With the addition of a new Morbidelli UX200 drilling machine in December, now fully operational, Utopia has recently completed its latest round of investment in new machinery at its Wolverhampton Headquarters. This new machine is the fourth to be commissioned in the last twelve months and represents capital investment of £500,000.
The four new machines provide additional capacity for the business and, in certain cases, replace older models with new technology. Specifically, the new Morbidelli UX200 drilling machine reduces machining time by 50% and in some cases 80%, while a Homag BHX and a new Homag Drillteq ABD offer further improved quality, flexibility and capacity. The fourth new machine is a Sandtech Sanding Denibbing machine which allows the preparation of all panel sizes including smaller pieces ready for finishing.
Commenting on the new machinery, Jonathan Phelps, plant and process engineering manager at Utopia says, “Investing in the very latest technology not only ensures we are manufacturing to the highest standards but also gives us a competitive edge. In addition, we want to ensure we are manufacturing in the most environmentally friendly way, along with providing the best possible working conditions for our workforce. We are delighted with the new investments and the support we have had from our supply partners.”
Saniflo UK, a leading designer and manufacturer of pumps and macerators, has completed its latest leisure project providing Sanifos underground pumps to Welltrough Hall Farm in Cheshire.
The installation allows the 270-acre working farm to extend its well-equipped caravan park and glamping business to include facilities for an additional five touring caravans or motorhomes with permanent drain facilities to simplify the discharge of black and grey water waste. It will also take the waste from seven existing pitches. The Sanifos 610 has twin pumps and a vortex discharge system which pumps black and grey wastewater approximately 100 metres and 6 metres up a hillside to the existing sewer mains.
Welltrough Hall Farm boasts stunning views over the farm and the countryside beyond. The site, which was established in 2016, offers a peaceful setting with excellent facilities and close proximity to tourist attractions, including Jodrell Bank Telescope, Tatton Park, Redesmere Lake, Little Moreton Hall, Arley Hall and Gardens, as well as a picturesque walk to the local pub. Farm owner Nick Wilkinson decided to extend the site thanks to the continued rise of staycations and glamping in the UK, which has created additional demand from customers looking to stay in unusual locations.
To research the options for more reliable and discreet drainage, Nick, who also owns a glamping site adjacent to the caravan park, attended the annual Glamping Show in September 2022 and learned how Saniflo could help him turn his dream into a reality. Partner company, Glampsan, was able to recommend a Saniflo underground lifting station as a solution and a technical representative from Saniflo duly visited the site to confirm the solution and the most efficient installation. Nick, who installed the unit himself, is looking forward to welcoming more guests than ever and is pleased that the Sanifos has created an unobtrusive drainage system for the plots.
Amanda Mills, Saniflo UK marketing manager, says: “Saniflo has helped many farming businesses diversify into leisure, and it continues to be an area of growth for us and the British leisure industry. We’ve helped resolve lots of unusual and some very quirky plumbing challenges, and it’s safe to say that we always find solutions for any plumbing and drainage challenges. If you have the water supply, we have a suitable drainage solution when mains drainage is not an option.”
Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association explains the importance of building a haven of tranquillity following his recent visit to KBIS in Las Vegas.
Creating a sanctuary in the home has never been more important in our increasingly frenetic world. The bathroom is a high-activity area, and while it provides for our personal hygiene, it should also be a place of wellness that allows you to unwind from the pressures of life. Bathroom designers, therefore, have a unique opportunity to create this haven by incorporating innovative products and thoughtful design.
The importance of creating a health and wellness environment was one of my key takeaways from the recent KBIS event held in Las Vegas. It has been a growing focus for bathroom brands over the past few years, reflecting the view that consumers now want bathrooms also to be ‘wellness hubs’ or ‘retreats’, where they can relax and unwind from their hectic lifestyles.
Creating a haven of tranquillity is easier than ever as manufacturers have invested enormous resources into innovative product development alongside beautiful design elements and materials. The surge in the adoption of bathroom furniture utilising natural materials and the trend toward colour are also helping to develop a spa-like environment.
Consideration of the shower experience is probably high on anyone’s bathroom project list. The modern bathroom can offer various features to enhance the shower experience, from steam showers to jets. A sanctuary bathroom should include an innovative spa shower, combining aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and chromotherapy (using coloured lights in the bath or shower), and a vast array of products are available on the market.
Lighting plays an essential role in creating a sanctuary. At KBIS, circadian rhythm lighting was also available and something to consider in a wellness strategy. By creating an equilibrium between natural and artificial lighting, the bathroom can be optimised to improve the sleep quality we get each night. This holistic approach positively impacts physical health and encourages a mental reset that helps reduce anxiety and depression and improves overall well-being. In addition, soft, warm lighting can be achieved with dimmers or built-in LED lights.
Finally, consideration should be directed to controlling the sanctuary atmosphere created. Smart home devices are making our homes more efficient and cheaper to run, but they also allow for a more personalised experience. Smart technology in the bathroom adds an extra layer of convenience, allowing you to adjust temperatures and lights with a few simple taps.
Creating a sanctuary in the home is becoming increasingly important as we seek ways to escape from the pressures of modern-day living. With thoughtful design and innovative products, bathroom designers can create an oasis of well-being that allows users to unwind and relax.
Ellie Clow has worked in journalism for over ten years, specialising in B2B and trade journalism. She has written for financial publications and several leading KBB titles.
Guests want to experience luxury in a hotel, and the bathroom plays an unassuming role. Clean, sleek and functional – if one of these key features is absent, an experience can be subpar, which is why the choice of fixtures is so important. Guests want good-looking bathrooms that feel more luxurious than home, with fixtures that are easy to understand and can be backed up by sustainable, water and energy-saving credentials.
“There are few places where bathroom design is more important than in a hotel,” says Anil Madan, non-residential marketing manager at Ideal Standard UK and Armitage Shanks. “Whether it’s a high-traffic front-of-house washroom or a spa-like in-room ensuite, these spaces have the power to give customers an experience they will remember.”
Spa-style bathing
Novellini Divina Outdoor hot tubIdeal Standard Atelier Collections Conca Bath
Designing bathroom spaces for the hospitality sector requires a fine balance of function with aesthetics. Products should look and feel luxurious without feeling complicated to use.
“To truly create a calming and luxurious bathroom, making the most of the space is vital,” notes Ideal Standard’s Madan. “Although large fixtures like freestanding baths take up floor space, they also give an added ‘wow factor’ to a room – like the new Conca bath, from the Atelier Collections.”
Novellini’s spa baths (pictured top and above) are the ultimate in luxurious spa-style bathing experiences, featuring hydromassage and a range of features that allow users to tailor their bathing for optimal wellbeing. The brand’s visually stunning Divina series – which includes the Divina Outdoor hot tub – is available in four different versions: Hydro Air, Whirlpool, Hydro Plus and Natural Air.
However, not all hotel bathrooms have the space for statement pieces like spa baths, but that doesn’t mean they have to skimp on design or style. VitrA’s ArchiPlan collection is a modern, minimalist range of products that are ideal for hotel bathrooms on the smaller side, thanks to its narrow-width options. ArchiPlan basins can be wall-mounted or mounted in cabinetry to make best use of all space, while the cabinets’ elegant cut-out holes in favour of door handles add to the contemporary simplicity of the design while maximising available space.
Made from eco-friendly and recyclable plywood, the range is hard-wearing and durable with a moisture-resistant finish, making it a long-lasting choice for a high-traffic area. ArchiPlan bathroom furniture is available in neutral and timeless matte colours—white, black and taupe. The range includes wall-hung units in a range of sizes with storage and open shelving options.
Cool and colourful
Novellini slate effect shower tray
The hospitality sector is looking for minimalist, contemporary and low-maintenance bathroom designs. Wetrooms are favoured for their sleek design and accessibility, and for enclosures, Novellini notes that its low-profile, slate-effect shower trays are in high demand.
Finishes such as brushed nickel, brushed brass, polished gold and rose gold are desired for fittings and enclosure metalwork to tie spaces together cohesively. Says Novellini UK sales director Stuart West: “We have seen demand grow for more outlandish designs and vibrant colours with an ‘anything goes’ free-thinking attitude to design.”
Ideal Standard’s Madan agrees: “We’re now seeing an increase of coloured fixtures, fittings and ceramics making a comeback in high-level and premium bathroom design.”
Summer rain
Grohe Rainshower SmartActive 310 shower
“Alongside sustainability, wellness and health continue to be topics of importance when it comes to hotel bathroom design, and what both guests and designers are looking for when it comes to luxurious, spa-inspired spaces,” says Paul Bailey, leader of product management at Lixil EMENA and Grohe UK.
“A rainfall style showerhead offers a modern, eye-catching aesthetic whilst still offering luxurious functionality, and can provide additional features too such as a choice of multiple spray patterns so users can alter their experience according to mood.”
Grohe’s Rainshower SmartActive 310 shower offers a choice of two spray options that can be switched between or combined—the Grohe PureRain spray which feels like soft summer rain, and the Grohe ActiveRain pattern, which provides a stronger massaging spray.
The product’s StarLight chrome finish is long-lasting, to keep it looking new and attractive through heavy use, and the showerhead is available in an array of finishes to support designers with specification. Grohe’s super-insulated Inner WaterGuide directs hot water away from the surface, preventing them from overheating and making the product safer for guests.
Sustainable spa experience
Methven Kiri shower handset
Water efficiency underpins everything in bathroom design, and this is especially important for the hospitality sector – not just to bring peace of mind to customers, but to be as cost-effective as possible.
Its award-winning Methven Satinjet uses twin-jet technology to create optimum water droplet size and pressure with over 300,000 droplets per second, resulting in an immersive, full-body shower sensation.
The brand’s Kiri and Kiri MK2 showerhead designs (pictured above) are also ideal for hotels, with a choice of chrome and contemporary graphite finishes, while the range also features the Kiri Low Flow which reduces the standard 8l/min flow to 5.5l/min to offer high performance without compromise for end users.
Motu (below) is a comprehensive collection of basin mixers, bath fillers, bath shower mixers, wall-mounted basin mixers and bath fillers that are also designed to suit a variety of specifications.
Methven Motu
For the latest kitchen design features – visit Kitchens Review
PJH, a leading KBB distributor, has announced its investment in a new and greatly enlarged Thirsk Distribution Centre, more than doubling the capacity of the site it replaces to over 10,000 sq.ft.
The move to the new larger Thirsk Distribution Centre was prompted by PJH’s rapid and continued growth. As well as much greater capacity, the Thirsk site benefits from excellent access onto the A168 dual carriageway, which is approximately 1 mile away, which in turn leads to the A19 and A1(M), making it ideally located for serving PJH customers in the Northeast.
Speaking about the new distribution site Richard George, CEO of PJH said: “The new Thirsk Distribution Centre is another significant investment for PJH and supports further the growth in our National Logistics infrastructure that provides Next Day deliveries for our customers. It increases our total number of Distribution Centres to 7 and our overall warehouse footprint to 355,000 square feet. It is great news for our business and another demonstration of our commitment to being our Customers FIRST CHOICE.”
Investment in this new modern regional distribution centre, with its improved logistics, capacity and stock holding,also lowers PJH’s carbon footprint through a more regionally deployed fleet and reduced delivery miles. It also forms part of PJH’s continued investment programme in its distribution capabilities and growth, in order to keep exceeding changing customer demands and maintain the highest service levels.
The addition of the new larger Thirsk site now increases PJH’s total UK distribution space to 355,000 sq. ft.
For further information on PJH, visit www.pjh.uk, www.partners.pjh.uk or call, T: 0800 8 77 88 99.
First impressions count when it comes to guest satisfaction, and one of the first things they do upon entering their room is to inspect the bathroom.
Guests’ expectations for a luxurious stay mean hotels and spas must balance style, performance, and functionality carefully.
Methven’s extensive collection not only looks great, is priced competitively, comes with a lifetime guarantee, and is WRAS approved. The collections also exceed UK water-saving rules and regulations, giving you peace of mind, your guests can enjoy the performance without compromise at a price that is right for you.
While efficiency, performance and cost have always been a tricky trio to balance, Methven says their specification team is available to help match the requirements of hotel or spa refurbishment projects.
For those who enjoy gentle, relaxing showers but who also want the power to cleanse deeply and revitalize, the Grohe Rainshower 310 SmartActive provides both. It offers a choice of two spray options – PureRain Spray and ActiveRain – so users can switch between or combine together for the ultimate luxury.
The Grohe PureRain spray, encloses like soft summer rain, while the Grohe ActiveRain pattern has the power to rinse out shampoo as well as giving a stimulating head, neck, and back massage.
The round 310mm head shower is ceiling-mounted on a 142mm arm for complete coverage and optimum ease of use, while Grohe DreamSpray technology means the flow from all of the shower’s nozzles will be perfectly adjusted.
The long-lasting Grohe StarLight chrome finish will maintain its flawless looks long into the future, and to support designers with specification the showerhead is available in an array of Grohe finishes, such as Chrome, Cool Sunset, Warm Sunrise, and Hard Graphite. The head shower is also available in either a square or rounded design for further personalisation.
With safety in mind, a super-insulated Inner WaterGuide directs hot water away from surfaces, preventing them from overheating and allowing the lustrous chrome finish to last even longer.
Imperial Bathrooms is ensuring the continuation of ‘business as usual’ following a successful buyout by IBC Products Limited, as it went into administration on 30th January 2023.
Neil Gore, previous managing director of 8-yrs led the bid, choosing to return to the role following a 3-yr sabbatical from Imperial. Neil is joined by fellow directors James Stevenson, Kevin Johnson, and Robin Wright and together, they have formed IBC Products to solidify future business operations and protect the Imperial name and product offer.
“I am confident we can ensure the company’s sustainability and quickly return to high levels of success” says Neil Gore, managing director.
“Our one aim is to re-establish the Imperial brand as a highly regarded and trusted name in the bathroom industry, serving our customers with quality British designs and lead times, as originally founded.”
Robin Wright, returning operations director responsible for managing sales, customer service and despatch comments, “We are fortunate to all have first-hand experience of Imperial, and fully understand our brand quality and what that means to both our retail partners and the end user.”
Kevin Johnson, supply chain director adds, “We are excited to announce we will be introducing a new range of products in 2023, with the new Fradley Collection launching in February. This, along with our latest suppliers will bring new life to the brand and put us in a strong position to show our commitment to change over the next 12 months, confidently and quickly.”
James Stevenson adds “We want to show our customers that as a brand and business, we have the courage to innovate and adapt to the everchanging retail landscape. We strongly believe in leaning into change and are confident we can successfully navigate the current economic climate in the months ahead. Thank you to every customer that continues to tell our story, you are crucial to the long-term survival and growth of our business.”
Utopia is presenting its latest range literature featuring inspiring photography, showcasing both brand new products and also existing products in exciting new ways.
As last year, Utopia’s extensive product range is split into three dedicated brochures for ease of use – The Fitted Furniture Collection, The Modular Furniture Collection and The Roseberry Collection.
Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia, comments “With so many different collections and a whole series of new products for 2023, having three separate brochures is the ideal way to present our ranges. Through our stunning imagery, we aim to offer beautiful and inspiring solutions for every type of British bathroom.
All brochures may be viewed online at www.utopiagroup.com with the option to download too.
The Bathrooms to Love brand, from PJH, has announced the launch of the new LILY ceramic range, a contemporary design perfect for teaming up with fitted bathroom furniture.
Characterised by its soft curves and smooth clean lines, theLILY range is a versatile ceramicware family that enhances further the choice of styles and designs within the Bathrooms to Love collection of suites. The appeal of its simplistic styling and streamlined form make it a welcome addition to PJH’s high quality range of bathroom sanitaryware.
Featuring a semi-recessed basin, measuring in at 555mm (W) x 435mm (D), which is suitable for use with fitted bathroom furniture – such as the Benita Furniture design as pictured – theLILY range also includes a comprehensive collection of WCs. WC options include close-coupled fully shrouded, close-coupled open back, back-to-wall and wall-hung models. All feature luxurious soft-close seats and rimless designs as standard.
Bathrooms to Love also offers coordinated brushed brass and matt black overflow basin rings, dual flush buttons and seat hinge caps, perfect for LILY and which can be merchandised easily across the full Bathrooms to Love suite range.
Complete with a Lifetime Guarantee, the LILY Suite is manufactured to exacting standards, boasting a high-quality fit and finish that will stand the test of time.
Supported with PJH’s usual package of Bathrooms to Love showroom point-of-sale, display deals, consumer brochures, website and of course the PJH Partners Portal for online ordering, account management and next-day delivery, the new LILY Suite looks set to become a popular choice amongst retailers and the consumer.
