NEWS | Round-up


Richard Hagan, MD of Crystal Doors and kbbreview’s climate change champion, urges the industry to keep up the fight to bring sustainability to the top of the agenda


Navigating the


BUMPY ROAD TO NET ZERO


AS A business leader, I follow sustainability issues closely, reflecting on their impact as we strive for net zero. Recent events leave me very concerned. The UN’s global climate summit this autumn


represents a watershed moment to align our industry with bolder climate action. This critical summit can play a vital


role in helping steer regulations that spur


businesses towards sustainability. My hope is for decisive and ambitious commitments


that phase out our reliance on fossil fuels, rapidly. COP28 is a prime opportunity to implement changes scientists say are essential to preserving our planet. There are some big changes on the way, like carbon


taxes on imports of high-carbon products in the EU and soon in the UK. If these taxes expand to wood products, forward-thinking companies in our industry can gain a competitive edge. However, recent policy shifts under our Prime Minister alarm me. Delaying combustion engine and gas boiler phase-outs while abandoning efficiency targets is counterproductive and harmful. Most alarming is the Government’s recent green light for expanded North Sea oil and gas extraction, including more than 100 new drilling licences and Equinor’s massive new Rosebank project. While Sunak touts energy security benefits, these plans torpedo our net zero commitments. Approving more drilling and opening new reserves signals a dangerous priority shift, and will continue carbon pollution. Bowing to pressure from fossil fuel lobbyists cripples progress, favouring short- term growth over humanity’s long-term survival. These


We must


speak loudly for the change we need


contradictory policies undermine climate action when we urgently need transformative change. Make no mistake, the risks and costs of delayed climate action far outweigh the cost of rapidly decarbonising our economy. At Crystal Doors, we’ve shown how rapid decarbonisation can actually be done without a huge budget, and lots of our improvements have already paid back in full. As KBB leaders, it’s our responsibility to champion bolder initiatives and demand an end to decades of government inaction. Incremental steps are not enough – staying focused on the vision of a liveable future for all is imperative.


For SMEs like mine, every eco-choice matters – from


products to packaging. We can prove that sustainability makes business sense by leading by example. While the road is bumpy, my commitment to empowering our industry to reach net zero remains steadfast. The obstacles spur me towards bolder leadership and I believe that together we can help shape a sector that stands the test of climate, economy and time. But we must speak loudly for the change we need, holding policymakers accountable to pave the way for a just, equitable and sustainable future.


16


Nine out of 10 kitchen renovators looking for sustainable products


ALMOST ALL homeowners renovating their kitchens in 2023 are looking to incorporate sustainable elements in their designs. This was a high priority for 94% of those polled in a survey conducted by Houzz, which posed questions to more than 1,000 people who are currently – or will soon be – renovating their kitchens. Several sustainable elements were ranked among the most sought-after. More than three- quarters (76%) would like to use low-energy LED bulbs, 60% are interested in energy-saving appliances and 39% would like to have energy-efficient windows installed. When asked about why they would be interested in these sustainable elements, 80% said they were motivated by “long-term cost-effectiveness,” with more than half (58%) saying that they wanted to “make choices that are environmentally friendly”. In addition to a focus on sustainability, Houzz also investigated other factors such as visual design, intended usage, and appliance trends. A contemporary style was found to be the most popular choice for renovations this year, with more than a quarter of respondents (27%) agreeing. Closely behind, 26% are looking for modern styles, 11% want traditional, 6% said country, and 5% are looking to use a Scandinavian style. In terms of colours, white is still the most popular colour for painting walls for 51% of respondents. Grey was the second most common wall colour at 13%. For cabinets and furniture, the on-trend natural shades of blue, green, and beige were unsurprisingly popular, with 17%, 13% and 7% of those polled supporting them, respectively. For homeowners looking


to update their


appliances as part of a renovation, 18% reported wanting appliances with wi-fi connectivity, 17% would like smartphone and tablet-controlled models, and 15% are looking to use appliances that have colour touch- screen displays.


JTP invests in multimillion-pound warehouse as turnover increases


AFTER SEVERAL years of strong growth, manufacturer JTP has announced a multimillion-pound investment into a new warehouse that will also include the brand’s first showroom.


A key feature of the investment will be the opening of a new warehouse site near JTP’s current base in west London.


The new site offers three times the amount of space as the brand’s previous warehouse space. It covers an area of 40,000sq ft and the company says it will drastically increase JTP’s storage capabilities. Additionally, JTP says that the site will also include new offices, meeting rooms, and the brand’s first-ever showroom space. The showroom will be open to residential and commercial customers and will give them the chance to interact with JTP’s products first-hand.


The renovation project is estimated to be completed next month. Looking beyond that, JTP is also planning to introduce 200 products to its portfolio in 2024.


JTP chief executive Jeevan Seth said: “It is an incredibly exciting time for the brand as we’ve achieved a 50% increase in turnover year on year in the past three years.


“This investment into our new infrastructure, for both our team and our customers, is a testament to our dedication for continuous improvement and innovation.”


He added: “Our new warehouse facility will not only house our new product ranges, but also create a more efficient area for our employees and a stunning new space for our customers to engage with our collections. We understand that our clients seek not only quality products, but also an enjoyable and informative shopping experience, and this expansion is designed to fulfil those expectations.” JTP has been designing taps, showers and accessories for the past 30 years from its west London office.


• November 2023


Climate


Champion Change


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