Trust

decision to transition the company to an Employee Owned Trust is driven by a passion to keep jobs in the West Midlands and continue to grow as an independent business.

“Our focus is now on our shared, exciting future, with everyone working creatively together to develop new products and services to support our customers and suppliers.”

Ian Foster, whose family owned Blackheath Products, said: “It is a privilege to be able to repay their contribution by offering all current employees the opportunity to make it their own business, within an Employee Owned Trust.” hallmark of design quality, precision and the highest standards.

Following an EOT, all employees gain an indirect stake in the company, designed to generate employee engagement, innovation and business performance.

“That’s why we are particularly pleased to be the UK’s largest partner of the Bauformat kitchen family, which is one of Germany’s most respected manufacturers.

“Together we will deliver everyday functionality underpinned by state-of-the-art design to result in personalised, outstanding kitchens for every home and every budget.

“For all of our customers, buying is as easy and quick as possible. With one single point of contact from concept to completion, our customers will have high-quality products and all the help and support they need, which is an ethos shared across the rest of the Donaldson Group.”

First in a trio of events for independent retailers

Bathnet event hailed a success

The first Bathnet, part of a series of regional networking events for independent bathroom retailers, has been hailed a success.

Held at Village Hotel in Maidstone, Kent, the event saw 13 bathroom brands participate, including established names, such as Ambiance Bain, Sanipex, Lakes, Hansgrohe, Sunshower and SycamoreLED.

Sales and marketing director of Sanipex Group Alex Cooper stated overall the event had been positive, delivering quality retailer contacts.

Speaking at the end of the first event, founder of Bathnet Harj Panesar said he had been “totally overwhelmed” by the response to the event, which had seen retailers travel from across London and the Home Counties.

He added a supplier had even travelled from Scotland to visit its South regional event.

National sales manager of Ambiance Bain Stuart Martin wrote on LinkedIn: “Very professional, well organised, good turnout!

“We met some great people both suppliers and retailers who we will definitely be working with in the future! Great event!!”

He was joined by Andrew Brown, sales manager UK of Sunshower, who also commented online: “Great to meet some amazing colleagues and some new showroom clients.

“Looking forward to participating in the next two events in the Midlands and the North. Thank you for great support and organisation.”

It was the first of a trio of Bathnet events for 2023, with the next held in Birmingham in June, followed by an event in the North of England.

Harj Panesar said he had secured suppliers for the next events and was also hoping to expand the number of brands.