The Installer - Issue 27 - Autumn 2021

New apprenticeship era dawns for KBB industry!

It’s crunch time

We have all experienced the effects of skills gaps over the last few weeks, whether it be empty shelves in supermarkets or long queues at the petrol pumps. The fact is that there aren’t enough qualified and competent people in vocational careers… and our industry is sadly no different.

Well, it’s time for change and we’re leading it.

Pages 4 to 7 explain how you can get involved in Apprenticeships and we actively encourage you all to participate. Whether you’re a supplier, distributor, manufacturer, retailer, designer or installer – there’s something for you to do and we need you to act now.

Fact is this… we have the answer to this skills gap crisis. There’s no need to debate or plan… what we need is action and if we want to fix this issue, we’ll all need to get behind the initiative (and we’ll need to get behind it right now.

So, I won’t over complicate this intro. Get behind apprenticeships or get in touch to find out more about how you can help –eve.brown@bikbbi.org.uk is your first point of contact here at the institute.

Damian Walters, BiKBBI CEO

The BiKBBI is excited to offer installers easy and affordable access to apprentices with a ground-breaking employer package for its new apprenticeship programme.

The KBB Fitted Interiors Apprenticeship Programme is set to provide hundreds of youngsters with career opportunities within the KBB installation sector, tackling immediate worker shortages and longer-term skills gap challenge. Key initiatives built within the programme include:

• A new national network of BiKBBI approved Centres of Excellence to ensure apprentices will receive a first class foundation to their installation career;

• A compelling package of support that enables installers take on apprentices without having to deal with recruitment, employment or training complication;

• A promotional campaign, backed by six figure support, to drive interest in taking up apprenticeships among young people across the country.

The BiKBBI is calling on the industry and installation businesses of all sizes to support the long-term future of the industry’s workforce by promoting the apprenticeship programme and ultimately supporting businesses to take on an apprentice, safe in the knowledge that doing so will be hasslefree with support from BiKBBI.

The invitation comes thanks to a groundbreaking package of tailored support for installation businesses that the Institute has developed in collaboration with strategic partners.

With demand for installation higher than ever, the new BiKBBI support package offers installation businesses a fast track to the workers they need for their businesses to continue to deliver and grow during these times of unprecedented demand.

The apprenticeship package that BIKBBI has developed comprehensively addresses:

• The recruitment of high-quality apprentices, including advertising vacancies, vetting applicants and carrying out all eligibility checks

• All employment administration, including contracts and paperwork, health and safety checks, and running payroll for the apprentice

• All of the training requirements, including placing the apprentice with an accredited training provider (BiKBBI Centre of Excellence), monitoring the apprentice’s progress and arranging for the end point assessment needed to complete the apprenticeship;

• All performance management and support for the apprentice - freeing up the installation business to focus on the work itself

• The process to complete the apprenticeship, ensuring that the apprentice is ready to transition into the next phase of their career.

Recognising that most installers are small businesses having to carefully watch costs, The BiKBBI’s package means that apprentices can be employed and have all wages and other costs covered for as little as £210 per week.

'The BiKBBI is calling on the industry and installation businesses of all sizes to support the long-term future of the industry’s workforce by promoting the apprenticeship programme and ultimately supporting businesses to take on an apprentice, safe in the knowledge that doing so will be hassle-free with support from BiKBBI.'.

Procat - the BiKBBI's first Centre of Excellence

APPRENTICESHIPS! PROTECTING OUR FUTURE

Our cover story in the summer issue of The Installer was a warning about the skills shortage as it has reached crisis point.

The following weeks has seen the BiKBBI issue a stark warning that the current shortage of workers being faced by many industries could be the long term reality for the home improvement industry if action is not taken to develop a new generation of tradespeople. A shuddering thought!

of people able to take up jobs. Put bluntly, there are just not enough skilled installers to keep up with the current boom in consumer demand for home improvements. This means customers are having to wait months instead of weeks for new kitchens and bathrooms to be installed.”

He added, “Unfortunately, this lack of skilled tradespeople is part of a long term trend. Not enough young people have been encouraged to come into industries like ours, despite

Responding to the publication of the latest Jobs Recovery Tracker from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), which shows a record number of open job vacancies now including carpenters and joiners for the first time, BiKBBI has warned that it is not just employers that are being hit by staff shortages, but also consumers and businesses who rely on self-employed tradespeople. I think we have all noticed how this is beginning to affect our daily lives –long queues at the petrol pumps alone is a testament to the fact!

Damian Walters, BiKBBI’s Chief Executive, said, “The alarm bells need to be ringing as the REC report does not come close to the full scale of the worker shortage crisis. Industries like ours, that are essential to home improvement delivered by skilled professionals, are predominantly made up by self-employed traders not covered by job vacancy statistics. Like other industries though, we are seeing a major shortage

the prospect of a high-earning, stable career that it offers. We’ve got by for too long with an ageing workforce which is now looking forward to retirement – with over a third of installers suggesting that they are making retirement plans in a recent survey we ran. This means that the current shortages could get much worse over the coming years!”

Damian concluded, “Other industries have called for an expansion to the Shortage Occupation List that allows skilled workers from overseas to take up jobs in the UK but this would at best be just a sticking plaster. What’s needed is a nationwide effort to encourage youngsters into the industries that people rely on alongside sustained investment into skills training. We’re doing our part with a new apprenticeship programme launching this year (see pages 4- 5) but it’s going to take the full effort of industry and government working together to get on top and resolve this crisis.”

" The alarm bells need to be ringing as the REC report does not come close to the full scale of the worker shortage crisis. Put bluntly, there are just not enough skilled installers to keep up with the current boom in consumer demand for home improvements. This means customers are having to wait months instead of weeks for new kitchens and bathrooms to be installed.”

“Unfortunately, this lack of skilled tradespeople is part of a long term trend. Not enough young people have been encouraged to come into industries like ours, despite the prospect of a high-earning, stable career that it offers. We’ve got by for too long with an ageing workforce which is now looking forward to retirement – with over a third of installers suggesting that they are making retirement plans in a recent survey we ran."

Damian Walters, Chief Executive, BiKBBI

POSITIVE CHANGES FOR THE INDUSTRY AFOOT AT BiKBBI

BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters has revealed plans about the future of home improvement, the institute and the impact on the industry. He explains to The Installer magazine team just how this will unfold …

“We have begun work on scoping the process of mandatory registration for tradespeople operating in the home improvement sector so that will include KBB installation / installers, much like the gas and electrical industries.

For many years the government have been working towards ‘tightening up’ the home improvement sector in an effort to reduce consumer complaints, improve standards and raise compliance within what is largely an unregulated industry.

It is now feared that the current labour shortages across many sectors will lead to an influx of opportunists and that the net result could have a significant negative impact on the industry and wider economy.

It is my belief that that regulation within our section is long overdue and therefore, considering our positioning within the industry, we are fully supporting this initiative and will be leading the proposed change on behalf of the KBB industry.”

So what does this mean?

“In the near future, we (BiKBBI) will change terminology from a membership organisation to a register. Our marketing and communications team will provide new marketing assets to those on the register (formally members!) and guidance to our partners.

We will form a new consultation panel comprised from a cross section of our stakeholders, which will include an invitation to this group including our members. So this will be chance for them to play an active part in influencing change at government level and as part of the lobbying process. We will be in touch over coming weeks to confirm details.

As our compliance management protocols already exceed the proposed mandatory requirements, installers (our current members) will be automatically transferred onto the new register, without any effort needed from them (or indeed cost). Our team will take care of this and there will be no impact to our members or partners. New applications will simply join the register.

This seamless transfer will future-proof any proposed changes into a mandatory scheme, putting existing partners / members one step ‘ahead of the game’ allowing them to focus on the job in hand.

We will soon move from an annual up front cost requirement for ‘membership’, to a monthly subscription model for ‘registration’. Prices will not increase as part of this change, but instead those on the register will pay monthly, opposed to annually. I stress that there will be no set up fee or cost for paying monthly.

For most on the register, the cost will remain the £16.60 per month (or £3.83 a week), plus VAT, but importantly for members

they should remember that the BiKBBI is approved by The Commissioners for HM Revenue & Customs under section 344 of the Income Tax (Earnings & Pensions) Act 2003. Registrants can claim tax rebates against their registration fees paid to BiKBBI – this may include rebates available to retailers who pay for registration on behalf of their installers. Be assured, that I will keep everyone abreast of the changes ahead.

www.bikbbi.org.uk

“In the near future, we (BiKBBI) will change terminology from a membership organisation to a register. Our marketing and communications team will provide new marketing assets to those on the register (formally members!) and guidance to our partners."

The BiKBBI has launched the new contactless registration / ID card exclusively for registered members and it’s set to help them win business, demonstrate compliance and their professional, accredited status.

Available to order online now, the new contactless card will replace the existing ID card, with a host of new features. The new cards come with a FREE lanyard, FREE ID Card Holder, FREE van sticker, FREE van air freshener and FREE postage!

The cards also replace the leaflets previously available to members. This reduces contact, environmental impact and of course removes the risk of virus transmission.

So how do the new cards work?

Traditional identification

Members present their new ID card to customers and demonstrate professional registration to The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation. It’s how members separate their business from all others. It’s great peace of mind for customers.

CONTACTLESS HAS ARRIVED…

Contactless identification

Most new phones accept ‘NFC tap technology’ – Simply tap the new ID card on customers smartphones, hold for a second and the phone will link to a dedicated page on BiKBBI website that explores the benefits of using a member of a government sanctioned institute.

QR identification

NFC tap technology doesn’t work on older phones, so the QR code option may work. The customer should open the camera app on their smartphone. The camera should focus on the QR code and then will link to the dedicated web page.

NOTE: Members will automatically receive a new contactless card when they renew membership, however they can upgrade their existing card earlier by ordering below. Note that cards are only available to current members and associates.

FORMICA JOINS THE BiKBBI FAMILY AS CORPORATE SPONSOR

The BiKBBI welcomes yet another blue-chip sponsor in International surfacing solution brand the Formica Group. This is a further testimonial as to how the Institute is growing its reach into high-profile manufacturers who are showing great support towards installation in recognition of its importance to the wider industry.

With experience designing, manufacturing and distributing flooring for both commercial and residential customers worldwide for over 100 years, the reputation of the Formica Group has been founded on quality, service and innovative product lines. The Formica Group works closely with architects, designers, fabricators, specifiers and developers to be able to offer their consumers new and modern products that complement current design trends.

Ryan Smith, Head of Residential UK&IE, Formica Group comments, “We have kitchen fitters front of mind and tailor our product offering to support them, this includes comprehensive installation guides which are backed up with step by step video guides. We are excited to support the BIKBBI and we strongly believe that it will better connect

us to kitchen fitters and through their knowledge and experience, enable us to take our support to the next level."

Speaking on behalf of the institute, CEO, Damian Walters added, “We’re unable to do this alone. The support from our Corporate Sponsors is invaluable and I’m delighted that we are working with the international brand of Formica Group on developing installations within our industry.”

For more information about becoming a Corporate Sponsor of BiKBBI visit:

www.bikbbi.org.uk/corporate-membership

“We have kitchen fitters front of mind and tailor our product offering to support them, this includes comprehensive installation guides which are backed up with step by step video guides. We are excited to support the BIKBBI and we strongly believe that it will better connect us to kitchen fitters and through their knowledge and experience, enable us to take our support to the next level."

MICHELLE JOINS BiKBBI TO EXECUTE STRATEGICALLY IMPORTANT NEW ROLE

The Institute is delighted to confirm that Michelle Daniels has joined the senior management team as Director of Marketing & Communication - a newly created position.

Michelle arrives from RDI REIT, a real estate investment trust, where she held the position of Group Head of Marketing for seven years. She had previously spent 13 years with a global marketing agency, working with UK and international clients on strategic marketing solutions.

In her new position at the BiKBBI, Michelle will be responsible for developing, leading and implementing the BiKBBI´s brand, marketing and communications strategies, as well as driving stakeholder engagement, partnerships and collaborative opportunities in addition to supporting the organisation with the delivery of key projects including the new format BiKBBI Annual Conference & Awards which take place in February 2022.

Michelle said, “I am extremely excited to be joining the team at BiKBBI at such a pivotal point in the organisation’s journey. As well as bringing a new outlook and direction to the marketing activity, I am especially looking forward to working on and supporting the significant initiatives that are coming down the tracks.”

BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters, commented, “Michelle’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to our organisational evolution. As well as a Marketing & Communications expert with a proven track record of success, Michelle brings a new dynamic to the senior team and I’m confident that she will play an important role in the strategic leadership of the organisation”.

Damian added, “The organisation has experienced significant growth over the last five years and I believe will continue to do so over the next five. To ensure we keep up with a fast changing industry, we’re committed to investment in our team, ensuring we remain leaders in this space nationally and internationally. This is an exciting time for us, our members and ultimately for the industry and customers it serves”.

Ryan Smith, Head of Residential UK&IE, Formica Group

INSTALLATION AWARDS ANNOUNCED

The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation has confirmed that it will be hosting its own awards event following its Parliamentary Conference in February.

The first awards ceremony of its kind for the industry will see the world of installation in the spotlight, to recognise those within the industry who have gone above and beyond the call of duty over the last year.

The BiKBBI has confirmed the categories as listed opposite:

★ Community Champion - To recognise those who have done something special for their local community. This can be for an installation related act, or for something they have done outside the industry.

★ Customer Service Guru - This category celebrates businesses or individuals that have excelled in the field of customer service, perhaps for an initiative that demonstrates focus on customer experience.

★ Apprentice of the year - 2021/22 will see many kbb apprentices begin their career within our industry. We recognise those who have stepped forward and recognise early successes.

★ Young Installer of the year - In recognition of outstanding service for installers under the age of 25. Whether an installer or new business leader, we want to see the installer of tomorrow, recognised today.

★ Installation Business of the year - This is to recognise a business and its people for outstanding efforts. Whether the business has employed new people, won new contracts or demonstrated impressive growth.

★ Installer of the year - Celebrating the efforts of an individual installer and their work over the last year.

CEO Damian Walters comments: “Our 2022 Conference is set to be an amazing event, so we felt that now was a great time to get behind an awards ceremony that focused on installation, I think we all now appreciate the importance of installation and the dwindling population of specialists who deliver the service. An awards ceremony that focuses on installation will serve many purposes, from recognising those in the industry now, those who may be considering a career and to continue the job of raising the profile for this often disjointed part of the industry”.

The BiKBBI is offering sponsorship opportunities for award categories, those interested should contact:

eve.brown@bikbbi.org.uk

★ Retailer of the year (National) - Nominated by their installers, this category celebrates the efforts of the National retailer, their focus on installation and the support they have shown to their installers and installed customers.

★ Retailer of the year (Independent) - Local and regional retailers will be nominated by those installers who they work with. If your independent retailer does something exceptional on the subject of installation.

★ Installation Manager of the year - This award recognises the efforts of those installation or project managers who coordinate fitted projects.

★ Lifetime Achievement - We salute someone who has significantly contributed to the world of installation over a career lifespan.

"We felt that now was a great time to get behind an awards ceremony that focused on installation"

POSITIVE CHANGES TO DISPUTE RESOLOTION

New reforms to consumer rights in the home improvement look set to make Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) a mandatory requirement.

ADR is an independent service that is used to resolve disputes between customers and businesses, with the intention to resolve a dispute using mediation and conciliation to avoid the need to go to court.

A government consultation has set out key reforms to strengthen both consumer rights and business competitiveness, including specific reforms affecting the home improvement and used car sectors where they cite evidence of “stubbornly high levels of consumer harm where problems are not being resolved, and consumer satisfaction is low.”

So, how could this affect the kbb industry for both installers and retailers?

1. Businesses would need to have an accredited ADR provider and use the service to settle disputes with consumers.

The proposals include more immediate plans to make ADR a mandatory requirement for home improvement companies, benefitting both businesses and consumers by saving time and cost.

Proposals also include introducing a lower limit on the value of claims and potentially a nominal charge to consumers to allay business concerns over frivolous or low value complaints.

2. Businesses would need to escalate any unresolved complaints to the ADR provider at 4 weeks.

Where a complaint cannot be settled, the Government is proposing speeding up the process so that both consumers and businesses have access to ADR at 4 weeks instead of 8.

Giving both consumers and businesses quicker access to ADR will help reduce stress, financial hardship, and the erosion of trust and potential reputational harm to businesses.

3. Only accredited ADR providers can be used.

Currently, there are numerous non-accredited and unsupervised providers offering dispute resolution on an informal basis. The government intends to improve the quality and consistency of ADR services to further increase business and consumer confidence in ADR.

Therefore, only accredited ADR providers who operate to a common set of quality standards and oversight can be used and informal arrangements with many trade organisations will no longer be allowed.

Ciaran Harkin, Managing Director of QASSS, commented on the upcoming reforms, “This announcement is a welcome one and something that many believed should have happened some time ago and sets the foundations for the ADR landscape to really develop. We will be working with BiKBBI and members to help deliver industry-leading ADR solutions for businesses and their consumers.”

Damian Walters, Chief Executive of the BiKBBI, commented, “The home improvement industry has suffered reputational damage for decades at the hands of rogue traders and may I add an element of rogue consumers too! Any introduction of mandatory ADR would be welcomed by the BiKBBI as we see that independent dispute assistance as adding enormous value to both buyers and sellers.”

“This announcement is a welcome one and something that many believed should have happened some time ago."

DISPOSING OF REMOVED APPLIANCES KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES!

A survey conducted this month concludes that many kbb installers are unclear who is responsible for safely disposing of environmentally harmful appliances and also struggle with costs of taking goods of approved recycling sites.

A survey of over 1,000 kitchen, bedroom and bathroom businesses has found that a clear majority are unable to meet the additional costs of taking used appliances to approved recycling sites, with over a third mistakenly believing that customers have a responsibility for safe disposal – despite it sitting with retailers and manufacturers who have to offer a take-back service of old appliances.

Carried out among members of The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BIKBBI), the results of the survey suggest that a major awareness-raising campaign is needed to ensure that installers fully understand who is responsible for the safe disposal of used appliances. This would avoid appliances being left for collection by scrap traders or dumped into skips with general waste, contributing to the 155,000 tonnes of electricals that are discarded in the UK every year, instead of being reused or recycled correctly.

The majority of installers unable to meet additional costs of transporting old appliances for recycling, instead leave them for collection by local authorities or scrap collectors. It also appears that 70% of installers expect new regulations to influence how they operate and yet 78% fear the

Government doesn´t understand the nature of their business.

Efforts to reach the UK’s target of net zero carbon emission are being hampered by thousands of used household appliances, like fridges and washing machines being disposed of in unsustainable ways.

The results of the survey are particularly concerning given the important role that installers have in helping to reduce the environmental impact of end of life appliances. Around a quarter of the major domestic appliances, such as fridges and washing machines, sold in the UK every year are for new kitchen installations. The vast

Other points of interest revealed by the survey include:

34% of installers believe it is the responsibility of customers to safely dispose of old materials and appliances when installing a new kitchen, bedroom or bathroom – despite current Waste Electrical and Electronic (WEEE) regulations making it the responsibility of retailers and producers.

53% of installers believe it to be appropriate to leave appliances in the hope that local authorities will pick them up, alongside a small number who believe it appropriate to use a skip (15%) or leave appliances on the roadside for scrap metal collectors (10%).

2% of installers are aware of Government approved sites to dispose of old fridges but only 32% use them on all occasions, with 66% citing costs as the reason for not doing so.

Image:Simon Hurry, Unsplash

majority of these are replacements which create a huge amount of waste appliances. Damian Walters, Chief Executive, BiKBBI, said, “Our industry has a huge part to play in the UK’s drive towards sustainability, but installers clearly need more support. As the results of our survey show, there is a real lack of clarity about whose responsibility it is to safely dispose of old appliances. It’s little wonder that so few installers are willing to take on the costs of getting appliances to Government approved recycling sites when they are not sure whether it is their responsibility.”

With changes to Waste Electrical and Electronic (WEEE) regulations widely expected over the coming months, the survey also revealed installers’ concerns that the realities of their businesses will not be taken into account by the Government – with 78% saying that the Government does not show understanding of their type of business when

setting environmental rules and regulations.

Damian added, “Like all of us, installers want to do their bit for the environment but as very small businesses, often sole traders, they cannot afford to take on lots

of additional regulation, responsibilities or costs. The Government needs to make sure that their needs are taken into account and that every effort is made to provide them with the right information if and when any changes are made.”

"Installers clearly need more support. As the results of our survey show, there is a real lack of clarity about whose responsibility it is to safely dispose of old appliances. It’s little wonder that so few installers are willing to take on the costs of getting appliances to Government approved recycling sites when they are not sure whether it is their responsibility.”

FRANKE IMPROVES AFTERSALES SERVICE WITH ONLINE PRODUCT REGISTRATION

Franke has updated its website with an improved section for customers to register their cooker hoods, Minerva instant boiling water taps, Vital Capsule Filter taps and waste disposal units and benefit from enhanced aftersales support.

Customers who register details of their Franke purchase in the product registration section of franke.co.uk will validate their warranty and receive regular email reminders relating to the upkeep of their product, such as when to change filter cartridges.

The updated section also includes useful resources relating to Franke’s wide range of cooker hoods, Minerva and WDUs such as installation instructions, user manuals, videos and FAQs all in one dedicated area. Customers can also register and receive information about the Vital Capsule Filter tap range which already featured on the site.

Each product area includes a link to TrustPilot to encourage customers to review their purchase, providing the Franke team with valuable feedback.

Frauke Baselet, customer service manager at Franke UK says: “The enhanced product registration section reflects our commitment to providing our customers with the very best aftersales support. We want to ensure that our customers get the most out of their Franke purchase, so we’ve have made it very easy for them to register their products to validate their warranties and receive useful email reminders. The website area also includes lots of helpful information on installation and maintenance in one easy to find place to guarantee long-lasting pleasure from their Franke purchase.”

www.franke.co.uk

ROMAN JOINS UN GLOBAL COMPACT NETWORK

Roman has recently joined the United Nations Global Compact network. This is a prestigious and far reaching programme with the key aim of generating positive social impact as a business. There are four core pillars within the main activity of the UNGC – the Environment; Human Rights; Labour; and Anti-Corruption – and also broader sociable aims such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The UNGC has well established lines of communication with key UK government departments to help evolve the responsible business environment.

Within the four pillars of the UNGC sit ten fundamental principles for ethical business. These are enshrined within the conduct of the members. These principles firmly reinforce the policies and direction of Roman and the international links of the UNGC are driving these principles across the business world.

David Osborne, CEO of Roman, commented: “We are delighted to join the UN Global Compact and to help drive the business case of their Sustainable Development Goals across our sector and to help partners embed them within their business processes and culture. This is a truly global initiative and one which we are honoured to be a part of.”

www.roman-showers.com

COMPUSOFT WINNERS REVEALED

Compusoft has unveiled the best kitchen and bathroom spaces submitted by its customers for its latest design competition. The autumn contest was open to designers using Compusoft’s Winner or Innoplus software.

The criteria for the kitchen side of the competition asked for designs that included inspiring kitchen islands – be it new and imaginative ways to use an island, or the use of different shapes or bold colours.

The winning autumn kitchen design came from Silver Birch Interiors in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire. Interior designer, Nicola Leary of n-visage.co.uk won the bathroom category with a design for a compact cloakroom with WC and washbasin.

You can view all the entries on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn by using #csdesigncomp. Both winners will receive a special hamper. www.compusoftgroup.com

STRONG AND BEAUTIFUL LVT FLOORING

SHOWERWALL UNVEILS NEW RRP BROCHURE FOR RETAILERS

Showerwall has introduced a new Recommended Retail Price List book for its 2021 range to support retailers showcasing its extensive bathroom panelling collection in showrooms.

Retailers can use the book to offer homeowners ideas and inspiration on the latest bathroom trends to entice customers. Each design is shown with an RRP, with and without VAT, and includes all the available Showerwall accessories.

The book has been divided between Showerwall’s popular HPL, Acrylic and Custom Collections, and details the different panel sizes and finishes including its Square Cut and HPL Proclick panels.

The guide, which is available as a printed and digital version, visually outlines the range and includes the HPL panels’ tiered pricing system covering Groups 1-4 to help retailers meet customers’ budgetary requirements.

Steph Harris, Product Manager for Showerwall, comments: “With our RRP Book, retailers can quickly and easily help customers select the right decors for their style and budget and showcase what the range has to offer to help them make an informed choice.

“We are always looking at ways we can support our retailers to help them make the customer journey as smooth as possible and by offering pricing clarity to the products sold it allows retailers to provide the highest level of service and trust.”

Available in a range of designs, Showerwall HPL panels are an easy to fit bathroom wall panelling system. The moisture resistant, high-pressure laminate surface is designed to deliver a smooth, watertight finish that’s tough, hard-wearing, stain resistant and hygienic.

Showerwall’s stunning Acrylic and Custom Collections offer a library of stunning and bespoke designs manufactured using a 4mm acrylic sheet that is rear printed to create a polished glass-like finish. The material is 100% waterproof, easy to maintain and doesn’t require trims so can simply be joined with sealant for a streamlined finish.

www.showerwall.co.uk

Shown:

AQUALISA APPOINTS JESSICA CLARKE AS SENIOR CHANNEL MARKETING MANAGER

Bathroom product manufacturer Aqualisa has announced the appointment of Jessica Clarke as its new Senior Channel Marketing Manager.

Jessica joins Aqualisa from travel network Busabout, where she led sales and marketing activities throughout Europe and South Africa. With more than ten years’ experience, Jessica has successfully developed marketing programmes across a diverse range of brands, and aims to bring a fresh new perspective to the shower manufacturing industry.

In her role Jessica will be focusing on Aqualisa’s go-tomarket strategy, including product launches and promotional campaigns, and will be responsible for defining the purchase journey for installers, trade partners and consumers.

She will work within Aqualisa’s central marketing team in Westerham, Kent, reporting to head of marketing Kate Lovell, and will manage the company’s

marketing administrator, Katelin Field.

Jessica commented, “Aqualisa is creating smart digital shower technology with sustainability at its core, and I’m excited to be part of this powerful innovation in the bathroom sector. I look forward to working with Aqualisa’s dynamic team, and to leveraging my experience to bring creative new ideas to help grow the brand. I’m particularly focused on developing and implementing channel marketing strategies that will benefit our trade partners and customers, with the goal of becoming the UK’s favourite shower brand.”

Kate Lovell, head of marketing at Aqualisa, added, “I’m extremely pleased to welcome Jessica to our growing marketing team. She brings exceptional knowledge and expertise from a variety of different sectors, and I look forward to working with her as we accelerate our support to Aqualisa’s trade partners.”

www.aqualisa.co.uk

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

‘WE HAVE ALLOWED THE SKILLS SHORTAGE TO HAPPEN’, SAYS

KBBG MD

KBBG, MD Bill Miller, said that it was a ‘sad admission’ that the KBB industry has known about the skills shortage for years but still allowed it to happen.

"We are a multimillion-pound industry and in a way, it is quite a sad admission that we have all known this issue has been happening but have allowed it to happen.”

Miller spoke highly of The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) chief executive Damian Walters, who has been warning about the skills shortages for many years. Miller said: “Walters was talking about installers and shortages years ago and, at the time, his was a voice in the wilderness and now it has come to the forefront as everything he has predicted has come true. Now people are actually waking up to this issue.”

Addressing members at the AGM, he highlighted that, even compared with supply shortages, one of the biggest issues they are facing is finding new staff.

He said: “There has been a bigger issue in our marketplace for many years and, if you are watching the news – and we are not alone in this in our industry –and that is the skills shortage.

“I know speaking to many members here how you are looking to recruit designers, salespeople, installers, electricians. It is a big problem at the moment and we are just not attracting enough young people into our industry.”

The ageing population of KBB business owners is another worry for Miller, as there may not be enough young people to take over showrooms in a couple of decades’ time. He said: “It might be a shocking statistic, but the average age of an independent business owner in the UK is 60. What is our industry going to look like in 10 to 20 years’ time? Are there enough young people coming through into the industry that will be the business owner of the future?

“This is an issue that, as an industry, we must address, and we must come together as retailers, suppliers and buying groups and find a solution to solve these problems.”

THE KBBREVIEW RISING STARS AWARD

Successful businesses and industries are always looking for fresh, new, creative talent.

The development of this pool of new, young talent is so important to the future of the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom retail sector and this is why kbbreview is introducing its ‘Rising Stars’ award as part of the Save Our Skills campaign.

And, as part of our Save Our Skills intitiative, the Rising Stars Award is sponsored by Quooker.

This month’s Rising Star is Graham Furnell, sales designer, Albion Bathrooms, Kitchens, Electricals

“Graham Joined Albion Bathrooms Kitchens Electricals in January 2018 as a Warehouse Apprentice (designate), he worked for us for six months on the small bursary that the training provider offered and showed such great work ethic and determination to succeed that we had no problems at the end of the trial to take him on as

a fully-fledged apprentice in the Warehouse.

“He completed this to a very high standard, and nearing the end he showed great interest in designing bathrooms and kitchens on our CAD package, his rapport with customers was very good. By coincidence, our existing designer was leaving, and we took him on as a Trainee Sales Designer. He has gone from strength to strength, and we dropped the ‘Trainee’ pert of his job title earlier this year. Still only 21, he now not only sells to customers in the showroom but visits them in their own homes for consultations in addition to producing amazing visuals and accurate quotations.

“He is extremely personable, determined to succeed and we now see him as a mainstay for the future of the company. From humble beginnings Graham has showed that with the right attitude you can be a high achiever and he is our designer of the future and a true ‘Rising Star’.”

WREN INVESTS £3M INTO IT CENTRE AND STEPS UP RECRUITMENT

Wren Kitchens has ploughed more than £3 million into its 28,000sq ft tech hub at the company’s Humberside headquarters. The facility includes nine video conferencing suites, a cutting-edge IT monitoring centre, a lecture theatre and two VR studios, to which Wren is now adding a £100,000 hands-on prototype technology area.

The tech team has developed virtual reality software that is featured in more than 100 Wren showrooms across the UK and USA.

Wren is also aiming to recruit 60 new tech/IT staff to play a major role in the future of the retailer.

To do this, it held a tech recruitment event at its Bartonupon-Humber HQ, where the technologies it uses were showcased and which also featured speakers from Wren and such other tech industry professionals as the senior technical specialist at Unity, which is Wren’s leading 3D technology partner.

Said Wren head of software development Stephen Hodges:

“As we continue to invest in our state-of-the-art tech and worldclass facilities, we’re searching for talented developers to come and join us and play a major part in constantly evolving our software and processes.

“From state-of-the-art virtual reality to our cutting-edge kitchen planner program, there’s always something new going on at Wren, and our IT department plays a huge part in bringing these projects to life.”

“He is extremely personable, determined to succeed and we now see him as a mainstay for the future of the company."

Modular.

For more security and comfort in door communication, Gira offers a range of sophisticated solutions – for indoors and outdoors, with and without a camera. All door and home stations can be combined and will win you over with their outstanding design. And, thanks to the 2­wire bus technology, installation is also quick and

Easy.

‘WE NEED MORE INSTALLERS – NOT JUST ANY INSTALLERS,

GOOD ONES’

The founder of Terlecki, a kitchen installations company based in Maidstone, spoke out about how shocked he has been at the high demand for installers and skills shortage in the KBB industry.

Carl Terlecki spoke on the kbbreview podcast about becoming the first winner the new kbbreview Retail & Design Awards ‘Installation Company of the Year’ award. During the interview, he assessed the current installation climate and how his business has grown in its first year.

He said: “The amount of work we had [during 2020] was shocking. I was surprised to see that people were investing in their homes even in lockdown – maybe they couldn’t travel or were cutting down on other expenses. Or they were spending more time at home and wanted to do something in their homes?

“The work has not stopped over the past year. We’ve had so much – almost too much, and there are not enough skilled tradespeople to service all of that. Is there work tomorrow? We don’t have that problem, but I think it is more a case of suppliers and retailers saying, ‘we need more tradespeople’.”

Terlecki was founded in 2020 and is a member of the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBi). Carl Terlecki is supportive of the work done by the BiKBBi to get more people into the trade.

The BiKBBi, and its chief executive Damien Walters, have highlighted the skills shortage

in the KBB industry for many years. As a result, they have launched various initiatives to get more tradespeople and apprentices into the industry.

Terlecki believes it is not just about getting any installers, but getting good ones. He said: “I am excited about installations – especially the work that the BiKBBi are doing and realising that is a need for good installers, good project teams and good processes. It is good to see.”

Terlecki came from a carpentry background and is not an installer by trade. However, he said this gives him a different perspective from other installers. He believes he and his team of six offer a solution to many issues in the KBB industry, as the company is built around being a full installation service, offering everything from carpentry to project management to building works.

He said: “I don’t see myself – or any one of the guys – as just one thing. We see ourselves as an installation company, and we want to see ourselves as a solution to some of the needs and challenges that everyone faces and try to solve those and present a service that makes things a lot better.”

He added: “Although the company is still in its infancy, I would like Terlecki to be a turnkey solution, but we have a good thing going with installations and it would be silly for us to move completely away from that. One of my mantras is ‘slow is fast’, and we just have to keep doing things right.”

Dave Hance, the founder of brassware giant Crosswater, has announced that he is stepping back from the day-today running of the company he founded 23 years ago.

In an emotional message to staff and contacts, Hance said: “In August 1998, I took a major decision which has shaped the last 23 years of my life – I decided to form my own company Crosswater.

In 2010, Hance merged Crosswater with Bathroom Brands Group and has been an executive director of the whole group since.

“The last 23 years have been a fantastic ride of business challenges coupled with contacts with some truly wonderful and inspiring people both inside and outside the company and will never forget you all,” he said. “I have enjoyed every moment.”

“However, I now seek some time for family and for relaxation

CROSSWATER FOUNDER STEPS BACK FROM DAY-TO-DAY RUNNING OF COMPANY

“I took that step into the world of being a business entrepreneur and enjoyed the exhilaration of growing my own business and creating new friends inside and outside of the business.

“I have now taken a decision that I believe is equally important for my own future by stepping back from the executive role whilst still contributing to the company’s success as a nonexecutive director.”

whilst keeping in touch with you all but not carrying the day-today responsibilities that come with being an active director.

“I leave the development of the BB Group with a new, experienced, and young management team who are more than capable of taking the Company a lot further, and I look forward to helping them as a non-exec to achieve their goals.”

Stephen Ewer took over as CEO of Bathroom Brands Group in April 2020.

“Dave has been highly influential in building our strong portfolio of brands, particularly Crosswater,” Ewer said “His savvy business sense and unparalleled product knowledge has been invaluable to the Group. We wish Dave all the best with his new endeavours, whilst continuing to benefit from his counsel on the Board as a Non-Executive Director.”

BUT

The epitome of contemporary style, Icon’s inspiring designs echo the sinuous shapes of nature - bringing a modern, opulent yet relaxed look to your kitchen; combining contemporary design, plus a host of wonderful features. Available as a Swivel Spout or Pull-Out Double Jet Shower model, and available in Chrome, Décor Steel or Matt Black, Icon is the perfect balance of aesthetics and functionality.

Make it wonderful at franke.co.uk

FRANKE ADDS MATT BLACK FINISH TO ITS FRESNO FRAGRANITE UNDERMOUNT SINK

Franke´s contemporary Fresno undermount sink now comes in six stylish shades following the introduction of a sophisticated new Matt Black, alongside five of the most popular Fragranite colours.

With a colour choice now of Polar White, Coffee, Oyster, Stone Grey, Onyx and Matt Black, designers have wider creative freedom to partner the contemporary Fresno sink with a range of kitchen door frontals and worksurfaces.

The sink has a modern, linear design with sleek lines and tightly radiused corners. The sink is supplied with a handy Rollamat and a stainless steel strainer bowl and drainer

grid are available to purchase separately. Fresno features a hygienic overflow and hidden waste with flush cover. It is designed to fit a 900mm cabinet and measures 860mmL x 458mmW x 195mmD.

Like all Fragranite models, Fresno sinks are made from 83% quartz and 17% acrylic resin and are treated with Franke’s worldleading Integrated Antimicrobial Sanitized® Technology, which reduces bacteria and microbe growth by 99% for a more hygienic finish. Easy to clean and resistant to burns, dents, chips and stains, this tactile material is warm to the touch.

www.franke.co.uk

AFFORDABLE LUXURY WITH WHITEVILLE CERAMICS NEW DELTA COLLECTION

Whiteville Ceramics, unveils its new DELTA Collection.

Since debuting in the UK this spring, Whiteville is pleased to report DELTA has fast become its most popular sanitaryware collection, receiving the highest level of retail and consumer acceptance by reason of its high quality design, premium construction, durable finish and attractive price tag: with DELTA washbasins starting from as little as £60 including vat!

Precision engineered for superior comfort, the new range of DELTA sanitaryware is designed with soft curves, sleek edges and well-defined contouring. Focusing on improved ergonomics and sustainable technology in the bathroom, every DELTA product solution is designed to be comfortable, adaptable and easy to clean.

Graham Bucktrout, Managing Director at IBC Group says, “Our custom DELTA Collection is ideal for homeowners who want an understated elegant bathroom interior without compromising on functionality. Crafted by our

highly skilled in-house Design Lab, all basins and WCs within the collection are manufactured using the latest high-pressure casting technology, which provides a smoother surface with more durable finish to expand the lifecycle of your bathroom.”

DELTA includes a broad range of sanitaryware options for the bathroom basin and WC, including 2 over counter basins 450mm and 550mm both with and without full pedestal / semipedestal. WCs are close coupled, back to wall or wall hung with comfort seat and availability of soft close.

Back-to-wall and wall-hung models ensure maximum comfort by offering an extrawide 400mm Comfort Seat, which is 50mm wider than standard models and this, along with its high durability factor means DELTA lends itself to heavy use commercial settings, large-scale property developments, leisure and hospitality and the public sector.

www.whitevilleceramics.co.uk

NEW TEKA STARBRIGHT SINKS IN THE SPOTLIGHT!

Teka has launched StarBright, a new range of high-grade stainless-steel sinks, which bring complete kitchen flexibility due to a range of sizes and compositions on offer.

Available in the UK exclusively from distributor PJH, Teka’s new StarBright collection of inset sinks are available in sizes, 790x500mm, 860x500mm, and 980x500mm, with models including single bowl, 1.5 bowl and 2.0 bowl with many styles completely reversible, allowing customers to choose where to place the drainer and adapt to individual kitchen requirements.

Sinks are finished in polished stainless steel and thanks to their design, water flows easily

from the drainer, adding to their looks, care, and durability.

Teka uses high grade AISI 304 stainless-steel which is highly resistant to the daily impacts of everyday kitchen tasks. Teka is so confident in its quality standards that it offers a Lifetime Guarantee with the range, an increase on the 75-Year Guarantee it previously offered

IBC GROUP WELCOMES TWO NEW APPRENTICES AT IMPERIAL BATHROOMS

on all Teka sinks.

Complete with waste kit, the whole StarBright Sink range is now available to order via PJH’s online platform, the PJH Partners Portal, on a next day delivery service, and a number of models are featured in a range of special sink and tap pack deals.

www.teka.com/en-gb

Triton Showers has achieved the Carbon Trust Standard for Carbon, demonstrating its commitment to reduce carbon emissions year on year, as part of the group’s ambition to achieve carbon net zero by 2025.

Organisations can achieve this independent certification if they are committed to making real reductions in their environmental impact, as well as demonstrating best practice in measurement, management and operational improvements over set lengths of time. During the assessment period, Triton lowered its CO2 footprint by 38%! A testimony to the company’s level of commitment.

TRITON SHOWERS ACHIEVES THE CARBON TRUST STANDARD FOR CARBON

The IBC Group, welcomes two new apprentices to its British bathroom brand Imperial Bathrooms, as part of the company’s ongoing effort to attract new talent to the KBB sector.

Flynn Beddows joins Imperial Bathrooms all-new Wood Division, with the second apprentice Michael Noakes, working in the company’s renowned Ceramics Division.

Both will have the opportunity to learn from highly-skilled and qualified craftsmen across their respective discipline, while simultaneously studying to complete a Level 2 Engineering Operations Apprenticeship. The Level 2 qualification will

see Flynn and Michael become accomplished at working safely in an engineering environment, carrying out tasks, operating machinery efficiently and effectively, as well as producing components to an extremely high standard.

Managing Director at IBC Group, Graham Bucktrout says, “IBC Group is dedicated to creating opportunities for the next generation and we firmly believe that investing in future talent is vital, both as a means of supporting young people in the workplace and ensuring traditional trade-skills are kept alive.”

www.imperialbathroom.com

The journey towards a more sustainable future is not a new initiative for Triton but one that has been a core focus for several years prior to 2021. Having sent nothing to landfill since 2015, and with many other ecosuccesses to report, including driving down waste pollution, reducing water usage by almost 40%, and installing LED lighting throughout 85% of its facility, the manufacturer is perfectly placed to make a difference.

David Tutton, Managing Director at Triton, comments: “We are delighted to have received such a well-recognised and notable accreditation thanks to everyone’s hard work and determination. Attaining the standard is the culmination of many different strands of

activity taking place throughout our entire business to make a cumulative change - but we are not done yet as we will continue this pathway in the months and years ahead with a view to reaching carbon neutral status, and onwards to becoming net zero by 2025, which also happens to be Triton’s 50th Anniversary year.”

John Newton Associate Director at the Carbon Trust Advisory, added, “We congratulate Triton Showers on achieving the Carbon Trust Standard for Carbon. This certification demonstrates their commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability through reducing their carbon impact year on year.”

SIRIUS BUYING GROUP CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

2021 marks the Sirius Groups twenty years and it has grown immensly throughout the two decades but Managing Director, Steve Jones in no doubt of the role the groups members have played in the last couple of testing years, commenting, “With a period of paused trading due to the pandemic last year, reaching the 20 milestone feel a quite remarkable achievement and furthermore, despite the unprecedented obstacles the pandemic has created, we have enjoyed our best year to-date in terms of new members, purchasing growth and rebates! I would like to ackowledge and pay tribute to our Members who have adapted and helped

MICHELLE GORST TAKES ON NATIONAL SALES MANAGER

ROLE

Abode has appointed a new National Sales Manager by promoting Michelle Gorst to the role. Previously Regional Sales Manager for the North, Michelle will already be a familiar face and name to many Abode customers.

Having been with the business for 10 years, Michelle also

has extensive industry-wide experience, with previous roles prior to joining Abode including Area Sales Manager for AHED Distribution (now F&P), NoCode Bathrooms and Frontline Bathrooms.

Michelle will take responsibility for the management and growth of the distribution channel for

us all collectively get though it. Membership is strong, our network of Approved Suppliers and retail members total 183 members and over 250 retail outlets respectively.”

Steve added, “One of the many things I love about the KBB sector is the feeling of community and how the retailer is steadfast in its commitment and passion for quality products and service. This is why we strive to provide the exact same level of commitment back in what we offer to our members and suppliers.”

www.siriusbuyinggroupltd.co.uk

SLEEK, STREAMLINED ELEGANCE ON TAP WITH RAK-SORRENTO

RAK-Sorrento from RAK Ceramics is a brassware collection that offers a solution for every installation.

Available in four finishes to meet every design requirement, this latest brassware range offers the opportunity to bring individual flair into the bathroom.

RAK-Sorrento has a long body and spout combined with single lever control for a modern twist. As well as Polished Chrome, the brassware can also be chosen in on-trend Brushed Gold, Brushed Nickel or Matt Black.

the brand nationwide. Managing and driving the sales team, Michelle will work closely with Peter Phelan, Abode’s Sales Director and the marketing department to drive sales promotions and new product development.

www.abodedesigns.co.uk

HiB UNVEILS NEW MIRRORS AND CABINETS

HiB has unveiled its latest collection of mirrors and cabinets, showcasing the very best sophisticated styling and functionality.

The new products, which include LED illuminated bathroom mirrors and cabinets, as well as non-illuminated mirrors, are now available to view in the new HiB 2022 brochure and on the website. Customers browsing the

new brochure see all the latest ranges and can make use of new QR codes to see additional images, information and videos online.

Also new for the 2022 brochure is the inclusion of HiB’s growing accessories range, allowing customers to choose from an array of accessory styles and finishes to complement their choice of mirror or cabinet.

Each new range has been carefully created by the company’s in-house design team, to offer the latest integrated technologies and inspired designs to enhance the bathroom.

HiB’s 2022 brochure featuring all the new ranges is available to view online at

www.hib.co.uk/online-brochures

The RAK-Sorrento basin mixers are available in three sizes – standard, medium and tall –enabling the brassware to be combined with any washbasin, with a wall-mounted basin mixer also included in the range. For the bath, RAK-Sorrento offers an abundance of choice, including deck-mounted, exposed and freestanding options.

The sleek styling of RAK-Sorrento is carried through to the shower, with a choice of thermostatic valves that complete the streamlined look.

www.rakceramics.com/uk

VANTASTIC NEWS!

Local community plasterer and multi-tradesman, Stephen Alun Hughes from Prestatyn, North Wales, has won TradePoint’s August £150K Vantastic Monthly Giveaway Competition which sees customers given a chance to win a brand-new van if they shop at TradePoint twice in one month.

TradePoint launched the competition to reward its customers, with the chance to win one of six brand-new trading vans. Each month the competition is sponsored by a different brand including DeWalt, Dulux, Valspar, and Gyproc, with this month’s giveaway sponsored by Valspar paint.

Winner Stephen Alun Hughes comes from three generations of tradesmen, with his 22-yearold son following closely in his footsteps. After completing his apprenticeship scheme as a teenager, the now 53-year-old has built up his career in his community in North Wales.

Stephen will be trading in his old van for his brand-new Citroen, he enthused, “This van will genuinely be life changing for my business and will allow improve my overall reliability as I won’t have the risk of my old van breaking down or it not coping with the winter weather. This could even enable me to pick up more work!”

At times, during the Covid-19 pandemic, work for tradesmen was often scarce and Stephen noted how grateful he was for larger trade stores that remained open as essential retailers such as B&Q and TradePoint as it helped him and other multitraders continue their trade and purchase supplies.

Claire Taylor, Commercial Trading Manager at TradePoint commented: “We want to reward our TradePoint members this year to say thank you for their continued loyalty, especially after the pandemic, and what better way than by giving them the opportunity to win a brand-new van that they can be proud of when they arrive at their customers’ homes or sites. We loved seeing Stephen’s face when we presented him with

his new van and we know there will be many more happy faces to come as we continue this competition each month.”

The van give-away promotion runs until the end of the year and to enter, customers must sign up to a TradePoint card, log in and shop twice in a calendar month to qualify for a chance to win one of the six new vans.

Tradepoint say that signing to be a member is quick and easy and so far, an incredible one million have already done so! Go to active members at tradepoint.co.uk/loyalty or speak to a member of the team in store to benefit from the company´s services, discounts, and savings.

www.trade-point.co.uk/loyalty

TradePoint launched the competition to reward its customers, with the chance to win one of six brand-new trading vans. Each month the competition is sponsored by a different brand including DeWalt, Dulux, Valspar, and Gyproc, with this month’s giveaway sponsored by Valspar paint.

At the prestigious KBB Review Retail and Design Awards, held recently at Liverpool’s iconic Anglican Cathedral, a new award was launched for the Installation Company of the Year.

Rob Nicholls, Editor of The Installer Magazine, was delighted to have a chat with Carl Terlecki, Director of the inaugural winners, Maidstone based, Terlecki

Many congratulations Carl, what does this prestigious award win means to you and how has your business risen to such prominence?

Thank you. The award is a great honour and it is a fantastic affirmation of the service we endeavour to offer. I don’t believe that prominence is a science, we are just trying our best like so many in the industry and to be honest and we feel humbled and blessed to be bestowed with this honour.

And what do you think makes the difference between your business and many other installation businesses?

I certainly don’t want to assume we have it all together as I believe there are many experienced, hardworking, honest installers in the UK. We have positioned ourselves as an installation company that is not a collection of individuals but a team and importantly, we follow the laws and regulations and we want every single customer to have a quality experience.

You are based in Kent, do you travel beyond that and if so, what is the reach of your business?

We work within a 25mile radius of our virtual base in Maidstone, Kent.

So going right back to the beginning, what got you into kbb installation?

An overseas move. A personal crossroads experience. A moment of reflection in a quiet time. A search on google for carpentry jobs. A call to a recruitment officer. A purchase of tools. Much frustration and hard work. Patience. Steps of faith. Customer service. Creativity and problem solving. Teamwork.

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

Margins. Building the team. Understanding the industry and market. Educating the customer.

Do you install kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms?

Yes we deliver all three types of projects including the associated services. I believe our strongest service is in kitchens, bedrooms and bespoke spaces for example: utility room, pantry, boot room, outdoor kitchen etc.

"The award is a great honour and it is a fantastic affirmation of the service we endeavour to offer."

Are you truly independent or are contracted to other businesses and if so which ones?

Our customers include; direct clients, developers, retailers and suppliers.

How many men do you have working for you?

We have a full-time team of 6, a part-time admin support team of 3, a subcontracted team of 6 and their support crews. I must mention that they are an incredible team and much valued.

Do you have apprentices and if not are you considering taking any on?

Training is part of our values with all of us developing our skills. Two of our team are undergoing training and we are wanting to take on a new apprentice.

Talking of apprentices, what do you think of the BiKBBI Apprenticeship Scheme?

It’s a very exciting scheme and much needed in the industry. The BiKBBi is doing a fantastic job of highlighting the skills shortage and pulling together a government Trailblazer group which we support. The initial government feedback of the reviewed Fitted Interior Installer apprenticeship standard is positive and will certainly be the answer to the skills gap crisis. I would encourage the industry to please get behind it!

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

Be patient, practice, ask questions and do the small things well. Understand the finer details.

How long have you been a BiKBBI member?

I believe we are in our 3rd year.

What does being a member add to your business?

Business Support, training, news and updates, accreditation, customer support.

What’s the secret of growing a successful business?

Sounds like free business advice…! It’s a much bigger conversation but here are some thoughts:

I think everyone should know their strengths and be happy in that. I do believe that there is a major difference between being a quality tradesman and being a business owner. I think the construction industry often gets this wrong. Just because you can install a quality bathroom or kitchen does not mean you can grow a successful business.

Having been through what we hope is the worse of the pandemic, what is your biggest challenge today?

Educating the industry and the market. For example, the market wants quality for cheap and the suppliers and retailers want to make profit on product but don’t necessarily honour the installation teams. If we drive down prices on installation we will lose quality for customers, the suppliers and retailers won’t sell and we won’t see young new craftsman and professionals enter the industry. It’s a vicious circle that can be addressed with common sense.

Back to the amazing award, how do you think you can use the win to your best advantage?

I think we as a company have a role to play in making sure we continue to live up to the standard and award.

I would say we are only as good as our last install.

Looking ahead I hope that winning the award might open new doors for us as a team to deliver more interesting installations and projects. With the exposure we are getting we also hope that potential team orientated tradesman might want to get in touch.

What advice do you have for anyone else being nominated?

Enjoy what you are doing. Look after the customer. Value the relationships you forge. Remember teamwork makes it work.

What’s next for Terlecki?

I am asking God that same question. I believe we need to continue being faithful with what we have in front of us. Every opportunity is important. Taryn and I dream of having our own design studio and deliver a full customer experience.

So let´s wait and see…maybe we will get nominated in another category!

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

Give me a call, I´m always happy to have a chat.

Thanks Carl, I´ve really enjoyed this interview, you obviously have a great business supported by a loyal and skilled team that practice good ethics and customer care in every project the company undertakes. I will watch your future development with interest.

To conclude, I feel we should mention the other worthy finalists too as they are all great Installation businesses, run in a highly professional manner. They are: Alexander, Worthing | Liberty, Dundee | ProBuild360, Birmingham

Well done to each and every one of them, I´m sure they are rightly proud of their achievements.

"Enjoy what you are doing. Look after the customer. Value the relationships you forge. Remember teamwork makes it work."

AUTUMN/ WINTER WORKWEAR

As the seasons change, we focus on the right workwear for the right conditions, do we go for thicker garments, or thinner and in layers. In this edition we shed some light on what options you have and how to get the most out of your workwear.

Your choice is of course a personal one, but whatever you choose, it also needs to be a practical solution for your requirements, for example, keeping warm, overheating and general comfort all need to be considered. Our opinion is that layers are the way to go providing choice, flexibility and comfort, whatever the season may throw at you.

THE OPTIONS

Base-layers are becoming more popular as workwear and not just for sporting activities as they provide protection against those winter chills and with wicking technology, reduce sweat and discomfort.

The JC018 is a great option with various colourways available and with an option of

branding to be in keeping with your brand identity.

Long sleeve T’s and Polo’s are a great option retaining the comfort of your normal workwear without the need to go too heavy with brands. A great example is the incredibly popular Pro RTX range that matches colours with their standard product to provide consistency. RX102 is a great example!

Whatever the season, Sweats and Hoodies are a given for workwear however the style you choose can make your clothing more adaptable when the seasons change. With layers in mind, Zip Sweats and Hoods provide numerous options keeping you both warm and cool. The JH047 Zip Sweat Jacket and JH050 Zoodie are just two styles that make for incredible quality, practicality, and choice of colours. For more stylish options such as contrast colour garments for example the JH053 is just one of many options.

When it comes to Jackets, the now well established Softshell is popular all year round

in numerous styles, as jackets and gilet, light weight and heavier options, but it goes without saying we stand by the RS121m a result product, not only popular for its style and comfort, but also waterproof, breathable and windproof.

As far as over jackets are concerned, this is a subject in its own right and we will cover this in future editions, but we hope this brief explanation of just a small selection of the options for what to consider for your Autumn/Winter workwear had opened your mind to what is available.

So as the season changes, why not take a look at the options that we have outlined in our online catalogue or give us a call to discuss your specific requirements. Our knowledgeable and friendly team prides Itself on its ability to quickly establish what best suits your individual requirments.

www.imageonworkwear.com

Seamless design. Consistent quality.

Introducing RainDrain linear drains and XtraStoris wall niches from hansgrohe. Designed to work harmoniously with the full range of hansgrohe showers, taps and accessories including our FinishPlus range of colours. It’s the perfect way to create a seamless bathroom design. hansgrohe. Meet the beauty of water

HANSGROHE LAUNCHES RAINDRAIN, A SLEEK SOLUTION TO SHOWER DRAINAGE

Bathroom manufacturer hansgrohe has introduced its latest shower innovation, RainDrain. Designed to the highest quality and coupled with maximum functionality, RainDrain is simple to install and has been created to fit into any bathroom with its thoughtful design.

All products within the range are available in a variety of special finishes that match effortlessly with the Hansgrohe FinishPlus range, including Chrome, Brushed Stainless Steel, Polished Gold Optic, Matt White and Matt Black. The company say that by offering a holistic design language, RainDrain enriches the shower space, and the endusers wellbeing.

Freedom of movement in the bathroom

The space-saving design and variety of dimensions means seamless integration into almost any bathroom. Consumers can choose from several finishes and configurations, plus the drainage capacity of up to 60l/min is specially tailored to compliment the performance of even the most extravagant hansgrohe shower systems.

Form and function

With versatility at its core, the new collection comprises three shower channel lines, all created on a single basic set: RainDrain Match, RainDrain Flex and RainDrain Rock – plus a point drain in different variants, RainDrain Spot. Due to the preinstalled sealing membrane, the RainDrain remains watertight throughout daily use, as well as the optional Dryphon technology available for minimal cleaning.

RainDrain Match

RainDrain provides a solution for all bathrooms as the shower

channel blends seamlessly with the shower floor, with six surfaces and six lengths (60120cm) available.

RainDrain Flex

With an eye-catching design, RainDrain Flex can be directly installed onto concrete due to the gradient integrated into the cover. It is offered in five lengths and seven finishes.

RainDrain Rock

A frameless mounting plate, devised for tiling with natural stone up to 40mm thick, the water is cleverly concealed as it drains away. Offered in six lengths from (60 – 120cm), an exclusive advantage is that each product can be shorted by 5cm on both sides.

RainDrain Spot

Providing an outstanding solution for those who prefer a traditional point drain as opposed to a shower channel, thanks to its ease of installation.

www.hansgrohe.com

RainDrain Match

RainDrain Flex

RainDrain Rock

TAKE ACTION AND SAFEGUARD YOUR FUTURE

It has always been important for businesses to inspire and engage its customer base and if you’re considering a short-term marketing campaign, new consumer incentives or looking to grow your digital footprint, now is the time to take action and safeguard your future!

So how can you stand out from the crowd as a selfemployed business owner or subcontractor that´s operating in a market that’s as competitive as ever? Firstly, be honest with yourself about your business and accept that the onus is on you to make it happen, this means that if you’re not already making a digital statement to your customers online or raising your profile among your suppliers you won´t be getting noticed.

customers and aim to follow-up on every enquiry, good or bad, as you need to appreciate there is a potential in every business transaction.

Be clear and transparent about any delays to lead times so that you can manage expectations from the outset, as regular updates with your customers will allow you to control the narrative and ensure their perception of you is accurate and reliable, leaving no room for assumption. As the philosopher Eugene Lewis Fordsworthe, once said ‘assumption is the mother of all mistakes’ so make sure you set your customers up for success with some solid groundwork. In doing so, you will prevent potential disappointment all the while building a great reputation for your brand and business.

So how can you stand out from the crowd as a self-employed business owner or subcontractor that's operating in a market that's as competitive as ever?

From customer focussed marketing campaigns that provide an attractive call to action and encourage your customers to use your services, through to live-action video ‘on the job’ or just being consistent with regular social posts of engaging content like company updates and practical help and advice, make sure you celebrate and make public your successes.

In doing so, you will be able to successfully differentiate yourself from the competition, communicate your business ideas direct to the consumer and offer transparency at a time when the changing commercial landscape is impacting product ordering, supply shortages, price increases and more recently, a spike in system maintenance and replacement demand.

With this in mind, you need to be real about what your business priorities are and then only promise what you can deliver. The fall-out of the pandemic should never be an excuse for poor service or failing to follow up on enquiries, resolve an issue or properly service a repeat customer. Recognise that fit and forget might just be a thing of the past and instead, be even more attentive to

Some simple, quick fixes might be implementing an automated response for email enquiries so to your customers, you are responsive 24/7. The same goes for a professional mind set and sound corporate branding, as with any business, consistency is king and those who have spent a lot of time and effort perfecting their brand image, typically stand out more.

Interestingly Forbes is of the same view, as it has recently reported that businesses which present a brand consistently across all platforms can increase revenue by up to 23%: and this not only relates to your products and services, but also social media posts, website and promotional material.

Put simply, if you can ensure a uniform message about your brand identity and customer values, you are more likely to generate qualified leads for you and your business … what are you waiting for?

www.foynejones.com www.thisisjonesdigital.com

Peter Jones, Managing Director, Foyne Jones

A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

Your new kitchen should look just as good on the inside as it does on the outside. Matching graphite cabinets combine perfectly with graphite drawers and wirework to create a fully co-ordinated look.

For more information visit omegaplc.co.uk and request a brochure.

INSTALLERS TIME IS MONEY ...

As Omega PLC enters its 25th year, The Installer magazine team thought it a perfect time to review one of the BiKBBI´s prominent Corporate Sponsors at its impressive kitchen manufacturing complex in South Yorkshire.

This UK manufacturer is a supplier to the independent kitchen specialist sector through its four kitchen brands: Sheraton, Mackintosh, Chippendale and English Rose. We managed to catch up with Omega’s Retail Sales Director, James Bishton to discuss some headline findings of recent Q&A workshops held with Installers.

It became clear from our research that if an Installer provides advice to an end customer relating to a potential kitchen purchase, the advice is often perceived as an authoritative view on product quality.

It’s a genuine position of trust and its earnt as the consumer knows that the installer will be working in their home and therefore a sound influencer and therefore a highly influential part of the decision process. This guidance is why many kitchen retailers place such huge significance on their Installers opinion when selecting products to retail.

How important is the Installer in the decision-making process of selecting a kitchen?

'With the global Covid impacts pressuring supply chains and increasing demand for home improvements, the investment we made has been of huge importance to the service we continue to deliver to our customers.'

Benjamin Franklin, the face on the $100 bill, was credited with the phrase ‘Time is Money.’ Interestingly this adage originated with in an essay by Franklin entitled ‘Advice to a Young Tradesman.’ With such demand for good kitchen installers today, the saying has never been more appropriate and the constant need for time efficiency without compromising on quality is where the Omega product stands out and resonates with many developers, retailers and installers.

We discovered through our workshop Q&A’s that Installers prefer a quality product to fit. In addition to quality specification there were 3 further key factors all linked to time that impacted on the product they choose to promote. These factors are ‘ease of supply/resolution’, ‘on time and in full’ and ‘ease of installation.’ If the installer has these boxes ticked, they can be the most powerful brand advocates of a product.

At Omega, our operational focus is ‘right first time’ and the workforce are incentivised accordingly to achieve this aim; to get the furniture order delivered in full, without shortages and on the date required. Of the installers we surveyed who work with our independent retail partners and merchants, our kitchens being ‘truly rigid’ was the biggest single time-saving factor that influenced their opinion on deciding which preferred kitchen brands to install.

Our truly rigid kitchens, have all the preparatory construction work completed, helping maximise the efficiency of installation. The units arrive via a 2-person delivery on the designated date, all fully constructed. Pull-out storage mechanisms are factory fitted along with the doors and drawers being pre-fixed in place.

Furthermore, the units are pre-dressed with all the leg bosses, fixing plates, shelves, buffers and also handles if desired, saving significant time on the unit installation element of any project. The time saved on installation compared to ‘part rigid units’ where just the back, base and sides are fitted is a big appeal to the Installer.

Why do Installer’s hold Omega PLC’s kitchens in such high regard?

Explain what you mean by truly rigid kitchens ?

‘Ease of supply/resolution’, ‘on time and in full’ and ‘ease of installation.’ If the installer has these boxes ticked, they can be the most powerful brand advocates of a product.'

Supply chain challenges have recently been a hindrance on kitchen projects, how have you combatted this at Omega?

Back in 2018 we took the decision to significantly invest in our manufacturing capability to double our capacity. This £20m+ project involved overhauling our plant, creation of a new assembly hall for our rigid glued and doweled range and building an 84,000sq ft 12-metre-high raw materials warehouse. Conscious of potential extended raw material supply lead times with Brexit looming and many of our components sourced from across Europe, our financial stability enabled us to move from a just in time delivery of raw materials, to stocking product in bulk on-site. Stock used to be a dirty word but not now; with the global Covid impacts pressuring supply chains and increasing demand for home improvements, the investment we made has been of huge importance to the service we continue to deliver to our customers ; allowing us to control the challenges of the volatile supply chain at this time.

How is the Installer skill shortage impacting your business?

We have invested to grow as a business and looking to the future, supporting the BIKBBI with an emphasis on helping develop the next generation of Installers. This is vital not just for our own ambitions, but to support to the growth of the whole KBB industry. We will be fully supportive of the Institute by assisting with its exciting apprenticeship programme over the coming years.

'Our truly rigid kitchens, have all the preparatory construction work completed, helping maximise the efficiency of installation. The units arrive via a 2-person delivery on the designated date, all fully constructed. Pull-out storage mechanisms are factory fitted along with the doors and drawers being prefixed in place.'

20%

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

Palio Trade by Karndean, multiformat Levanzo

Karndean Designflooring, Palio Trade by Karndean is an exclusive collection of easy to fit luxury vinyl flooring designed for the trade to fit.

It's a collection of highly realistic wood and stone designs that look just like the natural materials they’re inspired by but without any of the practical downsides.

Increasingly appreciated by homeowners as a convenient alternative to laminate, Palio

flooring is waterproof and will not warp or chip in damp conditions, is easy to clean and very hard wearing. A special surface treatment leaves no place to hide for dirt, bacteria and allergens, making this a safe and hygienic option.

The latest look with less fuss

Luxury vinyl flooring is witnessing a marked increase in popularity and is seen as a practical as well as beautiful flooring option for any room

in the home but particularly in hard working spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms.

The pandemic and associated lockdowns have taught us the benefits of spending time in nature and open spaces which has resulted in a demand for biophilic designs that bring the outdoors inside. Soft natural tones and textured materials are introducing a sense of security, comfort and serenity in these difficult and uncertain times. Whether installer or 

'Palio flooring is waterproof and will not warp or chip in damp conditions, is easy to clean and very hard wearing.'

Palio Trade by Karndean, multiformat Budelli

retailers customers want to create a sense of calm with a monochrome design or express their individuality with a quirky colourful interior, the natural textures, realistic grain details and comfortable surface of Palio Trade by Karndean make this an ideal flooring choice.

Introducing multiformat for the trade

Palio Trade by Karndean presents a collection of contemporary wood and stone design luxury vinyl planks and tiles, available in three fitting

formats: rigid core, loose lay and gluedown.

Offering the widest choice of designs and formats, the multiformat collection presents ten beautiful wood designs, all available in Palio Rigid, Palio LooseLay and Palio Gluedown to suit any situation. This means that no matter what subfloor you are working with, your customer can choose their favourite design safe in the knowledge that the same colourway can be carried throughout multiple spaces, whether you are

looking to manage an uneven subfloor, limit noise transfer between floors, retain access to underfloor services or create a bespoke laying pattern.

Trust and peace of mind

Palio Trade by Karndean, guarantees a perfect finish. Waterproof, hygienic, slip resistant and very comfortable underfoot, Palio flooring is durable enough to stand up to the demands of a busy home.

Palio Rigid and Palio LooseLay come with a pre-attached

acoustic layer making these ideal choices for bedrooms or multi-storey apartments where it’s important to manage noise levels. In addition, these formats can be fitted over new floors that are still drying out, helping you to manage project timelines and minimise disruption for your customer.

Whatever your trade, you can install a beautiful floor in no time with easy-fit Palio flooring.

LIQUID GOLD FROM

TOM DIXON AND VITRA

VitrA has introduced Liquid, a new bathroom range designed in collaboration with Tom Dixon, the first ever by the acclaimed British designer.

The range is the latest addition to VitrA’s portfolio of designer collaborations, part of a long-standing programme of working with world-renowned designers to create distinctive, modern bathroom collections to complement any washroom space. The collaboration with VitrA has allowed Tom to explore new design opportunities while gaining an appreciation of the complexities of manufacturing products for the bathroom.

The brief was for a fully comprehensive range that would encompass all elements of the bathroom including, sanitaryware, furniture, taps, tiles, shower systems, and accessories and ensure that the design worked together or as stand-alone pieces.

Tom´s inspiration when designing Liquid, was, in part, Victorian bathrooms. “I like the feeling of permanence in Victorian bathrooms, with their big chunky taps and fat tubes. It’s an aesthetic that’s closely connected to a whole tradition of British engineering and influenced the development of the bathroom.” The fact that clay is readily available and extremely durable resonated with Tom, particularly from a sustainability perspective. He found it fascinating, “The way a bit of grey and greasy earth when combined, can transform into something so white, clean and shiny.”

Like much of Tom’s recent work, the new collection is aligned with his increasing use of round-edged aesthetics. The designs have been inspired by elements of pop art, such as Jeff Koons and his Balloon Dog and the work of Claes Oldenburg, as well as the sculptor Barbara Hepworth’s geometry of soft forms and use of rounded marble. Tom and VitrA’s shared vision was to create a complete bathroom solution that is for everyone.

“I think design should always increase the potentials,” says VitrA’s Design Director, Erdem Akan. “If you get the core pieces right, you can create combinations and potentials, creating more with less.”

Recognising the current obsession with skinny and minimal designs, Tom has created the opposite by incorporating fatter, softer lines that are inherently more generous, strong, and long-lasting. The smooth, rounded edges are easy to clean, alongside taps with simple controls, while soft edges ensure a safe bathroom environment, “I wanted the collection to look like a kid’s

sketch of a bathroom basin or a tap, displaying a clear logic and simplicity in looks and usage.” He added.

Consciously choosing to offer only white ceramics, the range combines different materials including fluted glass and metal mesh. Taps and showers are available in chrome or for contrast, a new gloss black finish that is atypical in modern bathrooms. The range also includes distinctive wall tiles, available in five designs and with colour options of white, black, grey, sage green and ecru. The tile designs reflect ripples in the water and patterns inspired by the classic U-bend, featuring embossed dots and waves that can be creatively configured.

Tom Dixon joins designers including Ross Lovegrove, Sebastian Conran, Arik Levy, Terri Pecora and Claudio Bellini, each of whom has collaborated closely with VitrA’s in-house team to create bathrooms that reflect their own vision and aesthetic style.

www.vitra.co.uk

Tom´s inspiration when designing Liquid, was, in part, Victorian bathrooms. “I like the feeling of permanence in Victorian bathrooms, with their big chunky taps and fat tubes. It’s an aesthetic that’s closely connected to a whole tradition of British engineering and influenced the development of the bathroom.”

AO INVESTS IN CRAWLEY FOLLOWING HUGE RECRUITMENT DRIVE

Online electricals retailer AO has announced that it has opened a new depot in Crawley as it continues to grow its vast logistics network. The new site, on Flemming Way, will be the 23rd depot in AO’s network, helping the retailer to be even closer to its customers across West Sussex.

Opened in September, the 30,000 sq ft site is the latest depot to open its doors in recent months, following expansion into Gravesend, Bracknell and Newport. Expanding its logistics network with new depots and distribution centres is key to ensuring that AO can continue to provide the best possible delivery service across the country. Over the last 18 months, AO has increased its warehousing capacity by over 80%, rapidly growing its distribution

network and creating over 1,500 jobs across the business.

While the new site itself will initially create 18 new opportunities for people across West Sussex, the move follows AO’s huge push for driver recruitment. The retailer is currently recruiting employed drivers nationwide, with over 100 logistics vacancies available, including HGV Drivers, 7.5t Delivery Drivers and warehouse operatives, with fantastic benefits and new starter bonuses of up to £1000.

David Ashwell, MD of AO Logistics, said: “The new depot is in the ideal location to support our growth as a business – we’ll be able to serve our customers in West Sussex even better than before and it means we’re securing the best infrastructure for the

future. The rapid expansion of AO Logistics is really a testament to the hard work of our people and how much we’ve grown over the last 18 months.”

The network of depots are supplied by AO’s main distribution centres in Crewe, Stafford and Stoke and the nationwide delivery coverage ensures that AO is never more than one hour away from customers.

AO acquired the two-person delivery company, formerly Expert Logistics, in 2009 and it now offers next day delivery to every UK postcode seven days a week on its range of 12,000 electrical products.

www.ao-jobs.com

Old problems, modern solutions

At Mermaid Panels, we believe in bathrooms without compromise. Introducing Elite. 100% waterproof, easy to install and completely trimless.

We have poured all our design expertise into our new collection. Our largest ever range of panels and flooring, with none of the stress of tiles.

View the full range, launching in November, on our website.

The Installer magazine from time to time run features on hot to install various kbb products. Here is the latest from Mermaid Panels.

Bathroom panels are fast becoming a popular alternative to tiles and other surfacing solutions thanks to their easy installation, durability and low-maintenance for the end consumer. Laminate bathroom panels can provide all the benefits of a modern solution such as a fully waterproof core and

hard-wearing finish whilst perfectly emulating the intricacies of highly desirable natural materials such as woods and marbles that don’t perform as well in moist environments.

Mermaid Panels has been manufacturing shower panels for the past 30 years and has set out to create the next generation of bathroom surfaces with its premium Mermaid Elite range. This Winter, Mermaid will expand its Elite range with 28 new decors to provide its most



'Bathroom panels are fast becoming a popular alternative to tiles and other surfacing solutions thanks to their easy installation, durability and low-maintenance.'

INSTALLING MERMAID PANELS

technically advanced and most diverse range of bathroom panels to date. Enriched with patented technology, the Elite range can enable installers to create a completely seamless, premium look and finish in the shower enclosure and throughout the bathroom in a quick-fit, panel solution that oozes luxury – without the price tag.

Thanks to a completely 100% waterproof core and artistic post-formed edges that add a unique design detail and remove the need for trims or grouting, Mermaid Panels’ Elite range offer a perfect alternative to tiling. Fixing securely and directly to existing surfaces including plaster board and even existing tiling, Mermaid’s Elite range ensures no unsightly grouting, no mould, and a much quicker installation which can be easily in just three easy steps.

Here, Mermaid Panels’ Keely Greenhalgh shares a step-by-step guide on best practise for installing the brand’s most popular and advanced panels, the Elite range.

Aftercare

After completing the job, be sure to talk your customer through the correct aftercare procedures. Fortunately, with Mermaid Elite panels, maintenance is minimal. Simply wipe panels down with a nonabrasive cloth and warm water to clean, ensuring no bleach or chemical products are used.

www.mermaidpanels.co.uk

'Enriched with patented technology, the Elite range can enable installers to create a completely seamless, premium look.'

1.Preparation

steps

First, thoroughly inspect your panels prior to carrying out any work and prepare the tools for the job: you will require protective goggles and gloves, spirit level and tape measure, Mermaid Complete adhesive and colour matched sealant, 2mm and 5mm spacers, suction lifters, a drill, circular saw, and a jig saw if cutting circular shapes.

Next, ensure the surface is suitably prepared for affixing the panels. Mermaid’s Elite panels can be installed directly onto plasterboard or newly plastered walls, or any sound flat wall surface including existing tiled walls. Walls should be dry, clean and damp-free and level, plumb and true.

2. Cutting and drilling – do’s and don’t’s

Position the panel face up or down depending on the blade type and start all cuts into the factory-finished postformed edge. As a general rule of thumb, it is always recommended to start the installation from an inside corner with the tongue removed. Jig saws should only be used if scribing curved shapes into the panel. Spade type bits should also be avoided – standard high-speed drill bits or circular hole saw cutters are the best tools for the job. If working on cutting concealed edges, we recommend a circular saw with a sharp blade to achieve the best finish. When cutting the panels, ensure a 3mm clearance around all cut outs and holes which will be back filled with Mermaid Complete colour matched sealant.

3. Affixing the panels

Installation of the panels is quick and easy. Simply dry measure and cut the panels to the size required, removing the tongue from the panel that will be placed in the corner if working with tongue and groove panels. Allow 5mm spacing between the shower tray and or bath, and 2mm between the panel and surrounding wall surface. Apply Mermaid’s Complete adhesive to the back of the panels – you will need 1x 290ml cartridge for each 2420 x 1200mm panel. Complete colour matched sealant cartridges will be used for sealing, seaming and jointing.

Apply the panels to the wall on the correct spacers, applying the inner corner first for tongue and groove panels, and press firmly to affix to the wall. Simply apply Complete colour matched sealant to the open groove before repeating the process with the next panel, also ensuring you apply sealant to the open tongue.

Use suction lifters to slide each panel into place, squeezing out any excess sealant between the tongue and groove. Then, you will need to apply sealant between panels and again, wipe off any excess immediately with a white spirit.

Repeat the above steps before filling all areas where panels meet with Mermaid Complete colour matched sealant.

With that, the installation is complete and the panels should have a rest period of 24 hours to bond before any accessories are fitted.

Installing Mermaid’s Elite bathroom panels in three easy

WHY FUNCTION IS AS IMPORTANT AS FORM

Function is often overlooked by customers when planning their kitchen, but it is key to its long-term usability and longevity. Adeline Baker, Category Manager at Häfele UK, discusses how installers can support the process and help consumers make the most of every square metre.

While style and aesthetics will always be at the forefront when planning a kitchen, as anyone who has inherited a kitchen where there’s no room for tall glasses or the drawers aren’t deep enough for a ladle will tell you, function does matter.

'When we asked people who had recently renovated their kitchen what they would do differently next time, 79% said functionality and usability would be a higher priority and 85% said they would be willing to spend more on their kitchen if it meant they would have extra storage.'

In fact, when we asked people who had recently renovated their kitchen what they would do differently next time, 79% said functionality and usability would be a higher priority and 85% said they would be willing to spend more on their kitchen if it meant they would have extra storage.

Clever cabinetry

Installers can help consumers create a kitchen they will love long-term by supporting the design process and that all begins, especially if completely remodelling, with cabinetry selection.

More traditional cabinetry such as base and wall units are the natural go-to, but to really make the most of a space, installers should be presenting additional ideas such as larder-style units.

Before recommending a larder it’s important to think about the environment the storage is going into to ensure the user has the right system for their needs and will be able to access items within it as easily as possible.

Pull out larders, which bring a layered basket system out to the user from a cupboard, are great for slim gaps in between other cupboards. In a galley kitchen, however, these designs can cause a challenge due to a lack of space, so here a swing-out larder, which pulls a set of stacked drawers toward the homeowner, with the door of the larder swinging out to lean against the cupboard next to it, might be best to use instead.

For either system to perform at its best, installers need to consider the whole kitchen space and layout. For example,

it isn’t recommended to put swing out systems which open to 160 degrees next to any appliances, in case they get damaged by the continuous opening of the door. This is especially true for items like fridges and ovens, which have protruding handles. Pull out larders, meanwhile, generally require more space directly in front of the unit. As well as the 500mm needed to bring the system out of the cupboard, you’ll also need to allow an additional 400mm-500mm to allow the homeowner to easily move around it. 

Innovative spaces

As well as helping customers maximise space with cabinetry layout, installers can assist further by recommending individual kitchen components that help to give those extra centimetres of functional space.

Installers should be looking for areas of dead space and be proposing solutions that make them usable and practical for the homeowner. Not many people remember the space above or below kitchen cabinets to create storage for instance, but it’s vital to do so to harness every bit of square footage.

To maximise head height cabinetry, for instance, the Häfele Free range includes a variety of hinge types, including electronic ones for real ease and function, alongside slimline fittings that eliminate the need for large cover caps to maximise storage space.

Alongside better-favoured wirework options for corners, installers can also recommend innovative products such as the Ninka Qanto. This handy device rises to give vertical storage and has a smooth ABS lifting mechanism. There’s also automatic LED lighting for the middle and lower trays as they rise and descend and the latest model can be used with an integrated worktop.

Think multifunctional

The requirements of a functional kitchen space are also evolving, largely driven by the rise in home working. Although, on the face of it, this trend seems to have little bearing on kitchen design, for many would-be office workers, kitchen and dining spaces have housed temporary desks for the past 22 months. In a Häfele UK survey of 2,000 consumers, we found that 31% of people said they regularly work at their dining table and one in ten use kitchen worktops for work.

When you then factor in that 40% of respondents plan to create a dedicated office space and one in five will reconfigure an existing room to achieve this setup, kitchens and dining rooms will likely be the spaces transformed into these new working from home areas.

Sliding and pocket door gear systems are the perfect way to create clever workspaces within kitchen and dining areas. Using sliding door or pocket door systems, installers can craft an office space in a kitchen/dining area that homeowners can open when they need it, but hide it away in bespoke cabinetry at 5.30 pm. Sliding and pocket door systems also have an added spacesaving bonus as they take up around 1270 mm less operating space per door versus a traditional hung door. 

Defining function with lighting

Lighting has always been critical to the functional kitchen but as kitchens have become more multi-purpose, it has taken on even greater significance.

When we’re using our kitchen for a variety of reasons, whether cooking, entertaining or working at home, it’s essential to have a lighting scheme and complementary technology which can create the perfect conditions for every room, mood or activity.

While lighting alone illuminates a space, combining different lighting techniques – in a practice called layering – can help you

achieve more for your customers. Accent lighting highlights specific features within a room for example, while spotlights focus the eyes on a specific area, highlighting interesting objects or acting as pathfinders. Task lighting, often in strip form, is ideal for food preparation areas, can be incorporated into drawers to make finding objects easier or if a kitchen is used as a home office, integrated into work areas too.

To help installers who are new to lighting design but keen to add it to their offer, Häfele provides a free Lighting Design Service. Simply submit plans to Häfele’s team of designers, who will, in turn, create bespoke lighting layouts on their behalf. This service

can also be combined with Häfele to Order meaning installers will get bespoke cut LED lighting in line with their plan, which can then be assembled, packaged, labelled and delivered ready to site for easy and quick installation.

By working with product manufacturers and harnessing the power of their spacemaximising solutions, there are myriad ways for installers to add value to the consumer’s kitchen and create highly functional, usable spaces that truly make the most of every square metre.

www.hafele.co.uk

VERSATILE QUARTZ™ SMART RETROFIT SHOWER RANGE BY AQUALISA

Bathroom product specialist Aqualisa has introduced the Quartz™ Smart Retrofit Shower, an all-in-one upgrade solution that transforms almost any make of exposed mixer shower into a voice-activated, smart digital shower system, without the need to disturb the current bathroom décor or re-tile the shower enclosure.

With 15 million smart homes currently in the UK, and the market set to grow by 20% year on year, the demand for smart products that enhance wellbeing, safety and lifestyle has never been stronger.

For home owners or renovators who do not wish to completely replace their shower, but are ready to convert to a smart showering experience, the Quartz Smart Retrofit Shower delivers a simple, elegant and cost-effective solution that will complement any bathroom style. It also provides the home owner with a handy storage shelf for bathroom accessories and toiletries. Quick and straightforward to fit, the installer will find it effortless to assemble with no major pipework alterations required. Once in place, the home owner will enjoy the full benefits of the Aqualisa Quartz Smart Shower Collection, including:

An intuitive app enabling the creation of personalised shower profiles for all family members. A remote activation of shower or bath using voice or app control (Google and Amazon Alexa compatible). Environmentally-friendly water usage monitoring and water-saving features. Safety and peace of mind with water programmed to run at a consistent temperature and flow.

For home owners or renovators who do not wish to completely replace their shower, but are ready to convert to a smart showering experience, the Quartz Smart Retrofit Shower delivers a simple, elegant and costeffective solution that will complement any bathroom style.



Aqualisa Quartz Touch Smart Retrofit Shower

The Quartz Smart Shower collection is powered by the intelligent Aqualisa Wi-Fi-enabled Smart Valve™, which can be located up to 10 metres away from the shower itself, providing flexible installation options. Setting the Smart Valve to Eco mode can reduce water consumption for the home owner by up to 33%.

Mike Simpson, product marketing director, commented, “The bathroom is becoming an experiential rather than just a functional space. Smart technology delivers a whole host of enhancements to the showering experience from the relaxing shower routine itself to the sustainability and cost-saving benefits of reducing water usage, to the convenience and security of being able to step into a shower that is the perfect temperature every time. From the installer’s perspective, the beauty of the Quartz Smart Retrofit Shower is that it offers a straightforward, practical and efficient conversion process. All this, combined with a sleek, contemporary design that provides extra storage functionality within the shower enclosure itself.”

The Quartz Smart Retrofit Shower can upgrade almost any brand of wall-mounted mixer shower (concentric, single lever or bar valve) with 130 to 170mm pipe centres, and comes with a choice of the Aqualisa Quartz Touch™, Quartz Classic™ or Quartz Blue™ smart shower kits. Supplied with an extension rail to adjust the height of the controller, this no-mess solution is easy to install with optional fixing points, while the assembly back plate neatly covers all previous pipework and screw holes.

The patented integrated storage shelf, which houses the new smart shower control, comprises two halves featuring a polished chrome finish. It also incorporates two useful hanging hooks for bathroom accessories.

The Aqualisa Quartz Smart Retrofit Shower range will be launched with a comprehensive marketing campaign to support the trade partner channel including influencer communications, PR, extensive digital content and social media initiatives, as well as a full training programme. Aqualisa has also created a new Smart Hub online education platform, with in-depth information and advice on smart bathroom products and their benefits. A digital product brochure can be viewed here.

The Aqualisa Quartz Smart Retrofit Shower range is backed by the Aqualisa five year guarantee.

www.aqualisa.co.uk/smart-retrofit-shower

Aqualisa Quartz Touch Smart Retrofit Shower

Inspiring Creations

Choosing and planning a bathroom is an exciting time. After all, it’s the only room where you can truly relax, refresh and revitalise.

Whatever aspect of your bathroom you’re looking to revamp, our collection has been carefully selected from leading manufacturers and suppliers to offer you a wealth of choice and styles.

Let’s start creating your dream bathroom. www.esteembathrooms.com

Scan the QR code to find your local stockist:

AKW BATHROOM

LIGHTING RANGE HELPS THOSE WITH DEMENTIA AND VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

The bathroom is one of the most challenging and dangerous places for a person with dementia or visual impairment. Research has highlighted that people with dementia are twice as likely to fall as others in the same age bracket, with these falls resulting in significantly higher mortality rates. However, addressing something as small as the choice of a bathroom’s lighting can help reduce those falls.

To meet this need, provider of accessible home solutions, AKW, has recently launched its occupational therapist specified, bathroom task focus lighting range into the care sector. According to Occupational Therapist Kate Sheehan, Director of The OT Service, extra task focused lighting in the bathroom can significantly increase bathroom safety for residents, particularly those with dementia or sight loss, which is why Kate first suggested and then helped design the AKW range.

Stuart Reynolds, Head of Product and Marketing at AKW explains further: “Kate and a number of other experts in dementia and visual impairment advised us that almost all the care bathrooms they see have inadequate lighting, with shadows, glare and dark areas. Although a single centrally located LED light may be fine for someone who only has reduced mobility, it very rarely provides enough light for those with dementia and/or sight loss.”

AKW’s Task Focused Lighting can be bought as single lights or as a kit, containing five narrow beam (30 degrees) ceiling LED task lights and accessories including a blue pull cord switch. AKWs task lighting kit has been designed to give just the right type and quantity of lights to illuminate an 8ft by 6ft bathroom space. Additional lights can be purchased for larger bathroom spaces. The ideal layout for the task lighting,

'The ideal layout for the task lighting, is to have the 5 task lights placed directly over the shower area, the toilet and washbasin. This helps residents to locate shower controls and toilet flushes easily, as well as to make grooming tasks easier to perform.'

as advised by Sheehan, is to have the 5 task lights placed directly over the shower area, the toilet and washbasin. This helps residents to locate shower controls and toilet flushes easily, as well as to make grooming tasks easier to perform.

For care home managers wanting to find out more, AKW has produced a ‘Lighting Guide for Accessible Bathrooms’ that includes expert OT advice and guidance from Kate Sheehan & her colleague Adam Ferry. This guide is available to download from the link below and explains how to light accessible bathrooms to promote independence and help reduce accidents.

www.akw-ltd.co.uk/lighting

Upgrade to a smart shower

The Quartz™ Smart Retrofit all-in-one shower pack, including a Quartz™ Collection shower and shelf assembly kit, makes the move to smart showering simple. With all the benefits of digital shower technology, a new WiFi connected smart shower instantly updates your bathroom and transforms the shower experience with voice command and remote app control.

DAVAL PARTNERS WITH LYNSEY FORD,

WINNER OF BBC INTERIOR DESIGN MASTERS FOR HOTEL PROJECT

Daval Furniture, is to partner with Lynsey Ford, the winner of BBC Interior Design Masters 2021. Lynsey has been commissioned to transform Willow Cottage, a self-contained family suite complete with two bedrooms, kitchen and bar, boot room and ample storage via the custom wardrobes and desk space at ´Another Place,´a boutique hotel on Ullswater in the Lake District.

“Sustainability is integral to all my work. I hate waste and the thought of anything usable going to landfill. So, I’ve chosen cabinetry from the award-winning Renzo range by Daval for part of the scheme as the cupboard doors are made from 100% recycled materials, meaning I can balance my keen interest in sustainable design while still achieving the deep, rich and textured aesthetic I want to create. I’ve taken inspiration from the views at Another Place, and the colours, textures and materials that surround it. There are lots of natural woods in the hotel already, and a lovely palette of rusty colours and greens” Lynsey explains. “I am working with Daval to create a boot room so that guests can kick off muddy shoes and 'wellies' after a day out walking. There will also be a small kitchen and bar area with a sink, fridge and antique glass-backed shelving for enjoying pre-dinner drinks, plus two bedrooms with integrated wardrobe and desk spaces.”

Simon Bodsworth, Managing Director at Daval says, “We are delighted to collaborate with Lynsey as trends for 2022 indicate a growth in family-friendly spaces, both in residential and hospitality sectors as more and more Britons explore UK beauty spots in the wake of the pandemic. As we have the expertise to manage projects for homeowners, as well commercial properties we can constantly innovate our madeto-measure, made-to-order furniture to meet all specifications and end-user requirements, as well as support Buying British.”

Renzo is the ideal furniture solution for this project as the range offers rich textural variety with five hightexture door finishes - three contemporary timbers and two mineral-inspired options with fine-textured, stone effect surface. Designed to empower the ecoconscious homeowner, every door within the Renzo collection is made from 100% recycled raw materials at our factory in the heart of Yorkshire.

Providing environmental, social and economic benefits, Renzo is a luxury made-to-measure furniture solution that can be designed to suit the individual, interior space and architecture.

www.daval-furniture.co.uk

“Sustainability is integral to all my work. I hate waste and the thought of anything usable going to landfill. So, I’ve chosen cabinetry from the award-winning Renzo range by Daval for part of the scheme as the cupboard doors are made from 100% recycled materials."

Images: Lynsey Ford, Interior Designer (top) Simon Bodsworth & James Bodsworth, Directors, Daval Furniture (bottom)

NEW TO THE KITCHEN KIT RANGE

Kitchen Kit has announced that it´s made to measure flat-pack kitchens, which are now available on-line. Kitchen Kit customers can now design, plan and price a bespoke kitchen ready to despatch within 10 working days. Conveniently, made to measure rigid kitchens are also available in 10 working days.

The company has a handy ´Kitchen Builder Tool´ on its website to ensure that kbb installers and their customers have everything they could possibly need to get a project under way.

Kitchen Kit has also announced new autumn additions to the range which include; a new 500mm three drawer cabinet, 450mm and 800mm base and wall cabinets, a convenient 800mm blind corner base unit and a breakfast bar back panel. Also new, is an MFC slab door in white and a light grey standard finish has also been introduced complete with a range of accessories.

A company spokesperson enthused, “Autumn is an exciting period for us at Kitchen Kit and the expansion of our range which includes very current styles with J-Pull handless, shaker and slab kitchens in over 26 colours and finishes will mean that we can supply styles for every possible kitchen plan. Customers are only limited by their depth of imagination but we can even overcome this with our 360 degree ‘Kitchen Visualiser’ that helps customers decide on their Kitchen Kit look and finish.”

Kitchen Kit is a really convenient destination for the purchase of trade kitchens as they are available to order on-line and also from a growing network of merchants. All doors, cabinets and worktops have attained FIRA Gold Product Certification and the company still has its recently launched promotion of 50% discount off the first order when opening a trade account online. Kitchen Kit simplifies choice as it has a pre-selected range of best sellers, with all components included within one sku code and easy to build with its easy to assemble clic technology!

www.kitchenkit.co.uk

"The expansion of our range which includes very current styles with J-Pull handless, shaker and slab kitchens in over 26 colours and finishes will mean that we can supply styles for every possible kitchen plan. Customers are only limited by their depth of imagination but we can even overcome this with our 360 degree ‘Kitchen Visualiser’ that helps customers decide on their Kitchen Kit look and finish.”

Kitchen Kit, L Shape, J-Pull in white

Dean Flood, Rowland Hall Chartered Certified Accountants

Perhaps most importantly, communicate any concerns with your accounting or tax advisors. They may themselves be battling with the possible implications for their own businesses but will most likely appreciate an early discussion on how they can help with these changes.

DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT! PREPARE FOR DIGITAL TAXATION NOW.

I hope that the readership remains well.

Deferral of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment

Whilst accountants will have been expected to know this, there may have been few outside of the industry who will have been aware that HMR&C had intended to introduce Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements for income tax in April 2023. Many practitioners kept quiet about it as the date seemed a little far off and there was still a lack of clarity about how it would be addressed through HMR&C’s IT systems. Perhaps most importantly, the accounting industry strongly suspected that as with other previous MTD commencement dates, this one would also be deferred.

HMR&C have not let the side down in that regard.

On the 23rd September, HMR&C issued a press release to say that the introduction of this would be deferred until April 2024. This was in recognition of the difficulties faced by business as a result of the pandemic and also to acknowledge concerned feedback received from various stakeholders impacted by the process. The accounting industry had lobbied government to defer on the basis that IT systems were not properly thought through and affected businesses and individuals could not be expected to be ready.

So what is MTD for Income Tax selfassessment (MTD for ITSA) and who is affected?

MTD for ITSA will affect those who are selfemployed and submitting self-assessment tax returns as well as those that have other income such as rental receipts, where those rental receipts (gross) exceed £10,000 per annum. There will be similar requirements for partners and partnerships although the timeframe for their introduction is slightly different.

The process will broadly require selfassessment tax-payers that fit the above criteria to send quarterly accounts information to HMR&C in an acceptable digital format. Those quarters will be fixed (March, June, September, and December). A final reconciling submission will be submitted later, much like the existing return. Essentially, there will be five submissions for each tax year and year end accounts will still need to be prepared.

A list of to do’s could include the following:

• Consider the quality of your record keeping. Will it be timely and reliable?

• Consider your IT systems and or whether investment in software may be needed.

• Build in an expectation that there may be some additional costs to this process.

Perhaps most importantly, communicate any concerns with your accounting or tax advisors. They may themselves be battling with the possible implications for their own businesses but will most likely appreciate an early discussion on how they can help with these changes.

The quarterly submissions will most likely need to be dealt with in the month following each quarter and a penalty regime will be applied for late submissions. The digital format will be some form of acceptable accounting software or other digital format that will link with HMR&C systems.

If the taxpayer is currently VAT registered and caught under MTD for VAT, this transition will not be as onerous, as they will already have some systems in place to deal with this quarterly reporting. However, if VAT return periods are not aligned to the quarters noted above, a change in the VAT periods may be needed.

The delay to implementation gives everybody some extra time to prepare but HMR&C say they remain fully committed to the process.

Bushboard sees huge demand for its new fire-resistant Alloy range. Bushboard is delighted with the feedback from the market on its new aluminium splashback range, Alloy, which was launched earlier this summer.

Strong uptake and initial feedback from retailers suggest that a new era of splashback material is becoming increasingly desired by design-driven consumers. To date, more than 900 retailers have already signed up for a showroom display since the collection launched in June 2021, leading Bushboard to believe that the surfaces industry is ready for something new.

Alloy splashbacks offer flexibility within both functionality and design. A fit-forall purposes kitchen solution, as they are both waterproof and fire-resistant, making them an ideal surfacing solution for use throughout the kitchen, even in the hot-zone behind the hob, as well as around the sink.

Alloy’s high-rise panels can also span the width of the kitchen, wall-to-wall,

to create a completely seamless and uninterrupted design.

Alloy splashbacks are quick and easy to install with none of the fuss and mess of tiling. Kitchen fitters and installers can speed up the process of a project by being able to fit all the components themselves, including surfaces, rather than requiring a specialist tiler. Solutions like Alloy splashback panels can streamline the installation process which benefits both installers and consumers alike.

In addition to the practical benefits, the driving demand for an open-plan living concept has also inspired the ideals of a living kitchen: a multi-functional living space with interiors that reflect the rest of our homes. When it comes to surfaces and trying to achieve this look, consumers are seeking more aspirational solutions than simply an uninspiring aluminium hob panel or sheet of glass that sits between the hob and the wall. Instead, consumers are embracing surfaces that link the design to the rest of the home, such as using decorative aluminium splashback

panels which are likened more to wallpaper or artwork in style, rather than acting as a purely functional and protective wall covering.

For more traditional kitchen aesthetics, Alloy’s Maltese Ochre and Modern Victoria decors are proving popular options for those looking to bring colour and personality into the kitchen. Meanwhile, the much-loved trend for herringbone has transitioned from our floors to our walls, with cementtoned finishes for a bold statement and whitewashed palettes for softer looks. Bushboard also reports Alloy’s monochromatic Geometry décor, and floral painterly effect Urban Cluster designs to be amongst the most popular in the range so far.

With an ability to select from twelve decors across the Alloy by Bushboard range, it appears by the uptake from retailers that splashbacks are here to stay and indicative of where kitchen design is heading next.

www.bushboard.co.uk

'With an ability to select from twelve decors across the Alloy by Bushboard range, it appears by the uptake from retailers that splashbacks are here to stay and indicative of where kitchen design is heading next.'

Hazzard Head of Business Insurance

In the autumn issue of The Installer magazine, insurance expert Mathew Hazzard, Head of Business Insurance, of strategic BiKBBI partner UIB Insurance, gives his advice on how to choose a business insurance policy …

As 2021 draws to a close, it seems to have thrown everything imaginable at us from personal health concerns to steering business through the heavily mined waters that include furloughing of staff, government enforced shut down´s of kbb retailers, short supply of raw materials which has in turn, helped lead to a lack of stock and therefore long lead times to receive products. More latterly it´s been the energy crisis that have caused delays to deliveries, a desperate skills shortage affecting industry, especially the

KBB market and now looming increased taxation. All this and a pandemic still affecting our daily lives.

If someone had said all this would happen three years ago, no one would have believed it! So if the last two years has taught us anything, it´s that the future is impossible to predict and therefore, never a better time to protect your own personal and business wellbeing, both health-wise and financial.

The good news is that there are easy solutions for KBB installers to protect themselves from some of these possible future threats and its imperative to consider your current insurance status, for instance, when did you last look at your policy and check if your cover will suffice in these difficult times?

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

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

Matthew

.

Legal essentials

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

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

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

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

Protecting property

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

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

Covering your back

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

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

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

Covering your concerns

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

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

'If assistance is needed, it may be best to contact an insurance broker and get a ‘business health check’.

INSTALLING WASTE DISPOSAL UNITS TIPS AND BEST PRACTICE

Waste Disposal Units (WDUs) are fast becoming a musthave in the kitchen as consumers look to reduce their environmental impact. WDU’s are simple and easy to use and can significantly reduce the amount of kitchen waste that goes to landfill by up to 50%.

With demand set to grow for WDU’s as more people look to make their homes greener, Field Service Technician at Franke, Dan Weston talks us through his best practises and top tips for installers when fitting waste disposal units.

“In my experience, visits to resolve issues with WDU’s are generally few and far between.

Around 80% of the time, the issue the customer is experiencing with the system is usually down to either user error or an installation fault.

WDU’s are one of the simplest products to install and with proper care and maintenance by the consumer, they should run smoothly and problem-free.”

Do you think installers generally have any issues or reservations in fitting WDU’s?

“Any qualified installer shouldn’t come across any issues with installation. If you can install a sink, you will have no problems installing a WDU. This simple appliance is fitted within the same pipework as the sink waste and uses a standard 13 amp plug socket in the cupboard underneath.

Franke WDU’s come with full instructions in the box as well as some

handy installation videos on YouTube. Plus, the Franke team is always on hand to help with any queries by simply contacting the Consumer Care department. ‘

‘Installation takes between 20-30 minutes and simply consists of: Installing the flange in the sink waste hole using the fittings and bracket provided, drilling a hole through the worktop around the sink area for an air switch model,

connecting the air pipe to the bottom of the air switch and the other end of the air pipe to the bottom of the WDU, locking in the ring and connecting the discharge elbow to the customer’s waste and then plug the unit into the electrical socket, test it and the job’s done.‘

Are all sinks compatible with a waste disposer and what are the differences in models?

Dan Weston, Field Service Technician, Franke

WDU’s are one of the simplest products to install and with proper care and maintenance by the consumer, they should run smoothly and problem-free.”

‘As Franke WDU’s use a thick rubber seal between the flange and the unit which absorbs the vibrations, this makes them compatible with any sink material and prevents any breakages.

The most popular models are the air switch models which activate by simply pressing a button. WDU’s come in a range of size and power options giving customers a choice to suit their household size, kitchen space and usage amount.

“The Franke range comprises three horsepower options of continuous feed 0.50, 0.75 and 1.25 as well as a 1.25 powerful batch feed model for those who prefer not to have a continuous model. For more compact kitchen cabinets, the slimline TE-75S model is great for fitting snugly under the sink.”

What would be your top tips to pass on to consumers to avoid any issues with their WDU?

‘WDUs are easy to maintain when following these simple guidelines. Firstly, don’t overload it and make sure to run plenty of water through it before and

after use to prevent blockages. To keep it clean and fresh, simply disconnect the power and remove the splash guard to wash it with soapy water. Only use lemon and ice for cleaning inside the mechanism, bleach will corrode the rubber seals over time and washing up liquid will result in a kitchen foam party! Finally, there are certain items to avoid putting in a WDU, tea bags, banana skins, large bones such as a lamb shank, corn on the cob, onion skins, and of course, non-food items such as plastic, metal and glass.

And finally, what is the strangest thing you have found down a WDU?

In amongst the many, many teaspoons we find lodged in WDU’s, which are the most common culprit of blockages, a member of our team once had to retrieve a gentleman’s set of false teeth! I have also found a metal jug and a precious wedding ring which the owner was very happy to have returned.

www.franke.co.uk/sensor

Dan’s top tips for the perfect installation

1. Make sure to install the hole at a minimum of 150mm away from the tap to avoid water ingress and dirt getting into the mechanism.

2. May seem obvious to say – but make sure there is a continuous drop on the waste!

3. Always use a rubber gasket seal for a granite and stainless steel sink and silicone the extended flange on a ceramic sink to seal it.

4. Ensure the locking ring from the WDU to the flange is fully locked, otherwise it won’t be properly sealed and will cause leaks. It’s always best to lock it round by hand and then use pipe grips to fully lock into the place.

5. Be sure to measure the cupboard prior to installation. For a 600m base unit, space will be more limited so the slimline TE-75S model would be an ideal fit.

6. Offer maintenance advice to your customer to keep their WDU in tip top shape. Remind them to run plenty of water through the system to prevent blockages. Start the water for 30 seconds before placing any food down and then keep the tap running afterwards for another 30 seconds.

To keep it clean and fresh, simply disconnect the power and remove the splash guard to wash it with soapy water. Only use lemon and ice for cleaning inside the mechanism, bleach will corrode the rubber seals over time and washing up liquid will result in a kitchen foam party!

7. Keep the WDU clean and smelling fresh, drop in half a lemon and a handful of ice cubes and set it away. The citric acid in the lemon freshens things up and cleans the cutting head whilst the abrasiveness of the ice cubes removes any food debris.

8. And finally, if you’re struggling with installation and need advice, call the Franke team, we are more than happy to assist.

Matt Fjord Green

NEW FINISHES ADDED TO VITRA´S POPULAR SENTO RANGE

Sento, the Scandinavian inspired bathroom range from VitrA Bathrooms, has been extended to include a striking Matt Fjord Green and a stylish Matt Grey finish. The new finishes complement existing matt palettes of Anthracite and White. The VitrA Sento range features delicately rounded profiles, with Oak accents in sizes and furniture combinations that can be tailored for small bathrooms and scaled up to suit the largest.

Sento furniture units can be mounted with or without oak legs and there is the option to mount one of the storage units onto a stylish oak console table. Washbasin vanity units are available in different widths (50cm,

65cm, 80cm, 100cm) as well as a double washbasin unit (130cm). The washbasins have deep bowls, a large vanity area and back rim features. LED sensor lighting under the washbasin units adds to the feeling of space and creates a reassuring glow at night. Soft close drawers that fully extend are complemented by non-slip mats in all drawers and glass shelves throughout the range. Stylish storage options include a tall unit, laundry unit, wall cabinet and mid unit.

In addition to the wall-hung WC, there are close-coupled and back-to-wall WC options. The slim WC seats and cistern lids add elegance and clean lines. WC pans with Rim-ex technology are available within the range, which helps prevent the spread of germs thanks to its easy to clean design.

VitrA Sento is available from Showrooms of Excellence.

Matt Grey

Matt Fjord Green New

Once the room temperature controller is installed, homeowners simply access it via Bluetooth and the appropriate app. Then all can be controlled remotely from a smart device even if not at home.

Gira Temperature Control for individual rooms- Enable smart individual heating control for every room for the ultimate in home comfort

ENERGY SAVING WITH THE NEW GIRA TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Perfect time for autumn and the onset of winter, Gira has launched its room temperature controller.

This new addition to the Gira System 3000 product family works in tandem with the wireless Gira eNet SMART HOME, as well as wired in KNX smart home systems like the Gira HomeServer and the Gira X1 mini server.

The Gira System 3000 is designed to be used seamlessly with the exclusive Gira smart home app, which offers market-leading security and data protection, while keeping your homes HVAC how you like it, when you like it.

The new Gira room temperature controller lets users set the perfect room temperature for day and night. Importantly, there’s minimal installation required as the normal 230v power line is used, so there is no need

for extra cables, a network or even a server, which is usually necessary for smart home systems.

Once the room temperature controller is installed, homeowners simply access it via Bluetooth and the appropriate app. Then all can be controlled remotely from a smart device even if not at home.

It´s intelligent as the times can be set so it´s warm when consumers rise from bed and the heating will then adjust to a predetermined level whilst they are out. The heating will only switch on if the temperature falls below the specified minimum temperature, which is not only convenient but also saves unnecessary heating costs, so there are no surprises when you get the gas or electricity bill.

Another great advantage of smart heating is that it provides an ability to use timers to 

set different temperatures in different rooms so that the heating in each room is at the optimum level only when in use. For example, the bathroom heating can be set to reach the ideal temperature before the user takes a shower to ensure a comfortable start to the day, thanks to an automatic pre-heating function. And when the children are on their way to school, room temperature controllers in their rooms will switch off the heating and turn it back on before they come home in the afternoon. There’s also the option to take control and boost your heating if there’s a sudden cold snap.

The beauty of today’s top-flight smart home technology is that its possible to layer functions so that in addition to smart heating it´s possible to automate lights and blinds with an integrated system and control them via apps.

Every aspect of the Gira heat elements are designed for easy retrofitting so one can upgrade their house by using the latest wireless solutions with ease.

www.gira.com

Another great advantage of smart heating is that it provides an ability to use timers to set different temperatures in different rooms so that the heating in each room is at the optimum level only when in use.

Gira System 3000 - Lighting, blinds and heating - Take care of lighting, heating and blinds with combined controls

GO WITH THE FLO!

Vogue (UK), has created an eye-catching model with its new FloBar.

Launched in tandem with the company’s own dedicated FloBar website, www.flo-bar. co.uk, the range is designed with today’s high-performance bathroom and luxuryseeking consumers in mind. Made in Britain from high quality brass and stainless steel, each model within the collection provides the flexibility to ‘make it your own’ all thanks to the patented FloBar System, which is 100% concealed with flush-mounted temperature controls.

Much of its visual appeal stems from the fact that all FloBar plumbing is completely hidden from view within the bathroom wall, making the heated FloBars the primary design feature. Available in two bar formats, FloBar Flux and FloBar Form, each model can be configured to suit the individual in a freestyle or more orderly arrangement, either on its own, or in a pair or even up to a series of five! FloBar can also be ordered and fitted in the same or opposing format, style and finish!



Much of its visual appeal stems from the fact that all FloBar plumbing is completely hidden from view within the bathroom wall, making the heated FloBars the primary design feature.

The FloBar heating kit includes every component required to connect your customers choice of FloBar to their home’s heating system, including the manifolds required to direct the water around the towel bars. Vogue offer 2, 3, 4 and 5 bar FloBar kits and when purchasing a combination of two, an in-line connection kit is also required per pair.

Designed to accommodate open or closed systems, the new FloBar Collection can also be linked to a hot water system via a timed

including Brushed Copper, Brushed Stainless, Antique Copper and Brushed Nickel.

FloBar Flux (as pictured) is a contemporary model with open-end design and side connections, so that towels can slide on and off the FloBar with ease. Flux is available in either a 550mm or 650mm and can also be designed using two to five FloBars. Flux can be specified in Brushed Brass, Polished Chrome, Polished Brass and Brushed Copper and is available in four different joint styles –Original, Mitre, Ball Joint and Flat.

secondary pump, so you can have warm and dry towels any time! Choose from:

FloBar Form is a classic heated towel bar design with connections at each end and it can be specified in either a 500mm or 600mm width, with the option to include two to five FloBar kits. Form is available with four different joint styles – Standard, Mitre, Ball Joint and Flat – in a range of luxe finishes

The simple installation is ideal for first fix bathrooms and the exclusive FloBar valve offers full temperature control as concealed flexible barrier pipes ensure safe, smooth water flow behind the scenes.

www.flo-bar.co.uk www.vogueuk.co.uk

'The simple installation is ideal for first fix bathrooms and the exclusive FloBar valve offers full temperature control as concealed flexible barrier pipes ensure safe, smooth water flow behind the scenes.'

WHIRLPOOL LAUNCHES W COLLECTION OF BUILT-IN FRIDGE FREEZERS

Whirlpool launches a range of W Collection built-in fridge freezers. The new models boast convenient Total No Frost technology.

Benefitting from a 250 litre capacity in a 70/30 per cent split, the top-of-therange W Collection built-in fridge freezer (WHC18 T332 P UK) guarantees super quiet operation, at only 32 dB (A), thanks to the brand new Zen Inverter compressor. In addition, the new compressor reduces temperature fluctuations, ensuring optimal food preservation, while minimising energy consumption.

Total No Frost technology circulates air in both the fridge and freezer compartments. The advanced ventilation system reduces the build-up of ice, and condensation, from forming in the fridge and eliminates the need to manually defrost the freezer. Intuitive 6TH SENSE® technology constantly monitors the internal temperature and, if needed after opening the door, restores the temperature to the ideal environment for optimal food preservation in both the fridge and freezer. What’s more, the Metal Multi Flow column directs chilled air evenly throughout the fridge for a consistently cool environment.

Designed for an invisible installation, which is perfect for modern, minimalist, handleless kitchens, the Whirlpool W Collection built-in fridge freezer (WHC18 T332 P UK) benefits from a push-to-open mechanism (available on WHC18 T332 P UK only).

Dedicated refrigeration compartments in the brand new built-in fridge freezer provide the optimal storage conditions for a variety of delicacies. The Fresh Box 0°C is the perfect environment for storing meat and fish.

In addition to the built-in fridge freezer benefitting from advanced food preservation technology, the new W Collection appliances, from Whirlpool, also boast a wealth of smart storage solutions to maximise the available space, while keeping the interior neat and tidy. The half-width fridge door balconies are moveable and adjustable, enabling users to effortlessly customise the interior of their fridge based on the contents, as well as easily access their bottles and jars. Furthermore, the two-in-one bottle holder can either be utilised to store drinks or food, as bottles can be placed horizontally and held in place, while the rest of the shelf can accommodate other groceries.

Charmaine Warner, Brand Manager, Whirlpool, says: “We’ve introduced our brand new range of W Collection Total No Frost built-in fridge freezers to ensure food stays as fresh as the day it was purchased, the interior is customisable for flexible storage and it operates silently to help create a stress-free home environment.”

www.whirlpool.co.uk

'Total No Frost technology circulates air in both the fridge and freezer compartments.'

FESTOOL AND BOTT PARTNERSHIP MAKES TRANSIT FOR TRADESPEOPLE’S LIVES EASIER

The Festool Systainer system has long enabled professional tradespeople to be more organised and now the compatibility with bott modulo3 is providing greater mobility. Designed to fit perfectly together, the bott van racking system and Festool Systainers allows tools to be transported from the workshop to construction site easily and safely.

Creating the professional racking system is simple. The lightweight bott modulo3 racking system, is a self-fit, no drill solution, allowing for flexible customisation to contain all the Festool Systainers needed. So, a unique sleek racking system can be created in a van to contain all the Festool Systainers needed. With a more organised space, comes greater efficiency. Indeed, joint Festool and bott customer Nick Sammut, from Rushmoor, says: “With everything organised and with more floor space in my van, I save time daily loading and unloading. The time I save means I can focus on my job and earn more.”

However, it is more than having more time that has made difference to Nick. “Raising industry standards is important to me” Nick explains, “Having a professional set up with Festool products and the bott system

that I can deliver a high standard of work. Customers look in your van, see its professional appearance and are reassured that they will get a quality job.”

Andrea Duca, National Sales Manager for Festool UK says “It is great to see that our partnership with bott is making our customers lives easier on a daily basis.” Nick Smith, CEO at bott UK agrees “Our longstanding global partnership with Festool, has created a professional solution that is really empowering our customers.”

Watch Nick’s full story in partnership with bott and Festool here. www.festool.co.uk/mobility

means

“With everything organised and with more floor space in my van, I save time daily loading and unloading. The time I save means I can focus on my job and earn more.”

INNOVATIVE ALL-IN-ONE WC, BIDET AND CISTERN, FROM ROCA

Simple to install, Roca’s latest innovation in shower toilets is the In-Wash® with In-Tank®, which combines maximum intimate hygiene and greater freedom of installation.

◊ INTEGRATED TANK

A modern bathroom offers state-of-theart technology, functionality, harmony and comfort. The In-Wash® In-Tank® toilet meets all requirements and also provides technology and design, without compromising on its main function culminating in bringing a total hygiene experience to the WC.

With Roca’s In-Tank® technology you can forget about the cistern, as the water tank is integrated into the WC. The Soft Air injection system propels water towards the upper section of the bowl providing a full, effective and quiet flush. Its two simultaneous water outlets, tornado and cascade, guarantee a stronger flow with minimum water consumption. The entire bowl is thoroughly cleaned thanks to the Rimless Vor-tex design that removes the inner rim and provides a 360º flush.

◊ AT THE FOREFRONT OF HYGIENE

The state-of-the-art technology and design of In-Tank® is combined with the groundbreaking hygiene of In-Wash®. The WC that washes you with water, features a front and rear wash to guarantee the full hy-giene experience.

The In-Wash® nozzle can be adjusted to reach the most delicate areas thanks to its oscillating massage, also providing gentle drying. To guarantee its total disinfection, the removable nozzle cleans itself before and after each use and includes an extractable tip that can be easily removed for more in-depth cleaning.

◊ USER-FRIENDLY

As in other Roca Smart Toilets, the remote control and the side panel are very intuitive and allow the ad-justment of the water and air temperature, as well as the position of the nozzle. This WC with integrated cistern also features two push buttons to opt for a full or a partial flush, for greater water savings. In the event of a power failure, this Smart Toilet guarantees up to two full flushes by using the side button. Avail-able in wall-hung and floor standing versions, the In-Wash with In-Tank features SOFT AIR® technology which ensures optimal flushing no matter the water pressure.

◊ EASY CLEANING

The bowl of the In-Wash® with In-Tank® features the new Supraglaze enamel, exclusive to Roca, which allows any residue

to slide right off and hinders the build-up of dirt. A third layer that, applied on top of the existing enamel, provides a totally waterproof, shiny and easy-to-clean surface, maintaining the excellent performance of traditional enamels in terms of durability and hygiene.

◊ SIMPLE INSTALLATION

Offering a hassle-free installation and easy maintenance, In-Wash® In-Tank® does not require a frame and can be therefore installed virtually anywhere. Without a separate conventional cistern or built-in instal-lation system, the WC offers better use of space within the bathroom and greater design freedom. For installers, fitting the In-Wash with In-Tank is simplified as it just requires a water outlet and a conventional power connection.

“We are incredibly excited to be launching the In-Wash® with In-Tank®,” comments David Bromell, Head of Marketing at Roca. “The individual technologies offer so much in their own right, but by combining them, we’ve been able to take a significant step forward in the smart toilet category. In-Wash® with In-Tank® furthers our vision of genuine innovation, with intuitive and thoughtful use of technology, to deliver a product with exceptional functionality, design and convenience.”

www.roca.com/inwashtank

Roca In-Wash with In-Tank wall-hung

Roca In-Wash with In-Tank

UWLA WELCOMES CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY COMMITMENT TO NET ZERO

The Unified Water Label Association has welcomed the launch of the Construct Zero change programme, which details the commitments made by the industry to reduce its carbon emissions.

Yvonne Orgill, Managing Director, UWLA

The initiative, which is being led by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) includes a Performance Framework, which sets out how the sector will commit to, and measure its progress towards Net Zero.

UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill says, “We welcome this report and the commitments that have been made. It represents a step change in opinion about the need to act now, with more than 2,500 comments received to shape the framework.

“Whilst many of the metrics focus on the activities and output from firms within the sector, others relate to the delivery of energy savings in the building of new homes and the CLC Retrofit Strategy of

existing properties. One of the key commitments is that from 2025, new homes and buildings will minimise energy demand and reduce emissions in operation by 75% (dwellings) and at least 27% (commercial buildings) compared to current standards.

“The link between water, energy and carbon is one that we have highlighted in our recent campaigns to promote the Unified Water Label. Our new website includes an energy and a carbon

calculator that can calculate how much energy is used when water is heated, and how much relative carbon is used when changing to a product that uses less water.

“Contractors of new build properties and retrofit projects can select from a wide range of water using products that carry the Unified Water Label, which will help them reach the energy saving targets set out in the Performance Framework. Our database of products is already used by over 10,000 architects and specifiers on a regular basis, for new projects across the globe.

“We are looking forward to continuing the dialogue with the construction industry and the retrofitting sector to encourage them to support the use of Unified Water Label products.”

Photo by James Sullivan on Unsplash

“Contractors of new build properties and retrofit projects can select from a wide range of water using products that carry the Unified Water Label, which will help them reach the energy saving targets set out in the Performance Framework."

Kiwa UK Regulation 4 (KUKreg4)

The KUKreg4 Approval Scheme is for manufacturers and distributors of sanitary and plumbing products and components intended for installation in the UK.

KUKreg4 is complying with ISO/IEC 17065 product certification scheme and has the option of conformity attestation level 1+ or 3. The scheme covers all products from different sectors such as sanitary tapware, pipes & fittings, valves, appliances, catering equipment and WCs.

One of the schemes advantages is that we can accommodate the combined offer with other Kiwa certificates issued for compliance with appropriate European standards, such as EN200, EN817, EN1111, EN13959.

Testing will be accommodated within the Kiwa laboratories, ISO/ IEC 17025 accredited by UKAS, RVA, Accredia.

Partner for Progress

Kiwa Watertec Unit 26a, Rassau Industrial Estate Rassau Ebbw Vale NP23 5SD

Tel. 01423 308185 uk.water@kiwa.com kiwa.co.uk/water

Lighting ROTPUNKT INTRODUCES SMART-READY KITCHEN LIGHTING!

“Integrated smart lighting is really taking off and for those of us who are homeowners it enables us to enjoy the freedom to control our home with just our voice if we wish by using personal virtual assistants like Alexa or Siri. We have now made this process even easier by incorporating long-life, energy efficient and smart-enabled LED lighting as standard to enhance the overall look and feel of a kitchen space.”

Rotpunkt has launched a range of energy efficient, smart-ready LED lighting integrated across its range of cabinetstyle furniture and shelving, as standard.

Enabling designers to plan lighting at the very start of a project, Rotpunkt strives to make it easy to optimize kitchen space by deciding on lighting options at the same time as choosing the furniture.

The smart-ready lighting solutions are designed using network enabled technology so it can easily control the kitchen lights remotely using a digital assistant on your tablet or smartphone, as well as wired-in smart home systems that can intelligently adapt to specific lifestyle patterns and user preferences.

Matt Phillips, Head of UK Operations at Rotpunkt says, “Integrated smart lighting is really taking off and for those of us who are homeowners it enables us to enjoy the freedom to control our home with

Types

just our voice if we wish by using personal virtual assistants like Alexa or Siri. We have now made this process even easier by incorporating long-life, energy efficient and smart-enabled LED lighting as standard to enhance the overall look and feel of a kitchen space.”

With a host of contemporary styles, including the new slim-line Pendant ceiling light specially designed to complement the company’s 2021 kitchen solutions, Rotpunkt is able to place importance on kitchen lighting, which is vital for boosting hazard perception and being able to efficiently prepare and cook food. This is crucial in a multi-generational household as we all need more light as we get older. In fact, it is reported that over 65’s require double the light levels when compared to people in their 20’s so make sure you consider how to light the space at the concept stage.

www.rotpunktuk.com

Designer detailing: 11 different options including pendants, strip lighting and spotlights. All Rotpunkt lighting fixtures and fittings are available in an ultra-modern black finish to complement the latest kitchen decors and offer the ultimate in seamless co-ordination with appliances and key elements such as ergonomic handles and Wall Solutions.

Integrated lighting: practical and ergonomic, built-in LED solutions make it even easier to use and illuminate larders, open shelving, vitrines, display areas and island units. Simply select lighting and furniture in one complete hassle-free package with options which are designed to complement the doors and drawer fronts for visual coherence and aesthetic impact.

Smart ready: as home technology evolves, it’s increasingly desirable to have an ability to control lighting digitally and even connect it to other smart home functions for an environment which is perfectly tailored to individual needs and can even anticipate the users next move. They can stay ahead of the game, safe in the knowledge that their lighting can be controlled remotely: whether at home or out and about, thanks to the latest smart home systems.

AVOID ADMIN TASKS TAKING OVER WITH THESE TIME-SAVING TIPS

Creating quotes, sending invoices and building accurate estimates are all important elements of running a renovation/ installation business, but they can easily feel overwhelming and take you away from designing and building beautiful projects for your clients. So how do you stay on top of these tasks while making sure you have the time to do what you do best? Houzz. co.uk, the platform for home renovation and design, shares tips its community of professionals employ to reduce the overhead from admin tasks.

1. Structure your time

When you’re faced with a long to-do list, it can be tricky to know where to start. And trying to juggle multiple things at the same time is not the most efficient way of working through your day. Professionals on Houzz suggest organising how you structure your time. “I find it easier to allocate a specific time each week to prepare quotes and invoices, as it can very easily eat up most of the day,” Chantel Elshout of Chantel Elshout Design Consultancy, a design practice on Houzz says. “I also prefer blocking out a few hours each week for design work and try to switch off my phone or email in order to focus on the project in hand.”

2. Automate actions

Studies show that responding to enquiries within one hour significantly increases your chances of having a meaningful conversation with the decision-maker. However, we know it’s not always realistic to respond in detail right away. So consider setting up automatic responses to messages or enquiries that come in after hours to satisfy the potential client’s need to know that their message was received while giving you time to wrap up what you’re doing.

3. Create repeatable processes

Many tasks, like responding to client enquiries and building estimates, follow the same workflows each time, so save those precious extra minutes by using a system that allows you to streamline these processes. Liz Ennis of Wolfe Interiors recommends using management software. “Houzz Pro has significantly changed the way I work. My workload is lightened and I can easily maintain a professional approach to all live projects.”

Houzz Pro features, such as quick-reply templates, let you draft an email or text response that you can use over and over again. With the estimate builder tool, you can create estimates in minutes using a project template or create one from scratch to use for current and future projects.

4. Communicate effectively

Communicating with your clients and responding to questions through multiple channels can prove time-consuming, especially when it’s information you’ve already shared via another channel. With Houzz Pro, you’re able to provide your client with their own dashboard, where they can access all communications, documents and timelines in one place, empowering them to find the information they need without having to come back to you.

5. Double down on the design

It pays to get the initial brief and design right, in order to reduce spending time on multiple review cycles further down the line. Ensure you are working effectively with your client from the start and truly understand their vision so you avoid any big changes to clients’ choices later on. Remember, any design changes once a project is undergo might result in recalculating estimates, creating change orders and updating invoices, all adding more admin tasks to your plate. Houzz ideabooks are a great tool for homeowners to share visual inspiration with you that will help articulate their vision. Not only can ideabooks be used remotely, but whenever is convenient for each of you. This can help eliminate unnecessary back-and-forth between you and your clients.

www.houzz.co.uk

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

With Houzz Pro, you’re able to provide your client with their own dashboard, where they can access all communications, documents and timelines in one place

WE'RE HERE TO HELPNOT FIND FAULT!

Richard Renouf Furniture and Floorcoverings Consultant

It sounded bad. A second case of peeling fascias. The first had been dealt with, without any dispute, by the retailer who replaced all the fascias and décor panels. But the customer had noticed the same problem starting again and she relived the story each time she called.

On the first occasion we spoke for about 25 minutes. She did her best to answer my questions, but I had to advise her that I couldn’t give her an idea whether her complaint was valid or not without actually seeing the kitchen, or at the very least some clear photographs.

I re-checked the timeline. The kitchen had been purchased in 2014. The fascias had been replaced, without charge, in 2019. The kitchen was now outside the six year period in which a claim can be made under consumer law (the present law is the Consumer Rights Act 2015, but this purchase pre-dated that so the previous Sale of Goods Act would have applied). I tried to dissuade her from trying to take this any further. But she didn’t want to pay for an inspection unless she could be sure the outcome would be in her favour, and of course, I couldn’t offer any such reassurance. She called me back a few days later. ‘Remember me?’

she asked. ‘Could I claim under the guarantee?’ It took three attempts for her to successfully send me the link to the retailer’s guarantee terms on their website. It was for ten years, which is longer than a customer’s normal statutory rights. But it required proof of a fault. And without reassurance, she was still not prepared to go ahead.

Two weeks later she called again. ‘When can you come and look?’ she asked. I didn’t ask what had convinced her to change her mind but simply made an appointment for the following week.

When I arrived, she was standing outside the door waiting and had the sales documents and email correspondence printed out ready for me, she also answered a few questions that arose as I went through the details. She then hovered over me as I started to examine her kitchen until she got called away to take her son to the dentist, leaving me to carry on while her mother dozed in the sitting room.

There was slight moisture ingress along the bottom edge of the base cabinet doors and this had caused very slight swelling. It was hard to see and harder to

"The role of an independent expert is not to find fault in every case. We are impartial and sometimes have to be the tactful bearers of news that the customer doesn’t want to hear."

photograph, so I unclipped one of the doors to get a better look and a better camera angle. The bottom edge of the door was very wet. The customer had clearly wiped the fronts down before my visit, but she hadn’t cleaned along the bottom edge. The staining and the colour of the ‘water’ demonstrated that the doors were not usually so clean and therefore drips and contamination were commonplace.

The only basis for a claim was that the guarantee excluded wear and tear and in my view, the customer’s kitchen was in pretty good condition when you consider that, legally speaking, it was over 7 years old.

I finished my examination of the kitchen, packed up my inspection kit, and said goodbye to the customer’s mother. I then waited a few days before giving the customer a call. Convincing a Judge to make an award under a retailer’s warranty is hard at the best of times, but in this case, I advised her that the bare facts were that she has a kitchen in a reasonable condition considering its age. The ‘failure’ of the finish was simply down to wear and tear with a little help from poor maintenance.

As she hadn’t parted with any more money when the replacement parts were fitted, there was no new contract, so the Judge’s assessment would be based on the original date of purchase seven years ago. After dealing with a few questions I gave her my final thoughts. ‘I can’t support your claim.’ I told her. ‘I think the retailer has been very helpful with what has already been done, and I think you would be taking a huge and costly risk to proceed with any kind of claim.’

Are you looking for a new career in the KBB, Merchant and Construction Sales industries?

We only work with employers of choice including national builder’s merchants, independent showrooms and world renowned brands and manufacturers.

TIME FOR A CHANGE LOOKI

‘I

It’s hard to describe her reaction, which wasn’t at all what I expected as she actually seemed relieved rather than angry. She said, “I’ve been so focussed on this that I think I’ve let it grow out of proportion, in honesty, it’s been a big help for you to actually make me realise that I’ve wasted too much time fretting about nothing.’

In summary, I wonder, is it the way I spoke to her? Or the fact that she accepted that I was fully impartial? Or perhaps, it was the fact that as I didn’t intend to write a report which would ultimately not get used, I was able to reduce my fee to reflect the time saved?

Whichever, the role of an independent expert is not to find fault in every case. We are impartial and sometimes have to be the tactful bearers of news that the customer doesn’t want to hear. www.richard-renouf.com

deliver results that matter, leaving behind the traditional and boring approach to recruitment our market is used to

here to find out more

We We currently have opportunities nationwide for:

can’t support your claim.’ I told her. ‘I think the retailer has been very helpful with what has already been done, and I think you would be taking a huge and costly risk to proceed with any kind of claim.’

DEBUNKING THE MYTHS REGARDING THE 2025 BOILER BAN

Natasha Bourgourd of maintenance and service provider Rightio, enlightens The Installer magazine team and its readers of what lays ahead and what the implications and possible ramifications will arise from the application of this upcoming legislation …

In 2019, the UK government announced that it would be bringing in a ban on gas boilers. This was originally scheduled for 2025 but has since been brought forward to 2023.

The ban will help the UK towards its target of net-zero emissions by 2050; it’s estimated that 14% of all CO2 emissions

are produced by our homes, with gas boilers making up the majority of these emissions.

There is some confusion around the ban, what it means for UK households, and the consequences of not installing a greener boiler by the deadline. Many consumers have also expressed concerns around how achievable the deadline is, with 51% saying it’s necessary but unrealistic.

In this article, we’ll detail everything you need to know about the gas boiler ban and bust some of the most common myths.

2023 deadline?

One of the most prevalent misunderstandings around the ban is that people who already have gas boilers must change them before the 2023 deadline. However, this specific ban only applies to boilers in newly built homes from 2023 onwards. It means new homes must be built with a non-gas heating system.

Some of this confusion is coming from the recent International Energy Agency (IEA) announcement that “fossil fuel boilers” should not be sold from 2025 onwards and that existing gas boilers should be replaced. The IEA guidance hasn’t yet been put into place, but the government is considering implementing it with a later deadline of 2040. This could have impacts on the ban on gas boilers in new-build homes, but nothing has been confirmed.

While the government has not announced a requirement for gas boilers to be replaced, it is currently providing incentives for homeowners who install heating systems that run on renewable energy. The Renewable Heat Incentive pays these homeowners quarterly.

Is there any point in switching if the ban doesn’t apply to my boiler?

Aside from the fact that a ban on existing gas boilers may eventually come into law, there are so many benefits to switching to a non-gas boiler. If we take the example of electric boilers, there are a lot of cost-savings in the running and maintenance of these systems.

Unlike gas radiators and heating systems, electric radiators don’t need to be replaced unless they’re heavily damaged. Equally, electric boilers don’t require pipes or a flue to be installed and, because they’re sealed and pressurised, you should never encounter a leaking boiler – a common issue with gas systems. A lot of the maintenance costs associated with gas boilers will no longer be a problem for you. The average cost of a boiler repair sits between £150 and £400, so that’s a lot of money you could save by switching to an electric boiler.

Electric boilers are also much safer than gas boilers. Carbon monoxide leaks can occur with a gas boiler because it produces waste gases when it’s operating, but electric boilers don’t produce any sort of emissions.

Will replacing my boiler be too expensive?

The IEA announcement has also led to a misconception that people who still have gas boilers by 2025 will be fined, with some headlines stating the fines could be as much as £10,000. However, the government has not currently committed to the IEA’s recommendations, and there are no fines in place for people who don’t replace their gas boiler by a certain point.

This doesn’t guarantee that fines won’t be introduced in the future, but currently, the government is focusing on offering incentives to homeowners who switch to greener heating solutions rather than punishments for those who don’t.

The forthcoming gas boiler ban on new-build properties has caused a lot of concern and confusion for people with gas boilers in their homes. However, at the moment, there is no legislation requiring people who have existing fossil fuel boilers to replace them. Many experts expect this to come into place eventually, however, so it’s a good idea to start

While replacing or renovating your boiler will involve an initial cash outlay, switching to a greener source of heating will save you money in the long run. A simple like-forlike replacement can cost under £2,000, but switching to an eco-friendly boiler will be a more intensive installation and will therefore cost more money. The costs also vary based on whether you need a combi boiler or a conventional boiler.

Electrification is a key part of the IEA’s recommendations – switching fossil fuelpowered systems with electric ones is a key goal. An electric combi boiler can cost between £1,500 and £4,500 for the system itself, with installation costs sitting at around £3,000. While electricity currently costs more than gas to run, electric boilers are far more energy-efficient and offer more controls than gas boilers, allowing you to cut down on your bills.

Are electric boilers my only option for switching?

While an electric boiler offers many benefits, it isn’t the only option when it comes to making your heating more eco-friendly. Installing a central heating pump is an option, but it does also come with an upfront cost of around £6,000 to £8,000.

Biomass boilers, which burn renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels, are also becoming more popular. These boilers can cost upwards of £5,000 with additional installation costs, so it might not be the most cost-effective solution in terms of the upfront expense.

exploring the market. If your gas boiler is reaching the end of its lifecycle, this is a great opportunity to explore which

greener option you could replace it with. www.rightio.co.uk

Do I have to get rid of my existing gas boiler by the

Will I be fined if I don’t replace my boiler by 2025?

FRANKE’S LAUNCHES ITS GLORIANA TAP

Featuring an enduringly popular, elegant swanneck design, Franke has introduced its new Gloriana tap in two covetable finishes.

Available in polished Chrome or brushed SilkSteel finish, the Gloriana tap is design versatile for modern and traditional kitchen styles.

Fitted with a Neoperl aerator to give a champagnelike flow, the highly functional mixer tap has two easy-to-operate side levers and stands 366mm tall with a spout reach of 194mm.

Suitable for low pressure systems, the Gloriana tap comes with a five-year warranty on working parts and one-year guarantee on the finish.

www.franke.co.uk

SENIOR OPS APPOINTMENT SUPPORTS SUSTAINABILITY

FOCUS

Triton, has appointed a new Operations Director to play a vital role in delivering strategic sustainability goals, as the business works towards becoming net zero by 2025.

David Savage brings more than 14 years’ experience in the manufacturing, operations and supply chain sectors to Triton Showers. As well as making significant contributions towards reducing CO2 and improving efficiency levels, he will also be responsible for enhancing supply chain resilience.

Commenting on his appointment, David said: “I’m delighted to be joining an organisation that has such a progressive environmental strategy and is future focused. From an operational point of view, my role will be central to helping Triton realise its vision of becoming the most sustainable shower brand in the UK. I’m therefore looking forward to exploring new ways of delivering both cost and carbon savings throughout the business by making best use of valuable resources.”

HERITAGE BRASS HAS LAUNCHED ITS SIGNAC COLLECTION

A capsule collection comprising of round rose door handles, elongated cabinet handles and circular cupboard knobs, Signac ensures a seamless finish in interiors.

Signac is available in seven striking finishes, including Polished Nickel and Satin Brass, there’s a complementary colour to suit all interior schemes. Opt for Polished Brass with its warm, mellow tones and its heritage feel for an opulent appearance within traditional décors, or choose Antique Brass for a more rustic, aged appearance with its varying shades.

For more modern interiors, Polished Chrome has a timeless touch. With its mirrored effect, the finish reflects light around the room to create elegant bathroom and kitchen schemes. For something more bold and contemporary, opt for Matt Bronze.

LUCE, FROM RAK CERAMICS, WINS BEST INNOVATION AT THE TTA AWARDS 2021

RAK Ceramics Luce, is visually most impressive when used over large areas, thanks to its maximus slab format, that removes the need for grout lines and creates a seamless appearance.

Luce inspires and encourages creativity, turning public spaces like hotel reception, bars and restaurants into ambient, style led areas, Luce is also highly practical, with the surface boasting all the advantages of porcelain.

Celebrating the very best in the wall and floor tile industry and with the final shortlist voted for by industry members, retailers and customers, the TTA Awards are an outstanding symbol of excellence, winning the Best Innovation category with Luce is an important moment for the manufacturer, which was also a finalist in two other categories this year.

At a gala awards ceremony held at the Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel, one of the first events of its kind to make a welcome return since the beginning of the pandemic, Ben Bryden, Sales and Marketing Director at RAK Ceramics UK was in attendance to collect the award. He said: “It is a privilege to accept the Best Innovation Award. Luce really does amaze, both aesthetically and practically which is why it is such a popular choice among designers and award-winning too!”

www.rakceramics.com/uk

said: “We are extremely pleased that David has joined the business. His extensive industry background will be invaluable and his arrival couldn’t be better timed, as we have some pretty ambitious goals to accomplish in the next four years. While we’ve achieved a lot already, gaining fresh insights from David and getting his input into policies and procedures will mean we can do even more.”

www.tritonshowers.co.uk

Heritage Brass

David Tutton, Managing Director at Triton,

BiKBBI Corporate Sponsors

www.anthill.co.uk www.ao-business.com www.anyjunk.co.uk www.aqualisa.co.uk www.byba.co.uk www.bushboard.co.uk www.classic-marble.com www.compuso group.com hwww.foynejones.com www.formica.com www.grahamdirect.co.uk

www.hafele.co.uk www.hippowaste.co.uk www.malmoflooring.com www.mereway.co.uk www.myappliances.co.uk www.omegaplc.co.uk www.publicityengineers.com www.quooker.co.uk www.uk.roca.com www.roman-showers.com www.showerwall.co.uk www..uk.titusplus.com

www.trade-point.co.uk www.vitra.co.uk www.wilsonart.co.uk www.worktop-express.co.uk

BiKBBI

Retail Partners www.diy.com

www.bathroomsatsource.co.uk www.buildbase.co.uk www.daytrue.com/ www.firedearth.com www.handicare.co.uk www.johnlewis.com

www.john-lewis.co.uk www.madebedrooms.co.uk www.premierbathrooms.co.uk www.protectmyinstall.co.uk www.sheridan-uk.com www.therange.co.uk www.usedkitchenexchange.co.uk www.victoriaplum.com www.anthill.co.uk

BiKBBI Strategic Partners

www.achievepartners.co.uk www.ageuk.org.uk www.theapprenticeshipgroup.co.uk www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk www.bathroom-association.org www.carea ercombat.org www.centralcompliance.uk www.cafc.co.uk www.checkatrade.com www.cortexa.co.uk www.tradingstandards.uk

www.fiestalearning.com www.furnituremakers.org.uk www.gassaferegister.co.uk www.informamarkets.com www.niceic.com www.procat.ac.uk www.qasss.co.uk www.stressmatters.org.uk www.thefurnitureombudsman.org www.which.co.uk