INDUSTRY UPDATE THE TILE ASSOCIATION COLUMN
Duravit UK & Ireland Announces Leadership Transition
Wet Cutting and SafeWorking Conditions Are Necessary for WorkingWith Engineered Stone, TTA Advises
with engineered stone on site. Employers have a duty to ensure that appropriate controlmeasures are in place to protectworkers andmeet regulatory requirements. Silica is a natural substance found abundantly in rocks, sand, clay and
T
many construction products such as bricks and concrete, including engineered stone.When cut or drilled, engineered stone produces fine silica dust, otherwise known as respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Depending on the type of crushed stone used in themanufacture of the engineered stone it will have varying levels of RCS, with quartz averaging 95% but marble, for example, usually less than 3% – it isn’t one size fits all. Without proper precautions, RCS can be breathed into the lungs and
cause silicosis. Though irreversible, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) stresses that silicosis is entirely preventable. TTA would therefore like to reiterate the importance of best practice. Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
Regulations, employersmust assess and control workers’ exposure to RCS. Failures to implement effective exposure control strategies include: • Dry cutting • Lack of on-tool water suppression • Insufficientmist control • Inadequate or absent respiratory protective equipment (RPE) • Failures in health surveillance •Machinery guarding issues
HSE’s inspectors are taking a serious approach to businesses in breach of
standards. Learnmore about HSE’s guidance for working with engineered stone and take action. TTA previously organised a series of pan-Europeanmeetings tomonitor
how to safely work with engineered stone, chaired by TTA Technical Committee Chair Brian GNewellMBE, which likewise acknowledged the importance of wet cutting and proper site conditions. Technical advice is available as a benefit of TTA
membership. Further information is available for purchase in TTA’s Technical Publications via
tiles.org.uk/technical-support/technical-publications/, whichmembers can view and download for free. Please email
technical@tile.org.uk or call 0300 365 8453 if you have any questions.
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www.tiles.org.uk 32 BKU SEPTEMBER 2026
the end of 2026, aftermore than a decadewith the company. Since joiningDuravit in 2012, he has played a key role in driving the brand’s growth across theUK and Ireland, including opening theClerkenwell flagship showroomin London in 2018. By working closely with customers, partners, and the wider design
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community, he has strengthened Duravit’smarket presence and supported the company’s long-termdevelopment in the region. “As I look ahead to retirement, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to
everyone who has supportedme throughoutmy time at Duravit – our customers, partners and colleagues. I’ve been proud to represent the brand in the UK & Ireland since joining in 2012, and the highlight has always been the relationships we’ve built together. I leave with immense gratitude and great confidence in the team’s continued success.” said Carroll. “Martin Carroll has had a significant impact on the company’s development
in the UK and Ireland. He laid the groundwork for Duravit’s future success in the region.On behalf of the entiremanagement team, I wish himall the best in his retirement,” saidMichael Demmer, Chief ExecutiveOfficer, Duravit. As part of a planned succession process, JamieWelch has been appointed
Managing Director of Duravit UK & Ireland, effective from1st September
2026.Martin Carroll will work closely with himtill the end of 2026 to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. Prior to joining Duravit, JamieWelch
held senior leadership positions at Roca Sanitario S.A., Laufen and Hüppe, bringing extensive experience across the sanitaryware industry. In the new role, he will be responsible for further strengthening Duravit’s position in the UK and Irishmarkets, expanding customer partnerships, and driving the company’s continued growth strategy in the region.
6August 2026 –DuravitUK&Ireland today announces that itsManagingDirector,MartinCarroll,will take retirement at
he TileAssociation (TTA) emphasises the importance of wet cutting and safeworking conditionswhenworking
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