The Installer - Issue 25 - Spring 2021

I think it’s fair to say that we’ve all had a gut full of the pandemic, but positively speaking it seems like we’re on track as per the PM’s roadmap out of lockdown. Showrooms are open nationally, installers working north, south and west and it feels like we’re making progress finally – albeit, with caution and perhaps even a smidgen of pessimism.

One thing for sure is that, as we emerge from the last twelve months, we face a changed world, but I personally don’t think that’s a bad thing in its entirety. I think our industry in particular is ripe for change and it’s something I’ve been harking on about for some time. I think the industry has been hanging onto the coat tails of yesteryear and a dangerous mentality of ‘it’s what we’ve always done’. My fear is not change, but in fact our prospects if we choose not to.

The Supreme Court ruling in February relating to the employment rights of Uber Drivers (SEE PAGE 14), is an example of change that we cannot afford to ignore. With many retailers adopting the services of a subcontracted workforce, the risk is that these subcontractors could have an employment rights claim, despite the content of any written agreement in place between the two parties. I’m quite sure that the majority of installers (and retailers) would not necessarily want an employed installer relationship (especially the nationals), so it’s critical that the ruling is fully understood, relationships adapted and risk mitigated.

Positively, and since the last magazine was published, I’m delighted to confirm that our Apprenticeship programme for 2021 has been accelerated following an AMAZING investment by Quooker. Their quarter of a million pound cash boost has rocketed our plans of opening regional centres of excellences, and we are looking to engage thousands of potential installers for tomorrow, over the coming months. I would like to personally thank Stephen Johnson, MD at Quooker, for his vision, support and indeed investment. You stood up when it was needed and I will personally never forget that.

That’s it for now… enjoy yet another fantastic edition of The Installer Magazine… Once again the editorial & design team of Rob & Janine have done us proud!

Stay safe, remain optimistic and be open to positive change. We can do this. Together Stronger.”

Damian Walters, BiKBBI CEO

APPRENTICESHIPSENSURING THAT OUR INDUSTRY WILL SURVIVE AND THRIVE

Your company has recently made a substantial financial investment into the BiKBBI Apprenticeship Scheme. Have you always been aware of the challenges facing the industry regarding a sizeable skills gap?

Throughout the pandemic and resultant lockdowns, we have tried to support the wider industry wherever possible. During a crisis such as this, brands are faced with two choices. To shrivel up and remain inward focused, or to work together sharing expertise and resources, to help the industry re-build, recover and thrive. As a company, we have become increasingly conscious that bigger brands have a wider responsibility of care, wherever that support is needed most.

As we have weathered the COVID-19 storm and looked at how our own workforce operates, this crisis has been helpful in shining a light on the sizeable, and growing, skills gap the UK is facing. High consumer demand for installation and after-sales care is increasingly unable to be met with any speed and in many cases, without any guarantee of quality. No matter how many taps we sell or indeed any kitchens and bathrooms across the industry, if there are not enough installers to keep pace, there is an inevitable bottleneck. As such, it’s an area that requires drastic change and immediate support.

What was the trigger that made you decide to look further into discovering how you could help?

Quooker has been involved with several

Following Quooker’s amazing investment of a six figure sum into the BiKBBI Apprenticeship Scheme, The Installer Magazine team spoke to the company’s UK Managing Director, Stephen Johnson, to get a better understanding of why he and his colleagues felt that the time was right to support this incredibly important and worthy initiative.

industry initiatives throughout the pandemic. These have included job support schemes, redundancy workshops, and financial support schemes for our dealers and driving footfall to the independent showrooms through activity with the KBSA. So, when I saw a LinkedIn post from BiKBBI’s own Damian Walters calling for support and brands willing to help drive genuine change to grow the next generation of KBB installers, I knew we couldn’t sit back and do nothing. I got in touch and the rest is history!

It’s not a small investment, how did your colleagues and peers internally react when you first spoke of your intentions?

The main reaction was one of confusion. Like myself, they did not fully appreciate the severity of the problem this country is facing with regards to installers and fitters. It wasn’t the size of the investment that caused this confusion, but simply that the problem is not widely discussed or appreciated. What I hope our three-year investment has done is make both my colleagues and the wider industry aware of the task ahead.

It’s easy to say we want to develop the apprenticeship scheme, but do you foresee it developing by taking baby steps initially, or can it happen much quicker?

The growing skills gap is only going to worsen if decisive and real action is not taken now. We cannot afford to wait years for this to change. Proper and sustainable foundations need to be in place for this to happen, and I am under no illusion that will take time.

However, as anyone who knows either myself or Damian will be aware that we are very driven, motivated individuals – if we have anything to do with this, we will make it happen as quickly as possible!

Do you feel women have a greater part to play in the development of apprenticeships? And if so, what do you feel can be done to attract women to a career that maybe would not have even been on their radar when leaving education?

One of my concerns with the current state of the installer market, is the distinct lack of diversity with regards to gender and ethnicity. We wish to address this within our own business and through the scheme more widely. Women absolutely have a greater part to play in apprenticeship schemes and it is down to the industry to allow this to happen.

One of the best ways this can be achieved is to raise the profile of installers and fitters. It has been the case for too long that they are treated as second-class citizens. We want to change this perception and instil real value back into the role which is so crucial to the industry’s ability to bounce back. To include more women in the wider installer workforce, there has to be better education and awareness of the profession - through the Centres for Excellence and grass-roots outreach in local schools and colleges, the goal is absolutely to train up more women to be a part of the larger installer workforce.

To help close the skills gap, the BiKBBI

Stephen Johnson, UK Managing Director, Quooker

The whole reason for this initiative is to increase the number of apprenticeships in the KBB sector. There aren’t a lot currently out there, and it is our sincere intention to change that.

works to offer a career to retiring serviceman from the armed forces, what do you think of this initiative?

This initiative is brilliant and one we wholeheartedly support. Service men and women have so much to offer the industry and to be able to offer those retiring from active service a career as a fitter or installer can only be a good thing.

What would you say to kbb installation companies out there who to this point, haven’t employed apprentices?

The whole reason for this initiative is to increase the number of apprenticeships in the KBB sector. There aren’t a lot currently out there, and it is our sincere intention to change that. As a company, we have recently introduced a mentoring scheme which looks to pair up experienced installers with younger team members. This will allow the sharing of industry tips and unparalleled product knowledge which is something that can only truly be learnt on the job. By offering this practical training scheme our hope is that we produce installers and fitters who are more confident and better qualified for future jobs.

When it comes to hiring apprentices, we must all be willing to invest in individuals. We know training takes time and money, but if more KBB companies were open to this, the skills gap would significantly reduce rapidly.

And finally, what would you say to other manufacturers to encourage them to stand alongside you by investing and developing the BiKBBI Apprenticeship Scheme?

Installation is one of the most important parts of our industry. Every manufacturer needs them. It is the lasting taste a customer or company feels about your business. Therefore, for me, there is no question in that we need to place more value on installers and think carefully about how we collectively work together to ensure there is a next generation of qualified and highly competent individuals to ensure we have a good supply. Put simply, if we do not, business fails. Partnering alongside the BiKBBI, we cannot urge other companies more strongly to stand with us and be willing to help fix this problem.

contact: erin.sealy@bikbbi.org.uk

If you wish to join Quooker by investing into the BiKBBI Apprenticeship Scheme or you have an installation business that is willing to take on an apprentice or two, please

This unique independent concept is devised by, and backed by, the BiKBBI and provides a full-proof way of protecting all parties in the process of kbb installation whether you are the consumer who is paying many thousands of pounds and wants a professional install, the kbb retailer who wants to avoid dispute and keep customers happy so they may return for repeat business or recommend them to friends and family, or installers themselves who want guarantee of prompt payment and also avoid dispute with the customer – we all know how some are completely unreasonable.

The protectmyinstall.co.uk platform (www. protectmyinstall.co.uk), guides all parties through the benefits, just take a look at what it means for the installer:

Completely free of charge service

Access to new customers (connect your business with retailers and consumers)

Price your own jobs (Using a flexible pricing model that accommodates project specifics, you price your own jobs).

Less administration - every professional kbb installers pet hate! (The system produces everything including quotes, variations, contracts and invoices).

No more chasing debts (You’re paid within 2 working hours of completing the job, straight into your bank account with cleared funds!)

No minimum commitment (Work when you want. There is no minimum commitment, so you can retain existing relationships)

The Installer Magazine is circulated to a growing band of kbb retailers so if you are one of those reading this then here’s what’s in it for you:

• Completely free of charge service (There is no charge for retailers to signpost their customers to the Protected service. Not now, not ever)

• Focus on sales (Don’t let installations be a distraction to your sales business. Leave installations to the experts)

• No minimum commitment (There’s absolutely no minimum commitment, but the protectmyinstall team say that you’ll love it)

• Protect your customers (Show your customers that you care, by signposting them to a protectmyinstall.co.uk installation service)

• Protect your brand (Protected forms independent Trading Standards approved contracts between installer & customer)

• Future proof your brand (Provide your customers with an industry-leading solution and stand out from your competition)

Having read the benefits above, as a kbb professional it will be obvious to you what the consumer benefits are when using the protectmyinstall.co.uk service but in brief they include, instant online estimate, free home survey, approved installers, protected payments, trading standards approved contract, and of course workmanship guaranteed.

The protect my install service is now in its second year and so the editorial team here at The Installer Magazine thought it would be of great interest to our readers to gauge the experience of all parties who have used the service. The following pages is what we discovered …

"For those who are still unaware of the benefits of protectmyinstall. co.uk, the following pages will open your eyes to how you can minimise risk when a new kitchen, bedroom or bathroom project is about to get underway."

THE CONSUMER LIZZIE MANDER

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I live in Peterborough, I am an NHS Matron and I have been working on the frontline of the pandemic for the past year. I enjoy art, yoga, theatre and cooking.

How did you find out about the protectmyinstall.co.uk platform?

I found out about protectmyinstall. co.uk through my retailer B&Q who was located not far from my home. I really liked the idea of using a platform that would protect not just me but also the installer, that’s why I specifically used protect my install to undertake my project.

What work were you undertaking in your home?

I had a new kitchen fitted.

Why did you choose protectmyinstall.co.uk?

I chose protectmyinstall.co.uk because of the protection it offered to ensure sure that I had a good job done. The benefits of using protect my install offered exactly what I was looking for, peace of mind and a professional installer.

Did you get quotes from other nonprotectmyinstall.co.uk companies?

No. I was happy with the professionalism of the installer, the price quoted for installation and the protection that protectmyinstall.co.uk had to offer, so I didn’t feel the need to look elsewhere.

What did you like about the protectmyinstall.co.uk service?

I had very effective communication when needed from the platform and the installer took care listened to me, I was happy with the price and it protected my payments. It managed my expectations.

Can you tell us a little about the service you received from your

protectmyinstall.co.uk installer?

Excellent! First class, the installer went above and beyond his remit and moreover, his quality of work and attention to detail was great.

In hindsight, do you feel protectmyinstall.co.uk protected you and your project?

Definitely!

Would you recommend protectmyinstall.co.uk to friends and family?

Absolutely, I have already recommended it, because it delivered what it said right back at the planning stage. I am planning on using protectmyinstall.co.uk for another kitchen and bathroom project.

What positive words of encouragement would you give others following an extraordinary and challenging year?

It has been a challenging year for all of us, especially in the NHS, but we are the human race and we will prevail.

Excellent! First class, the installer went above and beyond his remit and moreover, his quality of work and attention to detail was great.

THE INSTALLER JAMES WHITFIELD JW BESPOKE HOMES LIMITED

of running a business always seems to provide the biggest day-to-day challenge.

My background began as an apprentice carpenter straight from school, the company I worked for covered all aspects of carpentry and we renovated lots of barn conversions and carried out full renovations of older properties.

I decided to set up my own carpentry business in 2011 and my first contract was to fit out a new £34 million state of the art mansion! I installed fitted wardrobes, library, panelled walls, ceilings and doors. I later decided to expand my knowledge by accepting a job as a cabinet maker, making all types of high-end furniture and fitted wardrobes. I eventually became an assistant installation manager installing kitchens and bathrooms.

In 2015 I formed JW Bespoke Homes as I decided that with over 15 years of carpentry and building experience, it was time to help customers in more ways and go above and beyond to make sure customer’s dreams are made into reality.

The business currently only has one employee and I’m looking to expand the business soon by employing an apprentice. I do however, work with a good team of subcontractors.

JW Bespoke Homes Ltd. operates in and around the Banbury area and specialises in kitchens and bathroom installation, also covering fitted wardrobes, tiling, flooring, plastering, electrical work and full renovation work.

Where

from?

Work comes through a number of different avenues such as recommendations, repeat customers, website, social media and retailers.

As a tradesperson, what is your biggest challenge commercially?

Like many installers, I guess, keeping on top of the administrational side

Have you ever lost money from either a customer or a business?

I have lost money once, due to subcontracting to Bathstore when they sadly, went into administration.

What do you least like about your career?

I enjoy most parts of running JW Bespoke homes but if I had to say one thing is the amount of paperwork that is required and the administration side and how time consuming this area is.

Why did you consider using the protectmyinstall.co.uk platform?

I considered using protectmyinstall. co.uk for a number of reasons. Firstly, it gives both myself and the customer protection and I am acutely aware that most new customers now look for tradespeople and businesses through the internet. I need to embrace technology to further my business.

The protectmyinstall.co.uk platform gives me a perfect and unique opportunity to widen my businesses reach and open doors to new customers.

How do you see this benefitting your business?

It provides new customers, more business generally thus keeping the diary full, it’s easy to use and provide quotations for new business and so I spend less time on admin.

….and your customers?

It works for customers by providing them with a stress-free experience and peace of mind by knowing that there project is protected through the platform and that they are getting a verified install/ trades person or company and therefore sets. It’s a winwin for all parties.

How have you found the platform in terms of ease of use?

It's is easy to use and saves time on quotations, which is great, as anyone running an installation business will know that there never seems to be enough hours in the day.

Why do you think the protectmyinstall.co.uk platform is important to the future of home improvements?

I feel that the building industry, sometimes gets bad press, some of which is fair and some not, this results in a reluctance for customers to invite people into their homes to make improvements. protectmyinstall.co.uk will give them the confidence they need to locate trades people that they can trust, aided by the fact that they are protected in the event that anything goes wrong.

Would you recommend the protectmyinstall.co.uk platform to other installers?

Yes, definitely. Give it a try. It really is easy to use and comes with those critical benefits of protecting yourself and generating more business.

What positive words of encouragement would you give others following an arguably challenging year?

Keep your chin up and stay strong, we will get back to normal ways of living soon. Look out for others and stay safe!

Can you tell us a bit of background about you and your business?

do you currently source your work

THE RETAILER SASHA GOODALL HEAD OF DESIGN AT FIRED EARTH

Can you tell us a bit about your background?

I began my career by training in fashion design, I had a bridal business before moving into soft furnishings. I was later scouted by a property developer to look after interior design. Then I moved south, went to work for a Fired Earth showroom and have worked my way up to Head of Design

Can you tell us a bit about the retailer you work with/for?

Fired Earth has been around since the early 80’s, selling Terracotta floor tiles to customers who wanted a little Spanish style to kitchens, hallways and conservatories. As tastes changed and the business grew it introduced wall tiles alongside stones and slates. By the mid 1990’s the business had 15 showrooms across the country, with the first located in swanky Fulham Road, Chelsea – still open today. Paint and Bathrooms have since been added to the Fired Earth portfolio.

What product areas do you design?

I work on commercial and residential projects including bathrooms. We also cover whole house flooring, tiles and paint colours.

Can you describe the characteristics of your average customer?

Fired Earth customers vary enormously but have one thing in common. They are design savvy, care about aesthetics and want to create beautiful spaces. Many are repeat customers who often want to re-instate, a bathroom similar to the one they had in a previous property.

What do you think your customers want from an installation service?

Customers want a good price point, highly skilled installers, they want them to install in a timely fashion and to keep the space clean and tidy.

Why do you think protectmyinstall. co.uk is a good match for your customers?

protectmyinstall.co.uk gives our clients security as their money is held in a separate account, so if anything goes wrong they know they are protected.

At what point during the sales process do you introduce the protectmyinstall.co.uk service?

We tell clients about the service from the outset, when they call or visit a showroom at the beginning of their design journey.

How do you think the protectmyinstall.co.uk service will benefit you as a designer?

As a designer you can connect with the installer. We don’t project manage the installation overall, but we do like to talk to the installer direct if they have any product or installation queries. It benefits the installer too as we can act as a conduit to convey the expectations of the customer.

And as a retailer?

It’s a service we can add to our design service, so if they want the total package we can do this safely with Protect My Install?

And for your customer?

It gives them complete peace of mind.

Would you recommend protectmyinstall.co.uk, and why?

Yes, I would. The installers committed to protectmyinstall.co.uk are highly qualified and each store can build relationships with their local fitter.

What positive words of encouragement would you give others following an arguably challenging year?

Having spent a year working from home, companies have evolved brilliantly through online sales and virtual consultations. Our customers are very keen to create spaces that are great to live in and we’re really positive that interiors will remain top of the agenda, especially as so many people’s lives have changed so they spend more time at home.

Being stuck in doors and saving on commuting, holidays, socialising and entertaining costs means that many homeowners have extra pounds to spend and are using some of it to renovate their homes.

These uncertain times have created a nationwide mood to protect, whether by isolating oneself to potentially prevent catching COVID-19 or simply wearing a mask. It has effected business too with many companies struggling to meet its commitments through a lack of sales (think hospitality trade especially) and consumers have lost money on things like holiday bookings.

So the time is absolutely right, both socially and financially, to protect oneself as much as possible and protectmyinstall.co.uk scratches where installers, retailers and members of the public willing to invest thousands of pounds with them are itching. In one swoop it takes the risk away from ALL involved parties.

I could go on waxing lyrically about the benefits of this scheme but my capacity as Editor deems that I show some impartiality. I will therefore let the testimonials that we have received speak for me:

Jason Statham - Leicestershire: 5 stars

Friendly, helpful and professional. My bathroom looks amazing

Debbie Forbes - Bedfordshire: 5 stars

Very pleased with the high standard of work nothing was too much trouble

Matthew Hall - Nottingham: 5 stars

Richard was great! Right from initial contact to after care! He answered many questions and explained every step of the job. The worked he completed was great, and I could not be happier! Once he had finished his work, he left my house very tidy, like he'd never been there! He was very reliable and his singing was top notch! haha

Hannah Lewis - Bedfordshire: 5 stars

Great service and good communication throughout. Would definitely recommend.

Adam Elliott – East Midlands: 5 stars

We are really pleased with our new bathroom, a great job. Friendly, efficient and skilled tradesmen, they worked quickly a completed the job in the given time frame. Andy offered good thoughts and ideas on how to design our bathroom to make the most out of our space, this was really appreciated.

Remmy Wamweri – Milton Keynes: 5 stars

Mick was knowledgeable and the whole installation was explained to me very clearly. Every step of the way he explained to me what he was working on and what he would be doing next. I would not hesitate to recommend him.

Michael Armitage - Warwickshire: 5

stars

Excellent service, very quick to get the job done and very friendly guy. He did what I wanted, and was clean and tidy. I would have no reservation in recommending Jack to anyone.

Ralph

Stringer - London: 5 stars

BT Projects were the most amazing company. The attention to detail was of the highest standard and the team worked so hard every day. Nothing was too much trouble and always cleaned up at the end of every evening. I was nervous using a company I didn't know but wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. 1st Class Service thank you all. Ralph

Prince Oneill Iqbal - Essex: 5 stars

Very pleased with the bathroom fitting worked carried out by ACE Electrical Plumbing Ltd. Work completed professionally. They kept us informed throughout the project of planned works and what's going in next. Addressed all queries as worked continued satisfactorily. Arrived on time as communicated and always left the site tidy and safe. Overall received excellent service.

Chris Offredi - Essex: 5 stars

Dan & John did a fantastic job, the quality of the installation was second to none, and they were happy to do works beyond the quote without hesitation. Their work ethic was fantastic and the communication was faultless. I can’t recommend them enough, and would happily use them again. A great pair of guys who really know their trade - thank you.

www.protectmyinstall.co.uk

"protectmyinstall.co.uk, isn’t politely tapping on the door and asking it politely if it can come in, its actually breaking the door down with more and more kkb retailers, installers and now the public beginning to

understand how the initiative is a win, win for all."

KBB Retailers… TIME TO CHANGE

Some of the biggest names in retail and a host of independent showrooms are at risk of falling foul of the precedent for employment rights that has been set by the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on Uber drivers’ status.

In a briefing paper published recently, the BiKBBI, which represents thousands of tradespeople and retailers in the home improvement industry, warns that the model of subcontracting installers to fit new kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms will now be open to scrutiny. It calls on retailers to audit their relationships with installers and if necessary, adapt their working practices to avoid vulnerability to employment tribunals.

The BiKBBI’s briefing paper, which is issued to members and partners across the home improvement industry, highlights how the Uber ruling means that the “totality of the relationship between businesses and subcontractors” will be looked at in determining employment status, following the ruling, rather than just the specific contractual terms. It warns that “if businesses are recognised as having an undue level of control over how the subcontractor goes about their work and allows no room for negotiation over what they are paid, they are likely to be classified as employers and carry all of the obligations that go along with it.”

The warning is intended as a wakeup call to home improvement retailers that rely on subcontracted installers to offer a turnkey service to consumers. It is estimated that around 40% of skilled installers work with major and independent retailers in this way and could now be in a position to demand rights such as sick pay, paid holiday and pension contributions.

Damian Walters, Chief Executive of the BiKBBI, said, “The Uber ruling is a potential game changer for the home improvement industry and many retailers will need to quickly adapt how they work with their installers before being forced to do so in ways that may hurt their businesses.”

The BiKBBI recommends that home improvement retailers that rely on subcontracted installers audit the terms of their commercial relationships against the employment criteria established by the Uber ruling. Where it is clear that commercial relationships with subcontracted installers do fit the criteria established by the Supreme Court for employee status, retailers

should decide whether to: Formally agree terms of employment with installers so that they are fulfilling all necessary obligations:

Adapt their working model and relationship with installers so that they do not meet the criteria for employment status that has been established by the Supreme Court’s Uber ruling;

Consider use of third party platforms, such as www.protectmyinstall.co.uk or other credible intermediaries, and a hybrid, demonstrating they no longer hold direct relationships with subcontracted installers. As an example, this could mean the sale and subcontracting of dry fit installation, utilising the third party platform to transact the supplementary work.

Damian added, “Subcontracting works for retailers who are able to call on a flexible, skilled workforce and for installers who value the independence of self-employment alongside the certainty of regular work. However, the debate about ‘gig economy’ working will inevitably reach our industry soon. It’s absolutely vital to get in front of this by adopting innovative new working models that ensure installers are treated fairly and retailers can most effectively serve their customers.”

MARK FULLER

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT BIKBBI ADVISORY BOARD

Mark is the founding Director of Showrunner Communications, an agency that builds reputations, relationships and influence for clients that help people and places to succeed. With over 15 years’ experience of developing and delivering PR and public affairs programmes, Mark has led work for organisations and businesses across a wide range of sectors including senior in-house roles in national and multinational companies and has run programmes and advised C-Suite leaders at dozens of private, public and third sector organisations as a consultant. He’s also chaired the Board of upReach, one the UK’s fastest growing social enterprises.

Fundamentally to the institute, Mark is well networked across the political scene and the national media, having work published by think tanks, written for trade and national press and appeared on national television and radio.

BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters, commented on the appointment by saying: “I have been working with Mark in the background for over a year as a consultant and I’m pleased to be in a position to bring him and his expertise into the organisation as a board member. Mark will provide high level strategic support to the board and will work with our Director of Public Relations, an appointment we are currently in the process of recruiting for.”

Mark Fuller commented by saying: “The KBB industry is one of the most important parts of the UK economy, so it is only right that BiKBBI speaks with the strongest possible voice to represent its interests at a national level. I couldn’t be happier to play a part in making sure this is the case and am looking forward to working with Damian and the team to secure BiKBBI the recognition it deserves.”

The BiKBBI has made a key appointment of Strategic Communications Consultant by adding Mark Fuller to the organisation’s Advisory Board.

ANOTHER BIG BRAND IN TITUS BECOMES INSTITUTE CORPORATE SPONSOR

Titus has become the latest Corporate Sponsor of The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI), as the organisation continues to grow its reach into industry manufacturers.

Over the last 40 years, Titus has been active in multiple industries, including household appliances and furniture through the use of damping technology within their hardware solutions range. An international brand, Titus provides global solutions and embraces the versatility and know-how of its teams worldwide. Through innovative product design, Titus develops and manufactures precision components to improve the competitiveness of furniture and cabinetry.

Phil Beddoe, General Manager at Titus UK, commented on the announcement, “At Titus, we put a lot of effort into monitoring developments in the cabinet furniture sector and we are delighted to be supporting the objectives of

The BiKBBI. We look forward to leading positive change when it comes to quality products, services and best practice and we see installation as an integral part of such development.”

BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters added, “It’s clear that industry manufacturers are connecting their product and the importance of installation. As I’ve always maintained, our industry can innovate, manufacture, distribute, design and sell beautiful product, but, to coin a pun, installation is a critical component and I’m delighted that another well respected manufacturer understands the importance of what we do and are stepping up to support us too.”

The BiKBBI continues its plea to the industry and invites suppliers, distributors and manufacturers to find out more about Corporate Sponsorship opportunities by visiting www.bikbbi.org.uk/corporate-membership

SURVEY REVEALS SCALE OF INSTALLER SKILLS GAP!

The kitchen, bedroom and bathroom industry must act quickly to avoid a dramatic shortfall in skilled installers over the coming ten years according to the results of a survey published today by The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI).

The survey, which was completed by over 3000 installer businesses in March, provides clear evidence that Britain faces a shortfall in the number of skilled tradespeople able to serve the KBB industry over the coming years. With most of those surveyed expecting there to be high levels of demand for KBB installation work, the shortfall in skilled installers is likely to result in disappointed customers and hold the industry back from playing a full part in the UK’s economic recovery.

The most alarming figures revealed by the survey highlight that a third of sole trader installers plan on retiring within the next ten years. This will have a dramatic impact on the industry, with sole traders representing over 80% of the businesses surveyed. Of those planning to retire, only 16% have plans in place for someone else to take over their business.

Meanwhile, installer businesses that rely on skilled employees have little confidence that new workers are coming into the industry, with only 9% saying that there is a good supply of qualified installers ready to take on jobs; and just under 10% believing that there are a lot of young people developing skills and coming into the industry.

Damian Walters, BiKBBI, CEO warned, “These alarming figures remove any remaining doubts about the scale of the challenge our industry faces over the coming years. Put bluntly, we’ve relied for too long on an ageing workforce who are now looking forward to their retirement. We need to pull out all of the stops to prepare a new generation of skilled installers ready to take their place.”

With the survey making clear the need for a new generation of skilled installers, the BiKBBI has announced details of a new, nationwide drive to recruit thousands of apprentices to the industry. Working in partnership with training providers, leading Apprenticeship Training Agency (ATA) The Apprenticeship Group, and End Point Assessor (EPA) Achieve + Partners, the BiKBBI intends to generate 700 apprentice installers a year beginning this autumn. The initiative is backed by significant investment from industry giant Quooker.

PLANS INCLUDE:

• Leading a trailblazer group to agree an updated set of standards for the Level 2 Fitted Interiors qualification that has been successfully piloted in the South East;

• A major promotional campaign and partnerships with schools across the country to promote the industry and the apprenticeship to school-leavers;

• Supporting members with employment processes to ensure that small installer businesses can take on apprentices without incurring additional overheads.

Stephen Johnson, Managing Director of Quooker said: “Over the course of the last year our industry has faced some of the toughest ever trading conditions and we therefore need to keep a strong focus on the future as we recover. Retailers and manufacturers alike, rely on a highly-skilled workforce of installers to deliver our customers the very best service. Investing in the BiKBBI’s ambitious apprenticeship programme allows us to help build this workforce for the long-term while creating career opportunities for a new generation.”

Damian Walters added: “It’s going to take a huge effort to tackle this problem and our industry needs to demonstrate a lot of ambition. KBB installation offers youngsters the prospect of developing skills that are consistently in high demand and the promise of secure, rewarding careers. We need to make sure that they have a clear, identifiable route in though and in doing so, the apprenticeship programme we’re announcing today will play a huge part in ensuring a positive future for the industry.”

FENIX NTM ® THE INNOVATIVE, SMART MATERIAL DESIGNED FOR CONTEMPORARY LIVING. With low light reflectivity resulting in breath-taking ultra-matt aesthetics and a premium soft-touch feel FENIX NTM worktops are perfect for modern kitchens.

As an experienced kitchen installer you already have the skills needed to fit FENIX NTM worktops.

To view the range, simply visit worktop-express.co.uk/fenixntm

‘DESIGNER HEATING MADE EASY’ WITH VOGUE (UK) 2021 BROCHURE

Vogue (UK), British manufacturer of high quality designer radiators and towel warmers has unveiled its 2021 Brochure

Available from May 2021 either in-store or by online request, this inspirational brochure catalogues the latest colours, shapes and styles in heating design to ensure your home is fit with the most up-to-the-minute designs and innovations on the market.

Vogue (UK) new brochure expertly blends form and function with beautiful craftsmanship and quality raw materials, which support its commitment to environmental stewardship and meets the growing demand for sustainable living. Bringing together the most luxurious designs inspired by traditional British style and the latest modern concepts for contemporary living, this image-rich deluxe brochure is the ideal starting point to discover the company’s 2021 product ranges, new colours and finish options and custom heating solutions.

There are six product categories: contemporary, ladder Rails, traditional, designer, electric, additions – as well as details on Vogue (UK)’s exclusive bespoke design service, which gives even more options for tubing and joints, valves and accessories, and colours and finishes.

Steve Birch, Sales Director at Vogue (UK) explains “Our brand story and company ethos remains guided by our promise for quality and innovation, and our latest 2021 brochure supports this castiron commitment, which combines traditional craftsmanship with the latest creative development and cutting-edge technology.”

New by Vogue (UK)

• Designs: series of new Contemporary towel rails and Designer radiators for 2021

• Styling inspiration: 164 pages of inspirational heating designs, like the new Sierra DR040 in Matt Black

• Finishes: newly refined contemporary colour options for select models

• Sizes: new sizes across a range of its best-selling heating designs

• Colours: new colour options for select models in 2021

• Specification: each model includes recommended accessories, model graphics and heating symbols to explain construction, fuel type, finishes, price & product guarantees

www.vogueuk.co.uk/request-a-brochure

Launched during lockdown last year, LOVEJUNK is an online marketplace for rubbish clearance that matches people to their cheapest available waste collector in seconds.

It works a bit like eBay, but for man & van waste removal. You create a listing using the LOVEJUNK app or website and nearby licensed collectors bid digitally to do the job. Once you get an offer price you like, the job is matched to that collector who then removes the waste at the agreed time. Payment and waste documentation happen through the platform after collection.

Founder & CEO, Jason Mohr, comments, “The price of bulky waste collection is as much about distance to site and competition as it is the disposal cost. LOVEJUNK provides a dynamic marketplace of hundreds of local waste carriers to find your cheapest, nearest collector at any given time. It’s early days, but we regularly hear of prices being more than 50% cheaper than standard.”

LOVEJUNK is live in Greater London and Surrey and rolling out nationally. The app can be downloaded on the App Store or Google Play. Learn more at www.lovejunk.com

CLAIRE DOCHERTY JOINS KITCHEN KIT CUSTOMER SERVICES TEAM

Claire Docherty has recently been appointed to the Kitchen Kit customer service team and will support builder’s merchants and kbb installers on a day-to-day basis by handling any queries they may have on order processing and after-sales care. The company will benefit from Claire’s near 20 years of experience in similar roles.

Claire enthused, “I am delighted to part of this new team. Kitchen Kit is an exciting new kitchen trade offer “I’m looking forward to looking after our customers and ensuring they get a great service from us as I gain great job satisfaction from building relationships with them and the subsequent interaction. It’s a great feeling when I hear that our customers are happy with the service I have provided. I also enjoy seeing the end result of a completed kitchen and often ask a customer to send me photographs of a finished

BiKBBI sponsors, ANYJUNK, are excited about the progress of their new venture LOVEJUNK.

HiB LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE WITH ENHANCED FEATURES

Bathroom supplier HiB has improved its website to offer an expanded online experience for installers, developers and specifiers.

The website includes upgraded navigation, search facilities and has been optimised for mobile devices to improve functionality. The site also has a dedicated section for Projects and Specifications, showcasing the company’s capabilities in providing product for large and small scale developments.

For those seeking more information about HiB ranges, particular attention has been paid on improving the product listings, to offer more detailed images and videos, technical information and inspiration. Another notable feature is the new ‘Swatch Service’, which allows those designing a bathroom to request a swatch

of their chosen furniture or countertop finish directly from the website.

HiB Marketing Manager, Kevin Currie said: “At HiB we’ve been working hard to develop our digital offering to better support installers, architects and specifiers during the bathroom design process. Making information and inspiration easily accessible to all has been a priority throughout the development of the new website and to be able to offer this new platform especially during this challenging period for the industry, is fantastic. The new website marks a new chapter for HiB and reinforces our company vision of not only making products that makes bathrooms beautiful, but also improving the lives of retailers, partners and customers.” Visit the new website at: www.hib.co.uk/hib-projects-and-specifications

Kevin Currie, HiB Marketing Manager

Bigger venue for kbbreview Retail & Design Awards as demand for seats soars

The kbbreview Retail & Design Awards has a brand new venue thanks to an overwhelming industry demand for seats and tables.

The event, which will still take place on September 15, will now be held in the spectacular and iconic Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, one of the UK’s most recognisable landmarks.

The previous venue sold out within hours of the event being announced and in the weeks that followed the waiting list grew and grew.

“When we finally decided to move the date to September and hold the full real, live awards event, we had no idea what the response of the industry would be,” said kbbreview managing editor Andrew Davies.

“The cathedral was our first choice, as it is just such an astonishing place, but it holds a LOT of people. So we erred on the side of caution and went for the smaller venue. But after we announced it, it became very clear, very quickly, that we should have gone with Plan A!”

The new venue opens up the opportunity for more people to book seats and tables who may have been disappointed when the previous location sold out so quickly.

“This is the biggest postlockdown industry party and now it’s got even bigger,” Davies said. “We want to see as many people there as possible celebrating the creativity and ingenuity that got us all through

the lockdowns. But, even though out capacity is bigger, it’s not unlimited, so get in quick to make sure you don’t miss out again!”

The kbbreview Retail & Design Awards is the biggest and longest-running awards event in the UK kitchen and bathroom industry. You can find out more about how the awards, judging, finalists and previous winners at www.kbbreview.com/awards

BC Designs expands to meet surge in demand

Colchester-based bath manufacturer, BC Designs, has expanded its operation with the introduction of a new 75sq m workshop in a bid to meet growing demand from its retail network.

In a statement, the company said that the new workshop would allow the company to increase stock levels by up to 35%. In addition, a new paint facility has also been added to allow it to improve lead times on its painting service.

Speaking about the brand’s key expansion managing director, Darren Allison, said: “The pandemic has provided the opportunity for us to re-access and refocus our business strategy and we’ve renewed our focus on delivering the highest quality customer service.

“The new workshop will allow us to shorten lead times across our product portfolio as we are able

to hold more stock. We’ve also seen an increase in demand for our painting service as colour continues to be a key driver within bathroom trends. Our new facility will increase our output by over 30%.

“The new workshop marks

another great milestone in BC Designs’ history. The whole team is excited about the post-Covid 19 chapter as we look to continue our growth through developing even deeper relationships with our customers, along with exciting product launches that are planned later this year.”

Quooker ramps up support for kbbreview Save Our Skills campaign

Quooker has shown its commitment to supporting the industry by extending its sponsorship of the kbbreview Save Our Skills Campaign until the end of September.

The kbbreview Save Our Skills campaign is once again allowing any employer in the KBB industry to post job vacancies on kbbreview.com for free. Thanks to the ongoing support from Quooker, the initiative will continue for at least the next four months.

“I’m delighted that Quooker has committed to supporting this important initiative again so that we can continue to offer the industry free job ads,” said kbbreview managing editor Andrew Davies. “To see so many businesses recruiting again after the challenges of the last year is fantastic and we want to play our part in spreading such a positive message.”

The kbbreview Save Our Skills campaign was launched in spring 2020 as the coronavirus situation began to lead to many redundancies within the KBB sector. The aim was to keep the skills and experience these people possess within the industry if possible. It has been supported by Quooker from the beginning.

The move in emphasis of the campaign coincides with a noticeable drop in the number of redundancies hitting the industry and a sudden rise in vacancies being advertised.

BiKBBI sets sights on USA

The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BIKBBI) has revealed plans to strengthen its ties to the US in 2022.

BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters told kbbreview that further collaboration between the BIKBBI and America’s National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), “gives us an opportunity to learn from shared challenges like compliance and the skills gap”.

The organisation’s plans for expansion in the US could, Walters added, “help strengthen ties at a critical time, as trade with the US market is vital in a post-Brexit Britain”.

The BiKBBI has been involved with the NKBA’s Global Connect Conference and Alliance program.

Full details of its plans for expansion into the US will be announced at the BiKBBI’s Annual Conference and Awards in February 2022. The conference will be held in the Parliamentary office at Portcullis House, followed by a formal reception and awards ceremony will be at The Houses of Parliament later that afternoon.

During the conference, the institute will also reveal plans for the acceleration of its Apprenticeship programme, which has been a focus to help plug the skills gap in the UK.

Joined by the institute’s patron

Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, the event will be attended by over 150 VIP delegates, which is double capacity of last year’s conference due to the BiKBBI’s recent growth.

Walters said: “2021/22 marks our 15th Anniversary – a remarkable milestone and another proud moment for me and the organisation. We are privileged to be in a position to hold our event at such a venue once again and I’m already looking forward to hosting what will be a remarkable occasion for our industry.”

“After what has been a challenging time for us all, this special event will mix the formalities of Conference, with some muchneeded celebration. We have achieved so much over the last year, not by luck, but by sheer determination, focus and the support of our key stakeholders. It’s our opportunity to share plans with this group, celebrate some phenomenal achievements and thank those who have made it possible. This will be an event to remember.”

The BiKBBI is offering unique sponsorship opportunities for its 2022 Awards & Conference –details of which can be obtained from erin.sealy@bikbbi.org.uk

Howdens sales bounce back after lockdown

Howdens Joinery Group saw UK revenues climb by almost a half (47.1%) in its first 16 weeks trading in 2021.

For those 16 weeks to April 17,the group’s latest trading update reported overall sales up by 47.1%, and by 46.1% on a samedepot basis, which excludes any new depots opened during that period. This was compared with equivalent periods in 2020 when, Howdens said, business was impacted in Q4 by the Covid-19 lockdown measures.

In addition to its 751 depots in the UK, Howdens also operates 30 depots in France and Belgium. It saw revenues in its European operations during these 16 weeks more than double, with a 108% increase compared with the same period last year – 105.9% on a same-depot basis. Compared with 2019, revenue was up by 37% (19.7% on a same-depot basis).

The Howdens Joinery board said it was confident that the group remained on target for its plans this year.

The group also plans to open 35 new depots in the UK this year and a further 11 in France. It will also refurbish around 40 older UK depots.

In its 2020 full-year results, Howdens reported sales of £1.55 billion, down 2.3% on 2019. Pre-tax profit was £185.3 million, which was down 28.9% on 2019.

At the time, chief executive Andrew Livingstone said: “Howdens performed well during 2020. We adapted to Covid trading conditions and progressed our strategic plans for the business. Our performance demonstrates the strength of our trade only business model and our ability to evolve the business while prioritising the health and wellbeing of our staff and customers.

“Following a sharp drop in sales in quarter two when the UK entered its first national lockdown, our performance improved significantly in the second half, with sales up 16% compared to the equivalent period in 2019, as we benefited from pent-up demand and the consumer’s desire to invest in their homes. The year ended strongly with profit and cash flow ahead of expectations and we were able to repay the Government furlough and other support taken earlier in the year. We are also pleased to be resuming dividend payments.”

Howdens will release its 2021 halfyear report on July 22.

Hoover nearly triples its share of built-in appliances market

In only 15 months, appliance manufacturer Hoover has almost tripled its built-in market share in the UK.

According to Amdea data in April 2021, Hoover went from a 3.9% market share of the built-in appliances category in January 2020 to 11.3%.

The built-in portfolio includes more than 500 models, from ovens, hobs, washing machine wine coolers and laundry. The product categories of cooking, cooling, dishwashing and laundry have all seen growth in the past 12 months.

Nick Platt, business director,

built-in appliances, at Hoover, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have hit double-digit market share in such a short time and within a highly-competitive sector. We have worked strategically to build our retailer relationships with

a focus on independents, mass merchants and a newly-formed contracts channel, all of which have contributed significantly to our success.

“In the past, the business was driven by integrated laundry sales and, while we have grown our shares in this category with one-in-three built-in washing machines sold in the UK being manufactured by the group, we’ve also achieved record shares in built-in dishwashers, cooling and cooking– something we are immensely proud of.”

Platt concluded: “We invest heavily in all of our product development, ensuring we are offering

consumers reliable, hard-working appliances that put the very latest connected technology at the forefront. A good example of this is our range of ovens that can be controlled remotely via an app, as well as providing access to over 200 healthy recipes.

“We are also offering marketing support in the form of TV advertising on the Collection 3 connected cooking range, featuring our Hoover brand ambassador, Simon Rimmer, as well as digital and radio advertising campaigns. This is just the start of our journey for the built-in market and we have big ambitions to continue on our successful growth trajectory.”

BIKBBI SPONSOR WORKTOP EXPRESS IS OFFERING 10% OFF ITS BESPOKE SERVICES WHEN INSTALLERS ORDER ONLINE.

When using the company’s dedicated ‘Bespoke Worktop Tool’ on its website, installers will be awarded a price reduction of 10% when they place the order.

Speaking on behalf of Worktop Express, Brand Manager, Jonathan Williams comments, “The Bespoke Worktop Tool enables installers to conveniently design from their own home at a time convenient to them. They get their worktops delivered, ready to fit, which in turn, reduces the time needed to fit the customer’s kitchen.

Our worktops are factory finished with precision equipment to ensure great quality worktops that can be fitted perfectly first time.”

So how does it work?

Go to the Worktop Express website and click on the ‘Bespoke Worktop Tool’ www.worktop-express.co.uk/online-bespokeworktop-tool.html

ROMAN, HAS REPOSITIONED THE LUMIN8 RANGE TO BECOME HAVEN8

The move to Haven8 means the range will be nett priced with no RRP's. As a result, the actual purchasing prices available will show a reduction of around 30% to most customers. Lumin8 still stays as a range within Roman's main showroom guide but it is now focused on specialist doors and panelsincluding inswing doors and a large selection of curved walkin wetroom panel options.

Roman has also added 3 key volume bath screens to the Haven range which further strengthens the leading shower manufacturer's Power Showerproof Bath Screen offering with no change to the excellent specification of the products. Roman's Haven8 collection encompasses an array of One Door Quadrants; Two Door Quadrants; Bi-Fold Doors; Pivot Doors; Sliding Doors; Level Access Sliding Doors; a selection of Side Panels and In-Line Panels; and stylish Bath Screens, with 8mm toughened glass thickness, 1950mm in height and bright silver framing, which complement all bathroom designs.

David Osborne, CEO at Roman comments: "I know our customers really appreciate the fact that we have held prices since July 2019 in a time of such uncertainty and even reduced prices by repositioning our Lumin8 range to Haven8. This reinforces our commitment to ‘Made in Britain’". www.roman-showers.com

Step 4

Step 1 Begin designing your worktop

Create your design & place your order

Step 2

The Worktop Express team will issue a fabrication diagram

The company will contact the installer if any potential issues are discovered

Confirm your diagram is correct

Step 3

The team reviews your order and contacts you with any issues. This takes 2-3 working days for most orders but can be up to 6 working days for more complex ones.

Your order is created and delivered (8-12 working days) Our experts fabricate your worktops to your specification Remember, 10% discount will be in place for anyone ordering online via the ‘bespoke Worktop Tool.’

Haven8 Bi-Fold Door with Side Panel - Silver Chrome finish

KITCHEN KIT LAUNCHES FREE TO USE ON-LINE KITCHEN BUILDER TOOL

Kitchen Kit has made planning and ordering a made to measure rigid kitchen as easy as possible with the unveiling of its Kitchen Builder Tool.

Located by following a few easy steps you can quickly build, plan and order a kitchen and have it delivered to your customers’ door, all despatched within 10 working days. Simply, choose a style of kitchen, input the overall measurements, use the drag and drop facility, get a real time price and check out or save for later! Of course you can also use it to order and plan a standard kitchen too.

As well as a finished planned view of the kitchen, the ‘drag and drop’ facility allows you to add tall cabinets, made to measure cabinets and whatever flexibility you need to meet client preferences, whilst still ensuring that you have ordered everything you need for your current kitchen project! Sign-up for a trade account today and get 20% off all orders. With over 30 years’ experience in the KBB industry, we have got you covered. For more information visit: www.kitchenkit.co.uk/kitchen-builder/

WILSONART MAKES KEY APPOINTMENTS TO MEET ANTICIPATED GROWTH

Ahead of ambitious plans for growth and development in 2021, Wilsonart has expanded its marketing team in the UK by appointing a Marketing Communications Manager, and Digital Marketing Specialist, to head up the bathroom arm of the business. The new team will oversee a trio of brands in Mermaid Panels, Wetwall and Bushboard’s Nuance range, all of which serve the bathroom surfaces industry, with the team driving a primary focus towards the Mermaid Panels brand for 2021.

Helen Dennett (pictured right) is now UK Marketing Communications Manager; Mermaid Panels, Wetwall and Bushboard Nuance bringing a strong understanding of the industry and a wealth of key channel experience gained from her previous roles at Travis Perkins and Plumbase. As well as bringing integral strategy and campaign management skills to her role, Helen has an established rapport with suppliers in the merchant sector and in-depth understanding of the wants and needs of installers. Helen will be responsible for elevating the

marketing communications around Wilsonart’s three bathroom brands, whilst continuing to focus on building key relationships with retail and merchant partners.

Sasha Betty (left) has been employed as Digital Marketing Specialist and is returning to her B2B marketing roots after several invaluable years working in the consumer field. Armed with an

abundance of knowledge about endconsumer behaviour and customer journey optimisation, Sasha will focus on driving reach and awareness, positioning Wilsonart’s brands as the centre of the conversation in the digital space. New to the KBB industry, Sasha hopes to bring a fresh pair of eyes to the role, with plans to create authentic and innovative campaigns that will educate, excite, and inspire.

VITRA LAUNCHES NEW RANGES AT ISH

VitrA Bathrooms took part in this year’s ISH Digital exhibition which was held in late March.

The company exhibited several of its designer collaboration ranges as well as two new ranges due to be launched in the UK later this yearArchiPlan and Root.

ArchiPlan offers compact design solutions for small spaces in domestic and commercial bathroom settings. Root is an extensive new range of bathroom furniture units and brassware that complement VitrA's Integra and Zentrum basin shapes.

Alongside ArchiPlan and Root, VitrA showcased Voyage designed with Arik Levy, Plural, created in partnership with Terri Pecora, and Equal, created with Claudio Bellini. VitrA's tap, shower and accessory range Origin was also displayed in matt black, copper, chrome and brushed nickel. Touch-free multifunction showering WCs from VitrA's V-Care range are also on display, including the most recent addition V-Care Prime, developed with Arik Levy.

VitrA also used ISH to formally launch VitrA NExT – the design journey for the next experience. VitrA NExT seeks to design the next bathroom experience by continually evaluating familiar experiences from different perspectives and envisioning what's beyond the horizon. As part of this, VitrA created a stunning exhibition space at its Innovation Centre in Bozuyuk, just outside of Istanbul, Turkey and turned it into a 360 virtual exhibition, available on the NExT platform. Having a permanent exhibition space means VitrA can constantly update displays, and by using the NExT digital platform, customers and partners can digitally interact with the products at any time, not just during the ISH exhibition.

VitrA's Virtual Exhibition space launched on its new NExT platform – which allows the company to host online exhibitions during international trade fairs (like ISH) but also for customers and partners all year round.

V-Care Prime multifunction touch-free shower toilet is also shown.

VitrA's Voyage bathroom collection features on the ISH stand.

MUCH MORE THAN TILES

Specialists in ceramic tiles, PORCELANOSA, produces tiles to fulfill virtually any design scheme including a range of effects that replicate: wood, metal, concrete, marble and stone monochrome or patterned.

Less known perhaps is that the company, with over forty five years manufacturing experience behind it, produces a range of ceramics and kitchen, bathroom and bedroom furniture globally.

It’s critical to stay ahead of emerging trends and the PORCELANOSA Group research indicates that the current kitchen and bathroom trends in the UK are moving away from glossy finishes and more towards a matt stone appearance. This keeps a contemporary edge but is softer on the eye and adds natural warmth to kitchen spaces. Long lasting materials like stone offer a cleaner and simpler look whilst using high quality material.

At the heart of the PORCELANOSA Group also lies a desire to develop its eco-friendliness and as a result, the business has developed ‘r eco’ – the first adhesive additive for ceramic tile installation that is made of 100% recycled plastic materials. ‘r eco’ includes 250 grams of postconsumer recycled plastic, equivalent to 50 supermarket bags. If all PORCELANOSA ceramic tiles were installed using ‘r eco,’ it would reduce annual quantities of plastic poured into the ocean by a whopping 800 Tm per year!

The PORCELANOSA Group research indicates that the current kitchen and bathroom trends in the UK are moving away from glossy finishes and more towards a matt stone appearance.

PORCELANOSA products and systems cater for all sorts of installers, including kbb, traditional tilers and those utilising modern methods of construction (MMC). Building homes using MMC is a steadily growing practice, with prefabricated, modular construction being one of the more recognisable methods.

Butech, one of the PORCELANOSA Group’s eight companies, has extensive experience in prefabricated systems and is ready to assist PORCELANOSA’s customers in all phases of project development, from modular design through to onsite installation.

UNIT-SYSTEMS is a new construction solution with the market acceptance of the guaranteed quality of the PORCELANOSA Group. It includes MODFACADES (modular facades), MONOBATH (prefabricated bathroom modules) and MONOKITCHEN (preassembled kitchen modules).

MONOBATH and MONOKITCHEN modules

include all interior finishes, furniture, bathroom fitting and accessories, as well as the plumbing and wiring, all ready for use once installation is complete. Providing quick and effective onsite installation, placing the modules within the project requires nothing more than a hoisting system and an opening in the wall through which the bathroom and/ or kitchen modules can pass.

These prefabricated modules reduce lead times by up to three months and minimise maintenance. Using a concrete and metal structure, the modules are designed to be assembled as part of the overall construction of a building or home, with finishes adapted to the space without affecting it in any way.

In summary, many industry observers may be a little surprised at the breadth of the PORCELANOSA Group’s products portfolio, as it caters for all kinds of developments, from smaller local projects to international designs! The business utilises its forty five years of manufacturing experience by creating a range of ceramics and kitchen, bathroom and bedroom furniture globally that meet virtually any installation requirement and also the assembly of its UNIT-SYSTEM modular construction solutions.

To most in the kbb industry, PORCELANOSA is an immediately recognisable brand name, especially for its tiles; much less known is its development of modern construction methods and some of their work in this field could prove game-changing for many.

www.porcelanosa.com/uk

These prefabricated modules reduce lead times by up to three months and minimise maintenance.

AO AND OMEGA ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP

Omega PLC and online electricals retailer, AO have announced a national partnership for the distribution and installation of kitchen appliances in the contracts market.

The partnership will see AO supply kitchen appliances for Omega’s nationwide network and will give builders and developers, not only the promise of exceptional customer service but also the security of knowing that stock will be there when required to coincide with a kitchen installation.

Simon continued, “With every challenge there is also an opportunity and working with AO to guarantee the supply of branded appliances with our branded kitchens is an exciting first. We’re delighted we can now offer our partners the assurance that we can also deliver appliances on time with our contract kitchens.” Anthony Sant, MD of AO Business said: “Our aim with this partnership is to bring the exceptional customer service that AO has become famous for to Omega’s network as well as to guarantee market leading appliance supply and installation to remove uncertainty and potential costly delays.”

Sant, MD, AO Business

Omega PLC, CEO Simon Barber said: “There have been many unexpected challenges caused by the pandemic and this uncertainty quickly became a major headache for developers and builders, with the potential to jeopardise house completions. The industry expressed deep concern that the shortage and uncertainty could undermine the revival of the housing market, so it was one we were determined to address.

AO’s move into the contracts market in 2019 has been welcomed by national and regional Housebuilders alike. With over 1.3 million square feet of warehousing and completing installations across the UK every week, AO is best placed to meet the ever-increasing demands of an industry that needs to expand to meet the UK’s growing housing requirements. 

Anthony

Since the start of 2020, AO has also increased warehouse capacity by 500,000 square ft, and from two to five warehouses across the UK with a total of 1.2 million square ft.

Simon added: “The ongoing challenges created by Covid-19 are like nothing the industry has seen before due to the disruption to supply chains around the world, which has placed many companies under enormous pressure. AO has undertaken a stocking up period for Omega Contracts with a phased approach for site starts. “

Since the start of 2020, AO has also increased warehouse capacity by 500,000 square ft, and from two to five warehouses across the UK with a total of 1.2 million square ft.

This expanded infrastructure provides AO with the ability to hold three months of stock for calling off on a next day delivery and installation basis. This means Omega can trust in the knowledge that the right appliance will be available at the right time for delivery and installation.

Omega plc is long established and highly respected in the design and manufacture of highquality fitted kitchen furniture. The manufacturer supplies British-made kitchens throughout the UK to house builders and property developers through Omega Contracts as well as via a network of specialist retailers.

www.ao-business.com www.omegaplc.co.uk

SUCCESS FOR KBBG WEBINAR SERIES

BiKBBI sponsor, The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group (KBBG), part of DER KREIS, has been supporting retailers throughout the UK lockdown with a series of webinars.

Following the success of the first webinar titled ‘How to successfully sell in a virtual world’, led by the Director of Lead Wolf, Graeme Wilson, the KBBG has been working with its suppliers to create further online sessions, exclusively for members of the buying group.

The subsequent webinar was led by InSinkErator®, the inventor and manufacturer and global supplier of food waste disposers. The session was conducted by Phill Quantrell, Key Account Manager at InSinkErator®, and was designed to help retailers educate their customers on the growing food waste crisis and add to those all-important margins. The webinar detailed the InSinkErator® solutions

available to KBBG members, how a food waste disposer works, as well as myth busting answers to frequently asked questions.

Following this was a webinar hosted by Owain Harrison and Alison Mackie from Novy, the award-winning manufacturer of high-quality, almost silent cooker hoods. Participants were given the chance to learn all about the Novy brand, including its history and unique selling points that are armoury of the kitchen retailer’s business. Additionally, Novy launched its new collection, giving KBBG members first-hand insight into the latest products available.

Bill Miller, Managing Director, KBBG, comments: “With showrooms re-opening, we haven’t planned any further webinars for the time being, to allow retailers to focus on the customers that will be coming back through their doors. However, the webinars have

been so well received, they are certainly something that we will look to continue to offer.

“One thing lockdown has taught us is that technology provides numerous benefits to businesses large and small, and we foresee these new found ways of working continuing to be a part of our everyday lives beyond the pandemic. Our webinar series has allowed KBBG members to interact directly with our suppliers to learn, grow and remain in touch with the latest trends and movements within the industry.”

The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group works closely with its members to provide on-going business support and advice. For more information on the KBBG, call Bill Miller on 07887 247811 or email b.miller@derkreis.co.uk.

www.derkreis.co.uk

Novy presented its latest products to KBBG members

Bill Miller, Managing Director, KBBG

Q&A WITH ANTHONY SANT, AO BUSINESS MANAGING DIRECTOR

Government is looking at bringing in new rules about how old kitchen appliances are dealt with in order to protect the environment. Please explain what is happening.

Businesses, large and small, have faced challenges we cannot even have imagined 18 months ago. We have had to adapt almost every aspect of our operating models. But while we had little time to prepare for the changes of the pandemic, we do have opportunity to prepare for major environmental changes set to impact on any business dealing with electrical appliances.

Within the next few years, it looks like changes will be introduced. The government will be making all retailers of electrical items, including kitchen retailers and suppliers, responsible for collecting and safely disposing for recycling of any electrical appliance removed from a home when supplying or fitting new appliances as part of a kitchen installation. As one of the largest electricals retailer in the UK, we’re working hard to prepare for these changes. However, we know from working in the kitchen sector that the changes are not widely known or understood, so many small retailers, suppliers and installers will be unaware of how they could be affected. We can’t lose sight of the fact that most of these old electrical items contain hazardous parts and substances and we all have a responsibility to prevent these from escaping into the environment due to substandard or uncontrolled disposals.

Prior to joining AO business, I worked in the recycling sector for more than a decade and have worked first-hand with the existing rules and legislation that govern how old electrical appliances are recycled. 

The kitchen sector looks set to be faced with a number of environmental legislative changes and regulations. What do these potential changes look like?

The kitchen sector needs to be made aware of environmental changes to regulations and legislation being introduced over the next two to three years – known as Extended Producer Responsibility. The Government basically wants to increase the recycling levels of old kitchen appliances and cut the number of appliances being illegally disposed of, by making it the duty of the retailer to ensure these items end up with responsible processors. If a fridge, for example is not recycled correctly, harmful gases escape into the environment. Regulations to manage how old appliances are recycled have been in place now for more than 15 years.

However, changes to these regulations could see the responsibility placed on kitchen retailers to collect for recycling any old appliances removed during the installation process. This will mean old appliances can no longer be left for removal by the homeowners, local authorities or third parties. They will have to be collected for recycling with an approved recycling plant. We know from working with kitchen retailers that, often, the old appliances removed are left in skips on driveways, which are targeted by unscrupulous scrap metal dealers. Why do they do it? There is value in old appliances when they don’t have to deal with the hazardous components correctly, but the valuable components have to be removed responsibly or the environment suffers. Only

regulated recycling plants are legally allowed to carry out this work.

We know from our experience of operating within the existing rules and regulations that the sector cannot adapt to these changes overnight and will need to spend time preparing. These changes are not unique to this sector – all suppliers of electrical appliances, big and small, will have to take more responsibility for recycling. 

What experience does AO have of working within environmental regulations and rules?

We operate in line with the existing rules and regulations laid down by Government for dealing with the problem of recycling old appliances. As a responsible retailer, we collect the old appliances from customers when delivering a new one through our own logistics network. However, we are unusual in that four years ago we opened our own fridge and large appliance recycling plant. Why

did we do this? We knew the majority of existing plants in the UK were not operating up to the correct standard, so we created a plant that meets legislative and regulatory requirements. For us, it has been about doing the right thing and, through responsible recycling, we have now recycled around two million fridges. The changes coming from Government will also impact on us, in particular, the way we collect and recycle old appliances. But we are not starting from a standing start and have been preparing for the anticipated changes for several years. We are now working with our customers in different sectors and their trade bodies to see how we can share our knowledge and experience to minimise the impact of the proposed changes.

What are the next steps?

The Government is set to carry out a consultation about the changes later this year. The exact changes have not been finalised, but the Government has been very clear in its intentions. I would urge retailers to take a look at the consultation when it goes lives. At the same time the sector needs to start thinking about how it will adapt its processes for meeting the regulations and should certainly not leave the preparation too late.

www.ao.com

SPRING BUDGET, COVID AND TAXES

Since my last article we have received the Spring Budget announcement from the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, on 3rd March. In the weeks preceding the budget announcement there were concerns as to whether Mr Sunak would seek to recover the substantial spending on COVID support schemes by way of radical changes to some tax rates or reliefs. However, areas such as Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax remained largely untouched. In most cases, rates of tax remained consistent as did reliefs available, although inflationary pressure against the backdrop of frozen allowances, will provide more subtle gains in the tax yield for the Treasury.

Corporation tax.

One area that saw some marked attention from the Chancellor was corporation tax.

The main change here was the

announcement that the headline corporation tax rate of 19% would be increasing to 25% for larger companies as from the 1st April 2023. Small companies with taxable profits below £50,000 per annum would remain at the 19% rate. Larger companies with taxable profits over £250,000 would pay the headline rate of 25%. Those companies with profits somewhere in between those two figures will pay a marginal rate dependent on the profit level, but somewhere between 19% and 25%.

In recognition of the difficult trading conditions since early last year, companies with accounting periods ending between 1st April 2020 and 31st March 2022, can now carry back losses up to 3 years, extending the usual oneyear rule. Similar offerings are made to un-incorporated businesses. There are, however, limits as to the amounts to be carried back.

A new Super-deduction was also created

in relation to expenditure on capital items. For the type of expenditure that usually qualifies for the 18% main rate pool capital allowances (eg commercial vehicles, plant and equipment), a deduction of 130% of the cost would be available against taxable profits. Companies would also continue to have access to the Annual Investment Allowances. These new rules apply for assets acquired between 1st April 2021 and 31st March 2023. The rules only apply to incorporated businesses and there are detailed rules as to what assets qualify, when the assets are deemed to have been acquired and how to account for the tax position on disposal. If your business is considering any degree of capital expenditure, it would be in your interests to discuss these proposals with your accounting or tax advisor.

Business loan schemes and grants

The matter of COVID was still very evident in the Chancellors speech in

I hope that the readership remains well and that spirits are lifting along with lockdown restrictions. It seems from a COVID perspective that we have some light at the end of the tunnel although caution remains.

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

which it was announced an extension to the business loan scheme with a new recovery Loan Scheme from the 6th April 2021.

In addition, Restart Grants will be provided in England of up to £6,000 per premises for non-essential retail businesses and up to £18,000 per premises for hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym businesses.

The Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will be retained through to the end of September with the fifth instalment available from late July.

There is also a continuation of 100% business rates relief for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties in England to 30 June 2021. This will be followed by 66% business rates relief for the period from 1 July 2021 to 31 March 2022, capped at £2 million per business for properties that were required to be closed on 5 January 2021, or £105,000 per business for other eligible properties.

Full details of all continuing support is available through local authority websites and the main website for HMR&C.

WHAT IS STRESS COSTING YOU?

There’s a lot to be stressed about right now. The unpredictability of Covid and Brexit alone is enough to keep our stress levels uncomfortably high. On top of that the change in IR35 regulations this month is adding further headaches and stress to KBB retailers and subcontractors.

You might feel like you’ve become accustomed to this new level of stress. Brexit has been going on for what seems like forever, we’re over the initial shock of Covid-19 and are learning to live with it and it probably wouldn’t surprise us if another ‘once in a lifetime event’ was just around the corner.

Perhaps our benchmark for ‘normal’ stress levels has been reset and it just feels acceptable to us to feel worried and anxious? It’s part of normal life now, right?

Have you considered the impact of accepting this new stress benchmark? What have you had to do to cope? Increased alcohol consumption, takeaways and Netflix binges? How

about the impact on your personal and professional relationships? What impact do you think living with this additional stress is having on your ability to be creative and innovative at work right now and on your ability to delight your customers?

The cost of stress can be measured in many different ways. Hours of sleep lost, kilograms of weight put on, money spent on alcohol, lack of productivity at work, the cost of not converting those leads. It can even cost relationships.

There has been a huge increase in adults being diagnosed with depression over the pandemic. According to the Office of National Statistics almost 1 in 5 adults were experiencing some form of depression in June 2020 compared with 1 in 10 in July 2019. Stress that isn’t dealt with properly can lead to mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.

That’s why Stress Matters. If we can learn how to manage stress better, we can help to prevent it from becoming

a mental illness. We can improve relationships with our colleagues, suppliers and clients. We can see more clearly and plan better for our futures rather than stumble through the everchanging environment.

I’m going to be bringing you regular tips and tricks to help you become more aware of your stress, wellbeing and mental health and what you can do to improve things for you, those around you and your business. In the meantime, I’d just like to leave you with this thought… Success doesn’t have to be stressful. Read that again!

Get in touch if you’d like to book a zoom coffee to find out how we’ve helped KBB businesses become more productive and profitable through focussing on the wellbeing of their people.

James Capell-Abra - Wellbeing Specialist and Mental Health First Aid Instructor - Stress Matters james@stressmatters.org.uk linkedin.com/in/jamescapellabra

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

VitrA BATHROOMS OPENS FLAGSHIP SHOWROOM IN CLERKENWELL

Global bathroom brand and BiKBBI sponsor, VitrA, has launched VitrA London, a 5,600sq ft showroom space in London’s Clerkenwell.

Representing a symbol of the brand’s global reach and catalyst for further growth worldwide, VitrA London will be a creative hub and a social space for architects, designers and thinkers with dedicated areas for product specification, events and workshops.

Situated in the heart of the Clerkenwell Green Conservation Area and designed by the award-winning architectural practice TP Bennett, VitrA London occupies two floors of the emblematic Turnmill Building. The showroom will serve both the local and international architecture and design community, whilst providing a thriving platform, both creatively and commercially, for the dynamic bathroom industry.

At the heart of the showroom is the VitrA talks area, where VitrA will host exhibitions, social events and stimulating talks once guidelines allow, further demonstrating the brand’s ethos of facilitating an open dialogue between the brand and its key audiences. In 2021, VitrA will host a number of digital and live events that encourage engagement within the space whilst social distancing restrictions are in place.

The ground floor also features the brand’s designer bathroom ranges including those created in collaboration with world-renowned designers such as Ross Lovegrove, Terri Pecora, and most recently, Claudio Bellini and Arik Levy. There is also a functioning brassware display, where visitors can experience VitrA’s basin taps in action.

VitrA London flagship showroom in Clerkenwell, London

© Gareth Gardner

The lower ground floor offers a dedicated specification space that demonstrates the various typographies of WCs and basins, as well as showcasing other important elements of bathroom design, including flush plates and accessories. There is also an immersive 4D theatre where visitors can use a virtual reality headset to visualise and walk around their bathroom as they design it.

Levent Giray, Managing Director of VitrA UK, comments: “The launch of our flagship VitrA London showroom marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our business, enabling us to engage more effectively with our national and international client base. VitrA London will allow us to further connect with the architecture and design community through a constructive, regular dialogue to devise new methodologies, concepts and solutions in a stimulating and dynamic environment.

Despite the unprecedented challenges related to the COVID19 pandemic, we are delighted to make the showroom available to our partners and clients where we can make a fully integrated service for their bathroom projects including design consultations and specification support.”

Julian Sharpe, Principal Director at TP Bennett, comments: “The London showroom marks a pivotal moment for VitrA and we were delighted to be part of such an important project for the brand. VitrA London was designed with the local Clerkenwell creative community in mind – the different zones, from the specification space to the VitrA talks area, offer niche, social spaces that will foster conversations with customers and the A&D industry.”

VitrA products are available to buy through a network of specialist retailers, installers and wholesalers across the world. The brand also has flagship showrooms in Istanbul, Cologne, Dubai, Mumbai and Moscow.

One-to-one appointments with VitrA representatives can be arranged upon request. In order to adhere to the COVID19 safety measures and preserve the wellbeing of the showroom guests, enhanced safety measures have been implemented. Accordingly, the number of appointments will be managed carefully to ensure a COVID-safe environment with plenty of space to ensure social distancing. There are hand sanitising stations across the showroom and cleaning will take place between visits. Face masks will also be a requirement in the showroom.

For more information visit london.vitra.co.uk or follow @ vitralondon on Instagram.

BERRYALLOC® PURE LVT MIRRORS THE MODERN TERRAZZO FLOORING LOOK

The fashionable look of terrazzo flooring can be achieved with the benefit of easy installation and at a fraction of the cost of the traditional material with the BerryAlloc® Pure luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring range, available from IDS.

The Terrazzo Light Grey décor (pictured) authentically replicates traditionally laid terrazzo and will make a statement in both domestic and commercial interiors. The design is supplied in large format 612mm x 612mm x 5mm vinyl tiles which are compatible for use with water-piped underfloor heating systems. They are naturally warmer and 50% quieter underfoot than other LVT flooring due to the soft cushion surface being bonded onto a strong, durable SPC core. The pressed bevelled edges form tightly sealed joints making it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.

BerryAlloc® Pure LVT flooring is fast and easy to install with the DreamClick® system which supports 360-degree multidirectional installation. Hardwearing and durable, the range offers the benefits of being water resistant, R11 slip resistant and eco-friendly, featuring 80% recyclable content.

Says Gail Alcock, Product Director for flooring at IDS: “There’s a strong design trend towards terrazzo surfaces currently, with consumers and designers wanting to reimagine its style in a modern way to add colour and interest to interiors. Terrazzo Light Grey achieves this look with the cost and easy installation, performance and maintenance benefits of a technical, man-made material.”

Terrazzo Light Grey is one of 14 tile and plank designs from BerryAlloc® available from IDS backed by a lifetime residential warranty and a 10-year commercial warranty. BerryAlloc® Pure is available for 24-48 hour delivery from all 18 IDS branches nationwide. www.idsurfaces.co.uk

"There’s a strong design trend towards terrazzo surfaces currently, with consumers and designers wanting to reimagine its style in a modern way"

Terrazzo Light Grey from the BerryAlloc® Pure LVT range

Malmo™ Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring in Skara Stickdown Plank

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) continues to be extremely popular in 2021 as its unique selling points become more widely recognised among consumers, contractors and installers alike. The material has the unrivalled ability to deliver durable functionality along with stylish and authentic looks, while being easy to install and maintain.

Design choices within the LVT market are continually evolving, offering a level of authenticity like never before, meaning consumers can achieve high-design flooring looks that mirror the look of natural stone and woodgrains. These advances can save fitters valuable installation time when compared to laying stone or real wood flooring in a like-for-like space.

The award-winning Malmo™ luxury vinyl tile (LVT) Rigid and Stickdown ranges provide a high-performing and water-resistant flooring solution for any environment - whether that be a kitchen, bathroom, lounge, bedroom or conservatory – and has all the accreditations needed for both commercial and residential

applications, including fire rating and R10 slip resistance.

Both Malmo™ installation systems are fast and easy to fit without the need for power tools and the flooring is easily cut to size with a Stanley knife or similar hand tool; making it an environmentally safe product to install on site with no dust or chemical particles to worry about.

Malmo™ Stickdown offers a host of benefits to professional installers and contractors with all the features and functionality required in commercial buildings and high footfall areas. In kitchens, cabinetry and island units can be placed on top of the flooring, offering significant time saving benefits. Being more stable to variations in temperature, the flooring is suitable for use near bi-fold and patio doors and in conservatories and it is also ideal for use in large, open plan spaces where expansion profiles would not be wanted.

The Malmo™ Rigid and Malmo™ Rigid Senses ranges benefits from a built-in 1mm underlay

which saves time, cost and a sound reduction of 19+DB, while the advanced Välinge 5G locking installation system with push down end joints only requires a firm finger touch to securely click the product into place with no need for hammers or tapping tools. The end joints need less positioning space, making it ideal when working in tricky or restricted spaces such as around sanitaryware and underneath doors in bathrooms.

Across the complete Malmo™ LVT collection there are 57 on-trend designs in planks, herringbone and tile effects in a broad colour palette to cater for every taste. Thirteen new Stickdown designs have recently been added to ensure the range continues to meet the latest design trends.

Malmo™ LVT is hardwearing, resistant to indentations, will not chip or crack, is compatible with underfloor heating and has a warranty of up to 25 years for domestic applications and up to 10 years for commercial use.

www.malmoflooring.com

WHITEVILLE CERAMICS FROM EGYPT TO ENGLAND

In April, Whiteville Ceramics, an innovative Egyptian sanitaryware brand specialising in contemporary design led bathroom interiors, has launched into the UK bathroom market with Phase 1 of its planned 2021 product launch.

Whiteville Ceramics, is part of the Ceramica Cleopatra Group, which has manufacturing facilities just outside of Cairo, est 1983. Recognised as one of the largest sanitaryware fabricators in Egypt, the group produces over 2.2 million pieces every year and exports worldwide!

Whiteville Ceramics initially previewed its range of sanitaryware at ISH 2019. Headed up by Managing Director, Graham Bucktrout, the company then began to develop its strategy for entering the UK market and bringing with it, the best-in bathroom designs, latest technology and innovative water-saving capabilities, states the company.

Though manufactured in Egypt many of the products are designed in Italy by leading creative minds David E. Michaud, Luca Cimarra and Nilo Gioacchini. A snapshot of the Whiteville Ceramics range includes:

ADVANCED WC TECHNOLOGY:

• VORTIX® rimless technology optimizes flushing and reduces noise via a concentrated water flush that results in greater hygiene and cleaning. The VORTIX® system, available across Wing by Whiteville, promises a powerful flush that floods the interior surface of the bowl vertically and horizontally: and with zero spray!

• SAVER® technology reduces water usage by up to 50% and is available across all WCs. This pioneering water-saving technology not only reduces energy costs but also helps to save the world’s water resources.

QUALITY MATERIALS:

High pressure casting technology means the company can focus on the finer details and allow each piece to speak for itself in terms of design, material and performance. .

DESIGN-LED COLLECTIONS:

Whiteville Ceramics collections include WING, CONTINENTAL, SMART, ONDA and DELTA - each with their own bold design elements and style identity, which offer a unique user experience and more custom style of bathroom product. FURNITURE, is a series of modular bathroom storage cabinets in a modern contemporary style, which complement each range within the Whiteville portfolio.

OTHER FEATURES INCLUDE:

• The Wing basin is designed in four application types: in-set, over counter, half pedestal & full pedestal

• Extra slim-edge washbasins reduced to 5mm thickness, without compromising the basins overall integrity

Graham Bucktrout (right) comments, “It’s exciting because it’s rare, especially in the current global climate, that a new brand of sanitaryware is introduced to the UK market. However, an awful lot of time and resource has gone into creating a range that will, in my opinion, l prove to be very commercial as they will tick the boxes of installers, retailers and developers.”

www.whitevilleceramics.co.uk

Whiteville Ceramics sanitaryware factory in Egypt

Wing Collection

ARE YOUR COMPACT INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES UP TO DATE?

worktops

Wilsonart’s Zenith surfaces have recently launched into merchant distribution with a brand-new range of twenty designs that look and feel like stone and marble, but are much easier to source, move, cut and fit, since Zenith surfaces are made of compact laminate.

Compact laminates are fast becoming top of the list for residential projects thanks to superior benefits that cannot be matched by real materials, including durability, waterproofing and tough performance. The Zenith range takes things one step further with a unique life-long antibacterial protection that comes as standard with every product.

To ensure that installers are ready to cater to this growing demand for compact laminates and are equipped with the knowhow to carry out installation with confidence and ease, Wilsonart’s expert fitter and head trainer Paul Graham has shared ten tips for working safely and efficiently with Zenith compact laminate surfaces, to guarantee great results every time.

Read the Installation Guide from cover to cover

Every Zenith worksurface comes with an installation guide, and there’s a whole series of guidance videos available online. We highly recommend reading the guide cover to cover, or watching all the videos (or both!) before every installation. That way our experts’ best practice advice will be fresh in your mind for every fit.

Plan Carefully, considering joint, cut out and sink positioning

When you’re fitting a kitchen, we know you’re working to a plan. Remember to factor in a two-person lift for every Zenith surface and flat storage in a well ventilated, dry, enclosed area. Before the fit, plan out the positioning of joints to ensure no intersection of hob or sink cut outs, and account for appropriate proximity to heat generating appliances, such as an Aga.

Wilsonart shares its top ten tips for working and fitting compact laminate

Always use the correct PPE

Cutting into Zenith throws dense dust into the air so we recommend that you cut outside wherever possible, and the whole team uses the correct PPE including an extraction unit, face mask, goggles and gloves to keep safe while cutting and sanding.

Measure twice, cut once

As with all installations, measure twice and cut once for every cut. You don’t need to worry about marking out measurements with a pencil on Zenith surfaces. For darker decors, we recommend using masking tape to show up pencil marks.

Always use new sharp blades

We recommend using good quality machinery fitted with a new, sharp blade for every Zenith surface, and allowing the tool to reach full speed before you begin. This makes it much easier to cut accurately, and create a smooth, professional finish at the end.

Always cut the material face down

Zenith surfaces are double sided, so there’s a decorative finish on both sides. We recommend deciding which face will be the “top” and working with the material face down for applying measurements, and ultimately cutting to size into the face of the top, not out.

Plunge in several increments of 3-4mm to cut cleanly through the Zenith surface

Zenith is a compact laminate with a solid thickness of 12.5mm. Trying to cut through the full thickness of the material in one go can be difficult and is sure to blunt blades and overwork machinery. Instead, best practice is always to plunge into the surface of the material 3 or 4 times, cutting down only a few millimetres at a time. Taking it slow and steady at the cutting stage will save time and effort throughout the overall installation.

Easily refinish edges after cutting

As a solid compact laminate, Zenith will never need edging strips, no matter where you cut. However, cut edges can be refinished easily using a 240 grit sanding block to lightly soften the edge; or shaped with a router to create a pencil round radius.

Create a designer finish with integrated drainer grooves

Since it’s solid all the way through with a consistent coloured core, Zenith surfaces are ideal for use with undermount and Belfast style sinks. Finish off the designer look with bespoke drainer grooves – starting at the furthest point from the sink, use a hand router and jig to plunge up to 4mm into the surface, then hand sand to finish. If fitting an undermount sink, remember to position sink inserts between drainer grooves.

Häfele UK has launched a high quality bespoke timber drawer manufacturing service to save joiners and furniture makers valuable time. Through the service, customers can order handmade, solid timber drawers personalised to their needs and complete with full dovetail joints, usually in just a two-week turnaround. Lead times are confirmed for each individual order and while most will aim to be fulfilled within two weeks, although some requests may take longer.

The Häfele bespoke timber drawer service is completely made to order, meaning customers can tailor their requirements against a long list of design and personalisation options. These include choice of timber, finish and size along with shaped sides; flat or stepped top; and notching and drilling for runners. For the ultimate in personalised design, drawers can also be router or laser engraved to feature the company’s brand and logo.

As part of the service, Häfele promises exceptional standards of craftsmanship, with the drawers handmade in the UK to the highest standards of engineering and finish.

The company also provides a quick turnaround, with a price returned within one working day of a brief and the fully personalised drawers delivered within 10 to 15 working days, “With demand for tradespeople to do home improvement jobs probably at an all-time high, we know joiners

HÄFELE LAUNCHES BESPOKE TIMBER DRAWER SERVICE

and furniture makers sometimes don’t have enough hours in the day to craft handmade bespoke drawers,” said Justin Crofts, Category Manager - Furniture Construction, at Häfele UK. “When creating the service, we wanted to offer a genuine alternative for customers. As such, quality and precision are at its heart, with drawers made to the same excellent standards as if the customer had made the product themselves.”

Launched in March, the service is already proving popular with many customers taking advantage of the efficient and high quality offering. “While the service is still relatively new, it’s gone down extremely well with our clients as they have been really impressed with the quality of craftmanship, as well as the turnaround and wide variety of options.”

www.hafele.co.uk/bespoketimberdrawers

"With demand for tradespeople to do home improvement jobs probably at an all-time high, we know joiners and furniture makers sometimes don’t have enough hours in the day to craft handmade bespoke drawers.”

WATER SUPPLY (WATER FITTINGS) REGULATIONS

For water installations in the UK, the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 England & Wales, 2009 Northern Ireland and 2014 Byelaws Scotland require to be complied with. In respect of Water fittings and their requirements, reference should be made to Regulation 4, where Regulation 4(1) refers to ‘every water fitting should be of an appropriate quality or standard’ and also Regulation 4(2) provides the options to demonstrate compliance i.e. CE Marking where applicable, Appropriate British or European standards, and also a specification approved by the regulator.

Historically, the established voluntary practice has been for ISO17025 accredited laboratories to issue test reports against these specifications, and then on behalf of the manufacturer forward a technical file incorporating these results to WRAS – (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) to issue a certificate of approval.

In recent years manufacturers have opted out of getting a voluntary WRAS approval and asked Kiwa to provide an equivalent declaration of compliance with Regulation 4, which has been done using a Kiwa UK Regulation 4 certificate (KUKreg4).

Q What are the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and why are they important?

A The regulations set legal requirements for the design, installation, operation and maintenance of water fittings, systems and appliances, specifically in order to prevent the contamination of drinking water as well as preventing misuse, waste, undue consumption and erroneous measurement. If water regulations are followed correctly it protects the end user and gives the consumer safe drinking water.

to advertise an approval mark such as KUKreg4 also gives your product a competitive advantage in the market over competitors who do not have any approval or recognised product compliance in place.

Q How does the KUKreg4 scheme achieve that assurance that a product complies?

A KUKreg4 is a robust method for demonstrating compliance with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 as the testing is undertaken in a ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, and complies with ISO 17065 product certification. During the process of approval products undertake rigorous testing and also the certification decisions are made by experience people who have many years’ experience in the industry and product approval

Q Among the water authorities, how well recognised is KUKreg4 approval – compared to alternatives

A Historically the WRAS brand has been the most well know brand among contractors, specifiers and water authorities but recently there has been some changes within WRAS and the decision making of the approval certificates no longer involves the water authorities, In light of this water authorities now refer to products to comply with Regulation 4 rather than specifically to WRAS or any other way of demonstrating product compliance. KUKreg4 has been an accepted way of demonstrating compliance with Regulations 4 for a number of years, but in my 19 years of experience in the industry the KUKreg4 brand is much more prominent in the industry now than it has ever been.

Q Are end users/specifiers/system designers also aware of the alternative and are they happy to specify products approved to KUKreg4, as opposed to the alternatives

A Having an approval in place on your product satisfies water authorities, specifiers and contractors that the product has undertaken the required testing and meets the required design requirements for its use. Also being able

A As we all know it takes time to change people’s mindset when they have been familiar with one brand for so long, I always use the example of the term ‘Corgi registered’ it took people a long time to get used to using the term ‘Gas Safe registered’ this will be the same with KUKreg4, specifiers and contractors will get more familiar with it, the more

Q Why is it important to have an approval in place to demonstrate compliance with the Regulations?

it used. In my opinion with the water authorities now using the terminology of products must be ‘Regulation 4 compliant’ this will certainly increase visibility in the industry KUKreg4. In regards the question should specifiers be happy to specify KUKreg4 as a way of demonstrating compliance against Regulation 4, why not?, as explained above it is one of the recognised ways of doing this.

A To start the process of KUKreg4, firstly you would require to contact Kiwa Watertec where we would collect the product information in order to give details of prices, timescales and requirements.

There are many benefits to KUKreg4 over the alternative options, the main ones being all certification decisions are made within Kiwa by our experts so there is no cut-off dates for products to be granted approval and with Kiwa also being a recognised brand across Europe there are opportunities within our approval process to save manufacturers time and money on testing as for certain product groups the testing and certification process can be cross referenced.

KUKreg4 also offer two levels of compliance- level 3 and Level 1+, level 3 is the equivalent service offering of WRAS (initial testing, no annual audits and a full re-test after 5 years) where as KUKreg4 also offers level 1+ which involves initial testing, no full re-test after 5 years as your certification is maintained via annual audits of the manufacturing facility, this is assuming there are no major changes

to the product- The +1 system is particularly beneficial to manufacturers with large product groups as it avoids the requirement of a full retesting of all your products every 5 years

For more information in regards our scheme please feel free to contact us Jonathan.price@ kiwa.com or visit our website where you can access our KUKreg4 brochure (www.kiwa.com/gb/ en/products/kiwa-uk-water-regulation-4-testingand-certification-kukreg4/kukreg4-brochure.pdf) and all the other services we offer

UK Regulation 4 (KUKreg4)

Q How do manufacturers go about getting their products KUKreg4 approved and what are the benefits

is a colour thing

Offering outstanding per formance at an affordable price, the distinctive Smar t Deco is designed to suit ever y customers’ st yle, whatever their st yle may be Available in stunning sof t grey, green or mustard, they can simply pick their prefer red Smar t Deco and effor tlessly add a play ful splash of colour to their kitchen

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Colour

Franke’s new Atlas Neo Sensor touch free tap in stainless steel

FRANKE INTRODUCES TOUCH-FREE TECHNOLOGY

With rising interest for touch-free products in the home, Franke has launched its Atlas Neo Sensor kitchen tap, described as the ‘touchfree tap for today,’ delivering a host of hygiene, userconvenience and sustainable benefits.

The timeless and ergonomic hybrid design makes the Atlas Neo Sensor tap ultra-easy to use, with the dual benefits of true, touch-free technology and manual operation from a single lever.

The tap’s intuitive, infrared sensor is positioned on the left side of the tap for ultimate control, allowing for easy hand washing, rinsing pots and pans or cleaning vegetables.

The sensor responds instantly to a simple hand movement within a 5-10cm range and is ideal for users of all ages and mobility levels. The temperature can be pre-set on the control

box located under the sink and the water flow automatically stops after 30 seconds. The pre-measured water function has been shown to save as much as 3 litres of water per hand wash reducing consumption by at least 50%, all of which helps consumers save water, energy and money without any compromise on safety or functionality.

Atlas Neo Sensor tap is crafted from premium high performance stainless steel with seamless and smooth design lines that ensure easy cleaning. As a premium tap with optimum functionality, it is priced from £540. Available in a choice of Swivel Spout or with a professional-style PullOut Nozzle, both taps feature a 297mm tall spout that swivels 180° with a reach of 225mm.

They are suitable for high pressure systems and are backed by a 5-year warranty. The tap is easily installed in a 35mm tap hole, with the control box

battery case simply fixed in the cabinet underneath the sink.

Jo Rawstron, sales and marketing director at Franke UK, says: “Our Atlas Neo Sensor tap range will help customers achieve enhanced levels of hygiene in the busiest room of the house, something that has never been higher in their minds than it is right now. Moreover, it’s designed to be a very sustainable design choice with its long-lasting build quality and water and money saving benefits. There is a move among consumers to invest in products that will give them genuine lifestyle- enhancing benefits over many years, buying less and more thoughtfully and living in a more sustainable way. This new tap range fits very well with that thinking and gives our retail partners further scope within our portfolio to respond to the evolving home-centred needs of the market.”

www.franke.co.uk/sensor

and

There is a move among consumers to invest in products that will give them genuine lifestyleenhancing benefits over many years, buying less and more thoughtfully and living in a more sustainable way.

Franke’s new Atlas Neo Sensor touch free tap in stainless steel

Bushboard Omega - Unburnished Grain

BUSHBOARD OPTIONS & OMEGA WORKTOPS: ON-SITE EFFICIENT INSTALLATION MADE EASY

When it comes to specifying the fixtures and fittings of their dream home, today’s homeowners desire choices that won’t force them to compromise on style or quality.

Latest trends in kitchen design nod towards incorporating natural influences in the home, and a need to create living spaces that help homeowners to disconnect from the outside world and their hyperconnected daily lives. In the kitchen, the central hub of the home that takes the form of many different functional spaces from mealtimes, to socialising, and work or study, these natural elements are currently popular in the form of stone and woodgrain finishes.

As the raw materials themselves can be costly, impractical or difficult to fit, laminate surfaces brand Bushboard developed its Options and Omega ranges to offer an extensive choice of laminate surface solutions that interpret the most contemporary and in-demand granite, stone and woodgrain finishes in a unique way that is rarely seen in the laminates industry.

With its Options and Omega range, Bushboard is able to offer a full spectrum of high-quality design choices to select from, catering to all tastes, requirements, and budgets, but high on the company’s agenda is that they are designed very much with the installer and fitting front of mind too.

Aspirational designs that puts hygiene first

Options comprises 40 beautiful designs on 28mm and 38mm postform profiles and is a stylish, hard-wearing, and affordable range that brings realistic decors and textures to the mass market. Meanwhile, Omega offers 50 decors across a range of profiles including 22mm square edge, 38mm square edge and 38mm postform, a collection designed to make creating a premium kitchen achievable and fuss-free. Both ranges also benefit from an innovative, hygiene-focussed twist as standard, whilst being easy to maintain and care for, for years to come.

The surfaces, which perfectly emulate the look and feel of real stone, wood and marble without the added maintenance or costs that can often arise when opting for raw materials, boast an added lifelong anti-bacterial protection that is food-safe and destroys 99.9% of bacteria within just 24 hours. These anti-bacterial properties are the result of using high-pressure laminate, and a resin that is produced in-house, which allows for the ions to be integrated into the material during the production process. These additional features, which cannot be replicated in natural material themselves, will become an increasingly important design consideration for homeowners for years to come and will likely further increase the popularity of laminate surfaces within the residential build market.

Options and Omega: supporting installers with quick and efficient installation

Bushboard not only strives to make its surface designs loved by those who have them in their homes, but by those who fit the products too. Aside from facilitating fuss-free onsite fitting that can be completed in one day, Bushboard’s Options and Omega ranges are also incredibly accessible and easy to source.

By creating the entire range to incorporate 3m and 4.1m lengths, the surfaces can easily cater to different kitchen specifications whilst also saving money and reducing wastage from offcuts. There is no need for extensive cutting, meaning installers working on a development have flexibility of use with the material which is particularly helpful when working on unusual shaped kitchens.

The Bushboard R&D team have also created a special 665mm depth worktop in addition to its standard sizes of 600mm and 900mm to help reduce installation time for installers. Its specific dimensions already provide the perfect amount of overhang as well as space at the back for standard 600mm cupboards, which can help keep projects on time and adds convenience for the installer.

www.bushboard.co.uk

Bushboard Omega Lumiere Ultramatt

Bushboard Options Sirocco Marble Ultramatt

TWO NEW COLOURS JOIN MARIS INSET FRAGRANITE SINK RANGE

Franke has extended its popular Maris MRG inset Fragranite sink range with the introduction of two additional colourways. New Matt Black and Oyster join the existing four shades of Polar White, Coffee, Onyx and Stone Grey already available.

Perfect for homeowners keen to individualise their kitchen and designers looking to embrace the trend for colour and texture, these six, elegant, on-trend shades will add depth and interest to every interior.

Compatible with any worktop material, Maris MRG inset sinks offer installation ease and flexibility alongside thanks to the slim fix clip system. Maris offers a contemporary design aesthetic with simple linear styling that makes for easy cleaning and is available in reversible single bowl and 1.5 bowl models.

Manufactured from tactile Fragranite, they are made from 83% quartz and 17% acrylic resin and are treated with Franke’s worldleading Integrated Antimicrobial Sanitized® Technology. This reduces bacteria and microbe growth by 99% for an incredibly hygienic finish. As well as being easy to clean and resistant to burns, dents, chips and stains, Fragranite is warm to the touch and will add a modern look and feel to any kitchen.

Competitively priced, Maris MRG inset Fragranite sinks come in single and fully reversible 1.5 bowl models and are designed to fit a 600mm cabinet. They are backed by a 50-year warranty.

www.franke.co.uk

Franke has extended its popular Maris MRG inset Fragranite sink range with the introduction of two new colours of Matt Black and Oyster. They join the existing four shades of Polar White, Coffee, Onyx and Stone Grey and all six colours are available across the single bowl and 1.5 bowl sink models.

Franke’s Maris MRG inset Fragranite sink in the new Matt Black colour

'For the homeowner having a new Dream shower installed, they can look forward to safe family showering with thermostatic temperature control and a failsafe override button.'

‘DREAM’ THERMOSTATIC MIXER SHOWERS

LAUNCHED BY AQUALISA

Aqualisa has announced the launch of its new ‘Dream’ thermostatic mixer shower range, a range of twelve different showers including single, dual and triple outlets, all finished in sparkling chrome to make any bathroom look stunning.

All twelve showers in the range feature concealed valves as they are installed in the wall space behind attractive wall plates. The twelve variants include choices of adjustable handsets, fixed head drenchers and bath fill outlets. The valve is based on Aqualisa’s high quality and reliable Mian brass, one piece valve.

Aqualisa invented thermostatic control for showers back in 1977 and this new range of mixer showers focusses on core and premier mixer solutions. It features the most attractive and professional mixer shower options, minimalist design, with flush to the wall, easy to use controls and multiple outlets giving families the maximum number of showering options.

Convenient for installers as the new range is available as a ‘one box’ offering through the usual merchant outlets and comes with all the necessary fixing options including mortar guards and all connections.

Its push fit wall plate makes it fully serviceable from the front of the unit and it comes with a full 5-year

guarantee for complete peace of mind.

For the homeowner having a new Dream shower installed, they can look forward to safe family showering with thermostatic temperature control and a failsafe override button. Separate on/off, divert and bath fill dials make it simple to operate and you even have the choice of a round or square shower heads and controls, and the selection of a new multimode square handset and wand handset variants. These showers come with a smooth satin hose and are suitable for all approved UK domestic water systems.

“The mixer shower market in the UK presents a major brand like Aqualisa and our customers a huge opportunity”, says Mike Simpson, Product and Marketing Director at Aqualisa. “The significant improvement and extension of our existing Dream range confirms Aqualisa’s ambition to compete in all segments of the mixer shower category with quality products. For the first time, the New Dream range includes a 3-way valve that can divert to a handset, fixed head and bath fill function so our marketing support will focus on New Dream as a handsome, all in one, flexible shower and bath solution with a key campaign message of ‘Drench, Bathe, Spray’.

www.aqualisa.co.uk/dream

'Convenient for installers as the new range is available as a ‘one box’ offering through the usual merchant outlets and comes with all the necessary fixing options.'

Aqualisa Dream

Under a recent ‘absurd and impractical’ ruling not to allow transfer of current CE Mark test certificates, in a few months’ time, the majority of radiators on sale in the UK, will be without a ‘valid’ test certificate and therefore unable to be sold legally!

Following the UK’s exit from the EU, members of the Manufacturers Association of Radiators and Convectors, MARC, have joined forces to challenge the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on this ruling, which could mean that UK homeowners will be unable to purchase and install new or replacement radiators from January 2022!

Isaac Occhipinti, Head of External Affairs, MARC has said, “Since changes to CE marking were announced, the radiator industry has been working with the understanding that for existing products a transfer of test certificates would be possible. However, we have since been informed that this is not the case, even though the European standard tests are identical to the UK standard EN442! As it stands, in order for products to start using the new UKCA mark, they will need to be completely retested using a UK test lab.

There are currently thousands of radiator products on sale in the UK with a valid CE mark. But, there is only one test laboratory in the UK which has a limited capacity for testing. Even with a heroic effort, it will only ever be able to test a very small percentage of radiators currently legally on sale in the UK.”

It will be impossible for all products to be tested by the 2022 deadline. The industry now faces the reality that the majority of radiators on sale in the UK will be without a ‘valid’ test certificate, in a few months’ time, and therefore unable to be sold legally.

This ruling does nothing to improve standards as the European and UK criteria are the same. It merely places impractical and costly barriers for the industry. MARC and its members have worked tirelessly to raise standards and stamp out non-compliant products, only to be penalised at the last minute. This

Robert Jenrick to carefully consider all the implications behind the nontransfer of CE certificates. Clarity is key when running a business and moving the goalposts puts British heating manufacturers in an impossible situation as we plan for post-COVID recovery. Heating manufacturers do not have the ability to pivot into different revenue streams or diversify into another sector.

At a time when the housing market is on the up and there is a huge appetite for British made heating internationally and at home, it is somewhat disappointing

ruling is not in the consumer interest and is forcing the radiator industry in to an impossible situation. We urge the Secretary of State to reconsider this ruling and allow European test certificates to be valid for products already on sale.”

Speaking on behalf of radiator and towel rail manufacturer Vogue UK on the ruling, Sales Director Steve Birch said, “We fully support and commend MARC’s action and urge the Rt Hon

that our own Government would make life even harder for heating specialists and suppliers. Radiators and boiler manufacturing is an estimated £2bn industry in the UK and heating is an absolute necessity given the UK’s damp climate. We are proud to export our products globally and can meet all the required standards for each country, region or project. The refusal to transfer CE certificates seems petty and smallminded in the context of talk of a ‘Global Britain’.”

“We fully support and commend MARC’s action and urge the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick to carefully consider all the implications behind the non-transfer of CE certificates.”

Steve Birch, Sales Director, Vogue (UK)

CHANGES FOR SMART DEVICE CHARGING AND HOW IT WILL AFFECT KBB INSTALLERS

USB-A vs USB-C: Future-proofing USB charging solutions for the next standard in smart devices

The demand for faster charging of devices has led to new USB standards, and with it an increased requirement for fitting sockets with USB charging capabilities. However, despite Brexit, popularity amongst homeowners is predicted to rocket because of changing EU regulations.

In a move to reduce electrical waste, battery-powered devices will no longer include a standard white block plugin charger. Gavin Williams, Sales and Marketing Director at Hamilton Litestat, looks at what this means for the installer, and how 13A USB charging sockets and Euro Module charging solutions can keep installers and their customers ahead of the curve.

“Until now, block plug-in chargers have come as standard with rechargeable battery devices. With such an abundance provided, many end up as e-waste. In a move to reduce the environmental impact the European Union is trying to stop supply and move towards a standard USB-type charging connector. One of the first brands to make this change is Apple, which won’t be providing a charging unit with the recently revealed iPhone 12.

But what does this mean for home-owners and installers? An increased demand for

USB charging ports is anticipated, both for commercial and residential properties. But not all USB connectors were created equal –there are both USB Type A and USB Type C ports. But what’s the difference?

Recap: USB-A vs USB-C

The USB connector we’re probably most familiar with and is used in laptops and remote storage devices is the USB Type A, or USB-A. This has a reasonably large physical connector and offers charging of up to 2.5W. However, a new standard that enables significantly faster charging is on the horizon – the USB Type C, or USB-C. USB-C is physically much smaller and, more importantly, facilitates extremely fast data transfer of up to 10 Gbps and power transfer of 100W for rapid charging.

Unlike the early days of mobile phones where each brand had its own unique charging cable, USB-C is set to become standard across new devices. More than 700 technology companies, including Apple, Dell, Google, HP, Intel, Microsoft, and Samsung, have done away with the charging block and adopted the USB-C standard for upcoming products. Demand for USB-C charging ports is set to soar.

Charging ahead

Forward-thinking installers looking to support customers and their varied power requirements will need to provide charging options for both legacy devices and the new standard.

www.hamilton-litestat.com

Hamilton is supporting the KBB industry with combined double switched 2.4A USB sockets that feature both USB-A and USB-C charging ports – a now ‘must-have’ in every home!

Available in four stylish and versatile plate designs – Hartland, Hartland G2, Hartland CFX and Sheer CFX – and up to eleven finishes, these solutions deliver functionality of the future while ensuring interior style and design aspirations are achieved.

Power up

However, faster charging needs more power more rapidly and there are still restrictions on the charging capability from a 13A socket. To deliver the higher rate of charge for highcapacity devices, such as the new MacBook Pro or iPad Pro, a Euro Module is required.

Hamilton has recently launched a 45W Type C / 18W Type A, 50x50 Euro Module that is designed to deliver additional power, ensuring power-thirsty devices can charge at full capacity, ensuring customers will never run out of power.

When a device is plugged into the Euro Module it will negotiate the power output. For example, a device with USB-C (labelled PD – Power Delivery) will either accept the full 45 watts on offer or will advise the charger to adjust the current and voltage to enable optimum charging. The same applies to the 18W Type A socket (labelled QC – Quick Charge). The MacBook Pro and iPad Pro are examples of devices that do not charge appropriately from a USB-C port in a standard 13A socket and require a Euro Module to charge effectively.

For installers looking to support customers in the long term, Hamilton’s USB charging products provide stylish transitional solutions. Supporting legacy devices, along with providing the power needed of the latest high-capacity devices, customers will be able to both work, relax and recharge without any worries.

HOTPOINT PROVIDING GENUINE SUSTAINABLE LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS

Sustainability and energy efficiency have long been growing trends in laundry appliances. However this trend is more significant than ever in 2021, with the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the introduction of the new energy labelling system.

A study previously conducted on behalf of Hotpoint found that 68 per cent of UK consumers think about the impact that the chore of doing the laundry can have on the environment; while 80 per cent noted the efficient use of appliances as an action to take for a sustainable home1. Additionally, a study focusing on the change in consumer habits, following the COVID-19 outbreak, shows that there has been a 46 per cent increase in the interest of saving resources in relation to major domestic appliances2.

Hotpoint is committed to improving sustainability, and energy efficiency in laundry appliances, enabling consumers to care for their clothes as well as the environment. The easiest way to identify the efficiency of an appliance is to look at its energy label.

With consumers more environmentally conscious than ever before, and appliance technology increasingly advanced, leading to greater energy efficiency, the time has arrived to update the energy labelling system. The energy labelling system became more

The transition to the new energy label is happening in stages, with washing machines and washer dryers being among the first appliance categories to make the change.

complex to mirror the advances in appliance technology with additional ‘+’ classes added to describe products that exceeded the original A rating. Now, to simplify the labelling system, the plus classes (A+++, A++ and A+) have been rescaled with a clearer energy consumption scale from A to G. With this comes new and tougher measurement methods, which will encourage the creation of increasingly resource efficient appliances and challenge all manufacturers to place a focus on energy and water efficiency.

The transition to the new energy label is happening in stages, with washing machines and washer dryers being among the first appliance categories to make the change. The Hotpoint ActiveCare 10 kg washing machine (NM11 1044 WC A UK N), for example, has been classified with a ‘B’ energy rating on the new scale, which reflects its good energy and water credentials. The label includes information on energy and water consumption, as well as other things such as capacity and noise level. This enables installers or consumers to easily compare the ratings between appliances to help them choose the most efficient model within their budget. Each new label also features a QR code that installers can scan, with their smartphones, to get the clearest-ever understanding of an appliance’s energy and resource performance and its many other benefits.

Aside from energy and water efficiency, Hotpoint also enables consumers to make more sustainable choices when completing the chore of laundry. Lower wash temperatures have a positive effect on the environment, as less energy is used to heat the water. With this in mind, the Hotpoint ActiveCare range of washing machines removes more than 100 stains at just 20°C3. In addition, for enhanced hygiene when washing at a lower temperature, the Hotpoint Steam Hygiene feature injects steam directly into the drum, at the end of the wash cycle, removing up to 99.9 per cent of the most common bacteria.

What’s more, Hotpoint ActiveCare laundry technology eliminates the need to pre-treat stained garments, saving the consumer time and resources. Active Mousse technology pre-mixes the water with the detergent, before it enters the washing machine drum, which creates a mousse that penetrates the laundry quicker than traditional cleaning methods, massaging the clothes clean. This eliminates the need for dedicated pretreatment stain removers in single-use plastic bottles.

Furthermore, using laundry appliances, with a greater capacity, less frequently has a positive effect on the environment as fewer and larger wash loads save water, electricity and detergent. UK consumers are

fairly good at this with 69 per cent1 doing the laundry when the basket is full. The Hotpoint integrated washer dryer (BI WDHG 961484 UK) features a generous 9 kg wash capacity and 6 kg dry capacity. The capacity of an integrated laundry appliance is often compromised by the luxury of it being built into kitchen furniture. However, the washer dryer (BI WDHG 961484 UK) from Hotpoint allows those who desire a larger capacity to upgrade their appliance, without the need for more space under the counter. Its spacious 9+6 kg capacity is ideal for large families and it has been designed to fit into a standard under-counter space5.

Kimberley Garner, Hotpoint Brand Manager, says: “We find that consumers desire to run a more energy efficient household, but often don’t know the best way to do so. Hotpoint therefore encourages retailers and installers to explain the energy label at the planning and point of purchase stage to help consumers choose the most efficient appliance for them. Beyond this, we recommend that consumers make the most of the clever technology within their laundry appliance to maximise its efficiency and think about the small changes they can make, such as washing at a lower temperature, to live a more sustainable lifestyle.”

www.hotpoint.co.uk

Hotpoint integrated washer dryer (BI WDHG 961484 UK)

Smart Home. Smart Building. Smart Life. gira.com/uk

Warm.

The universal Gira System 3000 has been expanded to include a functional component. In addition to the lights and blinds, the room temperature can now also be controlled, either manually or via Bluetooth. All the settings can be programmed quickly and easily and can be transferred to other room temperature controllers using the start-up assistant. Regardless of whether you want the temperature to be warm or Cool.

Gira / Smart Home / System 3000

“Safety and security is a key part of building regulations today, vitally protecting the property and all occupiers instinctively round the clock. The high functionality of Gira’s new motion detector is suitable for installation in new builds and retro-fits and is designed to work with all Gira System 2000 flush-mounted inserts. This also includes Gira’s design line of relay inserts that switch any light sources on or off, and dimming inserts that allow users to adjust brightness levels as desired. Increasing multi-functionality in the smart home is a growing trend, so if the top unit is installed on an HVAC relay insert, it will also switch heating and ventilation systems on and off in addition to lights, giving end-users increased levels of comfort and extra energy efficiency” says Gira UK www.gira.com/uk

MAXIMUM HYGIENE WITH ROCA’S NEW TOUCHLESS TECHNOLOGY

With growing demand for zero contact bathroom solutions, Roca has introduced a new range of innovative touchless products to deliver the ultimate in hygiene.

From basin mixers that activate automatically when they detect a user, to electronic flush plates with movement sensors, and mirrors with lights that are switched on with a simple gesture – Roca offers a range of touchless solutions which provide an extra layer of hygiene and safety within the bathroom. Infrared sensors allow users to activate the water flow in taps, flush the WC or control the mirror light without the need for contact, avoiding the spread of viruses and growth of bacteria.

The EM1 Touchless dual flush valve. With a minimalistic design, the EM1 valve can be simply retrofitted to upgrade an existing push button to an automatic

Roca offers a range of touchless solutions which provide an extra layer of hygiene and safety within the bathroom. Infrared sensors allow users to activate the water flow in taps, flush the WC

toilet flush button, making it quick and easy to install with minimal effort. There is no electric connection needed and it is powered by 4 AA batteries (not included) that guarantee more than 40,000 flushes.

It is also easy to use - with just a simple wave of the hand, the EM1 recognises the required

flush (full or half flush volumes) and with the sleek sensor push button, you can flush your WC in an easy and hygienic way.

Electronic Basin Mixers

Roca’s range of electronic basin mixers, including the Loft-E range, feature an infrared sensor which activates the water flow. The lack of contact with the tap

improves hygiene and prevents the build-up of droplets and fingerprints on its surface, resulting in a cleaner product for longer. Roca’s electronic basin mixers offer a highly hygienic and effective solution to fight the spread of viruses and bacteria and to reduce the use of water in the home.

Important for installers is the fact that easy fitting is guaranteed. The electronic mixers are available in a battery or mains operated system which means they can be installed in any bathroom, regardless of the availability of a power outlet in the area of usage.

www.uk.roca.com

Roca Touchless Technology

Ready.

With a tool that will stand the test of time.

The new TID 18 cordless impact screwdriver: This compact powerhouse offers an impressive service life thanks to its extremely robust hammer mechanism. The perfect combination of the new-generation brushless EC-TEC motor and the battery pack ensure maximum performance and endurance. In addition to this, the TID 18 with 1/4“ tool holder turns the screw without straining your wrist – thanks to the tangential hammer mechanism with no strength-sapping back torque. The machine weight of just 960 grams also allows you to work for longer without becoming tired. Find out more at www.festool.co.uk/ready

In our everyday work, characteristics like a low weight, perfect ergonomics and a well-balanced design combined with maximum robustness play an important role.

"What's particularly important is that the battery and the power tool form a coordinated system and function together correctly. As with mains-powered machines, cordless machines must have the highest levels of power, durability and endurance.” says Festool Product Manager, Patrick Hitzer, “They should thus provide the necessary power and runtime required and expected by the customer in order to complete his tasks. If, on top of that, the entire system is durable and does its job for many years, then we've achieved our goal.”

“A machine's battery pack forms the basis of its performance. When inserted, it's part of the tool, and therefore plays a key role in the machine having a comfortable weight and ergonomic handling. The battery is important for enabling IoT functions, which are very helpful for everyday use: For example, if our Bluetooth® battery is connected to a Bluetooth®compatible mobile dust extractor, it can switch the extractor on and off in auto-start. The battery acts as the IoT intermediary between the tool and your smartphone, Festool includes all of this too in its new, powerful and tailor-made battery solutions.”

Hitzer summarised, “Our objective is to create a tailor-made battery solution, customised to the requirements of our professional users”

So what’s new at Festool? Basically, too much to go into any depth in this article however, a quick summary will give readers a snapshot as follows:

Two new flagship cordless drills with four speeds: Taking the two new flagship cordless drills to a new dimension: They are replacing their successful QUADRIVE PDC and DRC 18/4 predecessor versions, and go by the names of QUADRIVE TPC and TDC 18/4. Both of these new products are powerful, versatile and, with four speeds, perfectly equipped to take on any application.

Festool masterpieces have undergone decisive improvements – the new plunge-cut saws TSC 55 K and TS 55 F

KBB installers can look forward to the new plungecut saws. The German brand manufacturer has continued to make decisive improvements to its masterpieces. From now on, the plunge-cut saws will be able to saw twice as fast, and the TSC 55 K cordless plunge-cut saw will be available immediately with unique KickbackStop.

Two battery packs, a charger and all in a Systainer³

In January, Festool introduced a new Systainer solution. The energy set has two battery packs and a charger, all packed in the new Systainer³. This puts everything installers will need for onthe-go working within easy reach. The energy set is available with different equipment according to the individual main applications and energy requirement. It’s possible to make a specific energy set with the battery power required. The energy set offers extra space for two additional battery packs and another charger. All neatly stowed in the Systainer³. Thanks to the LiHighPower cell technology, the Li-HighPower battery packs are powerful enough for any application and compatible with all Festool cordless products.

Even lighter and more mobile – DWC 18, BHC 18 and ISC 240 now also in the Systainer³ and with a Li-HighPower Compact battery pack

The Duradrive DWC 18 cordless drywall screwdriver, the BHC 18 cordless hammer drill and the ISC 240 cordless insulation saw in a new combination: With the new Li-HighPower Compact battery pack, which weighs 20% less yet offers the same performance. All perfectly packed in the new Systainer³, which uses customised vehicle integration as the ideal solution for connecting the workshop and the construction site – and is also compatible with the whole Systainer system.

The new Systainer³ generation now also includes a bit holder/bits and Forstner drill bits.

GIVING YOURSELF PEACE OF MIND

What value do we give on having peace of mind? Being able to sleep at night rather than worry about the precariousness of your business? With over a year now passed since our world was turned upside down with the onset of COVID-19, it would be remiss of us not to remind installation business owners and sole traders to ensure that they are properly protected by having the appropriate insurance cover.

Protecting your installation business

Whether you work in customers' homes or a business premises, you will work to a larger or lesser degree with dangerous machinery, power tools, sharp tools, heavy items and then of course, you and your employees (if you have them) are exposed to wood dust etc.

Whether you’re a one-man-band just starting up, or a wellestablished firm with a van and employees, it’s probably taken years to build your reputation as a credible and respected installation business so it’s vital that you protect what you’ve built. Therefore, you need to tailor your insurance cover to protect your business, equipment and clients.

Why do I need insurance for my installation business? No matter how careful you are, accidents happen as they are often unavoidable, and if you do, it could be extremely costly as you try and cover the cost of damage, compensation and the like, unless you have an insurance policy that covers you for all eventualities.

For example, Imagine that you’re fitting a bathroom in a customer’s property and you accidentally drop your drill on tiled floor damaging it beyond repair; your client will understandably be livid and demand compensation. Public liability insurance would protect you, it’ll pay the costs of the compensation for you whilst you focus on what you do best, getting the job done. And remember, if you do have employees, you’re legally required to have employers’ liability insurance.

Our resident expert and BiKBBI partner Christopher Bates from UIB insurance reminds us to …

What insurance do I need for my installation business?

The following, will ensure that you build an insurance policy that suits your installation business, that way you will only ever pay for the protection that you need and not give you cover superfluous to your businesses specific requirements.

Employers’ liability insurance - If you have anyone working under your supervision, including full-time, part-time staff, volunteers or apprentices, you’re legally required to have employers' liability cover.

Professional indemnity insurance - If people rely on your professional expertise, they can claim against you if they think you’ve made a mistake or given them bad advice. Professional indemnity insurance covers the legal costs required to defend you, and if it turns out you’re in the wrong, it covers your compensation payments too.

Public liability insurance - Public liability insurance protects your business against accidental injury and property damage claims made by your customers, members of the public or people you visit.

Van insurance - If you use a van for work, van insurance can cover you and help keep you on the road. Don’t forgot accident recovery, roadside repairs and a guaranteed courtesy van are all useful business tools.

Own tools and equipment cover – This will cover you for accidental loss, theft or damage to your own tools, plant and equipment – including your work tools, as well as any machinery, trailers, site huts or caravans owned by you.

My advice to installation business owners is to check your policy and ensure that you have the correct cover and are not paying for insurance you don’t need. Our business, UIB, is a partner of the BiKBBI and therefore has an innate understanding of installer businesses and has tailor-made packages for members.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any insurance requirements: www.uibdirect.co.uk

Children

participating in Whirlpool UK’s 2020 FIRST LEGO League tournament in Peterborough

WHIRLPOOL UK APPLIANCES LIMITED EXPANDS GLOBAL STEM TOURNAMENT TO BRISTOL PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Whirlpool UK Appliances Limited, the home of Hotpoint, Indesit, Whirlpool and KitchenAid brands, is launching a brand new fully-funded Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge tournament for primary school students in Bristol. The Challenge will see 10 teams of up to 10 children coming together to work on a series of tasks designed to enhance their STEM skills, and will culminate in a one-day virtual tournament on Wednesday 23rd June 2021.

FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge is a global initiative, with over 67,000 teams participating across 110 countries every year. For its Bristol tournament, Whirlpool UK is offering 10 fully-funded places to 10 teams from primary schools local to its factory in Yate, including the provision of a LEGO robot.

The theme of this year’s FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge is RePLAY, which focuses on the importance of play and being more active. Students are challenged to develop a number of key technology and life-based skills through the four competition components: the Robot Game, Robot Design, Core Values and the Innovation Project.

Whirlpool UK has also announced a new date for its IET FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge Peterborough tournament. The STEM tournament, which will see 15 teams from primary schools in Peterborough compete in a range of challenges, will now take place virtually on Tuesday 22nd June.

The IET FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge Whirlpool Peterborough tournament is now in its second year and will be hosted virtually for the first time in June.

Over the next three months, teams from across primary schools in Peterborough will come together to work on a series of tasks designed to enhance their technology skills, all culminating in a one-day virtual tournament jampacked with robot matches, project presentations and STEM-based fun.

Ian Moverley, Public Affairs Director, Whirlpool UK Appliances Limited, comments: “Whirlpool UK employs hundreds of local people at our UK factory in Yate and it’s fantastic to have this opportunity to engage further with our community through the funding and launch of our IET FIRST® LEGO® League tournament! FIRST® LEGO® League plays a crucial role in supporting young people to develop the breadth of skills they will use throughout their lifetimes and we hope our tournament will help inspire the next generation of engineers and STEM professionals in Bristol. It’s been a really difficult year for many young people and teachers, but with children now back learning in person, we hope this challenge will give students and teachers some much needed fun and excitement over the coming months!”

So far, teams from schools including St Paul’s Catholic Primary and Hambrook Primary are registered to take part in the Whirlpool UK Bristol tournament, while teams from schools including Newark Hill Academy, Longthorpe Primary and Woodston Primary are registered to take part in the Whirlpool Peterborough tournament. Sponsored places are still available, so if you would like the opportunity to take part, please get in touch with jmm PR who can pass this onto Whirlpool UK. Alternatively, please contact Ellie Tudor at ellie.tudor@consciouscomms.com.

GROHE’S RETROFIT

BAU CERAMIC MANUAL BIDET SEAT

TURNS EXISTING WCS INTO HYGIENIC SHOWER TOILETS

Consumers have become increasingly aware of the benefits of Japanese-style shower toilets in recent years, and for those looking for a more affordable system that can still offer all the hygiene and eco benefits, GROHE has the ultimate solution with its retrofit Bau Ceramic Manual Bidet Seat.

Designed to be the perfect introduction into the world of shower toilets and the wealth of benefits they offer, this design is ideal for DIY installations, budget bathroom revamps and quick turnkey projects.

With no electrical supply required, the Bau Manual Bidet Seat can be fitted quickly

and easily by all bathroom fitters, plumbers, builders and installers - and with its sleek, modern styling, it complements all bathroom suites. This smart, fuss-free upgrade is also the perfect way of making the bathroom more hygienic and environmentally friendly, too. Its retractable spray arms feature an antibacterial coating and a self-cleaning function. The spray function works with water pressure (1-10 bar high water pressure) – first the spray arm extends into position, then an inner valve opens to allow the water flow to begin. Before and after use, the user can simply click the lever at the side of the seat once in an upwards or downwards motion to activate a pre- or post-rinsing of the spray

nozzles. When the sprays are no longer in use, they retract back into position, hidden from view until the next use.

The Bau Manual Bidet Seat offers a wealth of benefits. It’s easy to install, easy to use, practical, hygienic and stylish. Its soft-close seat and lid match perfectly with GROHE Bau Ceramic toilets as well as many other U-shaped toilets, and paper templates are available to help you check if your project is compatible. A great way of updating the bathroom, cloakroom or en-suite without any fuss, mess or hassle – and all at an affordable price for the consumer, too www.grohe.co.uk

With no electrical supply required, the Bau Manual Bidet Seat can be fitted quickly and easily by all bathroom fitters, plumbers, builders and installers.

For the ultimate in hygiene, upgrade your existing toilet with Roca’s EM1 touchless automatic flush valve with sensor. This easy to install, water-saving dual-flush valve (adjustable to 6/4, 4.5/3 or 4/2 litres) can be retrofitted and requires no mains connection as it’s guaranteed to flush more than 40,000 times with just 4 x AA batteries. Discover more at www.uk.roca.com

RIDING THE WAVE: MAKING THE MOST OF THE DEMAND FOR HOME IMPROVEMENTS

As we spend more time in our homes, it’s not surprising that we find faults and need spaces to work harder than ever before. When the pandemic hit, almost overnight, rooms took on new functions. Now for example, it’s not the kitchen-diner but the kitchen-diner-office. Equally, being confined to one space for such a prolonged period has led to ‘home fatigue’ for many consumers who are now desperate to make changes within their four walls.

As a result, the demand for tradespeople is unprecedented. It’s estimated that most trades have seen around a 63% rise in jobs versus the 12 months previous, with joiners and carpenters being at the forefront of requests, with a whopping increase of two-thirds1. Likewise, our survey of 2,000 people found that home workers plan to spend a huge £700m on office construction in the next 12 months.

While this is great news, it does bring challenges with how to structure jobs, manage enquiries and of course, complete as much work as possible to ride the surge, while maintaining quality standards. What’s more, the construction industry, like every other part of society, is still required to follow social distancing guidelines bringing further challenges in terms of speed and ease of working.

To maximise the opportunity that this demand for home improvements presents, installers should turn to manufacturers who are on hand to help in a number of ways.

Understanding what the customer wants…faster Helping customers work out the style, design and function of their new kitchen or bathroom can sometimes be the hardest part of the job, especially when consultations are now brief or even remote.

To help start discussions and steer customers to a decision quicker when they’re unsure, we asked consumers who recently renovated their kitchen what they would do differently next time and what advice would they give to others.

While colour and style often reign supreme when customers begin planning their design, in hindsight, the vast majority of those surveyed chose substance over style, with 72% of respondents saying functionality and usability were most important.

Alongside function, a huge 88% of respondents said lighting is very important to kitchen design. Layout of cabinets and appliances was next on the list, with budget and cupboard / drawer storage space joint fourth. It’s also interesting to know that 85% of those surveyed would splash the cash on extra storage if they were planning their kitchen again.

Armed with these priorities, it’s easier to explore what customers want and help them come to a decision quicker. As well as saving valuable time upfront, it also equates to greater customer satisfaction long term.

More speed, greater efficiency Installers can also make the most of the surge in work by maximising their efficiency. To help, leading manufacturers have a number of products for installers designed with speed and ease firmly in mind.

Häfele’s new drawer range, Matrix, is one such example. The range is available in three product lines – Matrix Box S, Matrix Box A and Matrix Box P. Matrix Box P, a premium twin walled system in the range has been specifically created for simple installation thanks for a range of accompanying accessories.

The Matrix P drilling jig, for example, speeds up drawer running fitting. Once lined up against the carcass fascia at the right height for the chosen runner, fitters can pre-drill holes using a counter sink drill bit. Likewise, a fascia alignment jig helps locate the fascia fitting into the back of the drawer front. The jig has a racket function, allowing fitters to tap the drawer front top for easy and quick adjustment. When the fitter is happy with the alignment, they simple tap the drawer again fronton to make drill hole impressions.

Natalie Davenport, Head of Marketing at Häfele UK describes how installers can work smarter to maximise demand.

Natalie Davenport, Head of Marketing , Häfele UK www.hafele.co.uk

As well as thinking about ways to make it easier for trades to achieve a high-quality finish quicker, manufacturers are also exploring ways to make lighter work of tasks.

Levelling cabinetry can be, quite literally, a backbreaking repetitive task that takes time to get ‘just right’. And the same goes for fitting plinths and wardrobes. Thanks to clever plinth adjusting and fitting systems like Axilo™ by Häfele however, that needn’t be the case. Ergonomically designed, it reduces the risk of back-related injuries but helpfully can cut kitchen unit assembly times by almost half.

Again, simple tools like this are a great way to improve on-the-job efficiency and enable trades to get through more work in less time.

Time saving services

Beyond time saving products, leading manufacturers are also creating services that reduce a lot of the leg work for installers.

During the pandemic for example, we’ve extended Häfele to Order, a bespoke service which allows installers to specify products to exact sizes, quantity and finish – for example, the components can be delivered cut to exact measurements and pre-assembled. While customers regularly use this service for items such as wardrobe rails or sliding door gear, joiners and kitchen fitters can now use Häfele to Order for bespoke timber drawers too.

Crafting beautiful, handmade bespoke timber drawers takes skill, care, attention, and time, but sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Through the service, customers can order handmade, solid timber drawers personalised to their needs and complete with full dovetail joints, usually in just a two-week turnaround.

The Häfele bespoke timber drawer service is completely made to order, meaning customers can tailor their requirements against a long list of design and personalisation options. These

include choice of timber, finish and size along with shaped sides - flat or stepped top - and notching and drilling for runners.

A similar approach can also be taken to lighting. As our consumer survey highlighted, lighting is a critical factor in kitchen design but can often seem like a complex, time-zapping area for installers or traditionally one they would outsource to a subcontractor. Thanks to innovations in furniture lighting however, 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, installers can easily incorporate it into kitchen designs to create that all important wow factor. App controlled, it can also be adjusted for different times of the day and lighting conditions, changing the atmosphere as the customer likes at the click of a button.

As well as being easy to fit, furniture lighting schemes can be easy to design too. Häfele offers a free of charge Lighting Design Service that gives users a bespoke lighting plan, product list and priced quote in just three simple steps. Simply complete an online form with basic information and upload a floor plan, and within 10 days, the company’s team of lighting consultants will return a tailored specification. Usefully, the Lighting Design Service can also be paired with Häfele to Order, making Loox probably the easiest furniture lighting range to install on the UK market.

While ‘normal’ life isn’t completely out of reach now, it’s still likely we’ll be spending more time living and working in our homes than prepandemic times. As such, the demand for trades isn’t going away anytime soon. By working with manufacturers and understanding the products and services available, installers can make the most of the surge in home improvements and improve their efficiency and profitability.

A new guide, released by Triton Showers, addresses an ageing population and the need to cater for the 1.8 million multigenerational households in the UK – a growing figure that is expected to triple by 2040! The framework outlines the key bathroom safety considerations when specifying for homes spanning more than one generation.

TRITON SHOWERS ISSUES

‘BLUEPRINT FOR BATHROOM SAFETY.’

‘A Blueprint for Bathroom Safety: how to make bathrooms fit for purpose for all generations.’ covers the main elements of specifying bathrooms, particularly in light of Britain’s aging population. The guide highlights how differing levels of independence within the same home require a bathroom tailored to meet varied needs.

Stuart Lane, Sales Director at Triton, comments: “Bathrooms are unique, in that they are one of the most heavily used rooms in a house, and by their nature present several hazards to those with limited mobility, dexterity or vision. There are a number of features that can be incorporated to meet this challenge, such as intelligent controls or accessibility apparatus, which we’ve detailed in a step-by-step way.

“It is important to note that it’s not just a case of providing for the 1.8 million (and growing) multi-generational households in Britain, but also being aware that adaptable design is crucial to future-proofing our homes. There is particular focus on social and affordable housing, with demand soaring and local authorities increasingly tasked with delivering suitable properties that remain habitable long into the future.”

In recognition of the complexity of bathroom and shower specification, Triton has developed a four-part checklist to aid in the provision of an appropriate solution. The PASA test combines the four key areas of: Purpose, Accessibility, Safety, and Aesthetics to ensure a fit-for-purpose space.

Stuart continues: “There are obviously a huge range of factors that feed into creating a suitable bathroom, but style is one that can often be overlooked – especially when designing for older generations. The latest technology means aesthetics are no longer mutually exclusive with usability, as ‘A Blueprint for Bathroom Safety’ illustrates.”

For example, Triton’s Omnicare range is an inclusive shower solution that combines the principles of safety and simplicity for a product that caters to all ages and mobility. It offers thermostatic temperature reassurance and can be equipped with a host of accessibility features such as remote on / off controls, audible feedback, and intuitive operation.

Stuart concludes: “There is increasing pressure on housebuilders and specifiers to construct bathrooms and choose appliances with all ages in mind, particularly to avoid the need for drastic changes in the future. This is critical, because as the report shows, the rise of people coexisting together at different stages in life suggests this will continue to be a major factor for decades to come.”

To download and read A ‘Blueprint for Bathroom Safety’: how to make bathrooms fit for purpose for all generations, please visit: www.tritonshowers.co.uk/a-blueprint-for-bathroom-safety

CARING FOR THE END-USER AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Wharf Worktops range of seamless solid surfaces puts an emphasis on easy care and the environment with its eco-friendly range of stone-effect worktops.

Wharf Seamless Makeover® is a comprehensive selection of environmentally-friendly worksurfaces. It’s a sustainable surface, precision engineered to fit over existing worktops for a quick and efficient home update and is completely hassle-free.

Each custom worktop is manufactured in the UK at Wharf Worktops purpose-built factory, which not only reduces shipping times but cuts down on emissions and targets minimal landfill too.

Rob Bullen, Managing Director, Wharf Worktops says, “With new legislation coming into force to recycle 65% of household waste by 2035, and a maximum of 10% of municipal waste going to landfill sites during that period, we need to invest in smarter choices for both the home and planet. We are well-positioned to help homeowners save time, money and the environment with our exclusive Seamless Makeover® collection, which ensures redundant kitchen surfaces can be hidden under a 12mm thick ‘second skin’ of our patent pending acrylic solid worktops, splashbacks and upstands.”

Seamless Makeover® worktops do not require any specialist cleaning or maintenance, in fact a gentle wipe with a damp cloth and all-purpose cleaner will be enough thanks to the non-porous surface, which repels bacteria and is 100% waterproof.

Following a quick visit to your home by Wharf Worktops, a qualified expert will measure the dimensions of your existing worktops and refer to the technical design team, which use the latest software to create your new worktops so that they are tailored to fit exactly over your kitchen surfaces. Once you are happy with the plans, your customised worktops will be made within the next 12 working days and fitted in less than a day so you’ll soon be up and running! And with 35 contemporary colours to choose from you can easily give your kitchen a new design personality to suit your taste.

Rob Bullen, added, “When it comes to kitchen makeovers we believe it’s wise to ‘keep the best and change the rest’, so we look after your cabinets and appliances by covering them for protection and carefully removing and returning your essential items when necessary. You can even upgrade your upstands, splashbacks and windowsills to ensure there is absolutely no trace of your old kitchen surfaces. There is also the option to replace your sink with a new one from the Seamless Makeover® collection for a cohesive, designer look which will give your property a facelift at a fraction of the cost of a new kitchen and with minimum disruption to family life.”

With a growing network of retailers at premium showrooms nationwide, Wharf Worktops is expanding its UK presence due to rising demand for kitchen makeovers which are ecoefficient, quick and value for money as its worktops come with a ten year warranty for added peace of mind.

If you would like to transform your customers kitchen with Seamless Makeover® worktops, you can find your nearest retailer here or contact Wharf Worktops. 01730 812 822 | sales@seamlessworktops.co.uk www.wharfmakeover.co.uk

Wharf Seamless Makeover® worktops

Ready.

With a tool that will stand the test of time.

The new TID 18 cordless impact screwdriver: This compact powerhouse offers an impressive service life thanks to its extremely robust hammer mechanism. The perfect combination of the new-generation brushless EC-TEC motor and the battery pack ensure maximum performance and endurance. In addition to this, the TID 18 with 1/4“ tool holder turns the screw without straining your wrist – thanks to the tangential hammer mechanism with no strength-sapping back torque. The machine weight of just 960 grams also allows you to work for longer without becoming tired. Find out more at www.festool.co.uk/ready

Robust quality.

Robust

› Durable quality components

› Fully covered thanks to the comprehensive range of services › from Festool Service

› Maximum performance thanks to the extremely powerful new-generation EC-TEC motor

Flexible

› For applications with high power needs, the 4.0 Ah Li-HighPower Compact battery pack provides the ideal powerful, compact and lightweight solution. For even less weight, opt for the 3.1 Ah Compact battery pack for light screw joints

Ergonomic and reliable › Tangential hammer mechanism without back torque for screwdriving › that protects your wrist › Effortless, precision work even in areas that are difficult to access › Weighs just 960 g (excluding battery pack)

Comfortable › 1/4” tool holder with quick and easy bit change › Optimal illumination of the work area thanks to LED › Integrated magnetic bit holder and belt clip that can be mounted › on either side › Packed in a Systainer³, the TID 18 can be integrated perfectly into the bott vehicle fixture for easy transport from the body shop to the building site

Fully covered thanks to the comprehensive range of services from Festool Service.

For more information, go to www.festool.co.uk/service

THE CUSTOMER IS NOT ALWAYS RIGHT’

It’s not often I get asked to inspect an installation that is more than five years old. In this instance I was sent a copy of a report which had already been completed by a Chartered Surveyor which provided a long list of ‘faults’, and at first glance the request seemed to be a waste of my time and the client’s money. But the retailer’s solicitor was persistent: ‘We don’t think this is as bad as they’re making out, and their claim is for all their money back, the cost of a complete new bathroom and the kitchen downstairs, and more besides.’

I read through the paperwork and there was a lot! I noted down all the allegations the customer made and then called them to arrange a visit. When I arrived and parked my car I noticed that the house was one of a street full of identical properties, so I played a quick game of ‘spot the difference’ before getting out of my car. Where was the soil stack and the external wastes? Were they different on other houses? It’s surprising what you can learn this way.

Once inside, I worked systematically around the bathroom, checking each fitment or feature

Richard Renouf

carefully. Removable panels were removed, loose screws were checked, an inspection camera enabled me to ‘see’ plumbing connections and other hidden details. Then I checked the loft above the extractor and finally I checked the kitchen below where there was alleged to be damage due to leaks during and after the installation. Only when I had completed this, and formed my own opinion about everything, did I look back at the list of items from the surveyor’s

report. I did the same when I wrote up my report: my opinion first, and then my rebuttable of many of the surveyor’s comments.

Some months later I received further instructions: I was to ‘meet’ the surveyor (online due to coronavirus), discuss our mutual findings, and prepare a joint statement listing the points we agreed on and the points we disagreed on. This would, it was hoped, help the Court to focus only on the disagreed items and make its decision.

The more we talked, the smaller the list became. The cistern was correctly installed and flushed the pan effectively, but the surveyor had no idea about water volumes and just suspected it wasn’t working well because the customer had told him. I asked if he had measured the cistern to calculate the volume of water for each flush. He hadn’t. I pointed out that an issue would have revealed itself within the last five years of use and he agreed. Tick.

The toilet had been connected into the soil pipe inside the bathroom and I showed him the photographs from my inspection camera. There was no need for the installer to use a ladder outside, so the external adjustment of the soil pipe at the roofline was more likely to have been done when the new roof tiles were installed. He hadn’t noticed those. Tick.

The one short tile close to the ceiling would be hidden when the suspended ceiling trim was added to the panels so this would not be seen, so was not a fault. Tick.

The ‘faulty’ shower doors which had a tapering gap towards the bottom could be adjusted. Tick. The loose shower head bracket simply needed the loose screw tightening (which I had done to check it would hold and had not undone) was now fixed. Tick. The cabinet door which opened onto the radiator could not bang into it unless it was forced beyond the natural limit of its hinges. Tick.

There were a couple of issues we did not agree. The kitchen below was just old, the peeling foil edges were nothing to do with a leak from above and the kitchen did not need replacing. The bathroom itself needed no more than a day’s work adjusting, tweaking and refreshing the sealant, it certainly didn’t need ripping out and starting again from scratch. We recorded our differences.

Rather than being a waste of money, my report and the discussions with the surveyor meant that many of the issues were challenged and shown to be spurious. In fact the case didn’t get much further as the consumers withdrew the claim when their solicitor refused to continue handling the case.

‘The customer is always right’ is a good guide to work with, but there are occasionally times when it simply isn’t true.

TIPS FROM HOUZZ TO CREATE A SOLID DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGY FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Since the “dot-com” revolution began in the 1990s, and now more than ever, the COVID-19 crisis has accelerated the importance of having a strong online presence and 2021 will reinforce this trend even more. Companies have never cared more about their brand and communications than they do now. With social media, it’s critical to carve out your own foothold in cyberspace.

Thankfully, developing a strategy around digital marketing doesn’t have to be a drain on your resources. You can showcase your skillset and promote your value with just a few clicks and reach a broad audience very easily.

Here Houzz, the online platform for home design and renovation, gives you 6 tips on how digital marketing can help you improve brand awareness and attract more potential customers.

1Build your brand: Did you know that 9 out of 10 individuals research on the internet when they want to hire professionals in their area? Branding is your longterm marketing strategy and whether you’re the industry leader, or an up and coming new business, branding is essential forming potential clients perceptions of your work. Online marketing is the most efficient way to capture a wider audience, tell your story at a glance, and get others to brag about you -- all at once. It’s important to communicate what your business does, highlight the services available to your future clients and differentiate yourself from the competition. To do this, make good

use of social networks, have a powerful and responsive website and your Houzz Profile! Your Houzz Profile is where you can showcase your work online, like a virtual shop window.

2Show your true ‘self’: According to Houzz data, homeowners prefer professionals who show themselves as they are, without hiding behind a logo. Make sure that both your Houzz profile and your website use real photos and videos of you, your team, your business and your projects. Describe yourself and clearly explain what your company offers. And ask your colleagues, collaborators and your clients to write a review of your work. The more people who see you, the better results you will get and the greater your reach will be. Explain your story, tell people what you like

and what your personality is like; put yourself in the shoes of your customers: what would they like to know? First impressions really count!

3

Know your audience: To communicate who your business is you must be clear on whom you are directing your message. You need to reach what we call the empowered client. They are using a mobile device, online 24/7, are well researched before making any purchases or hiring decisions and are participatory. They want to feel part of the process and like they made important and empowered decisions.

How to get clients: Once homeowners accept you as a trusted local brand, it’s the perfect time to get in front of your ideal prospects so you can generate enquiries. A strong online marketing campaign targets homeowners in the communities you serve, who are looking to hire professionals for projects like yours. More than 72% of homeowners in the Houzz community are actively looking to hire, so make sure you are marketing in the places that actually reach the right clients. Whether they’re browsing the photo stream for creative ideas, or completing our comprehensive Project Match enquiry, homeowners are seeking a meaningful connection with our professional network. Houzz Pro can help you generate more leads. Our software can support you with your business management, grow your profits and attract more clients.

4

Digital marketing can

5Make a good impression:

Homeowners only need 10 seconds to form a first impression of your website or profile. To ensure that this first judgment is positive, there are certain aspects that should not be missing: a modern design that is mobile friendly, high-quality photos or videos of your work, well-written content about your business, recent reviews and recommendations and importantly, a contact form so they can easily enquire.

6Invest

in marketing to

avoid losing customers: According to studies, small businesses only need to spend an average of 1% of their gross income to hire a marketing expert. However, if you do not have a strategic plan or it is your first contact with advertising, it can be a very complicated process. With Houzz Pro, you will not have that problem, the team will help and guide you throughout the process, and create a strategy that is adapted to

help you improve brand awareness and attract more potential customers.

RAK-PETIT IS BIG ON STYLE IN SMALL BATHROOMS

With the size of the average UK bathroom measuring around 4.4m2, the latest designer collection from RAK Ceramics solves the problem of creating luxury results in compact spaces. In fact, RAKPetit is designed specifically with small bathrooms in mind.

Created in collaboration with award-winning Italian designer Maurizio Scutellà, RAK-Petit is a collection of small washbasins for compact spaces, from cloakrooms and en-suites to small family bathrooms. With minimal shapes and modest dimensions, RAK-Petit washbasins are perfect for small spaces that are also big on style.

The collection includes deep-based washbasins that can be installed alone or combined with RAK-Joy vanity units in the domestic bathrooms, as well as freestanding washbasins that are statement pieces in their own right.

Featuring circular and square shapes, the freestanding ceramic RAK-Petit washbasins in striking Alpine White measure an elegant 360mm wide x 900mm tall. RAK-Petit wallhung washbasins are equally as stylish, again with round or square basin shapes combined with a ceramic ledge, providing an easy to wipe clean surface for soaps and toothbrushes. Measurements for the wallhung basins are 765mm x 360mm.

IBC GROUP APPOINTS LISA DOUGLAS AS INTERNAL SALES MANAGER

IBC Group, specialists in the design and manufacture of classic British and contemporary Italian-designed bathroom solutions has reinforced its sales team by welcoming Lisa Douglas, as Internal Sales Manager.

Lisa accepted this specially curated position in order to support and strengthen the valuable work carried out by the key account management team working across both umbrella brands – Imperial Bathrooms and Whiteville Ceramics - along with vital tasks surrounding export and retail, order processing and after sales co-ordination.

Lisa has acquired a wealth of experience from working in a range of commercial sales and administrative roles and prior to her position at Imperial Bathrooms, she worked at Neoperl UK for 7 years, starting out as Customer Service Manager and then, Commercial Manager. Ahead of this, Lisa spent 8 years as Company Administration Manager at Aquaflow Regulators, where she provided invaluable office and business support.

As the company continues to drive forward its plans for expansion both in the UK and overseas, Lisa aims to motivate and inspire a new stream of high-pedigree bathroom enquiries for the company, she explains, “I am excited and proud to be joining the growing team at IBC Group and I intend to play my part in fully supporting the company’s creative journey and sales-path of the future.”

Graham Bucktrout, Managing Director at IBC Group says, “As the market re-opens and we embark on a new phase of business and sales opportunities, I have every confidence in our team and know that Lisa will be integral in all we do” adds Graham. www.imperialbathroom.com

GROHE’S RETROFIT BAU CERAMIC MANUAL BIDET SEAT TURNS EXISTING WCS INTO HYGIENIC SHOWER TOILETS

Consumers have become increasingly aware of the benefits of Japanese-style shower toilets in recent years, and for those looking for a more affordable system that can still offer all the hygiene and eco benefits, GROHE has the ultimate solution with its retrofit Bau Ceramic Manual Bidet Seat. Designed to be the perfect introduction into the world of shower toilets and the wealth of benefits they offer, this design is ideal for DIY installations, budget bathroom revamps and quick turnkey projects.

With no electrical supply required, the Bau Manual Bidet Seat can be fitted quickly and easily by all bathroom fitters, plumbers, builders and installers - and with its sleek, modern styling, it complements all bathroom suites. This smart, fuss-free upgrade is also the perfect way of making the bathroom more hygienic and environmentally friendly, too. Its retractable spray arms feature an antibacterial coating and a self-cleaning function. The spray function works with water pressure

(1-10 bar high water pressure) – first the spray arm extends into position, then an inner valve opens to allow the water flow to begin. Before and after use, the user can simply click the lever at the side of the seat once in an upwards or downwards motion to activate a pre- or post-rinsing of the spray nozzles. When the sprays are no longer in use, they retract back into position, hidden from view until the next use.

The Bau Manual Bidet Seat offers a wealth of benefits. It’s easy to install, easy to use, practical, hygienic and stylish. Its soft-close seat and lid match perfectly with GROHE Bau Ceramic toilets as well as many other U-shaped toilets, and paper templates are available to help you check if your project is compatible. A great way of updating the bathroom, cloakroom or en-suite without any fuss, mess or hassle – and all at an affordable price for the consumer, too.

www.grohe.co.uk/

IDS ADDS ZENITH COMPACT LAMINATE WORKTOPS TO ITS PRODUCT PORTFOLIO

IDS has added Zenith solid compact laminate worktops to its product portfolio, and the company will exclusively stock the brand’s full range of decors.

Zenith’s 20 designs, available on eight solid colour cores, will be available for delivery in 24-48 hours from 16 IDS branches nationwide. The brand complements IDS’s comprehensive worktop portfolio which also includes laminate, solid surface, quartz and solid wood catering for wide creative scope and budgets.

Zenith offers an ultra-slim 12.5mm thick worktop designed to provide a realistic and cost-effective alternative to natural stone or ceramic worksurfaces, with no lead times for templating and specialist installation.

The range includes five luxe marble designs and six concrete decors that reflect the popular industrial look. Worktops are available in 3050mm x 650mm x 12.5mm as standard, with 3 designs in a slightly deeper 3050mm x 950mm x 12.5mm. Matching

upstands, breakfast bars and splashbacks are also available across all designs.

IDS will be promoting the Zenith POS package which includes a product brochure and countertop display stand with samples. Zenith offers a 10-year warranty and is available from IDS for nationwide delivery in 24-48 hours. Contact IDS: 0845 7 298 298, solutions@idsurfaces.co.uk or web: www. idsurfaces.co.uk www.idsurfaces.co.uk

GEOCEL ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LIGHTHOUSE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CHARITY

Geocel a UK & Ireland’s supplier of sealants and adhesives, is pleased to announce that the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity (Lighthouse Club) will be its charity of choice for 2021, with planned fundraising activities to take place across the year.

The Lighthouse Club is the leading charity for providing emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to the construction community and their families. Through its confidential 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline and supporting app, the charity can provide information, advice and guidance on a wide range of wellbeing issues.

The charity also offers a variety of free construction focused training programmes to support the industry including hour long interactive wellbeing sessions through to the MHFA England, Mental

Health First Aider qualification.

As part of Geocel’s support, the Lighthouse Club’s helpline will be promoted on the company’s popular Mate range cartridges - recently relaunched with a brand new design - to raise awareness of its vital services.

For more information on the Lighthouse Club and the charity’s incredible work, please visit: www. lighthouseclub.org/

To support Geocel’s fundraising efforts and donate to the Lighthouse Club, please visit: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/geocellighthouseclubpartnership www.lighthouseclub.org/

VOGUE (UK) REVEALS 2021 INNOVATIONS WITH LIVE-ACTION VIDEOS

Vogue (UK) has launched a set of live-action videos which are available to view online and reveal the company’s all-inclusive customer journey and its latest additions for 2021.

The customer journey: vogueuk.co.uk/images/ about-us/Vogue-UK-Ltd.mp4

Innovations: vogueuk.co.uk/images/Product-videos/Vogue-UK-Astute-Range.mp4

Each lifestyle video provides new insight into Vogue (UK), highlighting its premium British heritage and how the company can meet individual needs and ultimately, fulfil your personal style and heating requirements with ease and passion. For inspiration? The Vogue (UK) innovations video is a great starting point as it guides customers through the entire Astute range of heating solutions – new and existing models – as well as recommendations and advice on the perfect finishing touch to elevate your design through to high quality accessories and exclusive finish options.

“We are excited about this video initiative as it allow our customers to digitally interact with our products and brand safely at home. Providing a clear narrative is an essential ingredient for any business and with the ongoing pandemic, we continue to focus on digital communication. Having this new customer resource will ensure that we continue to inspire our customers, preserve and build trust and credibility, as well as boost the level of product engagement through our website” says Steve Birch, Sales Director at Vogue (UK)

www.vogueuk.co.uk

INDUSTRIAL STYLING ON TAP WITH FRACTION

Fraction, is a new tap range from Abode. Featuring a cog-inspired detail on the handle, Fraction is designed to blend architectural and industrial chic, which will perfectly complement a contemporary kitchen.

The tap’s 90° angled spout provides a sharp and somewhat sophisticated form, while its elongated, slim single lever handle ensure ease of operation.

Fraction can also be chosen with the added functionality of a pull-out spray feature neatly hidden which is useful for a variety of cleaning tasks

Available in a choice of trending finishes, including Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Matt Black and Antique Brass, Fraction will be stand-out feature of the kitchen.

The Fraction Semi-Professional tap certainly makes a style statement, with contrasting elements and a pull around spray function with magnetic self-locating body and head assembly. The Professional option is available in a chrome or brushed finish with contrasting black crossbar and silicone hose for a truly industrial feel.

www.abodedesigns.co.uk

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