SHOWERS, TRAYS & ENCLOSURES Katy Black


Verona: 25 years of innovation and opportunity


BKU EditorMatt Broughton speaks with VeronaMarketing Director, Katy Black, about the company’s 25th anniversary, its new AquaWall shower panels, retailer support and the opportunities ahead.


years in the industry. The anniversary has coincidedwith a period of continued product development, industry recognition and investment in the support offered to its retail partners. Amajor highlight has been the launch of Aqua


2


Wall, Verona’s new collection of waterproof shower panels, alongside recognition at The Tile Association Awards, where the company was named Supplier of the Year and also picked up Floor Tile of the Year. “Tiles are still at the heart of what we do, but


part of Verona’s success has always been spotting the right opportunities to broaden our offer in a way that genuinely supports customers,” says Katy. The company’s approach this year has been


centred onmaking life easier for retailers, with a particular emphasis on product availability, service and the tools needed to present products effectively. “Our goal is simple: to give customers great


choice, reliable availability and the support they need to do their jobs well,” Katy explains. “This year, that hasmeant focusing on the everyday details thatmatter to retailers, such as better visibility frompicking and despatch through to delivery.” Verona has also added its catalogue to Virtual Worlds, giving independent kitchen and


026marks a significantmilestone for Verona as the company celebrates 25


bathroomretailers another way to demonstrate its products to consumers. The company returned to KBB Birminghamin


March for the first time since 2022, where Aqua Wall provided one of themain talking points alongside Verona’s established tile and flooring collections. “We had some excellent conversations and felt


the show was a real success,” Katy says. AquaWall represents a significant expansion


for Verona, allowing the company to offer customers an alternative to traditional tiling while drawing on its existing expertise in SPC flooring. “With somany people now choosing shower


panels, either as an alternative to or alongside tiles, we decided to enter the shower panelmarket so that we could offer our customers a complete solution,” Katy explains. “Rather than just copying what was already available, we developed our own unique specification.” The panels have been developed overmore


than a year, with the emphasis on creating a product that is lightweight, easy to install and fully waterproof. The range currently comprises 14 designs, spanning classicmarble effects through to bolder looks, with bothmatt and gloss finishes available. Each 6mmpanelmeasures 95 x 240cmand


can be cut to size, while the ClickSeal locking systemis designed to simplify installation. Verona


also supplies complementary adhesive, silicone and aluminiumtrims in four finishes. Packaging has been another important


consideration. Research into the existing shower panelmarket identified damage during transit as a common customer concern, prompting Verona to invest heavily in protective packaging. “Feedback since launch has been encouraging,


particularly around the combination of design, value, product quality and ease of installation,” Katy says. “It has reinforced our belief that Aqua Wall gives retailers a strong waterproof panel option that sits comfortably alongside our tile and flooring offer.” With new tile collections also launched during


the first half of the year, Verona is now looking towards the trends that will influence the category next. September will see the teamtravel to Bologna


for Cersaie, where it will investigate the products, colours and design directions likely to shape the market in 2027 and beyond. There is already plenty in development for next


year, including further AquaWall additions and new tile ranges. Verona is also continuing to improve its online trade portal, with the aimof making it faster andmore useful for customers. “Ultimately, everything we’re doing is about


helping our customers feel confident in Verona as a supplier, supported and ready for whatever comes next,” Katy concludes.


14 BKU SEPTEMBER 2026


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