INDUSTRY INDUSTRY VIEWS VIEWS
Embracing flexible work with the Cloud-based revolution
In the kbb sector, the traditional work model revolved around in-person operations, where designers met with the customer to discuss the progress of a project face to face. However, the evolution of cloud-based storage systems and internet technology has paved the way for flexible work arrangements, although retail lags behind other industries. But with UK legislation recently changed to allow employees to request flexible work from day one, eliminating the previous 26-week employment requirement, the need for the kbb sector to catch up is now very apparent.
Cloud-based technology is key to this flexible work shift and it has benefits for the customer experience too. It provides robust collaboration tools, enhanced security, and scalability, reducing physical hardware needs. Solutions like Cyncly’s Winner Flex streamline the kitchen design and sales process, connecting online and in-person environments. This cloud-based approach can revolutionise the kbb sector, ensuring flexibility, autonomy, and sustainability.
Comment by Alex Ainge, Sales Director – Head of KBF Retail Sales EMEA, Cyncly
Comment by David Osborne, CEO, Roman Ltd
Regency-core Bathroom Trend on the Rise
With the market offering such an eclectic mix of brassware for the basin and bathtub, bathroom interiors are no longer playing to a uniform ideal. Instead, the style and design of brassware has become very subjective at the premium end of the market and as it continues to embrace the idea of luxury aesthetics and signature pieces, the Regency-core style trend continues to grow in popularity and influence UK bathroom design. Offering a modern take on classic elegance, we are seeing a combination of styles come
Colours are the Retailers friend
For far too long the bathroom design world was Chrome. Granted, this made design and supply chains simple, but it made design bland and allowed low- cost importers to constantly erode retail revenue and margin. But now the world of bathroom design is a kaleidoscope of colours and choice. Not only does it make design much more exciting and trend fluid, but it is also commercially critical as design differential is now building back revenues and margins into the industry at a time of market softening. At Roman we are currently offering up to 16 metal colours across five ranges – with more to come as Gun Metal is now launching and Brushed Bronze is following very soon. We have seen the demise of the four piece pottery offer as the bathroom has become so eclectic. Textures and materials are now key – all with a splash of colour!
4 BKU MAY 2024
together to create rich layers in the Regency- core bathroom as ‘more is better’ when considering highly decorative fixtures and fittings in statement finishes. In fact, the sustained demand for traditional white sanitaryware paired with classic in-frame furniture continues to lend itself to regency- style brassware, and welcome a curated mix of ornate handles, signature spout designs and period features that exude strength and character.
Comment by Clive Griffiths, Manager, Grange Design
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