Sponsor Spotlight


Helping the retailer to upsell products and add value


Jayne Adamson, marketing manager at British Ceramic Tile gives an overview of the UK’s biggest tile manufacturer, and why the company chose to support the BKU awards this year.


This is the first time you have sponsored the BKU Awards.


What is it that you like about this event in particular? We’re thrilled to be sponsoring the BKU awards this year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate innovation within the kitchen and bathroom industry and see individuals recognised for all their hard work.


Why have you chosen to sponsor the


Kitchen Showroom of the Year Category? For us it was a natural decision to sponsor the best kitchen showroom award, as design is a topic we’re passionate about. We’re looking forward to seeing the many fantastic examples of successful showroom design evident up and down the country. For us, it’s also a key category as tiles are increasingly becoming a feature within kitchen showroom design with retailers providing the whole package to their customers from cabinets and brassware right through to wall and floor tile solutions.


Has the market changed much over the past year and if


so, do you think it could impact on this year¹s results? Despite tough trading conditions and uncertainty in the light of Brexit, we are seeing growth in key areas as consumer confidence becomes stronger. The market is constantly changing, yet retailers continue to deliver top class service to consumers, bringing their customer base the best products from across the industry, all done with real passion and enthusiasm. As to how it’ll impact results we’re unsure, but what we are certain of is seeing innovation and quality in all categories.


Why should members of the industry get involved in the BKU Awards, by entering, nominating, voting and attending?


It’s a great way to raise awareness of the industry as a whole and what better way to celebrate everyone’s achievements than supporting each other through nominating and voting. The awards ceremony will prove to be a great way to build new relationships and meet suppliers / retailers face to face. Plus, we all deserve a good knees up now and again!


What are the big trends in kitchen design and retailing this year?


This year we can see an extension of existing trends with a softer, more feminine approach to product design. The feeling is for natural interiors that offer a sense of comfort. Homeowners are being encouraged to experiment and be brave, combining styles and looks to create something more personal and eclectic that reflects their individuality. It’s all about creating a home they can live in that delivers the feel good factor.


Modern neutrals such as greige and blush will be evident, whilst bolder accents of blue and green add vibrancy. Distressed, aged metals and texture are in abundance, all combining to deliver that comforting, harmonious feel.


What are customers looking for? How do they look for it, and how does the retailer fit in?


Customers are looking for the easiest way to achieve their dream kitchen and bathroom, searching for retailers that offer a full room solution to save


For more information, please visit www.britishceramictile.com or call 01626 831391.


themselves time and money. They are also increasingly making purchasing decisions based on value and longevity in the design of the products.


Many consumers search online for design trends and key looks, but still have the desire to visit retailers to be inspired by the in store environment, which is where retailers come in. POS, brochures, lifestyle photography, display boards and trends information are all essential tools for retailers, which is something that we constantly look to develop and provide to our customers.


Tell me about British Ceramic Tile what¹s your history and what do you have to offer retailers and consumers in this sector?


British Ceramic Tile is the UKs leading ceramic and glass tile manufacturer. With three locations nationwide in London, Devon and Yorkshire, we offer a design- led, market-leading portfolio of wall and floor tiles, supplying directly to national and independent retailers. With a long established history of manufacturing for over 100 years, we have built an enviable reputation for our high quality, design- led products, designed and made in Britain. Aspirational and innovative, our product portfolio is influenced by the latest trends in interior design, and is the pinnacle of manufacturing excellence thanks to constant investment in new printing techniques.


All this is supported by our knowledgeable sales and marketing teams, whose role it is to offer retailers a fantastic customer experience from start to finish. For example, we always look to offer retailers innovative merchandising solutions to deliver an inspirational in store experience. A case in point is the launch of our Kitchens Collection where a full suite of POS was developed including a new display unit created to fit on worktops or neatly in kitchen cupboards/drawers, along with display boards and a new lifestyle brochure.


Are you launching any new products and services this year?


We have several new product collections in the pipeline including stunning new splashbacks from Laura Ashley, which our retailers will be hearing about very soon. We will also see new introductions within our designer ranges with further collaborations planned with the V&A and Ted Baker. You can expect to hear about lots of exciting developments towards the end of the year, with our main objective to help the retailer upsell products and add value to their customers.


Where do you see the company in 5 years¹ time?


Do you have further plans for expansion? As experts in British design, we see ourselves leading the way in the tile market here in the UK and abroad. We are always looking to work with new retail partners and grow our offering in line with market demand.


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