INDUSTRY UPDATE THE IPG Supporting Independents
Harrison Bathrooms promotes Hayley Bowman toMarketing Director
The IPG – Putting Wellbeing at the Heart of Trade Support
of tradespeople say risingmaterial and tool costs remain their biggest concern,while 38.1% quote tool and van theft as a major
issue.Competition forwork and late payments are adding further uncertainty. Alongside these commercial pressures, another issue is becoming
T
increasingly important - wellbeing. Stress,mental health and lowmood are significant concerns across the
trade. For The IPG, this reinforces the value of the relationships between tradespeople and the independent plumbers’merchants and bathroom showrooms they rely on every day. The IPGmembers are rooted in their local communities. They know
their customers, understand the pressures they face and, inmany cases, have built relationships with tradespeople that extend far beyond the counter. One example comes froma groupmember in Colchester, Essex, which
has introduced a “Tools Down Talk”.Once amonth, tradespeople can put down their tools, drop in, grab a coffee and talk with like-minded people. It is a simple idea, but one that demonstrates the valuable role
independentmerchants can play in supporting the people behind the trade. Providing a familiar place to talk, connect and take time out can make ameaningful difference. With local independents themain source of supply for 18.3% of
tradespeople surveyed, these businesses are well placed to recognise the everyday challenges affecting their customers and respond in ways that work locally. That sense of connection sits at the heart of The IPG. By bringing
independent businesses together, sharing ideas and championing initiatives across its network, the group can help strengthen the communities that support the trade. Supporting the trade is aboutmore than products, prices and availability. It is also about supporting the people who keep itmoving.
Nike Lovell, Marketing and Operations Director, The IPG. ▶
www.the-ipg.co.uk
brands, product development and long-termgrowth plans. The appointment will also see Hayley join the company’s board of directors,
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bringingmarketing into the wider strategic direction of the business as Harrison Bathrooms builds on its growth and continues to develop its customer proposition. Hayley joined Harrison Bathrooms in August 2025, bringingmore than
15 years ofmarketing experience and extensive knowledge of the bathroom sector. Since joining, she has supported several key projects, including the expansion of the company’s fitted furniture collection, the launch of The Kitchen Collection, its presence at InstallerSHOW2026 and the launch of its Edition 22main catalogue. In her new role, Hayley will work alongside the senior leadership teamto
ensuremarketing remains closely aligned with the company’s wider commercial strategy, supporting sustainable growth while continuing to strengthen its brands and customer proposition. Hayley Bowman said “It’s been an incredible first year with Harrison
Bathrooms. Harrison Bathrooms is an ambitious business with strong brands, a fantastic team, and a genuine commitment to its customers. My focus will be on strengthening the positioning of our brands, supporting
new product development and deliveringmarketing that responds to changing customer needs and creates real value for our retail and trade partners. There is significantmomentumacross the business, and I’mexcited about what lies ahead at Harrison Bathrooms.” Shaun Corcoran, Commercial Director at Harrison Bathrooms, said: “Hayley hasmade an outstanding contribution since joining Harrison
Bathrooms, bringing a clear understanding of themarket, our customers and the opportunities across our brands. Her appointment reflects the important rolemarketing will plan in our continued growth, and we’re delighted to have her as part of the leadership team.”
BKU SEPTEMBER 2026 29
arrison Bathrooms has promotedHayley Bowman to MarketingDirector as the business continues to invest in its
he pressures facingUK tradespeople are changing. According to a recent survey fromOn The Tools, 63.7%
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