NEWS | Round-up
KBB industry pays tribute after death of Queen Elizabeth II
THE KBB industry has come together to remember Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, who died on September 8 at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.
Retailers, manufacturers and industry figures posted their tributes to Her Majesty on social media after the news was announced. Industry associations were quick to post their sadness too. The KBSA said: “We are all deeply saddened by the news that Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch of the UK, passed away this evening. Her life and legacy touched us all and will surely be eternally remembered. The thoughts of all our members and staff are with her family and indeed the whole country at this very sad time.” The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) posted: “It is with deep sorrow and sadness we pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Thank you for your unprecedented service. The whole nation will miss you and mourns the loss of someone so special. May you rest in peace. Sincere condolences to the Royal family on your loss.” Damien Walters, chief executive of the BiKBBI, was the recipient of the Queen’s Silver, Gold and Platinum Jubilee medals for community service. He said that he would always be proud to wear The Queen’s medals.
Associations have also sent messages from the bathroom and appliance side of the KBB industry. The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) said: “Today the BMA staff and members are joined in the UK’s national grief at the loss of Queen Elizabeth. We are thankful for the service she gave and constancy she provided during her long reign.” The Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (Amdea) said: “Amdea members join the nation in mourning the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. A model of selfless dedication and service to her country, who for seven decades symbolised British values around the world. We express our sincere condolences to her family and all who were close to her.”
Many KBB retailers were also saddened to learn of the Queen’s death. Paul Etheridge, director at
arrived a minute earlier when we were right outside the lodge itself.” Derek Miller, director at Scope Bathrooms in Glasgow, said: “The Queen has been a cornerstone of our country for seven decades and it will take months, perhaps years, for her passing to sink in. A wonderful woman, whose dedication and commitment to serving the UK was inspirational.” Many British and international manufacturers sent their good wishes. Lecico Bathrooms posted: “We’d like to express our thanks for the Queen’s exceptional service throughout the years. Rest in peace Your Majesty.”
Coastal Bathroom Studio, said: “So sad. The most inspirational and hard-working person has died. Seventy years of rule, still carrying out duties at 96 years of age. If anyone needs a role model, look no further. Deepest heartfelt condolences to all of the Royal Family.”
Inga Kopala, managing director at Amberth, said: “It was with great sadness that we learned of Her Majesty the Queen’s passing. A truly inspirational woman, who served her country for 70 years. Our deepest condolences to the Royal Family.” Paul Crow, MD of Ripples Bathrooms, reminisced about one occasion when he had seen the Queen. He said: “[My wife] Nicola and I were stood 50 metres from her Balmoral summer lodge last year when the Queen, corgis and all the family suddenly arrived in their entourage of blue Range Rovers. “I heard a pair of cyclists heading down the track towards them from behind me and, with camera in hand, turned to warn them of who they were just about to disturb. Zara Philips on the first bike smiled politely. We didn’t hang around after that, but we did wonder what would have happened had they
Robert Heredia, UK and Ireland area manager at Acquabella, said: “Since I arrived in the United Kingdom 10 years ago, I have always been fascinated by the figure of the Queen, a Queen loved and respected by her people and flag for so many generations. So much so that I came to envy Paddington recently having tea with her! “Today is a sad day as we say goodbye. From Spain, we also have a sad heart. The best tribute is to start my tour next week in London as a token of mourning, respect and gratitude for keeping a country united.”
Nobilia Projects said in its post: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family at this sad time. From everyone at Nobilia, we thank you for your 70 years of loyal service.” Hettich UK said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. Hettich UK, as part of an international group, could really feel the reach and impact she had in the many countries in which we operate and beyond. Thank you for your tireless service.”
Alexander Ainge, managing director of Compusoft GB, said: “Very saddened to learn the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. Over 70 years of devoted service to the Commonwealth and a pillar of stability for many throughout the world. A true leader in every sense and instilling pride throughout our nation, she was the epitome of Britishness. “Tonight many of us will shed a tear and remember her remarkable reign, as she is all that we have known. My thoughts are with her family and all that have devoted their lives to her cause.”
Wolseley Group acquires majority share of CP Hart
MERCHANT GROUP Wolseley has acquired a majority share of luxury bathroom specialist CP Hart for an undisclosed sum as part of its drive to expand its bathroom business into the premium sector.
CP Hart was founded in 1937 and currently has 16 showrooms in London and the Home Counties. The investment by Wolseley is said to allow CP Hart to accelerate its ambitious growth plans and benefit from the knowledge and experience of other Wolseley businesses. Wolseley said that there would be a seamless transition and that all CP
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will remain with the business. He said: “Becoming part of the
Hart showrooms will continue to operate as normal and that there will be no change for customers. Current chairman Richard Reynolds
Wolseley family, with its strong commitment to growing its position in the bathroom market, is a great result for our business and we are confident that Wolseley will help CP Hart to realise its ambitious expansion plans.” Wolseley chief executive Simon Oakland said: “At Wolseley, we’ve known and admired CP Hart for a long time and we see this move as a valuable addition to our growing bathroom business.
“This acquisition takes us into the premium bathroom sector across both retail and commercial customers and
we will work closely with the existing management team to capitalise on this opportunity including providing further investment to the CP Hart business.” Wolseley has been expanding its presence in the bathrooms sector and in March this year acquired distributor Ideal Bathrooms, heating and bathrooms systems specialist DHS and commercial washroom and bathroom products supplier Neville Lumb from Saint-Gobain.
CP Hart was since December 2007 owned by Charco, which was set up by Richard Reynolds and Kevin Ohle, who acquired the company from kitchen brand Nobia.
· October 2022
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