NEWS | Round-up VIEWPOINT The fight for a level


playing field goes on KBSA national chair Richard Hibbert on why retailers should keep pushing to redress the iniquities of previous lockdowns


Traymate acquired by Hartford Holdings


YORKSHIRE BASED Hartford Holdings, the parent company of Trojan Baths, Thomas


Crapper and Mantaleda


Bathrooms, has announced the acquisition of Essex-based shower tray brand, Traymate.


KBB RETAILERS will be working towards reopening their showrooms this month, in accordance with the government roadmap. If all four tests are met, then showrooms, and other non-essential retail, will be allowed to reopen on April 12. The KBSA is providing support and advice to help members get up and running as smoothly as possible and make the transition from online only back to showroom and virtual.


During lockdown, the rules about non-essential retail


were confusing, and often changed without warning. They also put independent KBB retailers at a disadvantage, as their shed counterparts were allowed to operate, dealing with trade customers. The KBSA extended its reach outside of membership to some 4,000 other independent retailers and encouraged them to join the association in lobbying Government to redress this imbalance.


The KBSA will maintain its efforts to lobby


We must ensure that Independent KBB retailers are treated equally in the future


Government and Trading Standards. It is important, even when lockdown is over, that we have a voice and that the Government understands the needs of the KBB sector. At the moment, our sector is viewed as part of the construction industry, with many inconsistencies and inequalities. We must ensure that we – independent retailers – are treated equally in the future. Over the past 12 months, the KBSA has been lobbying Trading Standards, MPs and the


Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), asking them to clarify legislation to make sure independent showrooms are not disadvantaged. Earlier this year, kbbreview added its support and the ‘Level Playing Field’ campaign was launched Lockdown rules state that “builders merchants and suppliers of products and tools used in building work and repair” are allowed to open. But it adds that this “doesn’t include carpet stores and showrooms, such as those for bathrooms, kitchens, tiles and glazing”. This simple statement is what is currently keeping KBB showrooms closed and the likes of Howdens, Magnet Trade, Trade Point and other trade-only kitchen and bathroom retailers open. But, of course, most independent KBB showrooms deal with trade customers as well. Through the Level Playing Field campaign we –


kbbreview and the KBSA – are continuing to call on ALL independent retailers to contact their local government, MP and Trading Standards to demand this inequality is addressed. There may only be a few weeks left of this situation, but it is still important for Government to know how the industry feels. You can do this by simply downloading templates letters at www.kbbreview.com or www.kbsa.org.uk.


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According to a statement issued by Hartford Holdings, with its expertise in low profile, designer trays and mutual customers and suppliers, Traymate is said to be a “natural fit in the stable of Hartford brands”.


The family run group said it has “ambitious plans” to grow the Traymate business. It also confirmed that it saw potential to launch a wider product range in the future. There are already plans to invest in production equipment and to increase the size of the brand’s current factory. Terry Wilkins will remain as MD of Traymate while the brand’s founder, Steve Rance, will act as a consultant to help with the transition. Hartford Holdings has also confirmed that, as part of the acquisition, the jobs of all Traymate


employees will remain secure.


Speaking of the acquisition, Hartford Holdings shareholder and managing director of Trojan Baths, David Mosley said: “We are thrilled to add a recognised, dedicated tray manufacturing brand to our business as we see real opportunities for growth across all of our markets right now. Terry Wilkins, Traymate MD, added: “I am


very impressed with the commitment Hartford Holdings have already shown by making professional changes to the business and most importantly the continuation of job security for the entire team.”


This is the third acquisition for Hartford Holdings


in recent years, having acquired


Thomas Crapper & Co in 2016 and Mantaleda Bathrooms in 2020. As the parent company of Trojan Baths, the Hartford Group has seen a significant uplift in sales across all brands in recent months, confirming that it will continue expanding its presence in the industry.


More women considering a career in the trades post-Covid


MORE THAN a fifth of women (21%) in the UK have considered a career in the trades in the past 12 months, according to new research. The survey, carried out by service management software provider Powered Now, also showed that among that 21%, the most popular career choices were ‘handywoman’, bathroom and kitchen fitting, roofing, painting and decorating and extension provider.


Powered Now said it believes there is good reason for this increasing interest in the trades among women. Its research revealed that 15% of women currently working in the trades had seen their client demand reach a record high during the pandemic. Damian Walters, CEO of the British Institute of KBB Installation, said: “The promotion of KBB installation opportunities to women is a no-brainer as far as I’m concerned. The more women we can encourage into the trade the better, which will even help to positively change consumer perception of tradespeople.”


Rangemaster welcomes new ‘right to repair’ legislation


APPLIANCE BRAND Rangemaster has said it welcomes the new ‘right to repair’ legislation.


The legislation comes into force this summer and will mean that manufacturers have to make appliances, such as fridges and dishwashers, last longer and supply spares for them for up to 10 years after they have gone to market. This means that consumers will have the legal right to expect a repair on appliances


during that 10-year period that spares are required to be made available.


The Government estimates that this new legislation will reduce the amount of electrical waste the UK produces by 1.5 million tonnes. Rangemaster sales and marketing director for appliances Iskender Dicker said: “We welcome the changes to energy efficiency legislation and believe it is necessary to protect the future of our planet. The ‘right to repair’ rule will help extend the life of appliances, while preventing them from ending up on the scrap heap sooner than they should.” Business


and Energy Secretary Kwasi


Kwarteng added: “Our plans to tighten product standards will ensure more electrical goods can be fixed rather than thrown on the scrap heap – putting more money back in the pockets of consumers while protecting the environment.”


· April 2021


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