INDUSTRY UPDATE
Reginox UK Announces New Area Sales Manager
Sinks, taps and accessories manufacturer, Reginox UK, is celebrating a recent promotion of one of its longest serving members of staff – Vicky Allman Vicky, from Sandbach, has been promoted
from Purchasing and Stock Control Manager to Area Sales Manager across the Midlands region. The new role will see Vicky grow and
develop Reginox UK’s client base across the region both through existing and new customers, as well as maintaining the highest level of customer service and client liaison. Vicky Allman, Area Sales Manager,
Midlands said: “I’ve worked for Reginox UK for eight years now – starting as sales administrator - and during that time have built a really strong knowledge base of the
business. I’m really excited to use the skills and expertise that I have gained over the years to benefit the business in my new sales role.” Vicky is taking over the role from Rebekah Tomkinson who is returning to
the business following her maternity leave, becoming Purchasing and Stock Control Manager. Dave Mayer, Commercial Director of Reginox UK, added, “Vicky is a
fantastic, well-respected member of the Reginox team and I’m immensely proud to have Vicky as the Area Sales Manager for the Midlands region. “Her commitment over the last eight years has been brilliant. Her passion
for her job shines through in the work she does and I’m excited to see her put all her years of knowledge into her new sales role. “We’re delighted to also be welcoming Rebekah back and are excited for her to take on the new role of Purchasing and Stock Control Manager.”
Thomas Crapper is proud of its ever-expanding retailer network
Since it’s re-brand in 2016 when Managing Director, Paul Dwyer, was appointed, Thomas Crapper has continued to grow year on year and 2022 is no different! Aiming to serve customers nationwide, the team is ensuring that there is a Thomas Crapper retailer in most parts of the UK. The iconic bathroom brand can even be found in The USA and Hong Kong! Among the 110 wide retailer network, the bathroom specialist has
welcomed the following companies in recent months – Atlas Bathrooms (Stretford), Baden Bathrooms (Guildford), Bathroom Emporium (Guernsey), Fairfax & Porter (Retford), Just Add Water (Barnet & Buckhurst Hill) Ribble Valley Bathrooms (Clitheroe) and Zen Tiles & Bathrooms (Crewe). Paul Dwyer
comments on the benefits of being a Thomas Crapper retailer “We offer high quality, British made bathrooms and an exclusive area to each of our retail partners. We launch new products every year and have amongst the best consumer brand recognition in the industry; please get in touch if you would like to join our retailer network”
50 BKU NOVEMBER 2022
BiKBBI –We’re failing as an industry
longer-term solution to the installation skills gap, I am sorry to report that we’re failing when it comes to generating the levels employment opportunities required to make a positive impact on the workforce. Whilst I’m ever the optimist (usually), the stark reality is that, despite
D
having over 300 kids waiting to find an employer for the Fitted Interiors Apprenticeship, we’re struggling to find and connect with employers who are willing to take on an apprentice on. Why is this? There are a number of potential reasons, but I think it’s
simply a lack of visibility and perhaps even a misunderstanding of what a modern apprenticeship actually is. How can you help? First things first, let’s stop overthinking the problem
and overcomplicating the solution. Businesses often want to help but struggle to find a way to make it happen – and that’s because businesses try to think of imaginative ways to hire an apprentice. In lots of instances, taking on an apprentice yourself may be desirable,
but may not be practical. Let’s say a builder’s merchant or retailer. They may support the idea of a Fitted Interiors Apprentice, but based on their business model, hiring one probably isn’t the right option – and that’s often where the subject stumbles. But rather than stop there, there is a very clear way that businesses like
these can make a difference – and that’s to simply shout about apprenticeships to their respective audiences, made up usually of SME tradespeople who are perfect employers! Another thing that’s preventing SME’s from taking on or even
considering an apprentice, is the perceived complexity of the process. Yes, it’s true – apprenticeships, from an employer perspective, are not ‘easy’, but it’s proven to be a way to grow your business and develop a legacy. BiKBBI signposts two solutions for prospective employer; guidance on
how to ‘do it yourself’ and, for those that can’t or don’t want to, a ‘done for you’ proposition… both come with associated costs and it’s important that businesses don’t assume it’s free of investment (time and money) but remember, it is a proven way to grow and one that demonstrates a tangible commercial benefit. Remember, we have no ‘Plan B’ so, if we’re to solve the challenge of the
skills gap crisis, we must pull together and make sure the world knows that there’s a fit-for-purpose, oven-ready solution waiting. For more information, visit
www.bikbbi.org.uk/apprenticeships and find
out how best we can support you to do the right thing. Damian Walters, CEO, BIKBBI
espite having all the ingredients in place for the delivery of a robust, fit-for-purpose apprenticeship programme and a
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