news
Ideal Standard strike threat ends in “agreed resolution”
THERE Is now an “agreed resolution” between Ideal Standard and its workers’ union following a pay dispute, according to the company. This follows news on August 9
that factory workers at its Armitage site in Staffordshire had voted to strike over rates of pay. However, Ideal Standard says the situation has now reached a resolution, with successful pay negotiations said to have taken place between the company and the union. A spokesperson for the company said: “Following negotiations between Ideal Standard leadership and representatives of the GMB Union, there is now an agreed resolution at Ideal Standard’s Armitage site. “GMB Union are recommending members accept Ideal Standard’s offer at
an upcoming ballot. The UK manufacturing site is important to the Ideal Standard business, and the joint negotiation committee are pleased to have a positive outcome from today’s meeting.” Earlier this year, the Ideal Standard brand was bought by ceramics company
Villeroy & Boch. The parent company reported a significant increase to its revenue for the first quarter of the year, which it attributed to the acquisition.
Middlesex kitchen retailer celebrates 40 years in business
ASHFORD KITCHENS and Interiors recently celebrated its 40th year in business, holding a showroom event for staff past and present to celebrate. First established in 1984 by Richard and Tracey Flower, Ashford is now a
second-generation family business, led by Stephen and Grace Flower. As well as its showroom in Ashford, Middlesex, the company opened a second retail location in Farnham Common, Buckinghamshire, in 2014. In a statement on its Instagram, Ashford Kitchens and Interiors said: “This
milestone wouldn’t be possible without the dedication, talent, and hard work of our team. To our loyal customers and the community that has supported us through the years, we are profoundly grateful. Thank you for being a part of our journey. Let’s make the next 40 years even more extraordinary!” Richard Flower offered his reflections on changes in the KBB industry during his career as part of our 40 Years of kbbreview feature, on page 52.
September 2024 kbbreview 5
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