PRODUCT PRODUCT REVIEW 2024 REVIEW
The BKU Year in Review 2024 H
ello and welcome to December’s issue of BKU magazine, which can mean only one thing… a darn good excuse to look back at the last twelve months of activity in our ever-evolving sector! Here we like to remind ourselves of some of the key moments in the year and remember the companies that shaped 2024.
2024 was, of course, a KBB show year, which
saw me wandering the halls of the NEC for my first show ever with eyes wide open (as well as mouth wide open for as much free food as I could get my grubby paws on!) I think it’s fair to say that everyone attending agreed that it was a fantastic show and one that set up the rest of the year in grand style. We saw the latest from Flair, St James, Franke, Rangemaster and countless others, all utilising their time and space at the show in jaw-dropping fashion.
2024 also saw the BKU Awards hit the Grand Connaught Rooms in a way that will take until deep into 2025 to forget! Friday 21st of June saw the best of the bathroom and kitchen sector come together to celebrate the many achievements within the industry. A champagne reception kicked things off, followed by exceptional pre-awards entertainment from The Frobacks, great hosting from stand-up comedian, Russel Kane, and an after-party that will long be remembered (yes, we still have the negatives!)
For the third year running we were proud to be a carbon-neutral event, with our carbon footprint being offset towards the Mozambique Safe Water
Project. Look out for more incredible awards action in 2025.
From a product perspective, Zehnder came to us early in the year talking about the harmonious mix of art and science required to design a kitchen or bathroom. Though particular attention is paid to worktops, cupboard handles and taps, Zehnder suggested that not enough people stop to think about how something as ‘functional’ as a radiator could help bring all these elements together. Thought a radiator just sits on the wall and heats the room? WRONG! QETTLE stopped by to remind us that when it comes to boiling water taps you’re always better off choosing a QETTLE over a kettle. The bottom line: running a QETTLE 4L tank (the equivalent of eight decent cups in one go) costs around 20p a day, and that’s the same cost of boiling a standard kettle (and how much of that water do you actually use?). Oh, and then there’s the filtered drinking water too. Food for thought indeed.
Cabinet hardware specialist Titus was busy in 2024, adding innovative products to its highly successful range of T-type hinges. T-type hinges feature the renowned Titus ‘Confident Close’, the consumer-preferred reliable and consistent soft close damping characterised by late-start deceleration and quiet landing in the last stage of closing as the door leans against the cabinet side. I spoke to RAK Ceramic’s Sales and Marketing Director, Ben Bryden, in the middle of the year, highlighting (as so many would do in 2024) the
y
increasing importance to consumers of sustainability when choosing their brassware and accessories. Personalisation and customisability also pinged loudly on RAK Ceramic’s radar, leading to various solutions allowing unique finishes and bespoke configurations within its offerings. So… 2024 was one hell of a year for BKU, but now it’s time to stop the reminiscing and instead start getting exciting about the year ahead. I hope you’ll join us every month for what is promising to be a fabulous 2025. See you there!
Matt Broughton, Editor
14 BKU DECEMBER 2024
JULY 2024
Worksurfaces & Splashbacks Bathroom Furniture
Hot, Cold & Filtered Taps Sustainability
BathroomandKitchenUpdate.com
Kitchen Worktop Experts Nationwide Distribution
01257 478540
sales@deralam.co.uk www.deralam.co.uk
Timeless glass designs with the unrivalled strength of crystal
www.decorativepanels.co.uk
DEC EMBER 2024 Product Review
Showers, Trays & Enclosures Cloakrooms & Ensuites Kitchen Sinks, Taps & WDU
BathroomandKitchenUpdate.com
Kitchen Worktop Experts Nationwide Distribution
01257 478540
sales@deralam.co.uk www.deralam.co.uk
s 01484 658341
www.decorativepanels.co.uk 01276 605 800
www.zehnder.co.uk
0161 864 2336
www.wedi.net
01977 682582
www.uk.titusplus.com 0121 530 7000
www.thomasdudley.co.uk/tyde 01925 852675
01908 285700
www.blum.com
020 8441 0352
www.hib.co.uk
www.ambiancebain.co.uk 01539 564040
www.kudosshowers.co.uk 01782 392100
www.panelco.com +49 5272 601-01
www.vauth-sagel.com
NOVEMBER 2024 Innovation & Design
Worksurfaces & Splashbacks Bathroom Furniture Independent Living
BathroomandKitchenUpdate.com
Kitchen Worktop Experts Nationwide Distribution
01257 478540
sales@deralam.co.uk www.deralam.co.uk
AUGUST 2024
Focus on Distributors
Polished Chrome & Brushed Brass
Software Solutions Luxury Brands
BathroomandKitchenUpdate.com 01257 478540
sales@deralam.co.uk www.deralam.co.uk
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Kitchen Worktop Experts Nationwide Distribution
Worlds First.
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SEPTEMBER 2024
Baths, Basins & WC’s Bathroom Furniture
BathroomandKitchenUpdate.com
Showers, Trays & Enclosures
Kitchen Worktop Experts Nationwide Distribution
01257 478540
sales@deralam.co.uk www.deralam.co.uk
INTRODUCING RAK-INGOT
r
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OCTOBER 2024
Statement Appliances Storage Solutions
Mirrors & Mirrored Cabinets Brassware & Accessories Best of German
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sales@deralam.co.uk www.deralam.co.uk
OFFICIAL PARTNERS 0330 124 7290
scudo.co.uk sales@harrisonbathrooms.com
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