Aqualisa appoints Mat Norris as chief executive officer

March 29, 2022

British bathroom specialist Aqualisa has announced the appointment of Mat Norris as chief executive officer. As part of a planned succession, Mat will replace Colin Sykes, who has held the position since 2018. Colin will remain as a non-executive director and strategic advisor to the business until December, focusing on the company’s international expansion, at which point he will semi-retire and focus on other non-executive roles.

With an extensive career in the manufacturing and engineering sectors, Mat brings a wealth of experience from leadership roles at high-profile organisations including Ford Motor Company, Philips and most recently, ventilation firm Titon Holdings plc, where he served as UK CEO. Mat will work closely with Aqualisa chairman Kevin Sargeant, and will lead a senior management team of eight specialist executives who have been recruited over the last three years as part of the company’s transformation.

In this role, Mat has ambitious plans and will spearhead Aqualisa’s product expansion and innovation strategy. As pioneers of the smart digital shower, he will work with his team to continue Aqualisa’s focus on transforming the smart bathroom sector, creating the ultimate experience for homeowners and installers alike. As part of the company’s ‘Aqualisa H2.0’ strategy, this focus will accelerate a new purpose-driven ESG programme.

Other developments will include the extension of the firm’s product portfolio to incorporate a premium, channel-exclusive brassware series under a new brand. This multi-brand strategy will complement the Aqualisa and Gainsborough brands, and further strengthen the company’s ability to offer its customers differentiated product ranges.

Kevin Sargeant, chairman of Aqualisa, commented, “Mat’s vast expertise from within the manufacturing and technical engineering industries, combined with his significant leadership track record and visionary approach, positions him perfectly to accelerate Aqualisa to the next level in its journey of growth.”

Sargeant added, “I would like to thank Colin Sykes for his significant contribution to the business over the last five years, and for his ongoing commitment and support through this period of transition.”

Mat Norris said, “Aqualisa has a strong heritage of innovating shower technologies, and the team clearly takes great pride in ensuring our customers enjoy the ultimate showering experience. I am thrilled to be joining our 260 dedicated team members at such a pivotal chapter in the organisation’s history, and I look forward to working with the outstanding management team that Colin has established at Aqualisa. My mission is to accelerate our innovation strategy, while ensuring operational excellence and the agility to meet our long-term growth, profitability and sustainability objectives. I am also eager to continue to build upon the valued relationships we have developed with our loyal customer, client and installer network in the UK, and internationally.”

Mat holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering from the University of Exeter, and takes a keen interest in cars, technology and home renovations. He and his family currently reside in Cavendish, Suffolk.

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House of Rohl showcases its four brands at kbb

March 28, 2022

House of Rohl used its impressive 180sqm stand to showcase its latest product innovations from its four brands: Perrin & Rowe, Victoria + Albert Baths, Riobel and Shaws of Darwen. Visitors were also treated to cupcakes and a glass of fizz in honour of Shaws of Darwen’s 125 Year Anniversary.

Highlights included the first presentation of Riobel’s contemporary brassware brand to a UK audience and V+A Baths second colour collaboration with Wallpaper.

Victoria + Albert Baths collaborated with Wallpaper on three new colour palettes that add resolve and calm to any interior. Chosen by Wallpaper* editor-in-chief Sarah Douglas, the latest palettes represent three different architecture styles of the 20th century: Belgian Minimalism, Brazilian Modernism and American

Emma Joyce, brand manager at Victoria + Albert Baths, said: “We are thrilled to be announcing this new trio of colour palettes with Wallpaper*. Colour is now an integral part of the modern-day bathroom, adding exuberance and joy to a space. We believe paying homage to popular architectural styles through colour is the perfect way to reflect the way that bathroom design is headed, to more considered and conscious design.”

The new colour palettes join over 200 existing RAL colours, which can be applied across any of Victoria + Albert Baths’ baths and basins, in a gloss or matt finish. The company says that its colour offering is continually growing due to strong demand for bespoke colour finishes and that these new tones will help consumers to create a bathroom to reflect their individual sense of style.

House of Rohl

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Senior hire strives to double MERLYN Showering’s specification business

March 28, 2022

MERLYN has brought in Tim Broadhurst, former operations director at Wolseley, to enhance its specifier offering across the residential, commercial and hospitality sectors.

Tasked with growing a team dedicated to meeting the needs of the architecture and design (A&D) community, Tim’s forte for developing customer-centric strategies will support the company’s drive to double its specification business in the next few years.

According to MERLYN its portfolio of mid to high-end shower enclosures, trays and bath screens has wide appeal among A&D professionals. An increase in housebuilder sales saw the Norcros-owned business maintain its position as one of the kitchen and bathroom group’s highest performers throughout the challenging 2020/21 period and the plan is to now go for further growth across commercial interiors.

Sean Collins, UK sales director for MERLYN, commented on the new hire; “Tim brings a wealth of industry experience with him from Wolseley and Ideal Boilers, enabling him to continue making great strides for MERLYN with the housebuilder market while honing in other sectors of interest without losing momentum. We are delighted to welcome Tim to the team.”

Tim’s first day coincided with kbb Birmingham 2022, where he got to experience the product and meet industry partners and customers.

Newly appointed specification sales director, Tim Broadhurst, added; “I’m hugely passionate about making sure customer service is prioritised by sales leads and look forward to pulling a plan together to ensure we’re being as useful and inspirational as we can be for busy specifiers seeking solutions that achieve design and functionality of space.”

Tim’s 30-year career in the plumbing and heating industry has spanned operations, strategy, sales and marketing. His role with MERLYN will see him combine this technical, commercial and supply chain knowledge to deliver a stand-out service for specifiers that reaffirms MERLYN as a go-to resource for innovation, design and delivery – continuing its position as the number one showering business in the UK and Ireland

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REHAU diversification strategy drives growth for WAIVIS subsidiary

March 28, 2022

Bespoke furniture solutions distributor, WAIVIS, part of the REHAU Group, has reported a record year of sales in 2021,

According to REHAU, this success highlights the merits of a diverse product portfolio as many UK sectors continue to fluctuate.

Over 2021 REHAU has continued raising its profile across the domestic KBB sector as well as the diversified commercial markets, which include servicing large original equipment manufacturers alongside smaller manufacturers, designers and workshops. In order to fulfil an influx of smaller-scale, bespoke orders, REHAU has depended on its subsidiary distributor, WAIVIS.

As a result, WAIVIS has specifically reported a resurgence in the popularity and usage of tambour doors – once synonymous with 80s-style offices. Scott Williams, National Sales Manager at REHAU Furniture and WAIVIS, stated innovation in design and materials has led to these functional products becoming not only flexible solutions, but aspirational and stylish interior features.

Local fabrication continued throughout lockdown to service an uplift in the medical industry where tambour doors remain popular due to their versatility and space-saving qualities. Similarly, the business expects to see the office sector start to slowly return towards previous demand levels over the next couple of years.

WAIVIS also saw a major drive in the camper conversion market as consumer habits changed through restricted travel, continuing into 2022. Tambour doors have helped consumers improve their offering due to the flexible size and finish options available allowing limited space to be fully utilised whilst offering weight-saving capabilities.

Scott comments: “One of our company’s strategic goals is for 10% of our sales to be made up of new product developments, demonstrating our continued drive for innovation. This approach also helps us to apply innovative thinking to existing products and markets. The possibilities are quite literally endless for our tambour doors, as well as our wide array of resilient surfaces and edgebanding. Last year was certainly a successful one and we very much look forward to working with existing and welcoming new customers across the diverse sectors building strong relations with forward-thinking furniture producers over this next year.”

For more information contact: enquires@rehau.com’

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Acquabella resort welcomed visitors at kbb

March 28, 2022

Acquabella’s Balinese resort stand not only won the KBB Best Bathroom Stand over 30sqm but also created a light-hearted holiday oasis within the bathroom section of kbb.

Acquabella presented its latest award-winning bathroom collections from all over Europe while taking guests on a journey through inspiring rooms such as the relaxing pool, the poolside bar and the smartly constructed shower tray – sun-loungers.

Whilst seeking to showcase the infinite possibilities of its product portfolio and the performance characteristics of its materials, Akron® and Dolotek®, the Opal Quiz Bathtub took centre stage on the stand.

UK country manager Roberto Heredia commented, “After some difficult times, we were very excited to be able to meet again with customers and professionals who have worked so hard to maintain the UK KBB industry.”

www.acquabell.com

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Virtual Worlds V8 real time rendering previews at kbb

March 28, 2022

Virtual Worlds previewed a major new update to its innovative design software at kbb Birmingham 2022, ahead of its official launch this summer.

Virtual Worlds Professional Version 8 features an exciting new graphics engine that provides real-time rendering in a level of detail never seen before. Challenging the need for time-consuming photo-realistic rendering, the new graphics engine injects energy into the design where texture, light, reflection, shadow and sheen show their effect on the design as it is being constructed.

Bringing the design process to life and ensuring buy in from customers at the early stages, Version 8 also gives the retailer peace of mind, making it simple to identify and rectify specification errors that may otherwise result in product returns. Material mistakes grab the attention straight away, woodgrain depth in furniture comes to life, lighting schemes can be adjusted, and colours and paint finishes can all be fully appreciated in a way that is as true to life as it gets with CAD.

An integral part of Virtual Worlds Pro Suite is One Price, the cloud-hosted pricing system that makes it easy to create kitchen and bathroom designs and see the related price or quote in real-time, as the design progresses.

With One Price, there is no need to import/export data, no need to download price updates, no need to post edit quotes, no need to write pro-forma invoices and no need to double handle Purchase Orders.

Extending beyond just the design of a product, Virtual Worlds One Price allows showrooms to instantly produce quotes, pro-forma invoices and purchase orders using simple, customisable templates. Retailers can manage them from any device, wherever they are, through the cloud.

To find out more call Virtual Worlds on 01908 663848 or visit www.virtualworlds.co.uk.

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kbb Birmingham 2022

March 28, 2022

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.

Bringing a sense the pandemic might be behind us, kbb Birmingham 2022 opened its doors to over 12,400 visitors in early March. The four-day show featured an impressive collection of KBB brands and showcased the latest innovations and products.

Sustainable design played a key role in the narrative with many stands championing new launches that either included materials with carbon-sensitive credentials or climate-positive features designed to save water and energy.

Diane Larner attended the event and collated six inspirational highlights from the show.

SIX T O P P I C K S from kbb Birmingham

Showerwall unveils new designs for 2022

Showerwall has exclusively launched its latest collection of trend led designs for 2022, bringing its range to over 100 vibrant designs.

Coalbrook previews two new collections

Coalbrook, the newest brand from the UK bathroom distributor, Davroc, previewed its latest collections; Bank and Zurich, at kbb Birmingham 2022.

Bathroom_Review_House-of_Rohl_Victorial_Albert

House of Rohl showcases its four brands at kbb

House of Rohl used its impressive 180sqm stand to showcase its latest product innovations from its four brands: Perrin & Rowe, Victoria + Albert Baths, Riobel and Shaws of Darwen.

Acquabella resort welcomed visitors at kbb

Acquabella’s Balinese resort stand not only won the KBB Best Bathroom Stand over 30sqm but also created a lighthearted holiday oasis within the bathroom section of kbb.

Virtual Worlds V8 real time rendering previews at kbb

Virtual Worlds previewed a major new update to its innovative design software at kbb Birmingham 2022, ahead of its official launch this summer.

Bathroom_Review_Ca_Pietra_Mermaid_Garden

Ca’ Pietra invites visitors to its ‘Mermaid’s garden’

Ca’ Pietra stand featured a fully immersive ‘mermaid’s garden’ designed to showcase the company’s Mermaid’s Garden Porcelain Hexagon tiles.

Jon Johnston – kbb sales director

It was fantastic to be back at the NEC again and to see so many familiar as well as new faces from the bathroom sector. There were hundreds of exhibitors who were busy meeting visitors throughout the four-day event and a steady stream of people attending the show all extremely interested in finding out more about our bathroom exhibitors, new products and the latest trends. The show has been a huge success and it was great to see the KBB industry thriving. We are looking forward to doing it all again in 2024.

Nathan Maclean, managing director, Virtual Worlds

kbb Birmingham has been a key event for Virtual Worlds and it’s been fantastic to see the industry get together again. As always, perhaps the best bit is seeing the wonderful reactions to our award-winning technology and, of course, to welcome new customers and catch-up with old friends.

The retailers’ customer experience is key to achieving remarkable sales and the feedback we’ve received to our 4D system tells us that Virtual Worlds is bang on target. Our V8 update with real-time rendering has really wowed people and it’s great to know that our developments make a positive difference to retailers.

From a business standpoint, it’s been a very successful show for us and well worth the investment.

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kbb Birmingham will be back – 3-6 March 2024

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Ca’ Pietra invites visitors to its ‘Mermaid’s garden’

March 27, 2022

The Ca’ Pietra stand featured a fully immersive ‘mermaid’s garden’ designed to showcase the company’s Mermaid’s Garden Porcelain Hexagon tiles which were beautifully displayed amongst playful hanging silk jellyfish.

The collection was shortlisted for the KBB Birmingham Innovation Awards and was one of 13 new ranges being launched at the show.

Crafted within the trend of organic, non-repeating patterns, Mermaid’s Garden is Ca’ Pietra’s own bespoke design, which comes pre-packed as a random mix of several designs, which layerplants, seaweeds and corals onto a rich emerald green backdrop, to create a sense of depth.

The tiles are an easy to maintain porcelain matt finish, making them perfect for bathrooms or wet rooms alike. The range can be combined with Ca’ Pietra’s Signature Hexagons to create a cascading effect on walls and floors, or used alone for maximum impact.

Bathroom_Review_Ca'_Pietra — Also featured at kbb – Ca’ Pietra’s Magnifique Oro

As Duravit celebrates two German Design Awards Bertrand Lejoly reveals his thoughts

March 25, 2022

Having worked as senior designer for Matteo Thun and head of Vincent van Duysen’s design department for many years, Bertrand Lejoly opened his own design studio in 2018.

Duravit has recently unveiled D-Neo – a complete bathroom range by Belgian designer Bertrand Lejoly – to the public. Its intelligent design combined with an attractive entry-level price, makes Duravit accessible to new target groups. D-Neo has been created to outlast short-lived trends and is the perfect companion for every day, every lifestyle, and every facet of life. The outstanding design has now been recognized twice by the coveted German Design Award.

To celebrate two accolades for D-Neo, Duravit has put four questions to the designer.

Duravit: Mr. Lejoly, you are the holder of two certificates from the German Design Award 2022 or outstanding design – with an award as “winner” for the D-Neo faucets along with a “special mention” for the series as a whole. How does that feel?

BL: The prizes are of course a huge honor for me. The German Design Award is one of our industry’s most important accolades. It’s not just recognition of the work we’ve already done, but even more so it’s an enormous motivation for me for the future.

Duravit: Design prizes are one thing, economic success and sales figures are something else. D-Neo has become an international bestseller within the Duravit range. Did you expect that a year ago?

BL: I have in fact received an overwhelming response to the collection from all sides. That makes me very proud. It’s really important to me to express a huge thank you and pass on my compliments to the Duravit team. Their great passion and drive have enabled the original idea to be realized as a successful series.This experience has really impressed me.

Duravit: What does this success mean for you personally and your young design studio, for instance in terms of your profile?

BL: We’re currently working on exciting new orders in the fields of furniture, outdoor, lighting, and tableware. The launch and success with the wide-ranging publicity around D-Neo have really helped draw attention to our design studio. That spurs us on and gives us an even greater impetus for the future.

Duravit: How can we envisage the design process in general terms? What are the key stages from the briefing through to finished series?

BL: What’s important for me is that both sides understand each other from the outset. That the client clearly identifies and communicates what they need and that the designer understands this briefing accordingly so they can interpret it for optimum results. Such collaborations usually last several years with many stages and key decisions, so the chemistry simply must be right.

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The digital experience hub GROHE X goes hybrid

March 24, 2022

One year after the launch of GROHE X, the first digital content platform created by a brand in the sanitary industry, GROHE is expanding its brand experience with the launch of a new Experience Center facility in Hemer, Germany.

As people are eager to engage in physical encounters again, GROHE X is expanding its digital community by introducing the GROHE X Brand & Communication Experience Center in Hemer, Germany, which combines a physical visitor facility and five state-of-the-art studios for training and content production as well as hybrid events. While three GROHE X Motion Trucks complement the cutting-edge brand experience by bringing it directly to the customer.

Inspiring over half a million views online, GROHE X curates information in 13 different languages – tailored to the interests of different target groups. This enables both end consumers as well as trade partners, installers, architects, designers, and press members to create their own individual GROHE brand experience.

“For us, the pandemic was an accelerator of digitalisation. We created a virtual environment where we could continue to interact with our customers. But the relationship with our partners is also based on the physical experience of our products and truly personal connections.

“With the new Brand & Communication Experience Center in Hemer, we are giving GROHE X a physical home. In addition, we now have our own studios there, where we can produce our content independently. As the last building block, we added our GROHE X Motion Trucks, which bring our brand physically to our partners. With GROHE X as a hybrid system, we can play our part in building the sanitary industry community of the future. A community that is far-reaching yet closely connected,” says Jonas Brennwald, Leader LIXIL EMENA and Co-CEO Grohe AG.

The future is hybrid
Content for the various GROHE X formats is produced at the GROHE X Studios in the German town of
Hemer, and is next to the LIXIL production site and birthplace of the GROHE brand. Five different studios, the largest with over 200sqm and equipped with the latest technology, provide the setting for varied content production, ranging from practical how-to installation videos to insightful panel talks. The studios are the heart of the new GROHE X Brand & Communication Experience Center, which invites visitors to experience the brand on-site or take part in interactive training sessions.

The GROHE X Motion Trucks act as mobile satellite studios and are a bridge between the physical and the digital world. Each one includes a stage with a large LED screen, enabling local content to be pre-produced or streamed live to the GROHE X platform. In addition, visitors can explore selected GROHE products both physically and virtually. For example, visitors can experience a variety of 360-degree Living Spaces shown on GROHE X via immersive VR glasses.

The three 40-ton GROHE X Motion Trucks are all equipped with eight solar panels on the roof, generating electricity to support the power supply of the mobile experience unit. All remaining CO2 emissions associated with the operation of the GROHE X Motion Trucks are offset.

Take a look behind the scenes of our new GROHE X Studios and our GROHE X Brand & Communication Experience Center in Hemer.

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