Road, West Hampstead, London. NW3 6HS Phone 02081 947 888

Hatch End Showroom 431, The Broadway Uxbridge Road, Pinner Hertfordshire. HA5 4JR Phone 02037 584 455

Head Office

Brandt Kitchens Ltd Oxleys Road, Stevenage Hertfordshire. SG2 9YE Phone 01438 729 062

Q& A with Sharon Wyndham

In our winter issue we feature Sharon Wyndham for our staff Q & A. Sharon has spent the last 10 years working in compliance in Spain. We’ve no idea why she chose to return to England, but we’re grateful that she did!

Explain briefly your role within the BiKBBI?

I work in the Compliance Dept. and my role is to ensure and facilitate member documentation maintains compliance and up to date credentials

What do you like the most about working at the BiKBBI?

It’s an interesting and varied role, I like doing a little bit of everything and the team are a great bunch

You lived for many years in Spain, did you work there and what did you do?

My background is in Finance and Banking but not being fluent in the language it is very difficult to get into those institutions, I predominantly worked in Call Centres (which I loved) in Admin and Compliance roles. I also had my own Mortgage Brokerage business and am really proud of this achievement.

Has this helped you in your current role at the BiKBBI?

I think all life skills bring new things to the table.

What was the best and worst about living there for you?

The heat, it is a lovely lifestyle but when it gets too hot it can be suffocating

On a lighter side, who or what makes you laugh?

I think my sense of humour finds real life situations amusing but I do laugh at Mock the Week also Ant and Dec make me chuckle

Name 3 famous people past or present that you would love to invite to a girls night out?

Princess Diana, Margaret Thatcher, Reece Witherspoon 

Best 3 movies?

There are so many! But I love Once upon a time in America, The Greatest Showman and Brief Encounter

Party trick?

No tricks, just having fun

What’s been the best day of your life (keep it clean)?

Well of recent times it was passing my driving test at the age of 54 – it had to be done!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Don’t worry about things you can’t control What would you like to be remembered for?

Not taking life too seriously

Name 3 you’d least like to invite?

Paddy McGuinness, Keith Lemon, Russell Brand

What would be an ideal weekend?

Las Vegas, my favourite place in the world!

Name someone famous or non who has inspired you?

My late husband

Name a record that would get you dancing and one to help you chill out?

Anything by Calvin Harris for dancing and Van Morrison for chilling

What would you most like to hear said about you?

That I made a difference

And what would be the worst? That I did not have integrity

Name your first car?

Renault Clio

CONSISTENT SUPPLY SECURES SALES SUCCESS FOR VITRA CUSTOMERS

In the UK, the 2019 investment in additional warehousing has proved invaluable, helping to hold stock for distributors as they tackled their own COVID related issues.

Levent Giray, Managing Director for the UK and Ireland, points out. “We work with well-resourced distribution partners and have been able to keep them supplied or hold stock on their behalf because we own and operate the factories and control production for brassware, ceramic ware, furniture and tiles. Fortunately, we are not reliant on importing from third parties or using multiple countries to supply products. The continuance of supply has allowed us to maintain our levels of service during what have been very challenging months.”

In addition to the continuance of supply, VitrA has also pushed forward with plans for its new showroom in London, due for launch at the end of the year. The company’s advertising campaigns have been sustained, to help build demand for its retailers and installers, alongside significant investment in a suite of glossy brochures for both consumers and retailers.

NEW PROJECT MANAGER FOR BRANDT DESIGN

Brandt Design, continued its expansion at its newest showroom in Finchley Road, Hampstead with the appointment of Rob Balfour, as Project Manager.

VitrA is weathering the COVID-19 crisis by focussing its efforts on ensuring there is product availability for its distribution partners and retailers by operating its factories at almost full capacity during the pandemic.

CIARAN QUINN JOINS VITRA AS DIGITAL MARKETING ASSISTANT

VitrA has expanded its UK marketing team with the appointment of Ciaran Quinn as Digital Marketing Assistant, based at the company’s head office in Oxfordshire.

Rebecca Slater, Senior Digital Marketing Executive for VitrA, explains, “We are delighted to welcome Ciaran to the team. He joins us at a particularly exciting time with the future opening of our showroom, and I have no doubt he will make a valuable contribution to expanding our presence further.”

Ciaran, who also has experience in photography and videography joins VitrA from the telecoms industry. Ciaran says “I am excited to be working for a well-known brand that has such a respected reputation with both trade and end-users. VitrA has huge plans for the coming months and communicating these initiatives digitally will be exciting and challenging.”

www.VitrA.co.uk

Levent Giray continues “We certainly see the benefits of consistency and positivity. Retailers are reviewing relationships with their suppliers based on service levels during this time. All our staff have adapted well to the new ways of working. I want to pay tribute to the team at VitrA who have certainly gone the extra mile this year to support our customers.”

www.VitrA.co.uk

SLEEK NEW SARENNA IS MARBLED WITH STYLE

Hudson Reed has launched its new Sarenna Marble Bathroom Furniture range which features a luxurious marble-effect finish that mimics the look of this natural stone.

Wall-hung and modular, the vanity unit is 1000mm wide and features a unique curved marble-effect worktop that can be paired with any of a beautiful range of ceramic countertop vessel basins for a coordinated look.

Available in a choice of three polished marble top colours: White, Black and Grey, the Sarenna Marble collection offers ample surface space for toiletries.

The range can be combined with three different complementary Sarenna basin cabinet satin finishes: Moon White, Mineral Blue and Dove Grey. Pictured is the 1000mm White Marble top in Mineral Blue cabinet with white oval vessel basin. It has two spacious soft-close drawers and one side cupboard, available in left or righthanded options.

The Sarenna collection also includes a wall-hung 350mm Tall Boy unit, a wall-hung 300mm Side unit and a floor-standing 550mm WC unit. It is supplied rigid and comes with a five year guarantee.

www.hudsonreed.co.uk

Rob was appointed to serve new and existing customers that require effective coordination and the completion of new commissions: residential and contracts. Rob Balfour has many years experience working at the premium end of the market, having spent time at Bulthaup’s flagship showroom on Wigmore Street, and as a Design Consultant for well-known international brands like Hacker, SieMatic and Poggenpohl.

“To become an integral part of this dynamic and ambitious company gives me the opportunity to draw on all aspects of my career, as well as help manage custom project enquiries from initiation right through to close” says Rob.

www.brandtdesign.co.uk

NEW GIRA WEBSITE IS BOTH CONSUMER AND INSTALLER FRIENDLY

Gira, has launched a new lifestyle website complete that features an ‘Installer locator’ facility.

www.giraltd.co.uk is an easy-tonavigate website that is rich with information to help consumers discover the benefits of smart living effortlessly. Importantly, Gira has made it easy for consumers to find their nearest installers by simply clicking on its new map pin feature. They just enter a postcode, town or village and the Installer locator will provide details of their nearest Gira approved installer.

Inspiration can be found in its up-to-the-minute trends blog, which offers advice on key smart home topics like ‘how to create lighting schemes for every mood’ and ‘how to save energy while keeping an ideal temperature’.

The new website also features news about the company’s latest products and system solutions are also included in great detail, alongside interior design advice where Gira product

recommendations can help you determine the best complementary styles and technologies for your home.

From basic wiring accessories, lighting and door communication systems through to smoke alarms and home security, Gira systems are flexible and future-proof so you can always be current and updated over time. Discover more by visiting Gira UK installer locator

Mark Booth, Managing Director Gira UK says, “We are excited to launch a brand new consumer website to assist and grow our audience of specialist home lighting and automation in the UK, and finding the right person to guide and advise you is vital to the success of any project, which is why we want to make the smart home journey as easy as possible and connect our customers with local installers who are fully conversant in our building technology” says Mark.

www.gira.com/uk/en/partner-search

IMPERIAL BATHROOMS APPOINTS MATTHEW HANDLEY, SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER

Imperial Bathrooms, has bolstered its operations team by welcoming Matthew Handley as its new Supply Chain Manager.

This appointment demonstrates Imperial Bathrooms continued commitment to strengthening and developing the brand in a bid to drive business forward and build on its standing as the UK’s number-one producer of finely crafted British-made bathroom products.

Matthew will be responsible for monitoring both global and regional supply chains, as well as planning logistics, evaluating purchasing strategies and helping to oversee order fulfilment / distribution.

Matthew Handley, newly appointed Supply Chain Manager at Imperial Bathrooms says, “I feel honoured to become part of such a vibrant and dynamic business at what is currently, a hugely difficult time for so many in our sector, I aim to play my part now and moving forward.”

“Matthew has taken on this role at an exciting time for Imperial Bathrooms, as we forge ahead with strengthening our offering and realising our collective goals for growth and expansion.” says Graham Bucktrout, Managing Director at Imperial Bathrooms.

For further product information and design advice from Imperial Bathrooms, please contact: www.imperialbathroom.com

ROTPUNKT SET TO CONTINUE ITS DRIVE TO INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS IN 2021

Rotpunkt is rolling out ambitious expansion plans in 2021 with a three-year plan to boost manufacturing and training capabilities at its headquarters in Bünde, East Saxony.

Matt Phillips, Head of UK Operations at Rotpunkt says, “We are keen to continue moving forward with a multi-million euro investment in our site at Bunde which will increase the size of the factory and create a new showroom and training centre, so that we can display the full variety of our extensive product range. We are also enhancing C-parts production at our plant at Getmold. We want to ensure that our workforce have state-ofthe-art equipment which is above and beyond the recommended safety requirements.”

Matt explains, “Our people are our greatest asset, so we want to take of them. For example, we have already invested in wearable tech and equipped our dispatch team with exoskeletons to support them during their most physically-demanding tasks. At Rotpunkt, we are committed to growing our automated and manual capabilities in tandem, so we can best serve our markets. The majority of our production is exported from our headquarters in Germany, with international sales representing around 80% of our revenue. The British market is a strong sources of growth alongside France, Scandinavia, Belgium and Germany.”

Going into 2021, Rotpunkt will be pleasing its retail customers with a brand new collection of furniture and bold new storage solutions to optimize space and highlight the kitchen’s central place in the home. “Alongside our statement designs for the kitchens of tomorrow, we will continue to treat sustainability as a matter of high importance and convey this message to our target audience so that they can see how carbon-free manufacturing process works and that we are doing our utmost, wherever possible, to protect the environment,” Matt explains.

www.rotpunktkuechen.de/en/

BiKBBI

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