INDUSTRY UPDATE THE TILE ASSOCIATION COLUMN
TTA celebrates National Apprenticeship Week
s National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) took place from 10th to 16th February to uplift apprenticeships and the value they bring, TTA used the opportunity to spotlight tiling apprenticeships and their importance for both the apprentice and the employer. TTA members play a crucial role in delivering tiling apprenticeship schemes. For individuals, a tiling apprenticeship is an effective way to gain hands-on experience working alongside industry professionals, as well as ‘earn while you learn’. For employers, Government funding incentives make apprenticeships a cost-effective way to close skills gaps and create a job-ready workforce.
A On 28th and 30th January, Martin
Pouncey visited Leeds College of Building and Cardiff and Vale College to give talks to prospective apprentices on the benefits of joining as a tile apprentice and handed the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners of SkillBuild 2024 their certificates. Delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), TTA is proud to be a sponsor of this excellent competition for apprentices and full-time learners in the UK along with TTA members Building Adhesives Ltd, N&C Nicobond and Schlüter-Systems. SkillBuild is now starting its Regional Qualifiers which take place between April and July. Visit
www.goconstruct.org/skillbuild/ for more information.
On Friday 14th February, TTA Technical & Training Manager Martin Pouncey and TTA Training Committee Chair David Rowley attended launch events for a new industry partnership as Topps Tiles sponsors the NVQ Level 2 Wall & Floor Tiling apprenticeship schemes at South and
City College Birmingham (SCCB) and Leeds College of Building (LCB). Delivered by Build UK, Open Doors takes young people and career changers behind the scenes to showcase the fantastic range of careers available in tiling and other construction industries. TTA members Building Adhesives Ltd (BAL) and ARDEX UK, both part of the ARDEX Group, opened doors for visitors between Monday 17th and Thursday 20th March 2025 across Stoke-On-Trent and Haverhill.
TTA Board Director and Training Committee member Anthony Parrott comments: ‘While it takes effort, time and money to have an apprentice programme, it has been very successful for us and a worthwhile investment. As a Managing Director I would argue it was not only essential for us to do this but very rewarding to see the apprentices progress through to highly skilled tilers. I would strongly recommend those not yet talking on apprentices to begin as soon as possible. If you need any help or guidance, feel free to contact me as I firmly believe this is an important focus for our industry.’
For further information or to join TTA visit
www.tiles.org.uk/join
28 BKU APRIL 2025
Kevin Currie is appointed Brand Manager for St James England
uxury kitchen and bathroom brassware manufacturer, St James England announces the appointment of Kevin Currie to Brand Manager. Kevin joins St James England at a crucial time for the company, to support its UK growth plans by enhancing the brand’s offering for its retail partners. With over 20 years’ experience in branding and design, combined with a 10 year career in the KBB industry, Kevin has the expertise and knowledge to drive the St James brand forward. Starting his career in graphic design, which evolved into marketing management, including leading a team, Kevin is well versed in the product development process, with significant experience in launching products into the marketplace. Kevin comments: “I am delighted to join the St James team at an exciting time for the business. The brand offers such a unique collection of design-led brassware that draws upon British heritage. With the three complementary portfolios and customisable elements, St James can provide retail partners with a solution for every individual design requirement, which is underpinned by a customer-led approach and our exceptional service team. I’m looking forward to expanding upon that rich history, shaping the brand’s future success and enhancing the offering for independent bathroom and kitchen specialists.”
L
Mark Davidge, GB Sales Director, St James England, says: “We are pleased to welcome Kevin to the St James team. His knowledge of the industry and diverse strategic marketing and branding experience will add significant value to St James and our trade partners. Over the past 12 months, we have been developing our portfolio and with Kevin now on board, we can take the brand to the next level.”
St James offers three unique portfolios, providing its retail partners with a solution for every individual design requirement. St James Traditional is inspired by Victorian elegance and hand-finished with bespoke details. St James Distinction still embodies that iconic British style, combined with a contemporary twist. The collection blends exquisite craftsmanship with creative design and is influenced by some of the greatest eras of design history. Finally, St James Living is a range of beautifully designed bathroom and kitchen brassware and sink styles that maximise aesthetic appeal. For more information on St James England or to become a retail partner, please email, call or visit the website.
0121 358 1555 email
sales@stjamesengland.com
www.stjamesengland.com
Kevin Currie, Brand Manager, St James England
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