IN BRIEF

■ Kitchen and bedroom components distributor PWS has refurbished two Design Centres, to showcase its most up-to-date selection of products. Located in Newton Aycliffe and Burnham, the showrooms have been redesigned to feature seven new kitchen displays, six bedroom displays, five home office displays and four Kesseböhmer YouK displays. Read more at www.rdr.link/KAN001

■ Bosch Home Appliances has announced over 60 of its appliances have been awarded Quiet Mark status. The Quiet Mark is awarded to the quietest appliances on the market, and a range of Bosch extractors, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers and fridge freezers now carry the certification. Read more on this story at www.rdr.link/KAN002

■ KBB retail trade association, the Kbsa has kickstarted 2023 with the addition of five new retail members, and one foundation member. The retailers include Escapology Design in Lindney, Gloucestershire; Holtams in Heage, Derbyshire; Mobalpa in Pinner, Middlesex, Nova Kitchen Designs in Woking, Surrey; The Kitchen and Bath Co in Leeds, West Yorkshire and foundation Member Three River Kitchens & Interiors in Chelmsford, Essex. Read the story at www.rdr.link/KAN003

Ideal Standard appoints new UK MD as Dave Barber retires

Bathroom manufacturer Ideal Standard has announced managing director for UK and Ireland Dave Barber will retire from his position in May, following 20 years with the company.

He will be succeeded by Lisa Whitfield, who has joined Ideal Standard from Interface, a global commercial flooring company.

Prior to her role at Interface, Whitfield spent 27 years at Newell Brands holding roles of increasing responsibility, including managing the UK writing business.

Dave Barber has held a number of finance leadership roles at the company, including UK & Ireland finance director, and has been instrumental in the consolidation of Ideal Standard’s brands.

It has included the launch of the company’s Atelier Collections, and he has led the introduction, across the UK and Ireland, of Singular –Ideal Standard’s single contact approach to specification.

Ceo at Ideal Standard International Jan Peter Tewes said: “We are hugely grateful to Dave for his commitment to Ideal Standard for the past 20 years.

“His strong leadership and knowledge of our business have been invaluable in supporting our ongoing growth and ensuring we are in the strongest position for the future.

Directors buy bathroom business Imperial Bathrooms buyout following administration

British manufacturer Imperial Bathrooms has announced it is “business as usual”, after a buyout by IBC Products Limited, following the company going into administration on January 30, 2023.

Previous managing director of eight years, Neil Gore led the bid, and returns to lead the company following a three year sabbatical from Imperial.

He is joined by fellow directors James Stevenson, Kevin Johnson, and Robin Wright.

Together, they have formed IBC Products to “solidify” future business operations and protect the Imperial name and product offer.

Commenting on the acquisition, managing director Neil Gore said: “I am confident we can ensure the company’s sustainability and quickly return to high levels of success.

“Our one aim is to re-establish the Imperial brand as a highly regarded and trusted name in the bathroom industry, serving our customers with quality British designs and lead times, as originally founded.”

Robin Wright, operations director responsible for managing sales, customer service and despatch, commented: “We are fortunate to all have first-hand experience of Imperial, and fully understand our brand quality and what that means to both our retail partners and the end user.”

Supply chain director Kevin Johnson added:, “We are excited to announce we will be introducing a new range of products in 2023.

“This, along with our latest

“Lisa brings a wealth of expertise to the role and we are looking forward to seeing the UK and Irish markets continue to thrive and succeed under her direction.”

On her new appointment, Lisa Whitfield said: “I am looking forward to working closely with the team to continue to develop and grow the business, putting a real emphasis on the service and innovation we offer to ensure we retain our market-leading position.

“It’s clear to see how much has already been achieved and that gives us a great foundation to continue on this journey.” suppliers will bring new life to the brand and put us in a strong position to show our commitment to change over the next 12 months, confidently and quickly.”

Director James Stevenson added: “We want to show our customers that as a brand and business, we have the courage to innovate and adapt to the everchanging retail landscape.

“We strongly believe in leaning into change and are confident we can successfully navigate the current economic climate in the months ahead.”

Reportedly UK’s largest supplier of Bauformat and Burger MGM Timber launches MGM Kitchens

Part of the Donaldson Group, specialist timber merchant MGM Timber has increased its interiors offering with MGM Kitchens.

MGM Kitchens are available to view in showrooms at 12 of MGM Timber’s sites across Scotland.

The branches are located in Clydebank, Dundee, Dunfermline, Edinburgh (Newcraighall), Edinburgh City (Lochend), Glenrothes, Grangemouth, Hamilton, Inverness, Paisley, Perth and Prestwick

Open to both trade and public customers, MGM Kitchens provides German furniture by Bauformat and Burger brands.

In addition, MGM Kitchens also supplies appliances from the likes of Neff and Hotpoint, as well as Blanco sinks and taps.

Regional kitchen development manager for MGM Kitchens Paul Brown said: “All over the world, German innovation and engineering is highly sought after, as it is a

Succession planning for worktop distributor Blackheath Products becomes Employee Owned

Midlands-based worktop and decorative surface distributor

Blackheath Products will become an Employee Owned Trust (EOT) during March 2023.

Privately-owned by the same family for over four generations, the company has an annual turnover of over £24m, and employs around 60 members of staff.

Blackheath Products holds over £7.5m of worktops, decorative laminates and solid surfaces, which it distributes to kitchen and bathroom retailers, merchants, shop fitters and furniture manufacturers across the UK and Ireland.

Managing director of Blackheath Products Mark Murphy said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for all of us at Blackheath Products.

“The Foster family has owned the business for over 90 years and their