NEWS | Round-up


Water labels: comply or you could face legal action


RETAILERS COULD face action from authorities if they don’t display compulsory water labelling in their showrooms.


That is according to the latest proposals regarding the introduction of mandatory water efficiency labelling from The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The department has launched a 12-week consultation [September 2 to November 25] on proposals to introduce mandatory water labels for display on toilets, urinals, non-electric shower outlet devices and shower assembly kits, as well as taps. Domestic appliances that use water, such as washing machines, dishwashers and washer/ dryers are also included. Defra says a mandatory water efficiency label will give consumers the information they need to “make informed decisions when purchasing new water using products for their home. It will also help developers and water companies to improve water efficiency in buildings”. A core element of the proposal is the role retailers must play in highlighting the label to consumers. The proposal states that retailers will be obliged to ‘clearly display the mandatory water efficiency labels provided by suppliers with their products when displaying and selling them, in line with what is specified in the regulations. This includes in-store and via distance-selling methods, such as internet sales and catalogues’. If this element of the proposal is passed, failure to do so could mean the retailer facing action from a national enforcement body.


Although we do not know yet precisely what form such action could take, we already know that failure to display energy labels means a possible criminal conviction and a fine in the event of prosecution.


According to the proposals, suppliers will need to assess


the water efficiency rating of their product(s) and include the label with the product and in marketing literature. The consultation closes on November 25. Regulations to introduce mandatory labelling will be laid in 2023, with new obligations, particularly on retailers, by 2025. Reacting to the launch of the Defra consultation, BMA chief executive Tom Reynolds said: “Water labelling can help consumers make informed and more sustainable choices when purchasing a new bathroom. Indeed, the existing Unified Water Label (UWLA) has done much work promoting water efficiency and providing some best practices for effective labelling. Water- efficient purchases, along with behaviour change, are needed if the government is to achieve its target to reduce water use from an average of 145 litres a day to 110 litres by 2050. “We are still digesting all the policy proposals within the consultation and weighing up what they mean for the sector. There are a few areas where we will seek a little more clarity from officials before formally responding to Defra.” Speaking from a retailer’s perspective,


Derek Miller, co-owner of Scope Bathrooms in Glasgow said: “On that basis, assuming retailers are given sufficient notice, the task won’t be too onerous. Only time will tell if it influences consumer decision- making in any way, especially around the area of shower performance.” Paul Crow, MD Ripples added: “The world can’t carry on as it is and we can’t wait for others to do something when we can, as individuals, an industry and as suppliers of water delivery products, do something today. “We do also need to acknowledge that small business owners are juggling lots of balls at the moment and more keep being thrown at us and at a faster pace. It is vital that everyone in the supply chain works in collaboration on this.“


Delivery times returning to normal, says Miele


MIELE BOSSES have assured retailers that, after years of delays due to high demand and component shortages, lead times are returning to normal.


While some product categories are back to typical delivery times, Miele is taking steps to make all products available at pre-Covid levels by the end of this year.


Dr Marcus Miele (pictured far left), executive director at Miele, said in the IFA press briefing: “We can happily report that delivery times are getting better. In most of our product groups, we are coming back to a normal situation. But, I can tell you, this has taken much work. “We are fighting in production each and every day to get the right materials. We’re not 100% there yet, but I hope we will be there at the end of this year so that we can deliver again at normal times.” All appliance manufacturers have faced similar delays since the pandemic, and, as a result, retailers and customers faced extraordinarily long lead times. Dr Reinhard Zinkann,


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(pictured centre) executive director of Miele, said at IFA: “Our unfortunately long delivery times, which were mainly due to Covid and the shortage of semiconductors, are returning to normal in big steps. We are practically back to normal delivery times in most product categories.


“In the years after the pandemic outbreak, the extraordinary economic situation from which our entire industry profited significantly has returned to normal in recent months. In addition, there has been a sharp drop in the general consumer climate in important markets. Of course, we all know the reasons for that. At the same time, however, the demand for high-quality domestic appliances, especially in the built-in sector, remains high.”


Miele has seen a big increase in sales in 2021, with a growth of 7.5%, which was higher than in 2020, where the company sales were 6.5% up year on year. As for 2021, Miele is on track for growth after the first half of this year. The manufacturer cited increased consumer demand as a driver for this growth. It also suspects that the level of demand will remain high after years of extraordinary demand.


Zinkann said: “Miele remains on track for growth after the first half of this business year. I want to take the opportunity to thank our retail partners for their committed and competent support even and especially under the difficult conditions of the pandemic.” During IFA, Miele focused on sustainability, especially the launch of a new feature of its app where end users can track their energy usage. Consumer demand for more eco appliances is also on the rise, according to Zinkann.


He said: “Many people are more conscious of the longevity and energy efficiency of the domestic appliances.”


Changes at the top for Lakes


LAKES, THE showering product specialist, has revealed a new board of directors and management structure as part of its commitment to future growth. Bev Brown, who joined the Gloucestershire-based brand over 10 years ago as finance director and fulfilled the role of managing director for the last five and a half years, has now stepped up to occupy a dual role of finance director and chairman. Meanwhile, existing director Mike Gahir takes on the position of manager director, while Darren Bedford, who joined the business as national sales manager 16 months ago will move into the role of sales director. Completing the board is Chris Thain who joined earlier this year as supply chain director. In a statement the company – which was established in 1986 – said that the new structure enables them to drive the brand forward and puts the business in a strong position for both its employees and customers, further cementing its commitment to delivering the highest quality products and service. Speaking of the developments Bev Brown, chairman and finance director of Lakes, said: “I am delighted to announce Mike’s appointment as Lakes’ new managing director. Mike has been instrumental in helping the board face the challenges that lie ahead, and he will continue to have a key role in driving the business forward on its journey.” Mike Gahir, managing director, said: “The team at Lakes have been a key part of the development of the company over the years, and the board changes are designed to enable us to continue to build on the fantastic results already achieved. Even though recent global events and market dynamics have not been favourable for businesses generally, here at Lakes we are in an excellent position to continue to grow and reinforce the brand’s strong position in the markets where we operate.” (Pictured left to right: Mike Gahir, Bev Brown, Chris Thain and Darren Bedford.)


· October 2022


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