Kitchens & Bathrooms News March 2022

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KI TCHENS &

BATHROOMS NEWS THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR KITCHEN & BATHROOM PROFESSIONALS

MARCH 2022

BiKBBI CONFERENCE Minister for Small Business Paul Scully MP unveils Help to Grow initiative for SMEs

APPRENTICESHIPS Chief operating officer of Howdens on creating management pipeline

WIN VIP PODCAST DAY Access all areas and star in discussions

KBB BIRMINGHAM Part two of our preview on the UK’s largest kbb trade show news ■ expert views ■ company profiles ■ products ■ SME support www.kandbnews.co.uk

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NO 167 VOL 16 MARCH 2022

contents

42

5 First word Editor’s comment

6 News Round-up of industry headlines

11 BMA Column CEO of the BMA Tom Reynolds welcomes the return of Kbb Birmingham

14 People

BATHROOMS

Promotions and appointments

15 Inbox

40 Shower trays

Reader feedback

16 BiKBBI Conference Highlights of the speaker programme at BiKBBI’s inaugural conference

Reducing the impact on the environment but with practicalities of installation and anti-slip, could this be the successful formula for shower tray sales?

42 Bathrooms just out The latest bathroom products on the market

19 Q&A Interview Chief operating officer of Howdens Andy Witts talks about the importance of apprenticeships to the business

45 Bathroom lighting Tunable LEDs for ambience

23 Kbb Birmingham 2022 Part two of our preview on the UK’s largest kbb trade exhibition

36 48 BUSINESS 48 Profile

Managing director of Davroc Chris Dodds talks about establishing the Coalbrook brand of brassware

50 Company matters

KITCHENS 34 Worktops

How marble effect decors have influenced worktops for discerning design-led clientele, at all budget levels

36 Hobs High tech cooking performance and increasing consumer focus on energy bills will play into the hands of induction hob sales

38 Just out The latest kitchen products on the market

SME advice covering marketing, financial and management issues, as well as personal development

52 Competition Win a VIP day at the Peter Jones Podcast, star in a live discussion and discover how a digital strategy can support your business with free coaching

53 Last word Founder of Kaelo Kevin Jabou believes changing lifestyles means an irrevocable shift in kitchen design to create ‘at-home’ restaurant experiences and home bars www.kandbnews.co.uk K&BNEWS MARCH

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FIRST WORD

NEWS & VIEWS

Break down business barriers While kbb retailers may be questioning when the slowdown in sales will take place, with bookings months in advance, clouds could be gathering. Soaring fuel bills, increases in National Insurance and inflation at its highest level in 30 years are set to create a perfect storm squeezing disposable household income.

Together with the opening up of global travel, it may see consumers decide to invest in a welldeserved holiday rather than being motivated to spend on home improvements.

That’s the bad news. However it doesn’t mean it’s all doom and gloom for future kitchen and bathroom sales. Industry experts suggest although there will be a slowdown in volume, 2022 will still be a good year for sales through independent retailers. It simply means the industry may have to double down on ease of doing business, breaking down barriers, to gain the attention of consumers and encouraging them to make long-term and life-enhancing home improvements.

As evidenced on LinkedIn, retailers have started to build their teams, reducing waiting times for design and installation, with a mix of experienced and even trainee professionals. It’s a welcome move for the kbb industry, which must unite to fill the current skills gap and protect the kbb business for future generations.

But if the pandemic has taught kbb retailers anything, it has been a strong emphasis on cash

flow from investment in stock, through to signing off projects.

And it will be interesting to see how many conversations at Kbb Birmingham will naturally steer towards stock availability and delivery, against the ongoing supply challenges, and be a considerable factor in doing business. Consumer finance may also become more important for retailers, meaning potential clients don’t have to choose between a holiday or plans for home refurbishments – they can have both.

While the external influences on business are all global, from fuel consumption and therefore higher prices through to Brexit emphasising the lack of fitters and HGV drivers, finding business remains local. By their very name national retailers can serve the wideranging desires of consumers across the country, but it is regional business which remains the heartland of independent bathroom and kitchen retailers.

Devoted and attentive to wants and demands of consumers in the locality, kitchen and bathroom sales will stay safely in the hands of specialist retailers.

KBN LIKES ✔ …to see manufacturers and retailers investing in their teams, closing the skills gap and preparing the next generation of professionals with Howdens, Wren Kitchens and Moores among the apprentice employers.

KBN DISLIKES ✖ …UK household spend has dipped to £21billion in 2021 from £50billion following the lockdown in March 2020. But is pleased kitchens and bathrooms remain a priority and are among the top spaces attracting refurbishment spend.

KBN WANTS ! …to wish all exhibitors and visitors a successful Kbb Birmingham 2022. We will be there, sponsoring the Take 5 refreshment area, so come grab a coffee and say hello.

Philippa Turrell Editor

Email your views on this subject, or any other, to pturrell@hamerville.co.uk To be removed from this magazine’s circulation please call 01923 237799 or email circulation@hamerville.co.uk Editor Philippa Turrell e: pturrell@hamerville.co.uk Designer Donna Booth

Group Advertisement Manager Craig Jowsey e: craig@hamerville.co.uk

Group Production Manager Carol Padgett e: carol@hamerville.co.uk

Advertisement Manager Marcus Hooper e: mhooper@hamerville.co.uk

Printer Walstead Roche

TRADE JOURNALIST/ EDITOR MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR 2014

HOME IMPROVEMENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR 2014

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© 2022 KITCHENS & BATHROOMS NEWS accepts no responsibility for damage or loss, however caused, to any material submitted for publication. While every effort is made to ensure facts are correct at time of going to press, no responsibility can be accepted for incorrect product descriptions or facts. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, in any form, without prior written permission from the publishers.

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NEWS & VIEWS

MAKING HEADLINES

Each project to receive between €500,000 and €2million

IN BRIEF ■ UK homeowners have spent £21billion on renovations, with three-quarters of UK homeowners (77%) having invested in their property in 2021, according to the latest Renovation Nation Report by money.co.uk. It has seen a drop in spend on the previous year, which saw homeowners spend £50billion on renovations, following the lockdown in March 2020.

However, kitchens and bathrooms remained among the top spaces attracting spend in 2021. Read more at www.rdr.link/KAC001 ■ Following a warehouse move last year, Verona has invested in its infrastructure and relocated its head office to a premises at Thorpe Park, Leeds.

The tile, mosaic, flooring and outdoor porcelain distributor has reported a period of sustained growth, which has resulted in the need for a new head office to accommodate its growing support team. Measuring 10,000 sq ft and developed by Design Tonic, the open plan head office provides space for almost 100 people and took 12 weeks to complete. Read more at www.rdr.link/KAC002

6 MARCH K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

Roca Group invests €25m in start-ups Roca Group has launched a global corporate venture fund of €25million to invest in start-ups and entrepreneurial projects, to develop their activity in four areas.

The areas of interest include wellness and smart bathrooms; new businesses and materials; energy efficiency and rationalisation of water consumption; as well as operational excellence in its industrial processes.

Through this fund, called Roca Group Ventures, the company plans to allocate between €500,000 and €2million per project, to finance initiatives that demonstrate the greatest potential.

Roca Group estimates that, within five years, the investment portfolio will comprise of between 10 and 15 companies.

Roca Group Ventures will also support the bathroom manufacturer’s commitment to sustainability, as through this fund it will prioritise start-ups that focus on environmentally-friendly practices, extending its green strategy to all the projects it works with.

CEO of Roca Group Albert Magrans explained the venture

fund seeks to “generate a hybrid entrepreneurial model that combines the advantages of a large company (resources, scale, knowledge, experience, marketing) with the innovation, technology, motivation, agility and talent of a startup”.

Read more at

www.rdr.link/KAC078

Double supply capacity in same lead time

TKC invests £1m in paint line Kitchen supplier TKC has invested £1million in upgrading and extending its in-house spray painting facility at its HQ in Denton Manchester.

The new line will double the company’s capacity to supply paint to order doors, while maintaining the lead time of 10-15 days.

A 3,000 sq ft building, adjacent to TKC’s existing spray facility, will house a semi-automated paint line to provide a smooth matt painted

finish, which wil be offered alongside its existing textured finish.

The paint to order service is available on the Lucente, Vivo, Cartmel, Cambridge, Newmarket, Windsor and Ascot door ranges, with no minimum order quantity.

It forms part of the company’s ongoing operational improvements, with investments in facilities, fleet people and increased stock levels of a record £8million to mitigate industry-wide

supply chain challenges.

Read more at

www.rdr.link/KAC003

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100 apprentices for 2022

Wren Kitchens scales up apprenticeship programme UK manufacturer and retailer Wren Kitchens has scaled up its apprenticeship programme in several areas of its business.

Wren Kitchens employs more than 8,000 people across its sites and is seeking 100 apprentices to join the company by the end of 2022, adding to 100 apprenticeships in 2021.

There are apprenticeship opportunities in customer services,

catering, and HR, as well as IT, finance, engineering and manufacturing departments.

Once Wren’s apprentices pass the programme, which includes a mix of on-the-job training alongside specialist training partners and interactive courses, they are guaranteed a permanent position.

According to Wren, they receive a competitive wage above the Government’s standard

family in-house, as we create an amazing pool of talent that can grow with us as we continue on our hugely successful journey.”

David Gannon takes reins

Mayer named commercial director

Cavalier Bathrooms appoints MD

Reginox restructures its UK team Sinks, taps and accessories manufacturer Reginox UK has announced management changes and restructured its UK team.

Sales and marketing director Dave Mayer, who has been with Reginox for over 20 years, has been promoted to commercial director.

As part of his new role, he will oversee all commercial aspects of the UK business covering internal sales, operations, purchasing and external sales, with a dedicated team reporting into him.

Mayer has also restructured the UK team, creating a designated external sales division which will be led by Gareth Hughes.

Hughes joined the business in 2017 as area sales manager for

apprenticeship salary.

People and performance director of Wren Kitchens Victoria Fairbairn said: “Our apprentices are truly joining Wren at the most exciting time in our history, as we continue to rapidly expand in the UK by doubling our capacity with the new factory, and across the Atlantic, in America, as we open several new showrooms across the Northeast.

“We believe in growing our Wren

London and the South and has grown sales by 20% in recent years.

He has been promoted to the newly-created position of national sales manager and he will have overall responsibility for the nationwide sales force.

Commercial director of Reginox UK Dave Mayer added: “I’m really pleased to be entering 2022 in my new role as commercial director.

“Not only have we strengthened our team, but we have also transformed our headquarters to extend our warehouse facilities and create a state-of-the-art conference facility.

Read more at

www.rdr.link/KAC004

UK-based bathroom manufacturer Cavalier Bathrooms has appointed David Gannon as its managing director, succeeding Rob Harrison who will become chairman of the Yorkshire based company.

The appointment, which is effective immediately, comes as part of the bathroom manufacturer’s strategy of enhancing customer experience through new systems and investing in UK manufacturing.

David Gannon has 35 years’ experience in the bathroom industry, having worked for Cavalier Bathrooms for the past three years as strategic brand director, and prior to that Kudos and Marflow Engineering.

“I’m thrilled to be moving into

the managing director position, having worked alongside Rob for three years. He has done a fantastic job in leading and innovating this company.

“We’ve had great success in increasing our manufacturing capabilities in our Keighley factory, and plan to build on this, enabling us to be less reliant on importing.”

Read more at

www.rdr.link/KAC005

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NEWS & VIEWS

MAKING HEADLINES

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Double headcount and triple capacity

IN BRIEF ■ Sink, tap and cooker hood manufacturer Franke has launched an online training programme, supporting its retailer network. Through the Franke Academy, retailers can access bite-sized training sessions to provide them with knowledge about the product categories within the Franke portfolio and help them maximise sales. Seven hourlong, online sessions have been developed, each of which can be tailored to the needs of individual businesses. Read more at www.rdr.link/KAC006 ■ Brassware and sink manufacturer Abode has invested in a series of digital products and services to inform, engage and inspire end users, supporting its retailers. The digital offering includes a library of product videos, how to guides, product showreels, a YouTube channel and social media for b2b and b2c communication. Abode has also invested in an inhouse media hub, for filming. Read more at www.rdr.link/KAC007 ■ UK event for home building, renovation and improvement Grand Designs Live will make a return to London for the first time since May 2019. Hosted by TV presenter and design guru Kevin McCloud, Grand Designs Live will run over nine days from April 30 – May 8, 2022. New for 2022 is The Green Zone, an area dedicated to showcasing eco-friendly products and services from companies that put sustainability at the heart of their business. Read more at www.rdr.link/KAC008

8 MARCH K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

Easy Bathrooms receives £13m cash injection National retailer Easy Bathrooms is set to boost turnover and headcount by 50% and triple its warehouse capacity, following a £13million cash injection.

Headquartered in Birstall, Leeds, it employs 670 people across its national network of bathroom showrooms.

Now, with the support of a £13million finance package from Lloyds Bank, the firm is set to open a custom-built 330,000 sq ft warehouse in Wakefield.

As well as tripling its storage capacity from 15,000 to 60,000 pallet spaces, the move is paving the way for the creation of up to 400 roles across warehousing, distribution and support functions.

The move comes as Easy

Bathrooms celebrated the opening of its 100th store on Boxing Day, with its expansion set to boost turnover from £62.3million to £95million year-on-year.

Looking ahead, the firm will continue its national store roll-out and will invest in its in-house design capabilities ahead of a full range refresh.

Last year, it opened 32 stores, and it expects to match this rate of

growth in 2022.

Financial director at Easy Bathrooms Laura Green said: “Over the course of the last two years, the home improvement sector has boomed, and we’ve seen demand for our products soar.

“Like all businesses, we have been pushed to adapt quickly to constantly changing conditions during the pandemic, and for us this meant accelerating our expansion plans to ensure we could keep up with growing customer demand.

“Our new premises gives us the capacity we need to stock the biggest and best range of products for our customers and help us operate with maximum efficiency unlocking further growth as we move into the new year.”

Six-strong showroom network joins Nolte UK

Nolte acquires The Kitchen Group German furniture manufacturer Nolte Kitchens UK has acquired 100% of the shares in privatelyowned retailer The Kitchen Group.

The Kitchen Group has six retail shops which will now form part of the Nolte UK distribution network.

Located in Sevenoaks, Battersea, Tunbridge Wells, Hampstead, Milton Keynes and Nottingham, The Kitchen Group stores fit into Nolte’s existing retail network, as there is no geographical overlap.

It follows Nolte’s takeover of In-toto and marks the next step in market penetration for the company with its long-term strategy of building and strengthening a “comprehensive” dealer network.

Adding to its distribution network and integrating franchise businesses within Nolte’s structure, the company aims to increase brand awareness and gain

authority in project sectors.

Country manager UK at Nolte Chris Rushby explained: “The Kitchen Group is well known for premium kitchens, made in Germany, and has a strong retail and project presence.

“Moving forward, the sole brand focus will be on Nolte and enhancing both retail and project activities by providing excellent services to end customers, architects and developers alike.”

As part of the acquisition, The Kitchen Group studios will be refurbished and supported with a nationwide marketing campaign to strengthen the business.

Owner of The Kitchen Group Liam Hopper said: “Nolte have the passion, product and willingness to drive this company to the next level and chapter in its expansion.

“They are fully equipped with the skills it takes to grow a strong

and stable company, which is vital for any succession.

“I’m truly thrilled to hand this company over to such a wellknown and respected international brand with strong leadership, and look forward to driving this company forward with new visions.’’

Chris Rushby added: “The next step will be to establish The Kitchen Group stores in further locations for even better access to the Nolte brand.

“With a portfolio that spans kitchens, living and work spaces, utility rooms and bathrooms, the stores will be the ideal place to go for contractors.”

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NEWS & VIEWS

MAKING HEADLINES

IN BRIEF ■ Appliance manufacturer Haier has launched its first virtual showroom across Europe, created to offer an immersive digital experience. Visitors will be able to navigate two 3D environments, where they can discover the company’s products. There is a kitchen which features the company’s cooling products, as well as information about connectivity, plus a utility room showcasing the brand’s laundry appliances.

Read more at www.rdr.link/KAC009 ■ Belgium appliance manufacturer Novy has scooped a Plus X Award 2021-2022 for its vented hob Novy Easy Pro, an honour which recognises innovation across technology, sport and lifestyle brands. Each category is adjudicated by an independent jury of international experts within their respective industries. The 800mm intuitive vented induction hob was acknowledged by the Plus X jury for high quality, design, ease of use and functionality.

Read more at www.rdr.link/KAC010 ■ In collaboration with Jones Digital, kitchen retailer Schmidt UK is rolling out virtual tours of its showrooms, nationwide.

Schmidt UK has already created virtual journeys for four of its showrooms. Adding to its showrooms in Barnet, North London, St Albans in Hertfordshire, Epsom in Surrey and Sevenoak, in Kent, a further eight showrooms will be enhanced with a virtual offering in Q1, 2022. Read more at www.rdr.link/KAC011

10 MARCH K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

Own-branded installation for UK market

MHK scopes out UK installation European buying group MHK reported pressure on retailer’s cashflow and lack of fitters remain challenges and says it is scoping out own-brand installation in the UK. Easing pressure on retailers’ cashflow, managing director of MHK-UK and export director of MHK, Marcel Crezee said the organisation offers centralised payment, allowing them 30 days to complete a kitchen before payment.

Now tackling the lack of kbb installers in the UK, due to high demand of kitchen and bathroom sales, MHK is exploring the opportunity to supply retailers with its own fitters.

MHK already operates its ownbranded installation teams across several countries in Europe, with logistic centres and training facilities in Germany.

The group has two logistic centres, in Frankfurt and Cologne,

which will check the kitchen order, arrange delivery with the consumer, and provide two MHKbranded fitters for installation.

Marcel Crezee commented: “In total, we have 150 fitters. So that will be our main project for 2022 and 2023 to find as many fitters as we can.”

He stated the company also has its own training school, in Germany, to create the required, accomplished fitters: “Each week we have 25 people starting lessons of how to fit a kitchen.

“At the moment we have more than 1,100 students working in a kitchen shop, logistic centre or starting to work as a fitter.”

The group is looking to create a similar model in the UK and Marcel Crezee said sales director of MHK Holding UK Paul Wheeler and sales manager David Morrish were seeking a logistic partner with its

own installers.

However, he added MHK was also open to acquiring kitchen and bathroom installation companies in the UK. Crezee said MHK is not solely a buying group providing better buying terms but a full service company, as it offers its own CARAT CAD software, in-house developers to create retail websites and in-house marketing team to create print advertising for its members.

“The next step was to give [retail members] installation services and I think that will be, for the next couple of years, a very interesting part for anybody who wants to join a group like MHK”.

Joiner and TV presenter Mark Millar brand ambassador

BA names ambassador for Kitchen Kit brand UK kitchen, bedroom and component manufacturer BA has named joiner and TV presenter Mark Millar as its brand ambassador for its new trade brand Kitchen Kit. Kitchen Kit is available from builders’ merchants and can be ordered on-line, as rigid or flatpacked, in standard sizes or madeto-measure on “fast” lead times.

The cabinet, door and hinge are all on one SKU to make ordering and pricing a kitchen easier.

Based in Bristol Mark Millar served his apprenticeship as a carpenter in Ireland in the late 1970s and worked as a joiner all over the UK, Europe and the US ever since.

Millar commented: “I am over the moon to front a quality product by a UK manufacturer that has

been trading for over 30 years.

“I have toured the Kitchen Kit factories in Doncaster and Rotherham and the product is second to none.

“The clic technology means you

can build a kitchen cabinet in half the time. What a result for any fitter!’

CEO of BA Peter Rush said: “Mark is a great ambassador for the Kitchen Kit brand. He is a seasoned joiner who understands kitchen products and the challenges fitters face on a day-to-day basis.

“Together we feel this product will change how fitters work, it will free 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 direct from the manufacturer means prices are transparent and keen, quality control is a given and delivery is fast and direct to site.”

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BMA COLUMN

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JT and Vogue (UK) owner snaps up furniture business

An end to the Zoom Gloom?

Chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association Tom Reynolds is ready to revel in the return of trade shows.

Kartell UK buys Summerbridge Supplier of heating and bathroom products to the independent showroom and merchant sector Kartell UK has acquired Summerbridge Holdings and its subsidiary Humber Doors for an undisclosed sum.

Headquartered in East Yorkshire, Summerbridge is a UK manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom cabinets and doors for manufacturers, contractors, developers and distributors across the residential, commercial and leisure sectors.

With predecessor businesses’ history dating back 30 years, Summerbridge employs more than 120 people and delivers over £7milllion in annual sales.

The acquisition sees the Kartell group securing a supply of Britishmade kitchen and bathroom cabinets for its customers and Summerbridge set to benefit from investment by the group.

Summerbridge will continue to operate as a standalone business, under the guidance of the existing management team.

But the cabinet manufacturer will benefit from the opportunity to work alongside sister businesses Just Trays and Vogue, which Kartell acquired in 2021.

Founded in 2009, Kartell employs more than 430 people across sites in Bedford, Wigan, Willenhall and Leeds and has a turnover in excess of £125million.

CEO of Kartell Alex Norford said: “In common with many in our industry, over the last 18 months we have experienced record levels of demand.

“We always strive to deliver exactly what our customers require and recognised earlier this year we

NEWS & VIEWS

needed to secure additional bathroom furniture supply to provide the consistent, high quality products our customers expect from us.

“It is with great pleasure we are supporting the future of another fantastic British manufacturer and having identified the benefits that Hull’s status as a Freeport can bring to the group, we were keen to be invested in a city which is clearly making great strides in the UK economy.”

Director of Summerbridge Holdings Simon Lunt said: “When we received the approach from Kartell’s advisors we immediately saw the potential for the two businesses to join forces.

“We acquired Summerbridge in 2018 and have worked alongside the wonderful team at the business to put it back on the path to growth and to realise the potential.

“It is with great pleasure that I and my fellow directors hand over the reins to the team at Kartell to take Summerbridge forwards.”

Kartell was advised by FRP Corporate Finance’s East Midlands team, led by Harry Walker, with legal advice from a team led by Sophie Blake of Fladgate LLP and financial diligence provided by Price Bailey LLP. Shawbrook Bank provided Kartell with increased facilities to finance the acquisition of Summerbridge and were advised by a team from Shoosmiths LLP, led by John Bew.

I am really looking forward to Kbb Birmingham, which returns to NEC this month. It is a great chance to meet face-to-face and to network with stakeholders in the KBB industry. But I hope it’ll also serve as a bookend for the pandemic.

The last time Kbb was held in 2020, COVID-19 was somewhat of a distant news story; surely just a storm in a teacup? A few short weeks afterwards the UK was in lockdown, the economy shut. Now, in the run up to Kbb 2022, we can come together once more. We all know the old adage ‘people buy from people’, and the prospect of a face-to-face exhibition is exciting. At BMA, we’re really pleased to have a home in one of the event cafés and be running our biannual Sustainability Forum at the NEC alongside Kbb.

Empathy for events In the midst of ongoing issues connected with the pandemic, we can all spare a thought for trade show organisers, trying to re-establish events following years of postponements. Our association can empathise, having had to twice postpone our industry conference. We are pleased to say we will forge ahead with the event on June 6-7. The BMA conference is an opportunity for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, architects and designers to be inspired by thought-provoking presentations and gain insights to benefit their businesses.

“We all know the The theme this year is ‘sustainability in our sector’ with speakers including Robert Llewellyn, old adage ‘people former Scrapheap Challenge presenter and buy from people’, electric cars enthusiast, Melissa Sterry, design and the prospect scientist and systems theorist, and Prof. Lewis of a face-to-face Dartnell author of the Sunday Times top history exhibition is book of 2019 Origins: How the Earth Made Us. Collectively, we know the sustainability exciting.” challenges which lie ahead are critical to the KBB industry. Government is already expecting us to play our part in decarbonising UK homes to help the country achieve net-zero, and soon it will be an expectation of consumers too.

By anyone’s measure, it has been a strange couple of years for the industry. There was a great level of uncertainty. However in 2021 BMA members total sales exceeded £1.18 billion, 4% up on pre-pandemic levels.

Despite this, supply chain problems, materials and labour shortages continue to create challenging trading conditions and hamper an even stronger recovery.

With that backdrop, we’ve all got used to doing business differently.

We’ve got to recognise online meetings have served us well and digitalisation of business is here to stay. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to the return of face-to-face. Those who attend Kbb Birmingham, the BMA conference or any other industry showpieces, I believe an atmosphere of innovation, optimism and intent awaits.

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NEWS & VIEWS

PEOPLE

Position filled Appointments and promotions across the industry

HANSGROHE

CAPLE

BLANCO

The Hansgrohe Group, which includes Axor and Hansgrohe brands, has appointed Gary Dowling as area sales manager – South. He joins the company from Cifial where he was area sales manager for the South of England. Prior to this he worked at Ripples. National Sales manager – Trade South Rebecca Hunt commented: “ Gary’s knowledge and experience in the kbb industry will be a huge benefit to both Hansgohe UK and our retailers.”

Kitchen specialist Caple has appointed James Smith as business development manager (BDM) for East Midlands, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and parts of Bedfordshire. With an background in the appliance industry spanning 20 years, Smith’s most recent position was as sales trainer and business development manager at Miele GB. His new role involves looking after established accounts and sourcing new prospects to partner with.

Kitchen sink and tap manufacturer Blanco has appointed two regional sales managers to its UK-wide network. Oliver Playfair (pictured right) is regional sales manager for the North East region and comes with experience from Jaquar & Co. and Cassellie. He also has several years’ kitchen experience, having worked in his family business.

“I am delighted to be joining the Blanco team,” commented

FLUIDMASTER Toilet solutions manufacturer Fluidmaster has appointed Sharon Donovan and Colin Bland to its UK sales team.

The creation of these two additional business development roles will allow the team to focus on building and developing relationships within the merchant sector, as well as identify new business opportunities.

Experienced sector specialists, Donovan has over

Playfield. “The new opportunity is exciting, and I hope to add valued support to the sales team so we can continue to develop the Blanco brand.”

Ricki Creser has been appointed regional sales manager for the West London region. He comes with a wide range of experience; having been employed as a kitchen designer and supervisor for Grant and Stone, as well as a trade kitchen designer for both Howdens and Benchmarx.

ROTPUNKT 20 years’ experience in the plumbing and heating sector, and joins the company from Kingspan Water & Energy where she held the position of national key account manager for over six years.

Bland has been part of the plumbing, heating, and bathrooms sector for over 40 years and joins the company from Saniflo, where he was national sales manager.

14 MARCH K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

German kitchen manufacturer Rotpunkt has expanded its team with two sales managers, as a response to “significant” success in the UK. Dave Humphries has been appointed sales manager in the Midlands & North of England and Paul Banting is sales manager for the South East & South West of England.

Humphries (pictured left) was previously national sales manager for In-toto and a

partner in Signum Interiors and commented on his new role: “I joined the KBB industry as a designer and am delighted to be in an environment which is all about design, utility and sustainability.

Paul Banting has spent over 15 years in the kitchen and bathroom industry, working in senior business development roles at Arlington Kitchens, Air Uno, CD-UK, Glen Dimplex and Kenwood.

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Kitchens & Bathrooms News There’s talk about kbb business dropping off but Howdens is gearing up for Spring.

Thoughts?

Toby Griffin I think the market is going to see a slow down, with lowerto-mid price points being more affected than the higher end.

As your article quotes “… over half of homeowners (51%) have cited the pandemic as a reason for deciding to invest in their property.” As it subsides they may spend elsewhere.

Kitchens & Bathrooms News MD of Quooker UK Stephen Johnson made a personal and impassioned speech about the importance of apprenticeships and urged the kbb industry to unite to tackle the skills crisis.

Stephen Johnson Thanks for sharing this. I really appreciate you raising further awareness of this.

Peter Jones Kitchens & Bathrooms News I believe that apprenticeships CAN and WILL make a difference

@kandbnews Part of @houseof rohl, fireclay sink manufacturer @shawsofdarwenuk is celebrating its 125th anniversary on Valentine’s Day when the company was founded.

Although the concept heartshaped sink isn’t in production, the company said consumer and designer reaction could influence that decision. So

Email us, write to us or contact us through any of our social media channels. Get involved, as we want to hear your views

message them if you LOVE it! @the.social.media.lady This should ABSOLUTELY be in production @shawsofdarwenuk Thrilled you love the concept

Get in touch and contact the editor via email pturrell@hamerville.co.uk or through any of our social media channels:

@kandbnews

@kandbnews

www.linkedin.com/company/kitchens-bathrooms-news

Kitchens & Bathrooms News German kitchen furniture manufacturer Nolte has acquired The Kitchen Group Liam Hopper Congratulations to Nolte for acquiring my The Kitchen Group and the stable of evergrowing showrooms, brilliant acquisition and dominant portfolio of national showrooms and contracts now.

Brilliant job from the legal and advisory team, kept it all together and went over and beyond to make this happen.

Kitchens & Bathrooms News Rotpunkt UK & Ireland expands its sales team with two appointments.

Matt Phillips Thank you for the feature Kitchens & Bathrooms News Graham Robinson Look forward to meeting you at Kbb Helen Lord Congratulations to you both!

Dave Humphries Paul Banting.

Kitchens & Bathrooms News In collaboration with Jones Digital, Schmidt is rolling out virtual tours of its showrooms nationwide.

Peter Jones Thank you so much for including the work Scott Currie and I are doing with Schmidt. Our partnership is simply getting better and better.

Scott Currie Fantastic article Scott Taylor Absolutely smashing it Scott Currie

Kitchens & Bathrooms News In Part One of our preview of the UK’s largest kitchen and bathroom trade show – Kbb Birmingham – we offer a curated selection of exhibitors set to appear at the event.

InSinkErator We are delighted to be exhibiting at Kbb Birmingham 2022 after a tough couple of years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Novy We look forward to it

www.kandbnews.co.uk K&BNEWS MARCH

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NEWS & VIEWS

BIKBBI ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Building a sustainable future Highlights of the inaugural BiKKI Conference at QEII Centre, Westminister, London.

Government must support professionals to stand out At the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) inaugural conference, CEO Damian Walters spoke of the need to address the industry skills gap and regulation of fitters.

Under the theme “Building a sustainable future” Walters said the skills gap, exacerbated by Brexit and COVID, has led to increased installation lead times which will impact post-pandemic recovery. He commented: “If we haven’t got installers to fit product for manufacturers and retailers, then it is going to hamper our recovery and our bounce back from what has been a challenging two years.”

Walters said the kbb industry needs to talk about installers and attract young people into the industry.

Mandatory regulations Representing more than 7,000 fitters nationwide, Walters warned the kbb industry risks reputational damage, similar to the double-glazing industry in the 1980s, with a lack of competent tradespeople to fulfil huge demand.

He also pointed to the BiKBBI opening up dialogue with Government on the topic of mandatory regulation for those working in the home improvement sector. “When there’s a huge spike in demand for home improvement, it can’t be okay that anybody is allowed to do that work – not for the professional installer and not for retailers. It’s not good for the consumer who loses as a result of that. We need to fix that. It should be anybody who goes into a consumers’ home is competent to do that role at the very basic level.”

His views were echoed by speaker Abdul Tantouch of AMA Research who said: “Delayed kitchen installation resulted in an estimated 15% of consumers being hit by rogue traders.

“Rogue traders take work from quality, competent workers and as the wait time and prices increase, consumers will be drawn to take on offers from rogue traders rather than licensed contractors and therefore the industry is in urgent need to be regulated.” Walters demanded: “Government must support professionals to stand out, reducing risks to consumers or else we will very much be at the risk of an unregulated industry.”

The BiKBBI, which was fielding 70-80 calls a day during the height of the pandemic, announced it would launch a new App for improved communication and relaunch its National Inspection Service to support alternative dispute resolution.

16 MARCH K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

Minister for Small Business introduces “Help to Grow” SME scheme Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, responsible for Small Business Paul Scully MP introduced Government’s Help to Grow scheme for SMEs. Paul Scully MP explained: “To help businesses reach their full potential, we’ve launched a new Help to Grow scheme to help small and medium-sized businesses to learn new skills, reach new

Manufacturers, retailers and installers must come together MD of Quooker UK Stephen Johnson urged industry to unite in training the next generation of fitters.

In a personal and impassioned speech about the significance of apprenticeships, he spoke how, as the son of kitchen furniture manufacturer Neville Johnson, the industry “has always

customers and boost profits.

“It aims to deliver an intensive leadership and management training programme for 30,000 SMES across the UK. It is a 12-week course and the Government pays 90% of that cost but it’s led by business leaders, not Government.

“I’m a fan of the Ronnie Regan Mantra that the nine most feared words in the English language are ‘I’m here from the Government and I’m here to help’. I want to make sure that we’re here for you and you guys crack on.”

He explained the Help to Grow

been deeply ingrained in my DNA.” He explained how a “gifted” apprenticeship opportunity in the family firm, and the experience during his time working for the company, helped him achieve his current success.

“What an opportunity. How lucky I was. I learned everything – from manufacturing, stock control, accounting, marketing, retail sales to commercial

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training programme is designed to sit alongside full-time work and its Help to Grow digital scheme can support 100,000 small businesses with online advice and vouchers for software costs, up to £5,000.

Paul Scully MP added: “This is something we want to make sure is available to everyone, to renew innovation and make it easy for you to spend more time boosting profits and doing core work you actually got into business to do in the first place.”

He said Government’s focus on ‘levelling up’ the country to restore underperforming areas was “progressing well”. “We talked about, in our manifesto, making the UK the best place to start and scale a business but we want to go further than that. It should not matter where you are in the UK, it should still be the best place to start, grow and scale a business with access to finance, access to infrastructure, peer-to-peer networking so you can speak to and learn from people. That’s how great entrepreneurs start to learn”.

Installation challenges However he added: “But we can’t overlook the fact the installation sector is facing some challenges at present. I’m aware that a range of materials and

sales. I often explain to people that this was my schooling. Those years have enabled me to get where I am now. I remind myself of this every, single day.”

Using these experiences to build the Quooker business in the UK, he now provides an opportunity for employees to learn a trade.

Wider funding However, he also recently pledged funding for the BiKBBI apprenticeship initiative and stated, “We feel strongly that we have a responsibility to support the wider industry”, adding “We work hard to achieve this in a modest and humble way and recognise this is only made possible because of the incredibly loyal and valued support of our dealers and our customers.”

Speaking about the urgent need to bridge the skills gap, Stephen Johnson stated: “We have a skills crisis. It is therefore essential we unite to bring more young people and diversity into

goods essential to your businesses are in short supply nationally and globally in some cases. Prices for some are increasing significantly.

“I recognise that’s a critical situation for a number of sectors, not just installation, and we are following events really closely.

“But as the world bounces back from COVID 19, and consumer demand spikes, we are seeing growing pains and inflationary pressures as well.

“As a Government we are looking at elements of the supply chain where we can really make a difference. We’ll do what we can to help – just as we aim to decisively ease the pressures of supply of fuel or increase testing capacity for HGV drivers.”

Speaker Shadow Minister for Business and Consumers Seema Malhotra MP countered: “Small businesses are really feeling the difficulties but the environment for success is the responsibility of Government. It is our view the Government isn’t doing enough dealing with the supply chain difficulties that we’ve seen. We need to see more done to tackle that and more done to make life easier at the borders and the ports because hold ups where they don’t need to be are absolutely within the control of this Government.”

our industry. All the work and effort we do now will resolve it. However, it is a long-term job.

“That’s why, last year, we pledged £250,000 annually as an initiative to address this problem. I will continue to offer this level of support for at least the next three years but, hopefully, much longer. It’s the first figure that went into this year’s budget.”

He concluded: “It’s important to understand, though, that even if we all pull together, we’re not going to avoid this crisis. It’s going to take at least five years before we begin to see any progress that will fix the systemic failure in our industry. And if we don’t foster more funding, it could take even longer.

“A skills shortage means no installers.

Without installers we have no industry.

We all have a wider responsibility to support wherever possible. It is essential, therefore, that companies and retailers unite and do what they can to help to save our industry.”

Apprentices can’t be considered second choice Author, motivational speaker and youth worker Hon. Stuart Lawrence issued a rallying cry for the education system to consider apprenticeships as another option, rather than a second choice to further education.

He said: “We do need more adult educationalists to understand this is a viable outcome for our young people and it’s not a second best or not as good as going to university and doing A Levels. We just need those in power to understand that and give it the prevalence it deserves.”

Damian Walters agreed people need to change their mentality about vocational learning, “which is currently the thinking apprenticeships are good but for other people’s children and not our own. That’s not good enough.”

Apprenticeship opportunities Walters pointed to the Level 2 Fitted Interiors Apprenticeship which “will begin the journey for any budding kitchen, bedroom or bathroom installer”, and said the BiKBBI was delivering these through a network of 15 training providers.

He also spoke of his ambition to create Level 3 and Level 4 Apprenticeships to offer further options for careers.

Walters pointed to the development of the BiKBBI Skills Plus apprenticeship training agency which supports SMEs to take on installers, from advertising to interviewing and helping them through the first two to three years of their career.

In addition, he stated the BiKBBI was visiting schools to talk to children about the industry and working with the MOD Armed Forces Covenant to attract former service personnel.

Diversification of the workforce to create a bigger pond to fish for talent is essential to drive apprenticeships, stated the BiKBBI, with increased representation across genders, races and cultures.

Stuart Lawrence explained: “As a society, culturally, we are always told to better ourselves. So education and going to university is promoted heavily in the black community as a way to succeed, and move yourself on.”

He said vocational subjects are perceived as being for the un-intelligent and talking to young peple about apprenticeships was the best way to challenge this thought.

Concluding, Walters also spoke of his ambition to work with disadvantaged children, stating: “If we can bring them into our world and create an option for them, there’s social and economic wins to be had.”

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Q&A INTERVIEW

NEWS & VIEWS

The future is now, today Chief operating officer of trade at Howdens Andy Witts talks about the importance of apprenticeships as a pipeline of future management at the UK’s largest trade kitchen supplier

Q

What is the importance of apprenticeships to the kitchen industry and Howdens?

A: At Howdens, we recognise that there is a skills gap that directly affects our industry, and its customers. Apprenticeships are a real route into employment for people of all ages, but particularly for young people looking to start a worthwhile career and be part of a company that features on the ‘Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For’ list (2020).

Howdens is committed to growing our own talent by supporting people from all backgrounds into work. For example, in the North East, local depots have been working with Together for Children to promote employment opportunities for care experienced young people in Sunderland. So far we have created apprenticeship opportunities for five young people.

We have also formed a partnership with EN:Able Futures, a Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Service, who are committed to addressing the skills gap within the industry. The partnership will see Howdens initially funding up to 50 external apprentice roles in the North East in 2022, with ambitions to grow this number and

scale this partnership to become a UK-wide initiative.

Q

How many apprentices does Howdens have in its business and how many will it be adding over the next couple of years?

A: Currently, Howdens employs 570 current apprentices. We’re still opening depots all over the UK and, as the business grows, we have ambitious plans to recruit a further 1,000 apprentices within Howdens over the next few years, creating jobs for the communities that we’re part of and proud to support.

Q

What areas of the business are apprentices employed in?

A: We have apprentices across the Howdens business, with many based in our network of local depots throughout the UK taking up roles in sales, design, warehousing, and customer service. We also have apprentices working in operational functions like logistics, manufacturing, engineering, IT, digital, procurement, finance, HR and also within management.

Over the last three years, we have recruited 17 engineers as apprentices and retained 15 of them beyond their apprenticeship and recruited

16 manufacturing apprentices and retained 14.

Q

Has Howdens had any success stories of apprentices moving to higher roles in the business, such as management?

A: Historically four out of five apprentices will continue their employment with Howdens as they begin their career after course completion.

The overall retention rate of in-depot apprentices who continue their careers with Howdens, beyond their course completion, has increased from 37% in 2009 to 73% in 2021.

Our apprenticeship programme has given us a real pipeline for our future management as our policy is to always try to promote from within. More than 80 assistant depot managers started their careers at Howdens as an apprentice.

We are proud of all the apprentices that take part in our programme and have seen some great success stories of people going into management roles from all areas of the business. Recently, this included two from our new Fast Track management scheme, four from warehousing, two kitchen sales designers and two from business administration and business developer pathways.

www.kandbnews.co.uk K&BNEWS MARCH

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EXHIBITION PREVIEW

NEWS & VIEWS

Kbb Birmingham 2022 In part two, we complete our preview of the UK’s largest kitchen and bathroom trade exhibition

Kitchen and bathroom professionals who are keen to find out about the latest products and return to networking face-to-face will pay a visit to the kbb Birmingham exhibition. Returning to the NEC in Birmingham from March 6-9, the event is designed to provide its visitors with information and inspiration to take them into the year ahead.

Creative director of Kbb Birmingham Andy Bishop comments: “The trends that are emerging this year are focused on the functional as well as the inspirational.” He adds: “Over the last couple of years, our needs and requirements for the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom space have changed. Consumers are looking for good design and style but also practicality and sustainability. Our exhibitors will be showcasing their own take on these trends and we look forward to seeing what they have in store for attendees in 2022.”

Showcasing mega trends They will consider the mega trends of an older population, positioning ease of use at the

forefront of developments, and protecting the environment with sustainable solutions. The Used Kitchen Company will be back as the show’s sustainability partner, encouraging exhibitors to think about their environmental and social impact, as well as helping exhibitors to sell off their displays.

Kbb Birmingham will also reveal how the pandemic has changed the landscape of kitchen and bathroom design, with hygienic developments such as touchless technology growing in importance and a focus on nature to enhance wellbeing, with outdoor kitchens and biophilic design.

And the latest technological developments will feature in The Innovation Awards. Visitors can discover all this and more, with over 200 exhibitors appearing across 26 product categories. With an audience of more than 12,000 visitors over the four days, it will be a destination for senior decision makers, bringing together the retail and contract sector under one roof.

Correct at 15/2/2022

EXHIBITORS 1. VIRTUAL WORLDS – Stand M74 The story of the Virtual Worlds stand this year will be Virtual Worlds Professional Version 8.

According to the company, it’s a major new update with a new graphics engine that provides real-time rendering, challenging the need for time-consuming, photo-realistic rendering and “taking visualisation to a new level”. Visitors to the show will be able to experience Virtual Worlds 4D Theatre. Visit www.rdr.link/KAC012

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NEWS & VIEWS

EXHIBITION PREVIEW

3 2 2. VERONA – Stand E80 Distributor of tiles, mosaics, flooring and outdoor porcelain, Verona is celebrating its 20th anniversary and will make its first appearance at Kbb Birmingham. The company will be unveiling new tiles and its existing ranges with display options on stand. These will include extensions of its Patterned Tiles collection with heritage-inspired Mondrian and Vincent, which has a star pattern.

Visit www.rdr.link/KAC013

4 4. KONIGSTONE – Stand S95 and Q104 Big news for UK worktop specialist Königstone will be the launch of its outdoor kitchen range – KönigOutdoor. The stand will feature two L-shaped islands – one an indoor kitchen and the other an outdoor kitchen. The indoor kitchen will feature the KönigQuartz Statuario worktop, a Calacatta marble-inspired surface, whereas the outdoor kitchen will showcase the KönigOutdoor kitchen modules, which are porcelain-clad cabinetry. Visit www.rdr.link/KAC015

24 MARCH K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

3. HAFELE UK – Stand S70 Partnering with architect and interior designer Laura Jane Clark, Hafele has created a campaign to explore how well thought out kitchen design impacts people’s lifestyles and wellbeing, with the findings launched at the Kbb show. The ‘Kitchens for Living’ campaign will explore how the design, layout and usability of a kitchen can affect quality of life. The findings will be analysed to inform kitchen designers, manufacturers and installers how they can better meet their customers’ needs now and into the future. Visit www.rdr.link/KAC014

5 5. NEFF – Stand T100 and W100 Celebrating two anniversaries in 2022, it is the 50th anniversary of the Neff brand in the UK and the 20th birthday of the Neff Slide & Hide oven. Those visiting the Neff stand will be able to join the celebrations and see the new collection of cooking and ventilation products.

Visit www.rdr.link/KAC016

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NEWS & VIEWS

EXHIBITION PREVIEW

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6. BA – Stand N70

7. QUOOKER – Stand S100

Marking its 12th year exhibiting at Kbb Birmingham, BA will showcase its latest innovations and retail packages designed for trade customers. Heroes of the stand will include its InRail true handleless kitchen range and flatpack M2M, Bella Shaker doors and additional colours. It will also showcase 72 new handles from Formed’s ‘Momo’ handle range and let visitors take a first look at its MyBA 24-hour online ordering portal with live demo on stand. Visit www.rdr.link/KAC017

Launching a new version of its CUBE accessory, which delivers filtered, chilled and sparkling water, it has been designed to be easier to install, smaller, and have two settings for bubble preference. It wil be joined by the PRO3-B Tank with bellow technology, so when water is heated, the tank expands, plus a scale control with sustainable cartridge. Visit www.rdr.link/KAC018

8

9

9. SCAVOLINI – Stand P74

8. SIMON ACRES GROUP – Stand R60 KBB and merchant services provider Simon Acres Group will introduce its new KBB support services field sales team, who will be able to visit retailers. They will provide a suite of services to help retailers manage their businesses more effectively, close additional sales and increase order values.

The services extend beyond the core offerings from SAGL of recruitment, training, and media to include, a jobs board, qualified sales enquiries, finance, deposit protection, design support, HR, flexible payment solutions and wellness health checks. Visit www.rdr.link/KAC019

26 MARCH K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

Italian kitchen and bathroom furniture manufacturer Scavolini will showcase a selection of key collections on its stand at Kbb Birmingham. They include examples of its contemporary style Formalia and DeLinea, the Diesel Get Together collection and a modular concept with sliding pocket doors. Representing Scavolini bathrooms will be the Formalia bathroom collection, plus the Diesel Misfits bathroom. Visit www.rdr.link/KAC020

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NEWS & VIEWS

EXHIBITION PREVIEW

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11

10. HOUSE OF ROHL – Stand K90 Exhibiting for the first time at Kbb Birmingham as the House of Rohl group, Victoria+Albert, Perrin & Rowe and Shaws will be joined by the newly-introduced Riobel brassware brand from Quebec, Canada. Debuting at Kbb, Riobel will present five kitchen taps and four bathroom ranges, including the award-winning Parabola collection, which will be shown alongside Perrin & Rowe’s Armstrong kitchen brassware and Langbourn bathroom collection. Victoria + Albert will be revealing its latest collaboration with Wallpaper* magazine to develop three colour palettes for 2022 and Shaws fireclay sinks will be showing its rib-fronted Bowland and Ribchester sinks, and decorative Gallery models. Visit www.rdr.link/KAC021

11. BOSCH – Stand T100 and W100 Bosch will highlight its commitment to healthy living and sustainability across almost every category of kitchen appliance at Kbb Birmingham. Visitors to the stand will see how the approach extends to food preparation and storage, as well as healthy cooking. In addition, Bosch will show its laundry and dishwashing appliances, which are designed with preservation of natural resources in mind.

Visit www.rdr.link/KAC022

12 13

12. TITUS – Stand V80 Showcasing its latest developments, visitors to the Titus stand will be able to see TeraBlack products with a matte black finish, including the flagship products of the T-type hinge with integrated damping. These will be joined by the System 6 family of connectors for simplified cabinet assembly, and dampers for cold environments which operate reliably in temperatures as low as -30°C. Visit www.rdr.link/KAC023

28 MARCH K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

13. ELICA – Stand H70 Elica will use the Kbb Show in Birmingham to introduce its immersive Virtual Showroom to the industry on tablets and big screens on its stand. The virtual space has an area of approximately 350 sqm and is divided into six rooms. A total of 25 products are featured, each including the technical characteristics, alongside videos about the creative idea explained by Elica’s design centre director Fabrizio Crisà, Visit www.rdr.link/KAC024

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14 14. KAELO – Stand K100 Kaelo will be exhibiting at Kbb Birmingham 2022, presenting its wine cooler on its largest stand space to date. An open bottle host, Kaelo uses patented dry-cold technology to keep drinks cool, such as wine, water, orange juice or prosecco. The Kaelo will be In operation on the stand, chilling bottles, to entertain Its guests. Visit www.rdr.link/KAC025

15 15. KINEDO – Stand B82 European brand of all-in-one shower cubicles, shower enclosures and trays Kinedo will be returning to Kbb Birmingham with a new sales strategy, structure and team to ensure it’s easy and efficient to do business with. In addition, Kinedo will unveil the Smart Design walk-in shower enclosure with white graphic door and matching profiles, which will be paired with the new Kineline shower tray in white. These will be joined by the Kinemagic Design and Brooklyn shower cubicles and the Kinemoon tray. Visit www.rdr.link/KAC026

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NEWS & VIEWS

EXHIBITION PREVIEW

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17 AQUALLA – Stand E70 Aqualla invites visitors to explore its upcoming range of brassware launching this Summer, new collections from luxury bath supplier Adamsez and preview a selection of Italian brassware from Hotbath, coming to market in 2023.

Launching at Kbb, Adamsez will introduce its slimline freestanding bath collection, designed with a minimal 15mm outer wall and including back-to-wall designs. It will be shown alongside colourful brassware designs. www.rdr.link/KAC028

17 16. ROCA – Suites 32-34 Roca will showcase a UK debut of its Ona collection, developed by the Roca Design Centre team in collaboration with international design studios Noa Design and Benedito Design,. Visitors will also be able to see a working demonstration of the In-Wash In-Tank smart WC, plus products from The Gap, The Gap D-Trit, Domi and Romea furniture collections, as well as the Maui Bath, Cratos shower tray, PVD coloured brassware and Smart Shower. Visit www.rdr.link/KAC027

18 19 19. THE UNIFIED WATER LABEL ASSOCIATION – Stand C78

18. SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS (UK) – Stand J70 Returning to Kbb Birmingham for the third year, since the company launched home appliances to the UK market, Samsung will introduce a new range of built-in appliances. These will be complemented

by Bespoke Refrigeration, Infinite cooking appliances, Dual Cook Flex ovens, laundry and side-byside products. In addition, it will demonstrate Smarthings Connected Home across its product ranges. Visit www.rdr.link/KAC029

30 MARCH K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

The Unified Water Label Association, (UWLA) will launch a series of media packs for retailers, installers and merchants at the 2022 Kbb exhibition. The packs have been developed for use by members across Europe to drive home the Water Matters message and help consumers understand the link between using water, energy and their carbon footprint. The pack includes a range of tools, flyers, posters, social media posts and videos, with tips and advice on how to save water in the home. Visit www.rdr.link/KAC030

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NEWS & VIEWS

EXHIBITION PREVIEW

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21

20. LAUFEN – Suites 32-34

21. ACCESS WALK-IN BATHS – Stand E50

Laufen will be showcasing it LUA collection, designed by Toan Nguyen, which is orientated to round shapes that continue into linear architectural lines. It will be joined by the ‘The New Classic’ collection designed by Marcel Wanders, alongside VAL cloakroom basins for compact spaces.

These will be joined by the Cleanet Riva shower toilet, showcased for the first time in matt black ceramic. www.rdr.link/KAC031

Part of Gainsborough Healthcare Group, Access Walk-in Baths will be showcasing a range of its most popular accessible bathing solutions at Kbb Birmingham. It will be displaying five baths including a powered reclining solution, P-shaped bath and ultra-compact model for bathers who prefer an upright seated position. Access baths are supplied with built-in antimicrobial BioCote, a silver-ion technology integrated during the manufacturing process, and are supported by a 10-year warranty. Visit www.rdr.link/KAC032

22

23 22. KBSA – Stand M100

The Kbsa will focus on training and education at Kbb Birmingham 2022. Education partners The Kitchen Education Trust (TKET) and FIESTA will be supporting the Kbsa to promote the range of training and education opportunities currently available. During the past year, the Kbsa has worked with corporate members to provide bursaries for students on the Foundation Degree and intends to reach out to other organisations worldwide. Visit www.rdr.link/KAC033

24 23. ACQUABELLA – Stand D41 On a stand designed like a resort experience, to reflect a commitment to relaxation, calm, wellbeing, hygiene and health, Acquabella will showcase its latest collections. Developed over the past two years, these include Arabba collection, with the new high-definition, textilelook Arabba texture, Tempo and Flow Zero shower trays, Mini worktop, Opal Quiz bathtub and On-top XL range of basins. Additionally, Acquabella will present Acquawhite, a collection starring the Levi, Vars, Venet, Lech and Zermatt series made from new matrial Dolotek. Visit www.rdr.link/KAC034

32 MARCH K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

24. SIEMENS – Stand T100 and W100 On the Siemens stand, the brand will present how its appliances combine to create the intelligent kitchen, as well as showcasing how current technology will be used in the future. There will also be a private viewing area for guests to see a preview of the next generation of Siemens cooking appliances, ahead of its official launch later in the year. Visit www.rdr.link/KAC035

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25.DER KREIS (KBBG) – Stand M90 Taking the largest stand in the company’s history, Der Kreis UK will be partnering with Getley UK, which will be showcasing its Alku kitchen, bedroom and living room furniture ranges. Visitors to the stand will be able to explore the array of products, services and benefits Der Kreis UK offers to support independent retailers. There will also be a competition open to all visitors to the stand with a prize, which will be drawn at the end of the Kbb show. Visit www.rdr.link/KAC036

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26 EVERYDAYSAFE BY CHUBBSAFES – Stand M116 Celebrating its first appearance at Kbb Birmingham, EverydaySafe by Chubbsafes will be showcasing the world’s only kitchen and furniture drawer that is a built-in safe. Designed to provide convenient and secure storage for everyday valuables, it uses biometric fingerprint recognition to open or can be managed using a smartphone app. It also acts as a Faraday shield to block wireless signals from keyless car cloning and data copying of credit cards. Visit www.rdr.link/KAC037

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KITCHENS

WORKTOPS

1

In the same vein

How marble effect decors have influenced surfaces for kitchens using any worktop material.

Whether a classic farmhouse kitchen or cuttingedge contemporary design, marble-effect worktops play a main role in the aesthetics of an up-to-date scheme. Marketing manager of Cosentino Laura Davie explains why: “Marbleeffect surfaces deliver a premium feel, with both subtle and bolder vein styles to suit both minimalist and more extravagant interior designs.” Synonymous with luxurious interior aesthetics and reflecting the trend for bringing the outdoors inside marble-inspired surfaces have broadened design possibilities. With the decors available across porcelain, quartz and laminate, it has also extended the reach of the look to sit within a wider span of budgets.

Open-plan living Led by the movement towards open plan spaces and monolithic kitchen islands, large scale surfacing enables designers to show the intricacies or bold nature of veining. Head of sales at RAK Ceramics Ben Bryden says: “The move to open-plan living has brought with it a

34 MARCH K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

sense of courageousness among consumers who are more willing to embrace pattern and opt for something different.” And managing director of CRL Stone Simon Boocock agrees: “Strong patterning and an emphasis on detail help make a striking impression and add instant bursts of personality, while overall keeping to a neutral theme. This is why we are seeing marbleinspired surfaces being used across wide areas, from islands to entire walls in many cases.”

Combined with modern technologies, marble effect surfacing has enabled focal design features such as waterfall ends or book matched wraparound islands. Ben Bryden of RAK Ceramics adds: “Many of our marbleinspired surfaces at RAK Ceramics are available as Mega Slabs, allowing for greater consistency when used over large areas, with less need for grout lines and a seamless finish. Because these are often difficult for retailers to take stock of due to their sheer size, delivery can be arranged direct to site or end customer, helping with the logistics too.”

2 2. CAESARSTONE The Whitelight collection of lighter tones and organic forms comprises three designs; 5171 Arabetto (shown), 5112 Aterra Blanco and 5114 Calacatta Maximus. Find out more at www.rdr.link/KAC038

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1. KONIGSTONE Part of the König Quartz worktop portfolio is Monaco, a pale grey décor boasting a marble-like effect. Download the product specification at www.rdr.link/KAC039

Variety of stone Just like real stone, there isn’t one marble effect but a multitude of patterns with delicate or bold veining for consumers to choose from. While white seems to be the favoured backdrop, it is combined with seamed patterns in various hues of grey, blue, brown, black or even gold.

Silestone by Cosentino recently introduced its Ethereal Collection, which features four marble effect patterns with deep, fine veining.

Caesarstone also introduced the Whitelight Collection, which offer lighter tones and a natural aesthetic. Vice president of marketing at Caesarstone Jonathan Stanley explains: “The collection showcases the individuality and complexity of natural stone and the variety of ways in which diverse marble motifs have been interpreted to meet this highly desirable aesthetic; a style that communicates luxury, comfort and cleanliness along with a timely connection to our external environment.”

In fact, marketing manager of Kongistone Joanne Bull points out nearly a quarter of quartz decors in her company’s range are marble inspired: “There are seven white ‘marble’ finishes that sit in the Kongistone range; approximately 23% of our selection of colours.”

3 Back to black With such an emphasis on the white marble decors, and supported by a move towards richer, darker tones to create luxe kitchens, there could be a pendulum swing towards interiors featuring darker veined stone. Could we even see a return to black granite?

At Poggenpohl’s trade show in 2021, themed as “Spotting new dimensions”, it showcased unusual materials which included the black tones of Nero Portoro and red Rosso Lepanto

marble. The premium kitchen furniture manufacturer also introduced terrazzo surfacing.

All of which could challenge the dominance of the white marble-effect finishes.

Classic and timeless However, the one word frequently associated with marble is ‘timeless’ and so, arguably, whatever the colour, the demand for marble effects will remain unaffected by interior fashion trends. Commercial director of Brandt Design Julila Steadman comments: “In my experience, marble is a timeless and versatile choice for projects at all price points in the contract and residential sector, given its rich heritage and design status in the design world.” And so long may the effortless beauty of marble continue to influence kitchen interiors. We welcome marble effect decors which allow designers to cater for all consumers, by creating a kitchen aesthetic in the same vein as authentic stone.

3. COSENTINO Silestone Ethereal Haze forms part of a collection of white marble-effect patterns made using HybriQ+ technology, with each surface manufactured from a minimum of 20% recycled material. Read all the details at www.rdr.link/KAC040

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4. RAK CERAMICS Inspired by the natural beauty of the stone, Versilia Marble is a porcelain surface that displays striking grey veining set against a neutral white backdrop.

Discover size options at www.rdr.link/KAC041

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KITCHENS

INDUCTION HOBS

Ringing the changes 1 1. BORA The Bora X Pure combines an extra-wide cooktop and recirculating extraction with an air inlet nozzle in a choice of colours, all of which is controlled by a slider. Download the technical details at www.rdr.link/KAC042

High tech cooking performance and increasing consumer focus on energy bills will play into the hands of induction hob sales.

Having been established in the UK for more than 20 years, induction hobs need little introduction to kitchen professionals. But as this cooking sector matures, what is the next step in technology driving the design and sales of induction hob models? And how can kitchen retailers encourage their consumers, perhaps even those experienced with earlier models, to trade up?

Improved performance

2 2. NOVY The Novy Induction 900mm Pro Five Zone Induction Hob with InTouch features zones which can be bridged to create large cooking areas and can be used to control compatible extraction. View the catalogue at www.rdr.link/KAC043

36 MARCH K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

The induction hob has grown in size from the traditional 600mm up to 1200mm and with it has brought the flexibility of a larger cooking surface. Bridging zones and full surface cooking allow more pans to be used at one time and, together with automatic pan detection and tracking, enable ease of monitoring for the user.

Head of marketing at Smeg UK John Davies comments: “Consumers are looking for flexibility, so multi-zone appliances or zoneless appliances offer that.” He points to Smeg’s Area induction hobs, as an example, and these are joined by the likes of Fisher & Paykel Full Surface Induction Hob and Novy’s Pro series of induction hobs.

County manager of Novy, Owain Harrison explains: “Our Pro series of induction hobs are

packed with technologies to make cooking easier, from independent minute minders on each hob, to a bridging function that converts two octagonal zones to a single zone for larger pans, to a Chef function that automatically links the bridged zones to set the temperature.”

Managing director of Falmec UK Sean Drumm agrees consumers want easier controllability of their induction hob, but says they also require performance. He points out: “Customers are demanding more cooking space and more pans on the surface simultaneously – but without any reduction in power.” Drumm exclaims that the performance of an induction hob, particularly on the lower settings, are “often found to be inconsistent on cheaper models.”

Combining ventilation In a further move to enhance performance selected models also offer ventilation. This has seen the development and subsequent growth of the vented hob. Founder of Bora Willi Bruckbauer comments: “The inclusion of downdraft extraction is a major advantage at the premium end of the market. By removing vapours and odours directly from the cooktop, it is like cooking with fresh air, a major advantage

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with today’s living kitchen lifestyles, where lingering cooking odours are not left to permeate soft furnishings.”

However, for a kitchen project which isn’t suited to a downdraft model, there are induction hobs which can connect to compatible cooker hoods, which can be found in the likes of Whirlpool, Miele and Novy brands. As the hob powers up, so does the level of extraction for cooking, odours and steam. Owain Harrison of Novy explains: “A Novy InTouch induction hob can communicate with the Novy InTouch Cooker Hood above using radio frequency, allowing the cook to control the hood using touch controls on the hob.”

Harrison adds: “For retailers, explaining the additional functionalities that are included in premium induction hobs will enable them to easily trade up to a higher priced, yet better specified models and this is why, at Novy, we continually focus on providing training for our retail partners.”

3

Artificial intelligence

3. FALMEC

4. FISHER & PAYKEL

The next step then, surely, must be for greater automation to improve ease of use and optimise power. Perhaps the hob could make suggestions and automatically monitor the cooking of dishes, perhaps using Artificial Intelligence. Hoover reports connected appliances have established themselves in the laundry sector and predicts this focus to move to cooking appliances. In fact, the Hoover Wizard app already offers users access to 15 step-by-step recipes customised for its WiFi induction hobs, complete with ingredient lists, preparation steps and cooking parameters.

The Quantum hob is now available in an “easy” version, which incorporates the Filter Carbon.Zeo within the suction part of the extractor, so there is no need for additional ducts and filtering kits.

Watch the video at www.rdr.link/KAC044

Fisher & Paykel has released its first full surface induction hob, CI926DTB4, where users can place up to six pots or pans within the cooking surface.

View all the technical features at www.rdr.link/KAC045

Aesthetic choice However, it’s not just technology which is important to induction hob choice, they are now offered in a variety of aesthetics to suit a wider choice of kitchen schemes. The black, frameless glass could have held back some sales but they now come in a choice of coloured glass, combined with gas burners and are even suited to more classical schemes.

John Davies of Smeg adds: “Smeg’s induction hob range is available in finishes like silver glass, white and black, and with different controlled trims in its Victoria 50s aesthetic.

Individuality and fitting into colour schemes are crucial.” While Bora introduced a choice of coloured air inlets to personalise its vented hobs. Together, with a minimal, one-piece aesthetic to ease cleaning, induction hobs also fit into the ‘improved health and hygiene’ narrative forming an integral part of home design.

4 Energy increase But, arguably, the greatest influence on hob sales will be the much publicised spike in energy bills, encouraging a broader church of consumers to consider sustainability in kitchen specification.

Induction heat is more direct, conducting through the pan and so is not lost heating the outside environment. It means it is quicker to boil, further reducing energy use. Sean Drumm of Falmec UK

comments: “Induction is a clean energy and is very eco-friendly, particularly with electricity, so will continue to be very much in demand by consumers.”

He concludes: “Truth is that consumers and retailers all favour induction for its many benefits in the kitchen, so I have no doubt that this sector will continue to grow exponentially over the next few years.”

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KITCHENS

PRODUCT ROUND-UP

1. DEKTON

just out

Spanish manufacturer Cosentino Group has expanded the palette of its Dekton ultracompact surface, with a warm white surface called Moone. Part of the Solid Collection, a series characterised by nuance-free shades, Moone is inspired by moonlight with its warm glow. Manufactured in large format slabs, it is available in five thicknesses (4mm, 8mm, 12mm, 20mm and 30mm). Download technical information at www.rdr.link/KAC046

1

2 2. PWS

3

Kitchen and bedroom distributor PWS has introduced its integrated handle collection, Outline, on its most popular door families, across both classic and modern styles. With four handle types; Portal, Edge, Channel and Extended Channel, the combination with the door families provides over 2,500 design possibilities. The integrated handle options have been designed to provide consumers with the look of a bespoke, premium kitchen but at an “attractive” price point. Watch the video at www.rdr.link/KAC047

4 4. FORMICA GROUP

3. CAPLE Designed to provide discreet extraction, kitchen appliance supplier Caple has just introduced a range of built-under glass hoods. Boasting B-rated energy efficiency, the models have a black glass aesthetic, illuminated touch controls and two 1.5W LED lights to illuminate the hob below. The BU525BK model measures 520mm wide, while the BU775 is 750mm wide. View the full specification at www.rdr.link/KAC048

38 MARCH K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

Artist Olivia Aspinall, who owns Olivia Aspinall Studio in Nottingham, has collaborated with the Formica Group to produce three splashbacks for its Axiom collection. Aspinall created a piece of terrazzo, which was scanned to create a print and produce the splashbacks. These include: PP8381 Spectra Chip. PP8382 White Chip and PP8372 Grey Chip. Watch the video at www.rdr.link/KAC049

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5. CROWN IMPERIAL

6. RANGEMASTER

7. ABODE

Adding to the Lifestyle Kitchens brand, from British furniture manufacturer Crown Imperial, Gala is now available in an Indigo Blue finish.

Gala is a Shaker-style door, which now comes in a choice of six colours: Oyster, Grey, Cashmere, Dakar, Grey Slate and Indigo Blue. The range provides kitchen designers with a choice of wall and tall units in two heights and various widths.

Designers can request a brochure at www.rdr.link/KAC050

Sink, tap and appliance manufacturer Rangemaster has expanded its range of fireclay ceramic sinks with the introduction of Hartland, an inset Belfast-style model. It not only eases installation, allowing fitters to ‘drop’ in the sink, but the ‘lip’ over the worktop creates a barrier against water ingress, and so it is suitable for all worktop materials. The single-bowl sink also features a deep apron front profile. Read the key features at www.rdr.link/KAC051

Brassware and sink supplier Abode has launched Pronteau ProTrad, a steaming hot tap in a traditional design, offered in 3 IN 1 and 4 IN 1 models. The Pronteau ProTrad steaming hot water tap offers 75 – 98° instant filtered steaming hot water, as well as standard hot and cold functions in the 3 IN 1 model, plus filtered cold water in the 4 IN 1. Designers can choose the taps from a trio of finishes. View more details at www.rdr.link/KAC052

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BATHROOMS

SHOWER TRAYS

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Tray new things Reducing the impact on the environment but adding practicalities of installation and anti-slip, could this be the successful formula for shower tray sales?

With form now reduced to the bare minimum, such as the BetteAir shower tile and Kaldewei SuperPlan Zero surface, with thin depths where does it leave shower tray design? And has the ‘less is more’ mantra infiltrated more than just the aesthetics? JT believes so, having recently reduced the weight of its stone resin shower trays by 25% and CCL Building Products has reduced water use with its waterless trap on the Garla tray.

Reducing environmental impact Both have benefits for the environment – internal and external. According to CCL Building Products, the 50mm Lo-Seal Trap has a return mechanism that doesn’t require water and, since it will never dry out, will prevent odours from entering a building. Whereas the reduction of weight of JT’s resin stone trays makes them easier to transport, reduces the shower tray’s carbon footprint, and therefore impact on the planet, as well as trade professionals.

It could even be argued the focus on the environment could see the reduction of some materials in shower tray manufacturing, such as acrylic which can end up in landfill rather than being recycled. David Osborne of Roman states: “Solid surface is clearly the material for the future due to its ease of recycling and re-use at its original value, which is firmly at the core of the circular economy.” While Kaldewei has

40 MARCH K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

introduced Bluemint Steel, which it states is steel with a low CO2 intensity.

However, Ann Boardman, head of marketing and product development at Saniflo, points out: “Green acrylic has recently hit the market, sold as a more environmentally friendly plastic than other acrylics. This could be either acrylic recycled at the end of its consumer life or scrap acrylic captured from the production line.”

Certainly its likely shower trays which have less impact on the environement will be more successful in sales, as head of marketing at

1. BETTE The BetteAir shower tile measures 10mm deep, comes in 32 colour and eight sizes, with optional Anti-Slip Sense. Find out all the technical information at www.rdr.link/KAC053

2. CCL BUILDING PRODUCTS Featured on its Garla shower tray, the Lo-Seal waterless trap is only opened when in use, preventing odours from pipework entering the bathroom. Watch the video at

www.rdr.link/KAC054

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Bette UK Sven Resinghoff points out: “There seems to be a desire to buy better and to buy in a more considered way. How a product is made and used, and the resources used to make it are an important part of that story.”

3

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Bigger options But that’s where the story of ‘less is more’ ends, as bigger is better for shower trays, in terms of sizes and choice of colours. Head of sales at Kaldewei Adam Teal says this is reflected in his company’s sales: “There has been a marked increase in the sales of larger shower trays, such as Cayonoplan or new Superplan Zero. Other options such as the Nexsys shower surface are increasing in popularity, this is due to the waste channel which can be colour matched.” Ann Boardman of Saniflo adds “her company’s Kinemom sales were in “larger sizes of 1600, 1700 and 1800mm were very popular for us last year, as we have stock of these sizes in the UK.”

Practical measures Manufacturers are also looking at the bigger picture of practicalities with made-to-measure, through to optional anti-slip. “Designers should appraise themselves of the current range of trays that can be cut on site if there is an unusual

3. JT

4. KINEDO

JT has committed to making all its stone resin shower trays 25% lighter in weight, promising less stress on the environment. Find out more at

Kinemoon is a stone-effect tray which measures 26mm deep, comes with a choice of three wastes and measures up to 1800mm. Download the brochure at www.rdr.link/KAC056

www.rdr.link/KAC055 space that requires a tray or there is an obstacle to cut round,” explains Ann Boardman. And sales and marketing director of RAK Ceramics Ben Bryden agrees there will be a need for designers to embrace the practicailites of made-to-measure trays as well as anti-slip, which is gaining traction: “Made-to-measure trays are likely to take on greater significance, as homeowners continue to carve out some bathroom space from their

existing square metres and shower areas are formed from awkward corners etc. It’s likely we will see more in the way of textured surfaces coming through too, incorporating anti-slip in a style-led way.” He concludes: “Designers taking time to understand the advantages of such features, particularly as well as in terms of style and visual appeal will be able to encourage consumers to trade up confidently.”

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BATHROOMS

PRODUCT ROUND-UP

1

just out 1. HIB Bathroom product supplier HiB has unveiled the Fold mirror, with illuminated edges that can be angled to a desired position. It means the LED lighting can be focused on the subject or outwards to brighten the space. Providing task or ambient illumination, the LED lighting boasts colour temperature changing technology and is dimmable, so the user can alter the light’s brightness and tone. View the online brochure at www.rdr.link/KAC057

2. DURAVIT

2 42 MARCH K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

Created for the entry-level segment, bathroom manufacturer Duravit has introduced Duravit No.1 bathroom collection to suit the first-time buyer through to hotel and project sectors.

According to Duravit, bathrooms for the budget price range are usually dominated by round shapes, whereas No. 1 is based upon a rectangular shape. It features sanitaryware with rimless WCs, choice of baths including asymmetrical models, brassware and furniture.

Learn more at www.rdr.link/KAC058

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3. IDEAL STANDARD Bathroom manufacturer Ideal Standard has expanded and redefined its showering portfolio into Design, Comfort and Fresh offers.

Design showers are characterised by flat surfaces, extra-large shower heads and includes Ceratherm S200 with frontfacing controls and integrated glass shelf. Comfort showers allow users to flick between three spray modes using a push button and Fresh blends modern design with added control, such as the raised button on the Ceratherm T25 for better grip. Find out more at www.rdr.link/KAC059

3

4. CROSSWATER Adding to its popular MPRO range of brassware, bathroom supplier Crosswater has recently introduced a matt white finish. The finish is available across its two and three-hole wall-mounted, standard, tall and three-hole deck-mounted basin mixers, freestanding bath/shower mixer and bath spout. In addition, matt white is also available across showerheads, valves and handsets, as well as bathroom accessories and towel warmers. Download the brassware brochure at www.rdr.link/KAC060

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5. ACQUABELLA Spanish bathroom brand Acquabella has unveiled a range of on-top, X-large countertop basins. It adds to the existing collection of countertop basins, which span circular, square, rectangular and oval models. Manufactured from Akron, the On-top Circle XL basin is available in a choice of textures and a palette of 2,000 colours. Discover the basin collection at www.rdr.link/KAC061

6. GROHE

6

Bathroom brand Grohe has updated its Allure series, which forms part of its premium portfolio.

The Allure tap has been refined with a slimmed down design to provide a greater aesthetic appeal and the three-hole mixer offers haptic feedback. Grohe Allure allows designers and architects the opportunity to create a harmonious bathroom experience, as it also includes floor-mounted taps and waterfall spouts for baths. View the entire product range at www.rdr.link/KAC062

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LIGHTING

Setting the scene Bathroom designers need to consider how ambient and tunable lighting can help create a coveted at-home spa for bathrooms of all budgets

BATHROOMS

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With the British bathroom being traditionally small, it’s perhaps unsurprising the focus of lighting may have been on the quantity of illumination for practical tasks, particularly for price restricted schemes. But with the space now expected to perform a number of roles, from wash and go convenience through to everyday spa, could designers uplift their lighting schemes and not just at the top end of budgets? Industry experts believe more attention must be paid to ambient lighting with designers using lighting to create focal points and drama.

Sales director of HiB Ash Chilver comments: “Often lighting’s ability to set the scene is overlooked. When this is considered, illumination can promote relaxation and rejuvenation, appealing to people’s desire for wellness and spa-like environments.” Marketing manager of Sycamore Lighting Angela James agrees, adding: “Ambient lighting can often be overlooked in a bathroom in favour of a few spotlights in a ceiling, but there are many other options available to enhance any bathroom design.”

Layered lighting Layering lighting in a scheme, using a variety of illumination is key to creating a spa-like bathroom, from LED mirrors and furniture, through to perhaps pendants. Moving away from a standard grid of downlights or single ceiling light can help, suggests Ash Chilver of HiB, who says consider directional lighting to create interesting visual effects.

Angela James of Sycamore Lighting points out: “LED ceiling spotlights, with the addition of an illuminated mirror or mirrored cabinet, is always a good start to add functional lighting and an additional ‘wow factor’ product.

However, adding suitably IP-rated diffused LED flexible strips or small LED spotlights within a bathroom can create a stunning look. These can be situated within cupboards, alcoves or shelves to add a bit of extra ambient lighting and highlight areas that would usually be quite dark.”

Ash Chilver of HiB agrees: “By combining

mirrors with LED illumination, you can make the bathroom feel much bigger and offer an enhanced experience when using the mirror”, adding: “For added opulence and luxury, using eye-catching lights such as IP44-certified pendants can be particularly striking.” However, he also offers the world of warning: “But it is key to consider the size and everyday use of the room to ensure that they are practical and suited to the setting.”

Choosing colours Interestingly, the colour temperature of lighting is also beginning to play a greater role in bathroom design. Think lighting that can be altered from daylight through to warmer light in

1. HIB Summit pendant lights are IP-44 rated, with retrostyled LED lights featuring handblown glass shades. Watch the video at www.rdr.link/KAC064

the evening, matching the natural circadian rhythms – providing energy or relaxation when needed. Sycamore Lighting has just launched a range of Tunable LED mirror cabinets, where the client can select the colour by touching a keypad on the product. Angela James comments: “Tunable LED lighting can help to create a different ambience depending on the time of day or to create a particular mood.

Tunable white (Correlated Colour Temperature

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BATHROOMS

LIGHTING

or CCT) offers the user the ability to change the colour of their lighting from warm, to natural or to cool white to suit the individual décor or individual preference. This type of product can also be dimmed to provide a cosy feel for a relaxing spa-like experience within the home.”

If using several light sources, bathroom designers must make sure the tunable lights offer the same colour temperature, for a cohesive look, as “cool”, “daylight” and “warm” white colours are not specific but on a scale.

According to Westinghouse Lighting at 2000K to 3000K, the light produced is called “warm white” and ranges from orange to yellow-white in appearance. Colour temperatures between 3100K and 4500K are referred to as “cool white” or “bright white” and above 4500K is the “daylight” colour temperature of light.

2

Control upsells With a growing interest in types of lighting and colour choice, of course it requires a greater focus on control of the illumination. Ash Chilver recommends “having different lights on separate circuits to help to control and alter the atmosphere”, while Angela James points to the convenience of Kinetic switch controls “that don’t require electric cable or conduit installation”. Noting more sophisticated bathroom lighting has seen controls come to the fore, director of Gira UK Jacob Muijnck adds: “New colourways, glass and wood-framed fittings are subtle ways of bringing a designer look and feel to the wet zone, elevating the whole scheme and also boosting margins by creating new opportunities for upsell.” And in the top-end of the market, controls that operate the lighting, alongside blinds, heating,

3

ventilation, audio and video can help the bathroom become part of the smart home.

But expect smart lighting to filter down the market and become even more important as part of future bathroom specification. It will enable users to control illumination by voice, create routines and light their home in the way they want – truly setting the scene.

2. SYCAMORE LIGHTING Tunable LED Mirror Cabinets, such as the Balmoral, features built-in Bluetooth speakers, USB charging ports and shaver sockets. Download the specification sheet at www.rdr.link/KAC065

3. GIRA Designed for luxury specifications, Gira Pushbutton Sensor 4 controls up to eight functions from one switch, including lighting, blinds, humidity and heating. Download the brochure at

www.rdr.link/KAC066

46 MARCH K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

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PROMOTION

BUSINESS

KI TCHENS &

BATHROOMS NEWS We produce exclusive videos, each week, on www.kandbnews.co.uk interviewing business leaders and young people entering the industry. They cover industry-wide issues, retail initiatives and design trends.

Here are our latest, just in case you’ve missed them.

Set the bar high in design | Meet the young kitchen and bathroom professionals | The London Bath Co Senior designer at The London Bath Co Nasser Fahad talks about how his university course led him to the Kbb industry. He explains young designers must set their own bar for kitchen retail standards and treat the business they work for like it is their own. See what else he has to say about the industry www.rdr.link/KAC067

Kitchen retail challenges 2022, easing cashflow and installation issues | MHK | Marcel Crezee Managing director MHK-UK and export director of MHK Marcel Crezee talks about kitchen retail challenges 2022 and solutions. He explains how the European buying group is helping ease cashflow and installation pressures for UK retailers, offering centralised payment and scoping out own-brand fitters. View the video at www.rdr.link/KAC068

From gel nails to appliance sales | Meet the young kitchen and bathroom professionals | AO Business Client executive Georgia Soden talks about how she changed careers from being a beauty apprentice to selling kitchen appliances at trade supplier AO Business. She describes her journey to her current role and offers her advice for young people entering the industry. Watch her talk enthusiastically about business-to-business appliance sales www.rdr.link/KAC069

3 Top tips for new designers by award-winning kitchen and bathroom profesionals | Kbsa Designer Award winners 2022 Award winning kitchen and bathroom designers offer their top tips for budding, new and novice designers. We talk to Matthew Grantham of Kreativ Kitchens, Stuart Hendry of Kutchenhaus Stamford and Charlotte Jewkes of KC Design House about the skills designers need and the advice they would offer their younger selves, new and novice designers.

View their valuable insights at www.rdr.link/KAC070 www.kandbnews.co.uk K&BNEWS MARCH

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BUSINESS

COMPANY PROFILE

“We think there’s a niche that no-one sits in” Managing director of Davroc Chris Dodds explains how its Coalbrook brassware brand answers the needs of retailers – in stock and every product in every finish in every range

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Bathroom distributor Davroc has not only launched a new brassware brand – Coalbrook – but at the same time invested in a showroom to support it. Well-known for its traditional brassware offer of Lefroy Brooks, Davroc has supplied contemporary brassware but has recently taken the decision to create its own brand “to bridge volume and higher-end design”.

Managing director Chris Dodds explains “There wasn’t really anyone doing what showrooms were telling us they needed, in terms of a good range, well-priced and all the finishes available across every product.” He adds: “We think there’s a niche that no-one sits in.”

Compact brand Davroc launched the industrial-style Coalbook brand, which took its name from the location of the world’s first iron bridge Coalbooksdale, with two ranges Domo and Decca. These span deck and wall-mounted basin mixers, deck and freestanding bath fillers, showers and complementary accessories and all are stocked in four finishes; Brushed Brass, Brushed Nickel,

48 MARCH K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

Gunmetal and Chrome. These have been joined by two additional ranges of Bank and Zurich, providing 400 SKUs across the four ranges and four finishes.

“It’s quite a tight range, in that respect”, says Chris Dodds. He explains: “We are trying to be very selective in terms of the products we bring in, so we can continue saying to people every product is available in every finish in every range. It’s a simple but strong message.”

1. MANAGING DIRECTOR Chris Dodds is managing director of luxury bathroom distributor Davroc and its new brand of contemporary brassware – Coalbrook

2. INDUSTRIAL HOMAGE The two-storey showroom plays homage to the industrial styling of the brand with colourful, resin architectural freezes and a lower floor with cut-out boiler hosting working brassware

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3. COMPACT RANGE Coalbrook was established with two ranges Domo and Decca, spanning basin mixers, deck and freestanding bath fillers, showers and accessories in four finishes

4. EXPANDING BRAND Designed in-house by co-owner Giuseppe Corbisiero, Bank and Zurich will be added to the existing collections at trade show Kbb Birmingham

Stock investment It has seen a challenge for Coalbook to maintain its stock levels, particularly as the business won a hotel project for 250 rooms early on. Dodds says: “We were hopeful it would be successful, but it has been incredibly successful. So we have invested heavily in stock. If you make a commitment, you’ve got to back it. We launched with £3.5million stock at retail. We’ve now got about £12.5-£13million at retail prices.” Dodds admits the company has “gone over and above where we thought we needed to be, so we could build in the capacity to supply projects”.

With the backing of the 40-year old Davroc business, owned by Giuseppe and Pietro Corbisiero, commitment to stock has also bolstered the success of Coalbrook, enabling the brand to become established “probably quicker than we would have otherwise.”

Made in China because “it’s very difficult to make a competitively-priced product in Europe”, explains Dodds, Coalbrook brassware is WRASapproved and complies with BREEM regulation.

Dodds adds: “Our real premise with Coalbrook is that we wanted it to be simple, so there was

4

3 never any situation where a customer said ‘yes… but’. “ He conceded: “There are brassware specialists that do everything and anything. We won’t be that. We’ll aim to be easy to deal with and tick as many boxes as we can.”

Collaborative showroom Davroc has also invested in a new showroom for the Coalbrook brand, in former pie factory The Market Building in Clerkenwell, London to target the project sector. Designed by architectural practice Holloway Li, the two-storey building plays homage to the industrial styling of the

“We’ve tried to make it clear this is a brand in its own right and we’re unapologetic about that. It’s important that the brand is king.”

5 5. COALBROOK SHOWROOM Designed by architect Holloway Li, the collaborative space features furniture from Menu, lighting from Phos and a stonemasonry company which creates self-supporting staircases.

brand with colourful, resin freezes and a lower floor with a cut-out boiler hosting working brassware. It is a collaborative space which also features furniture from Menu, lighting from Phos and a stonemasonry company which creates self-supporting staircases. “It almost feels more like a gallery than a showroom”, says Dodds.

Reaching retailers Now, the Coalbook brand will also be introduced to retailers at kbb Birmingham.

Dodds says: “We’ve got around 110 dealers and this will grow to 140-150, once we’ve filled all the geographical gaps. But we’re not looking for it to be overexposed.” The brand is supported by a brochure, features on Virtual Worlds and EasyQuote and has its own sales team, separate to Davroc. Dodds explains: “We’ve tried to make it clear this is a brand in its own right and we’re unapologetic about that. It’s important that the brand is king.”

In return, Coalbrook is seeking a “reasonable amount” of display space in retail businesses and Dodds adds “it’s important we’re important to them. That might mean we are their second choice in brassware. We understand there’s people who do things we don’t. But we don’t want to be someone’s fourth or fifth choice.”

Three years in the pipeline, Chris Dodds concludes Coalbrook “has far outstretched where I thought it would go”, continuing “the majority of people we’ve spoken to have said ‘it’s exactly what I need, it’s come at the right time and it’s been easy for me. I’m delighted with how positive the reaction has been.”

For more information on the Coalbrook brand visit www.rdr.link/KAC077

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BUSINESS

SME ADVICE

Company matters

Offering support for independent kitchen and bathroom firms because your business is our business

MARKETING How to crack Google in 2022 Like it or not, if you want to beat the big boys and get more leads and sales this year, you’re going to need to crack Google. Essentially, if you’re not on page one, you’re nowhere.

Sure, we’d love it if it weren’t the case – it’d be nice to live in a world where your design and craftsmanship were all that mattered. But, thanks to the folk in Silicon Valley, there’s a lot more to consider; a whole other language to learn.

Keywords. Negative keywords. Phrase match.

Exact match. Campaigns. Ad Groups. URLs. Meta-tags. Not exactly selling it, am I? But here’s the reality: Google is a necessary evil in 2022; fail to get it right, and you may as well be invisible online to your prospective customers.

Think local So, how do you get leads and sales from Google this year without pulling your hair out or investing hours into the platform? I’ve got good news on that front. We’ve been running Google Ads and website SEO for kitchen retailers for years now. But, we’ve also leveraged a Google

tactic over the last year that’s working increasingly well for the businesses we work with. And not just that, it’s an approach that can allow you to out-compete the big brands. You know, the ones that hoover up most of the prime advertising placement and draw people into their national showrooms.

Previously, in our experience, the most efficient way to beat the big sheds on Google was to focus on the more specific search terms – like ‘luxury kitchens’, ‘German kitchens’, ‘Shaker kitchens’, ‘modern kitchens’ and so on and so forth.

Those terms are all well and good, but there’s a reason the big dogs aren’t competing so hard for them – the lower numbers of people searching for them. But over the last year, we’ve developed our approach to tap into keywords with much larger search volumes without having to complete so closely with the brands.

And it really is quite simple. The two most popular search terms in our space across the UK are “kitchens” and “kitchen design”, and as you’d expect, the big brands are all over them.

But when you anchor a local town or city after the search term – e.g. “kitchen design

SOCIAL MEDIA Linkedin as a customer sales tool We all know how vital it is for a kitchen or bathroom brand to be on Instagram, after all the opportunity to share beautiful images of trending styles and colours is too good to be missed. And I would bet that most of you are on LinkedIn too, as individuals. Of course you have a company page, you needed the little logo on your own profile, so it was set up years ago and now is only occasionally thought about..,After all, people do business with people, so you only use LinkedIn from your own profile. The company page isn’t really any good for bringing in customers. WRONG! LinkedIn Pages (aka your company profile) is an absolute goldmine if it is set up PROPERLY and used EFFECTIVELY. So here are 10 Top Tips for your LinkedIn Page.

1. The banner here is a completely different size to a profile, so load carefully.

2. All the contact details, right down to address,

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website, emails etc need to be loaded.

Check the links work!

3. Most brands funnel viewers to the website, so ensure your analytics are set up properly so you can see how many visitors are coming from LinkedIn. Then ensure your LinkedIn icon is visible on your website and the

Cambridge” – you can tap into a reasonable volume of searches, which are more specific to you, while avoiding a volume bidding war.

Cost-effective leads But even better than that is the data on how successful going after these search terms is.

We’ve noticed this approach is going from strength to strength in terms of results and conversions. In fact, targeting these locationspecific searches is fast becoming the most cost-

reverse link works too.

4. There is no point in employees simply sharing the company posts. It kills reach. If employees want to promote the company, they need to write a post and then put the link to the company post in their own post.

5. Depending on company size, there will be all sorts of added button and analytics available.

Use them all, and keep your information upto-date.

6. You can have sub pages to highlight specific services or products, and even groups!

7. Put good content on the page. Three times a week is plenty for a company page, but even once a week is great. Just be consistent!

8. You don’t need to post only about your company, your people etc. Talk about industry news, trends, trade shows, events, interviews, podcasts, the list is endless. You can even invite employees or industry experts to write articles or posts.

9. Reply to all the comments people leave! Yes, every single one.

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RECRUITMENT effective way to gain quality leads. What’s clear is that Google is looking to reward specificity. I won’t pretend to know the ins and outs of the Google algorithm. Still, I strongly suspect that they’ve come to regard a high-quality local kitchen website as a more desirable search destination than a generic offering – one that’s trying to be all things to all people all over the country.

Whether that’s true or not, one thing is true, and that is – right now – this strategy is working increasingly well. So, whether you deploy it with SEO or Google Ads, or ideally both - take it, use it, and let me know how you get on.

EXPERT: David Barker COMPANY: InspireKbb BACKGROUND: David Barker is managing director of Inspirekbb, a sales and marketing consultancy for kitchen and bathroom retailers.

Barker has over 25 years’ experience, with his areas of specialism including branding and positioning through offline and online platforms to generate tangible sales results.

His family owned a kitchen and bathroom showroom for 15 years and Barker increased revenue eight-fold through sales and marketing techniques CONTACT: www.rdr.link/KAC071

10. It’s perfectly OK to show personality in a company page, in fact it’s encouraged. Your company page will come with free analytics without the need for a premium LinkedIn account, so even the smallest brands should have a page and be using it.

EXPERT: Anna Rump or #thesocialmedialady COMPANY: Amelia Rose Media BACKGROUND: Social media consultant Anna Rump of Amelia Rose Media works with lifestyle brands to help boost their income. She has recently taken engagement on social media, for one company, from under 1% to over 20% in three months and brought in sales worth over £50,000. Anna Rump achieved this in under 90 posts across three platforms.

CONTACT: www.rdr.link/KAC072

Prepare for recruitment change The pandemic has touched every aspect of our lives and accelerated existing trends in the recruitment community. With a 4.2% drop in unemployment, there are 1.2 million jobs available in the UK and no employer can afford to be complacent as hybrid working is set to stay with us into 2022. The future is not something ‘out there’, it is already here. So job seekers and employers alike need to be openminded and creative to ensure a solid platform for success. The past 18 months have shown us how important collaboration is and, I have no doubt, the most foresighted companies will be investing in tailored training and development for their people going forward to 2025 and 2030, helping them to retain staff and enjoy increased loyalty.

Personalisation and well-being Career happiness is always individual, and today’s employers need to offer a wide range of packages and benefits to attract and retain their staff, as people are motivated by so many different things. The days of the corporate clone and the ‘one size fits all’ package are long gone, so businesses need to take a pick and mix approach. This includes factoring-in extra provision for staff in high-pressure situations to ensure they have the support available.

Team leaders, managers and supervisors are not just responsible for results and employee engagement. As the latest Employee Experience report from Qualitrics highlights, today’s managers and leaders are also expected to be driving diversity and equitable outcomes for all at work, fostering a sense of belonging, supporting social justice issues as well as understanding and supporting employees’ mental health. So as employees’ expectations rise, employers need to guard against middle-management fatigue.

I urge employers to remember that staff who are mid-career can sometimes be overlooked in the workforce, as their managers can assume that they are ‘happy ticking over’.

But without clear career paths and opportunities for progression and skills building, this valuable group who understand the intricacies of your business or industry may feel undervalued and inclined to vote with their feet. Make sure this doesn’t happen to you – as a great deal of irreplaceable work/life experience will be walking out of your door.

Flexible change management Managing change effectively has always been

a key part of high-performance organisations and the past two years have been challenging for us all. With that in mind, future-focused businesses need to have the flexibility and leadership to anticipate the unexpected. In my opinion, the pandemic has accelerated a lot of trends which were already bubbling under, such as a desire for flexible working and working from home. Patching up antiquated business models is no longer an option and, frankly, I think employers need to see that their workforce is as vital as their customers.

We have seen how discerning and ecoconscious consumers in general have become, when it comes to spending their money and it makes sense to apply these findings to the workplace. Employers need to highlight planetfriendly initiatives and genuinely live their values as a way to connect with Generation Z as well as more established Millennials.

Learning and development The rapid pace of change and the explosion in online learning means employers need to promote clear and attractive career paths and upskilling opportunities as a bare minimum. On the other side of the fence, employees need to show commitment to life-long learning and be prepared to get outside their comfort zones by learning about new technologies.

I feel very privileged that I get to see both sides of the coin as a premier recruitment specialist. I believe we are now in an ‘experience economy’ in which people are seeking more from all aspects of their lives, including their careers.

EXPERT: Peter Jones COMPANY: Foyne Jones BACKGROUND: Peter Jones is founder and managing director of Foyne Jones, specialist recruitment agency for kbb retail, independent and national merchant and construction sales.

He is also the host of podcast The Peter Jones Show, which covers recruitment and industry news, and features guests who are leaders in the industry CONTACT: www.rdr.link/KAC073

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NEWS & VIEWS

COMPETITON

Win Access-all-areas VIP Podcast Day with Jones Digital Pump up the volume of your business and star in a live discussion with Peter Jones Foyne Jones, leading executive recruitment agency specialising in the KBB, Builders Merchant & Home Interiors sectors is getting ‘Back to Business’ with Season 5 of its industryacclaimed podcast series, The Foyne Jones Show is offering an exclusive prize so that you can boost your brand and offer your thought leadership to shape our industry.

Created and produced by sister company, Jones Digital, the new weekly series sponsored

by MHK Holdings, has aired t10 episodes so far, including real-talk from Damian Walters, chief executive at The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) and Stephen Johnson, managing director at Quooker UK on protecting the next generation of apprenticeships. Other industry guests so far have included editor of Kitchens & Bathrooms News, Philippa Turrell, as well as head of marketing at Smeg John Davies and David Sheridan of Stolz Kitchens to name a few.

Broadcast at 12 noon, ‘Back to Business’ combines personality, passion and a love of football with trademark positivity and highenergy from podcast host and founder of Foyne Jones Recruitment Group, Peter Raymond Jones.

The aim of the new series is to empower and inspire in 2022/23 and as one of the leading recruiters in the KBB and building sector, Peter Jones is equally committed to supporting its rising stars and helping key players strengthen their positions.

“We want to show KBB professionals how to make the most of the latest technology in real time with real people,” says Jones. The lucky winner will get the chance to visit Peter and the crew in the Podcast studio in Brighton. You will be provided an in-depth guide to podcasting before recording your very own episode. Once finished, the podcast will be professionally edited and released to the KBB community via YouTube, iTunes and Spotify and the Jones Digital team will ensure your files can be shared in a range of formats for posterity.

After the show, Peter Jones will treat you to a leisurely lunch beside the seaside and give you his full undivided attention so you can discover how a digital strategy can support your business as well as your own personal brand. This is a unique opportunity to have personalised one-to-

52 MARCH K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

one coaching from a leading KBB expert.

Jones says: “The beauty of a podcast is the ability for your followers to catch up on a series or specific episode when it suits them, available to listen and subscribe via iTunes and Spotify 24/7. We have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to dynamic business communication, which is why our latest podcast series is primed with industry experts and special guests from the KBB, build and construction sectors. There is always a way in which your website and social media can be working for you and the synthesis between bricks and mortar and online interfaces will only continue to grow. The Foyne Jones Show highlights all of the possibilities available to the industry and encourages listeners to try something different when attracting and retaining their customers.”

Recognised globally, The Foyne Jones Show has charted in 17 countries and boasts over 1,000 regular listeners who are captivated by its fusion of straight talking, great personalities, latest industry forecasts and individual market opinion. Tune in for a new episode every week by listening and subscribing to The Foyne Jones Show on iTunes or Spotify, with all podcast webisodes also being uploaded to the company’s YouTube channel → The Foyne Jones Show.

For your chance to win the prize – simply answer the following question.

How many countries has The Foyne Jones Show charted in?

■ 12 ■ 17 ■ 15 Send your answer along with your name, job title, company name and business type, address and work telephone number to: The Foyne Jones Show Competition, Kitchens & Bathrooms News, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF. Alternatively email pturrell@hamerville.co.uk Terms and conditions: Entry deadline is March 31, 2022. The winning entry will be drawn on April 2, 2022 and the winner will be notified within 30 days. The competition is open to UK mainland residents only, except employees of Hamerville Media Group and anyone professionally connected to the competition. The winner’s name will be printed in the June 2022 issue of Kitchens & Bathrooms News. The prize is as stated, does not include expenses, and no cash alternative will be offered. The winner will be the first correct entry drawn. Tick here if you wish your details to be passed on to third parties ■

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LAST WORD

NEWS & VIEWS

House party Founder of Kaelo Kevin Jabou believes changing lifestyles means an irrevocable shift in kitchen design to create ‘at-home’ restaurant experiences and home bars As kitchens have become more centred around the lifestyle of the household, it’s not entirely surprising when we were forced to change how we lived our lives in 2020, the way we use our kitchens changed too. Now, almost two years on, it’s becoming clear that some changes brought about, or accelerated by the pandemic are here to stay. I would argue this is likely to be the biggest shift in the way people use their kitchens to happen for quite some time.

Because, despite hospitality venues being open, they’re struggling to attract pre-pandemic numbers. Goodbye FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out for those not in the know) and hello HOGO (Hassle Of Going Out). It’s the latest term doing the rounds across the media, with many claiming its cause lies in our realisation of just how exhausting socialising can be.

After months at a time spent indoors, tucking into a takeaway in cosy clothes and only really leaving the house for a brief walk around the block, now the process of going ‘out out’ feels like a lot of hard work. A recent report in The Sunday Times claimed one restaurant group reported 1,000 no-shows across its 12 UK restaurants in the space of one week, suggesting HOGO is real and not just the latest catchy social media term.

Entertaining at home Getting glammed up, rallying our mates, deciding on a venue and leaving the house when the weather’s less than pleasant can all feel a bit much, after the 18 months or so we’ve all just lived through. But could there be another underlying reason for the hospitality industry experiencing such negative vibes?

Could it be many people have been spending their time and money on making their own kitchens and living spaces so comfortable that they simply don’t want to leave them, but would rather invite their friends and family around to enjoy the space with them instead?

Innovations in technology, like the Kaelo open chiller make cracking open a bottle and keeping it at the required temperature not only possible but often preferable to heading out to local bars.

Let’s face it, things were already heading in that direction before 2020 knocked us all sideways, with the order to ‘stay at home’ accelerating what was already a growing trend of home cooking and home entertaining.

Food and drink sales While we were all fighting over the last packet of pasta in the supermarket, savvy consumers

were turning their attention to a new way of getting their groceries delivered, with meal kit companies such as Hello Fresh and Gousto delivering fresh ingredients to the door.

Already popular among time-strapped households wanting to be able to prepare fresh meals from scratch, without having to do too much in the way of planning themselves, such businesses boomed during lockdown.

They have continued on an upwards trajectory ever since. HelloFresh has seen its sales increase by 62% in 2021 on the back of an already successful year, with recipe box subscription service Gousto reporting similar growth and hiring 1,000 extra staff to help meet demand.

And it’s not just fresh food we’re enjoying more at home these days. Research from online spirits retailer Clink revealed 2.7 million households curated their own home bars after the first national lockdown in March 2020, an increase of 51% since before restrictions were first imposed.

The kitchen is now the place to be, to prepare meals like a pro, to dine together and to kick back and relax. Kitchen designers need to be mindful of this shift, taking the experience to the next level by embracing new technology.

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NEWS & VIEWS

MAKING HEADLINES

Top 3

FLUIDMASTER

website stories What has been driving Kitchens & Bathrooms News website traffic? Here are the three stories with the biggest hits in January on www.kandbnews.co.uk CAVALIER BATHROOMS

1

UK based bathroom manufacturer Cavalier Bathrooms has appointed David Gannon as its new managing director, succeeding Rob Harrison, who will become the chairman of the company. The appointment, which is effective immediately, comes as part of the bathroom manufacturer’s strategy of enhancing customer experience through new systems and continuing to invest in UK manufacturing. David Gannon has 35 years’ experience in the bathroom industry, having worked for Cavalier Bathrooms for the past three years as strategic brand director, and prior to that Kudos and Marflow Engineering.

Read more at www.rdr.link/KAC074

Toilet solutions and water management manufacturer Fluidmaster has appointed Sharon Donovan and Colin Bland to its UK sales team. The creation of these two additional business development roles will allow the team to focus on building and developing relationships within the merchant sector, as well as identify new business opportunities. Experienced sector specialists Donovan and Bland will work closely on key merchant accounts, providing account management, and consulting and engaging on current and new products in the Fluidmaster family of brands.

Read more at www.rdr.link/KAC075

KARTELL

2 3

Supplier of heating and bathroom products to the independent showroom and merchant sector Kartell UK has acquired Summerbridge Holdings and its subsidiary Humber Doors for an undisclosed sum. Headquartered in East Yorkshire, Summerbridge is a UK manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom cabinets and doors for manufacturers, contractors, developers and distributors across the residential, commercial and leisure sectors.

With predecessor businesses’ history dating back 30 years, Summerbridge employs more than 120 people and delivers over £7milllion in annual sales. Read more at www.rdr.link/KAC076

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Kitchens & Bathrooms News.

Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information.

Acquabella ................................................................................................(page 22) www.rdr.link/KAC100 Adamsez ....................................................................................................(page 29) www.rdr.link/KAC101 Aura Kitchens..............................................................................................(page 4) www.rdr.link/KAC102 Blum UK ..........................................................................................(pages 12 & 13) www.rdr.link/KAC103 Chubb Safes ........................................................................................(pages 6 & 7) www.rdr.link/KAC104 Crown Products ..................................................................................(back cover) www.rdr.link/KAC105 Franke UK Limited ..................................................................................(page 33) www.rdr.link/KAC106 Geberit Limited ..........................................................................................(page 9) www.rdr.link/KAC107 In Sink Erator ............................................................................................(page 25) www.rdr.link/KAC108 KBB Birmingham ..........................................................................(pages 20 & 21) www.rdr.link/KAC109 54 MARCH K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

KBB Birmingham ....................................................................(inside back cover) www.rdr.link/KAC110 Kinedo Kinemoon ....................................................................................(page 27) www.rdr.link/KAC111 Just Trays ..................................................................................................(page 41) www.rdr.link/KAC112 Mantaleda Bathroom Co Limited ..........................................................(page 31) www.rdr.link/KAC113 Quooker UK Limited ................................................................................(page 18) www.rdr.link/KAC114 Reginox UK Limited ................................................................................(page 15) www.rdr.link/KAC115 Riobel ......................................................................................(inside front cover) www.rdr.link/KAC116 Showerwall ..............................................................................................(page 31) www.rdr.link/KAC117 Sycamore Lighting ..................................................................................(page 44) www.rdr.link/KAC118

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