Houzz Inc. a leading platform for home renovation and design, today announced the launch of Email Marketing. The tool is directly integrated into Houzz Pro, the all-in-one business management and marketing software for residential construction and design professionals. With the new tool, home renovation and design pros can quickly and easily create, send and track analytics for newsletters, company updates and other communications using customisable pre-built templates.
“We are excited to provide an easy-to-use email marketing tool in Houzz Pro, empowering pros to stay top of mind with leads and clients, increase engagement and build their brand,” said Alon Cohen, Houzz co-founder and president.
“We heard from our community of industry professionals that they wanted an easy way to keep in touch with clients who often become repeat customers and to nurture leads until they are ready to move forward. Houzz Pro email marketing helps pros do all of this easily and within one software platform.”
With Houzz Pro Email Marketing, home building, remodelling and design professionals can select a pre-designed email template with themes like newsletters, thank you notes, holiday greetings, promotions and more, or create an email design of their own. Once a template is selected, the pro can personalise it by dragging and dropping content including photos, company logo, text and social media links. Email Marketing is part of the Houzz Pro CRM suite of tools, so pros can build their target email lists from the lead and client contacts already in the Houzz Pro lead manager, then send the email directly through Houzz Pro. Houzz Pro provides performance analytics including opens, clicks and unsubscribes to help pros optimise future sends. The tool is available to Houzz Pro Essential and Ultimate subscribers.
Houzz Pro helps residential construction and design professionals to run an efficient, profitable business and makes it easy for them to reach new customers, all while delivering a standout client experience. The software is available in more than 10 countries across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Subscription packages, priced to fit any budget or team, also include estimates, invoicing, lead management and business management tools. Pros can learn more and get started at houzz.co.uk/pro. The Houzz Pro app is available on iOS and Android devices.
The Houzz community includes more than 65 million homeowners and home design enthusiasts and over 3 million home renovation and design professionals around the world in more than 100 categories, including architects, interior designers, contractors and landscape professionals.
Download screenshots of the Houzz Pro email marketing tool here.
Water Regs UK is urging qualified RPZ (Reduced Pressure Zone) Valve Testers to join an approved scheme.
A review by Water Regs UK of the testers who undertook its free conversion training when the new RPZ AIM (Approved Installation Method) was introduced in 2020, reveals that of the 370 testers who completed the training, fewer than a third have applied for approved scheme membership since.
Paul Millard, technical Manager at Water Regs UK, says the trend is industry wide. He comments:
“The availability of suitably qualified RPZ Testers is essential for those responsible for RPZ valve maintenance. RPZ valves are a backflow prevention device which protects consumers and their water supply from contamination.”
“There is a shortage of approved RPZ testers across the UK. Reports from all approved schemes indicate that only around half of eligible testers have joined schemes”
When the new AIM was introduced in 2020, Water Regs UK offered free training to listed RPZ Testers, to help them become familiar with the changes and to ensure they can be recognised by water companies.
One of the benefits of being an approved RPZ Tester is that it demonstrates to your customers and water companies that you successfully completed tester training, have suitably calibrated equipment and are employed by a business with suitable insurance. Water Regs UK is encouraging testers to join approved schemes.
Meanwhile, there are still a number of RPZ Testers who did not complete the free conversion training before it ended in January 2021.
Installers who did not complete the conversion by 7th January 2021, lost their status and no longer hold the necessary qualifications to test RPZ valves and have to sit a full training course to regain approval.
Access to these full courses has now increased with the news that two new qualifications have gained recognition by RPZ Valve Tester sector approval schemes. These qualifications are recognised as meeting the minimum requirements of competency required for entry into these approval schemes, subject to the schemes entry criteria.
Courses are now being delivered by Develop Training Ltd and by Hydro-X Training.
Paul Millard continues: “While there is a drive to ensure approved RPZ testers take advantage of membership through the four sector schemes, there is still work to be done to ensure more RPZ Testers are approved. These two new qualifications will help more contractors achieve that goal.”
More information on how to become an approved RPZ Testers is available from the four schemes, APLUS (Anglian Water), WaterMark (Severn Trent and Hafren Dyfrdwy), WIAPS and if you are in Scotland or Northern Ireland, SNIPEF.
Despite the ongoing supply chain challenges across the globe, Lakes Showering Spaces has announced it has increased its level of stock availability in order to serve its customers and deliver best service. Given the importance of product availability in the current market, Lakes say it continues to support its customers by offering quick turnaround times and a wide choice of products in many sizes.
Chris Thain, supply chain director at Lakes, said: “Increasing our stock will inevitably result in our customers spending less time sourcing, waiting for, and collecting products. During the last 12 months, our stock availability has been running at more than 99% on a consistent basis. The service levels we have provided have been at a frequently high level and we have been able to maintain delivery lead times despite the wider challenges in global supply chains.
“We are always looking for ways to save customers valuable time and at Lakes we believe having high levels of product availability will help customers battle the ongoing supply chain issues many businesses have faced following the pandemic.”
Lakes comprehensive stock availability provides customers with the choice of holding their own stock or relying on the ability of Lakes to deliver in a short lead time.
Mike Gahir, managing director of Lakes, comments: “As a manufacturer, we are glad to share our strong industry position and continue to invest in areas that are important to our customers. They rely on our high levels of stock availability, and it provides them with confidence when they are making their buying decisions.”
Lakes is a leading manufacturer and supplier of showering spaces, including walk-ins and bath screens, selling exclusively through builders’ and plumbers’ merchants, and retail bathroom stockists.
David Osborne has completed two consecutive three-year Board terms as a non-executive director of Made in Britain, playing a crucial role in the governance and evolution of the organisation into a trade association of close to 2,000 members across dozens of manufacturing sectors.
Joining what was then a fledgling group of a few hundred manufacturing members in the spring of 2016, Osborne and his team of design professionals and marketers sat they recognised the need in British manufacturing for a unique, designed identity mark that would help glue the many thousands of successful makers in the UK together – officially.
Made in Britain helps a variety of British manufacturers sell more in the UK and abroad with the use of the official Made in Britain mark. David Osborn took the opportunity to use the famous ‘red arrow’ design device of the collective mark, pointing customers to quality products made by responsible manufacturers.
Sue Peacock, designer at Roman said: “I often wonder if we use the mark more than any other of the 1900 businesses that are members. As everything Roman sells is made here at our factory in Newton Aycliffe, we make sure everyone who comes into contact with our business knows we are a member and sees the mark prominently as a sign of British provenance and quality on the products we make.”
David Osborne, CEO, Roman said: “The Made in Britain mark just makes great business sense. The more you embed it into your business, the more you benefit from the recognition, the collaboration with people making other kinds of products and the trust that comes from the transparent way the organisation is run. The modern sustainable future of British manufacturing looks a lot brighter now we have nearly 2000 firms across every county, proudly displaying the mark on products and within their corporate communications.”
Chris Harrop OBE, Chairman of Made in Britain said: “David is a pioneer with Roman and has been ground-breaking at Made in Britain on the board of directors, serving for two, three-year terms back to back as a volunteer and helping to create the very foundations on which we are built as a licence mark. As chair I have presided over many constructive debates on a long list of questions and challenges for the organisation. David always brings his upbeat, informed and positive outlook for the benefit of every member of Made in Britain as we have grown.”
Straight from the exhibition halls of Cersaie, Acquabella, a leading Spanish brand, is launching its nature-inspired Halo and Icon Slate collection.
The Halo Slate has a microtextured cornice which runs across the frame, becoming more defined as it joins the design-led efficient drainage system which runs discreetly around the perimeter of the tray allowing water to flow into the slightly raised plate trap.
Icon Slate is a wall-mounted sculptural totem, where practicality is beautifully fused with design to create a stunning structure. The Icon Slate totem narrows at the base, with a clever design device; incorporating a contrasting texture to highlight the shape. At the top, the totem opens to a wider basin, framed on three sides with a delicate profile.
Both the Halo Slate tray and the Icon Slate totem are made from Acquabella’s patented material Akron®
Akron® exclusively combines the properties of polyurethane with mineral fillers for an excellent, high-quality, durable anti-bacterial and anti-slip surface.
The Icon Slate totem is 85x52x40 cm and featured here in a gorgeous Forest Green but is available in over 2000 RAL colours.
The Halo Slate tray comes in standard sizes from 70 cm x 100 cm to 100 x 200 cm, pictured top in Blanco but available in over 2000 RAL colours.
The gorgeous new fluted glass fixed panel in brushed gold is a real head turner. The style-informed effect of the fluted glass creates a gentle rippling effect which is bang on-trend for AW22/23.
The new panel is artfully complemented by the brushed gold finish and accents to create a beautiful shower space.
Available in width from 1192 mm, and a generous height of 2000 mm, prices start from £1138 for a choice of 8 components and 10 glass finishes.
Bespoke options are available on request and delivery is approximately 5 weeks from the order.
The Shower Lab has also announced a matt black and matt bronze finish are scheduled to launch in the near future.
No bathroom – whether a large family bathroom or a small guest toilet – should be without an illuminated mirror. These mirrors are more than mere functional accessories: they create an opportunity for individuality without having to compromise on design, functionality, or comfort.
Mirrors and any accompanying bathroom lighting need to harmonize with each other, they should be easy to operate and where possible avoid glare and mist. As it can be immensely frustrating standing in a steaming bathroom after a hot shower, with the mirrors misting over, making it all but impossible to do your hair or makeup. A heated mirror can help by preventing the mirror surface from misting up in the first place.
This is an option that is already integrated in many mirrors within the Duravit designer furniture series; the “best” models of the universal Light and Mirror range can also be ordered as an optional extra.
On the Happy D.2 Plus, Luv, XSquare, models and the icon version of XViu, the heating is switched on and off using an icon on the operating panel, while on the other models it is connected to the light. The integrated “auto-off” function switches the heating off after an hour.
Contactless operation Two convenient operating systems are available: an integrated sensor ensures that the mirror and the accompanying light can be operated contactlessly. As an alternative, a contactless control panel for the main light, ambient light, light temperature, and mirror heating is available on the surface of the mirror. Contactless control is hygienic and prevents unwanted fingerprints on the surface.
Control via the Casambi app Creating a pleasant atmosphere in the bathroom is easier than ever with mirrors that are compatible with the Casambi light-control app, such as those in the White Tulip or Zencha range. Light temperature with a memory effect, mirror heating, or dim function is really easy to control. Additionally, customers can create and save scenes, such as extra-soft lighting for some spa downtime in the home bathroom.
To ensure the best luminous efficacy, Duravit uses modern technology to create computer simulations to precisely calculate the light extraction.
Specially selected LEDs are used with a guaranteed service life of at least 30 years1 and consistently high luminous efficiency. The spacing of the individual LEDs on the circuit boards is individually defined and specially manufactured for each product and model.
On the icon version of the XViu mirror, heating is switched on and off using a symbol on the operating panel.
The light sources on mirrors with a light band in the mirror surface – such as Brioso, Duravit No.1, Happy D.2 Plus, L-Cube, Luv, XSquare, XViu, and Zencha or on the products from the universal Light and Mirrors range – are deflected by a reflector.
This is specially constructed and guarantees glare-free lighting on all models. As a rule, individual light sources are not visible, the light is homogeneous, has optimum brightness of at least 300 lux in the field of vision, as well as high colour fidelity for natural colour rendering of skin tones. The light colour is 3500 or 4000 Kelvin depending on the model.
Quality, sustainability, and safety All Duravit mirror and mirror cabinet models use energy sparingly. The development process involves comprehensive tests in a climatic chamber to ensure that the materials can also cope with extreme conditions. For example high temperatures or high humidity as well as splash-proof protection pursuant to IP44.
Features by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review. Diane Larner launched both titles over 12 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.
With energy and water usage taking centre stage in every household, it is no surprise smart technology is cementing its role as a must-have household essential. For the bathroom, products that incorporate smart technology are part of the sustainable toolkit and an asset for nurturing our well-being.
Today we consider some options available to the market, from water-saving designs to app-controlled bathroom cabinets and ambient Bluetooth lighting.
App-y days
Elisa Bathrooms Intuition brushed brass bath digital showers
The latest mobile app usage statistics tell us there are 2.7 million apps now available on the Google Play Store and that 49% of people will open an app 11+ times a day. With these phenomenal stats showing no signs of abating, what does it mean for bathroom design?
We asked Paul Bailey, leader of product management, LIXIL EMENA and GROHE UK, who explained how interacting with technology will help generate business for the industry, especially in the luxury sector.
Paul comments: “The modern homeowner’s desire for a connected, smart home in which various aspects of their life can be monitored, tracked, and organised via their smartphone is generating lots of sales in the bathroom industry.
“As wellness and personal wellbeing take centre stage, we have seen the popularity for smart shower toilets and luxury connected showers increase significantly. Smart products can really amplify the sense of wellbeing for the consumer due to much greater personalisation features, so consumers can create a bathroom experience that can be truly tailored to their individual needs and tastes.”
Elisa’s Intuition and Incite smart digital showers are good examples; both feature a ShowerMe Smart App, so each household member can create their profile. Seamless connectivity with smart home systems allows the showers to be voice-controlled with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
When it comes to sustainable design, products that help the consumer manage consumption are clearly important in the current climate. Traditionally consumers have found it difficult to understand why they should change habits, but the rise of thesmart meter, coupled with the energy crisis, has helped customers understand how much individual usage impacts the wallet. Smart shower technology dovetails in with this technology, extending visibility over energy and water use.
AO.com’s data reporting shows that searches for smart thermostats have increased by a staggering 140% MoM as people look for ways to stay on top of their energy consumption AO.com’s smart home expert, Kevin Walmsley, said: “With popular models such as the Hive and tado°, many Brits are looking into ways in which they can control their heating at the touch of a button on their smart phones.”
Joe Brawn, head of product management at Elisa, agrees: “Smart digital technology not only allows user personalisation, but greater visibility of water consumption, which – in this current environment – is front of mind for so many. Compromised shower experiences are not desirable, but providing the data to allow people to manage their shower experience via understanding time and water usage is key.”
VitrA’s smart panel flushplate utilises an app that records usage data from the day of installation – it has regular reporting features that allow households to see their weekly water usage and identify how they can be more efficient. The app also relays local water announcements and power updates to aid in better management of flushing systems.
Light up my life
Detail Lighting
Utilising smart lighting in the bathroom lets designers set the stage for various bathroom routines, helping create a versatile backdrop that works with any mood, be it gentle lighting for bathtime or perky lighting for personal grooming.
Piero de Marchis, director of Detail Lighting, tells us: “From a practical point of view it’s wise to opt for low-level lighting in the bathroom, ideally on a movement sensor as this means you won’t be blinded by bright overhead lighting at night time. If you’re able to, incorporate Bluetooth control lighting into your bathroom, this allows you to easily control the light level or set the ‘scene’ depending on whether it’s the kids’ bathroom or you are in pampering mode”.
Stay tuned
HiB Sound Cabinet
Technology and entertainment are integrated into all our living spaces, and the bathroom is no exception. Having access to your favourite playlist in every room of the house is achieved via the latest technology. Hib’s latest Sound cabinet uses integrated speakers and Bluetooth connectivity so users can easily enjoy their best-loved music, podcasts and audiobooks.
Smart reflections
Duravit also delivers a range of smart mirrors* operated by the Casambi light-control app. Designed to help create a pleasant atmosphere in the bathroom, customers can create and save scenes, such as extra-soft lighting for some spa downtime. Light temperature with a memory effect, mirror heating, or dim function is easy to control via the app.
Duravit Zencha Duravit Happy D2+ Duravit White Tulip
Bathrooms to Love, PJH’s exclusive bathroom brand, welcomes ‘TEXTURE’, a new premium fitted furniture family to its collection this month, featuring a beautiful soft fluted, textured design to its door and drawer fronts, combined with high quality internal storage space.
Responding to the growing trend for adding more textures and interesting finishes to the bathroom, the new TEXTURE fitted furniture range comes in two on-trend super matt shades, Matt White or Matt Graphite Grey.
Its elegant soft fluted, tactile design creates an aesthetically pleasing play with the light and the range is a perfect choice for adding individually to a bathroom scheme. What’s more, with three handle choices in Matt Black, Brushed Brass or Chrome, designers can coordinate with other products in the space such as brassware, showers, enclosures, mirrors and lighting – as pictured here with the brushed brass option.
Sitting at the top end of the Bathrooms to Love furniture portfolio, TEXTURE features a high specification design, incorporating luxurious soft-close hinges and drawer boxes, contrasting oak-effect interiors, plenty of interior drawers and shelves, and robust 18mm doors and panels – for long-lasting performance and quality.
Taking prime position on the front cover of the new Autumn/Winter Bathrooms to Love consumer brochure, the aspirational new TEXTURE fitted furniture range is available in a range of unit types and sizes, that can be fitted together flawlessly for a streamlined, textured look. Choose from Basin, WC, Tall, Drawer, Base, Wall or Mirrored units and team with complementary ceramics, worktops, panels and plinths.
Ready to order now from PJH’s online Partners Portal™ platform, the new TEXTURE range is available from stock and via PJH’s Next Day Delivery service if required. Contact PJH to find out more about display deals, new point-of-sale material and all marketing collateral.
GROHE’s Cradle to Cradle Certified® now includes six sustainable solutions, with the GROHE Tempesta two spray hand shower and the GROHE Blue filters from supplier BWT newly certified at Bronze level*.
Against the backdrop of dwindling resources and rising emissions there is an urgent demand for a regenerative transformation of the construction industry. The building sector accounts for around 50% of all materials extracted which is why the construction industry and policy makers alike are facing a major challenge; innovative and future-proof solutions are needed to spare the planet’s limited resources. This approach must consider the entire industry from resource-use in buildings’ construction to the handling of materials at the end-of-life phase.
As a significant player within the construction industry, GROHE is seeking to enable resource-friendly building by expanding its Cradle to Cradle Certified® (C2C Certified) product portfolio.
“The exhaustion of our planet’s limited and stressed resources compels the entire industry to transform itself. With the growth of our Cradle to Cradle Certified® product portfolio, we are reaching, step by step, the next, logical level in utilising the potential of the circular economy.
“With the growing C2C Certified range and our new Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which enable informed and transparent statements on the environmental impact of buildings, we help our customers and partners choose solutions with an environmentally positive outcome for their projects. Thereby we set them up for the crucial regenerative change of the construction industry,” says Jonas Brennwald, leader LIXIL EMENA.
Cradle to Cradle® products are designed and manufactured with the intention of using their components in their end-of-life phase to make new products. This way, the resource-intensive process is transformed into a circular value-added process that is more sustainable in the long term. The principle of the circular economy is strongly increasing in the construction industry and yet most economic processes still run in a linear fashion, where raw materials are extracted in order to manufacture products that end up as waste after being used. These products then have no further use in the industry chain, which adds to the exhaustion of the planet’s finite resources and pollutes the environment. This has become one of the biggest challenges for the construction industry in recent years.
Independently tested and certified, Cradle to Cradle Certified® products are a crucial step towards the circular economy – and a promising offer to the entire construction industry. In 2021, with its first Cradle to Cradle ertified® products, GROHE opened up the possibility for end users and the entire architecture and construction industry of installing long-term resource-saving product solutions in kitchens and bathrooms.
*In the course of the filter’s lifecycle, GROHE collects the used filters and passes them on to BWT, where 99% of the materials are recycled. The addition of C2C certification for the filters provides the GROHE Blue water system, which offers chilled, filtered, and sparkling water direct from the kitchen tap without the need to use plastic bottles, with yet another sustainability benefit.
