Q & A WITH ROBERT GINSBERG

Q&A

WITH HiB’S MANAGING DIRECTOR ROBERT GINSBERG

"What really sets Genesis apart is its fitter-friendly construction. The range has been designed with installation in mind, with carcasses being delivered preassembled, pre-drilled holes and all fixings included."

HiB has had a busy few years. Alongside winning a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category, navigating COVID and Brexit, the bathroom supplier has also been developing new products, has branched out into new directions and has announced its CSR pledge. HiB Managing Director Robert Ginsberg has spoken to us about the secret to HiB’s success story and what we can expect from the brand in the future.

HiB has been a major bathroom brand for more than 30 years, what has been the key to the company’s success and longevity?

Over HiB’s history we have continuously innovated and have developed our range of mirrors, cabinets, furniture and accessories to make sure that they adhere to our vision, of being a leading supplier of innovative, creative solutions that make bathrooms beautiful while also making a substantial difference to the lives of our people partners and the world we live in. Our dedication to product innovation was rewarded with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2020, an achievement we are incredibly proud of.

But for all manufacturers, it is not just quality product that is needed, its excellent customer service. We have a skilled customer experience team who look after our network of retailers and installers, to make sure that everything runs as smoothly as possible. We have consistently high positive feedback from those teams and making sure our customers’ needs are met has been key over the years.

With new product development being such a big focus, what is next for HiB?

This Summer marks the release of our highly anticipated Genesis fitted furniture range. It is a really exciting time for the company and marks the next generation of furniture ranges for our HiB Novum brand. Genesis has been designed for ease-of-fit, offering units that can be adapted to suit wall-hung or floorstanding schemes, with a wide range of configurations, finishes and complementing accessories to create a complete look.

Among the options available are open and closed storage, back to wall units, infill and end panels and plinths, all available in Midnight Blue, Dark Emerald, Carbon Grey, Sherwood Oak and Matt White. Customers can also choose from a range of semirecessed and vessel basins, along with the Aero rimless toilet and a choice of worktops and handles. With the wider aesthetic in mind, customers can add a matching bath panel and LED underlighting.

Fitted furniture is often over-complicated, so to achieve the level of customisation without added complexity, the new HiB Novum brochure has been structured to provide a step-by-step approach, taking the customer through each of the necessary components to make a truly appealing look.

How does the range cater to installers’ needs?

What really sets Genesis apart is its fitter-friendly construction. The range has been designed with installation in mind, with carcasses being delivered preassembled, pre-drilled holes and all fixings included. We think it will really benefit both installers and customers and make the whole process far simpler.

How does HiB support retailers and installers?

As well as our customer experience support, we provide installers with extensive product information, fitting instructions and technical information to make the ordering and installation process as straightforward as possible. We also have a dedicated product support team, so should any installers have questions about the product or need assistance, they can provide expertise and guidance.

What does the future hold for HiB?

New product development for our mirrors and cabinets is underway with new ranges in the pipeline. We’re also branching out into new areas, developing the HiB brand to offer more choice across the bathroom market. We’re focusing on CSR and reducing our impact on the environment. Our CSR Report for 2022 outlines our targets for becoming a more sustainable company, showcasing our efforts across improving opportunities for people, ensuring an ethical and sustainable supply chain and becoming more environmentally-friendly. It's going to be an exciting few years for us!

Where can I find out more information about the new Genesis range and HiB’s other products?

All our products are available to view at our website www.hib.co.uk, where you can also download a digital brochure and find your nearest stockist. HiB is stocked in showrooms and retailers across the UK and Ireland.

Genesis Sherwood oak with Ambience Mirror "As well as our customer experience support, we provide installers with extensive product information, fitting instructions and technical information to make the ordering and installation process as straightforward as possible.".