NEWS | Round-up VIEWPOINT Are we meeting
your needs? Why the chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association is calling for inclusive design to be considered more mainstream
Plumbworld acquired by Highbourne Group
CHANGES IN the way we perceive our homes, and our shifting requirements are dramatically altering the home improvement market. Things like outdoor space, broadband connectivity and flexibility have risen in importance, while transport links and commutability are less frequently a priority. The rise in working from home caused a sudden pique in interest in all forms of renovation in 2020 and 2021, as we looked to boost our home comforts. Manufacturers are constantly working to keep one step ahead of this demand, to provide the best possible products to meet the changing needs of the market. One area of change is the level of interest in adaptions and ageless design. Multi-generational living has becoming more common, with more than 1 million UK homes now having three generations under one roof. One of the core elements of daily life people are keen
We aim to improve awareness of what is already
to hold on to as they get older, is the ability to wash independently. Luckily, there are lots of options to improve safety in the bathroom and make an inclusive and family friendly space. Earlier this year, the BMA established a Special Interest Group to discuss the adaptions market, and we quickly identified a need to challenge perceptions around inclusive bathroom products and design.
available on the market
Changing peoples’ homes to allow independent living, regardless of any mobility challenges or disability, is about meeting consumer needs. It is
not a niche market, but I fear that at present it is. Increasingly, the societal shift to multigenerational living is being encouraged by Government, keen to keep people independent for lots of economic reasons. This should be viewed as an opportunity for manufacturers and retailers alike, there will be an increasing
crossover between the demand for
inclusivity, and the ‘standard’ needs, appropriate for other occupiers and visitors.
The image of adaptations as ugly and utilitarian needs to be challenged, truly ageless designs should be as visually pleasing as any other bathroom project. I don’t get the sense that designers are enthusiastic about taking on adaptation jobs or using more inclusive products but creating a fully accessible bathroom can no longer a specialist or distinct activity. Within our Special Interest Group, we are bringing together cross-industry knowledge to address the misconceptions and we’d love to hear retailer and designer perspectives. The mainstreaming of inclusive bathroom products will increase, as they are marketed for everyone, and we aim to improve awareness of what is already available, to ensure bathrooms are comfortable, and stylish for everyone, including elderly people, those with disabilities or restricted mobility.
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ONLINE BATHROOM retailer Plumbworld has been acquired by the Highbourne Group, a specialist distributor of plumbing, heating, and bathroom products. In a statement the Highbourne Group, parent company of City Plumbing Supplies (CPS) and Plumbing Trade Supplies (PTS), said that the acquisition of the online retail business – its second in a matter of weeks – “would strengthen its e-commerce and direct-to- consumer retail offering”.
Speaking about the acquisition Dave Evans, chief executive officer at The Highbourne Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Plumbworld into the Highbourne Group family of businesses and see Plumbworld as highly complementary to our existing customer propositions. James Hickman and the management team at Plumbworld have built the leading online bathroom retailer in the UK and I look forward to working with them to
accelerate their growth initiatives. The acquisition of Plumbworld enables us to take our proven trade customer proposition and market leading supply chain to retail customers too - meaning that we can provide customers across the UK with even quicker access to what they need, when they need it.” Plumbworld founder and CEO James Hickman added: “The integration of Plumbworld into the Highbourne Group is an exciting chapter for our business. The Highbourne Group are creating real momentum in the market, and I see enormous potential for Plumbworld as part of that growth plan.” Originally set up in 1999, West-Midlands- based retailer Plumbworld was bought by The Grafton Group in 2006, but was bought back by original founder James Hickman in a management buyout in 2018. It claims to be the second largest online plumbing retailer in the UK. Last year it reported a 30% growth in sales for the year to December 2020.
Haier flagged as one of fastest-growing Chinese companies in the UK
HAIER IS one of the fastest-growing Chinese companies in the UK, according to the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK (CCCUK). The CCCUK’s Tou Ying Tracker found the appliance brand as one of many Chinese companies that are contributing to the UK economy. Haier is said to be leading the way in terms of growth in the consumer retail sector.
CCCUK also reported that the biggest Chinese-owned companies employ almost 61,000 people in the UK and contributed total revenues of £63 billion to the country’s economy in 2020. The Chamber added that the year ahead
“holds much hope for ongoing trade and collaboration between the UK and China”. Jim McEwan, chief commercial officer at Haier UK and Ireland, said: “These are very exciting times for Haier UK, with many new products coming to the market in 2022 and beyond.
“Thanks to Artificial Intelligence and the hOn App, we offer our customers tailor-made experiences
connected to household
appliances, which range from exclusive refrigeration solutions, innovative cooking options and reactive wine cellars. Haier is truly the No 1 Brand in Major Appliances, worldwide.” In January 2021, Haier also clinched its 12th consecutive year as the global No1 major appliance brand, according to Euromonitor [link]. Recently, Haier launched its new built-in connected cooking range alongside the brand’s offerings in refrigeration, wine cellars and laundry.
· May 2022
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