WORKSURFACES & SPLASHBACKS Paul Gidley
Cosentino
Paul Gidley, UK Regional Manager at Cosentino, spoke with BKU’s Matt Broughton about the shape of the year so far, and what still lies ahead for the company.
KU last caught up with Cosentino in the spring, and since then the premium retail channel has remained active, as UK Regional Manager, Paul Gidley, explains: “We’ve seen robust interest from design-led refurbishments and commercial projects. Outdoor living and larger scale façade-based projects continue to support Dekton, while kitchen and bathroom upgrades are driving Silestone. “Our UK service focus including investments such as the in new showroom in Manchester, which provides local stock, dependable lead times, and technical support which has helped partners convert opportunities despite a cautious market. As Manchester is rapidly becoming a global nexus for design and architecture, home to pioneering studios, bold urban regeneration and a thriving specification community, we wanted to be right at the centre of it. Being here puts us closer to the architects, designers and fabricators shaping the future of the built environment.”
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Sustainable growth through innovation and partnership has driven the company this year. Practically, that means expanding lower-impact
materials, strengthening supply reliability and giving Cosentino’s fabricators and retailers the tools to succeed. “The progress is tangible, better product availability, new launches that answer real-world needs and clearer sustainability data for specifiers,” says Paul.
Right now, the company is focused on keeping projects moving, through ensuring available stock, logistics and rapid technical help across the UK. “We will always remain driven to help our customers specify high-performance surfaces that suit real life – materials that are heat, stain and UV resistant without compromising on design.”
Éclos
Éclos is Cosentino’s new mineral surface brand that introduces an “Inlayered Mineral Surface” category powered by Inlayr design technology. It delivers a true 3D, layered aesthetic, with veins and patterns that integrate through the full slab body, achieved via advanced robotics and decoration techniques. This new surface is engineered for high performance and everyday durability, aimed at kitchen and bathroom applications. The development programme was extensive, with more than 28,000 hours of
research and 1,500+ hours of testing by Cosentino’s R&D and product teams to bring this new generation to market.
Crucially, Éclos has a crystalline silica free formulation and incorporates a high proportion of recycled materials at least 50% across all colours, with some approaching nearly 90%. That significantly advances circularity and addresses fabricator safety. The surface also offers superior heat resistance (tested up to 220°C / 428°F) and improved flexibility and impact resistance, which helps with handling and installation and supports long product life.
“Sustainability threads through all our product composition and operations,” explains Paul. “Alongside Éclos’s recycled content and silica free formulation, we continue to invest in circularity, water reuse, and energy efficiency, and to expand third-party certifications and Environmental Product Declarations to give specifiers confidence. Our strategy is to combine material innovation with practical, transparent data so partners can make informed choices on every project.” Cosentino customers can expect new collections coming in early 2026 which the company is very excited about. “There will be continued expansion in the Éclos brand, with development and growth as Cosentino launches this to market, with designers, specifiers and customers able to experience the new brand in situ.
“Cosentino will continue to provide beautiful, responsible surfaces backed by reliable UK-wide service.”
24 BKU NOVEMBER 2025
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