12 minute read
INDUSTRY NEWS BY KBBDAILY.COM
FRANKE ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF SINKS & THINGS
Franke UK has announced that it has acquired Ashford-based distributor Sinks & Things through a share sale that was completed on the 6th January 2020.
Advertisement
Sinks & Things had been one of Franke’s original distributors since the 1970’s, when the Swissbased brand of sinks was first introduced into the UK market. It has since grown to be a major distribution partner for Franke UK.
Sinks & Things will retain its trading name and continue to distribute the entire Franke portfolio, whilst operating as part of Franke’s distribution network (which includes Waterline, Swift, Forth & Clyde in Scotland, Bodel
in Northern Ireland and Kitchen Accessories Ltd (KAL) in the Republic of Ireland).
From April 2020, PJH will be leaving Franke’s distributor network by mutual agreement.
Neil Clark, Managing Director of Franke UK commented: “Sinks & Things are a long-standing and loyal partner to Franke, and we want to strengthen our relationship and regional presence in London and the South East where Sinks & Things is well established. The acquisition enables us to invest in the business to take it forward
with enhanced customer service, delivery and operations and continue building on the heritage of our distribution partnership that has successfully spanned almost 40 years.”
Mark Bristow, Managing Director of Sinks & Things said: “Sinks & Things is very proud of its long association with the Franke brand and the loyalty of retail customers across the region. The acquisition enables the business to continue providing its customers with access to all Franke products and taking the business to a new level through further investment and support.”
Vogue (UK), has won the SME News 2019 Midlands Enterprise Award for ‘Bathroom Equipment Supplier of the Year’.
The SME News Midlands Enterprise Awards celebrates ‘industrious and hardworking individuals and businesses’ based in the Midlands region to reward ‘innovation and excellence in business practice, as well as outstanding overall performance’. Recognising key businesses in East and West Midlands for driving innovation and maintaining healthy competition between sectors, Vogue (UK) has scooped the ‘Bathroom Equipment Supplier of the Year 2019’, reinforcing last year’s win as ‘Best Bathroom
Heating & Accessories Supplier 2018’
Steve Birch, Sales Director at Vogue (UK) says “To be recognised in our region for two years running is a great accolade, enabling us to continue to influence current and future heating trends. As a premium manufacturer, it is our responsibility to grow our business with brilliant local talent and I believe our team’s dedication to customer service at Vogue (UK) has been the key driver of our success.”
www.vogueuk.co.uk e: info@vogueuk.co.uk t: 01902 387000
NEW REGIONAL SALES MANAGER FOR KBBG
The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group (KBBG), a European kitchen and bathroom buying group for independent kitchen and bathroom specialists and BiKBBI sponsor, has announced the appointment of its new Regional Sales Manager, Midlands.
Neil Whitaker-Johnson joins the KBBG, part of DER KREIS, having held previous positions of national and regional sales manager in various roles across companies including Blanco, Faith Furniture Company, Astracast and 1810.
In his new role, WhitakerJohnson will support the sales team and maintain contact with current customers. It is anticipated that he will help to further establish and expand the KBBG customer base with new independent kitchen and bathroom retailers throughout the Midlands.
“This is a very exciting time in the industry and is a tremendous opportunity. I have watched the KBBG develop and grow, delivering substantial benefits for the independent kitchen and bathroom specialist. Times are always challenging for business and this is certainly the right time for the independent retailer to come on board,” commented Whitaker -Johnson.
Bill Miller, Managing Director of the Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group added: “Neil joins the company with excellent industry skills, market knowledge and experience. Neil’s credentials are vital to meet our ambitious targets and to develop the company to the next level of business growth. We are thrilled to have Neil on board.”
Collection Zenith
External curves
Cutting edge ultra thin solid laminate worktops
Worktops that combine design with practicality!
• 12.5mm ultra-thin solid laminate worktop
• 100% waterproof, allowing drainer grooves and under mount sinks to be installed.
• Black solid core allows curves to be incorporated without the need for re-edging
• Double sided decorative surface, ideal for creating co-ordinated shelving, end panels and framing.
• No templating or specialist tooling required.
Undermount sink & drainer groove
Contact us: +44 (0)1388 774661 www.wilsonart.co.uk
WilsonartUK
@ WilsonartUK Wilsonart UK
Wilsonart Ltd
KOHLER AND WEST ONE BATHROOMS PART IN CLERKENWELL
Kohler and luxury bathroom retailer West One Bathrooms have announced plans to part ways in their shared managed showroom space on Clerkenwell Road, London.
After ten years of a successful partnership and three years of jointly managing the Kohler Experience Centre, the decision has been made so that both Kohler and West One Bathrooms can allow for more growth through separate Clerkenwell ventures.
Kohler has announced that it remains committed to its showroom. Opened as the first European Kohler Experience Centre in 2017, it will continue to showcase the brand’s range of luxury bathroom items alongside its Mira and Rada brands.
Craig Baker, Managing Director for Kohler Mira Ltd said: “It’s an exciting time for both us and West One Bathrooms as we part to manage our own Clerkenwell showroom spaces. Our Kohler Experience Centre model is popular around the world and we will continue our brand presence in this creative London district to inspire architects and designers.
We look forward to continuing our relationship with West One Bathrooms as a supplier of Kohler, Ann Sacks and Kallista through their wider network of showrooms."
ROCA WINS GRAHAM ‘BATHROOM SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR’
Roca, is a winner of the ‘Bathroom Supplier of the Year Award’ at the recent Graham Plumbers’ Merchant’s awards dinner.
Roca received the award, which recognises bathroom manufacturers that foster a deep understanding and partnership with the Graham business, for offering quality products and demonstrating ‘excellent customer service.’
Lucy Barriball, Category Manager at Graham, commented: “Roca won the award because they have proactively worked with us this year to deliver strong growth, helped our people to sell their products through comprehensive training, and tailored their offer to our requirements.”
Lawrence Hodgson, National Accounts Manager for Roca, commented: “We are thrilled to have been presented with this
award from the Graham team. It clearly demonstrates the hard work and dedication our team have put into building the relationship with Graham and its employees. We are looking forward to helping them grow in the future and working together in partnership.”
BC DESIGNS RECORDS MOST SUCCESSFUL YEAR TO DATE
BC Designs has announced that it has more than doubled its turnover since 2018, in what marks the company’s 20th year of trading. It has reported significant like-for-like sales increase through developing new business and markets ensuring that the company has met its ambitious growth plans.
along with a new showroom and distribution warehouse so that we can continue to deliver excellent service to our customers.”
Darren Allison, Managing Director at BC Designs, said, “2019 marked the start of a new and exciting period for the company and we begin 2020 in a strong position. We have exciting product launches and collaborations on the horizon,
SENSIO APPOINTS NEW OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Sensio Lighting, the family run business providing LED lighting to the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom market, has appointed Stuart Law as its Operations Director to the Board. Law, a Senior Operations professional who spent the vast majority of his career in manufacturing at Procter & Gamble, will take over the role from Paul Harvey, who after four years of success in the position will be moving to focus on special projects for the business.
Law started his career as an engineer and, following progression into senior manufacturing management, worked for many years
and Lighting. Law is educated to a Master’s degree level and trained within a wide variety of specialisms. He champions a Continuous Improvement (CI) philosophy, and will be supported by Harvey as he transitions into the team at Sensio.
throughout Western Europe and the UK from a Brussels base. A specialist with experience in Lean Methodology, Automation and Cultural Development, his experience spans across FMCG, MPO, Ceramics, Printing, Plastics Commenting on the new team structure, Managing Director, Michael Linsky, said: “Stuart is joining at an exciting time of growth for Sensio. Despite a challenging economic environment, we are in a very strong position and his expertise is a great match in helping us to achieve our ambitions. I’m thrilled he is on board.”
Our patented wall panels and vanity surfaces create long-lasting style.
15 brand new designs have been added to the collection to showcase the best of current and upcoming trends including three new breathtaking marble decors.
WREN LAUNCHES IT INTERNSHIP FOR UNDERGRADUATES
This summer, Wren Kitchens is launching an IT internship programme for undergraduates that will 'develop the next generation of talented tech professionals.'
The 12 week programme, aimed at second year IT university students, is a competitively paid internship that will take place at Wren’s headquarters in Barton-upon-Humber, North Lincolnshire.
Wren plans to welcome over 200 IT graduates and interns over the next two years in order to cater for the rapid growth of the company. It will offer full-time positions to those that shine, and interns will be personally mentored by senior members of the team whilst they work on developing live systems to further improve customer experience. The internship is available in the following five tailored courses:
• PHP Developers • JavaScript Developers • iOS Developers • DevOps Engineers • Software Testers
Wren Kitchens IT Director, Craig Douglas, said: “With limited prospects in the region like this, we’re proud to be offering an exceptional opportunity for the next generation to gain unrivalled experience in a first-class tech team, and to secure a fulltime position before even graduating.
“We’re committed to investing in training and development in our tech professionals, as well as offering career opportunities within the business to ensure that they can succeed in a long and successful career here at Wren.”
SIMON TAYLOR MARKS 35 YEARS BY INVESTING IN NEW SHOWROOM AND WEBSITE
Simon Taylor Furniture, the award-winning bespoke furniture manufacturer, has announced that it is investing in a new showroom to celebrate 35 years in business. The Cane End Works HQ in Bierton, Buckinghamshire, will feature new handpainted Shaker and contemporary kitchen displays and appliances from premium brands such as Gaggenau, Miele, Novy and Siemens, in order to mark the company’s milestone anniversary. It’s also set to feature bathroom displays from suppliers including Villeroy and Boch and Perrin and Rowe.
Simon Taylor will also be investing in a new website in 2020, which will help showcase its range of bespoke kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and fine furniture. The new site, which also marks 35 years in trading, is set to feature photography by Darren Chung, and will also
have monthly blog content and additional social media activity.
Simon Taylor, Managing Director, Simon Taylor Furniture, said: “I have always had a passion for making truly bespoke furniture and the last 35 years have been both very fruitful and enjoyable as no two projects have ever been the same. Over that time, I have also made a lot of good friends in the KBB industry: colleagues, clients, suppliers and competitors.
“We are celebrating this anniversary by making a major investment in the future of our business, both with the refurbishment of the showroom and the creation of a new digital platform to showcase the Simon Taylor Furniture brand. I am excited about the plans we are undertaking as I am already looking forward to our next big anniversary, in five years’ time.”
BSH UK & IRELAND APPOINTS NEW CEO
BSH UK & Ireland, the subsidiary company of the BSH Hausgerate GmbH, has announced Gunjan Srivastava as its new CEO. Srivastava, who will succeed Andreas Meier as he begins a new role as EVP, Head of Consumer Product Division at BSH in February 2020, has many years’ experience in the home appliances market and has been with BSH since 2014. He joined the company as CEO and Managing Director of BSH India, where he was instrumental in building the brand portfolio and sales and customer service infrastructure in India.
Srivastava’s current role sees him running the BSH businesses across the AsiaPacific region including India, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Prior to BSH, he was Managing Director of Sennheiser Electronics India and has also held senior positions in companies such as Philips, Gillette and Wipro. Srivastava is set to in his new role in April 2020, with Ting Mensing, CFO of BSH UK & Ireland, deputising in the role alongside her current responsibilities during the interim period.
said: “I’m delighted to be joining BSH UK & Ireland as the new CEO.
“It’s an exciting time to be taking over, as we look to build on the success the business has enjoyed during Andreas’ time as CEO. Working in the European market is an exciting opportunity for me, after over five years working across the Asia Pacific region, and I’m looking forward to getting started in the role in April.”
Andreas Meier added: “I’m pleased that Gunjan will be succeeding me as CEO in the coming months and I’m extremely confident the business will continue to have a successful time under his leadership.
“Despite numerous challenges and uncertainties during the past five years, we have enjoyed a huge amount of success and the foundation of this has been the professionalism and collaborative culture of our employees and customer base. I would like to thank everyone for their support during my time as CEO, and I look forward to seeing the business continuing its success in the coming years.”
