INDUSTRY UPDATE iF Gold Award for VitrA
The iF Awards are one of the most prestigious in the world of product design. VitrA Bathrooms has been awarded a Gold iF Design Award in the 2022 competition for Liquid, a unique collaboration between designer Tom Dixon and VitrA’s inhouse design team. Liquid brings the Tom Dixon
philosophy of expressive minimalism to the bathroom. The collection features technically difficult to manufacture ceramic pieces with soft and rounded forms. Contrast and definition are delivered via a supporting cast of taps, and showering solutions, available in chrome and gloss black, and iconic accessories. This is a completely integrated collection complete with harmonious furniture and a range of wall tiles. In their statement the iF Gold
Award judges commented “We love the richness of this series expressed
in its organic geometry, bold lines, and haptic softness. Liquid invites the user to touch and experience it with body and soul. It conveys a sense of optimism and creates an atmosphere of generosity. The design language of the series is simple, sensual, and marvellously consistent.” Margaret Talbot, marketing
manager for VitrA Bathrooms in the UK and Europe, “The iF Design Awards mean a great deal to us as a business. It is a global symbol of excellent design, well recognised by our architect and specifier customers and increasingly so by consumers too.”
IDS announces its acquisition by private equity investor Chiltern Capital
Surface materials specialist distributor IDS has announced that it has been acquired by private equity investor Chiltern Capital. IDS has been owned by
Saint Gobain Building Distribution for 23 years during which time it has grown to be the UK’s largest distributor of decorative surfaces, doubled its turnover and reported revenues in excess of £120 million in 2021. IDS supplies over 12,000
product lines specialising in flooring, worktops, laminates, compact, panel products, solid surface and wall panelling to a large and diverse customer base, through a multi- channel business model servicing the kitchen, bathroom, flooring and construction sectors. The company has 11 regional branches, 7 Makeover Centres and an online e- commerce platform.
Unified Water Label Assocation launches schools project
T
he Unified Water Label Association has added a schools
pack to its website, free to download for those wishing to run water efficiency projects in schools. The pack has been developed following a
pilot project which was run in two primary schools in Kent, earlier this year. The project pack includes templates and
information to guide schools through their own project. Activities such as water themed tasks, including a fun water survey that children can do at home. There is guidance on how to bring the results back to class, record and discuss. All tasks have been designed to link into the National Curriculum. A short PowerPoint presentation on the
origins of water is also available. This covers how water is used, and wasted with an explanation of the ‘Water Label’. The pilot project also included a poster competition for Key Stage 2
pupils, with a theme of ‘saving water’. Prizes were awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places and all entries received a free UWLA water bottle. The winning posters are displayed in local shops and businesses. UWLA MD
IDS will continue to operate with
the existing management team under John Bagshaw, Managing Director, who has led the business since its formation from the merger of L Bloom and Meyer Laminates in 1999. The management team will be supported by the introduction of Tony Buffin as Chair, who has previously held roles on the Boards of Travis Perkins plc and Kingfisher plc and is currently the Chair of HIG-backed Highbourne Group.
Yvonne Orgill said, “It is really important that we reach hearts and minds on water efficiency as early as possible. The school project will encourage children to learn about environmental issues and to think
about the consequences of their choices and behaviours. By developing a greater understanding of the need to use water wisely and the link between water and energy efficiency, we can collectively make a difference for the benefit of the planet.” The pack can be found on the education page of the website at
www.uwla.eu/education/
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