Carron Bathrooms and Eastbrook Company have announced following over twenty years of trading together they are terminating their partnership upon the expiry of Eastbrook’s current catalogue on 28th February 2022.

Carron Bathrooms has confirmed the decision came as the result of a shared strategic review into their partnership, and they part company on good terms.

Both companies confirm their priority in the disengagement process is to ensure that their loyal customers have continuity of supply throughout the remainder of 2021.

Carron will ensure that Eastbrook continues to access the products required to fulfil demand.

Caron Bathrooms long-term partners, Q4 Bathrooms, have been working closely with Carron over the last few weeks to increase their inventory and distribution capacity and they will announce an exciting new route to market on 1st December which they say will deliver an enhanced offering to its customers.

In this exclusive interview, chief executive for the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, Tom Reynolds explains why he sees three economic hurdles looming on the horizon.

“When we assess the progress of the pandemic recovery on a global level, world output is recovering, but it’s fair to say it’s a bumpy ride.

“There are significant constraints across all economies due to supply problems, congestion at ports, and continuing Covid-related issues internationally. Demand for goods is considerably stronger than demand for services and that is positive news for those in the construction products markets like bathroom manufacturers.

“At BMA, our research conducted earlier this year, tracking demand and consumer intentions shows half the population is planning a full bathroom refurbishment. The poll also indicated the immediacy of refurb plans has increased, with 16% of Brits saying they plan to carry out bathroom works in the next 12 months compared to just 13% saying the same at the start of 2021. In fact, many bathroom tasks are viewed as more urgent now than they were at the start of the year.

“The sustained period of demand has created a boom for many construction-related sectors like ours. But in 2022 a new set of pressures may see the nation’s purse strings tighten.

“Firstly, it is now well-documented, economists are predicting bruising UK inflation hikes early next year, with the Bank of England forecasting inflation will hit or surpass 5%.

“The anticipation of this volatility is already taking its toll, with some linking a recent dip in consumer demand and spending levels to faltering confidence.

“Secondly, gas and electricity prices will increase again in April. Although most forecasters predict a correction in the long term, the short-term outlook for the energy markets is rocky. This is sending shockwaves through almost every part of society. The supplies we rely on to heat and light our homes, and to keep the wheels of industry turning, are soaring. When the cost of energy goes up, so too will the price of many other things, as costs inevitably get passed on.

“Thirdly, the housing market, which has buoyed the UK economy through choppy waters recently, is a fickle friend. The end of the stamp duty holiday, credited with fuelling a mini-boom, has prompted wildly varying predictions for the future, with some analysts foretelling a crash, while others are certain the lack of supply will continue to sustain the surge.

“These three challenges are not distinct, of course, they are both reactive and interdependent. In the last 24 months, we have seen an unimaginable set of medical and societal circumstances combining to create economic shocks. Some of that uncertainty and instability will continue for the time being, but despite these unpredictable factors, underlying demand remains high, so there is good reason to be optimistic.”

The world leaders gathering at COP26 in Glasgow, UK are looking for positive headlines to demonstrate their commitment to climate change but whilst they are big on high level strategies, it is the local and collective commitments that will bring about change, so says UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill.

Yvonne made her comments as the conference moves into its second week, with some commitments and pledges being confirmed against a backdrop of the need to act now.

“It’s good to see there is agreement by all that action is needed today, not tomorrow,” says Yvonne. “The time for talking is over, we have to work together to make things happen and facilitate change.

“If there were any doubters before this, then I am hopeful that the noise created by COP26, will finally bring them on board.

“The UWLA has been working with the European bathroom industry to drive forward the message that everyone can play their part, from the manufacturers that create innovative water and energy efficient products, to the retailers and installers that promote the water matters messages to consumers  

“By consistently advising our members of the direction of political decisions and water efficiency initiatives across Europe, we have stayed ahead of the game.  I am proud that the European bathroom industry can demonstrate its commitment with better manufacturing processes, reduced waste, and elimination of harmful substances, to deliver bathroom products that use less water and energy.

“Companies that use and promote the Unified Water Label are raising awareness of how much water and energy is used in the ‘in-use’ phase, keeping sustainability at the heart of our industry.

“Our collective efforts to communicate the link between using water, energy and carbon wisely empowers consumers to play their part, and make more informed choices, which will result in behaviour change for the benefit of the planet.

The Swedish climate activist great Greta Thunberg has said that change will not come from the conference in Glasgow but from individuals showing leadership.

We hope that leadership and collective responsibility across the board will result in many small changes generating the significant change that is required.”