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KI TCHENS &

BATHROOMS NEWS THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR KITCHEN & BATHROOM PROFESSIONALS

MAY 2021

HPP PROFILE Celebrating its 30th anniversary, and revealing showroom support plans

SOAK IT UP Why freestanding baths sales have never been more important than now

TOPFORM INTERVIEW MD Paul Glynn on revolutionising laminate worktops and its largest décor makeover news ■ expert views ■ company profiles ■ products ■ SME support www.kandbnews.co.uk

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NO 159 VOL 15 MAY 2021

contents

BATHROOMS 22 Freestanding baths The freestanding bath is central to a room dedicated to relaxation and wellbeing, and never has that been more important than in the past year

5 First word Editor’s opinion

News

24 Just out

Round-up of industry headlines

Latest bathroom products

11 Inbox Reader feedback

33 Last word MD of Quooker UK Stephen Johnson says bigger brands have a responsibility of care for the kbb industry and must help solve the skills gap of future installers

KITCHENS 13 Built-in ovens

Connectivity may make the cooking process easier and more enjoyable but automatic recipes and self-clean programmes can satisfy clients with smaller budgets

16 Just out Latest kitchen products

19 Sinks and taps Hygiene and a choice of homogenous and focal designs are driving the look and functionality of the wet area

13 24 BUSINESS 26 Company profile Established 30 years ago and celebrating its pearl trading anniversary, HPP is now setting out future showroom support plans

28 Interview Managing director of Topform Paul Glynn explains how the company has continued to revolutionise laminate to make it desirable and a first choice in kitchen design

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

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FIRST WORD

Kbb retail back to business Like the first shoots of spring, the high street is starting to blossom with shops, bars and restaurants open once again, restoring life and business to towns and cities. Retail is at the start of its journey to bouncing back. Although kitchen and bathroom retailers have been able to continue working throughout lockdown, measuring and installing projects (in England and Wales), with showrooms now open they can more effectively push orders across the line. And according to reports from accountancy firm PwC that consumer confidence is at an all-time high, since the launch of its Consumer Sentiment Index in 2008, it could see a highly motivated market for kitchen and bathroom purchases. Consumer markets lead at PwC Lisa Hooker said: “After a tough year, there is now a real sense of anticipation as consumers eagerly await the re-opening of non-essential retail, hospitality and leisure.” PwC revealed consumers have more disposable income and there is a pent-up demand to spend their forced savings after a year of lockdown restrictions. And this peak in consumer confidence is not only across the board in terms of age demographics but in a ‘first’ also across all UK regions. In fact, as the UK starts to reopen for business, perhaps the only issue may be how to cater for the upturn in business. This may be solved by the likes of

virtual design services, offered by kbb suppliers. Of course, the question remains how long will an upturn in big-ticket purchases such as kitchens and bathrooms last when overseas holidays are restored. At the current time, international holidays remain illegal. And although there are hopes to resume international travel from May 17, the timing of reopening national borders still remains unconfirmed. And there are further complexities surrounding future travel requirements. The Government has introduced a ‘traffic light’ system of countries with testing to limit the risk of further waves or variants taking hold in the UK. Lisa Hooker of PwC states “there will remain a level of uncertainty in areas such as travel.” All of which may mean returning to normal for Summer holidays in 2021 may not be the same as pre-COVID. So big-ticket competitor purchases, such as kitchens and bathrooms sales, may benefit for months or years to come.

NEWS & VIEWS

KBN LIKES ✔ …reports of a continued optimistic outlook for kbb retail, with Houzz citing a 53% increase in demand for home professional in January 2021, compared to the same month in 2020.

KBN DISLIKES ✖ …large-scale industry events have been unable to take place, for obvious reasons, but is pleased manufacturers and retailers have used digital technology to share and discover product innovations. Kitchens & Bathrooms News combines print, online and social media to deliver information to our readers when and how they want it.

KBN WANTS ! …to announce BSH has reported its largest turnover in its 50-year history and aims to catch up on its backlog of deliveries, for some appliance categories, by the end of the year.

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 Production Assistant Stephanie Stapleton e: stephanie@hamerville.co.uk Group Production Manager Carol Padgett e: carol@hamerville.co.uk Printer Walstead Roche

Publisher Bryan Shannon Group Advertisement Manager Craig Jowsey e: craig@hamerville.co.uk Advertisement Manager Marcus Hooper e: mhooper@hamerville.co.uk

HOME IMPROVEMENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR 2014

TRADE JOURNALIST/ EDITOR MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR 2014

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ABC total average net circulation 12,573 (for the 11 issues distributed between January to December 2020)

© 2021 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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Retail business bought from Quality Kitchen Holdings

Nolte acquires In-toto kitchen showrooms German furniture manufacturer Nolte Küchen has acquired kitchen showrooms chain In-toto, as part of an ongoing investment into the UK market. Nolte purchased the retail business from Quality Kitchen Holdings which Nolte has supplied for the past two years. It now plans to develop and expand In-toto as a sole supplier and this will include a showroom makeover and targeted marketing campaign. Moving forwards In-toto dealers will have the opportunity to sell the full Nolte range, including the Nolte SPA

range of bathroom furniture. On top of that, dealers will also have access to Express Küchen in the entry-level price segment. UK country manager of Nolte Küchen Chris Rushby emphasised the acquisition of In-toto was an alternative route to shape and develop the business: “Our intention is to grow and expand into new locations in the coming years, to have a national presence. “Moving into new geographical territories means that we will in no way affect or compete with our network of independent dealers, who are already selling our product

very successfully in the mid and premium sector. “There is a strong market for our product in the UK and we look forward to new partnerships.”

BSH reports record sales and reduction of order backlog includes small appliances such as coffee machines, grew by over 9% (+12% based on local currency). Of particular note, during the pandemic, BSH Group reported there had been an interest in large capacity refrigeration. Kirwat also pointed to an expansion of e-commerce, with an increase of online sales by 25% globally, accelerated by the pandemic. In addition BSH highlighted its sustainability credentials, with the company having become CO2 neutral across its sites worldwide. Chief operating officer Silke Maurer said the BSH group had suffered from operational challenges of logistics and procurement, competing with “signiﬁcantly bigger players” in the electronics and car industries. She said it had impacted deliveries of dishwashers, ovens, washing machines and

■ Kbb retailers are at risk of falling foul of the precedent for employment rights, set by the Supreme Court’s ruling on Uber drivers’ status, according to The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI). It calls on kbb retailers to audit their relationships with installers and, if necessary, adapt their working practices to avoid being vulnerable to employment tribunals. For more on this visit www.rdr.link/KA001 ■ Online bathroom retailer Victoria Plum has announced its sales grew by “a record” 46% to £103million for the year ended February 28, 2021. In addition, the South Yorkshireheadquartered business saw its EBITDA increase by 115% to £4.5million and, over the same period, the company grew its headcount from 349 to 398. Read more on this story at www.rdr.link/KA002

Turnover highest in 50-year history

Home appliance manufacturer BSH Group reported record sales, at its annual press conference, as chief executive Carla Kirwat stated the turnover was the highest in its 50year history. In 2020, BSH reported sales of €13.9billion, an increase of 5,3% on 2019, and Kirwat said turnover increased across all regions and all categories. BSH grew by 4.8% in Europe (+8.6% based on local currency), and it reported turnover “rose considerably” in Germany, Great Britain and Northern Europe, making it number one in home appliances in Europe. The group increased sales across cooking, refrigeration and dishcare categories, each recorded a turnover increase of around 6% (+8 to 10% based on local currency). Turnover in the laundry category was slightly above the previous year, while consumer products’, which

IN BRIEF

refrigeration, depending on the market, and had led to a backlog. But Maurer stated BSH would be able to catch up by the end of the year on some categories, such as refrigeration. BSH suspended production at the end of March 2020 for three weeks, but Maurer said the deliveries are dependent not just on BSH’s production capacities but also transport and availability of components. Overall, BSH Group believes the long-term impact of the pandemic will beneﬁt home appliance sales, with people taking a greater interest in the kitchen and in cooking.

■ Grohe reported attracting more than 12,000 visitors to its Grohe X digital hub on the ﬁrst day of launch. In addition, according to the company, almost 4,000 viewers attended three broadcast events, including a keynote presentation by leader lixil EMENA Jonas Brennwald and leader ﬁttings Lixil International Thomas Fuhr. Grohe X offers a range of multimedia content for both its professional business partners and consumers. Read more on this at www.rdr.link/KA003

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NEWS & VIEWS

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Trio of film shorts reveals showroom during lockdown

IN BRIEF ■ Furniture fittings manufacturer the Hettich Group has generated sales of around €1.1 billion in 2020, despite the Coronavirus pandemic. In the second quarter of 2020, Hettich reported its sales initially took a “sharp” dip in the wake of global lockdowns and retailers forced to close. However home improvements, greater DIY activity and more home working defined the second six months and grew sales for the company. View the entire story at www.rdr.link/KA004 ■ Subsidiary of the European buying group for independent kbb retailers MHK Holding UK has introduced the Kitchen Experts sales concept. Kitchen Experts offers a selection of manufacturers who have created a specific product portfolio “leading to specific competitive advantage”. These include AEG, Fisher & Paykel, Maurice Lay, Euroline and Manor Interiors, alongside MHK’s Xeno kitchen furniture brand. Discover all the details at www.rdr.link/KA005 ■ Independent retailer The Kitchen Group has partnered with Fisher & Paykel in its new Northern flagship showroom in Nottingham, named the German Kitchen Design Centre. The kitchen studio is one of six showrooms owned by The Kitchen Group and, as part of the partnership. The Kitchen Group owns four Leicht Kitchen Design Centres in London and Kent and has a stake in Lakeland Kitchens in Cumbria. Read more on this at www.rdr.link/KA006

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VitrA opens London showroom Bathroom manufacturer VitrA used a series of short ﬁlms, hosted by architecture writer and broadcaster Tom Dyckhoff, to unveil its London showroom while still under lockdown restrictions. The ﬁlms included a roundtable discussion with MD of Vitra UK Levent Giray and European marketing manager Margaret Talbot, interview with designers at the architectural practice TP Bennett, which created the space, and design director Erdem Akam. Managing director of Vitra UK, Levent Giray commented on the location: “It is at the heart of the UK’s very dynamic design industry and we just wanted to be part of the community and join the discussion. “The idea is to showcase

products but its as important to offer space for the design community to come together to discuss, debate and collaborate.” Created by architectural practice TP Bennett to cater for architects and designers working in residential practices, the two-floor showroom is based in the building of the former Turnmills nightclub. With a double height ceiling and large windows, the ground floor boasts its designer collaborations, including Claudio Bellini, Sebastian Conran and Terri Pecora-designed collections. It also features a social space called Vitra Talks, which will be used for client meetings and events. While the lower ground is focused on specification, enabling architects and designers to

compare basins or WC designs in a “techie space”. Margaret Talbot commented on what she hoped visitors would experience at the showroom: “I hope they get a feel for the VitrA brand and the design credentials of the brand. “I hope they also get a sense in terms of our beliefs about the environment and sustainability, and I hope they’re inspired.” Levent Giray concluded: “We wanted to create an environment which people will use as their own space and come and reuse it, and then we will be part of the community.”

Third lockdown affected interior trades, reports BMBI Builders merchants value sales in January 2021 were 3.7% lower than in January 2020, as the third lockdown affected indoor trades, reports the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI). The latest BMBI report reveals Kitchens & Bathrooms sales were also lower year-on-year, although there were two fewer trading days in January 2021. Indoor trades including Plumbing, Heating & Electrical, Kitchens & Bathrooms and Decorating were all down 11.9%, 13.5% and 17.2%, respectively. In fact only three categories had higher sales in January 2020; Timber & Joinery Products (+7.7%), Landscaping (+3.7%) and Workwear & Safetywear (+2.4%). In the latest three months to

January 2021, sales were 4.4% higher than in the same period a year previously. Landscaping and Timber & Joinery Products were the top performing categories but Kitchens & Bathrooms sales had fallen by 4.8%. However, taking a month-onmonth view, total merchants’ sales

in January 2021 were 20.6% higher than in December 2020, helped by three more trading days, with Workwear & Safetywear (+39.1%) ahead of all other categories. Sales of Kitchens & Bathrooms were 8% up on December. January’s BMBI index was 100.7, with Kitchens & Bathrooms at 94.4.

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Kitchens & Bathrooms News Managing director of buying group KBBG Bill Miller says the future of kbb retail could be based on a hybrid model – combining physical with digital shopping journey Bill Miller Thanks Philippa Turrell for the interview, really enjoyed it!

Andy Watts The management team at The Hamilton Kitchen Company recognised hybrid as the way forward, so they recruited me to build their online presence! Site launched just over six months ago and progressing well Ben Collins Interesting points. I guess the key will be, can these businesses organise themselves to take advantage of the rush and do as much online as possible? Pipeline management and communication will be key. Andrew Marlo Interesting insight Bill! Let’s hope 2021 stays positive!

Kitchens & Bathrooms News Target higher-end of the market to combat online sales and make exciting environments for people

to visit, says director of More Than Baths, Richard Hassell. Stacey Allen I do agree. My showroom is in a plumbing and heating merchant, but my showroom mostly displays mid to high-end bathrooms and tiles. The trade counter has a small display of product that will compete with online if needed. So my showroom will be able to supply from budget to high end, which so far has been working well.

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

@kandbnews

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

Quiet Mark We always like to see brands using their product’s Quiet Mark certification to help drive sales and exceed targets, whilst enabling consumers to source the quietest, most pleasant sounding appliances and materials. So, it makes us very happy to see this announcement in Kitchens & Bathrooms News of Salamander Pumps achieving a record year of sales for its CY Xtra range; up 30% in the last 12 months. Sales director at Salamander Pump Chris Vallance said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to see that our CT Xtra range remains the go-to choice for plumbers when installing shower pumps. We designed this range to provide an affordable and effective solution to boosting water performance, and the continued increase in sales every year clearly demonstrates the popularity of the products amongst the trade”.

Kitchens & Bathrooms News NEWS: Duravit reveals latest bathroom products to “upgrade everyday life” at its Design Days event Karen Brooks Thank you Kitchens & Bathrooms News. So pleased you liked the Duravit Design Days presentation. It’s good to see we are all still celebrating new launches as the virtual ISH progresses

@kandbnews Axor | Barber Osgerbydesigned Axor One – Kitchens & Bathrooms News Six years after its first collaboration with Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, Axor has announced its latest collection Axor One. @Hansgrohe UK Discover the latest AXOR One collection, as featured in @kandbnews, for bathroom design that combines elegant silhouettes with advanced Select technology.

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OVENS

KITCHENS

In your element Connectivity may make the cooking process easier and more enjoyable but automatic recipes and self-clean programmes can satisfy clients with smaller budgets If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the oven is the pulse. It’s central to the entire purpose of the space which is the creation of meals. With the Coronavirus pandemic seeing people spend more time at home than ever before and the subsequent lockdown restrictions forcing restaurants to close, there has been an increased focus on cooking. Marketing manager of KitchenEx Laura Gardiner comments: “Since the pandemic, more people are cooking together. Instead of it being a necessity, people have the time to learn new techniques and indulge in new dishes. This time last year, according to research by the SWNS group, more than a ﬁfth of Brits were cooking every meal from scratch – compared to just one in eight before the lockdown.” It means the focus is now on ovens which can make the process easier and more enjoyable.

Get connected At the top of the tree are connected appliances, which, when used in combination with dedicated apps, not only guide consumers to create dishes but constantly monitor and adapt the cooking process – even remotely. Caple introduced connected appliances using its Home Connect app, which provided multi-stage cooking, at kbb Birmingham. And Siemens unveiled a connected built-in oven with steam (iQ700 HS858KXB6) at IFA, which works with its HomeConnect app to provide recipes and automatically cook dishes. It can also be operated by voice control to open the door. Cooking product manager at Miele GB Cem Kal says there is a 50:50 split of consumers who want connectivity and comments: “We have seen around a 50% split between consumers who want the ability to have connected appliances vs those who do not.” But the reality is connected ovens are still a high-end product for the most affluent of customers.

Demanding more Convenience, then, doesn’t just focus on connectivity. It can also be a matter of capacity,

1 1. CDA

2. KUPPERSBUSCH

At the top-end of the CDA build-in oven portfolio is the SL670 which has 13 functions, plus steam cooking, and pyrolytyic technology. It comes with a temperature probe and is operated by touch controls. Read more on this oven at

The K-Series.5 B6550.0 Black Oven has a 70-litre capacity and offers 22 functions, with 40 automatic programmes. It boasts a TFT-IPT 3.9” colour screen with touch sensor controls and eight coloured kits. Discover all the technical details at

www.rdr.link/KA007

www.rdr.link/KA008

with consumers demanding larger cavity single ovens. Consumer marketing manager at CDA Carrie Bell comments: “Nearly half of the ovens now on the market have a larger capacity”, adding “almost all CDA ovens have a larger cavity, making it possible to cook larger meals and to beneﬁt from batch cooking.” And consumers are looking for models which can multi-task, offering a wider variety of cooking functions to help create authentic dishes. Fisher & Paykel recently introduced its Touchscreen oven, which enables users to cook by function, food type or recipe, and has a food probe to monitor cooking results. Cem Kal of Miele GB points out: “We are seeing a growth in consumers opting for helpful features such as MoisturePlus and ovens with a food probe. The food probe monitors the core temperature when roasting and lets users know the remaining

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KITCHENS

OVENS

cooking time. As a result, there’s no need to worry about meat or poultry being undercooked.”

Simplifying complexity

Although ovens have been created to perform ever more complex functions, technology for appliances has been focused on interfaces which make controls easier to understand and operate. Enter the touch screen. Laura Gardiner of KitchenEx explains: “With the on-going increase of touch screen mobile phones, a TFT screen on an oven is almost the norm. Using a knob on an oven is a more ‘traditional’ method of control. TFT control screens not only improve the design of the appliance but they also make functions easier to manage, Ilve’s high deﬁnition screens improve the functionality of products whilst offering easy-to-use features.” Managing director of Kuppersbusch Sales UK Bodie Kelay adds TFT also offers the opportunity for consumers to trade up: “Kuppersbusch offers the next generation with TFT-IPS colour screens, offering retailers an additional USP to sell the latest cooking innovations. It offers a clearer visual display for precision control and an ergonomic 180° view with no background reﬂection to deliver an effortless user experience.”

Keeping clean

4 5

3. SIEMENS The iQ700 HS858KXB6 built-in oven has a 71-litre capacity and features a steam function and voice control. Users can ﬁnd a dish in recipeWorld on the app and transfer the settings directly to the oven. Discover all the features at www.rdr.link/KA009

4. FISHER & PAYKEL The Touchscreen oven provides a guided cooking experience, allowing users to Cook by Function, Cook by Food Type or Cook by Recipe. Cook by Function provides a choice of 16 cooking options, including Bake, Roast and Pizza Bake. Watch the video at www.rdr.link/KA010

5. MIELE The PureLine H 7262 BP built-in oven from Miele offers a DirectSensor S clear text display, pyrolytic cleaning, automatic programmes and a wired food probe. With a 76-litre capacity, the oven has nine cooking functions. Find out more at

www.rdr.link/KA011

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But for the ultimate in convenience, making the oven easier and more enjoyable to use, has to be a self-cleaning oven function. Recent research by estate agent Parkers Properties found the question “how to clean an oven” resulted in 8,100 monthly searches on Google and as the most hated household chore, according to a survey by Tombola, it’s easy to see how pyrolytic is growing in importance. Although widely understood by the trade, there is still plenty of consumer education required to encourage consumers to trade up, as Carrie Bell of CDA points out: “Everyone hates oven cleaning. Pyroclean is, of course, the ultimate but currently pyroclean takes less than 10% of oven sales across the market – though this is growing as prices fall and the technology becomes more available.” The way consumers will live their lives postpandemic is still relatively uncertain, but designers can be sure there will be continued interest in cooking and baking at home. Carrie Bell states: “There is a theory that now people have started cooking more at home and seen how much money they can save, they will continue to do it.” Whether or not the at-home kitchen replaces the trend for eating out, the need for an oven to be easy and enjoyable to use will most deﬁnitely remain.

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KITCHENS

PRODUCT ROUND-UP

just out 1 1. RANGEMASTER British appliance manufacturer Rangemaster has expanded its offering with the introduction of three Earth-inspired colours. Available across seven cooker families, designers are now offered Mineral Green, Stone Blue and Charcoal Black. It increases the total number of colours available across the entire Rangemaster portfolio to 17. Request a brochure at www.rdr.link/KA012

2. INSINKERATOR Food waste disposer and specialist tap manufacturer InSinkErator has enhanced its portfolio with the introduction of two 3N1 taps to its Velvet Black range. The 3N1 steaming hot water taps come in the matt black finish, in two spout shapes, J and L. Dispensing filtered steaming hot water, alongside regular hot and cold options, the 3N1 fittings boast an Italian design. Explore the range at www.rdr.link/KA013

2 3 3. FISHER & PAYKEL Premium appliance manufacturer Fisher & Paykel has launched a French door fridge freezer with flat doors and recessed handles to fit flush with kitchen furniture. Available in matt black glass or stainless steel, it also features a slimline water dispense, with ice bin, which can be turned off to create additional space or boosted to offer 30% more ice. The French door fridge freezer boasts the ActiveSmart control system which learns how consumers use their fridge. Read the technical specifications at www.rdr.link/KA014

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4 4. COSENTINO The Sensa by Cosentino natural stone surface range has been extended with five monochrome quartzite and granites from Brazil and India. These include Siberia, Platino, Vancouver and Silver Grey from Brazil, as well as Graphite Grey from India. All the Sensa by Cosentino surfaces have been treated with the Senguard NK anti-stain protection, which is UV-resistant and allows the surfaces to be used indoors and outdoors. Find out more about the protected natural stone at www.rdr.link/KA015

5. ELICA Elica has announced the launch of Super Plat, a slims, wall-mounted cooker hood, with multi-directional fume capture and Wi-Fi connectivity for remote and voice control. It is available in two material finishes: cast iron and grey glass, and black glass. Super Plat has perimeter extraction, a maximum airflow of 730 m3/h, dimmable lighting, and can be ducted out or used to recycle air. Read the technical information at www.rdr.link/KA016

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SINKS AND TAPS

Super bowl show Hygiene and a choice of homogenous and focal designs are driving the look and functionality of the wet area While the role of the kitchen sink area remains unchanged – that of food preparation – the reliance on it to have a singular look has been eradicated. Sink and tap design caters for a variety of lifestyles and interior decors, with an ever-increasing array of models and materials. Marketing manager at Abode Leanne Adamson points out: “There is certainly more emphasis on material choice than ever before, rather than a more general focus on stainless steel for the contemporary setting and ceramic for the classic look.” In fact, brand manager of Perrin & Rowe EMEAA Jonathan Britton points out for Shaws of Darwen its decorative apron-fronted ceramic sinks “seem to defy pigeon-holing as farmhouse style and are increasingly installed in modern and eclectic kitchens.”

Introducing colour There has been a shift in design introducing colour, whether spanning warmer metallics monochrome or neutral hues, with granite models. So much so, consumer marketing manager at CDA Carrie Bell expresses: “We believe in offering as much choice in sinks and taps as we do in appliances.” Training manager at Grohe UK Adam Logan points out why there is now such a focus on design: “Previously, a sink needed to be functional, hygienic, easy to

clean and durable. Now the sink still needs to be all those things but also beautiful and equipped with additional design features that make the functional aspects, such as cleaning and doing the dishes much more ergonomic and fuss-free.” However, Adam Logan believes the trend for industrial kitchens is having an inﬂuence on sink sales. He continues: “Most recently, we are seeing an increasing trend for composite ﬁnishes in black and graphite to meet the growing demand for industrial-styled kitchens. We expect strong and continuous growth in this area.”

KITCHENS

1. BLANCO Adding to its Silgranit range of sinks, Blanco has now introduced a black ﬁnish, shown on its Subline 500 model. View the entire Silgranit range at www.rdr.link/KA017

Open-plan pressure Certainly open-plan kitchens have drawn attention to the sink area and there has been a clear demarcation of choice between styles that create focal points or blend homogenously into the scheme. The inset sink is still the favoured model for ease of installation, but slim rims and the ability to undermount the models means there is more ﬂexibility for the designer. Leanne Adamson of Abode explains: “Undermounts that can also be inset, to create the ‘undermount-look’ are seeing increased popularity thanks to the ability to install them in laminate worktops, helpful when the budget can’t stretch to solid surface.”

2 2. FRANKE The Atlas Neo Sensor tap combines touch-free technology with single lever manual operation. It comes in swivel spout or pull-out nozzle options. Find out the technical information at www.rdr.link/KA020

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KITCHENS

SINKS AND TAPS

3 Symbiotic design

4 3. GROHE The K500 series of composite sinks spans 1, 1.5 and double bowl options and features integrated drainers on some models. They are available with automatic waste-ﬁtting and optional push-to open technology. Download the brochure at www.rdr.link/KA0021

4. PERRIN & ROWE With more people spending time at home, they have recognised the convenience of an instant hot water tap for drink and food preparation as well as cleaning. The Phoenix 1912 3-in-1 Instant Hot tap is shown in chrome but available in eight ﬁnishes. Discover more details at www.rdr.link/KA022

20 MAY K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

Whatever the choice of the client, communications manager of Franke UK Jeannette Ward comments: “Sinks and taps are very much a symbiotic purchase reﬂecting the design and functional needs of the consumer.” And consumers are now prepared to spend more on the wet area, as Jonathan Britton of Perrin & Rowe reveals: “According to Mintel, around 9% of a kitchen budget is spent on sinks and taps – making this sector worth around £365million (UK, 2019). But it’s a spend that punches above its weight. The sink is one of the most visible elements of the kitchen, and the tap the most used. We are seeing customers invest more in these areas.” It has seen an increase in more functional kitchen taps from pull-out sprays to models which offer additional ﬁltered or instant hot water supplies. Carrie Bell of CDA says: “In taps there is still a lot of interest in models with a pullout spray. I think growth for this sort of tap is inspired by customers seeing them in TV cookery programmes.” However she warns: “We do feel that retailers should be careful when putting this type of tap on display because many of the models on the market need above 1 bar pressure to operate correctly.”

COVID impact Going forwards, with a ﬁrm focus on hygiene and food preparation, if’s unsurprising COVID has and will continue to play its part in sink and tap design in a post-pandemic landscape. It will not only

shine a light on existing sink models which already benefit from antibacterial protection but is now seeing further development of kitchen mixer controls, to offer consumers further reassurance in the home. Grohe now offers kitchen taps with push button SmartControl. Adam Logan points out: “Standard kitchen mixer taps are evolving; many models are doing away with the kitchen lever and opting for alternative modes of operation that reduce the need for direct contact with the tap’s surface. One of the latest ways of thinking is to replace the tap lever with a button at the end of the spout that can be easily pushed with the wrist, forearm or elbow to activate water flow.” And, most recently, Franke has introduced a touch-free, sensor tap, as Jeanette Ward of Franke UK explains: “The pandemic has naturally heightened awareness of hygiene with more frequent handwashing a given. And with more cooking and baking at home, people have also realised how many times your hands need washing and rinsing in the course of a normal day. We’ve recently plugged a gap in our portfolio with the new touch-free Atlas Neo Sensor tap for consumers who want the benefits and convenience of hands-free operation.” She states “multi-functional taps, and those with sensor activation and electronic operation, are a genre that is definitely one to watch.” She concludes: “Product innovation will continue to develop in line with the evolving requirements for hygienic, sutainable, convenient and efficient products.”

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“According to Mintel, around 9% of a kitchen budget is spent on sinks and taps – making this sector worth around £365million (UK, 2019). But it’s a spend that punches above its weight.”

5 5. ABODE Shown in a grey metallic granite, Denton measures 500 x 363mm and due to its size enables installation in compact kitchens. It comes complete with a 10-year warranty. Download the brochure at www.rdr.link/KA023

6. REGINOX The New York sink is manufactured using a deep drawing technique without welding or folded seams and comes in a choice of seven sizes. It boasts a moulded ‘comfort plug’ for hygiene and comes with a lifetime guarantee. View all the New York sinks at www.rdr.link/KA024

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BATHROOMS

FREESTANDING BATHS

The freestanding bath is central to a room dedicated to relaxation and wellbeing, and never has that been more important than in the past year While the bathroom has long been a place to escape the rigours of daily life, never before has there been such a requirement to have a space at home to relax and nuture our physical and mental wellbeing. Taking a bath has been scientifically proven to have restorative benefits, from heart health to breathing, so hand-in-hand with a focus on home improvements it’s unsurprising sales of freestanding baths are on the rise. Head of marketing at Bette Sven Rensinghoff explains: “Freestanding baths can be one of the most effective ways of creating a relaxing, rather than merely functional, bathroom, as well as adding style and luxury.” And marketing manager of BC Designs Sally Cutchie agrees, commenting: “Since the kbb sector reopened in June 2020, we’ve actually seen an increase in demand for baths…There is a consensus that freestanding baths are a luxury item, but we are finding that people are investing in them as they come to appreciate the luxuries found at home.”

Small formats The market for freestanding baths has been broadened, not only with a variety of materials to offer a choice of models at differing budgets, but also sizes to ﬁt smaller spaces. Marketing manager of Clearwater Faye Froy states: “Design innovation has meant that baths, once crafted from expensive materials such as copper and stainless steel, can now be made using affordable materials such as acrylic. For homeowners with smaller spaces, advances in design mean they can choose from a variety of back-to-wall freestanding designs or showering baths – they needn’t compromise on luxury because of space.” Duravit has recently introduced its Cape Cod collection in smaller sizes, including a freestanding bath and Bette has developed shorter versions of its freestanding baths, such as a 1500mm version of its BetteStarlet Oval silhouette model. And Sally Cutchie of BC Designs points to the development of its product portfolio which includes smaller freestanding models: “For those with smaller spaces, we have launched several of our bestselling baths in smaller footprints so that people don’t have to compromise and go without a freestanding bath. We even launched the Tamorina Petite in April which is just 1400mm.”

22 MAY K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

Soak it up

Colour injection

1. TROJAN BATHS

But, arguably, one of the greatest inﬂuences continuing to build momentum in freestanding bath sales has been the injection of colour in the bathroom. With professional interior designers and aspiring home renovators taking to Instagram and Pinterest to showcase their stand-out schemes, a bold use of colours has been splashed across social media. Since the bath is the largest item in a bathroom, forming a focal point of the space, it become the natural easel. Victoria+Albert Baths recently joined forces with Wallpaper magazine to launch a colour palette for its baths. Sven Resinghoff says: “We are seeing more customers choosing a freestanding bath in a colour to increase the feeling of cosiness and to aid relaxation. While white is still the most popular choice, the use of darker colours is increasing in popularity, to create a cosy and relaxing interior space in which to switch off from the stresses of the outside world.” In fact, Kaldewei recently introduced bi-colour freestanding bathtubs combining black and white in gloss and matt shades.

The Emerald double-ended slipper design is an alternative to the traditional ﬂoor standing bath. It comes in two sizes 1800mm x 800 and 1700 x 800mm. Download the brochure at

Space personalisation The trend for coloured baths in the space, also ﬁts the need for greater personalisation in home décor. In fact, creative director of Imperial Bathrooms James Stevenson adds: “We have seen a signiﬁcant rise in requests to use our

www.rdr.link/KA025 Bath Painting Service, and frequently people are opting for vivid or strong tones as a means to create a centrepiece in a smaller space, and are no longer sticking to safe neutrals.” This demand for personalisation has even impacted on the choice of model in the BC Designs portfolio, as Sally Cutchie continues: “The Boat Bath remains our most popular model for a variety of reasons. It works in both contemporary and traditional spaces, so it can be used in lots of different style homes. It is also great at blending two styles together and bringing the look together. The other reason is that it can be customised and hand painted. Homeowners want individuality in their homes like never before, and having a bath painted to the colour they want is a huge selling point.”

Safe and sustainable Interestingly, although sales of freestanding models are strong, on ﬁrst impression they seem at odds with global mega trends which include a greater need for sustainability, and meeting the requirements of an older population. Sally Cutchie of BC Design argues baths can

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2. KALDEWEI Kaldewei has revealed its bi-colour option for three of its freestanding baths, combining Alpine White, Alpine White Matt, Black Gloss and Lava Black Matt. Find out more at www.rdr.link/KA026

be water efficient, commenting: “Some of our freestanding baths can be purchased where the overflow has yet to be drilled. Positioning a lower overflow restricts the amount of water that can be used in filling the bath. There is also an argument that, along with a bathtub being a luxury item, having a bath is a luxury experience and might be something that a homeowner indulges in once a week so therefore isn’t using a vast amount of water.” While training manager at Grohe UK Adam Logan looks to the use of ‘green’ materials in bathtub manufacture, such as recyclable titanium steel, adding: “At a time when sustainability is a priority across all industry sectors, freestanding baths that use ‘greener’ or recyclable materials are now an option for those looking to be more considerate to the planet during the planning stages of their bathroom refurbishment.” And manufacturers have worked on enhanced safety features too, aiding accessibility for multigenerational households. Adam Logan explains there is “increased importance being placed on features such as innovative anti-slip technology that offer users a textured surface for extra grip and safety.” Certainly, industry experts believe fortune favours bathroom designers who are familiar with the array of freestanding baths now available, as sales and marketing director of RAK Ceramics Ben Bryden concludes: “Wellness and health factors, combined with the ever-advancing manufacturing technologies that enable a range of materials and colour choices to be introduced to market, make this an exciting product category for retailers to take advantage of.”

3 3. BETTE The BetteEve elliptical bath comes in freestanding, oval built-in and built-in bath, and has been created for two bathers. Discover more details at

www.rdr.link/KA027

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BATHROOMS

PRODUCT ROUND-UP

just out 1. IDEAL STANDARD

Bathroom manufacturer Ideal Standard has introduced its design-led Atelier Collections, created in collaboration with renowned Italian studio Palomba Serafinia Associati (PS+A). Core to the Atelier collections is colour and PS+A has created a palette, some of which draws on Ideal Standard’s design heritage, and others which reflect and define new colour trends. The colours have been applied to the Ipalyss range of slim washbasins, designed by Robin Levien. Discover the technological details at www.rdr.link/KA028

2. GLASS DESIGN Working in partnership with multi-faceted designer Karim Rashid, Italian bathroom manufacturer Glass Design has unveiled the Bubble washbasin. The countertop basin is made from Siliconio, a new generation of silicone materials, and features an oval shape with a widened base. Offering a soft and tactile surface, Siliconio is water-repellent, reportedly resistant to extremes in temperature, ﬁre retardant and resistant to chemicals. Read more on this at www.rdr.link/KA029

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3. CROSSWATER Strengthening its shower surround portfolio, Crosswater has introduced Optix10 and Gallery 10 enclosures and walk-ins. Made from 10mm glass, they come in a choice of PVD ﬁnishes to match its MPro brassware collection. In addition, the 10mm surrounds boast slimline wall proﬁles and Crosswater Clear to enable easy cleaning. Read all the features at www.rdr.link/KA030

5. MANTALEDA Specialist bath manufacturer Mantaleda has now introduced a glass shower screen for its deep soak baths, designed for users with mobility issues. Available in one size, the shower screen measures 6mm thick and 1150mm high and is shown, here, on the Priya model. Like all Mantaleda products, the shower screens come with a 5-year guarantee against manufacturing defects. Discover the range at www.rdr.link/KA032

5 4. TREND INTERIORS

Kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture manufacturer Trend Interiors now offers its Slab door in a Fjord Green Matt décor. It has been designed to mix with differing tones and textures, such as the Springfield Light Oak Matt Cabinet (pictured). The Slab range comes in a choice of woodgrain, gloss and matt finishes with push-to-open handleless doors, or can be specified with handles. Find out more about the range at www.rdr.link/KA031

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BUSINESS

COMPANY PROFILE

Pearls of wisdom

Established 30 years ago and celebrating its pearl trading anniversary, HPP is now setting out plans to support retailers. Hill’s Panel Products (HPP) is marking its 30th anniversary, this year, which coincides with the KBB sector, wider economy and our national life emerging from the COVID pandemic. The company is proud of its history and growth but also keenly aware of the need to assist recovery from the pandemic’s impact. Its plans for the year include new packages for showrooms and online innovation to help the sector, as well as succession planning with the appointment of new directors.

Setting out

Back in 1991 HPP began in a single industrial unit in Oldham measuring 11,000 sq ft unit. Over three decades, its head office site has grown to 11 units measuring over 250,000 sq ft. It also has a second UK distribution centre in Sheffield and operates nationally. Today, it has over 2,000 trade customers and supplies over 7,000 products including its own brands of doors and cabinet components, full and processed sheet materials, vinyl wrapped furniture doors and furniture ﬁttings. The company is headed by brothers Martin and Stephen Hill and managing director Keith Wardrope.

Growth investment The company has continued to grow as Wardrope reported in 2020 prior to the ﬁrst national lockdown. Following a £3million investment programme, distribution and manufacturing capacity has been expanded including a 19,000 sq ft warehouse for worktops and a second production line for HPP’s doors, which include the Avanti, Aspects, Aspire and Glide ranges.

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

1. CO-OWNERS OF HPP Brothers Martin and Stephen Hill established Hill’s Panel Products in Oldham in 1991

2. BUSINESS GROWTH

In addition, HPP increased its value-added services through bespoke offers for customers and partnerships with other brands such as Egger, Kronospan and Blum. Examples include a customer order service to turn sheet materials into doors and cut-to-speciﬁcation orders for doors and panels and optimised use of sheet materials, reducing waste. HPP also launched a new service offering pre-assembled Blum drawers, which is being extended this year. Overall, HPP wanted to increase its customercentric focus across all activities. But when the ﬁrst lockdown loomed, it also had to make plans to safeguard its staff and closed both sites.

Lockdown measures During the lockdown the company contacted customers with an email survey and asked if they needed particular help. A click-and-collect service

HPP started with an 11,000sqft in Oldham. Three decades later, its headquarters has grown to 11 units spanning 250,000sqft and a second distribution centre in Sheffield

was offered to help smaller installers ﬁnish jobs they’d been working on. And later, HPP opened minimally to receive some large deliveries then eventually reopened manufacturing, despatch and office functions on a limited scale. Once new safety measures were in place, a small group of staff returned to work from mid-May 2020. Wardrope says: “Sadly, we had to make some redundancies but these were fewer than feared. Some colleagues were subsequently reemployed, which is great. We adapted to the diverse impact of the pandemic and tried to respond positively to new challenges and opportunities. “We are now fully operational and demand is quite strong. There are signs of growing conﬁdence but different factors are at play. Across the economy, jobs have been lost and debt will have to be paid off, which will impact on consumer spending. However, many people are still at home and investing in property.”

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Supporting showrooms And this year, HPP has further plans for business launching product packages for showrooms and enhanced online resources. Dan Mounsey, who recently became director of marketing and business development, explains: “We believe our retail showroom package will be a unique offer, due to us being the only company that can cover all these bases. We’re working on final details but aim to offer showrooms free HPP kitchen and bedroom displays and a contribution towards the fitting cost. Our plan is for packages to cover worktops, kitchen and bedroom doors, Blum hinges, HPP’s Blum readymade drawer boxes, door handles, lighting, wirework and bins.” He continues: “We’ll also assist with point-ofsale aids, handle display boards, our Unique Choice kitchen and bedroom brochures, discounts on showroom accessories and the Easycab range, and access to marketing and merchandising aids.” And its new online resources include the Egger Inspiration Centre on HPP’s website. Mounsey explains: “We are an Egger Diamond Distributor and have enjoyed a great relationship with Egger for many years. The Inspiration Centre brings together all Egger’s digital resources and tools in one location including enhanced 3D visuals which capture advanced décors. The new Egger Decorative Collection, door ranges with Egger decors and Egger worktops are highlighted too. Physical samples can also be ordered.” The Egger worktops are PEFC-certified and use renewable material. The 38mm worktops can all be recycled and the range has FIRA Gold Award for product testing and quality. Sustainability is increasingly important in consumers’ purchasing decisions, says HPP. By highlighting such features and measures, showrooms and installers can distinguish themselves in the market.

3 a 17-year-old in the sales office. He says the opportunity to work with many different departments was invaluable for his knowledge and development. “I’ve spent all my career in the KBB sector, including a spell with Slumberland. I’ve now been with HPP for 20 years and seen a lot of positive change. I’m really excited to become a director with Dan and Andrew. I feel that our combined knowledge can help ensure continued success for HPP,” he says. Completing the line-up, Gary Kinder has joined the company as purchasing manager. He has extensive industry experience, including roles with Eurospace Furniture, Symphony, Richmond Cabinets and JT Ellis. And HPP hopes to announce new employment and skills opportunities for young people at its Oldham and Sheffield sites too. Encouraging young people into the industry and progressing staff into director roles, should ensure the success of the business for another three decades and beyond.

3. SUCCESSION PLANNING The business is led by managing director Keith Wardrope and he has been joined on the board by director of marketing and business development Dan Mounsey, IT director Andrew Evans and sales director Gareth Evans

4 4. CUSTOMER-CENTRIC HPP launched a service offering pre-assembled Blum drawers, last year, as part of its aim to be customer-centic. It will extend this service in 2021.

Succession plans The business also has an eye on succession plans to secure the future of the business with additions to the board of directors. In addition to Dan Mounsey, HPP has appointed Andrew Evans and Gareth Evans as IT director and sales director respectively. Andrew Evans, 45, joined HPP in 2004 as continuous improvement manager. He comments: “Becoming a director is a great step forward for me. I’m really excited to add extra weight to all areas of the business and to use my skills and those of the IT department to advance the company.” Gareth Evans, also 45, ﬁrst started at HPP as

5 5. SHOWROOM SUPPORT The company plans to offer showrooms free HPP kitchen and bedroom displays, with a contribution towards the ﬁtting cost. It aims to include doors, worktops Blum hinges, HPP’s Blum readymade drawer boxes, handles, lighting, wirework and bins

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BUSINESS

INTERVIEW

“Go big or go bust”

Managing director of Topform Paul Glynn explains how the company has continued to revolutionise laminate worktops to make them desirable and introduces its biggest ever decor makeover After three years in development, Irish laminate worktop manufacturer Topform has undertaken the largest décor makeover in the history of the company. It has added 18 new decors to its range, spanning a choice of textures from matt through to woodgrain, stone and pearl. These are across its Topshape brand of worktops which has been reorganised into Urban Stone, Wood, Italian Marble, Quartz and Terrazzo categories, to meet the tastes of discerning consumers. In addition, Topform has invested in new CNC machinery, as well as a website redesign to

1 1. TOPFORM MD Paul Glynn is pictured with marketing manager Steve McCarron

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

coincide with the launch. It all forms part of a continual investment programme by the company, as managing director Paul Glynn explains: “The bottom line is we’re not happy unless we’re growing somewhere between 12.515% per annum. We need to double our company’s size every ﬁve years and there’s an investment progamme to allow that to happen.”

Investing in laminate Its journey has included investing in laminate worktops as a sector, to revolutionise and reinvigorate the market. In 2007 the company conducted a consumer survey and found 99% would like to buy a granite worktop. Paul Glynn reports the survey was damning for laminate worktop sales: “We ended up saying our customers hate laminate. They buy our product demonstrating their poverty. But it led us to fundamental thinking and that hasn’t changed – we better do something urgently about laminate worktops in the sector. We’re a small company of £10million turnover but we found ourselves in the leadership position because we took to heart the survey ﬁndings saying our customers didn’t like laminate. We asked what could we do about it and could we reinvent it?” Glynn said the solution had to be holistic, not only consumer-driven but suiting the ﬁtter and distribution channels.

Appealing to consumers Having been unimpressed with the latest offerings from its laminate supplier, Topform decided to seek out new décors, textures and

aesthetics to meet the changing tastes of consumers. Glynn commented: “I had to trawl the entire world for new sources for innovative product for my customers and we use the phrase – even today – ‘We’ve travelled the world so you don’t have to’.” He also points to the transformation of the traditional bullnose profile, stating Topform was the first company to mass produce a square-edge profile, commenting “it was a shift change to either go big or go bust”. Having created profile groups of consumers – 7 in total – it formed its portfolio around the tastes of these segments and that continues to this day.

Fit for purpose However, the company was also conscious laminate worktops had to match the need of the industry, as well as the consumer. As Glynn comments: “The kitchen retailer is the expert and a trusted source who will determine the final products, providing those products are fit for that consumer”. Topform found kitchen retailers and fitters were constrained to standard sizes of 600, 670 and 900mm blanks and so were unable to use laminate for larger islands. “We created a variety of sizes for an island unit which you could buy out of a box in 2000 x 900mm and 1240 x 910 mm – sizes agreed with industry experts - that could give a variety of solutions in a laminate.” And the panels were produced double-sided so they could be used for worktop waterfall ends, shelving, encasing units or other design features.

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Expected sales upturn Certainly Topform is a success story as the company is once again a finalist in the Exporter of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year categories at the SFA Awards. This follows on from receiving Business All Star accreditation for being customer-centric. And its achievements can also be reflected by the number of trade partners it works with, including 1,100 showrooms in Ireland and a further 350 in Great Britain, through Deralam. But Topform is firmly focused on growth. Glynn states: “We simply don’t have enough resellers in the UK. We would like to see a 50% growth in turnover in the UK over the next 12 months.” And the company believes it is achievable, particularly following the upturn in business after the first lockdown. “Accountants and economists were forecasting complete Armageddon in April 2020. They were largely looking at a huge number of unemployment, a huge number of market disruptive factors. So we were expecting complete collapse of the markets. We couldn’t have been further wrong”, says Glynn. He continues: “We actually saw the busiest growth period in the last six months of 2020, ever, in the history of our business. We saw a growth of 27% over the same six months in the previous year.”

Long-term COVID impact And Glynn believes the longer-term impact of COVID on the design of kitchens, which now require home working areas, will further beneﬁt laminate sales: “COVID has had an unexpected impact and that is working from home. There are new areas within the kitchen cum dining space cum living space that have to be accommodated and that were not there a year ago. Topshape can be used as shelf or an office desk.” Glynn believes these factors will see a growth of around 5-6% more products used in kitchen projects.

3 4 2. MILAN MARBLE

3. BLACK MARBLE

Topshape worktops, which boast a square edge proﬁle, now include Milan Marble. Discover it at www.rdr.link/KA043

Topform has segmented its ranges into Urban Stone, Wood, Italian Marble and Quartz and Terrazzo. Pictured is Black Marble. See it at www.rdr.link/KA044

4. CONCRETE

5. MOURNE SLATE

One of 18 decors added to the worktop range is Concrete, which is featured in the Urban Stone line-up. Find out more at www.rdr.link/KA045

Boasting a Slate-effect ﬁnish, Mourne Slate has been added to the Urban Stone range of decors. View the worktop at www.rdr.link/KA046

Transformed by accident It seems Topform has been successful in transforming the humble laminate into a desirable material. But Paul Glynn concludes: “You know that consumer survey, where we thought our customers hated laminate in 2007? I bumped into somebody 10 years later and I told the same story and he said you totally misinterpreted a market report. Ask a consumer what car they would like and they’ll never say a Ford Focus. They may say a Ferrari or Bugatti, but how many of those are sold? Do not misinterpret aspiration with ﬁnal purchase. You were never damned in 2007. You got the results wrong. So, it’s a happy accident we became motivated to revolutionise laminate. But it didn’t do us any harm.”

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BUSINESS

SME ADVICE

Company matters

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

MARKETING Setting up websites for success For kitchen and bathroom retailers, bricks and mortar showrooms have always provided inspiration for customers to help bring their vision to life. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted buyers online, it has become increasingly vital to have a digital offering to attract and retain essential business.

Building the basics It can be easy to feel overwhelmed with the different aspects of a website but starting with the basics and making sure these are developed to a high standard, work effectively, and look professional is key. If you’re setting up your ﬁrst website, it all starts with a name. It must be memorable, meaningful and ultimately make sense. Reference the sector in the name where possible – for example, ‘Ideal Interiors’ would be better as ‘Ideal kitchen interiors’ to make it easy for customers to instantly recognise your offering. It’s also vital this brand name appears in the website address, or ‘domain name’, as well as social media handles wherever possible. This allows customers to ﬁnd the official accounts run by your

brand, and in turn helping improve your businesses search engine presence, known as SEO. For customers looking to renovate their home, capturing the eye is essential. Attention-grabbing imagery relating to your work can help inspire conﬁdence in your offering. However, remember to use images and content that is your own – other copied images are copyrighted, and you must have a license to use them. Suppliers often have a range of images available. so get in touch with your representative and they will be able to provide these.

Enhance your offering Going beyond the day-to-day services provided by your business is a key way of offering added

Don’t share Instagram There is no harm at all in posting the same thing to Twitter as you do to your Instagram BUT do not do it from inside Instagram. If you do, all that shows is a link to your Instagram post and nobody is going to faff about clicking through. Share your content directly on to Twitter and then your image or video will actually load. It’s much nicer to look at and engage with!

SOCIAL MEDIA The 5 most common mistakes you’ll make on Twitter Twitter updates every 12 seconds and will show you content based on your location and favourite topics. The fast pace makes it a great platform for the KBB industry. However, there are some easy mistakes to be made and avoiding these will ensure your followers become customers.

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

Your about section This is very small compared to other platforms so keep it simple. Your company name should be your username, and your website, and phone number should be visible. Keep any description very short indeed. Everything people need to ﬁnd you should be there already.

Tangled tweets You are limited to 240 characters, not 240 words. Emojis and hashtags will take up some of this

value to customers. It’s likely something you do naturally in store, through advice, seasonal discounts and promotions, and it’s important to ensure this is translated online. Look at which products are suitable for special bundles or include banners on the website when offering promotions. A ‘bestsellers’ tactic is also a great way to showcase your must-buys. Highlighting these products, whether popular taps or sink styles that are on trend, can help convert buyers and upsell products to customers already choosing your business. If you’re setting up an e-shop as part of your website, base offers on your most popular products in-store, or create a ‘must-see offers’ list instead. With the help of special e-commerce solutions, the products can be integrated into an existing website via plug-in or HTML code, without the need for a separate online store. This works with any content management system such as WordPress, Joomla! or Wix. If your store is already on Facebook or Instagram, you can also display recent ﬁnished projects there, and add “shoppable tags” to bestseller products on Instagram. Once in-feed imagery and content or sponsored posts have captured a browser’s attention, this will also help generate traffic to your website from social platforms.

allowance so keep things short. If you have a lot to say then create a thread (which will keep all your tweets together). Keep your hashtags to no more than three per tweet.

Talk to tweeters It goes without saying that you should reply to the comments on your tweets. But did you know that the best way to get your company seen is to talk to other tweeters? You can ﬁnd and follow people just as you can on Instagram and then interact with their content too. Get a conversation going! Retweet things that you enjoy. Send messages and make sure someone is tasked with managing them!

Use all features Everyone knows that Twitter is for tweets, but did you know it also has a stories function, just like Instagram? This is a great place to show some personality, “some behind-the-scenes” magic of your company. Very soon, Twitter is rolling out an

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MANAGEMENT The mobile experience

Conducting effective interviews

Mobile optimisation is essential to anyone setting up an e-shop on their website. It can simplify operability, reduce loading time and improve the user experience. With a signiﬁcant number of us shopping online on mobile phones, providing an experience that adapts to the mobile device ensures this audience is catered for. A website builder will help make this possible, allowing the web pages to adapt when being viewed on a mobile device. Moving the business online can feel daunting but don’t let a lack of technical knowledge or being short on time hold you back from reaping the rewards. No matter how simple or sophisticated you want your website to be, there’s a wealth of tools available to help create a holistic online presence that will generate awareness, increase customers and demonstrate the beneﬁts of your business.

This month, I want to put you all in the shoes of the jobseeker... Imagine that, through no fault of your own, you have been made redundant or lost your job due to the ongoing health crisis: you have a family to support, a mortgage to pay and are now terriﬁed about your future, both ﬁnancially and professionally. Over the last 12 months this situation has become a stark reality for many professionals within the KBB sector and that itself is a sobering thought. Somehow despite the cards you’ve been dealt you have still put the work in, and with considerable effort and sheer determination you’ve managed to land yourself an interview.

EXPERT: Patrick Schaudel COMPANY: Ionos BACKGROUND: Patrick Schaudel is head of product unit – sitebuilder, marketing & eCommerce at IONOS. He is skilled in Search Engine Optimisation (listing, SEO, SEM), user experience, e-commerce, agile methodologies, and mobile internet. CONTACT: www.rdr.link/KA033

audio only function, like Clubhouse, so keep your eyes and ears open and get to grips with the new features as they roll out.

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 just three platforms. CONTACT: www.rdr.link/KA034

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Avoid poor practice For those who are lucky enough to have made this happen, this meeting will be the single most important life-event in that jobseekers world, at that moment. It’s an opportunity to get back out there and show a potential employer – that’s you - what they can really offer. When you take a step back, it’s easy to recognise and appreciate how big a deal this is for everyone involved and that’s why I’m shocked and saddened to hear of numerous examples where poor recruitment practices are happening within our very own industry. Throughout all of my years in recruitment, and particularly over the last 12 months, the biggest frustrations and emotional triggers are always the same: lack of communication! Many individuals report to being ghosted after an interview, as well as complaining about a lack of feedback, hearing within an agreed timescale or simply not at all! For the good of your business and reputation, your brand and business has a duty of care to do the right thing. It’s time for everyone involved in the hiring process to step up and be accountable. So, here are a few words of advice which will make the experience better for all involved. ● This is not your opportunity to become Alan

Sugar on the Apprentice: be real and honest! ● The candidate in front of you is not pitching you an idea like Dragons Den, the interview should be a well-structured, relaxed and an engaging two-way conversation ● Don’t be lazy. You will expect the candidate to have done their homework so how have you prepared to make the best use of your time with them? ● A personality will shine in a relaxed environment so no matter how the interview is being held - video or face to face - get to

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know them, build a rapport and glean a better understanding of their real potential and employability. Establish a way to close the interview before you even start, e.g. agree clear timescales for feedback, next steps post-interview, when they can expect a ﬁnal decision and so on Trust me when I say ‘feedback is fundamental’ so make sure you provide it to those who have been unsuccessful and equally, those who have not made the cut. Jobseekers need clear, honest feedback with advice and suggestions on how to improve This is your chance to be remembered too: as an individual, employer, brand and business

If we all take responsibility and remain transparent in our decision-making, then the entire recruitment process and standards within our industry will improve. After the heartache of the last 12 months and growing expectation of new hires increasing as we move out of lockdown, I believe it is time to ‘turn the tables’ and put yourself in the jobseekers’ shoes: how would you like to be treated during an interview? I guarantee you will want the same.

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/KA035

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BUSINESS

PROMOTION

KI TCHENS &

BATHROOMS NEWS We produce exclusive videos, each week, on www.kandbnews.co.uk interviewing business leaders. They cover industry-wide issues, individual retail challenges or initiatives and design trends. Here are our latest, just in case you’ve missed them.

JOB SEARCH | Cracking the CV Code Founder of specialist recruitment agency Foyne Jones, Peter Jones explains his pathological hatred of the CV. But he says they are still relevant since the ﬁrst was created in 1482 by Leonardo Da Vinci. He explains how you can use a CV to stand out from the crowd, and highlights the use of video. Watch him speak at www.rdr.link/KA036

Bill Miller | KBBG | Opportunities and challenges when kbb retail showrooms reopen CEO of the KBBG Bill Miller said future kitchen and bathroom retail could be based on a hybrid model. He said consumers may use showrooms to become inspired and meet designers but the presentation of the design could “easily” take place online. View the video at www.rdr.link/KA037

JOB SEARCH | How to be successful finding a job in the kbb industry Disrupting the job hunting process, founder of specialist recruitment agency Foyne Jones, Peter Jones outlines what you should be doing for seven days. He offers advice and tips on how to stand out in a crowded marketplace, which rips up the rulebook, and says use the “magical power” of LinkedIn. Watch his advice at www.rdr.link/KA038

Richard Hassell | Independent Network | Aim for higher-end of market to BEAT ONLINE RETAIL Kitchen and bathroom retailers should aim for a higher-end market to combat online sales, says founder of The Independent Network and director of More Than Baths Richard Hassell. See what he says at www.rdr.link/KA039

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

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LAST WORD

NEWS & VIEWS

Call of duty

MD Quooker UK Stephen Johnson says bigger KBB brands must help solve the skills gap of future kitchen and bathroom installers At Quooker, we have felt the strain the pandemic and resultant lockdowns have placed on the industry. We have seen ﬁrst-hand how its affected smaller, independent retailers and how changing consumer habits have dramatically impacted sales. It is fair to say, we have undergone some of the toughest trading conditions our industry has ever faced. However, throughout this crisis, it has become increasingly apparent that bigger brands have a wider responsibility of care for the industry. We are faced with two choices. To shrivel up and remain inward focused, or to work together sharing expertise and resources, to help the industry re-build, recover and thrive.

Solving skills gap This crisis has been helpful in shining a light on the growing problem of a signiﬁcant skills gap within the UK’s KBB sector. It has become

increasingly apparent that the high consumer demand for installation and after-sales care is unable to be met with any speed and in many cases, with any guarantee of quality. Caused in part by signiﬁcant EU migration and forced business closures from the COVID crisis, this problem has the potential to hinder the entire industry’s ability to bounce back. No matter how many taps we produce, or however many kitchens and bathrooms sold, if there are not enough installers to keep pace, there is an inevitable bottleneck and a real problem.

BiKBBI sponsorship Following the launch of the BiKBBI’s ‘Operation Next Gen’ campaign, we agreed to a three-year sponsorship deal of the institute’s new apprenticeship initiative - a nationwide training scheme that seeks to heavily invest in the next generation of home grown KBB installers. Alongside the BiKBBI, Quooker’s investment will drive the industry charge in promoting KBB apprenticeship opportunities, predominantly amongst secondary school students in years 911. Through the opening of 10 new regional Centres of Excellence, these training hubs across England will be key in growing local talent.

Nationwide initiative It has been the case for too long that installers and fitters are treated like second-class citizens. We feel passionately that it is our collective responsibility as an industry to change this perception and instil real value back into the role. Through this nationwide initiative, the hope is that by educating and promoting the work of installers and fitters, it will not only bring in more young talent, but a more diverse workforce. The current installer workforce is predominantly male; however, the scheme looks to encourage and extend opportunities to more women to rectify this. These centres will mark the delivery of KBB Fitted Interior Apprenticeships from September 2020, with the hope that by 2022, BiKBBI will expand these training centres into Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our investment will also be used to set up a new interactive industry website where BiKBBI members will post job vacancies and in-house apprenticeship schemes, in order to offer real support to newlyqualified fitters. With ambitious targets, the apprenticeship initiative has been created to generate real change and we are incredibly honoured to be a part of the journey.

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NEWS & VIEWS

MAKING HEADLINES

Top 3

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

Travis Perkins demerger of Wickes is “key milestone”

Travis Perkins has continued with its decision to demerge home improvement retailer Wickes, having put the process on hold to focus on managing through the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to demerge Wickes was made in July 2019 and having completed the majority of the demerger work by March 20, 2020, it was then put on hold. With the group, including Wickes, having demonstrated the resilience of business through 2020, the board announced the decision to recommence the demerger process on March 2, 2021. Read this story at www.rdr.link/KA040

Kitchen Manufacturers

2 Aqualla acquired by FM Mattsson Aqualla Brassware has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by mixer tap manufacturer FM Mattsson Mora Group, which owns the Damixa, Mora Armatur and Hotbath brands. Based in Newtownards, Northern Ireland, Aqualla business grew by more than 30%, delivered revenue of £7.6m, and acquired the Adamsez brand in June 2020. Aqualla will continue to operate as a free-standing business unit, with its current management team remaining in place, led by founder and managing director, Steven Allaway, and company sales director, Noel Daly. Find out more at www.rdr.link/KA041

Victoria Plum sales up 46% to £103million

Online bathroom retailer Victoria Plum has announced its sales grew by “a record” 46% to £103million for the year ended February 28, 2021. In addition, the South Yorkshire-headquartered business saw its EBITDA increase by 115% to £4.5million and, over the same period, the company grew its headcount from 349 to 398. Marking its 20th year in business, it is also 18 months since the company was acquired by Leeds-based, private equity ﬁrm Endless. View the entire story at www.rdr.link/KA042

ADVERTISEMENT INDEX BIKBBI .................................. (inside back cover)

Medite Smartply .................................... (page 9)

Blanco Ltd.............................................. (page 18)

Reginox UK Ltd .................................... (page 11)

Crosswater Ltd .................. (inside front cover)

Saniflo Ltd ................................................ (page 4)

Crown Products .............................. (back cover)

Swadling Brassware Ltd ...................... (page 6)

Elica ........................................................ (page 12)

Topform Ltd .......................................... (page 10)

Franke UK Ltd ...................................... (page 21)

Triflow .................................................... (page 17)

HIB Ltd .................................................... (page 25)

Trojan Plastics Ltd .............................. (page 23)

Hills Panel Products.................... Ltd (page 15)

34 MAY 2021 K&BNEWS www.kandbnews.co.uk

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