Issue 26 | December 2018
THE IDEAL BATHROOM Essential information for bathroom retailers
UNLESS IT CAN LAST TWICE AS LONG. THEN IT’S NOT. Tested to half a million cycles (nearly twice the industry standard), the FirmaFlow® cartridge in our new Ceraflex® basin mixers can give up to 15 years’ daily use. Plus, our taps are guaranteed for five years and tested beyond EU standards. Perfect for modern bathrooms – and your pocket.
Visit justbettertaps.co.uk #justbettertaps
THE BRASSWARE COLLECTION. LIKE OTHER TAPS, JUST BETTER.
WHAT’S INSIDE…
A YEAR OF CELEBRATION, GROWTH AND ACHIEVEMENT
Welcome to the Winter edition of The Ideal Bathroom magazine, the last issue for 2018 and what a year it has been for us! As usual, we’ve got plenty of great news to share with you from introducing three new Area Sales Managers to the Ideal team, to the results of our second Ideal Industry Report. This issue’s main feature looks at the rise of traditional design. The nostalgic trend is taking over the bathroom world and brands are taking inspiration from the Victorian and Edwardian periods. We take a look at the reasons behind the increased interest in this particular style on pages 10-12.
4
JOHN BAGSHAW’S INDUSTRY VIEW Our Managing Director discusses the industry.
5
THE BUZZ All the latest industry news in one place
10 TRADITIONAL FEATURE
Exploring the trend of the traditional bathroom
14
FLO’S THAI ADVENTURE See what our mascot got up to in Thailand
16 AQUALISA SHOWERING The complete choice of showering
18 NEW OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Welcoming David Whittington to Ideal Bathrooms
20 INDUSTRY 2018 REPORT The latest insight into our industry
22
MEET THE IDEALISTS Introducing three new Area Sales Managers
John Bagshaw delivers his final Industry View of the year. He explains to us the reasons behind Ideal Bathrooms’ latest technology investment and reveals his highlights of the year.
24
MAKING A SPLASH The rise of social media and digital marketing
The Buzz covers the latest industry news from bathroom manufacturers and on page 24 we investigate social media in our Digital Focus, looking at how our trade customers use the online platforms to acquire new business.
26
TOP BRASS FROM IDEAL STANDARD Take a look at their unique brassware backstory
The smallest member of the Ideal team, our feathered friend Flo, gives us the low down on her recent trip to Thailand on pages 14-15 and we see what her top social media picks for the year are on page 23. In our Who is… hotseat Darren Allison, Managing Director of Bayswater. On page 34 he tells us about his plans for the company, his career highlights and his hidden talent. I hope you’ve all had a great year. I’ve enjoyed every minute of working with all of our customers. I wish you all the best for the festive season and here’s to a great 2019.
Danielle Lillis Commercial Director Cover image - Roca Carmen. See pages 10-12
28 STUNNING IVY COLLECTION
Achieve your dream bathroom with Ivy from Essential
30
SHOWROOM EXCELLENCE Our new Displays Coordinator highlights some of the best offers currently available
32
THE IDEAL RELATIONSHIP Tavistock and their number one distributor
34
WHO IS... Darren Allsion
If you would like to contribute to The Ideal Bathroom please email lyndsey.bailey@idealbathrooms.com
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
3
The latest marketplace news | THE IDEAL BATHROOM
JOHN BAGSHAW’S INDUSTRY VIEW Ideal Bathrooms’ Managing Director shares his views on the rising trend of traditional bathrooms, our annual Industry Report, the company’s investment in advanced software and his highlights of the year. Q. Ideal Bathrooms invests Q. In this issue’s feature heavily in its annual Industry article, we’ve looked at the Report, the only one of its rising trend of traditional kind. This is a unique insight bathrooms. Why do you into bathroom retailer’s views think the demand for this concerning our industry. particular style is growing What would you say is the and do you think it will most significant outcome of continue to flourish? this year’s report? The traditional bathroom style has had a Our Industry Report enables us to create a dialogue and develop a close relationship with customers and suppliers, share information and provide valuable market knowledge. I would like to thank all participants for taking time out of their busy day to fill in our survey. The report revealed that retailers believe displays remain a crucial part of the sales journey for consumers, allowing them to see and touch products. Retailers voiced that due to pricing pressures from online competitors, some top brands have had to be removed from their showrooms. We’re starting to see manufacturers giving discounts to larger showrooms, however I believe the storage and distribution of products should be left to the distributors in order to ensure the best service is provided.
huge revival and I think what we’re seeing is a continuation of a demand for an iconic look that customers feel comfortable with. The Edwardian and Victorian eras have become incredibly influential due to the development of aged housing stock and programmes such as Downton Abbey. It is one of the fastest growing trends, providing a smart look with great products; modern sanitaryware suppliers are appreciating the growth and starting to get on board with it.
Q. We’ve entered the final quarter of 2018; what have been your highs and lows of the year? Generally, it’s been a tough year. With the closing of iconic high street names, there’s a general uncertainty in the retail market. My highs of the year are seeing Ideal Bathrooms’ sales grow in the difficult market place, the extension of the company’s brand portfolio with the additions of Essential Spring and Bayswater. It’s also been great to see leading brands such as Roca and Geberit supporting independent showrooms with offers. There is light at the end of the tunnel; if you do things well and offer a personalised service, great opportunities will arise.
Q. To help reduce Ideal Bathrooms’ environmental impact the company has invested in advanced Q. 2019 is almost upon us, route planning software, what challenges do you Route Monkey. Why was predict the industry will it important to make this face in the upcoming year? substantial investment and It’s hard to escape the uncertainty of what strategic improvements Brexit but we need to get through this period of uncertainty together. Customers’ will it deliver for the business? Route Monkey is going to be essential for us. We need to be efficient and productive with our fleet of over 70 vehicles to help reduce fuel costs and emissions. We’re
4
always looking for ways to benefit the environment and this technology will help the company to plan fuel-efficient deliveries; customers will also receive delivery notifications as continuation of our excellent customer service.
spending habits have been impacted, which creates an element of the unknown for businesses. I think 2019 will be quite similar to the last year. Roll on 2020.
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
THE IDEAL BATHROOM | The latest marketplace news
THE BUZZ LATEST NEWS
Faus laminate flooring offers a stylish, cost-effective alternative to hardwood and ceramic
New Products 2018 brochure
The Faus brand of premium laminate flooring now includes fashionable herringbone and chevron planks, elegant parquet stone, Victorian and vintage tiles, and industrialstyle concrete and cement tiles as part of its design-led palette of woodgrains and ceramics.
Particular new highlights include the new Carmen collection, a nostalgic design based on a classic Roca collection from the 1940’s.
Suitable for bathrooms and kitchen use, due to its high water resistance and compatibility with underfloor heating, the range is also flame and abrasion resistant, anti-static and achieves Class 33 for suitability in high-traffic commercial settings, offering a robust alternative to hardwood and ceramics without the on-going maintenance requirements. There are six collections in the range each offering stylish designs that closely replicate the natural materials for their visual and tactile authenticity. The flooring is quick and easy to install thanks to its click-based system, with patented Faus Jointguard technology protecting the joints between floor boards against rubbing and footsteps. Faus is backed by a lifetime guarantee for domestic use and a five year guarantee for commercial use.
The latest Roca New Products brochure is now available featuring the most recent additions in 2018.
Sleek Rimless WCs include Dama-N, The Gap and Debba collections, trend-setting, flexible furniture solutions Prisma, The Gap-N, Maxi & Debba Compact are all available in the latest on-trend finishes. New brassware Insignia, Naia & Monodin-N incorporate Roca’s innovative cold start technology. Roca has also introduced Tajo-T 3-way built-in thermostatic mixers combining striking good looks with a powerful showering performance and Sol mirrored cabinets provide a luxury solution with LED lighting and integrated shaver socket. Designed to be inspirational as well as informative, the brochure features striking lifestyle photography and is supported by full product details, technical details and pricing information all included, with the features and benefits of each product also clearly highlighted the brochure is a must-have reference tool for Roca stockists, as well as a useful guide for customers to take home with them.
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
5
The latest marketplace news | THE IDEAL BATHROOM
‘HomeBoost Fittings Kit’ now available Salamander Pumps, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of domestic water pumps, has introduced the ‘HomeBoost fittings kit’ as a stand-alone product to its extensive range. The fittings kit is designed as an accessory pack for installers who are fitting Salamander’s intelligent mains water pump, HomeBoost, to ensure a smooth and efficient installation. The kit includes high quality brass connectors and an isolating valve to ensure easy servicing in the future, as well as adapters to allow connection to either a 15mm or 22mm pipe connection, and is available to buy separately to the HomeBoost pump. Ken Vance Training Manager at Salamander Pumps, explained: “These kits are essential for helping to ensure a trouble-free installation. The connectors included in this new pack are specifically designed to allow the HomeBoost pump to be easily slid out of the installation if needed – something not always available from other connectors available on the market.” The HomeBoost fittings kit is available for £30+VAT from www.salamanderpumps.co.uk or through selected retailers. For more information visit, www.salamanderpumps.co.uk
Bayswater W2 makes a statement in the bathroom market With the excellent support of Ideal Bathrooms, Bayswater Bathrooms has been a soaring success in the market so far, with retailers strongly embracing the brand and more than 120 displays being installed since the January 2018 launch. Showrooms have taken on board Bayswater’s aspirational narrative to create some beautiful room settings with the brochure being a strong influence in guiding the retailer, so expect to see statement wallpaper, period tiles and bold paint colours in a showroom near you. Bayswater W2’s design team have also created luxurious display boards that showcase their traditional brassware and accessories as well as a special Point of Sale pack that includes candles, towels and picture frames. Since the launch of Bayswater W2, the team has been continually working on product updates, on the Bayswater website as well as Virtual Worlds and EQ Software. Showroom sales are growing with further confirmed displays being installed in the coming months which will see Bayswater W2 going from strength to strength. For more information visit, www.bayswaterbathrooms.co.uk
Essential Bathrooms Adds a New Finishing Touch Essential Bathrooms has recently added new towel warmer valves in the increasingly fashionable colour finish of Anthracite grey to their ever growing product portfolio. Made to complement their current popular range of Anthracite Towel Warmers including Straight, Libra, Aries, Capricorn & Virgo ranges, these coordinating valves are the perfect finishing touch to complete your bathroom. This stylish and modern new range of harmonising valves are available as angled, straight and corner variants and are also offered as a thermostatic options so that they are accessible for all installations. All of the valves are 15mm in size to fit standard pipework and are sold in pairs. They also come with a twelve month guarantee. For more information, visit www.essentialfromideal.com
6
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
THE IDEAL BATHROOM | The latest marketplace news
GROHE’s Euphoria Smart Control Perfect precise performance: the must-have shower experience with GROHE’s Euphoria SmartControl. Immerse yourself in a new generation of showering with GROHE SmartControl. The experience of “Push, Turn, Shower” has now become even more multifaceted as the smart technology is integrated into another successful GROHE design line – GROHE Euphoria SmartControl. The new surface-mounted installation features a significantly slimmer form of the SmartControl interface as well as fast-acting temperature regulation that prevents the risk of scalding thanks to the GROHTHERM thermostat. Three times the control GROHE Euphoria SmartControl is brimming with “Made in Germany” technology and design quality which is displayed in the multi-jet shower heads. The smart shower system’s centrepiece is the front-mounted push and turn control unit. Unique pictograms called GROHE EasyLogic provide intuitive operation. The turn of a button can regulate the water pressure , ranging from a gentle shower to a more vigorous awakening.
NEW YOUR LIFE. YOUR RULES.
For more information, visit www.grohe.co.uk
New increased range of iBoost products Leading pump manufacturer, Stuart Turner have further increased their popular Aquaboost iBoost range designed to eradicate the problem of poor water pressure and flow. The Aquaboost iBoost V200 offers a programmable variable speed ‘soft start’ pump control system to maintain stable water pressure when additional outlets are opened, with the added benefits of reduced noise and power consumption. As with the popular F200 model, both integrated systems combine a 200 litre water tank and high performance multi-stage pump capable of generating pressures up to 4.5 bar and flow rates up to 100 litres/min to dramatically boost poor mains water pressure and flow and ensure a consistent boosted supply to multiple outlets. Making this cutting-edge design a must-have for larger domestic and light commercial properties.
GROHE EUPHORIA SMARTCONTROL
Turn up your shower experience with three showers in one. grohe.co.uk
Ideal Standard Enhances Idealrain Collection With New Evo And Evo Jet Ranges Ideal Standard has expanded its Idealrain collection with the launch of two new advanced-performance showering ranges. Idealrain Evo and Idealrain Evo Jet provide easy installation, high performance and a range of versatile design options. The Evo Jet model has recently won a prestigious Red Dot Award due to its innovative diamond shaped design. The extended Idealrain collection ensures installers can provide a unique, tailorable showering experience for users, with a range of new spray modes that can be selected with a single, ergonomic ‘Navigo’ push button.
Stuart Turner’s Aquaboost iBoost +200 extension tank offers the ability to increase water capacity from 200 litres to an impressive 400 litres and is designed to connect directly to either F200 or V200 systems, making it ideal for higher occupancy properties with multiple bathrooms.
The Evo model also features an aerated rain spray mode, which sucks in and mixes air with the water to produce a gentle, yet cleansing experience. While Drop Jet, Ideal Standard’s proprietary spray functionality, is available exclusively on the Evo Jet and delivers a unique soft dropletlike experience.
Available nationwide, Aquaboost iBoost advanced solutions are designed to fit within any standard kitchen larder cupboard, are WRAS approved, UK water regulations compliant and supplied with a 3 year guarantee.
The collection’s large handsprays ensure maximum comfort with nozzles right to the edge of the spray plate to maximise downpour, while Cool Body technology means the exterior stays cool to avoid the risk of scalding.
Stuart Turner; engineered to excel. www.stuart-turner.co.uk
For more information, visit www.idealstandard.co.uk
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
7
The latest marketplace news | THE IDEAL BATHROOM
The new and improved ‘Right Pump’ range Salamander Pumps, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of domestic water pumps, has re-engineered its centrifugal range of shower, bathroom and whole house pumps, significantly reducing noise levels, as well as enhancing strength and reliability. Replacing the ESP, RHP, RSP and RGP range, the new Right Pump collection forms the premium product range available at Salamander Pumps and features the quietest shower pump in the UK - the RP50PT. From just 45.5dBA, the products in the Right Pump range are some of the quietest shower pumps on the market, having been independently tested against the competition. This was confirmed by the range achieving the Quiet Mark award from the Noise Abatement society. This product hosts a selection of new benefits, including the use of ‘crossover’ technology which allows the former ‘shower only’ pumps to now power the whole house. The inclusion of a ‘spiders’ web’ design has strengthened the plastic end caps to enhance strength, rigidity and reliability, and the pressure vessel now sits on the top of the pump rather than the side to make the product more compact. For more information visit, www.salamanderpumps.co.uk
Some New Taps Have Arrived: Concept Air Ideal Standard’s new Concept Air fittings are ideal for installation in contemporary, statement bathrooms, featuring innovative design in and out. The range includes distinctive super slim and tall vessel mixers which use a slender high performance ceramic cartridge and bath fittings that are true statement pieces. Concept Air includes four styles of basin mixer including a standard and a grande that is suitable for low or high pressure installations, both available with or without pop up wastes; a mini basin mixer and tall vessel mixer, which incorporate the new 25mm ceramic cartridge. The range includes a choice of bath filler and bath shower mixer in a stunning asymmetric design and is completed with a wall mounted bath shower mixer and bidet mixer. All basin mixers are pre-fitted with 5 LPM Eco-flow, flexible tails and the innovative Easyfix system for faster, hassle free installation reducing the risk of leakage and lime scale build-up. All have WRAS certification and are covered by a 5 year guarantee. To find out more about Ideal Standard’s new collection, visit www.justbettertaps.co.uk
8
Some New Taps Have Arrived: But Wait, There’s More! Ideal Standard, the leading provider of innovative bathroom solutions, has launched a fantastic brassware collection of six ranges for the residential market. The comprehensive German-engineered collection comprises beautiful and durable brassware products from six core Ideal Standard ranges: Calista; Ceraflex; Ceraline; Tempo; Tesi and Concept Air, each has its own unique selling points and offers a superb breadth of range to meet the needs of different end-users. All of the new brassware products come with a five-year product guarantee and are backed up by a comprehensive spare parts service. As part of the new brassware launch a new pricing hierarchy has been developed to ensure that the new collection is as enticing as possible to both retailers and consumers. Tempo & Tesi prices have been realigned meaning that these ranges are now even more competitive at list price level. To find out more about Ideal Standard’s new collection, visit www.justbettertaps.co.uk
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
The latest marketplace news | THE IDEAL BATHROOM
TRADITIONAL TREND SETTERS The age of new traditional bathroom design has begun, with brands taking inspiration from the designs and technologies developed in the Victorian and Edwardian periods.
Roca Carmen
The tide of traditional design is on the rise. We’ve seen a significant shift over the last 12 months as consumers lean towards nostalgic, traditional trends for many home interiors, including their bathrooms. In this year’s Ideal Industry Report, we identified that traditional bathrooms were truly a trend to keep an eye on. 28% of respondents said that over 20% of their sales were attributed to traditional ranges and 33% believed that this would be a major trend for 2019. Programmes such as Downton Abbey and Call the Midwife have perhaps helped to influence this trend and bring classic designs back to the forefront of consumers’ minds and this is translating to retail sales. Vintage looks never go out of favour and make homes feel elegant and interesting. Why choose an anonymous generic bathroom suite when you can add character and grace with a traditional style? Timeless products make a room unique and interesting, and the bathroom becomes more of a feature of the home. Elegant and »
1% 1% 2% 6% 0% 20%
0 - 10%
What percentage of your bathroom sales is of traditional style products?
10 - 20% 39%
20 - 30% 30 - 40% 40 - 50%
31%
10
50 - 60%
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
THE IDEAL BATHROOM | The latest marketplace news
AT A GLANCE Traditional bathrooms are growing in popularity 28% of Industry Report respondents attributed over 20% of their sales to this trend 33% of respondents identified this as a major trend for 2019
Roca Carmen
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
11
The latest marketplace news | THE IDEAL BATHROOM
Tavistock Lansdown
eye-catching designs will be remembered and reminisced about, with in vogue colours being mixed with traditional styles. Some of our key supplier partners have acknowledged this growing trend by introducing and expanding their traditional ranges to satisfy the increasing demand for these timeless products. Roca has taken inspiration from its past for one of its new collections launched to celebrate the company’s centenary. The iconic Roca Carmen basin was created in 1946 and fast became a symbol of those long-gone days. Seventy years later, Carmen has returned, reviving the classic style and combining it with today’s best technology and high-quality materials to develop a vintage style bathroom, without sacrificing modern day performance or comfort.
Tavistock Vitoria
bathroom ranges including porcelain, brassware, furniture and fittings. These products are traditionally designed and perfectly engineered, to create a stunning finish that will be the envy of family, friends and visitors. Both aesthetically and technically inspired by the Victorian period of innovation and development, Bayswater provides total flexibility for both the bathroom and cloakroom. The Bayswater ‘patented flush cistern’ comes as both high and low-level variants which sit perfectly in any traditional setting. The success of these product ranges only demonstrates the strength of the
traditional bathroom trend and the fact that this is set to continue. Supported by keen marketing strategies and clever showroom display tactics, the visual appeal of these products enables them to capture the eye of consumers and evoke a nostalgic feeling that assists in the buying process. We are supporting retailers to embrace this traditional trend through partnerships with the likes of Bayswater and diversifying our stock holding to provide traditional product where and when the retailer needs it. For more information on the range of traditional product stocked by Ideal Bathrooms visit our website www. idealbathrooms.com
Roca’s quintessential Victorian design allows users to combine hand-shower and showerhead for the perfect vintage style bathroom. Combining the old with the new, the WCs are optimised to provide greater hygiene. Tavistock’s Classic collection is another complete range of traditionally styled bathroom products paying homage to the period bathroom. Handpicked, understated and effortlessly elegant, this premium quality range offers period style for the modern home. The Tavistock brand was highlighted in the Industry Report as one of the top five brands in the traditional category. Understated shaker design is evident throughout the Lansdown furniture range, whereas Vitoria furniture will bring a touch of classic design to a bathroom. Handpainted finishes, in muted tones, contribute to the timeless feel. Vitoria sanitaryware, incorporates basins and a choice of WC designs, including low and high-level cisterns for a distinctive period look. Exclusive to Ideal Bathrooms, Bayswater is a new traditional range of beautifully designed Victorian and Edwardian-style
12
Bayswater
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
MALMO Rigid 5G Vinyl Flooring Rigid is fast and simple to fit and stronger too thanks to the advanced Välinge 5G installation system. Better still, no need for underlay as this is already built-in! This hardwearing range is available in a choice of stunning designs including stone and wood decors.
To showcase Malmo in your showroom, contact us about our display packages.
The latest marketplace news | THE IDEAL BATHROOM
FLO’S THAI ADVENTURE Glorious weather, picturesque sights and exquisite cuisine, what more could a duck want from her road trip? Our feathered friend Flo spread her wings & took a trip to the ‘Land of Smiles’ to give us a sneak peak of what’s to come for our lucky ‘Race to the Orient’ winners during their trip next year. From Bangkok to Koh Samui our VID (Very Important Duck) took in all the fabulous destinations, stunning sights and experiences that will be on offer.
uk Tuk de in a T My first ri
Out f just p or dinner – ut it o n my bill!
Here’s what Flo got up to on her recent travels…
...So I did made y room wim... m m o s iew fr ing a The v el like hav e me f
at the I had to get up catch to n quack of daw t! gh fli y m
The nam e
is Bond , Flo Bo nd! Being a VID is Thirsty wo rk
Stopp ed fo hide a r a game o f nd se ek! I’m not really a morni ng duck but this fantas tic view really makes me chirpy!
14
, g lunch -waterin y feathers th u o m After a freshen up m ht I’d th I oug
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
THE IDEAL BATHROOM | The latest marketplace news
RUNNING HOT New Royal Baby In a very happy announcement, Kensington Palace has officially confirmed that The Duke & Duchess of Sussex are expecting their first baby in the Spring of 2019. This exciting news for the royal couple was announced just 5 months after their nuptials at Windsor.
Bayswater 120+ Showrooms e sights Taking in th
We would like to wish huge congratulations to new traditional brand, Bayswater Bathrooms, on having over 120 displays installed in retail showrooms since they launched in January 2018.
Having the Ideal Attitude e beach yself on th m g in n n u S
! hant elep n a y ed b omb b o t Pho
Another massive congratulations to 3 members of the Ideal Team, Tim, Helen & Hayley, winners of the Saint-Gobain Attitudes Video competition! They created, acted in & edited a short video showing what the Saint-Gobain Attitudes mean to them & the Delegation Communications Team judged theirs as the winner. A fantastic achievement – Now That’s Ideal!
RUNNING COLD Further Demise of the High Street
I love s unsets, but I’ve sad to be hea d had an amazin ing home, g time!
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
Traditional retail is slowly dying and the high street is suffering as a result due to consumers changing the way they shop and an increase in online shopping. Sadly it looks as though we will be seeing the closure of more of our beloved high street stores. Department chain store, Debenhams, has posted record annual losses and plans to close up to 50 stores putting 4,000 jobs at risk.
15
The latest marketplace news | THE IDEAL BATHROOM
THE COMPLETE CHOICE OF SHOWERING Aqualisa is a leading UK shower manufacturer, known for its successful mixer, electric and smart shower products
Aqualisa offers a range of tried and tested mixer showers from the premium Midas bar valve to the thoroughbred Colt and ultra-modern Dream and Aspire concentric valves – all proven favourites. Aqualisa’s revolutionary thermostatic shower technology broke new ground when it was launched 40 years ago and today, still, the mixer ranges consistently deliver high level performance and reliable temperatures. In electric showers, the Aqualisa brand is also strongly associated with advanced design and performance features. Even more so, following the recent 2018 Which? Best Buy award which highlights that for flow rate, temperature stability and ease of installation, the ‘superb’ Quartz Electric 9.5kW is outstanding against the competition with a full five star rating in four out of the five test criteria. The company’s reputation for innovation continues with its groundbreaking digital showering technology. Quartz Smart, the world’s first digital shower to have features and technology that make showering more convenient and personal, delivers a great showering experience. As a result, the category has become fully established, with every indication that it will continue to grow significantly.
16
Aqualisa Colt™
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
THE IDEAL BATHROOM | The latest marketplace news
Smart Quartz Smart shower remains to this day, one of the best-selling digital showers in the market, qualifying overtime as the nation’s most popular ‘smart’ choice. It has certainly stood the test of time, becoming the number one trusted choice of installers who, through Quartz, have embraced the new shower technology that takes the mixing valve away from the showering area and relies on electronic or ‘digital’ control. In fact, this means an easier, more accessible installation and makes it possible to run the perfect shower via remote control, before stepping in. The Quartz story continues with further evolution as Aqualisa introduces its latest version, re-designed with a new and contemporary look for the control. With improved control engineering, a sharper, modernised fascia and attractive bright chrome finish, Aqualisa is ensuring its flagship shower will continue to be a design statement in any modern bathroom.
Quartz Smart
Quartz Electric
Mixers The company has always maintained a strong focus on developing mixer shower technology, with specific attention to design and performance features that make them easy to choose for both the installer and consumer. The mixer market is expanding through the popularity of bar valve mixers and the increase in high pressure systems in the UK, from which mixer showers can deliver an exhilarating showering experience. Aqualisa Colt™ is a popular family shower range, not only because of thermostatic control, but also other strong safety features, such as the ‘cool touch’ valve and temperature override button. Installers love its reliability and flexible plumbing options.
Electric Aqualisa provides a wide range of electric showers, all of which score highly for taking the electric shower to new heights in terms of looks and finish. Electric showers can be the perfect solution for adding more showers in the house. They are completely separate from the hot water system and heat water instantaneously from a single cold water supply. For cloakrooms, en-suites and loft conversions, an electric shower is always an option with relatively few installation issues. Safety is a factor as well as a strong enough flow rate, so thermostatic control and higher kW ratings become key factors. Following on from last year, the Which? Best Buy recommendation was awarded again to Quartz Electric this year, confirming it as the best electric shower in its class. Three great finishes, chrome, white/chrome and graphite cover all style choices and for such high-end features, it’s still great value for money.
For more information, please visit www.aqualisa.co.uk
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
17
The latest marketplace news | THE IDEAL BATHROOM
WELCOME TO OUR NEW OPERATIONS MANAGER Ideal Bathrooms has welcomed a new Operations Manager, David Whittington to the business. With the imminent launch of industry-leading software that he is spearheading, we spoke with David to understand what this will mean for Ideal’s customers.. Q. Congratulations on your new role as Operations Manager! What are your main responsibilities? Thanks! It’s a wide-ranging role; I have operational responsibilities for the business which include cost management, customer service, and the recruitment and development of our people. I look after our warehouses in Glasgow, Wakefield, Milton Keynes and Hayes, working towards achieving KPIs for customer deliveries. My background is in continuous improvement, I am a Six Sigma green belt so one of the things I focus on here at Ideal is making processes as efficient as possible and cutting waste.
Q. You’ve joined the elite group of Idealists. What would you say are your top three skills and attributes you’re bringing to the team?
at a considerable pace, so we must always develop new, innovative ways of delivering our products and overall service to our customers – something I’ll be focusing on heavily.
Q. The company has continued to grow over the years. What are your key priorities for the next 12 months to help develop Ideal Bathrooms? We need to develop streamlined, consistent operational practices across the entire network. This will enable us to work in a more lean, efficient way, for example implementing continuous improvement methodology by eliminating waste. Improving communication and sharing best practices is just one of the smaller changes we can make to deliver considerable results.
Q. How does it feel to be working for an ambitious company?
Q. What is the one thing you’re looking forward to the most about your work at Ideal Bathrooms?
Q. Ideal Bathrooms endeavours to put its customers first. How do you plan to help provide excellent customer service?
18
Route Monkey is a major investment that we have made to provide a streamlined, high-quality delivery process to our customers. It will guarantee a consistent approach to delivery across the network and enable us to make our routes more economical through maximising weight capacity in our fleet and making best use of drivers’ hours.
The distributor world is new to me and I am really enjoying it. I’m working with a fantastic bunch of people who share in the ambition of the business – this makes my job more enjoyable in terms of driving the business forward by motivating my team.
I have 23 years’ experience in logistics, so I’ve got considerable commercial awareness. I would say I am also innovative in my approach, and most definitely a people person.
Our initial challenge is to upskill our team to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge to understand our customers and their needs. The industry is moving
Q. Route Monkey is a big initiative which is set to be launched this year. As the driver of the project how do you believe this software will help to increase the efficiency of deliveries?
Glasgow Warehouse
I’m excited to see the changes we are making take effect. We’ll see the benefit of these changes as we continue to reduce operational costs while pleasing our customers. That’s the ultimate goal in any business!
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
STUDIO ECHO: EVOLUTION OF A CLASSIC
Simple, understated and elegant. Three decades after the launch of the original Studio range, Studio Echo is destined to become another design classic.
Visit ideal-standard.co.uk for more information
The latest marketplace news | THE IDEAL BATHROOM
IDEAL’S 2018 REPORT TAPS INTO THE INDUSTRY Our Ideal Industry Report 2018 has been published and for the second year we have surveyed the UK’s bathroom retailers, merchants and multichannel retailers about their business’ performance, offers and views concerning the industry.
AT A GLANCE The areas covered in the Ideal Industry Report: Business insights
This unique report provides our customers with the essential knowledge they need to develop their business through the industry insights and benchmarking highlighted. The statistics within the report allow readers to gain an understanding of a wide range of industry topics and market influencers, something we know is of great interest to our customers. It also provides the Idealists the information needed to enhance our offering and develop a close relationship with our customers, sharing valuable, in-depth market research. After analysing the data from the respondents, we’ve produced a bespoke report on the bathroom industry, including perceptions of brands and businesses. The exclusive report is only available to the customers who participated in the survey.
For the first time this year’s report included a section dedicated to displays, which proved to be popular. Despite the majority of customers saying the biggest challenge their business faces is internet competition, the report revealed that retailers believe displays remain a crucial part of the customer’s sales journey, unveiling that 62% of respondents think displays are ‘important’ or ‘very important’ when it comes to customer ordering, demonstrating retailers’ belief that the display is still king. The survey also discovered 39% of respondents had an annual turnover of over £1 million, which is an increase of 6% year-on-year. This is fantastic news for the industry and shows that despite all the challenges faced growth is still possible. Showrooming, customers viewing in store and then buying online, is seen as the biggest impact trend for the year ahead according to 43% of respondents,
Important factors when ordering from a retailer?
62%
...regarded SHOWROOM DISPLAYS as important or very important
20
The market Trends Social media Online sales Displays
highlighting the importance in consumers’ minds of seeing products face-to-face as well as the continued rise of online purchasing. The question was also asked around the types of services offered by respondents with a bathroom design service now is the most commonly offered, with 83% of retailers offering this; this is a growth of 5%. To counteract the challenges faced by the perceived impact of Showrooming, retailers offering an added value proposition such as a design service or supply and fit can elevate their offer and set themselves apart than purely competing on price. We also asked respondents about the biggest challenges their business faces and unsurprisingly, more than 50% said online competition was their biggest obstacle. Other major concerns were quality staffing levels, increasing costs and staying competitive. We value our customers’ thoughts and views on the industry and it’s our hope that the Ideal Industry Report will help respondents spot unique opportunities to help grow their businesses.
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
THE IDEAL BATHROOM | The latest marketplace news
ANNUAL TURNOVER OF BUSINESS
TYPES OF SERVICES OFFERED
39% of respondents had an annual turnover of...
OVER £1 MILLION an increase of 6% year-on-year
11% 5%
17%
32%
83%
13%
15% 6%
2017
...of respondents offer a
2018
24%
Other services offered...
19%
35%
23%
Less than £500K
Customer Parking
Less than £250K
£250k - £500k
£500k - £1M
£1m - £2M
£500k - £1M
£1m - £2M
£2m - £3M
Over £3M
£2m - £3M
Over £3M
ESTIMATED HIGH IMPACT TRENDS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD
DESIGN SERVICE
Free delivery
£ Supply & Fit
Finance options
THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE BUSINESSES FACE
43%
ONLINE COMPETITON
SHOWROOMING Customers viewing in-store and then buying online
16%
Other factors include:
WEBROOMING Customers researching online and then buying in-store
Quality staffing levels
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
Increasing costs
Staying competitive
21
HS
IV
AB
MEET OUR IDEALISTS PA
PA
The latest marketplace news | THE IDEAL BATHROOM
PH DD
FK
KY
G
PA
Ideal Bathrooms are delighted ML to introduce three new AreaKA KA Sales Managers to the Ideal Team, Anthony, Marc & Steve. DG All three come to us from within the industry, meaning that they have a wealth of experience and knowledge and some of you may already know them from previous roles.
EH TD
Marc Shepherd North East Area Sales Manager
NE NE
D H DH
CA DL
LA
IM
BD
North West Area Sales Manager
What are you looking forward to the most about your new role? I’ll work across the North West with high-end showrooms, on exciting brands like Geberit and Vitra that I’ve not worked with before. SA Ideal Bathrooms has a really good name and is a true, national distributor. I’ll be proud to work for a name like that and can’t wait to get out and meet new customers.
What is your previous experience within the industry?
I worked for another well-known distributor for 18 years – 10 years in the sales office and eight out on the road in a role similar to what I’m doing now. As a result I’ve got a wealth EX of experience and knowledge to bring to the role, along with great customer service skills. PL
22
TR
I love it! I cover the North East and have been in the industry since I was 16. I started on a ‘young merchant’ programme and TS my way up to management – worked now I’m working for one of the biggest distributors in the industry. It’s very exciting.
What attributes do you plan YO on bringing to Ideal?
The North East is a great patch and my experience in the industry means I can LS HU hit the ground running. One of my key PR HX strengths is communication, which is great WF BL OL HD for relationship building with customers. I’m DN a keen problem solver which supports my WN M L Scustomer service and helps me to develop LN strong working partnerships. Not forgetting, WA SK I have an extra bone in my foot, but that’s a CH story for another day! CW NG LL DE Do you have any hobbies? ST I’m a Sheffield United ticket holder! I go to as many games as I can and there is a group PE TF of 15 ofLEus that go to the away matches. I’m WS SY it feel to beWV a keen fisherman and in a bid to become How does healthier, I’ve started playing football again. an Idealist? I also have a dog called Monty and enjoy DY B NN CV This is exciting! It’s a step up for me in taking him out for walks, too. IP my role and for a seriously big name CB LD in the industry. Ideal is one of the best If you could describe yourself WR MK HRI’m proud to distributors out there and in three words, what would SG call myself an Idealist. they be? LU CO AL good in people. Nice; Tell us something you GL OX I always see the CM HP WD EN Honest and hardworking. couldn’t live NP without? N CF HA IG NW Definitely my family. We are so close, RM SS W WC EC E UB and my wife and two children are the SN SL SW SE DA reason I get up each day.BS We have TW SM RG ME an 11-year old son and a five-year old CR BR C KT daughter – they’re my world. BA GU RH TA TN SP SO FY
Anthony Walker
HG
How does it feel to be S R SR working for Ideal Bathrooms?
BB
DT
PO BH
BN
PO TQ
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
THE IDEAL BATHROOM | The latest marketplace news
FLO’S TOP TWEETS
Steve Densham South Central Area Sales Manager HS
What does your role involve? I’m responsible for the South Central area and work on a diverse range of accounts. EachPA day is different and my role revolves around building relationships with new and HS exciting customers, helping them to enhance their businesses and introducing new products. I’m out every day, IV calling on independent bathroom studios, PA builders and plumbers’ merchants.
What drew you to Ideal Bathrooms?
IV
IV
As so much has happened on social media in the last few months Flo would like to share some of her favourite tweets from the bathroom industry.
The company has such a great reputation within the industry. It’s national, it’s in a fantastic position and it backs up its sales team with high quality PA marketing and promotional material. Ideal gives us everything we need to succeed.
What is your favourite thing about the region you work PA in?
Have you seen it? It’s beautiful here! I’m so lucky – I drive through the New Forest to Bournemouth, get to enjoy the stunning ferry ride to the PA Isle of Wight… I already know many of the customers here from previous roles, so it’s a friendly and familiar place where I enjoy doing business.
If you could go anywhere on holiday, where would you go and why?
NR
Our feathered friend, Flo, aspires to be a one of the industry’s top IV social media influencers and she’s been keeping a close watch on all platforms and their activities throughout 2018.
PA
@idealb a Values throoms cele D b the com ay by highligh rated World ting the pany’s c to their v hearts. ustomers hold alues close
PA G
PA
KA
KA
KA
K
isdom esdayW ers! n d e W Great # qualisaShow A from @
It would have to be the Australian Outback! I’d love to camp under the clear night sky and see the stars – you wouldn’t really get that anywhere else. I recently went to Thailand on holiday and befriended a stray dog on the beach; I’m hoping to bring him home to the UK soon.
IM @RocaUK ’s Naia bra ssware collection is spectac ular.
CT
VIEW THE FULL ASM MAP ONLINE:
LL throoms idealba sist @ e rs u t re co And of ould no n #Flo c elf w o ry e v rs et of he this twe
idealbathrooms.company/map 0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
23
The latest marketplace news | THE IDEAL BATHROOM
MAKING A
SPLASH As part of our Ideal Industry Report, we surveyed our customers to understand the ways in which they are using social media and digital marketing techniques. Unsurprisingly the percentage of bathroom retailers with a social media presence has increased from 73% to 85% - but what platforms are they using? Last year, 96% of those on social media used Facebook as a professional platform but that has now decreased to 81%. Similarly, there has been a fall in the number of companies using Twitter, from 65% to 45%. More companies are using LinkedIn and Pinterest, with the greatest increase being seen on image sharing platform; Instagram. Social media can be very powerful since typically the only cost attached is the retailer’s time. It’s a great way to reach people of different demographics and includes powerful advertising tools that enable the promotions of highly targeted content.
If used incorrectly, it can become something of a minefield. It’s important to maintain a professional approach (even if faced with keyboard warriors) and to keep content safe, such as avoiding political opinions and so on. Irrespective of how the industry feels about social media, it is only going to continue growing in popularity, which in turn makes it ever-more crucial to take advantage of it as a tool. The rise of image sharing platforms provides a great way to share inspirational content showing ranges, dream houses and so on. The question is, which platforms are bathroom retailers’ customers using? That’s where they need to be.
TOP TIPS: Keep your social media consistent in terms of messaging and brand
Trending Social Media platforms:
Make your contact details accessible Answer questions and engage with users Share useful and interesting content Research relevant hashtags to use
24
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
LUXURIOUS FRAMELESS DESIGN & FUNCTIONAL PROWESS
The Prestige Frameless range from April is a premium range of 8mm frameless shower enclosures which have been designed to the highest specification, made to last a lifetime. Make a style statement by selecting the Slider with matt black profiles paired with dramatic smoked glass, contemporary styling at its best. The Sliding doors boast superior gliding motion, soft stop buffers & generous adjustment. aprilproducts.co.uk
The latest marketplace news | THE IDEAL BATHROOM
TOP BRASS FROM...
At Ideal Standard, we make quality brassware that is depended upon by homeowners, public bodies and businesses around the world. We believe our taps are only as good as the materials they’re made out of, which is why we take pride in the manufacture and supply chain behind them. As we launch our latest range of innovative taps in the UK, here we take a look at the unique backstory of our brassware. Quality assured The millions of pieces of brassware we produce and sell every year are manufactured in either Germany or Bulgaria. Both of our world-leading facilities subscribe to our company’s ethos of making the most dependable products which are designed with both the end-user and installer in mind. Germany’s history for manufacturing excellence is, of course, renowned and our site there is famous for producing well
26
engineered products from brass which is delivered straight to the factory. In Bulgaria we have a unique story. We smelt our own brass ingot from copper and zinc which are delivered to the site daily. The ingot we create is checked to make sure it meets our internal specification and only when it passes those rigorous tests does it enter the foundry.
Stringent standards Compared to other manufacturers, our internal quality level for brass is extremely stringent. Germany actually sets the highest standard across Europe for the quality of metals which come into contact with drinking water. As we don’t run different qualities through the factory, our output is aligned to meet this requirement.
casting ready for the grinding, polishing and plating process. These processes use a mix of manual labour and robots to ensure we get the best end product possible. Then the initial inspections begin, every piece of brassware is handled by someone wearing gloves. Following this, products are then sent to be chrome plated, washed, prepared, degreased and dipped in baths of nickel and chrome. Once they’ve been plated, a second inspection begins to ensure it meets our robust standards. After the chrome plating comes the assembly, and 100% integrity checks, before the products are finally packaged, ready to be sent to market.
Because of this, and the fact that we have a presence in a number of countries, all of the markets we operate in benefit. This is of particular interest to the UK, as at the moment there is no minimum material requirement for brass.
Expert craftsmanship Once we’re happy with the brass ingot, the next step of manufacture is casting. Molten brass is poured into a product specific twopart metal die, or mould, that opens between shots to take out the newly formed casting and replace a core made of silica and resin. This creates the internal coring often referred to as the waterway. What’s left is a rough
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
THE IDEAL BATHROOM | The latest marketplace news
A tap isn’t just a tap Ideal Standard’s latest UK brassware launch comprises durable products from six core ranges which have all gone through this robust manufacturing process. The ranges; Calista; Ceraflex; Ceraline; Tempo; Tesi and Concept Air each have their own unique selling points to meet the needs of different end-users. The new collections offer a superb breadth of range to meet the varied needs of residential new build developers, as well as installers and endusers. All come with a flow regulator and 5 year guarantee as standard.
It’s true to say you could go out today and buy a cheap tap, which once installed for a customer would do a decent job for a few years. But taps go through a lot on a daily basis. They’re products with many moving parts and lots of local variance, in terms of water quality. Because of the high-quality materials we use and the care we put into our manufacturing processes...
...an Ideal Standard tap isn’t just another tap.
At the more premium end of the scale, Concept Air has got it all; stylish elegance on the outside, brilliant performance on the inside. Engineered in Germany, the range includes stunning super slim basin and tall vessel mixers, along with beautiful bath fillers and bath shower mixers. The slim basin mixer designs are facilitated by the use of new slender, high performance 25mm wide ceramic cartridges. Meanwhile, Tesi, with a refined design elegance is the perfect choice for bathroom settings which demand premium aesthetics. There is a large range with 11 models including 1 hole and wall mounted basin mixers, plus 1 and 2 hole bath fillers and bath shower mixers. Ideal Standard’s Tempo range features a combination of gentle curves and straight edges. The comprehensive 10 model range is versatile enough to suit round or square basins and baths, including our new Tempo bath. It’s compatible with low and high pressure installations too, so perfect for refurbishment or new build projects. Additionally, Ceraline possesses an iconic cylindrical body shape, with the availability of high and low-pressure variants, at an attractive price, making the range a great choice for most projects, offering simple, quality, cost effective solutions. Incorporating Ideal Standard’s new ceramic cartridge with FirmaFlow® technology, Ceraflex offers outstanding durability and versatile styling across a great value-for-money range, including 1 hole basin mixers and 1 and 2 hole bath fillers and bath shower mixers. The FirmaFlow® cartridge has been tested to last almost twice as long as the industry standard, with an estimated lifespan of 10-15 years of daily usage.
To find out more about Ideal Standard’s new collection, visit www.justbettertaps.co.uk
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
27
The latest marketplace news | THE IDEAL BATHROOM
ACHIEVE YOUR DREAM BATHROOM WITH THE STUNNING IVY COLLECTION Since its launch in March 2016, the Ivy range has gone from strength to strength in its popularity with both customers and end users alike. Ivy lends itself to a modern design which is practical yet elegant and stylish by combining aesthetics and practicality in an elegant manner and has the largest variety of products within the Essential VC range ensuring that whether it’s for a main bathroom, en-suite or cloakroom, the wide range options and sizes means that there is an impressive solution for all your bathroom needs. Seven different types of Rimless WC are available, including Comfort Height, Back to Wall and Wall Hung versions, making Essential Ivy the perfect choice when looking to select a suite that is not only suitable for use now, but also when considering the prospect of any future needs. Comfort Height pans are slightly taller than a standard toilet making this the perfect choice for the tall or the elderly stimulating flexibility and adaptability in the bathroom in today’s throw-away society. With six diverse basin sizes comprising the large 65cm Basins to the compact, yet still elegant, cloakroom basins and the oval countertop basin, full and half pedestals, Ivy really is the all-encompassing range allowing you to make a statement and create the bathroom of your dreams.
28
t Comparison Raised Heigh
Rimless
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
THE IDEAL BATHROOM | The latest marketplace news
FEATURES: A total 24 SKUs in the range,
the largest range of the Essential range
7 different WC choices available, including a wall hung WC
6 different 1 tap hole basins available, including 3 space saving variants
All WC’s are rimless,
not just an option on select models
All seats feature quick release buttons for easy cleaning
“Easy Living” Comfort height WC options ideal for the tall or elderly
For more information about Essential Bathrooms, visit:
essentialfromideal.co.uk
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
@ess_bathrooms
www.essentialfacebook.co.uk
@ess_bathrooms1
29
The latest marketplace news | THE IDEAL BATHROOM
SHOWROOM EXCELLENCE As the UK’s leading bathroom distributor, Ideal Bathrooms are always looking for ways to help our customers achieve the best results from their showrooms. Our aim is to help customers to gain footfall through their doors by offering the best and latest displays available in today’s marketplace and our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to update your showroom when necessary. We would also like introduce you to our new Displays Co-ordinator Sian Harding. Sian can be contacted at displays@idealbathrooms.com or call 01908 276 408 to discuss your display requirements.
Bring back classic style to your showroom with the Lansdown range of furniture from Tavistock. This traditional range features 5 piece doors and tongue and groove side panels. Available in 3 beautiful hand painted finishes, Linen White, Pebble Grey and Matt Dark Grey, all contribute to the timeless feel and can be purchased with a corresponding ceramic basin. Display terms are RRP less 80%.
Vitra have recently launched a new product portfolio, the Signature Collection. Available to a select number of retailers the collection offers brand new and revamped products including Ecora Infinit Furniture, Integra and Shift. For more information on displaying the Vitra Signature Collection, please contact your Vitra Area Sales Manager.
At 2000mm high and with 8mm toughened glass, the Essential Spring range of wetroom panels will create a sleek minimalist look in any showroom. With concealed fixings and EasyClean protective coating these stylish panels can be installed either on a shower tray or straight to floor. Display terms start from RRP less 70%, please contact your Ideal Bathrooms’ Area Sales Manager for more information.
30
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
YOUR LIFE. YOUR RULES.
YOUR SHOWER. YOUR TURN. GROHE SMARTCONTROL
Turn up your shower experience with three showers in one. grohe.co.uk
The latest marketplace news | THE IDEAL BATHROOM
THE IDEAL RELATIONSHIP
From bathroom furniture to basins, WCs, taps and showers, bathroom inspiration has never been easier to find. As Tavistock’s number one distributor, we’re proud to have invested heavily in 60% more stock across all four depots, ensuring greater access to the products customers love. Alan Ayres, Tavistock’s Sales Director comments: “We have a fantastic working relationship with Ideal Bathrooms and have experienced great growth with the company over the past few years. “As Ideal Bathrooms is the largest UK distributor this partnership is key for Tavistock to ensure growth and availability of its products within the UK. With the additional investment Ideal Bathrooms has made in stock, the company is showing its commitment to the Tavistock brand and our relationship will go from strength to strength.” Following our recent expansion, which saw investment in a new 33,000ft2 depot in Glasgow, we are now able to hold more stock than ever before. Across all four of our UK depots, Ideal Bathrooms is the only distributor able to offer next day delivery on Tavistock products to any location within the M25. Now that’s ideal!
32
“Tavistock is a key brand partner for us. With the growth of bathroom furniture in the UK market we are committed to providing the right type of product to the right customers at the right time. This is why we have invested heavily in our stock and expanded the breadth and depth of the Tavistock ranges we hold as stocked items. We are confident that this investment will be worthwhile as feedback from customers has already been very positive,” says Danielle Lillis, Commercial Director for Ideal Bathrooms.
products, the platform is updated every 10 minutes, giving you the total stock available and a breakdown of stock by depot. To register for your trade account visit register.idealbathrooms.com
You can check our stock levels of the Tavistock range quickly and simply using our online stock check tool. Enabling trade customers to check live stock levels on all
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
THE IDEAL BATHROOM | The latest marketplace news
Lansdown The perfect way to bring back classic style. A muted palette of hand-painted finishes in either linen white, pebble grey or matt dark grey all contribute to the timeless feel. All units feature soft close doors, giving a quiet and controlled closure, ideal for a creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Vitoria The elegant, ageless design of the Vitoria range is the perfect bathroom solution for a period home. In linen white, pebble grey or matt dark grey hand painted finishes these colours suit a wide range of interiors.
Compass Searching for a new direction? The Compass range is the ideal choice. Featuring soft close doors, fully extending drawer runners make it easy to access to products within the furniture. Suitable for smaller bathrooms, the range is available in a choice of three contemporary finishes; gloss white, light grey or gloss clay. The smooth curved edges, extra thick doors and robust construction show it is built to last. All Tavistock furniture is made from the very best quality materials and created using the greatest manufacturing techniques. The firm’s confidence is demonstrated by the 10-year guarantee which is placed on all furniture units.
Lansdown
Furniture Focus The right furniture defines a bathroom. Tavistock understands that special finishing touches, from mirrors and cabinets to toilet seats and bath panels, are what makes a bathroom part of a home. It isn’t just about clearing away the clutter but creating a warm, welcoming space with beautifully crafted furniture and exceptional final touches, such as soft close doors or drawers and integrated handles. Tavistock’s popular furniture ranges Lansdown, Vitoria and Compass offer a stylish, yet classic, look for any bathroom.
Compass
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
Vitoria
33
The latest marketplace news | THE IDEAL BATHROOM
WHO IS... DARREN ALLISON Managing Director of Bayswater, Darren Allison, reveals what motivates him, his plans for the company and his thoughts on upcoming trends
Q. Bayswater is a relatively new brand, what would you say makes it unique? The depth of the product range and that we exclusively use Farrow & Ball colours. Our digital offering is quite advanced too, the website has a retailer search function and our YouTube videos showcase the products.
Q. Where do you see Bayswater in five years’ time? In five years I see Bayswater being an international brand, covering all parts of the market, from low, to mid and high so there’s a price point for all.
Q. Your day must be jampacked – what happens on a typical day? I’m an early bird, I’m awake by six o’clock every morning. My days can be very varied but my main priority is to ensure everyone in the team has a clear plan for the day. You can often find me out and about visiting showrooms, meeting our reps and checking stock availability.
Q. What motivates you in your role? I’m a great advocate of independent retailers and I love to create products that meet our customers’ wants and needs. I also like to be unique, do things differently and use my entrepreneurial flair. We used fashion photography to develop a unique identity for the branding, something which hasn’t really been seen before in the industry and we’ve had a great response from retailers and merchants. I owe a lot to Ideal Bathrooms. The company believed in me, my team and the products and has been a great support. My main motivation is to not let Ideal Bathrooms down.
34
Q. Which trends do you think are set to flourish in 2019? Traditional will be the biggest growing trend for the next five years. The trend has seen 12% growth this year and it is forecast to see a further growth of 18% next year. The reason for this is that people want to add character to their homes and the classic look never dies. Programmes like Downton Abbey are also influential, hence the development of Edwardian and Victorian products.
Q. What has been your career highlight to date? I founded three companies. In 1998 Clearwater Collection Ltd was developed and we manufactured products in Bradford, China and India. Eventually the business grew to include Clearwater Ireland and Clearwater America and we had over 70 employees in Bradford. 2008 saw the launch of UK Bathroom Brands and in 2017 I founded Bayswater and we currently manufacture products in the UK, Eastern Europe, Middle and Far East.
Q. Bayswater boasts a fantastic collection of traditional products, what would you say is your favourite element of the bathroom? The furniture. As life moves on people tend to use more products, which means they need somewhere to store all these items. Bathroom furniture is an essential part of the room and we’ll definitely see more developments in this area in the coming years.
Q. Who would you most like to swap places with for a day? Boris Johnson. I would love to know what goes on inside his head, he seems like a very interesting chap.
Q. If you were deserted on an island, which three things would you take with you? A selection of punk music, Leeds United: The Glory Years and a pint.
Q. What is your hidden talent? I’m a metallurgist, someone who specialises in metals and not many people know this, but I actually have an exhibit at the Science Museum, London. Having previously worked with Formula 1 and in the aerospace industry, I found metals incredibly interesting.
Q. Do you have a key piece of advice you would give to a budding salesperson? Be honest and be truthful and people will always respect you. The minute you tell a lie you lose your reputation and to me, there’s no way back.
0800 634 2600 | atyourservice@idealbathrooms.com | www.idealbathrooms.com
THE PERFECT START OF A SHOWER DISPLAY THE SHOWER TRAY. EVOLVED.
COLOUR AVAILABILITY
Sage Green
Mistral Grey
Malbec Red
Pastel Blue
Astro Black
Astro Slate
Astro Stone
Astro White
Matt/Gloss White
THE FEATURES. EVOLVED. • • • • •
A uniquelly designed 25mm shower tray 16 size options available in Square, Rectangle and Quadrant Available in eight exclusive colours plus Gloss and Matt White Wirquin manufactured waste with a five year guarantee JT Anti-Slip option available
www.just-trays.com
CONCEPT AIR ARC: WHEN LIGHTNESS DESIGNS SPACE
Concept Air Arc offers a wide choice of WCs, all available with AquaBlade® flush technology and basins with full and semi-pedestal.
Visit ideal-standard.co.uk for more information