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INTERIORS
NSF and BSI, that confi rm a product meets Regulation 4. Insisting on only one narrows design choices and slows product innovation.
At the other end of the chain, installers carry some of the greatest regulatory responsibility, but often have the least clarity – a point underscored by the now- infamous AUK1 backfl ow protection issue, which blindsided much of the industry. And consumers – whether homeowners or commercial clients – are largely unaware of any of it.
This breakdown in communication is holding us all back.
Whether we’re tackling outdated standards, promoting sustainable products, or driving better public health outcomes, a united bathroom industry is a force for good
The Innovation Lag: A second case study in disconnection Elsewhere, showers that use signifi cantly less water without compromising the user experience are now widely available. These products can transform water use in domestic and commercial settings, but they depend on suffi cient water pressure to function properly. Without it, consumers risk having a poor experience and rejecting low-fl ow solutions altogether. To ensure success, specifi ers and installers must work together to assess water pressure requirements and, where necessary, include booster pumps in system design. Even more transformative are recirculating showers – a game changer in reducing demand. Yet regulatory ambiguity threatens their uptake. We urgently need collaboration between regulators, manufacturers, and specifi ers to clarify compliance pathways and bring this leap forward to market.
Innovation in bathroom technology is advancing rapidly, particularly in the area of water effi ciency. Take, for example, the persistent issue of leaky loos – a widespread problem in the UK, exacerbated by our hard water, which interferes with valve seals and creates continuous fl ow. New fl ushing mechanisms have been engineered to eliminate this fault entirely. But their uptake is slow, due to a bias in specifi cation and installation towards the familiar. Technological solutions are only part of the answer – we must ensure these innovations are adopted at scale. That means educating architects, specifi ers, and installers, and embedding these improved systems into procurement criteria and design standards.
The case for collective progress Our organisation exists to fi x this. By connecting the dots, we’re building a united
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front that benefi ts every stakeholder in the supply chain. •
For architects, we provide clarity on regulation, standards, and product certifi cation – making specifi cation easier, faster, and more fl exible.
• • •
For manufacturers, we offer the intelligence and access needed to meet demand while maintaining compliance.
For policy-makers, we deliver evidence- based insight, helping shape regulation that works in the real world.
For installers and distributors, we support training, communication, and market confi dence.
Our work has a real impact. By aggregating market data, supporting innovation, and advocating for intelligent regulation, we drive growth and resilience in a highly competitive global sector. Most importantly, we do this while promoting better outcomes for the environment and the public. This summer marks a major step forward in our journey. At the InstallerShow at the NEC on 24 June, we’ll be unveiling some developments to streamline communication and drive shared progress across the bathroom ecosystem. And this September, our annual conference at the Grand Hotel Birmingham (16-17 September) is dedicated entirely to ‘joining the dots’ – with sessions curated to spark collaboration between architects, policy-makers, suppliers, and installers. We want to hear from architects – your role in infl uencing design decisions and sustainable product choice is more vital than ever. Details are on our website. Ultimately, the UK bathroom sector stands stronger when we work together. Whether we’re tackling outdated standards, promoting sustainable products, or driving better public health outcomes, a united bathroom industry is a force for good. Our vision is a future where every stakeholder – including architects – has the insight and infl uence needed to make better choices, faster. That’s why there’s no more important place to participate than as a part of our association and community. Because when we connect the dots, we don’t just make better bathrooms. We genuinely build a better world.
Tom Reynolds is chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association
ADF JUNE 2025
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