Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

RAK Ceramics announces FY 2022 financial results

February 9, 2023

RAK Ceramics, an international ceramics lifestyle solutions provider, announced today its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2022. RAK Ceramics reported record-high full-year performance for 2022 with a total revenue increase of 22.9% to AED 3.52 billion and reported net profit increase of 19.8% to AED340.1 million when compared to 2021.

Commenting on the results, Abdallah Massaad, Group CEO, RAK Ceramics said: “I am delighted to share our company’s performance for the year 2022. Notwithstanding the current macroeconomic conditions marked by high inflation and persistent energy crisis, we have managed to achieve remarkable results. Our total revenue increased by 22.9% YoY, reaching the highest level since 2009, driven by robust core business growth in Tiles, Sanitaryware, and Tableware in addition to growth in faucets on the back of KLUDI consolidation. This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering value to our stakeholders.

“Despite the challenging economic environment, we have managed to maintain our gross profit margin level, mainly due to our improved production efficiencies and optimized utilization in 2022. Growth was hindered by further costs associated with Saudi Custom Duty, higher input costs and energy challenges; nonetheless, we are working hard to overcome these challenges and are already seeing hints of correction in some instances.

Operationally, we continued to progress in our expansionary projects in the UAE across all lines of business and advance on multiple greenfield fronts, including in Bangladesh and in Saudi Arabia.

“Strategically, we finalized our core businesses consolidation exercise: Our value creation plan for KLUDI is well underway, and we are closely monitoring its progress; additionally, we have reached 92% stake in RAK Porcelain following a series of minority acquisitions launched in 2022. We solidified our group position and we are committed to leveraging on synergies to strengthen operations across all core businesses.

“Today, as we close the chapter for 2022, we are humbly proud of our achieved progress and growth and remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering value to our stakeholders. We are monitoring the economic environment closely and remain focused on executing our growth strategy.”

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New Compact Range from VitrA – ArchiPlan

February 9, 2023

VitrA Bathrooms, a global bathroom brand, has launched a striking range that provides plenty of options for designers and specifiers, particularly those working with small spaces. Designed by Design Studio VitrA, the new ArchiPlan collection is also perfect for bathrooms in the hospitality and commercial sectors.

ArchiPlan is modern and minimalist and offers a variety of sizes, including narrow cabinet widths and reduced projections (from just 28cm). Storage options include shelves in two sizes (45 and 60cm) and open shelving in the mirrors and mid-units. The contemporary design also has black metal framing detailing. Elegant cut-out holes instead of door handles keep the design simple and add to the feeling of space.

The furniture is made from plywood, an eco-friendly material option. As well as requiring little energy to produce and being highly recyclable, plywood is incredibly hard-wearing and durable. The finish is water and moisture-resistant, offering a solid solution without compromising aesthetics or functionality.

With contemporary, clean lines, the furniture is available in a choice of neutral and timeless matt colours – white, black, and taupe. Wall-hung furniture units with washbasins are available in 45cm, 60cm and 90cm. A 52cm wide mid-unit provides valuable storage and open shelving.

ArchiPlan basins can be wall-mounted (with the option of chrome legs on 38cm x 90cm basins) or mounted in cabinetry. Each is available in 45cm, 60cm, 90cm and 120cm formats and is ideal for tight spaces in both 28 and 38cm projections.

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Softening the Bathroom: A Guide from VitrA

February 8, 2023

Bathrooms should act as sanctuaries; a space in which we make time to enjoy our daily rituals, bringing a sense of calm and comfort. Instil softness and serenity into the bathroom with gentle curves, natural materials and warm finishes from VitrA.

VitrA Sento — ***Left***: Sento washbasin unit with 2 drawers, matt fjord green, £1,262
**Middle***: Root basin mixer with pop-up, round, gold, £254*
**Right***: Sento illuminated mirror, 80cm, oak, £744*

Opt for an earthy or neutral colour scheme, incorporating matt finishes and warm brassware in copper or gold. For example, VitrA’s matt taupe washbasins from the Memoria, Outline and Plural ranges pair perfectly with dark oak, which infuses softness and invites users to touch and interact with the products. Consider also adding a subtly illuminated mirror, such as Sento, that diffuses a gentle glow throughout the space.

VitrA Bathroom Sanctuary — ***Left***: Plural small table with ceramic countertop and dark oak shelf, matt black, £1,578
**Middle***: Origin bathrobe hook, copper, £133*
**Right***: Outline bowl, matt soft taupe, £650*

***Left***: Memoria wall-hung WC pan, rim-ex, matt taupe, £1,425
**Middle***: Liquid ceramic stool, white, £352*
**Right***: Plural ceramic washbasin unit with dark oak shelf, matt taupe, £2,948*

Additionally, focus on accessories, brassware and furniture that feature enduring and rounded shapes, soft edges and smooth ceramics in order to build an effortless, sensual lightness throughout the space.

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Edwardian elegance from Drummonds

February 8, 2023

The interior of this Edwardian house in Cambridge was completely rebuilt, allowing for a dramatic
transformation and leaving only the facade untouched.

One of the key elements of the renovation was the family bathroom. To reflect the period of the property and to create a distinctly Edwardian aesthetic, the owners wanted the space to have a classic, English feel, opting for traditional wooden floorboards, retro Acanthus tiles and solid pieces from Drummonds.

The striking freestanding bath was an absolute must for this family bathroom; the Ashburn in a painted finish sits directly in front of the large sash window. Based on an 18th century ‘bateau’ design, it is one of Drummonds’ more compact designs, offering all the comfort of a classic double ended bath, without overwhelming the space.

Drummonds_Cambridge_house_Edwardian_bath

Two Syre basins sit opposite; cast in English china clay, and finished and glazed by hand, they bring a refined elegance to the scheme. An Antique Brushed Brass finish on the vanity legs, Mull taps and Oval Tilt mirrors
add contrast to the look.

A large glass shower enclosure featuring an Antique Brass frame and backed by floor-to-ceiling green tiles,
demarks the ‘wet zone’ within the room, and creates a stylish ‘walk in’ shower area. A half border of sleek Edwardian-style tiles surrounds the room, acting as a perfect balance and counterpart to the dark wooden floor.

Drummonds_Cambridge_house_Edwardian_taps

Drummonds products:

Tiles: Edwardian Tile range from Fired Earth
firedearth.com

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New bathroom mirror collection from RAK Ceramics

February 8, 2023

No bathroom is complete without a mirror, and RAK Ceramics ensures that including this essential accessory as part of a purchase is no hard sale, with several new additions to its collection.

In a choice of stylish finishes to combine seamlessly with any décor, the new RAK-Art and RAK-Picture mirrors come with Chrome, Matt Black, Brushed Nickel and Brushed Gold. This enables them to be chosen to match the bathroom’s brassware, extending the sale and ensuring retailers can value up.

Both ranges feature four shapes – Round, Square, Soft and Oval – and have LED lighting, a demister pad and touch sensor activation, bringing the latest bathroom technology into the home in a seamless way.

Also new to the RAK Ceramics mirrors collection is RAK-Ornate, available in the same choice of finishes and with the same technological features. The RAK-Ornate mirror has an integrated shelf for handy storage of bathroom essentials, making it the perfect addition to a master ensuite for a hotel-inspired look.

Contact: RAK Ceramics UK, 01730 237850 www.rakceramics.com/uk/

Pictured top – RAK-Ornate

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GROHE’s GIVE Program sponsors debut Female Skills Competition 2023

February 8, 2023

Given the shortage of skilled installers in the sanitary industry, it is more important than ever to enable and encourage young individuals to build the foundations for a prosperous future through education and extracurricular activities within the field. This is why GROHE, global brand for complete bathroom solutions, initiated its “GROHE Installer Vocational Training and Education” (GIVE) Program and continues its commitment to supporting initiatives and organisations encouraging promising industry talent.

The GROHE GIVE Program is proud to be the headline sponsor of the debut Female Skills competition 2023 run by HIP, the only UK magazine dedicated to plumbing and heating students.

The competition has been created to provide a dedicated space for enthusiastic females within an industry that is often associated with and primarily represented by males, allowing contestants to showcase their skills and talent amongst comparable peers.

To support the winners and showcase GROHE’s appreciation to new industry talent, LIXIL’s Leader, Jonas Brennwald, will attend the final to handout prizes and congratulate the winners.

“Our industry offers so many opportunities for young people around the globe who cannot only make a living but make a positive impact with plumbing for a sustainable future. Well trained and professional personnel are pivotal to our industry, and we’re committed to supporting and championing those starting out.” commented Jonas Brennwald, Leader, LIXIL EMENA.

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Curved, colourful, textured and sustainable

February 7, 2023

The future for bathroom design is curved, colourful, textured and sustainable, according to Richard Shore, head of product design at Utopia.

Presenting his predictions for 2023, he sees five distinct themes dominating the home interest sector for the coming year ahead.

1. The rise of a warming colour palette where inviting, rich colours such as terracotta red will abound.

2. An increase in interesting textures, particularly ridged surfaces, overlaying linear patterns and organic materials or prints.

3. In terms of design, soft, tactile curves encouraging interaction will offer an alternative to the sharp lines and angles of minimalism.

4. The boutique hotel look continues to influence design with a whole new generation of ‘spathrooms’ encapsulating wellness, luxury and experience.

5. Expected sustainability!

Helen Clark, Utopia’s head of marketing comments “As ever, Richard’s predictions continue to shape and drive our new product development plans for 2023 and beyond. The recent introductions of new doorstyles and finishes are just the start of a host of new product launches scheduled for 2023 in response to incoming trends and customer feedback.”

Luxurious Belmont welcomes new Matt Blue finish

February 7, 2023

One of the best selling Free-standing baths from PJH’s Bathrooms to Love brand, the deep and luxurious Belmont model, has added a new Matt Blue option to its range of finishes, to widen the range’s appeal even further.

With the trend for inky blue indigo’s and navy themed bathroom colour schemes showing no sign of fading, this bold Matt Blue bath tub finish is a welcome addition to Belmont’s other colour options of grey and white. Designed to stand-alone or to coordinate perfectly with many of the furniture ranges within the Bathrooms to Love Collection, it is shown here teamed with modular furniture range, ‘Statement’ in Matt Deep Blue and the ‘Luxey’ washbowl, also in Deep Blue. Brushed brass taps and accessories complete the decadent look, and customers can opt for either a free-standing bath shower mixer, as shown, or wall-mounted bathing brassware.

The new Matt Blue exterior finish of the contemporary Belmont bath, with its streamlined curves and edges, provides a contrasting focus to the flawless pure white interior, creating depth and as well as great looks to this versatile double-ended tub. With a sumptuous 245-litres water capacity and dimensions of 1700 (L) x 780 (W) x 670 (H)mm, Belmont’s elegant bateau styling combines luxury bathing with on-trend styling and underlines the range’s popularity with consumers. A pre-fitted integrated waste is included.

Manufactured from high grade smooth acrylic, which delivers long-lasting durability, it also ensures excellent heat-retention, and attracts a 20-year quality guarantee, for peace of mind.

Available to order now from PJH’s online Partners Portal™ platform, the new Matt Blue Belmont Bath, together with the existing grey and white finishes, are available from stock and via PJH’s Next Day Delivery service if required.

Contact PJH to find out more about display deals, point-of-sale material, and all marketing collateral.

Further information:

Bathrooms to Love by PJH: T: 0800 8 77 88 99 / www.partners.pjh.uk / www.bathroomstolove.uk

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Neoperl focus on staff training

February 7, 2023

Over a third of the 160 staff at Neoperl UK in Malvern, took part in personal development training during 2022 and that figure is set to increase with a new learning focus for 2023.

The manufacturing business requires a broad selection of skills across their employee base, so the training has varied to suit the individual ranging from Chartered Institute of Management (CIM) courses at all levels, to engineering, apprenticeships, team building, kaizen, and appraisal training.

Alison Andrews, company administrator, who has worked for Neoperl for 25 years and completed a CMA level 7 certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership in 2022, said: “Neoperl has always been a supportive employer around CPD training, they finance a lot of training initiatives and allow time off to attend relevant college courses too.”

Izabela Videki has also completed many CPD training courses since she joined the business in 2012. Most recently she finished a foundation degree in Engineering and Metrology at Coventry University, developing skills she puts to good use in her role as part of the Continuous Improvement team.

On the back of this drive to support and retain employees, the company invested in a new intranet and bespoke learning management system (LMS) for employees last year and provided pods to give private space and access for staff that don’t work on a computer each day. The new Intranet is called ‘NEOnet’, and the LMS – LEARNeo, which allows all employees to access approved e-learning.

“Our LEARNeo e-learning platform was launched in January so that all employees can undergo the same training no matter where they are located in the world. This includes training on our company Values, our approach to Quality and Code of Conduct. We have already started to grow the number of courses available,” said Louise Hughes, head of human resources at Neoperl in the UK.

“Excellence and passion are two of our key Values which drive innovation and as a business training keeps us sharp, agile and open to embrace new ideas. This new e-learning system makes training so accessible to all, helping us to create the right culture for the future of our business.”

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KEUCO’s touchless taps deliver technology & style

February 2, 2023

Hygiene has become increasingly important during the last few years, so when KEUCO developed their IXMO Sensor series of touchless taps they included a number of additional benefits that ensured the product was easy to clean and had a reduced flow rate, making it more sustainable too.

Flow rate is set at 5 l/p/m but is adjustable, with a flow time of one second to a maximum of 10 seconds until switch-off, enabling economical and resource-saving water consumption. The water temperature is adjusted via a small lever on the back of the free-standing fitting model. If permanent temperature control is not desired (for example in some public areas), the adjustment pin can be removed after the initial setting. A special blanking plug can be fitted to cover the access. For the wall-mounted fitting, the temperature is adjusted in the under-sink box, under the washbasin.

The IXMO Sensor taps are extremely versatile, they can be combined with a wide range of washbasin styles. They are available in chrome plated or matt black; as either a freestanding or wall-mounted variant. They have dual-feed fittings but are suitable for use as a single feed with blended water delivered from a TMV.

The taps have a ‘cleaning stop’ function, by covering the sensor for several seconds prevents the tap from flowing for 180s enabling the product and surrounding basin, mirror, and other surface areas to be cleaned effectively.

All the mixers have a range of programmable functions including cleaning stop; automatic flushing; adjustable detection zone and adjustable run-on time following use. The functions can be set manually or via an app. when fitted in combination with the IXMO Bluetooth receiver (optional), however, this is only possible to install with the mains powered fittings.

Both the surface and wall-mounted options can be mains powered, but the free-standing option is the only model which can be supplied as both battery or mains powered. The battery is a 6V CRP2 lithium-ion type which has an approximate lifespan of 3 years or 200,000 uses. The battery housing is to be fixed to the wall underneath the basin and is easy to source and replace. This combination of intelligent technology and elegant design make these taps perfect for a variety of locations within the hospitality, hotel and even healthcare sector.

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