INDUSTRY UPDATE
BiKBBI – Summer: The season to de-stress
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t’s not often that we Brits get to say this but here goes… what a great summer we are having! Despite the few
unbearably hot days in July when recorded temperatures exceeded 40 degrees for the first time in the UK, the summer of 2022 has been pleasant up to now, and long may it continue. Not only because it means more time spent outdoors absorbing much needed Vitamin D, which is good for the body and the soul, but the summer slowdown is vital for a healthy mind. By the mid-way point in any year, its fair to say that most people are in
need of a break and a chance to recharge. Factor in the pressures we’ve faced since Spring 2020, dealing not only with a global pandemic but other seismic events including Brexit, the conflict in the Ukraine and the rising cost of living, its no wonder that day-to-day life is taking its toll on us all. For those working in
the KBB installation sector, further indicators suggest this particular workforce are even more likely to be feeling stressed and suffering from poor mental health. It’s imperative that we take the opportunities that summer brings to improve mental health. The fact remains that
the kbb installation sector is male dominated and it’s well documented that men are more likely to suppress their feelings when it comes to mental wellbeing. According to the Mental Health Foundation, men are less likely to discuss their mental health because society’s expectation is that men are traditionally
the breadwinners - dominant and in control. This makes it harder for men to reach out and ask for help. Mind, the mental health charity, conducted research in 2019 which revealed that two in five men (43%) admit to regularly feeling worried or low, an increase from 37% in 2009. Even more alarming is the statistic that suicide remains the largest cause of death in men under 50 in the UK. Another factor is that most installers operating in the UK are likely to be
self-employed or small business owners which increases the likelihood of stress even further. Research by Mental Health UK shows that four in five small business owners report experiencing common symptoms of poor mental health at least a few times a year. Inability to focus (66%) is most commonly reported by small business owners, followed by anxiety (64%) and disrupted sleep (63%). Almost a quarter (24%) have panic attacks and 37% experience symptoms of depression. Typically, July and August tends to slow for the installation sector as
customers devote their disposable income and their time to travel and holidays, so it is the perfect time for installers to take some much needed rest and recharge. Although it’s tempting to push on through the summer, especially with the forecast of some turbulence ahead, its vital that our installation community look after themselves and each other.
Damian Walters, CEO, BIKBBI 44 BKU AUGUST 2022
VitrA Expands Sales Team Again
more members of staff. Anne-Marie Newman joins as a Contracts Manager for the Southeast
V
and London region. Responsible for the residential and new-build sector, Anne-Marie brings a wealth of experience having worked for Vado for nine years in a similar role. “My brief is to drive sales whilst providing the top customer service
VitrA is so well known for. I am really looking forward to learning about the VitrA brand and culture and being part of a growing team.” Scott Anderson joins VitrA as Sales Manager for Scotland. Scott brings
over 20 years’ experience of the bathroom industry including several years with Villeroy & Boch. “I have always been impressed by VitrA’s products and service. It’s great
to now be part of a growing, design-led brand. “ Darren Paxford, National Sales Manager for VitrA. “Attracting such
experienced team members to the VitrA family is key to supporting our reputation. I am delighted that Anne-Marie and Scott have joined us. VitrA is celebrating 30 years of success in the UK this year, I am sure they will be part of the success for the next thirty.”
uwww.VitrA.co.uk
itrA, one of the leading bathroom manufacturers has expanded its sales team once again this time with two
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