INDUSTRY UPDATE
Triton Showers Names New Product Director
BRITISH FURNITURE ASSOCIATION
BFA Rising costs an emerging challenge but optimism prevails
than this time last year, according to the latest Trade and Price Trends Survey by British Furniture Association (BFA). The survey revealed a balance of -25% manufacturers and -10% of
F
suppliers reported worsening profit margins. Balance trends based on manufacturer responses recorded a rise in
labour costs and raw material inputs over the last six months of +88% each, with other overheads rising by 100%. BFA MD, Phil Spademan
T
riton Showers has appointed Guy Cowdry as product director to lead its innovation strategy, quality function
and sustainability ambitions. Guy will head up Triton’s product strategy from concept and
development through to launch, optimisation and end-of-life, ensuring the UK manufacturer continues to deliver solutions that align with evolving customer needs, technical advancements and regulatory shifts. Guy, who is also a Chartered Engineer (CEng), began his career at
Dyson, working on its cordless vacuum range and playing a central role in the development of its haircare portfolio. He is also the lead inventor behind the flexible plate technology used in one of its most popular straighteners. More recently, he spent five years at accessible bathing manufacturer
Astor Bannerman, where he established its R&D function, supporting significant business growth and portfolio expansion. At Triton, his key focus will be to further develop the shower
manufacturer’s product offering and identify opportunities to support changing market dynamics. Embedding sustainability across Triton’s product portfolio and future
pipeline will also be a key priority. This includes supporting the company’s ambition to achieve carbon net zero by 2035 and delivering against its Scope 1, 2 and 3 targets, while ensuring the benefits are clear and accessible for end users. Guy said: “Triton operates in a space where there is a genuine
opportunity to combine product innovation with meaningful impact for both people and the planet. My experience to date has given me a strong understanding of how important user insight is in shaping successful products. “I’m looking forward to working with the team to build on Triton’s
market-leading reputation for quality and develop solutions that help customers make more informed choices around water and energy use while improving their daily lives.” Phil Viner, managing director at Triton Showers, said: “Guy’s appointment
is a significant step forward for us as we continue to invest in our product offering, world-class quality standards and long-term growth. His depth of experience in product development, combined with a strong track record of delivering innovation in both consumer and specialist markets, makes him a perfect fit for the business. “He brings a fresh perspective that will enable us to strengthen our
approach to sustainability, enhance our product roadmap and ensure we remain well positioned to meet the needs of customers both today and in the future.”
uwww.tritonshowers.co.uk
said: “Material and product price increases were a big issue for all respondents, with 60% of respondents reporting rises. “The output over the last
six months was not as good as expected last October with cash flow trends being negative for both manufacturers and suppliers. “However, while the
picture was fairly gloomy, +22% of manufacturers report feeling more confident about the next six months and +44% are expecting output and new orders to improve.” Among respondents’
comments recorded within the survey, were notes on sizeable surcharges added to some products, construction delays impacting on order timelines alongside difficulties posed by Government policies and the war in Iran. BFA trade surveys play a vital role in monitoring the health of
manufacturing in general and the furniture sector specifically, providing insight into the make-up of the sector with analysis of respondents by both membership category and product, including upholstery, beds and mattresses, kitchens and cabinetry. Member surveys create a ‘pulse check’ for manufacturers and suppliers
operating in the sector and contribute to a growing library of data and market research that helps businesses in forecasting and decision-making for the future. The BFA reports on the furniture trade as whole, production wages,
state of the trade and price trends, retail price trends and imports and exports. Phil Spademan added: “The Trade and Price Trends Survey continues to
evolve, with analysis of responses from both manufacturers and suppliers and new questions added to reflect the changing business landscape, such as monitoring apprenticeships which began in 2024 and, more recently, starting to evaluate the impact of ESG requirements on the sector.” Members of the BFA can access all these resources and more at:
www.bfa.org.uk/resources u01295 724202
uinfo@bfa.org.uk uwww.bfa.org.uk
BKU JULY 2026 41
urniture manufacturers are retaining a level of optimism for the coming months, despite overall trade being worse
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