p39 BKU-APR22 BMA_bku 01/04/2022 12:12 Page 39
INDUSTRY UPDATE THE BMA COLUMN
BMA – The people have been waiting...
T
he prospect of a summer of face-to-face meetings with manufacturers and our network of stakeholders in the
wider KBB industry, is something which fills me with pure joy. The recent KBB Birmingham, held at the NEC in March, was a prime
example of the buzz of activity our industry thrives on, where we can keep our finger on the pulse and build connections. At BMA, we’re really
pleased to have something exciting in the pipeline, the return of our annual industry conference. Having had to twice
postpone it, we are forging ahead with the event on June 6 and 7, at Carden Park Golf Resort, near Chester. The theme this year is
‘sustainability in our sector’ with speakers including Robert Llewellyn, former Scrapheap Challenge presenter and electric cars enthusiast, Melissa Sterry, design scientist and systems theorist, and Prof. Lewis Dartnell author of the Sunday Times top history book of 2019 Origins: How the Earth Made Us. It will be a jam-packed two days with a host of new and valuable insights
on the world of bathrooms being unveiled. The combination of activities means there is something for everyone,
including a charity golf challenge, advice surgeries, wine tasting, a pub quiz, a black-tie gala dinner and, of course, the all-industry conference. It promises to be an eagerly awaited and ‘must attend’ event. As well as our keynotes, the conference includes a ‘Big Debate’. This
panel discussion will look at changes in the channels to market for bathroom manufacturers, and the unprecedented disruption in the last decade with the emergence of ‘click and collect’ operators, and the growth (and demise) of some online retailers. In this debate, we will discuss whether manufacturers’ traditional routes are sustainable, and how our channel partners are cementing their long-term future. It’s fair to say the last two years have
been testing for everyone, but nothing stands still. We’ve all got used to doing business differently and many of our digital formats are here to stay. But if, like me, you love to meet face-to-face, the return of the BMA conference is something I’m sure you’ll welcome - scan the QR code below to book your spot.
Tom Reynolds Chief Executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association
u For more information contact BMA on 01782 631619 or email
info@bathroom-association.org.uk
AKW Holdings Group acquires Elfreed Limited including Contour Showers Limited and H2O Pumps Limited
AKW Holdings Limited Group, provider of accessible showering, general bathrooms, daily living and kitchen solutions, announces that it has acquired Elfreed Limited including Contour Showers Limited and H2O Pumps Limited. The acquisition is complementary to AKW Holding’s current operations
and aligns to its existing UK operations via AKW Medi-Care Limited, based in Droitwich, Worcestershire. From being founded in 1982, AKW Medi-Care delivers wide ranges of shower room, bathroom and kitchen products to its customers. Commenting on the acquisition, Nick Parsons, Chief Executive Officer of
AKW Holdings Group said: “The acquisition of Contour Showers adds yet more expertise to the group and expands the reach and diversity of our products, offering greater choice, availability and an increasing number of product solutions into our markets” AKW Holdings Limited were advised on the deal by Seneca Corporate
Finance (corporate finance), Squire Patton Boggs (legal) and KPMG (financial and tax diligence). Contour were advised by AXM Venture Capital Limited and BBS Law (legal).
Sinks & Things reveals new-look logo and enhanced website
Ashford-based distributor Sinks & Things has undergone a brand refresh including the creation of a new logo, enhanced website and refreshed marketing assets. The Franke-owned company merged with Cricklade based The Sink
Space in January and the refresh has been undertaken as part of Franke’s commitment to investing in the business as a key part of its UK distribution network. The new
Sinks & Things logo has been developed to create a fresh new image that better reflects the current market and the company’s proposition as a specialist in Franke products. The website,
www.sinksthings.co.uk, has been updated to incorporate the new brand look and an up-to-date Our Team page. Franke acquired Sinks & Things in January 2020 to build on the
company’s 40-year distribution partnership. The company currently distributes Franke’s entire portfolio, and following the merger, it now also offers the full Carron Phoenix range.
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