The Installer - Issue 29 - Spring 2022

installer

Issue 29 - Spring

the

magazine

Apprenticeships: Closing the skills gap

The official magazine of The British Institute of KBB Installation

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Contents

NEWS

04 FRONT COVER STORY 06 THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE BiKBBI 08 SPONSOR NEWS 16 INDUSTRY NEWS FROM KBB REVIEW 18 INDUSTRY NEWS

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APPLIANCE TRENDS

100 2022 APPLIANCE TRENDS

BATHROOMS

44 GOOD DESIGN AWARDS 46 ACTIVATE & INSTALLERPRO SHOWER 50 IT'S TIME TO GO BIG 58 WIDE RANGE ROOT BRASSWARE 78 NEW LINE-UP OF MIXER SHOWERS 92 NEW DESIGNS & DECORS 96 SHADE OF GREY TOPPING THE BILL

BUSINESS

52 FACILITATING FURTHER EXPANSION 80 NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTRE 88 THE RISE OF THE 4-DAY WEEK 90 BALLS FOR BRAINS CHARITY NEWS 102 USING TECH TO MANAGE CLIENTS

CASE STUDY

106 MADE-TO-MEASURE CINEMA ROOM

COMPONENTS

76 GROUND-BREAKING TECHNOLOGIES

DEFINITIVE RESEARCH

20 HOW KITCHEN DESIGN AFFECTS US

EXHIBITIONS

82 KBB EXHIBITION HAILED A SUCCESS

FLOORING

72 SLIP-FREE LVT

HEALTH & SAFETY

64 PP-EASY DOES IT

INSTALLER ADVICE

108 BECOME AN UNSUNG HERO

KITCHENS 60

PEOPLE

REGULATIONS 70

NEW SUPPLIER

38 INSTALLER PROFILE 54 Q & A WITH DIONNE STARR

POWER TOOLS

74 A GUIDE TO DRILLING

DISPELLING THE WRAS MYTH

SINKS & TAPS

24 THE TAP THAT DOES IT ALL 42 EASY INSTALLATION VITAL TAP 86 WATER SAVING TAP LAUNCH

SMART TECHNOLOGY

94 DEDICATED YOUTUBE CHANNEL

OUR SPONSORS

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SUSTAINABILITY

26 NEW CNG VEHICLES TO CUT CO2 104 TOGETHER TO ZERO STRATEGY

WALL PANELLING

34 EFFICIENT BATHROOM MAKEOVER 60 UNVEILING NEW DESIGNS

Welcome ...

A cliché I know, but where on earth has this year gone already!

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Time certainly is on the move, but I’m pleased to say that BiKBBI has progressed well, with significant progression of our Apprenticeship programme and the welcoming of a new cohort of Apprentices that begin their career journey with us.

2022 will be an exciting year for the organisation, with new events, technology and benefits on offer to those registered professionals and our retail, corporate and strategic partners. I’m keen to solidify the proposition to stakeholders, not only making it clearer but for those permitted, more accessible than ever… there’s an exciting development on the horizon, so I’d urge you to watch this space!

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So, whilst this intro is a brief one, the magazine once again really does not fail to disappoint. We’re delighted with another fabulous edition and I’d like to thanks the editorial and design team for a great read!

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Damian Walters, BiKBBI CEO

OUR SPONSORS

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BiKBBI News

FRONT COVER STORY

Featured on our front cover is Sienna, who is one of the first of the 2022 BiKBBI Apprenticeship cohort, and its first female apprentice.

She is pictured here with her mentor Colin Tompkins of Redwood Kitchen/SystemXL who will be of enormous influence as he has recently won the BiKBBI Community Champion Award for 2022!

Along with the BiKBBI family, the team at The Installer Magazine wish Sienna, and all of her colleagues who have enrolled to the BiKBBI Apprenticeship Scheme every success in her career and we look forward to following her progress with interest.

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BiKBBI News

BiKBBI REACTION TO CHANCELLOR SUNAK’S RECENT SPRING STATEMENT The BiKBBI has welcomed a 5p cut to fuel duty and no VAT on home energy-saving measures for next five years. Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s ‘mini-budget’ speech to the House of Commons outlined targeted action on the cost of living, with particular help for those who are worse off. An increase to the National Insurance threshold resulting in 70% of workers paying less tax, in addition to the fuel duty cut and the incentive to invest in energy-saving in the face of rising energy costs, is good news for everyone.

Institute CEO, Damian Walters comments, “With economic uncertainty remaining unusually high as a result of the ongoing Covid recovery and now Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine pushing up costs, it is encouraging to see measures being adopted

DAMIAN WALTERS FEATURES ON KBBREVIEW INSTALLATION PODCAST

The BiKBBI has welcomed a change in law which is intended to reduce the number of road traffic casualties, but warned its members to get familiar with the new legislation that was introduced on the 25th March 2022, or face unwanted penalties.

to help with the cost of living. There is no doubt that the reduction in fuel duty will be greatly received by our members, most of whom are SMEs and rely on their vehicles to work. That’s assuming that savings will be seen at the pumps and not absorbed by the retailer as some sources are suggesting.”

He added, “The news that VAT on home energy-saving initiatives is also a good thing for our sector, although an announcement by the Office for Budget Responsibility suggesting that real household disposable income is to fall 2.2% per person in the next 12 months, the largest financial-year fall since comparable records began in the 1950s, could be significant for the home improvement sector.”

DON´T GET CAUGHT OUT!

Commented BiKBBI, CEO, Damian Walters, “It is now illegal to use a mobile phone for any purpose while driving and so we are asking everyone to take note of the changes to keep themselves and all road users safe.”

Hosted by Managing Editor, Andrew Davies, Damian Walters featured on a recent kbbreview podcast that covered installation.

It really is worth a listen as it is a cracking episode all about the future of installation in this industry. The pair discussed massive issues that retailers currently have in finding good fitters and how the problem is not going away any time soon.

With no short-term solution, they discussed ways of how these problems could be prevented in the future.

This episode also includes highlights from speakers at that recent BiKBBI conference and it

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'It really is worth a listen as it is a cracking episode all about the future of installation in this industry.' is a don´t miss, because it covers solutions from the top down and therefore affecting us all in the industry.

Listen here.

Previous legislation revolved around calls and texts, but as mobile devices have evolved, the new law covers a much wider use of devices whilst driving.

Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing in Essex, explains, “Every driver needs to know about this change. The new law is very clear and will mean that whenever a driver holds or uses a mobile while they are driving, they will be breaking the law. It means you can be issued a fixed penalty notice for scrolling for music, videoing or taking photos and not just using a mobile to make or take a phone call.” He added: “Just picking it up could see you break the law. Some drivers feel they can drive safely whilst using a mobile, but distraction creeps

in. If you are looking at and concentrating on your mobile’s screen, you are not looking at or concentrating on the road ahead, and that could have serious consequences for all road users.”

Using a mobile in the following ways, but not exclusively, is now illegal: illuminating the screen • checking notifications and looking for the time • accessing the internet • making, receiving, or rejecting a telephone or text or photo • using the camera, video, or sound recording functions.

There is one new exemption where drivers will be able to use a mobile to pay for goods and services while seated in their car and when their vehicle is stationary; this includes paying a car park fee or for food at a drive thru.

Using a phone as a sat-nav will be allowed, but only if it is docked in a cradle.

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Sponsor News

MARK MILLAR INTRODUCES INSTALLERS TO THE KITCHEN KIT QUICK BUILD CABINET CHALLENGE Mark Millar, TV Celebrity and Brand Ambassador for Kitchen Kit, now features in a short demo video where he gets two installers to participate in the Kitchen Kit Quick Build Cabinet Challenge in realtime: here Kitchen Kit is created to make life simple for tradespeople by being easy to choose, buy and build. Furthermore, as its British made, the company provides customers with a three-day delivery which means that even in these current times of lengthening delivery times, Kitchen Kit tradespeople can offer their customers guaranteed short lead times. www.kitchenkit.co.uk

AQUALISA APPOINTS MAT NORRIS AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Aqualisa has announced the appointment of Mat Norris as Chief Executive Officer. As part of a planned succession, Mat will replace Colin Sykes, who has held the position since 2018. Colin will remain as a non-executive director and strategic advisor to the business until December, focusing on the company’s international expansion, at which point he will semi-retire and focus on other non-executive roles.

With an extensive career in the manufacturing and engineering sectors, Mat brings a wealth of experience from leadership roles at high-profile organisations including Ford Motor Company, Philips and most recently, ventilation firm Titon Holdings plc, where he served as UK CEO. Mat will work closely with Aqualisa chairman Kevin Sargeant, and will lead a senior management team of eight specialist executives who have been recruited over the last three years as part of the company’s transformation.

In this role, Mat has ambitious plans for the growth of the organisation and will spearhead Aqualisa’s product expansion and innovation strategy. Other developments will include the extension of the firm’s product portfolio to incorporate a premium, channel-exclusive brassware series under a new brand. This multibrand strategy will complement the Aqualisa and Gainsborough brands, and further strengthen the company’s ability to offer its customers differentiated product ranges.

Kevin Sargeant, chairman of Aqualisa, commented, “Mat’s vast expertise from within the manufacturing and technical engineering industries, combined with his significant leadership track record and visionary approach, positions him perfectly to accelerate Aqualisa to the next level in its journey of growth.”

Sargeant added, “I would like to thank Colin Sykes for his significant contribution to the business over the last five years, and for his ongoing commitment and support through this period of transition.”

Mat Norris said, “I am thrilled to be joining our 260 dedicated team members at such a pivotal chapter in the organisation’s history, and I look forward to working with the outstanding management team that Colin has established at Aqualisa. My mission is to accelerate our innovation strategy, while ensuring operational excellence and the agility to meet our long-term growth, profitability and sustainability objectives. I am also eager to continue to build upon the valued relationships we have developed with our loyal customer, client and installer network in the UK, and internationally.” www.aqualisa.co.uk

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12 splashback designs. 4 versatile sizes.

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Sponsor News

STEVE HAZLEHURST JOINS OMEGA PLC AS HEAD OF MARKETING British kitchen manufacturer, Omega PLC, is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Hazlehurst as Head of Marketing as the company continues to strengthen its growth plans.

Steve is new to the Kitchen sector but comes with over 20 years’ experience in strategic and consumer facing marketing, and brand positioning roles within the fashion and sports performance sector.

Steve will focus on supporting Omega’s long-term plans of enhancing the brands experience by driving greater awareness and sell through with Retail partners whilst aiding the continued growth of Omega’s contract offering.

Steve stated, “This is a very exciting time to be joining Omega PLC, who so far have been one of the kitchen sectors best kept secrets. The manufacturing facilities, product offering and service solutions at Omega are second to none and to have the ability to use my marketing experience to bring this to life is an opportunity that I will truly relish.”

BiKBBI sponsor and kitchen manufacturer Omega PLC, has partnered with mixed-tenure developer Countryside to offer top-quality, sustainable kitchens at Parkside Quarter, part of Countryside’s award-winning development Rochester Riverside in Rochester, Medway.

Simon Barber, CEO of Omega PLC commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Steve to the Omega team. His skills and expertise within the marketing industry have already made him an essential part of the business at what is such an important time for both Omega and the Kitchen industry. www.omegaplc.co.uk

VITRA APPOINTS NEW CONTRACT SALES MANAGER VitrA Bathrooms has welcomed Michael Woods to the VitrA Contracts team. Michael joins VitrA as Contract Sales Manager (North), responsible for developing existing and new relationships with the Residential House Build sector. Michael brings with him a wealth of experience and industry knowledge from previous National Merchant and Manufacturer roles.”

Darren Paxford, UK Sales Manager, said, “Michael will be a familiar face to many of our customers from his previous positions. I am personally delighted to welcome him to the VitrA team. He joins us in the company’s 30th year in the UK – at a time of exciting

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OMEGA PLC PARTNERS WITH COUNTRYSIDE TO DELIVER SUSTAINABLE KITCHENS

As sustainability becomes an increasingly important matter across society, taking the step to ensure that green practices are embraced in the housebuilding industry is a logical next step. Following an agreement between Omega and Countryside, homes at Parkside Quarter, the latest phase of Countryside and Hyde's award-winning regeneration scheme Rochester Riverside, will be fitted with high-quality sustainable kitchen from Omega’s range of FSC Certified (Forest Stewardship Council) kitchens.

Houses at Parkside Quarter will be furnished with a Nouveau Shaker kitchen in Graphite, reflecting a modern take on the traditional shaker-style cabinetry in a tonal grey, while apartments will boast contemporary style Cube kitchen, with sleek lines for maximum space-saving in Dark Blue, an on-trend but classic colour. www.omegaplc.co.uk

and market-leading innovations. His detailed understanding of the residential sector will be hugely beneficial to both VitrA and our customers.”

Michael said, “I’m delighted and proud to join a Company and team that has such a strong track record in the UK. Homebuilding in the North is booming. It is also fast-paced and multi-faceted. It is exciting to work for a brand with manufacturing control over all its products and such a strong reputation for customer service. I’m delighted to be on board.” www.vitra.co.uk

'As sustainability becomes an increasingly important matter across society, taking the step to ensure that green practices are embraced in the housebuilding industry is a logical next step."

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Sponsor News

ROMAN FEATURED ON ‘5 NEWS’ Shower designer and manufacturer, Roman, were delighted to welcome ‘5 News’ producers to its headquarters in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham which culminated with a production being aired on ‘5 News.’

In the news piece, the company’s Chief Operations Officer, John Wright, discussed the challenges that the North East based manufacturer has faced due to COVID-19, stressed that as the challenges unravel, Roman’s objective is to get supply chains back to normal as global uncertainty highlights many strong reasons to buy products that are manufactured in Britain.

John Pearce, CEO at ‘Made in Britain’ commented: "The perfect storm created by

of British manufacturing whilst ensuring the sustainable growth of our sector."

Left to right; Sophie Stanwix, Marketing Communications Manager for Roman, Peter Lane, TV News Correspondent for 5 News, Vicky McIntyre, Freelance Shoot Edit for 5 News, and John Wright, Chief Operations Officer for Roman

recent economic events has made conditions challenging for almost all British business, and manufacturers have it harder than most.

However, I have the privilege of hearing on a daily basis about the work that being done by ‘Made in Britain’ members such as Roman

Ltd. Great companies like this epitomise the commitment, innovation, adaptability and resilience that are embedded in the DNA

now are dark blues and green tones which we’ve tapped into with our splashback colours in our Axiom® by Formica Group, and Formica Prima® ranges. We are also seeing duskier tones of pink as a recurrent trend over the years in the UK market, you can find Blush in the Axiom® Collection splashback range. The wood-onwood combination is a new theme for kitchen spaces, a style you can achieve in both the Axiom® Collection and Formica Prima® range

with matching breakfast bars, worktops, upstands and splashbacks."

“It was a pleasure to be interviewed by Channel 5 news today regarding our current trading conditions in light of the GDP annual growth rate of 7.5% announcement at that time and the issues relating to Covid.

I expressed that our strong sales growth more than reflected the GDP figure and explained the current challenges we are facing due to the worldwide increases in commodity prices and very high freight costs.

All things considered, we are extremely positive about Roman’s future,” added John Wright, Chief Operations Officer at Roman Ltd. www.roman-showers.com

FORMICA GROUP WORKTOPS POPULAR AT KBB BIRMINGHAM The Formica Group showcased its popular worktop designs and collections at the recent KBB Birmingham exhibition, including the full range of Axiom® by Formica Group, Formica Prima®, and Aria® worktops.

The Formica Group stand hosted home and kitchen retailers, interior designers, architects, and distributors experiencing the full product range up close with the striking abstract décor Layered Sand in 22mm square

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edge format with matching full-length splashback proving a firm favourite among visitors at the stand.

Speaking at the event about the Formica group stand design and its tie to current kitchen designs trends, Nina Bailey, Formica Group European Design Lead commented, “Colour and patterns are quick, accessible ways to put personality into a kitchen.

A great tool to do this is by installing a splashback.

Prominent kitchen trends

According to visitors, the talking point at the stand was the Formica Rewards program which is designed to support and reward kitchen retailers with a range of benefits which include: - Earning points as a retailer on any purchase made on Formica worktops and redeeming prizes from over 95+ stores in the United Kingdom.

- Access to a resource library filled with digital brochures, product images for use on social media and websites plus full sheet scans - Being the first to know about new Formica products plus a dedicated support team to handle any enquiries.

To know more about Formica Rewards, visit :

www.formicarewards.com.

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Sponsor News

CARBON NEUTRAL ACHIEVMENT FOR ROMAN UK shower enclosure manufacturer, Roma, has announced that it’s achieved carbon neutral certification from the Carbon Trust.

The process is extremely thorough and covers all operations and emissions from Roman’s 400,000 square feet manufacturing site in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. This also includes assessments of emissions from employee’s commuting, business travel and the treatment of waste generated in own operations.

Achieving Carbon Neutral status has been a key objective for Roman over recent years and highlights Roman’s enormous ongoing commitment to the environment. Roman has a significant focus on materials and the Circular Economy and is committed to only using recycled aluminum and ensuring that all packaging is from recycled cardboard.

Hugh Jones, Managing Director, Advisory at the Carbon Trust said: “We have worked with Roman Limited this year to verify their 2019 and 2020 Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions in accordance with ISO 14064-3. Roman Limited has met the requirements under

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“We are extremely proud to have achieved Carbon Neutral status. This is already extremely important for us in the hotel and project sector; increasingly so in housebuilding; and will hopefully become ever more important in the retail sector."

PAS 2060 and we are delighted to certify their emissions and operations at Durham as carbon neutral as part of their sustainability journey.

David Osborne, CEO of Roman, added: “We are extremely proud to have achieved Carbon Neutral status. This is already extremely important for us in the hotel

and project sector; increasingly so in housebuilding; and will hopefully become ever more important in the retail sector.

As an established and renowned British manufacturer, we give huge focus to sustainability and further breakthroughs will be coming over the next few years.” www.roman-showers.com

NEW

UPGRADE TO A ™ QUARTZ SMART SHOWER WHY SMART? The Aqualisa Quartz™ smart shower range offers full connectivity into the smart home for the first time.

Smart showers combine the precise electronic control of a digital shower with the modern convenience of voice and app activation for effortless showering with an installation that is recognised and loved within the trade.

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UPGRADING FROM A BAR MIXER? The Quartz™ Smart Retrofit Shower is an all-in-one solution, which includes a Quartz™ Collection shower and upgrade assembly kit, making the move to smart showering simple.

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Industry News

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2020 + COMPUSOFT LAUNCHES GLOBAL DESIGN COMPETITION KBB design software company 2020 + Compusoft has announced the return of its Global Inspiration Contest for kitchen, bathroom and office designers.

The competition is open from now until May 23, to all users of 2020 Design Live, 2020 Fusion Live, 2020 Office, Winner and Innoplus platforms. The competition is divided into twelve categories and designers will be judged on their creative, functional and aesthetic design skills in each.

The winners will be chosen by a panel of guest judges, including Business of Furniture editor Rob Kirkbride, NKBA director of member relationships Alan Dove, kbbreview editor Rebecca Nottingham, and President of ESPRITMEUBLE Gaëtan Ménard. Grand prizes will also be awarded by the sponsors ­which include Caesarstone and ARAN Cucine – as well as a ‘Voters’ Choice’ prize based on public votes.

As well as recognition of their design skills from their peers, the winners will receive Amazon gift cards varying between $500 and $1,000 (awarded in the winners’ country currency).

SENSIO LIGHTING LAUNCHES NEW KBB TRAINING ACADEMY Yorkshire-based kitchen and bathroom lighting supplier, Sensio Lighting, has launched a new academy and mobile training centre aimed at KBB designers and sales teams.

The Sensio Academy is made up of a digital training platform, live online and in-person training programmes, and MICK, the Mobile Illumination Centre for KBB. Sensio says the aim of the new initiatives is to equip designers with the knowledge to confidently specify lighting in their kitchen, bedroom and bathroom projects. The Sensio Academy’s mission is to deliver on the company’s brand promise of ‘Making Lighting Simple’.

As a bespoke mobile training centre, MICK will be visiting design and sales teams up and down the country to deliver training at retailers’ own premises. “MICK isn’t just a showroom on wheels,” says Oldfield.

“We’ve designed this in such a way that when designers come on board, they are participating in a fully immersive experience.

Paul Gerrard (pictured right), an experienced trainer with a background in delivering training within the armed forces and the police force, joined Sensio in the autumn of 2021 to bolster the training team and will be taking the lead in delivering training out in the field via MICK.

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ARMAC MARTIN, ROMAN AND THE USED KITCHEN EXCHANGE SELECTED FOR THE QUEEN’S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE Three KBB companies have been selected for the Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2022.

Armac Martin and Roman have been recognised for their achievements in International Trade, while in the Sustainable Development category, The Used Kitchen Exchange was recognised.

The Queen’s Award for Enterprise acknowledges the best organisations in the UK that have done exceptional work in innovation, international trade, promoting opportunity (through social mobility) and sustainable development.

As part of The Queen’s Award, the awarded businesses will be invited to attend a Reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by HRH The Prince of Wales.

Roman has won the Queen’s Award for International Trade for a second time. The Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, based bathroom manufacturer has said it has done significant growth in the UK and international sectors over the last five years.

David Osborne, chief executive officer of Roman, said: “We are all immensely proud of this huge honour – and to be awarded a second one makes it even more special. The Award is recognised all around the world, and we know that this

accolade will further strengthen the Roman brand nationally and internationally.”

Also honoured for its achievements in International Trade is Birmingham-based manufacturer Armac Martin. The fourth-generation family-run company employs 110 people and has 41 hardware collections, available in 23 expert brass finishes.

Commercial director Richard McGrail said: “We are thrilled that Armac Martin has been honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade. As the most renowned British business award a company can receive, this is an incredible accolade for the whole team and is a real testament to the skilled work and dedication of each and every individual.”

Used Kitchen Exchange (UKE) has saved over 12 million kgs of carbon and 40% of carbon emissions coming from households in the UK, making them recognised in the Sustainable Development category in the Queen’s Award.

The 2022 Judging Panel commended UKE and stated: “UKE has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development because they demonstrate sustainable thinking throughout the whole product process and delivery, including influencing the wider kitchen supply industry.”

Helen Lord, UKE’s founder, said: “We are exceptionally proud and humbled to receive this prestigious Award for Sustainable Development. The success of UKE is a direct result of the passion and commitment shown by our team and the amazing support we have received from our kitchen industry partners. Together we have made massive inroads into improving sustainability, and we look forward to further developing this within the wider KBB sector.”

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Industry News

supplied by

NEW PREMIUM BATHROOM BRAND ELISA LAUNCHES IN THE UK Elisa has launched exclusively to approved bathroom showrooms in the UK, with its first products being new showers and a traditional mixer shower range.

Aqualisa is the parent company of Elisa, and the new luxury brand will be sold exclusively through bathroom showrooms.

Tim Creedon, sales director for Elisa, said: “Elisa has been an exciting journey to bring a bold vision to life. We have worked closely with our premium showroom customers and listened to installers and homeowners alike.

“We believe that the future of showering is not only powered by-products that provide data to the user via digital technology, encouraging new routines to reduce showering times, but also products that are engineered to last. The serviceability of our showers provides homeowners with the opportunity to make a greater impact, and for the installer, the premium products they are proud to put their reputation too.”

The Intuition and Incite digital showers offer a bespoke showering experience for the whole family as each household member can create their profile within individual settings. The settings can be changed via the ShowerMe Smart App, and it has connectivity with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.

The shower can be started and set to the desired temperature via the app or from a wireless remote, or the motion-controlled proximity sensor activates the shower automatically when the user steps in. A bath fill option also ensures the bath is filled to the perfect temperature and level every time.

There are various sustainable features like the ability to see how much water is used or to set a shower duration. In addition, the dashboard gives a breakdown of each family member’s usage and the overall water being consumed daily.

The Intuition and Incite range comes in various choices like fixed drencher head, adjustable handset and bath fill features. All models

are fitted as concealed shower units for a discreet and elegant finish.

Incite is only available in chrome, while Intuition also comes in matt black or brushed brass.

The two ranges have Elisa’s SmartValve technology that allows the maximum temperature of the shower to be set for added safety, and the flow rate switched to ‘Eco’ mode to reduce water usage up to 33%.

The Valenteena (pictured top) mixer shower is traditional in its timeless design. However, it has modern features like a precise thermostatic technology to control the temperature of the water, and an automatic cut-off system, ensuring safer showering for the entire family every day.

The brassware is available as an exposed or concealed design in a choice of chrome or gold-plated finish. In addition, all Valenteena showers come with a five-year manufacturer’s guarantee.

NEW CEO APPOINTED AT COMPUSOFT + 2020 Joerg Jung has been appointed as chief executive officer at Compusoft + 2020 and started the new role on April 15, 2022.

Jung was most recently the president and general manager of international (EMEA & AJP) and a member of the executive leadership team with software enterprise company Infor.

His experience with software is extensive, and he has also worked for SAP, Deutsche Telekom’s intelligent networks and cloud business, and Unit4.

He said: “I am truly excited and honoured to be joining such an amazing team and successful company. It is very impressive

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what the various teams have achieved already and it will be my great pleasure to be leading the digital transformation as the innovation leader in the industry.”

Interim CEO David Tombre said: “From the outset of the merger, the goal has been to take Compusoft + 2020 to the next level, increasing the company’s global footprint and capitalizing on our position as the market leader in our space. To that end, myself and the Board of Directors felt it was imperative to find a CEO who was not only experienced in running the type of business we will become,

but also shared our values in growing business, teams, and the company.”

Tombre will step down as CEO and continue as a chief operating officer focusing on critical

areas of the business, including product and service deliveries.

The recently merged company employs more than 1,900 people and has 70,000 customers across 100 countries.

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Industry News

SINKS & THINGS

REVEALS NEW-LOOK LOGO AND ENHANCED WEBSITE Ashford-based distributor Sinks & Things has undergone a brand refresh including the creation of a new logo, enhanced website and refreshed marketing assets.

The Franke-owned company merged with Cricklade based The Sink Space in January and the refresh has been undertaken as part of Franke’s commitment to investing in the business as a key part of its UK distribution network.

The new Sinks & Things logo has been developed to create a fresh new image that better reflects the current market and the company’s proposition as a specialist in Franke products.

In addition, the website, www. sinksthings.co.uk, has been updated to incorporate the new brand image and to include an up-to-date ‘Our Team’ page.

The Sink Space customers visiting the old website are now redirected to a message on the Sinks & Things site explaining the changes to the distribution businesses. The new branding has been updated across all the company’s marketing assets including email footers, business cards and presentations.

Jo Sargent, Sales and Marketing Director of Franke UK, says: “The investment in a fresh and modern new Sinks & Things brand reflects a dynamic new start for the business following the company’s merger with The Sink Space. It also reflects our commitment to investing in the business as we look towards future growth.”

Franke acquired Sinks & Things in January 2020 to build on the company’s 40-year distribution partnership and strengthen its regional presence in its heartland of London and South East.

The company currently distributes Franke’s entire portfolio including sinks, taps, waste management products and decorative hoods and following its the merger with The Sink Space, it now also offers the full Carron Phoenix range giving customers access to both brands from one single provider.

Other products in the company’s portfolio include Domus Ducting, Interbin waste management and McAlpine plumbing kits. www.sinksthings.co.uk

Pictured: Tom Reynolds, Chief Executive, BMA; Damian Walters, Founder & Chief Executive, BiKBBI, (witness to the signing) and Yvonne Orgill, UWLA MD

INDEPENDENCE FOR THE UNIFIED WATER LABEL ASSOCIATION The Unified Water Label Association, (UWLA) has become an independent body with the signing of a share purchase agreement with the Bathroom Manufacturers Association that transfers the full ownership of the Water Label to the UWLA.

Tom Reynolds, Chief Executive at the Bathroom Manufacturers Association added, “As the UK government and European institutions consider their policies to address water scarcity, we urge them to fully utilise the Unified Water Label.

“This is an exciting next step for the Unified Water Label,” says UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill “The journey that began with the European Bathroom Forum, has brought together four European schemes that now operate together as the Unified Water Label Association, an independent body.

The independence of the scheme is an important step, giving further confidence to policymakers and shapers that the scheme is the best way to help consumers make sustainable choices.”

Carlos Velazquez, president of UWLA said, “I am delighted that the UWLA has reached this important stage on its journey, and would like to thank all our stakeholders who have supported and contributed to the development of the Unified Water Label.”

“The Unified Water Label continues to have the support of bathroom manufacturers and retailers, and is gaining further traction with other players in the sector. With this momentum, I know the scheme will go from strength to strength in its next chapter.” www.uwla.eu

SCRUFFS CHOOSES U-PRO IN RETAIL PARTNERSHIP U-PRO, an online retailer of trade tools, accessories, and products, has teamed up with Scruffs, a UK performance workwear brand as it expands its product offering to customers. A popular choice amongst many trades. Scruffs is

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renowned for its hard-wearing, long-lasting clothing, boots and accessories.

As well as a wide range of Scruffs workwear and footwear, U-PRO will stock the full range

of Scuffs cloting including the new switchback 3 safety boots, a brand-new addition to its hugely popular high specification safety boot range. www.u-pro.co.uk/collections

STRONG AND BEAUTIFUL LV T F L O O R I N G Competitively priced without compromising on performance, Malmo™ LVT offers a stylish solution suitable for a wide variety of high-end commercial and domestic applications.

Contact us to find out more.

08457 298 298

malmoflooring.com

info@malmoflooring.com

@malmoflooring 21

Industry News

BORA X BO,

2022 INNOVATION AWARDS WINNER BORA X BO, the manufacturer’s first steam oven, has been met with high acclaim since its UK launch this spring, winning the Judge’s Choice award for 2022 at the kbb Innovation Awards.

Announced during the Birmingham event at which BORA X BO made its UK debut, the prestigious award tops off what was an extremely successful show for BORA. The awards judges were said to be ‘blown away’ by the versatility of BORA X BO. This was the reaction from many of the visitors to the manufacturer’s stand during kbb Birmingham too, with the appliance’s multiple

functions and self-cleaning cycle drawing great attention.

The BORA X BO is a steamer and oven rolled into one appliance. The steam oven offers professional technology for the domestic kitchen, with a steam extraction function built-in.

Together with the innovative activated charcoal odour filter it keeps the kitchen full of fresh air, ensures a clear view and prevents steam from escaping when the door is opened. It is also WiFi and Bluetoothcompatible www.bora.com

SHOWERWALL JOINS VIRTUAL WORLDS Making it easier than ever to design statement bathrooms that are also big on practicality, Showerwall bathroom wall panelling products are now available on Virtual Worlds.

Among the many Showerwall solutions now available on Virtual Worlds are panels in its Laminate and Acrylic collections, making it simple for retailers to include the latest trends for

Terrazzo, minimalist prints, and classic tile designs into their bathroom designs. Visually appealing and waterproof, the wall panelling also allows for grout-free installation and these high-performance surfaces are easy to clean and maintain. www.showerwall.co.uk www.virtualworlds.co.uk

TUBIST T BY ABODE Abode´s Tubist T has been exclusively designed to give the end user even more control when prepping food, pot filling or cleaning necessities like kitchen utensils, cookware or dirty dishes.

It aligns perfectly with the latest lifestyle trends which are experiencing a 63% surge in cooking and entertaining in the home. Paul Illingworth, Design Director at Abode says, ”Tubist T, is designed with physical ergonomics in mind to offer a single lever tap that fully optimises both performance and efficiency in the kitchen.

Taking influence from our popular Tubist range, Tubist T comes with an iconic T-bar style pull-out spray, which is shaped

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to keep both hand and wrist in a neutral, stress-free position and weighted to ensure a fast, gravitational pull back.”

The new Tubist T kitchen tap is available in three fashionable finishes - Brushed Nickel, Matt Black and Chrome, and is competitively priced say the company.

Product advantages include a trigger spray function with c.60cm pull-out to reach the corners of even the largest sinks.

A Cool touch sprayhead for hot spray practicality and hot water control and a cold start ceramic disk valve that gives Super smooth operation, no unnecessary boiler or backwards handle. And it offers aerated

water for improved water efficiency and reduced splashing and has a weighted hose to aid retraction.

Leanne Adamson, Marketing Manager at Abode says, “Tubist T is part of the premium range of Distinctly Abode kitchen taps that offers original and unique

designs for anyone wanting something different. We feel that Tubist T fulfils this level of exclusivity, offering a readymade kitchen assistant designed to elevate the contemporary kitchen and utility room space.” www.abodedesigns.co.uk

The tap that does it all 100°C BOILING, CHILLED AND SPARKLING WATER With a Quooker in your showroom you can offer your customers the only tap in the world that dispenses true 100°C boiling, chilled and sparkling water. Well-known, extremely popular, and already sought after by your customers thanks to our extensive national marketing campaigns. Quooker offers high-quality, innovative kitchen taps that are already being used by millions of households throughout the world. As an official Quooker dealer, our in-house service team will take care of all after sales matters for you, and we can even arrange installation by a Quooker engineer.

We also have a unique industry-leading virtual online platform that enables consumers to choose the right product for their kitchen without your involvement. This way, you can focus on what you are good at: selling beautiful kitchens.

Contact us for more information on how to become a Quooker dealer.

Quooker UK Ltd. Beaumont Buildings Great Ducie Street Manchester M3 1PQ +44 (0)1617 685 900 enquiries@quooker.co.uk www.quooker.co.uk

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Sinks & Taps

Quooker, Fusion Round, Black Chrome

Quooker, Classic Fusion Square, Chrome

Quooker Nordic Square Twin, Polished Chrome

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Quooker, Flex Black, Naturel

Sinks & Taps

THE TAP THAT DOES IT ALL INTRODUCING THE NEW QUOOKER CUBE

Following the successful With CUBE, super chilled and launch of the CUBE in 2019, sparkling water can be enjoyed Quooker has introduced its without having to wait or waste latest product development, any of this precious commodity. the new and improved CUBE. What’s more, one cannister of Anaccessorythat4tseasilyonCO2 yields 60 litres of sparkling to any existing Quooker tap, water, eliminating the need to CUBE provides instant chilled buy single-use plastic bottles. and sparkling water.

Precisely dispensing the amount of sparkling and chilled water Now lighter and more compact, needed at any given moment, the new CUBE is easier to install CUBE ensures responsible and takes up less under-sink consumption, offering a space. It also boasts a statesustainable solution in the of-the-art touch screen digital kitchen. display panel that will show how much sparkling water is left, The new CUBE is also equipped alerting users when cartridges with a new and improved filter. and filters need replacing.

Easier to install and replace The new CUBE also boasts an thanks to its easy-to-access improved water flow for the placement, this filter with an chilled water mode.

Active Carbon and Hollow Fibre, optimises taste and the odour The improved CUBE also comes of tap water. with two different effervescence levels – the same strength as the The company states that it current CUBE and a softer level is a ‘one-of-a-kind accessory, with fewer bubbles. Users can the new CUBE delivers a now pick their preferred level revolutionary and intuitive of fizz in their drinks, meaning system to create the tap that better flavour and versatility. truly does it all.’

Quooker, Fusion Square, Gold

Super chilled and sparkling water can be enjoyed without having to wait or waste any of this precious commodity.

What’s more, one cannister of CO2 yields 60 litres of sparkling water, eliminating the need to buy single-use plastic bottles.

www.quooker.co.uk/cube

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Sustainability

FRAIKIN SUPPLY AO WITH NEW CNG VEHICLES TO CUT CO2

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Sustainability

Fraikin has delivered 10 new CNGpowered tractor units into operation with AO, as the online electricals retailer looks to reduce its carbon footprint and improve sustainability across its commercialvehicle5eet.

Signed to a five-year, full-service contract hire agreement, the new IVECO S-WAY NP 4x2 tractor units are the first in AO’s 129-strong trunking fleet to operate on natural gas. The vehicles operate on compressed biomethane and replace older, diesel-powered trucks.

Utilising its industry expertise, Fraikin was able to highlight how the new IVECO units could provide a cost-effective solution with the right environmental credentials.

Supplied in AO’s striking green vinyl livery and with both single double deck trailers, the new vehicles will carry large appliances between the company’s depots in Crewe and North London, clocking up around 125,000 miles per year. Over the last two years, the retailer has increased its warehousing capacity by over 80% to 1.5 million sq ft and rapidly grown its distribution network to over 25 depots across the UK. In total, AO currently operates more than 1,000 commercial vehicles, including 3.5-tonne ultra-light weight home delivery vans supplied on contract hire by Fraikin.

David Ashwell, MD of AO Logistics, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the new CNG vehicles into our UK trunking fleet and continue our successful partnership with Fraikin. At AO Logistics, we are always looking at ways to improve our operation in terms of both sustainability and fuel efficiency – trialling these new IVECO tractor units is a fantastic step towards reducing our impact on the environment.”

The new S-WAY NP features some of the most mature gas driveline technology available on the market, enabling operators to dramatically reduce carbon emissions by up to 95 per cent when running on biomethane.

Peter Eaton, Sales and Business Development Manager at CNG Fuels, commented: “CNG Fuels are thrilled to be working with AO and Fraikin on this project and to be welcoming these 10 CNG vehicles through our Bio-CNG Station network. These vehicles will be running on 100% Renewable & Sustainable Biomethane and will be helping to reduce HGV emissions by over 90% currently. By the end of 2022 our aim is to deliver Biomethane that will achieve a Net Zero emissions target for all of our customers.”

The new truck design features improved aerodynamics to help reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. With large, 1,052-litre fuel tanks, the S-WAY NPs will be more than capable of handling their intended operational trunking routes, offering a range of up to 380 miles on a full tank.

Mark Guilfoyle, Business Development Manager at Fraikin, says: “Having already supplied 63 tractor units into the fleet since the companies began working together in 2017, Fraikin has built up a solid understanding of AO’s business and are acutely aware of what is required from the vehicles it operates, as well as its wider environmental aims.”

As a business, AO is also a leader in the recycling of used white goods, with its own state-of-the-art recycling facility in Telford – a commitment to lowering its environmental impact Fraikin has helped to mirror with the move away from fossil fuels.

If the new trucks prove to be a success, the company will look to replace more dieselpowered assets, with Fraikin once again ready to offer guidance and advice on the best available options.

www.fraikin.co.uk www.ao.com/sustainability

'As a business, AO is also a leader in the recycling of used white goods, with its own state-of-the-art recycling facility in Telford – a commitment to lowering its environmental impact Fraikin has helped to mirror with the move away from fossil fuels.'

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FUNCTIONAL SPACES – KITCHENS FOR LIVING RESEARCH Key early findings released to support installers With the needs of homeowners evolving over the past two years and continuing to do so, Häfele UK has carried out in-depth research into the impact of kitchens on consumer wellbeing as part of its Functional Spaces: Kitchens for Living campaign.

These initial findings of our research are just the start of how we’ll be supporting the installers in understanding, as well as meeting, the changing needs of the consumer. In the coming weeks, we will be releasing a whitepaper to share our findings in further detail.

To be the first to receive a copy of the whitepaper, visit hafele.co.uk/register

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Loox & FREE Space

Aspekt doors

10%

of homeowners use the kitchen as a makeshift office when working from home and

Larder units/wirework

4%

of homeowners even exercise in their kitchens.

When it comes to storage,

32%

of homeowners said they didn’t have enough More than

85%

said their kitchen impacts their emotional and mental health

As seen on BBC2

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Definitive Research

HOW KITCHEN DESIGN AFFECTS OUR WELLBEING' With the needs of homeowners evolving over the past two years and continuing to do so, Häfele UK has carried out in-depth research into the impact of kitchens on consumer wellbeing as part of its Functional Spaces: Kitchens for Living campaign.

Here Natalie Davenport, Head of Marketing at Häfele UK, reveals some of the 4ndingsandwhatitmeansfor installers.

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We can all agree that the past two years have brought huge change, especially in how we use our homes and critically, how our homes impact on us.

To help our customers fully understand the impact of these changes, but also, how the design, layout and usability of a kitchen can affect our quality of life, we have recently completed a research project with 2,009 homeowners to find out more.

While it won’t surprise you that nearly all homeowners (91 per cent) use their kitchens for cooking, our findings show that millions of homeowners are using the space for other purposes. An estimated 4.55 million homeowners (26 per cent) use their kitchens for socialising and entertaining, 2.8 million (16 per cent) use the room to relax in, and 1.9 million people (11 per cent) use it as a playroom or homework area →

'One in five people revealed they don’t like their current kitchen.

More than 85% said their kitchen impacts their emotional and mental health.'

Definitive Research for children. The data shows 1.75 million homeowners (10 per cent) use the kitchen as a makeshift office when working from home and 700,000 homeowners (4 per cent) even exercise in their kitchens.

This need for versatility now translates into buying behaviour, with 15 per cent saying they wanted to be able

to change the function of the room, for example by closing off areas to hide mess or change the use of the space, when choosing a new kitchen.

Also,13 per cent said they wanted to be able to change the mood of their kitchen, for example using lighting to create different atmospheres when cooking, working, entertaining or relaxing. →

'Our findings show that millions of homeowners are using the space for other purposes. An estimated 4.55 million homeowners (26%) use their kitchens for socialising and entertaining, 2.8 million (16%) use the room to relax in, and 1.9 million people (11%) use it as a playroom or homework area for children.'

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Definitive Research KITCHEN NIGHTMARES But while kitchens could be designed to have a positive impact, this currently isn’t a reality for many. As part of the research, one in five people revealed they don’t like their current kitchen. More than 85 per cent said their kitchen impacts their emotional and mental health, while two thirds said if their biggest issue was fixed in the kitchen, it would improve their quality of life.

In terms of these issues, badly designed storage, limited space and poor layout are the top three kitchen bugbears in the UK. When it comes to storage, 32 per cent of homeowners said they didn’t have enough; 17 per cent said their storage is located too high for them to reach, a further 17 per cent said that they find it difficult to access items in corner cupboards, while 13 per cent said they can’t store small appliances conveniently.

Meanwhile, 27 per cent of people said their kitchens are too small, with more than one in five saying their small kitchen leads to cluttered worktops. And when it comes to layout, one in seven say their kitchen is poorly designed, with one in 20 citing worktops that are too high and badly positioned cupboards as their main gripes.

Some respondents also admitted to having downgraded their storage solutions when having their most recent kitchen designed; for example, one in ten downgraded the internal wirework storage installed into their cupboards. But having realised the subsequent impact on their use and enjoyment of the kitchen, more than one in five (21 per cent) said that next time they were purchasing a kitchen, they would shop around to get the best functionality for their budget.

'We also explored the features in homeowners’ kitchens that they find the most useful. Pantries and larders also made the top ten, along with hidden bins and recycling, all showing the importance of the practical, as well as the aesthetic.'

WHAT GOOD LOOKS LIKE Through our Functional Spaces: Kitchens for Living campaign, the kbb industry can get unique insight, helping them to support customers in creating functional kitchens that maximise the usability, flexibility and value of the space, while balancing personal style and design trends to improve their day-to-day lives.

To help translate the research into actionable advice, we’ve also partnered with architect and designer Laura Jane Clark from BBC’s Your Home Made Perfect who is turning the statistics into practical ideas.

Working with Laura, we’re encouraging those involved with the design and installation of kitchens to think about how to create physical and visual connections for the customer in the space, as well as carve out specific areas for designated purposes.

Approaches such as broken-plan design can be an effective way to achieve this for example, but there are lots of design and installation tricks to maximise the usability of the kitchen, depending on the needs of the household. For example, using sliding doors to create a hidden home office that you can shut away at the end of the day.

To help the kbb industry focus on the elements that are key to the consumer, we also explored the features in homeowners’ kitchens that they find the most useful.

While simple functional items like cutlery drawer inserts topped the table, pan drawers and corner storage were close runners up, followed by charging points for devices, spotlights for practical work and preparation and lighting built into cabinets. Pantries and larders also made the top ten, along with hidden bins and recycling, all showing the importance of the practical, as well as the aesthetic.

SUPPORTING INSTALLERS These initial findings of our Functional Spaces: Kitchens for Living research are just the start of how we’ll be supporting our customers in understanding, as well as meeting, the changing needs of the consumer. In the coming weeks, we will be releasing a white paper to share our findings in further detail. For a copy, visit the link below.

We’ll also continue to develop our value added services such as our Lighting Design Service and Sliding Door Specification Service, plus our product range with solutions that help installers and designers meet these changing needs.

Building on solutions such as our award-winning Free range of hinges that help maximise cabinetry space, or vast wirework range to make more of awkward corners – and at whatever the customer’s price point – we’ll make it easier for installers to create kitchens that give much more to the consumer and happy customers who’ll recommend their installers for making their dreams a reality, rather than a nightmare. www.hafele.co.uk/register

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E

M

ID GUARAN MA TE ER

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 on our website.

Scan here for more information

www.mermaidpanels.co.uk 33

Wall Panelling

Keely Greenhalgh, National Sales Manager, Mermaid

Withasigni4cantriseinconsumersseekinga In recent years, the bathroom installation industry has designer bathroom look, installers are turning to benefitted from a boom in business as consumers invest panellingasane]cientalternativetotraditional in home improvements rather than their usual trips tiling methods. Keely Greenhalgh, National Sales abroad. Although this has been great for the sector, the Manager at Mermaid, explains how simple it is growing demand for a good bathroom fitter has meant to create a homeowner’s dream look without the increased lead times as installers attempt to deliver their hassle of tiling: usual quality of work under time constraints. → Image supplied by Mermaid

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Wall Panelling Image supplied by Mermaid

Depending on the size of a bathroom, it can take days to tile the walls – time which could be well spent working on other projects. By comparison, panels can accomplish the same effect as tiles but in a mere matter of hours, considerably reducing bathroom fitting times. The fact that we’ve seen a 50% rise in online searches for ‘bathroom tile alternatives’ over the last three months suggests that consumers are open to a different approach to their bathroom décor, which could well make now the time for installers to break with tradition and revolutionise the way they work.

The Potentials of Panelling Wall panelling does not compromise aesthetics, instead offering consumers the freedom to design their bathrooms how they like.

For instance, most panel ranges come in many styles with textured finishes that match the latest interior trends, including stone, marble and wood effects.

For those keen on a tiled aesthetic but without the time and cost implications, a range of panels exists to meet this brief too.

Mermaid’s Elite range also offers panels in different sizes with postformed edges, which installers can adapt for horizontal and vertical applications.

This flexibility means fitters can implement various design finishes extending beyond the shower or bath to vanity units which hide pipework, and even windowsills. The postform edge also eliminates the use of aluminium trims typically found in panelling installations, making it possible to create a seamless look when using some surface patterns. →

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Wall Panelling

Ease of Installation Working with tiles can be time-consuming, requiring specialist tools and each tile having to be applied to the wall individually. A panelling system, by contrast, will cover a much larger space per unit, with each panel easily cut to size using traditional woodworking tools.

An adhesive is all that is required to secure the panel to the wall. At the same time, panelling also removes the need for grouting, with a professional water-tight finish accomplished by applying a sealant to the panel surface. With Mermaid’s Elite range of postformed panels, there is no need to seal the edges with silicone, thanks to tongue and groove edges which easily slot together for a contiguous look that removes the need for unsightly trims.

Mermaid's Elite range also offers panels with postformed edges

Post-Installation Peace of Mind Guaranteed With grouting out of the picture, cleaning the product is as simple as using any bathroom cleaner with none of the dirt build-up usually found in a tiled environment – a benefit that will appeal to almost every homeowner.

Over time silicones can often break down, leading to an increased risk of water damage to the product and eventually, the potential for costly leaks within the building. Although panel systems avert this problem, aluminium can be prone to corrosion, which runs the risk that metal trims will fail after prolonged use. By seamlessly slotting together, Mermaid’s Elite range of versatile panels create a water-tight seal without the need for trims, which means installers can rest assured that their time won’t be wasted with callouts to failed product installations.

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Mermaid also supplies its own patented adhesive and sealant called Complete – a liquid polyurethane-based formula adopted from the marine and aerospace industries, which offers strong grab adhesion and gap filling properties that will repel water.

Confident in the longevity of its products, Mermaid provides a 15-year guarantee on installations using the Complete formula.

The efficiency of panelling makes it the new go-to for bathroom fitters when advising their customers of the right products, whatever the application. The reliability of the latest generation of panels on the market means installers can complete their projects with confidence, heading out to tackle the next job without worrying about the last.

www.mermaidpanels.co.uk

Panels can accomplish the same effect as tiles but in a mere matter of hours, considerably reducing bathroom fitting times.

Bring the Great back into Britain - Install a Vogue (UK) Heated Towel Warmer or Designer Radiator

Image showing our Stainless Steel Pearl MD058

Vogue (UK) Ltd Strawberry Lane, Willenhall, West Midlands, WV13 3RS. United Kingdom T: +44(0) 1902 387000 F: +44(0) 1902 387001 E: sales@vogueuk.co.uk W: www.vogueuk.co.uk

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Installer Profile

INSTALLER

OF THE YEAR 2022 At the inaugural BiKBBI Awards, held recently at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, Westminster, the ‘blue ribbon’ category for Installer of the Year was won by Paul Miles of ACE Electrical & Plumbing Ltd. The Installer Magazine team were delighted to have a chat with Paul about his achievement. →

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Installer Profile Many congratulations on this achievement Paul, what does this accolade mean to you?

To be recognised by a panel of industry experts is a fantastic high, I see it as a pat on the back for achieving and maintaining very high standards in what we do, and it has motivated me and my team to keep striving to improve.

I guess this is reward for many years within the industry?

I would say, yes, many years! I set up the business (sole trader) back in the late 90’s after a career in food retail, I guess transferable skills, customer service, problem solving, planning, computer skills etc. So over 20 years in the kbb industry, since starting the business from scratch.

By default, winning the Installer of The Year award is a win for your business too so what do you think makes the difference between your business and many other installation businesses out there?

I can only speak about my business, but a constant drive to do better, to try and learn from mistakes, (as they do happen) to use the best quality materials and mostly, to listen to what the customers is really after, offer best advice, help customers make the right choice. Collectively these make the job so much more satisfying, especially when you can look at the end result and be proud.

You are based in Essex, do you travel further afield or do you remain local?

Do you install kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms?

We tend to only do local projects, occasionally we have gone further afield, but only on a recommendation (where we have been recommended by a customer to friends or family). As once you have been a customer of ours it can often lead to more projects

Kitchens and bathrooms, but we do take on much more if its a part of a bigger project, recently we have converted, modified or made into new rooms, the whole ground floor of a property, including all plumbing, electrics, plastering, decorating and carpentry; in all, 7 rooms were made new, from floor to ceiling and everything in-between.

What initially got you into kbb installation?

Having outgrown ( in my mind ) the retail world, which paid well but wasn't mentally stimulating. A chance arose for me to accept voluntary redundancy, I grasped the opportunity and set on my path to becoming what I am today, where boredom plays no part in working as an installation business.

"To be recognised by a panel of industry experts is a fantastic high, I see it as a pat on the back for achieving and maintaining very high standards in what we do, and it has motivated me and my team to keep striving to improve."

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

We are both as we are currently on the installation books for John Lewis, Wren, and we have in the past for B&Q, Wickes, Victoriaplum. However, I have not been able to take on any of their work since the early days of the pandemic, and at this time, they have blanked out my diary, at my request, due to our demand from private customers and repeat business etc.

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

Staff, I started on my own, took on an apprentice (Mike who is now a director with me) and then we have tried several team members, ranging in skill levels, including other apprentices, but until the fitted furniture apprentice scheme was launched (first time) we had failed to get the right calibre of people, we have kept Elliott, who did go through the course at Procat, started 2018/2019. →

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Installer Profile How many men do you have working for you?

Would you advise other installers to become members and why?

Including me, we are four.

Yes, BiKBBI membership is a testament of our high standards and practices. It offers peace of mind to potential clients, as it reassures them that they are in safe hands if their chosen tradesmen is a member.

What do you think of the BiKBBI Apprentice scheme?

I fully support it and will continue to do so. In fact we have just this week employed Archie Beadle from the BiKBBI Apprenticeship scheme. The whole process has been made easy by the institute and we fully recommend it.

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

Listen, watch and learn. The tradesperson teaching you would have taken years to get to their skill level, you are being shown the best methods, most effective, economical and productive.

How long have you been a BiKBBI member?

We were head hunted by Bathstore, back in 2015, and as part of the recruitment. We were asked to become members of the BiKBBI, which I was quite happy to do as we did not belong to any other professional body at that time.

What does being a member add to your business?

I see membership as a testament to quality.

I'm proud to be a member.

What’s the secret of growing a successful business?

Attention to detail, understanding what your potential customers are after, ensuring you have the skills and abilities to deliver and exceed expectations. It is also important to network, so that other skilled trades that can support you when needed. Also, manage situations before they become a problem.

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

Building the team without compromising standards.

Do you have a family Paul?

Yes, I am a very lucky man, I have four beautiful daughters, ranging in age, from 10 to 18 and a beautiful, wonderful wife that keeps us all in line.

Hobbies or past times?

Keen squash player and a little badminton, now and then.

Favourite holiday destination?

Florida, what more do you need for a family?

A villa with a pool and lots of theme parks.

If you could take one record or movie on a desert island (assuming there was electricity) what would they be?

Film - Pulp Fiction. Tunes? It's hard to pin one down, I think I would need Spotify !

Favourite sports team?

Arsenal.

Finally, what your hopes for the future both professionally and personally Paul?

Professionally, to continue to drive the business to greater success whilst personally, making sure that I keep the work / lifestyle balance in order.

www.aceplumbers.com

Thank you so much for your time Paul. The Installer Magazine team send you our heartfelt congratulations on your deserved Installer of The Year win and wish you health, happiness and further success for the future.

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Maris Fragranite Bowl. Spacious, durable and hygienic.

SPECTACULARLY BIG

The Maris Fragranite bowl is designed to make a big splash in any kitchen. Impressively spacious and extremely accommodating, it makes light work of larger pots, pans and baking trays. But as well as its striking size, the Maris Fragranite bowl is also exceptionally durable and hygienic.

Made from scratch-resistant Fragranite, a composite based on quartz, the material is also treated with Sanitized® to prevent the growth of germs and bacteria.

Discover the full range at www.franke.co.uk 41

Sinks & Taps

FRANKE’S

EASY INSTALLATION VITAL TAP NOW OFFERS FLEXIBLE FILTRATION FOR ENHANCED WATER QUALITY 'The pioneering and patented technology removes 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, together with rust, pesticides, hormones, chlorine and even microplastics, while retaining all beneficial minerals such as calcium, magnesium and fluoride.'

Franke Vital Capsule Filter Semi-Pro Pull Out kitchen tap in Matt Black and SilkSteel

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Sinks & Taps

The rise in demand for fresher hot and cold mains plumbing. With tasting water and increased no specialist tools required, Vital concerns over single use plastic has is an ideal product for installers to drivendemandfor4ltertapsinthe recommend for retrofit projects. An home. Franke’s best-selling Vital optional Chiller Unit can be connected Capsule Filter tap is a good option for 5-12⁰C filtered water. to recommend for installation, particularly as it now includes The tiny recyclable filter cartridge is achoiceoftwo4ltercartridges housed in an ergonomically designed thatcaterfordierencesinwatermetal capsule that is integral to the quality in properties that are old or tap, meaning there is no filter system new build. taking up valuable cupboard space under the sink. The pioneering design Flexible filtration also allows for super-easy cartridge replacement; once 500 litres of water One of the biggest selling points of has been dispensed as indicated by the Vital Capsule range is its advanced the discreet LED light the capsule can filtration system. The pioneering and simply be twisted open, and a new patented technology removes 99.9% cartridge popped in. of bacteria and viruses, together with rust, pesticides, hormones, Eco-friendly chlorine and even microplastics, while retaining all beneficial minerals such With the ever-rising awareness to as calcium, magnesium and fluoride. eliminate single-use plastic bottles, Vital fits the bill for consumers Recognising the difference in water looking to live more sustainably. quality in different households, One Vital filter capsule dispenses the Vital Capsule now comes with the equivalent volume of water to two different filters; the usual High 500 1-litre plastic bottles, which Performance filter which is best could potentially end up in oceans, suited to new build homes with more landfill or be incinerated. This also modern pipework, and also a new makes Vital a great money saver too High Flow filter for use in homes with when a bottle of branded water can older pipework where sediment may cost anything between 80p- £1.40 a be a problem. This gives installers go. A household of regular bottled the chance to advise on the correct water drinkers can save hundreds of filter suited to the water quality pounds every year by switching to of a particular household with the Vital. homeowner then continuing to purchase the correct replacement Design choice filter going forward.

Premium design matches premium Understanding the flexibility of technology with the Vital range which the Vital filter system will not only offers a choice of three different tap benefit consumers by providing styles: a compact dedicated single fresher tasting water; it will also save dispense model; a 3-in1 J-Spout installers time on unnecessary return design and a 3-in-1 Semi-Pro model visits. featuring a flexible hose and spray function. Reflecting the vogue Quick and easy installation for metal finishes, all models are available in two tactile combinations Featuring a unique ‘above the of Chrome and Gunmetal and Matt worksurface’ design, the Vital tap Black and Decor Steel. is installed with the same speed and ease as any standard tap with www.franke.co.uk

High Flow filter

High Performance filter

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Bathrooms

FOUR GOOD DESIGN AWARDS 2021 FOR VITRA

VitrA V-Care Prime shower toilet

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VitrA’s receives four Good Design Awards including one for its innovative VitrA V-Care Smart Panel and V-Care Prime – the digital flush plate and multifunctional shower toilet.

Established in 1950, Good Design is acclaimed globally and prestigious design competitions. The Good Design Awards is organised jointly by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. With these four new awards, VitrA now has a total of 44 Good Design Awards.

VitrA's winning designs for 2021 included VitrA V-Care Prime and V-Care Smart Panel. VitrA also won an award for its Atelier 01 tile collection and Archiplan bathroom collection, launching later this year. www.vitra.co.uk

“The Good Design Award is terrific recognition of the work of Design Studio VitrA and the international designers we collaborate with to create products that consumers and specifiers really understand and appreciate.”

Margaret Talbot, Marketing Manager, UK and Europe.

The Mira Activate Digital Shower Range Familiar fit, Superior kit.

EARN £10 IN POINTS FOR EVERY MIRA DIGITAL YOU REGISTER

DOWNLOAD THE APP! Sign up to InstallerPRO to realise the benefits of InstallerPRO for buying Digital.

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Bathrooms

MIRA

ACTIVATE & INSTALLERPRO

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Bathrooms

Remaining at the forefront of innovation and on the cuttingedge of showering technology, Mira Showers continues to observe the very latest trends to create exceptional products anddelivereasy-to-4tsolutions for installers. From designing the worlds4rstthermostaticvalve to creating luxury technology for the bathrooms of today, the heritage shower brand’s 100 years of experience in pioneering design shows no signs of slowing down.

As Mira Showers looks to the future with products that maximise efficiency and important sustainability credentials, the Mira Activate range is just one of the brand’s latest innovations that offers consumers smart controls and sustainable showering experiences, with hasslefree installations for installers.

Mira Activate has been designed with the installer in mind and provides flexible installation across the entire product family. Available in single and dual outlets, the range can be installed new or as a specific retrofit for the Aqualisa Quartz, providing an easy, simple, and familiar process with a superior kit. There’s minimal pipework alteration required – which means no new holes or new tiles – and with the three-pin plug, it really is a case of ‘plug and play’!

Featuring both ceiling and rear-fed fittings kits that come pre-assembled, plus two digital value platforms suitable for both high and low pressure systems, Mira Activate is TMV2-rated and boasts a holistic, brand-new valve design, that offers a simple yet smart shower installation.

When it comes to intelligent design that is leading the way in the latest digital technology for smart bathrooms, the Mira Activate range ticks all the boxes. Complete with all the features that have given Mira its outstanding reputation, the model’s intelligent design features the latest digital technology too, so that consumers can enjoy total convenience.

Its stylish digital display and controller is linked to the Mira Showers app – which can be used to control the shower and access help and support – giving users the ability to create personalised showering experiences.

Consumers can set up user profiles and utilising up to ten customisable pre-sets, and utilise rich insights into their daily shower habits, tracking their water consumption to achieve →

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Bathrooms more responsible and sustainable solutions whilst saving money on water bills.

Complimenting the app, users can use their smart speaker devices to turn the shower on and off, run a pre-set, and set the temperature – making for an even easier experience, every time they step inside.

Discussing how technology and sustainability in showering is expected to grow, Suzannah Adey, Digital Product Manager at Mira Showers, said: “Though digital showering has been around for over 20 years, it is still considered ‘new technology’ that has been bolstered with the development of apps, smart controls and voice technology. We’ve definitely seen a push for connected and smart products in the last few years and we expect that installers will see much more demand for digital showers as customers take steps to become more sustainable.

Digital and sustainability go hand-in-hand, so it will continue to be a growing market.”

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“It’s crucial that we make our products work for installers because we know how important professional tradespeople are in bringing our products to life and understand the part they play in ensuring our customers enjoy the very best experience with their Mira shower – so making their job easier is very important to us.”

Recognising the hard work and providing on-going support for professional installers,

Mira Activate has been designed with the installer in mind and provides flexible installation across the entire product family.

Mira Showers free, exclusive InstallerPRO membership programme offers independent trade professionals priority technical support, business development tools and the latest professional training – plus a range of merchandise, installer kit and retail voucher rewards.

Suzannah continues, “The Mira InstallerPRO programme is our way of rewarding the support of our installers. Mira Activate, along with all digital showers in the Mira range, are worth 100 points – with more exclusive benefits and unique rewards designed to make life a little easier for trade professionals also featured.”

For more information on the Mira InstallerPRO programme and to download the app which is available for free on iOS and Android, visit: www.mirashowers.co.uk/installerpro

Buy British - Install a Vogue Heated Towel Warmer or Designer Radiator

Harmonique

MD060 A perfect combination for heating and drying. This versatile product will suit any modern bathroom.

With a white double panelled radiator as standard and 25mm chrome horizontal tubes.

Other radiator colours can be specified.

Vogue (UK) Ltd Strawberry Lane, Willenhall, West Midlands, WV13 3RS. United Kingdom T: +44(0) 1902 387000 F: +44(0) 1902 387001 E: sales@vogueuk.co.uk W: www.vogueuk.co.uk

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Bathrooms

IT’S TIME TO GO

BIG!

Bathroom brand HiB has expanded its best-selling Exos range to include an impressive 120cm width option. The elegantlydesignedcabinetoersdelicate, precision illumination around the edge of each door, that is operated using a touch-free sensor switch. This along with the ambient underlighting, helps tobringthebathroomtolife,re5ecting the surrounding décor to integrate the cabinet into the complete look.

A gentle giant in the bathroom, the 120cm Exos offers sleek, understated style that is well suited to a range of trends from structured, industrial designs to playful and bright aesthetics. The cabinet also contains an integrated heated pad beneath →

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Bathrooms

the mirrored doors, which ensures that condensation is reduced on the surface and visibility is maintained.

But it’s not just the outside which offers impressive technology. The Exos cabinet also features a range of solutions for charging, such as an integrated USB socket and 2 pin charging point. Shavers and electric toothbrushes can be kept on the handy removable ‘keep-clean’ mat kept inside the cabinet, which aids hygiene and cleaning.

HiB Sales Director Ash Chilver said: “The 120cm Exos cabinet offers all the key technology and style features our customers know and love, but in a grand

size that can completely transform the space. It has been designed to complement a double vanity unit with dual basins and is ideal for storing all the bathroom essentials you could need.

We’ve found that the larger mirrors and cabinets are popular with customers looking to enjoy the best of both worlds, ample storage and statement styling to suit their design. Often it has been paired with the HiB Novum Aeon and Blend ranges with our Eden basins to create a sleek, contemporary look.”

www.hib.co.uk

'But it’s not just the outside which offers impressive technology.

The Exos cabinet also features a range of solutions for charging, such as an integrated USB socket and 2 pin charging point.'

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Business

Alastair England (left) and Dr Daniel Schmitt (right)

OMEGA FACILITATES

FURTHER EXPANSION Omega PLC has announced that it continues its plans for growth, with further significant investment in plant equipment which is essential in enabling the company to increase production while maintaining its reputation for high quality and for ontime deliveries.

The ongoing investment in plant has facilitated the relationship between Omega PLC and Homag Group AG to grow and continue to go from strength to strength.

Some three years after completely overhauling its manufacturing machinery and installing Homag edgebanders, saws, drills, presses and CNC routing machines, volume growth has to prompt Omega to invest further with the addition of a new Centateq P110 point to point drill. This is the second of these machines that Omega has acquired and will help to add more routing and drilling capacity to the production floor.

Commenting on the acquisition of the machinery, Alastair England, Operations and Production Director of Omega, said, “Homag is a vital partner of Omega and are fully

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“Homag is a vital partner of Omega and are fully integrated into the business, ensuring that we have the best fleet of machines to meet our quality and growth plans for the future."

integrated into the business, ensuring that we have the best fleet of machines to meet our quality and growth plans for the future, all backed up with a class-leading support package. We believe that our very strong partnership, where over 95% of the machines in our factory are made by Homag, will ensure that we can achieve these goals.”

Further to the installation of the Centateq, a new Sawteq B400 saw will also be installed in February. This will allow more efficient cutting of MFC for both doors and carcasses which will increase production capacity yet further. On a recent visit to Omega the new CEO of Homag Group AG, Dr Daniel Schmitt stated, “We find the growth plans of Omega particularly exciting and Homag is fully in its support. With these two new machines, we can see the importance Omega places on ensuring that their production capabilities remain at the forefront of technology and that the company has serious intent on it aims to be in the future.” www.omegaplc.co.uk

DISCOVER MORE

Install award-winning bathroom products in your next project…

Find out more about HiB’s mirrors, cabinets, furniture and accessories, designed to make bathrooms beautiful. hib.co.uk | sales@hib.co.uk | +44 (0)20 8441 0352 | 53

In Focus wood, which add a degree of warmth to neutral bathroom spaces. We’ve taken these into account with Bushboard’s Nuance range of panels, which offers five on-trend categories that combine the realistic appearance of stone, marble, wood, travertine and quartz together with textured finishes that look just like the materials they have been crafted to represent.”

5. What do you consider to be the three most important personal characteristics to have in the world of business?

“My first would be having the human touch – being able to communicate effectively at all levels is so important and that ability to understand different personalities and their wants and needs will usually give individuals a real opportunity to grow in their career.

I also think having an interest in commercials should never be underestimated. The ability to understand forecasts and the vision of the businesses you work for and with gives you a huge opportunity to make a tangible difference through your own ideas.

Q&A WITH DIONNE STARR,

SALES DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AT WILSONART Wilsonart UK, manufacturer and product innovation than and distributor of highwe’d have typically seen before pressure laminate surfaces, in such a short space of time. has appointed Dionne Starr as its new Sales Development “From recreating spa-like Manager, as the business looks features in the home to using to enhance the support on products such as bathroom oertoitsnetworkofkitchen panelling to make a real and bathroom retailers – a statement, installers have been move which, in turn will given the opportunity to really improve the range of products capture the imaginations of their and extensive support customers and create some available to installers. outstanding work along the way.

The Installer magazine spoke to Dionne about her thoughts on the industry and gained an insight into some of the values she holds in high regard as she steps into her new role.

1. What makes the kbb industry such an exciting one to be involved in right now?

“Having seen the industry benefit a great deal from the home improvement boom around the pandemic, we’ve seen so many more homeowners and installers embrace the latest design trends

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2. Having been hired to focus on Bushboard’s wall panelling systems initially, how much of an opportunity do you think the product category offers installers buying from the retailers you work very closely with?

“I think the surge in demand for installers and the likely impact of that on the quotes for projects has made homeowners seriously consider products that take less time to install and also less time to clean and maintain.

Bathroom panels certainly meet both of those requirements

and given the size of the market for tiles in the UK, the potential for panelling to steal a share of that market is huge. The benefit to installers is the potential to diversify their offering while also reducing the time they need to spend on a typical job.”

3. What advice would you give to an installer looking to speak to a retailer about bathroom wall panelling for the first time?

“I think my main piece of advice would be not to go into that conversation with too many preconceived ideas around the suitability of the product. The versatility of panelling, as well as its ease of installation, makes it an option suitable for a huge array of projects, so keeping an open mind is really important.”

4. Are there any particular colour or interiors trends you think will be popular in 2022?

“One of the biggest trends we’re seeing now is natural textured materials such as stone and

Finally, I believe everyone should strive for success and to be the best they can.”

6. What was your dream job as a child?

“Oddly enough, I actually wanted to be a doctor until I watched Casualty. At that point, I realised that I don’t do blood!”

7. Who is (or was) your role model?

“I know it’s a cliché but it’s my mum. She is a strong, independent, reliable woman who strives to be the best she can at everything.”

8. Tell us an interesting fact people would be surprised to hear about you?

“I am actually blonde! I’ve had dyed brunette hair and fake eyebrows for many of years now that people who didn’t know me before, find it very hard to believe that I am a natural blonde. Well, that is until I start speaking!”

For more information about Wilsonart UK and the complete spectrum of bathroom surfaces available, or to order a sample, visit: www.wilsonart.co.uk

QUALITY, SERVICE & PRICE GUARANTEE English Rose and Chippendale pricing is frozen until 2023, enabling you to quote with confidence.

Extensive stock holding within the UK enhances Omega’s first-class service, offering kitchens delivered complete from stock.

E XC E P T I O N A L B R I T I S H K I T C H E N S

Offering a wide choice of ranges and cabinets, manufactured using quality components, fully supported by Omega’s 20 year guarantee.

For more information contact marketing@omegaplc.co.uk | www.omegaplc.co.uk

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Bathrooms

VITRA LAUNCHES

WIDE-RANGING ROOT BRASSWARE COLLECTION International Bathroom brand VitrA has launched Root, a striking and wideranging bathroom brassware range.

smooth, rounded curves for a softer look, while Root Square has defined geometric edges for a bolder look.

Created by Design Studio VitrA, Root is a comprehensive collection of brassware with over 130 skus including basin, shower, and bath mixers, all in four different finishes.

Every product within the range is available in chrome, gold, copper, and brushed nickel, which means all elements of the bathroom can be co-ordinated for maximum impact.

The hardwearing colour is applied using an advanced VitrA process that gives a resilient and beautiful finish. →

The range offers two design choices – Root Round and Root Square. Root Round has

Root Round, built-in basin mixer shown in copper

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"The Root range is elegant and stylish, and the sheer breadth affords retailers maximum design potential."

Bathrooms

Check out our new designs

Root Square deck mounted mixer in brushed nickel

The range is enormously versatile, with basin mixers available as deck-mounted or built-in, and in a range of sizes including compact, standard, and tall. It also includes several bath and shower mixer options, including deck-mounted and floor-standing bath mixers and a range of built-in shower mixers, diverters, and spouts – complemented by wastes and bottle-traps as required.

The bath and shower mixers in the range are compatible with VitrA’s V-Box concealed thermostatic valve.

Root brassware features an exclusively designed flow regulator and the collection’s Unified Water Label certified mixers reduce water usage by 60% even in the lowest consumption category (5 litres/

minute water flow). The basin mixer cartridge with heat regulator and flow rate control provides extra savings in both energy and water consumption.

Being able to control the amount of water and energy used helps to conserve natural resources and reduce heating bills.

“We believe that Root brassware will be a great success in the UK market, says Margaret Talbot, VitrA Marketing Manager for UK and Europe. “The Root range is elegant and stylish, and the sheer breadth affords retailers maximum design potential. The Root collection will be joined by new bathroom furniture later in the year – a range like the brassware that will be comprehensive, striking, and hardwearing.” www.VitrA.co.uk

The full Showerwall range now includes over 100 designs which reflect the latest interior trends. This includes our brand new Compact Tile Collection and 4 new and stunning Marble designs.

Root Round medium monobloc basin mixer shown in chrome

To check out the range or order a free sample, please visit our website at www.showerwall.co.uk or get in touch with us on info@showerwall.co.uk

Join our Find a Fitter program You can still join our find a fitter scheme!

To register to become a Showerwall fitter and increase your visibility to customers, visit www.showerwall.co.uk/fit-it

Wall Panelling

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Wall Panelling

SHOWERWALL UNVEILS

NEW DESIGNS AT K B B B I R M I N G H A M 2 0 2 2

Showerwall, designer and manufacturer of stylish wall panelling, debuted its latest collection the recent KBB Birmingham, bringing its range to over 100 vibrant designs.

Reflecting the latest interior trends, its popular Laminate Collection includes four new marble designs, with each decor created to replicate organic materials. Also new is the Compact Collection, while the Acrylic range provides a truly unique offering the manufacturers state, with customisation available in a variety of colourways and solid coloured panels, which can be matched to the customers choice.

The range draws inspiration from nature, delicate tiling details and some fun, funky and quirky designs and the range is ideal for homeowners looking to create a sanctuary in their home. →

"Each new Showerwall design has been inspired by the feelings it can create for homeowners, allowing them to replicate a spa like environment in which they can recharge.”

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Wall Panelling Steph Harris, Product Manager at Showerwall, commented: “ Interior design trends are now being shaped by our feelings towards what we want to achieve in each room of the house, whether it’s somewhere we’re spending our working day or a sanctuary for us to relax and escape to. It comes as no surprise therefore, that the bathroom is the central area throughout the home where individuals are looking to restore their energy and improve their health and wellbeing. Accordingly, each new Showerwall design has been inspired by the feelings it can create for homeowners, allowing them to replicate a spa like environment in which they can recharge.”

At KBB Birmingham, Showerwall showcased its new range architecture, which included four new designs that replicate the look and

feel of real marble, including its Breccia, Calacatta, Tacoma and Veneto designs.

Taking inspiration from nature, Showerwall’s Acrylic Bromelia, Escape, Flower wall, Foliage, Plant Wall and Savannah prints create an outdoor haven indoors and Geometric designs, Deco tile, Grafito, Square Parquet, Starlight and Vertical Tile create a real wowfactor in the home. Finally, Showerwall has revealed its modern take on vintage designs with its Fern, Victorian Floral and Vintage China panel designs. Each of these designs come in a number of colours to ensure they complement a variety of styles and settings.

Showerwall also unveiled its new Compact Collection at the show, which is made from a strong solid composite material, embossed to create a tile effect wall. The range offers

3mm solid laminate panels that are quick and simple to fit and offer hygienic benefits as they are easy to clean and maintain.

Steph added: “With this exciting new range we have created a new brochure, available for retailers, showcasing our range architecture and design offering in a way that is easy to understand. As part of the brochure, we have created a next steps guide for each collection, helping homeowners to decide their chosen décor, panel details and finishes such as trims and sealants to create a waterproof system.”

The full Showerwall collection offers a comprehensive range of decors to suit all tastes, with panels available in sizes 600mm, 900mm and 1200/1220 x 2400/2440mm, backed by a guarantee of 30-years.

Breccia

At KBB Birmingham, Showerwall showcased its new range architecture, which included four new designs that replicate the look and feel of real marble, including its Breccia, Calacatta, Tacoma and Veneto designs.

www.showerwall.co.uk

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

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TIME FOR A CHANGE? With our detailed understanding of the marketplace, we can offer free confidential advice as you decide on which direction to take your career in.

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OUR TOP JOBS 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.

We currently have opportunities nationwide for:

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Kitchen Designers Showroom Managers Merchant Branch Managers Sales Staff - Internal & External Account Managers

Health & Safety

PP-EASY DOES IT

Whenitcomesto4ttinganylaminateor compact laminate worksurface, wearing the correct PPE Kit mustn’t be overlooked, says Paul Graham, installation expert at Bushboard. Here, Paul outlines the basic requirements for personal protection when installing kitchen countertops.

The house building and home improvements boom over the last two years or so has certainly brought with it a healthy pipeline of work for kitchen installers, but with that can often come a degree of pressure to accelerate work and prevent lead times from slipping. As ever though, cutting corners when it comes to the safe and proper preparation and handling of a laminate or compact laminate worksurface will always prove to be a false economy.

Granted, the subject of PPE may not be the most exciting, or the reason installers chose to go into their line of work, but with the majority of KBB installers self-employed, we feel it’s our duty to ensure they are always in the best possible position to maximise their earnings. The harsh reality is that one freak accident in the absence of the correct PPE may cause the kind of injury or illness capable of putting an installer’s career at risk.

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So, what exactly does a manufacturer deem to be best practice from a health and safety perspective?

What equipment do I need for a compact laminate kitchen countertop installation?

Regardless of the laminate type, arguably the most important piece of PPE is a pair of anti-scratch, anti-fog safety glasses, which will nullify the risk of eye damage caused by dust or debris. When a circular saw is used for cut-outs or to reduce a panel of compact laminate to size, the blade could be spinning at around 5,000rpm, which is enough to cause any loose debris to travel with some force.

Ear defenders are another essential piece of PPE for a fitter’s toolkit. The sheer density of compact laminate in particular can make a big difference to the noise created when cutting the product – especially if the installer doesn’t have access to a premium grade saw and blade. For best results, both in terms of product finish and noise levels, we recommend a circular saw with a new 48-tooth blade, but that certainly doesn’t reduce the need for ear protection.

Most of the circular saws used by installers will offer built-in dust extraction, but that’s not to say extra measures shouldn’t be taken. Around 85% of airborne particulates can be removed by a dust extractor, which means an EN149 standard face mask offers allimportant protection against the remaining 15% or so.

The unique characteristics of compact laminate such as Bushboard’s Zenith collection of kitchen worktops, mean they are generally thin but very heavy. This creates the requirement for protective gloves with a sturdy grip when carrying the product, which will help to protect the finish of the laminate as well aid the installer’s handling.

Similarly, as with any working environment, safety shoes with steel toecaps are a must, not least because of how heavy the typical sheet of compact laminate can be. →

Health & Safety

What else should I consider to be best practice?

No matter how fit and healthy you might feel, a sheet of compact laminate should always be considered a two-person lift. Not only is it naturally heavy, but it also always needs to be stored flat, so making sure the product can be manoeuvred into position carefully is hugely important to maintaining its structural integrity. Failure to store the product flat runs the risk of the product warping, which may then make the installation much more challenging than it needs to be.

With the rise in remote working among homeowners, the impact of your choice of equipment on noise levels should be as important a consideration as ever. The same goes for making sure the area you are working in is well-ventilated, which will reduce the disruption caused by any airborne dust particles created when the product is cut.

To sign up to the Zenith course on the BiKBBI Academy, visit: www.bikbbicampus.org.uk. To join the Bushboard Installer Network for VIP access to upcoming training opportunities, or to find out more about Zenith and the complete range of worktops available, visit: www.bushboard.co.uk

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Kitchens

Shaker UltraMatt Dust Grey Kitchen Kit

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Kitchens

KITCHEN KIT BY BA IS NOW AVAILABLE FROM TOOLSTATION BA, is pleased to announce that multichannel retailer of tools and building materials,Toolstationisnowano]cial onlinesupplierofitsnewtradeoer, Kitchen Kit. “Now that we have kitchen cabinets in our range, we really can offer the full kitchen solution and coupled with the wider Toolstation range, everything our customers would need to complete the job,” says Cara Yates, Category Manager of Kitchens and Bathrooms at Toolstation.

She continued, “Kitchen Kit is easy to choose, easy to buy and easy to build and so a perfect fit for Toolstation customers,” thanks to its new product line, Kitchen Kit, which

“We feel this product will change how fitters work, freeing up time which will give them the opportunity to fit more kitchens and earn more. The added bonus of being able to design, price and order on-line 24 hours a day." has fast become the new choice for anyone wanting a trade kitchen in quick-time. Made in Britain and available flat pack, and created for customer convenience, Toolstation customers can choose from 3 door styles: J-Pull, Slab and Shaker.

Available in standard sizes, the Flatpack offer provides a range of quick-build cabinets with a 3 day despatch and a build time as little as 30 seconds. Cabinets hold FIRA Gold Certification for quality assurance and peace of mind. Watch this quick demo video, where brand ambassador Mark Millar, gets two fitters to take on the Kitchen Kit Quick Build Cabinet Challenge in real-time: here Toolstation has over 500 branches nationwide, which are open 7 days a week.

Customers who al-ready have a Toolstation Trade Account will benefit from a 5% saving on all Kitchen Kit purchases straightaway.

In order to receive this discount, customers must show their Trade Account card in store, or log into their online account at www. toolstation.com. Trade customers who do not have a Toolstation Trade Account can apply →

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Kitchens online or via the app and once accepted, also save 5% (Business only. Conditions apply).

Trade customers can benefit from the exclusive Kitchen Kit Kitchen Builder, which is embedded on the Toolstation in order to choose, buy and build quickly and easily.

The easy-to-use kitchen styler tool helps

J-Pull handleless UltraMatt White Kitchen Kit: available Flat Pack

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customers visualize the space and ensure the best style of kitchen for each and every project.

Peter Rush, CEO of BA says, “We feel this product will change how fitters work, freeing up time which will give them the opportunity to fit more kitchens and earn more. The

added bonus of being able to design, price and order on-line 24 hours a day, means prices are transparent, quality is controlled, and delivery is fast and direct to site.”

www.kitchenkit.co.uk

Partner for Progress

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.

Kiwa Watertec Unit 26a, Rassau Industrial Estate Rassau Ebbw Vale NP23 5SD Tel. 01423 308185 uk.water@kiwa.com kiwa.co.uk/water 69

Regulations

DISPELLING THE WRAS MYTH

KUKREG4 BEING EQUIVALENT WATER REGULATION 4 COMPLIANCE TO WRAS APPROVAL Jonathan Price, Business Development Manager at Kiwa, explains how current water regulations work thus avoiding any innocent installation misdemeanours and the importance of installers understanding that KUKreg4 compliance is every bit as acceptable as WRAS. What regulations cover water systems and components All components/products installed on water systems in the UK must comply with UK water regulations (specifically the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 for England and Wales, the Water Byelaws 2000, the Water Supply (Water Fittings) (Scotland) Byelaws 2014 and the Water Supply (Water Fittings Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009)) and in particular Regulation 4 which lays out the specific requirements for the components which make up a water system. If you install components/ products on the system that are not compliant then you are causing an offence and could be prosecuted.

It's not an offence to manufacture noncompliant components, the duty lies with the installer to ensure

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that every product component connected to water supply or management will meet the relevant regulations.

Therefore, it's in the interest of all professional manufacturers of water system components, to ensure that all products are certified to meet the requirements laid out within Regulation 4 of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations.

What tests must a product pass to be certified as meeting water regulation 4?

A product must be mechanically tested to conform to a specification approved by the regulator, an appropriate harmonised standard or conform to an appropriate British Standard, this is normally achieved by testing against the Regulators specification test codes sheets or relevant BS/EN standard.

All the non-metallic materials in contact with drinking water within components/products must also meet the requirements of BS 6920 ‘Suitability of non-metallic materials and products for use in contact with water intended for human consumption.

This includes a number of tests to assess the

suitability of non-metallic materials to ensure they do not impart odour or flavour, cause a change in appearance (colour or turbidity), promote microbial growth, or leach substances (including toxic metals) harmful to human health.

How Kiwa UK water regulation 4 approval (KUKreg4) helps you demonstrate compliance?

KIWA is an international certification, inspection, testing, and training company and Kiwa Watertec specialise in testing water products and components to be certified for water regulation compliance across the world.

The Kiwa UK regulation 4 Approval (KUKreg4) is a robust method for demonstrating compliance with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.

There are many benefits to KUKreg4 over alternative approval schemes these benefits are accessible online: here KIWA certified products are listed under the Kiwa UK Regulation 4 approved product list which is accessible online: here A common myth is that

WRAS is a mandatory requirement?

WRAS is historically stated in project specifications, this is because in the past WRAS approval was the most common way to demonstrate compliance against water regulations, but WRAS is a voluntary scheme, the minimum legal requirement is for components/products to be compliant with water regulation 4 and this is exactly what KUKreg4 provides you with. KUKreg4 is widely accepted by water authorities, and since the terminology of ‘Regulation 4 compliance’ is more widely used and the decision making of WRAS approval no longer involves the water authorities KUKreg4 has much more visibility and acceptance in the industry.

The KIWA KUKreg4 approval mark demonstrates full compliance with the UK Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999, exactly like WRAS does, so can be universally accepted as equal to WRAS approval. www.kiwa.com

Regulations

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Flooring

MALMO™

FREEDOM STICKDOWN – SLIP-FREE LVT THAT CAN BE INSTALLED WITH CONFIDENCE ANYWHERE Malmo™ Freedom Stickdown Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is proving a popular 5oorcoveringchoiceamong consumers, contractors and installers alike thanks to its ability to deliver durability, high design, easy installation and low maintenance. Now the range has just got better with the addition of an advanced technology, highly slip-resistant coating that gives extra peace of mind.

It’s ideal for any room in the home, as well as contract projects too.

Anti-slip peace of mind The new anti-slip Aluminium Oxide surface coating now features as standard across the entire collection of 25 Malmo™ Freedom Stickdown designs. It means the flooring can be used in any domestic or commercial application, including those where safety is a priority such as care homes, retirement homes, hotel bathrooms and holiday lets. The technical upgrade, which comes at no extra cost, means that professional installers can recommend the floorcovering to customers and install it with confidence in any application.

The AO coating increases Malmo™ Freedom Stickdown’s slip resistance to Dry 65 / Wet 44 PTV (low risk in wet areas), while the highly durable 0.55mm wear layer further increases its sturdiness and ensures a longlasting and low maintenance floorcovering. The coating does

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not compromise the visual quality of the flooring and provides an additional protective layer against potential scratches, assuring a high-quality finish and a satisfied customer.

Gail Alcock, Product Director for Malmo™ says: “The Aluminium Oxide coating is usually reserved for safety flooring where the design choice can be quite limited. We recognised an opportunity to offer a designled flooring that’s suitable for installation in any environment, including those where the prevention of slip accidents is vital such as the care and hospitality sectors. And obviously it’s ideal for reducing slips in the home which can happen at all ages, whether toddlers, middle aged or elderly. We offer this premium anti-slip coating as a standard feature rather than an add on sale, providing additional peace of mind to installers and end users alike.”

Installation flexibility Malmo™ Freedom Stickdown LVT offers many other advantages that make it a good product to recommend for installation.

Being a fully adhered system that is glued directly to the subfloor, the flooring doesn’t expand or contract, providing a higher degree of stability and tolerance to temperature variations compared to rigid click installations and creating more freedom in its application.

The flooring can be pre-installed before heavy objects such as

kitchen cabinets, island units, American style fridge freezers or Agas are placed on top without risk of movement, allowing a job to flow more smoothly and quickly. As no door profiles are required, it also delivers a very streamlined aesthetic and reduces potential trip hazards.

It can also be installed in conservatories and alongside large, glazed doors and other temperature hotspots without risk of fading, lifting or warping and it’s a good choice for fitting in large open plan spaces as no expansion gaps are required around the edge of a room or fixed furniture.

Quality assured The Malmo™ Freedom Stickdown range is exceptionally sound absorbent, naturally warm underfoot and compatible with water-piped underfloor heating systems. It offers the peace of mind of a 25-year domestic wear warranty, with 10 years for commercial applications.

The complete Malmo™ collection offers a total of 57 designs with 25 Freedom stickdown and 32 rigid, including the awardwinning Senses range - ensuring a stylish flooring solution for a host of applications. The Malmo™ LVT range is distributed

by International Decorative Surfaces and is available ex-stock from all of their nationwide branches for 24-48-hour delivery. www.malmoflooring.com

Flooring

Dala - Tile Stickdown from the Malmo™ Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring range

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Power Tools

A GUIDE TO

DRILLING POWER TOOL SPECIALISTS FESTOOL SHARE SOME ‘MUST-KNOWS’ ABOUT DRILLING.

Tips for identifying the construction material

Hammer and percussion drills.

Construction materials are not easy to identify in a shell. As soon as the wall is plastered or covered, the exact construction material is harder to identify. Carrying out a test drill with a small drilling diameter is the way to remedy this situation, making it easy to determine whatever is hidden under the surface:

A hammer drill works at a lower stroke rate, but with significantly greater impact energy than a percussion drill. This enables work to be completed more quickly. Hammer drilling in concrete requires less force than percussion drilling. Georg von dem Bussche, master carpenter and Festool trainer, recommends the BHC 18 hammer drill for harder construction materials such as concrete. →

Concrete Solid brick Aerated concrete Perforated brick Plasterboard Sand-lime-brick

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Very fine, white to grey drilling dust Red drilling dust Light grey, coarse-grained drilling dust Hollow spaces can be felt when drilling, light red drilling dust Hollow space behind the boards, fine white drilling dust Fine-grained, sandy white drilling dust

Power Tools

Cleaning the drilled hole Cleaning the drilled hole is something that many people often underestimate: It is an important factor when installing mounting elements, since drilling dust in the drilled hole can reduce retention forces by more than 50 per cent.

When drilling, the rotational movement of the drill bit guides drilling dust backwards but fitting a drilling dust nozzle considerable reduces exposure to dust for users.

Festool’s D 27-BSD drilling dust nozzle is very practical and clean. With its patented two-chamber system, it ensures dust-free drilling with drill bits up to 12 mm in diameter on floors, walls and ceilings. This keeps the drilled hole clean and dowels benefit from better grip.

The right choice of drill bit is key In addition to the hammer mechanism principle, physical force and drilling quality are primarily dependent on the choice of drill bit.

Festool offers drill bits and drill bit sets for working with wood, steel and mineral construction materials. For construction materials such as plastic, and especially composites. The company recommends use of special drill bits for hardwood, chipboard, plywood or MDF boards, spiral wood drill bits are perfect. When drilling in wood, the rule of thumb is: The harder the wood and the larger the drilling diameter, the lower the speed – and vice versa. Plastics can be worked using wood drill bits, but steel drill bits are better. For plastics, drilling must be performed particularly slowly and carefully so as to prevent overheating. It is therefore advisable always to keep removing the drill bit and remove chips.

Use and function of a percussion drill The hammer action works in the axial direction for percussion drills, too. Here, however, the function is generated by two tooth and notch discs, which come into contact with each other and "slide" on each other. This process transfers hammer actions to the tool chucks, which acts on the material via the drill bit. During percussion drilling, many small hammer actions act in the axial direction of the drill bit.

Thanks to the notch discs, a higher stoke rate is generated than with a hammer drill, but the impact energy is lower. To optimise drilling progress, the user can press the cordless percussion drill tightly against the drilling point. But for softer materials/ panel materials, von dem Bussche recommends working without using hammer action – such as with fibre cement panels, plasterboard, gypsum fibreboard, stone with porous joints (aerated concrete, pumice concrete) and masonry made of perforated brick.

Ear and eye protection and drilling risks

→

Always wear ear protection and safety glasses when drilling and be aware of hazards that may arise when drilling, for example, sudden jamming when drilling. It’s possible to purchase drills that help prevent injury from this happening, Festool, for example, has its TPC cordless percussion drill and the TDC cordless drill, which has an electronic KickbackStop which greatly reduces the risk of the drill suddenly jamming in the material, thereby minimising the risk of twisting your wrist. www.festool.co.uk/drilling

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Components

TITUS LAUNCHES

GROUNDBREAKING TECHNOLOGIES Titus announce recent developments that include the new System 6 family of connectors for simpli4edcabinetassembly, the TeraBlack range of products with matte black 4nishandlightabsorbing microstructure, and stateof-the-art dampers for cold environments which operate reliably in temperatures as low as -30°C. System 6 connectors feature an elegant square design that allows a large surface area of the product to rest on the panel when tightened, thereby ensuring optimum positioning.

Anti-rotation ribs prevent cam rotation and panel shift, while the angle-drive feature on the cam makes these connectors an ideal choice for applications where space for assembly is limited.

Dampers for cold environments are the latest product of Titus “Engineered for a Purpose” philosophy. By providing reliable damping at temperatures down to -30 ºC, these offer convenient and affordable solutions to

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challenges that include the damping of doors in freezers, wine coolers, mobile equipment and automobile applications.

TeraBlack is much more than just another color option. It is a unique black, non-light reflective matte finish with a highly uniform surface, and it provides a perfect response to the modern trend toward the use of black cabinet hardware. The flagship product in the TeraBlack range is the award-winning T-type hinge with integrated damping. Key features of these hinges are simplicity of assembly, wide tolerances, and consistent performance on a wide range of doors.

Tekform Slimline Tacto drawers incorporate runners with an

integrated Tacto activator that ensures effortless touch opening. The new drawers are the most recent development in the popular Tekform Slimline range of thin-wall drawers, and use the same drilling and fixing positions are previous versions.

This makes it easy to update and enhance existing designs to offer convenient and reliable opening of drawers with handleless fronts.

Slidix products are novel damping solutions for use with sliding doors. The range includes a complete family of soft-closing systems with a damping stroke of 50 or 100 mm that assure efficient damping at any closing speed for applications from 5 kg to 120 kg. A unique feature of the range is Slidix Centro, which

is specifically designed to control the motion of and centering of middle doors in applications that involve three or more sliding doors.

“Our aim is to offer innovative and practical solutions that will give our customers the maximum possible competitive advantage,” said Phil Beddoe, General Manager for UK and Northern Europe. “Titus products are precision-engineered for durability and performance. We provide customers with solutions that improve productivity and quality while reducing manufacturing and assembly costs.”

www.titusplus.com

“Titus products are precision-engineered for durability and performance.

We provide customers with solutions that improve productivity and quality while reducing manufacturing and assembly costs.”

18V cordless drills.

Pure power.

At Festool you’ll find a wide selection of cordless drills and screwdrivers, with models for industrial and construction environments, along with smaller devices that are ideal for professional home use. The appealing combination of lithium ion batteries together with the brushless EC-TEC motor combines all the advantages you need from a high-performing cordless tool.

Warranty all-inclusive

Discover more www.festool.co.uk/products/cordless-products/cordless-drills

SCAN ME

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Bathrooms Gainsborough Mixer GDSP Square

FIFTY YEARS IN THE MIX!

GAINSBOROUGH IS BACK WITH NEW LINE-UP OF MIXER SHOWERS

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Six new mixer showers at a range of competitive price points to suit every budget

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Choice of dual or single outlets and round or square shower heads to complement all bathroom interiors

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Thermostatic temperature control enables safe showering for all the family

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Premium models include Cool Touch technology for added peace of mind

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Backed by the comprehensive Gainsborough 5 year guarantee

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Straightforward to install and use

British shower and bathroom specialist Gainsborough is celebrating its 50 year anniversary with the launch of a new range of mixer showers to suit every budget whilst complementing virtually any bathroom style or environment.

The new Gainsborough Mixer Shower range includes three premium models incorporating thermostatic temperature control with Cool Touch technology, ensuring safe family showering and added peace of mind.

Within this series, customers can select from a high-pressure round or square dual outlet shower, or a single outlet bar mixer model with integrated soap dish. A versatile three spray mode handset is supplied with the round head showers.

Also available are a dual outlet shower with round or square head design and thermostatic temperature control, as well as a space-saving manual mixer shower, ideal for smaller bathrooms or over-bath use.

Each shower in this new Gainsborough collection features a durable stainless steel rail, chrome

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→

Bathrooms stainless steel ribbed hose and a convenient push-button handset holder. Furthermore, all products in the line-up are equipped with rub-clean jets for quick and simple cleaning.

Straightforward to fit, the Gainsborough mixer shower range is perfect for both new and retrofit installations. Each product is backed by the comprehensive Gainsborough five year guarantee, and the company’s expert customer support and service teams.

Tim Creedon, sales director for Gainsborough, commented, “For fifty years, our customers have trusted Gainsborough to provide consistently safe, high-performance showers at a competitive price, and the story continues with this new line-up of mixers.

Engineered for reliability and quality, these

affordable products offer outstanding value and have been designed to suit all showering needs and interior styles. Trade professionals will also find them simple to fit, whether for a new installation, or as a replacement or upgrade solution.”

The launch of the Gainsborough mixer shower collection will be supported with a proactive marketing campaign including PR, social media and influencer activities.

Technical training for installers and all trade partners is available from the dedicated Gainsborough training team.

For further details on the Gainsborough range, please visit:

“For fifty years, our customers have trusted Gainsborough to provide consistently safe, highperformance showers at a competitive price, and the story continues with this new line-up of mixers."

www.gainsboroughshowers.co.uk

Gainsborough Mixer GSME Round

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Business

KOHLER MIRA OFFICIALLY OPENS ITS STATE-OF-THE-ART

NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTRE Multimillion-pound investment showcases the business’ investment into UK manufacturing for the past and future years to come The facility was officially opened by David Kohler, President and CEO of Kohler Co., Kohler Mira’s owners.

Leading UK bathroom manufacturer, Kohler Mira, has officially opened its new multimillion-pound National Distribution Centre.

Located in Worcester, the new facility is the most advanced Kohler distribution centre globally. Having been developed by a dedicated team for over two years, the centre formed part of the business’ centenary year, and follows the opening of its Space 100 facility in Cheltenham in January.

The National Distribution Centre demonstrates the importance that Kohler Mira places on meeting the ever-evolving needs of its customers as the centre allows the brand to process orders three times faster, and links its manufacturing sites around the UK to result in one seamless delivery process.

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→

Business

The 150,000 sq ft building has the capacity for over 10,000 pallets, whilst offering world class automation. Having also been designed with sustainability in mind, the centre has recently been independently recognised with a Carbon Reduction Award by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association and also received an accreditation from BREEAM Official for its sustainability performance.

To ensure associate wellbeing remains in focus, a dedicated relaxation area also ensures associates have a space to relax in throughout their working day. Built on an 11.25-acre site, there is room to grow and expand as the business, channels, and customer requirements evolve.

Craig Baker, Managing Director at Kohler Mira said, “Our team worked tirelessly to design this state-of-the-art facility, and it has been great to see the first orders processed during our hundredth year. With innovative technologies throughout, it has been built with customer needs in mind, and will allow us to make sure they receive the very best service for years to come.” He added, “We were delighted to welcome David Kohler for the officially opening, as it further highlights our continued commitment to, and investment in, manufacturing in the UK.”

“Our team worked tirelessly to design this state-of-the-art facility, and it has been great to see the first orders processed during our hundredth year. With innovative technologies throughout, it has been built with customer needs in mind, and will allow us to make sure they receive the very best service for years to come.”

For further information, please visit the Mira Showers website: www.mirashowers.co.uk

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Exhibitions

KBB EXHIBITION HAILED A SUCCESS Kbb Birmingham 2022, the industry´s kitchen, bedroom and bathroom design show, held in March, saw over 12,400 visitors pass through its doors. The organisers say that the event featured the UK’s largest collection of KBB brandsunderoneroofandoeredmore innovation, new products and sustainable choices than ever before.

Jon Johnston, kbb sales director comments, “It has been fantastic to be back at the NEC again and seeing so many familiar as well as new faces. There were hundreds of exhibitors across 26 different product categories who were busy meeting visitors throughout the four-day event. There was a steady stream of people attending the show all extremely interested in finding out more about our exhibitors, new products and the latest trends. The show has been a huge success and it was great to see the KBB industry thriving. We are looking forward to doing it all again in 2024.”

Stands Award Winners Acquabella’s exotic beach inspired stand with their creative shower tray sun loungers, was awarded the ‘Best Bathroom Stand over 30 square metres’. Origins Living won Best Bathroom stand under 30 square metres for their stylish, nature-inspired stand, which showcased their range of designer mirrors, storage and bathroom accessories.

Belgian extraction and hobs specialist Novy won Best Kitchen Stand over 50 square metres with their stylish stand and inspirational show kitchen that really delivered the wow factor.

Elfin Kitchens won Best Kitchen Stand under 50 square meters which showcased their prebuilt compact kitchens for easy installation.

This includes their new range of designline kitchens and new outdoor kitchens, the perfect solution for outdoor entertainment with family and friends with optional fridge,

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hob or sink components.

Showerwall won the Best Surfaces category for their creative and vibrant stand which reflected consumer demand for unique patterns and interiors. It drew inspiration from nature, with intricate details and fun, funky and playful creations for those looking for brighter bolder patterns.

Trends Led the Way for New Launches The vibrant show floor reflected key industry design trends, such as sustainability with a huge range of exciting innovations from the sector. Rotpunkt focussed on trends at the show explaining that 2022 will be a landmark year for blended kitchen spaces.

The modern kitchen is being reinvented with industrial style spaces becoming more visually quiet and gender neutral in terms of colours, materials and finishes. MERLYN demonstrated how sensory design can transform the most private of spaces and created an experience-led stand featuring six unique zones.

As in previous years, kbb delivered an outstanding launch pad for showcasing new product launches to a captive market of KBB retailers and specifiers. Stand out launches included Formed and its handle rebrand from Momo, to Hendel and Hendel. The company says the new brand and evolving positioning, perfectly reflects its growing ambition in the marketplace. Samsung used the show as a platform to launch its new oven range which features new ways to steam, air fry →

"It has been fantastic to be back at the NEC again and seeing so many familiar as well as new faces. There were hundreds of exhibitors across 26 different product categories who were busy meeting visitors throughout the four-day event."

Exhibitions

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Exhibitions and air sous vide food. Countless companies took the opportunity to launch new brands including House of Rohl, which presented its brassware brand Riobel for the first time.

Sustainability Sustainability came into focus during this year’s event with both the organisers and exhibitors placing it centre stage. kbb Birmingham and The Used Kitchen Company (TUKC) announced a partnership to help exhibitors sell their displays ahead of the show to encourage a more sustainable event, and to make a valuable contribution towards recycling within the kitchen industry. The show also ensured that all its feature areas were created with sustainability in mind and were designed to minimise waste.

Exhibitor Feedback Across the show floor, exhibitors were delighted to be meeting with customers and partners once more. Rashpal Sidhu, Managing Director, Roca Group said: “We’ve had a superb few days at kbb Birmingham with a huge number of visitors to view new products and meet with our team. It was fantastic to showcase new ranges to our customers in person, for the first time and

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“The show has been a demonstration of everything that is fantastic about the industry, and we've really enjoyed being back face to face with our genuinely lovely customers."

to truly reconnect and engage with retailers and partners, and we are delighted with the feedback we’ve had.”

Natalie Davenport, Marketing Director at Hafele comments; “The show has been a demonstration of everything that is fantastic about the industry, and we've really enjoyed being back face to face with our genuinely lovely customers. There has been a brilliant energy on stand, from attendees who've really relished being able to immerse themselves in our vast range of products and the millions of different opportunities they offer when combined together. There was some great interaction between attendees and the BBCs Laura Jane Clark who joined us to deliver two masterclasses, and the functional living spaces we've created on stand have triggered some important talking points about how the kitchen industry can better meet customers' varied needs. We look forward to being back for KBB 2024.”

It seems that kbb Birmingham continues to go from strength to strength and this year, perhaps more than any other, demonstrated the value of events and meeting face-to-face.

The show will return to the NEC from 3-6 March 2024.

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Sinks & Taps

Prostream 3 IN 1 Swan Urban Copper

ABODE

LAUNCHES WATER SAVING FLOW LIMITED TAP COLLECTION Abode has launched Flow Limited Tap Collection, a range ofwater-e]cienttaps,which use up to 97% less water per minute, thanks to its specially designed5ow-limitedaerators thatreducethe5owrate,but not the pressure!

Paul Illingworth, Design Manager at Abode says, “As conservation measures continue to influence both residential and contract interiors, we feel it’s the right time to introduce a ready to order range of Flow Limited Taps for the development sector to better serve the UK homeowner.

We are finding that designedin sustainability is a big topic →

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"We are finding that designed-in sustainability is a big topic right now and given the energy price cap from 1 April, the trend to reduce energy is running in parallel with water-use efficiency.”

New Media Single Lever Chrome

Sinks & Taps right now and given the energy price cap from 1 April, the trend to reduce energy is running in parallel with water-use efficiency.”

All kitchen taps in the new Flow Limited Collection by Abode are available now on workable lead-times, WRAS Approved and delivered pre-assembled with 5lpm aerators to limit water flow rate. Contemporary and distinct, models include Pico Swan AT1226, Pico Quad AT2134, Globe AT2146, Althia AT1258, Quantic AT2070 and New

Media AT1180 mixer taps, plus Pronteau Prostyle and Pronteau Prostream 3 IN 1 Steaming hot water taps, which provide hot, cold and filtered 98° steaming hot water on demand.

Aside from Chrome, other finishes and flow limitation levels are available on request but subject to extended lead times.

Customers can special order one of the new Flow Limited tap designs in Chrome and it will be on site within 8 weeks of purchase with other finishes up to 12 weeks.

Leanne Adamson, Marketing Manager at Abode says, “In anticipation of the Government’s Future Home Standard, where homes and businesses will have to meet rigorous new energy efficiency standards to lower energy consumption by 2025, we are proud to offer six of our most popular mixer tap designs for the modern kitchen, alongside two of our Pronteau steaming hot taps.

Doing our bit to help deliver greener homes and buildings nationwide, every component

of our flow-limited taps has been extensively tested to meet exacting standards and withstand the added stress that flow restriction creates. Our new water-saving collection is outlined in the newly released Sink & Tap Specification Manual, specially curated for the luxury development market where the Flow-Limited Collection sits alongside Pronteau, and our premium range of designer sinks and taps also by Abode.” www.abodedesigns.co.uk Pico Monobloc Matt Black & Oriel 1.5 bowl Sink

“In anticipation of the Government’s Future Home Standard, where homes and businesses will have to meet rigorous new energy efficiency standards to lower energy consumption by 2025, we are proud to offer six of our most popular mixer tap designs for the modern kitchen."

JAMES GARRISON, HEAD OF TRADE We’re very proud to become a Corporate Sponsor of BiKBBI and be part of the great work they do through Education, Standards and Support.

At VictoriaPlum.com, we strive to give Best in Sector customer service through our dedicated Trade Account Management Team, supporting our industry through providing over 6,000 products and advice while making sure that the installers we work with, feel supported and valued, which is reflected in our TrustPilot score.

I am really looking forward to working closely with BiKBBI and its members in the coming months and years.

Business

FOYNE JONES RECRUITMENT GROUP DISCUSS

THE RISE OF THE 4-DAY WEEK

Foyne Jones, executive recruitment agency specialising in the KBB, Builders Merchant & Home Interiors sectors has responded to reports in the media about the rise in popularity of workers moving to a 4-day week by commenting to The Installer magazine team.

“Personally, I am a fan of anything in business which is creative, different and in a position to let people develop a new perspective on life in the workplace and so the four-day week is something employers should be considering.”

Peter Jones, Founder & MD, Foyne Jones and Jones Digital

It is fair to say that employees are now of the mindset that if the same results can be achieved in fewer days, why keep a fiveday workweek?

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The latest surveys indicate that an employer’s ability to provide a family-friendly workplace and nextgeneration company culture like flexible working and access to childcare services, is critical to optimising employee wellbeing and greater business success.

The recent lockdown measures have emphasised the number of people working flexible hours, which has increased five-fold in the last two decades and according to a recent report by Forbes, 70% of UK employees feel that flexible working makes a job more attractive to them compared to 30% who would prefer flexible working to a pay rise.

With 13 million parents in the UK employed and more than 1.5 million people in the UK now working from home, employers need to level the playing field and look at how they can support working families and not play into stereotypes that will ultimately be counterproductive. As a specialist in industries typically regarded as ‘male-dominated’, I have witnessed a sea change in recruitment, as employee engagement is now regarded as a fundamental concept in business, combined with unbiased equal opportunities.

Also its predicted that by 2030 nearly half of UK workers will be over 50 and so this sandwich generation are likely to welcome flexible working arrangements. Ultimately, as a business person, your greatest asset is engendering a positive relationship with your team which will achieve results by empowering your staff is the best way to gain the right level of productivity and form a common purpose, which will facilitate mass collaboration and create feelings of community in the workplace.

I recognise this concept will be difficult to translate across traditional retail sectors however, it will inevitably become part of everyone’s future and so I believe companies should not shy away from new opportunities to support and work with their staff.

It is fair to say that employees are now of the mindset that if the same results can be achieved in fewer days, why keep a five-day workweek? This radical departure from the typical 48 hours per week is under greater consideration since COVID-19, however there needs to be employer benefits too and these are being realized through increased sales, lower overheads and improved employee retention, which will breed loyalty and more positive culture. By virtue, reports are showing that implementing more flexible working hours can also encourage lower sickness rates and a more equitable, transparent relationship between employee and employer.

So whatever works for you and your business model, do take time to consider your staff’s state of mind and how that can impact sales, performance and day-to-day wellbeing in the workplace.” www.foynejones.com

Business

FOYNE JONES REVEALS

BALLS FOR BRAINS AS NEW CHARITY PARTNER Foyne Jones, has announced that its charity partner for the year is Balls for Brains: an organisation that works passionately to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health through the power of team sports.

Peter Jones, Managing Director of Foyne Jones says, “I am a passionate supporter of improving mental health in the workplace, as well as a massive fan of team sports so when I discovered Balls for Brains via a post on LinkedIn, I wanted to step-up and help a local charity which is dear to my heart. The company’s mission is to empower players and clubs worldwide and give them the confidence to discuss and promote better mental wellbeing for everyone. Rightly so, they start at the grass roots which is why we want to help

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"We must lead by example and support our hardworking teams through change with continuous personal and professional development and a commitment to openness in the workplace."

them to deliver their free #PackMindset workshop to all clubs in Sussex.

Based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, Balls for Brains is the brainchild of Jon Tutty, who founded the charity after re-discovering the power of community and friendship rugby provides as he managed his own mental health issues 15 years ago. Jon says, “We all need someone to talk to and when I returned to my local rugby club after a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome and non-verbal Tourette’s syndrome, everyone had my back. As people at the club began approaching me to talk about their own mental health, I saw the potential of reaching out to sports clubs as safe and supportive spaces to break the stigma surrounding mental health concerns. It’s what I call ‘the power of the pack’. Today →

Business we deliver #PackMindset to businesses and sports clubs throughout Sussex and the South of England alongside providing a 24-hour helpline and signposting individuals and families to specialist services including benefits advice, homelessness and recovery support.”

Peter adds, “I was hugely impressed by the work that Jon and his ambassadors have done for mental health and the creative approach they have taken with fundraising including a great clothing range and a clear ‘Road to Wellbeing’ strategy to assist when life feels overwhelming. We kicked off our work together by donating pre-loved sports kit so that as many people can get back into the game as possible and we have already beaten our first fundraising target by raising over £1,000 with a sponsored 5k run at Seaford in February. We are proud to help sponsor a Balls for Brains mental health first aider at rugby matches, in branded kit and is available to the public and the players on the day. Making connections through sport

and the community of family, friends and colleagues is vital for good mental health, and Foyne Jones and our sister company Jones Digital is keen to lend its signature passion, energy and expertise to give Balls for Brains an even louder voice.”

Jon was recently a guest on season 5 of The Foyne Jones Show podcast series aim to increase more awareness of the vital work that ‘Balls for Brains’ is doing. “I realise that I need to look after myself and my team to ensure happiness whilst inspiring to deliver our services to an exceptional standard; and as I believe in opening-up important conversations to a wider audience, I will be bearing the costs for a bespoke mental health workshop provided for Balls for Brains at our premises in Newhaven and invite my business friends and associates to come along for the experience. We must lead by example and support our hardworking teams through change without continuous personal and professional development and a commitment to openness in the workplace,” says Peter.

“We all need someone to talk to and when I returned to my local rugby club after a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome and non-verbal Tourette’s syndrome, everyone had my back."

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In 2022, Foyne Jones and Jones Digital pledge: • To be a positive voice for Balls for Brains and contribute to the #PackMindset • To be an active supporter of the charity across all platforms • All profits from the upcoming released of ‘The Podcast Diaries’ will go to Balls for Brains • To host a dedicated mental health workshop by Balls for Brains • Second Foyne Jones 5K to be held at Seaford Beach • Foyne Jones and Jones Digital Summer Golf Day • Foyne Jones Paragliding Day Previous charities which Peter Jones and his team have supported include SEED – Eating disorders support service, its charity partner in 2021, and CALM – the campaign against living miserably.

www.foynejones.com

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Bathrooms

FIBO EXPANDS COLLECTION WITH

NEW DESIGNS AND DECORS

Ocean Blue, Metro Brick

Every design in Fibo's Scandinavian, Signature and Urban Collections come complete with a very generous warranty of 25 years, providing customers with the peace of mind that their wall panels are watertight, robust and protected for well over two decades.

Waterproof wall panel manufacturer, Fibo, has added a selection of new designs to its Urban, Signature and Scandinavian collections, including a new Straight Herringbone design to join the popular Urban Collection; a Vertical Plank design has been added to Fibo's Scandinavian Collection, and a new high gloss décor has been introduced to the Scandinavian and Signature ranges.

Fibo's Urban Collection features an array of patterns and shapes that incorporate the urban aesthetic in an attractive and modern way. Due to the popularity of the Herringbone design, Fibo’s new straight variation offers another way for installers and specifiers to instil bold character and distinctive, classic design into bathrooms.

The Straight Herringbone design is available in three decors: the bold and distinct Ocean Blue, the serene and elegant Olive Green and the silky-smooth, glossy Denver White, all of which hit three very different trends.

The new Vertical Plank tile pattern design is another

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→

Rough Wood, Vertical Plank

Bathrooms exciting addition, to the natural and chic Scandinavian Collection. Available in three luxurious, woody decors: Rough Wood, Shabby Chic and Avalon Pine – two of which are brand new to Fibo.

Inspired by natural stone and Carrara marble aesthetics, the luxurious and high-gloss Bright Marble décor has also been added to Fibo’s range. It is available in a large format tile pattern as part of the Scandinavian Tile Effect Collection and as a plain, non-tile effect panel in the Signature Collection.

Rachel Oddy, Marketing Manager at Fibo, commented: "After the overwhelmingly positive reaction to our last set of additions to our portfolio, we're incredibly excited to be expanding our designs and shades again, bringing bold new concepts and designs to our customers, in line with the most recent interior trends.

Every design in Fibo's Scandinavian, Signature and Urban Collections come complete with a very generous warranty of 25 years, providing customers with the peace of mind that their wall panels are watertight, robust and protected for well over two decades.

For more information about Fibo's new designs, please visit: www.fibo.co.uk/collection

Olive Green, Straight Herringbone

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Smart Technology

GIRA YOUTUBE CHANNEL GOES LIVE 94

Smart Technology

Gira, full-range suppliers for intelligent building design and management, has launched its dedicated YouTube channel Gira International.

The channel offers UK customers, the latest ideas to enable smart home living, while underlining the quality and utility of its extensive product range with easy-to-understand videos about the smart home, Gira switches and sockets, product design and enjoying the latest sustainable technology saving time, money and energy with the benefits of greater comfort and security.

Jacob Muijnck, Managing Director at Gira says “As smart home pioneers continue to position themselves at the forefront of the developing UK

property market, we feel it’s the right time to showcase what we offer on a global stage, offering a deeper insight for UK customers into our brand, products and services for the built environment.”

“As our award-winning product solutions fulfil the brief for highly intuitive interior schemes that are intelligent and stylish by design, we have created an international channel for Gira customers via YouTube to educate and inspire. Taking our technical excellence to a new level of understanding, YouTube is recognised as the world’s most popular website second to Google with circa. 14 billion viewers a month and this is the reason we have chosen to join this platform and offer an ever-growing Gira video

library for customers to explore and refer back to” adds Jacob.

Simply subscribe to the new Gira International YouTube Channel today and discover the Gira philosophy and extensive product portfolio of smart building systems and solutions.

It’s never been easier to keep up to date with the Gira brand and product ranges, with a complete video library covering: • • • • • • •

Smart Home Switches & Sockets Door intercom systems Product Design Security Brand & Company Architecture & Reference projects

Please visit the youtube channel here.

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Bathrooms

SHADES OF GREY TOPPING THE BILL Vogue UK has revealed how your customers can emulate a current ‘must-have’ colour, by choosing the company’s grey, Poppy Seed (as named by Pantone).

Poppy Seed is just one of a vast selection of colours and finishes across Vogue’s collection, in fact, sixty in all. This includes a number of ‘greys’ which have become a design staple for the UK home. This said, chrome accessories still top the charts as the number one finish of choice.

The company’s full grey heating palette is available across many of the bestselling contemporary ladder rails and radiator designs by Vogue (UK), and include: Silver Crackle | Modern Silver | Modern Steel | Grey Sparkle Textured | Anthracite

Astute Horizontal Single DR036 Anthracite Radiator

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| Polished Chrome | Brushed Chrome | Bright Nickel | Brushed Nickel | Polished Stainless | Brushed Stainless | Pewter & so much more…

Vogue (UK) has selected a trio of greyinspired heating designs for The Installer Magazine: Focus Colour MD001 Silver Crackle Towel Warmer: seen upon Vogue’s popular MD001 Towel Warmer, Silver Crackle is a mottled paint effect finish offering rich grey tones with rugged texture. Designed with matching adjustable brackets for ease →

Bathrooms

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Bathrooms of installation, Focus MD001 is available in a wide-range of sizes to ensure a high capacity for hanging and drying. Model shown measures H800mm x W500mm x D93-113mm, with a 3/5/6 Bar arrangement – 275/938 Watts/BTU’s – Priced from £483.60 including vat.

FloBar Form Mitre Brushed Stainless Towel Bar

Astute Horizontal Single DR036 Anthracite Radiator: designed with a 600mm height and six available widths, this modern radiator offers a high heat output ranging from 653/2229 up to 1762/6012 Watts/BTUs, model dependent. Manufactured from aluminium, the Astute horizontal is kinder to the environment and your décor-ideas.

Design pictured measures H600 x W1135 x D76.5mm, 12 sections - 1319/4499 Watts/ BTUs - Priced from £459.60 including vat.

FloBar Form Mitre Brushed Stainless Towel Bars: a new collection, FloBar Form is a contemporary heating solution with classic bar design, shown here with Mitre joints in Brushed Stainless finish. Form is available in either 500mm or 600mm and its simple installation is ideal for first fix bathrooms. The exclusive FloBar valve offers full temperature control and the concealed flexible barrier pipes ensure safe, smooth water flow behind the scenes. Prices start from £767 including vat. www.vogueuk.co.uk

Focus Colour MD001 Silver Crackle Towel Warmer

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Appliance Trends

SIRIUS BUYING GROUP UNDERLINE KEY

2022 APPLIANCE TRENDS "As people have appreciated the importance of kitchen living solutions due to increased time at home and the desire for flexible working, the potential for product upgrades and replacements is set to accelerate, with the kitchen studio market well-placed to sell the benefits of creating bespoke spaces with all-singing, all-dancing integrated appliances."

Steve Jones, Managing Director at Sirius Buying Group, major buying group in the electrical appliance and kitchen retail sectors, predicts that the growth the industry has been enjoying will continue for the remainder of 2022 and into 2023.

Steve Jones, Managing Director, Sirius Buying Group

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“We have been closely tracking the latest forecasts so we can best advise our retailers as they enter a business-critical time. UK consumers are naturally concerned following news of a 54% rise in the energy price cap from April and the Bank of England predicting that inflation will hit 7.25% this spring. With this in mind, we must anticipate that homeowners will want to spend their cash wisely at all price points and that they will be keen to safeguard their purchases with extended warranties. A key trend this year is the importance of technical innovation throughout the market with ever-greater functionality and ease of use highly desirable. As people have appreciated the importance of kitchen living solutions due to increased time at home and the desire for flexible working, the potential for product upgrades and replacements is set to

accelerate, with the kitchen studio market well-placed to sell the benefits of creating bespoke spaces with all-singing, all-dancing integrated appliances. As a result, we can see consumers are set to invest more in their appliances in line with their desired lifestyle.

This enables independents to position themselves as kitchen lifestyle consultants as discerning customers want inspiration and flexibility to enhance their wellbeing rather than prescriptive and overly technical recommendations.

The bonus is that this approach provides an opportunity for sales in higher ticket items, resulting in greater cash margin for the independent retailer.

The kitchen is now regarded as a gateway to wellbeing and connection so smart tech and wellness are key.

As always, independents are perfectly poised to tailor their sales to the benefit of their customers to not only meet but surpass user requirements.”

For further information on how Sirius can help you to grow your business in 2022, please contact: www.siriusbuyinggroupltd.co.uk

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Business

HOW TO USE TECH TO BEST MANAGE CLIENTS Andrew Small, Managing Director for home renovation and design platform Houzz.co.uk shares tips on how you can leverage technology to elevate your client management techniques and market yourself to this tech native demographic, with these low maintenance yet high-touch strategies.

1. Deliver smooth communication Clear communication is vital for a successful renovation project. In fact, professionals on Houzz tell us that miscommunication and misunderstandings are often the root cause of frustrations. Similarly, when surveying homeowners on Houzz about why they hire their tradesperson, communication was the number one deciding factor. With Houzz Pro, an all-in-one marketing and business management solution, you’re able to deliver a streamlined communication experience, where all interactions are stored centrally, helping to avoid misunderstandings as there is a record of what has been agreed. And with the personal project dashboard, clients can access all the information about their project at any time, from any device, helping them to feel part of the process.

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2. Provide financial clarity A home renovation project is a deeply personal investment for a homeowner and not just financially, they are also investing their time, personal space and trust in you. According to a recent Houzz survey, for one in five renovators, lack of financial transparency was a challenge in their recent projects. With the suite of financial tools within Houzz Pro this doesn’t need to be the case. It’s easy to create estimates in minutes, send these out for digital signature, set up clear payment plans and quickly produce a change order any time there’s a significant change to the agreed budget. By being up front and clear about costs, the impact changes have on the budget and when payments are due, you’ll ensure that there are no surprises for the homeowner. It’ll also give you the reassurance that payments will be made in full and on time. →

'With the Timeline feature on Houzz Pro, it’s easy to create and share a visual timeline that helps the homeowner understand the stages of the process, which they can access at any time.'

Business

3. Use tech as a selling tool Winning a project is as much about selling your design as it is about selling yourself. Potential clients will also be evaluating your processes and how easy it will be to work with you.

Impress them with tools that make their life easier and help to alleviate any concerns they may have.

It’s important to also remember that visualising the finished project can be difficult for the homeowner. They may have dreamed about their new kitchen or extension for months but actually pulling the trigger on making decisions and investing the money can be difficult. With the Houzz Pro 3D Floor Planner, you can help your clients envision how a space will look and feel post-renovation and align on important project decisions early in the process, helping to move projects forward faster.

4. Manage (and exceed) expectations For many renovators, this is likely to be the first time they’ve undergone a project like this, and they won’t know what to expect. As the experienced one, it’s your job to inform them about what will happen, ensure they have realistic expectations and help them to understand the timeline.

It’s also important when working in someone’s home to be respectful of their space and let them know what will be happening and who will be there. With the Timeline feature on Houzz Pro, it’s easy to create and share a visual timeline that helps the homeowner understand the stages of the process, which they can access at any time. By doing so, you’ve not only set an expectation, but you’ve also exceeded it. These are the things people remember and tell others about.

Roman has been designing and manufacturing showering solutions for over 36 years. All products are designed and created in Britain, offering the ultimate in quality, precision and craftsmanship.

The Liberty Collection of design led shower enclosures offer a ultra-modern look with a minimalist focus. This range is perfectly completed by offering a variety of frame finish options; bright silver chrome, matt black, brushed nickel, polished nickel or brushed brass finish on all components.

SILICONE FREE WALL FIXING Top Cap Profile to Wall Tape

Profile to Glass Tape

5. Remember: when they win, you win!

By incorporating all of these points as a fundamental part of your day to day, not only are you delighting your clients and helping to attract new ones, you’re also building transparency and trust into your core business operations and mitigating any risk from miscommunication or misunderstandings, which all lead to a better bottom line. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Wall Channel

This modern collection features a unique silicone free, hydro-active wall profile sealing tape system technology, to increase water integrity, whilst also keeping with the minimalist design. A sealant filled tape is fitted inside the wall profile and is activated before it is joined to the wall and this eliminates the need for any vertical or visible silicone.

For more information visit: www.roman-showers.com

www.houzz.co.uk *Manufacturing Headquarters, Durham

Sustainability

ROTPUNKT ROLL-OUT NEW

TOGETHER TO ZERO CLIMATE STRATEGY Matt Phillips, Head of UK Operations, Rotpunkt

” We believe in controlled steady and sustainable growth as the way forward.

Corporate growth is projected to continue in the future at Rotpunkt with a renewed focus on the end user, to better understand their needs and reflect them in the products offered with an emphasis on affordable luxury."

Rotpunkt, has rolled out a new Together to Zero climate strategy in partnership with MyClimate.org, to help shape our future and support the 17 goals outlined by the United Nations for sustainable development.

Matt Phillips, Head of UK Operations at Rotpunkt says, “As the global pandemic recedes, we are planning the next stage of our brand evolution with Together to Zero. In line with increasing demand, an investment of double-digit million euros is planned to expand our headquarters in Bunde, in recognition of Rotpunkt’s stability in the kitchen industry and its home location in North-Rhine Westphalia.

The pandemic boosted our financial performance as consumers invested heavily in home improvements.

In fact, we reported the best year to date, despite new challenges arising from disruptions in the supply chain.

We are now inviting our dealer network and consumers to join us in reducing carbon emissions and making the world a better place one Rotpunkt kitchen at a time.”

"Design, function and quality are integral to our latest Together to Zero climate strategy" Bringing innovation and ease to the contemporary, feel-good kitchen is key for Rotpunkt as the wellness living trend evolves and consumers seek substance and evidence for eco-friendly claims.

Matt continues,” We believe in controlled steady and sustainable growth as the way forward. Corporate growth is projected to continue in the future at Rotpunkt with a renewed focus on the end user, to better understand their needs and reflect them in the products offered with an emphasis on affordable luxury. We pride ourselves on having an open and transparent culture and believe that having both climate-friendly products and processes is a key USP as consumers will want more accountability and responsibility from manufacturers before investing in big ticket purchases in the future. Design, function and quality are integral to our latest Together to Zero climate strategy, and so is our partnership and collaboration with our outstanding kitchen dealers – the lifeblood of our Rotpunkt family. Every day Rotpunkt moves a little closer towards climate neutrality and we invite everyone in the industry to join us on this planet-changing journey – one mission to zero emission.”

For further information on Rotpunkt UK, please email matt.phillips@rotpunktuk.com or visit: www.rotpunktkuechen.de/en

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The key components of the new Together to Zero climate strategy comprise: Greenline BioBoard Gen2: A sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chipboards. Made by Pfleiderer Deutschland, BioBoard Gen2 is a resourcesaving chipboard that consists of up to 90% recycled wood without compromising on style or quality.

Climate Protection: Using an approach grounded in ‘avoid-reduce-compensate’, all Rotpunkt carbon emissions are being reduced gradually and effectively. Any emissions that cannot be avoided or reduced will be offset via sustainability projects in partnership with MyClimate.org.

Green Production: Optimising manufacturing processes and offering employees a healthy working environment ensures that the Rotpunkt sustainability pledge covers every aspect of its operations.

Acting Responsibly: 95% of Rotpunkt kitchen furniture is Forest Stewardship Council-certified and the company only uses wood from sustainable forests in Germany, Austria and France where working conditions are fair and human rights are respected. This ensures that Rotpunkt is being socially and environmentally responsible, helping to protect people and trees. The Forest Stewardship Council is a well-respected international organisation that promotes the conservation and responsible management of forests worldwide.

Growing Together: For the past five years, Rotpunkt has been appraising its systems and practices with one overarching aim – to make the business and its products more sustainable and climate-friendly. A carbon balance sheet dictates the future of the business so that economic, environmental, and social costs and benefits are given equal consideration. Rotpunkt reviews its CO² emissions each year and takes measures to continuously reduce its carbon footprint.

Sustainability

"We pride ourselves on having an open and transparent culture and believe that having both climate-friendly products and processes is a key USP as consumers will want more accountability and responsibility from manufacturers before investing in big ticket purchases in the future."

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Case Study

BLOCKBUSTER! Daval Furniture is commissioned for made-to-measure Cinema Room A Cinema Room, which was made to order by British manufacturer of kitchens, Daval, was commissioned by professional interior design studio, Anna Crecraft Interiors.

→

“To maximise storage and design potential in a home its vital to use your imagination. Don’t just look for the one flat, full height wall in a room. Remember that in nature, a straight line does not exist, so design as nature intends.

Look for the angles, crevices, corners and floor space."

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Case Study

'Each cabinet by Daval is made from sustainably sourced materials and come in a range of highfashion finishes.'

The rich architectural style and depth of colour adds a contemporary impact to the minimalist design, with integrated Cuban Oak alcoves and custom storage ensuring a neutral and inviting vibe for movie night!

James Bodsworth, Design Director at Daval explains the thinking behind this project, “To maximise storage and design potential in a home its vital to use your imagination. Don’t just look for the one flat, full height wall in a room. Remember that in nature, a straight line does not exist, so design as nature intends. Look for the angles, crevices, corners and floor space.

We manufacture our products specifically to your orders, so that the furniture fits the space, not the other way around. We designed the cabinetry for this cinema room and additional storage on the third floor of this beautiful home, integrating the AV system with access behind the television. Integrated lighting really makes a difference to the aesthetic, helping to set the tone for a cinema room which is welcoming by day or by night.”

Simon Bodsworth, Managing Director at Daval says, “With huge home-benefits being unearthed in terms of material, design and proficiency, fitted furniture trends in the living room have shaped the way for increasingly spacious, well-lit interiors that place an emphasis on ‘stylised functionality’.”

Each cabinet by Daval is made from sustainably sourced materials and come in a range of high-fashion finishes like the featured Cuban Oak and Bronze, which add warmth and sophistication to the living area. Precision engineered in Britain, the Varenna and Mayfair Furniture Collection’s by Daval are made-to-order and made-tomeasure, as standard. www.daval-furniture.co.uk

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Installer Advice

BECOME AN UNSUNG HERO WITH A BIT OF INSTALLER NOUS Richard Renouf Furniture and Floorcoverings Consultant

A simple bead of silicone around the gap between the sink and the unit would have been enough to keep water out of harm’s way. Yes, it would have taken a few moments to do this while sealing the sink against the wall tiles, but this would have made all the difference. It’s not the installer’s fault, but the installer missed a chance to be an unsung hero.

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It’s of course no surprise to find water in kitchens and bathrooms especially if it is where it’s supposed to be … in the plumbing, the sinks or in bottles in the fridge. But some will inevitably find its way to where it’s not supposed to be, and my daughter reminded me of this a week or so ago when she came to stay.

I’ve lived in my present home for almost a year without any issues but when she decided to shower, a few minutes later water was dripping through the ceiling and round the stair newel post. Why? Because unlike her father, my daughter uses the hand spray of the shower and the overspray reached parts that had never been reached before and exposed the previous plumbers inability to seal the tight gap behind the taps.

The problem was resolved the same day, and it gave me the chance to refresh the sealant elsewhere, rather than waiting for any more issues.

Two days later, I found myself inspecting a large number of flats, primarily used by students in a university city, because there was concern about moisture ingress in the bathroom cabinets. Each flat had a small bathroom with a shower, toilet and vanity unit with a sit-on sink. In many of the flats the vanity unit had blown, with swelling, severe in some cases, of the top rail and the top edges of the doors. ‘Misuse’ claimed the manufacturer.

It was true that in some of the flats the conditions were, to be diplomatic, not as one would have expected, even though the occupants had been warned in advance of my visit. But the extent of the damage did not equate to the degree of chaos. Some of the nicest flats had the worst damage and some of the untidiest flats had none at all (it’s important to compare

bad items with good wherever possible).

The common factor was that in every case, there was a gap between the underside of the sink and the top rail of the carcase that allowed drips and splashes to run underneath the sink making it far more likely to seep into the carcase material.

So, who is liable for this? The manufacturer has a point – this would not have happened if the units had not been splashed with water. But the surveyor countered this by saying that one would expect wetness in such a place and the product should have been fit for purpose. And this was certainly the view of the property owner/landlord who was not happy with the prospect of changing so many units after less than a year.

Was the vanity unit incorrectly specified? This could be the case where a domestic unit has been used in a commercial environment, but although the property is a commercial let, it’s only a domestic flat. The arguments have the potential to escalate.

Where does the installer fit in here? This is one of those situations which is unlikely to have arisen if an experienced installer had given a moment’s thought.

A simple bead of silicone around the gap between the sink and the unit would have been enough to keep water out of harm’s way. Yes, it would have taken a few moments to do this while sealing the sink against the wall tiles, but this would have made all the difference.

It’s not the installer’s fault, but the installer missed a chance to be an unsung hero. www.richard-renouf.com

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