BMA News

Digital will never catch on !

2012-02-05T11:08:00.000Z

Iwas reminded recently of that rather funny post on twitter. “If you’re not onthe internet yet please put your hand up.”

OKyou need to think about it! It amused me but actually it was an important Tweet.If you’re in business and haven’t got a least some kind of presence on theinternet, even if it’s only a Twitter or Facebook account, then you aredefinitely missing out. Digital is ubiquitous and those that bury their headsin the sand are doomed.

Atthe Bathroom Industry Conference in 2010 the key note speech from LarryHochman, the European Speaker of The Year, discussed at length the subject ofgetting your business on line and I am really pleased to see that since theConference a number of the attendees have taken his message to heart and havedone just that. All BMA members have some sort of presence and some have now startedtrading on line.

Somemembers have an on line shop, some sell on eBay, and some use the ‘click andcollect’ system. Some use the internet to gather the latest news, watching whatis going on through Tweets. And others make sure that nothing bad is being saidabout their business.

Socialmedia is becoming increasingly effective in developing communities within theworld of sustainability. A new report about the built environment shows thatTwitter is growing from a narrow community of individual sustainability andsocial media advocates to one that is central to the industry. Twitter nowattracts manufacturers, merchants, retailers, contractors, architects, and installer.

TheBMA has a growing presence in the ether. Over that last twelve months our Newsblogand Twitter feeds are proving to be an excellent way of keeping membersinformed. They can see, at a glance, what their secretariat is doing and whatis going on in the Association.

Ournext digital challenge - getting to grips with the technology!

World Plumbing Day POSTER CONTEST

2012-01-30T09:35:00.001Z

Your child is invited to participate in an international poster contest that could win him or her money for the school and the student. World Plumbing Day is an international event on March 11th initiated by the World Plumbing Council (WPC) celebrating the important role plumbing plays in protecting the health and safety of society. Visit www.worldplumbingday.org to learn more about how this Day is being celebrated globally.

Poster Criteria:

Poster entries should be from students in grades 1 through 5.
Must have the words “World Plumbing Day” and the date “March 11, 2012.”
The poster must be on a standard-sized sheet of paper. For example, A4 sized paper or US letterhead sized paper.
Poster entries will be judged on how well they relate to the presentation rather than on artistic merit alone.

Prizes

Small prizes will be provided for the best poster in each class (to be determined by the presenter).
The winning posters will be submitted in an international competition where prizes will be awarded by the World Plumbing Council:

1st Prize: US$1,000 to the school and US$100 to the student
2nd Prize: US$500 to the school and US$50 to the student
3rd prize: US$250 to the school and US$25 to the student

Thomas Crapper Day - 27 January

2012-01-27T11:37:00.000Z

Thomas Crapper was born in Yorkshire in 1836, into afamily of modest means. At 14 years of age he was apprenticed to a MasterPlumber in Chelsea, London. After serving his apprenticeship and then workingas a journeyman, he set up in his own right in 1861 as a plumber in RobertStreet, Chelsea.

Five years later he moved to larger premises, Marlboro' Works, in nearbyMarlborough Road. He quickly gained a singular reputation for quality andservice; the company expanded and by 1907 had established a flagship on theKing's Road opposite Royal Avenue.

It is popularly thought that Mr. Crapper invented the W.C., and that thevulgar word for faeces is a derivative of his name, but neither belief is true.However, etymologists attest that the Amercian word, "crapper",meaning the W.C. is directly from his name. He relentlessly promoted sanitaryfittings to a somewhat dirty and sceptical world and championed the'water-waste-preventing cistern syphon' in particular. Indeed, he invented thebathroom showroom and displayed his wares in large plate glass windows at theMarlboro' Works. This caused quite a stir and it is said that ladies observingthe china bowls in the windows became faint at this shocking sight!

Mr. Crapper's inventiveness was well known; he registered a number ofpatents, one of which was the 'Disconnecting Trap' which became an essentialunderground drains fitting. This alone was a great leap forward in the campaignagainst disease. Amongst others was one for a spring-loaded loo seat which, asthe encumbent arose, leapt up pulling rods which automatically flushed thecistern! This was rather less successful. Over time, the rubber buffers on theunderside of the seat began to perish, and became sticky. This caused the seatto remain down, attached to the loo pan for a few seconds as the user got tohis feet. Seconds later the seat, under stress from the powerful springs, wouldfree itself and sweep violently upwards - striking the unfortunate Victorian onthe bare bottom! The device became popularly known as the 'Bottom Slapper',consequently was not a commercial triumph.

By the 1880's, Crapper & Co.'s reputation was such that they wereinvited to supply the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) at Sandringham.Subsequently, Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey allbenefited from Crapper goods and services. Today, the Crapper manhole covers inthe Abbey are popular for brass rubbings! Crapper & Co. remained by RoyalAppointment to Edward when he became king and was also warranted by George V,as Prince of Wales and once again as king.

Thomas Crapper died in 1910 and was buried near the grave of thecricketer, W.G. Grace, in Elmers End Cemetery. The company continued under theguidance of his old partner Robert M. Wharam, his son Robert G. Wharam and Mr.Crapper's nephew George Crapper. However by the late 1950s, after the demise ofthe original partners, it was evident to Robert G. Wharam that with no Crappersor Wharams left to run the business, the sale of the company was becominginevitable. In addition, perhaps people cared little for quality and traditionduring that period. In 1963 came the end of an era; Thomas Crapper & Co.became the property of a rival, Messrs. John Bolding & Sons, Ltd..

Subsequently this distinguished firm endured fallow years - BUT SURVIVED - and is now an independentcompany once again. Having held four royal warrants and having existed throughfive reigns over 148 years, Thomas Crapper & Co. is once againmanufacturing the finest bathroom fittings.

2012-01-18T10:55:00.000Z

The Clean Games

2012-01-17T13:14:00.000Z

We’ve just passed the ‘200 hundred days to go’ point and no doubt we will be hearing much more about the Olympics and Paralympics as we move into 2012. It’s a good news story and that can’t be bad. Several members of the BMA have benefited from the massive building programme that has accompanied the Games. All bathroom products have been represented in the build and our members have been busy delivering fittings not only to the major sites in London but also to venues elsewhere in the country.

The major disappointment, though, is that we are not allowed to shout about it!

We are restricted from singing the praises of those suppliers. Bathroom manufacturers who have pushed their respective boats out to make the Olympics a successful event are restricted from making any decent PR out of their efforts. They are regarded simply as suppliers to the Games and they can only make the simplest of factual statements saying what they did.

Even more restraining is that all those fabulous, innovative and water efficient bathroom products cannot be branded. So the familiar and sometimes historic logos seen in public washrooms have had to be taken off, cleaned up and swept away. No supplier has been allowed to brand its products.

The Games rules state “any materials being supplied for Games venues which will be visible to the public during the Games must be supplied clean of any branding.”

As I said this has been a major disappointment for us. We should be extolling the virtues of our manufacturers not hiding them behind waste pipes!

So its going to be a ‘clean’ games in more ways than one - at least as far as quality bathrooms are concerned.

What makes Yvonne Orgill really mad?

2011-12-19T14:39:00.000Z

“There is absolutely no excuse” exclaims Yvonne Orgill, Chief Executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association. “The recent death of a two year old girl by scalding was both tragic and unnecessary. It really makes me mad to see that such terrible accidents can still occur. Today’s modern bathroom, with its technologically advanced fittings, is safer now than it has ever been.”

The death of the Midlands toddler shows all too clearly how uncontrolled hot water can be fatal. In the past five years over 50 people have died in the UK through scalding. Over 800 more have been seriously injured and scarred for life. The law has gone some way in addressing the problem and the publishing of Building Regulations Approved Document G in 2010 stipulates the control of hot water to baths by using thermostatic Mixing valves (TMVs) in bath installations in new dwellings.

“Plumbers have their part to play in reducing casualties. They can help to inform and educate their customers by recommending the installation of a TMV as a simple and inexpensive safety device,” comments Orgill. “And if plumbers, themselves, need more information about these fittings it is readily available at the Bathroom Academy.” The on line Academy underwent a massive upgrade in 2011 and its series of Industry Guides were completely revised. One of the guides deals specifically with Thermostatic
Mixing Valves and can be downloaded in PDF format, for free, from http://www.bathroom-academy.co.uk/pdf/tmv.pdf

“We have the products and the technology,” says Orgill, “now we have the task of educating and informing the public of the dangers of uncontrolled hot water.”

BMA raises £2000 for WaterAid

2011-12-16T16:22:00.000Z

The kbb Events WaterAid Campaignreceived a record contribution, after £2,000 was raised during the BMA's Annual Bathroom Conference, which took place in November 2011.

"Never let it be said thatthe BMA does not rise to a challenge!” noted the association’s Chief ExecutiveYvonne Orgill as she presented the cheque to kbb Brand Director Andrew Vaughan.“I am extremely proud of the support we received from our members and the hardwork the BMA staff did during the Conference in support of the kbb Event'scampaign."

The campaign started with aCharity Golf Tournament organised by the BMA, EKB Business magazine, and kbbNews that attracted 26 players prepared to brave the elements and take on thechampionship-standard golf course at Heythrop Park on the eve of Conference. The tournament was followed by anetworking dinner and prize giving that featured a charity raffle and auction,in addition to the presentation of the golf trophies, hosted by theAssociation's Guest of Honour Clive Tyldesley - ITV's leading sportscommentator.

"Only one word can sum upthe BMA's contribution to our WaterAid campaign," added Andrew Vaughan,"and that word is: FANTASTIC!” “All the thanks go to the BMA andits extremely generous sponsors and supporters. 884 million people in the worlddo not having access to safe water, so as a result of the BMA’s contribution,we are well on our way to making a huge difference in transforming the lives ofthose in the poorest communities.”

A week of progress

2011-12-16T08:52:00.000Z

Quite a week! We have been representing the Bathroom Industry at meetings with DEFRA (Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) to talk about a variety of issues in particular the Water Label and the Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme. Then on Tuesday we were at the KBB National Training Group – looking at ways of raising the profile of available training in the sector. Great meeting - lots of progress and ideas. On Wednesday our CEO was with the NHIC (National Home Improvemnnt Council) exploring new, innovative ways of addressing the skills shortage and taking training into the 21^st Century with E-Learning. Then Thursday was desk work before Friday at KIWA (the Quality Services organisation) again talking about The Water Label and how we can improve our systems. Lots achieved!

Response to "Water For Life" white paper

2011-12-12T09:57:00.001Z

Yvonne Orgill, Chief Executive at the BMA, responds to HM Government Water for Life White Paper

The government has made it clear in its White Paper that the bathroom industry must now take immediate steps to help educate consumers and explain the necessity in choosing the most water efficient bathroom fittings.

On behalf of its members, the BMA is committed to delivering impartial advice and delivering change as the government advocates in the paper. The BMA has taken water efficiency seriously since 2006 when the Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme (WEPLS) was introduced, leading the charge to help consumers make an informed decision when selecting products for their bathroom.

The BMA is working with Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) to encourage developers and facilities managers to embed water efficiency into new and refurbished buildings, as well as with DIY retailers and facilities managers to increase the sale of water efficient products.

There is tremendous opportunity to help change and alter consumer behaviour little by little. It will take concerted effort, so the industry must unite behind a clear and single message whether you are a manufacturer, merchant, retailer, installer or designer.

However, the government has also made it clear that they are not afraid to regulate and introduce a mandatory scheme should industry fail to act decisively. This is in nobody’s interest and will be costly and cumbersome.

We must take immediate steps to avoid this and convince government everyone within the industry is serious about water efficiency. If your products are not WEPLS listed, now is the time to get them accredited. If you have products on the scheme, then now is the time to actively promote them.

The government says it wishes to create a water sector in which innovation can flourish. Today we must rally as an industry and help to deliver exactly this.

For more information about the BMA and WEPLS, visit www.water-efficiencylabel.org.uk. For the full White Paper, visit http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm82/8230/8230.pdf.

Activities this week

2011-12-05T09:21:00.001Z

Lots of goings-on at the BMA and this week is no different. On Monday our CEO will be in Hull representing the BMA members during a discussion on the proposed European labelling scheme. On Tuesday she will be discussing plans for the 2012 Conference - themes and possible speakers are being thought about already. ON Thursday our Technical Director will have a varied agenda representing the industry during discussions on ecodesign, water labelling and shower heads. Back to the office on Friday when we will be meeting EQ who will be visiting us to see how the Water Label can have a greater presence in the market place. Interesting week.

BMA - why be a member?

2011-11-22T15:42:00.001Z

Five minute silent movie based on a PowerPoint presentation
describing just some of the activities of the
Bathroom Manufacturers Association in the UK.

Life after the Conference goes on!

2011-11-19T13:42:00.001Z

We've just about tidied up after the Bathroom Conference and BMA business is getting back to normal. Last week our Technical Director was in Brussels representing the UK bathroom industry at another round of meetings on European Labelling and on Taps and Showers. Our CEO attended the KBB NTG Board – a very lively enthusiastic group from the KBB Industry who are focussed on bringing awareness of available training which can improve the professionalism of all, to a wider audience.

Next week the CEO is off to Brussels for the CEIR Board meeting where further discussion will be had on issues affecting the valve industry. She will also be speaking at the B&Q Water Summit whilst the Technical Director will be in Paris attending another CEN meeting for taps and showers. Busy!

The Winners - The Movie

2011-11-10T15:22:00.000Z

Edited highlights from the BMA Awards Ceremony

09 November 2011

Recorded on a digital camera the size of a matchbox!

and The Winner is ...

2011-11-10T07:03:00.003Z

At the BMA Awards presentation on 9th November the winners of the five categories were announced

BATHROOM TRADE JOURNALIST
Philppa Turrell

BATHROOM CONSUMER JOURNALIST
Ruth Bell

TRADE BATHROOM MAGAZINE
Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business

CONSUMER BATHROOM MAGAZINE
Utopia Kitchen & Bathroom

BEST BATHROOM EXHIBITION
EcoBuild, London

The President of the BMA, Ian Stuart, announced the winners at the Bathroom Conference Gala Dinner which had record numbers attending.

The week before Conference!

2011-10-31T16:06:00.002Z

With the Annual Bathroom Conference being held next week the BMA office is busy and buzzing, making the final preparations. The Conference on Wednesday 9 November together with 'fringe' activities the day before on 8 November is set to be another excellent bathroom business event. As we get closer enquiries are increasing as people realise that they are missing out!

But bathroom life goes on and Wednesday this week will see our CEO and Technical Director visiting Ideal Standard (BMA Member) to discuss European Water Efficiency initiatives. And on Thursday the Tech Director is off to the Buildcert meeting to discuss pseudomonas, marketing of bathroom products, and on-site test methods.

Tuesday 25 Oct - Big Day

2011-10-24T18:24:00.002+01:00

Tuesday 25 October - Busy day! Big day for sustainability. Yvonne Orgill, Chief Executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association participates in discussion in Edinburgh at the 6^th Water Efficiency Summit – attended by Scottish Water, Consumer Groups and Scottish Government. Sustainability is the key note of the agenda. Also Chris Taylor-Hamlin, Technical Director, hosts an Industry (BMA Members) Taps and Shower Controls Technical Committee. The main thrust here is 'ecological balance'.

With the European Commission

2011-10-19T09:11:00.000+01:00

The CEO and the Technical Director are in Brussels for three days this week with the European Commission participating in discussion forums on the development of the new Ecolabel for WC’s, Urinals, Taps and Showerheads. Tuesday is WC and Urinal day. Wednesday is Taps and Showerheads day. On Thursday we will be discussing harmonisation criteria for European Green Public Procurement. Busy week. important subjects!

Praemonitus, praemunitus. 09 November 2011

2011-10-14T15:43:00.002+01:00

TempusFugit Itstwelve months since the last Annual Bathroom Conference and a lot of water haspassed under the bridge. Well, actually, it hasn’t. Rivers and lakes are dryingup.

And that’s the whole point of this year’sconference. We are running out of the runny stuff. Aqua Pura isan issue. There ain’t enough of the drinking variety to go around andgovernments across the globe are getting to grips with it. Conference this yearwill take sustainability as its theme – what can the industry do about it andhow can it profit from the new green agenda? Quidpro quo.

Our bathroom industry has takensustainability to its roots. It is becoming embedded into the BMA members mindset. More sustainable products have been developed in the last twelve monthsthan ever before and designers are creating products with energy and waterefficiency, and super-low carbon footprint, built in. Probono.

The venue for this year’s Annual BathroomConference is the stunningly beautiful and ultra-modern conference centre at CrownePlaza Heythrop Park, Oxfordshire.

All the arrangements are in place for what isset to be the top bathroom business event of the year on 09 November 2011.Eight world-class speakers are fired up to give us their views on the state ofthe economy and the building trade in particular. We have discussions, from twoof the top people in the business,( on the role of the retailer and the merchant ) and we will hear case studies on driving behavioural change. We’ll look atmarketing sustainable products and Sue Nelson (BBC Radio 4’s award winningpresenter) will make the key note speech – “Sustainable Society. Doesit wash in the bathroom industry?”

Conference, this year, is set to be one ofthe most important for our industry in a long time. Don’t miss out. Quo vadis? See you there – booking now.

Bathroom Conference 2011 is open to all inthe bathroom supply chain. Full details,including fringe benefits and activities (including the charity golf event) on08 November, can be found at www.bathroom-association.org/conference/default.asp

Telephone 01782631619

Fax 01782630155

email: linda.williams@bathroom-association.org.uk

BMA Awards - shortlist announced

2011-10-11T14:46:00.001+01:00

The BathroomManufacturers Association is delighted to announce, today, the shortlist forthis year’s BMA Media Awards.

The awards,which will be presented at the Bathroom Conference on 9^th November2011, are nominated voted by members of the BMA.

The awardsreflect the very best in journalism, publishing and exhibitions in the bathroomindustry over the last twelve months and members of the BMA are pleased torecognise the achievements of those who have pushed the hardest to create the bestawareness of the industry amongst trade professionals and consumers alike.

Bathroom Trade Journalist:

Andrew Davies
Nicola Hanley
Philippa Turrell

Bathroom Consumer Journalist:

Ruth Bell
Ronnie Whelan
Jo-Anne Wright

Best Overall Trade Bathroom Magazine:

essential Kitchen and Bathroom Business
kbbreview
Kitchens & Bathrooms News

Best Overall Consumer Bathroom Magazine:

Essential Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom
Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Utopia Kitchen & Bathrooms

Best Bathroom Exhibition in the last12 months

Ecobuild London March 2011
ISH Frankfurt March 2011
KBB London May 2011

Water Efficiency and Consumers – push or pull?

2011-10-05T19:56:00.001+01:00

With water resources under increased pressure and yet the value of waterstill perceived as low, how do we reduce consumption?

Ben Earl, Environmental Affairs Manager at DIY stores B&Q, will be speaking at the Bathroom Conference on 9 November 2011. Don't miss it. His views will have influence!

Booking now - special "day-delegate" rates available @ http://www.bathroom-association.org/conference/default.asp

Contact: linda.williams@bathroom-organisation.org.uk

A Sustainable Society – Does it wash in the bathroom industry?

2011-09-29T11:03:00.001+01:00

Major speech announced for Bathroom Industry Conference | Former BBC science and environment correspondent, Sue Nelson, presents the Planet Earth podcast for the Natural Environment Research Council and is familiar with the issue of sustainability. At the Bathroom Conference on 09 November Sue discusses what sustainability means for society, how it is communicated by the media, advertisers and industry, as well as how it is perceived by the public.

Most of the Earth may be covered in water but only 2% of our planet’s supply is freshwater. Sue therefore examines the future of an industry which relies on a valuable and limited natural resource, covering everything from waterless baths and toilets, to organisations who have been inspired by sustainability to produce innovative products.

Images from Bathroom Conference 2010

2011-09-25T12:07:00.003+01:00

The 2011 Bathroom Conference is just around the corner on 09 November and plans are well advanced for another excellent event. To whet your appetite here are a few random images from last year's conference - described as "the best yet."

Bookings are being taken for the remaining places at this year's conference - contact linda.williams@bathroom-association.org.uk for details or click on the link on the right.

Plumbing Manufacturers International Conference

2011-09-17T08:31:00.000+01:00

Our CEO, Yvonne Orgill, and Chris Taylor-Hamlin, our Technical Director are in Washington DC this weekend representing BMA members at the Plumbing Manufacturers International Conference. The annual conference brings together industry experts from around the world and this years theme is PEOPLE+PURPOSE=PROGRESS. The networking opportunities at the conference will be invaluable to the BMA team.

Hectic week, this week

2011-09-12T14:27:00.000+01:00

We have three big meetings this week. The first is in Brussels where Yvonne Orgill, our CEO and Chris Taylor-Hamlin, our Technical Director, are representing BMA Members at the European Commission. We will be participating in discussions on environmental issues, life cycle and water efficiency. Later in the week we have one of our regular BMA Management Meetings at our offices in Keele where a range of topics regarding the running of our Association will be discussed. Immediately following the management meeting is a regular Marketing Meeting. Twenty five members have booked to attend to review and discuss BMA marketing policy. Hectic week!

Clive Tyldesley to play at Bathrooms Golf Tournament

2011-09-07T07:21:00.001+01:00

ITV's principal commentator, Clive Tyldesley, will be the guest of honor at this year's prestigious Bathroom Industry's charity golf tournament on Thursday 8 November.

Clive will play in the tournament and present the prize giving, which will take place during the networking dinner that evening.

Booking now. Open to anyone in the Bathroom Industry. Contact the BMA

Meeting the Global Challenge

2011-09-05T16:21:00.000+01:00

It’s the World Plumbing Conference in Edinburgh later this week and we will be attending this major event to represent the interests of BMA members. Topics on the agenda include global plumbing issues, water efficiency, plumbing standards, and improved sanitation. Plus loads more! Before that, though, we will be attending a meeting of Water Technology List. Here the discussion will centre on water efficiency and how the bathroom market can embrace it. This is another important meeting for us since sustainability is such a key issue in our lives nowadays. Additionally our Technical Director will be meeting with KIWA (the quality, standards and testing organisation) to discuss safety heating systems and KIWA approvals.

Full Speakers List for Annual Bathroom Conference 09 Nov 2011

2011-08-26T11:08:00.001+01:00

ANDREW GOODWIN

Senior Economist at Oxford Economics

The state of the economy

KEITH TAYLOR

AMA Research

The state of trade in the construction industry

MICHELLE HUBERT

Senior Policy Adviser, Climate Change, CBI

Green issues and sustainability

SONIA PHIPPARD

Director, WaFERR, DEFRA

EU and UK strategy on reducing carbon emissions

BEN EARL

Environmental Affairs Manager, B&Q

The benefits of leading in supplying eco products

TIM POLLARD

Head of Sustainability, Wolseley UK

Manufacturers & merchants working with government

PAT DADE

Cultural Dynamics Strategy and Marketing Ltd

Motivators in influencing behavioural change

**Key Note Speaker and Conference Facilitator

SUE NELSON

Award winning writer & broadcaster “one of Radio 4’s best science presenters”

The Sustainable Society

Bathroom Industry Golf Day - 2011

2011-07-24T06:27:00.006+01:00

With just about 100 days to go for the Annual Bathroom Conference on 9 November arrangements are well advanced and we expect another superb business event. An excellent and all-new venue has been booked for the event at Crowne Plaza Heythrop Park, Oxfordshire.

On the conference ‘fringe’ is our Bathroom Industry Charity Golf Day on 8 November which is open to anyone working in the bathroom industry. This year we are delighted to be supporting WaterAid. We hope that the golf together with associated activities will raise a valuable contribution to this needy cause. Tournament trophies will be presented by Clive Tyldesley, leading sports commentator for ITV.

If you are a golfer may we encourage you to book a place in the tournament? And whether you are a golfer or not may we encourage you to sponsor the event?

Annual Bathroom Conference update

2011-07-21T19:34:00.001+01:00

Stunningly beautiful, packed with style and ultra-modern - the venue for this year’s Annual Bathroom Conference.

All the arrangements are now in place for what is set to be the top bathroom business event of the year on 9^th November 2011. The stunning all-new conference centre at Heythrop Park, Oxfordshire is secured and eight world-class speakers have been booked.

‘The high street is still in the doldrums so this year’s conference is more relevant than ever,’ comments Yvonne Orgill, CEO of the BMA. “We shall be discussing, in depth, how the bathroom industry can embrace the increasingly important green agenda and profit from the

opportunities it creates.’

The conference, together with its exhibition, is being sponsored by key companies in the bathroom industry. Hubert Burda Media, KIWA, kbbBirmingham, BCGxl and Neoperl and 2020Fusion are delighted to support the conference together with WEPLS – the Water Efficient product Labelling Scheme.

Speakers and discussion panel

SUE NELSON, broadcaster and science writer will head up the team of speakers. She is our conference facilitator and ‘key note’ speaker. Described by The Sunday Times as ‘one of Radio 4’s best science presenters, her programmes - from Frontiers and Discovery to Material World - have covered everything from biofuels to dark matter. Her credentials are spot on for this year’s conference which has the environment at its core.

Discussion about the UK economy and the state of the construction industry will be lead by ANDREW GOODWIN, Senior Economist at Oxford Economics and KEITH TAYLOR of AMA Research.

PAT DADE, from Cultural Dynamics Strategy and Marketing Ltd, will examine the motivators for influencing behavioural change – how marketing plays its part.

MICHELE HUBERT will talk about green issues and sustainability from the perspective of the Confederation of British Industry. She is Senior Policy Adviser on Climate Change at the CBI, and SONIA PHIPPARD Director at WaFERR (DEFRA) will discuss the EU and UK strategy on reducing carbon emissions.

BEN EARL Environmental Affairs Manager at the DIY store, B&Q, will show us the benefits supplying eco-products and TIM POLLARD, Head of Sustainability at Wolseley UK, talks about bathroom manufacturers and builders merchants working together with government to influence the uptake of green products.

‘All is set for a cracking conference’ says Orgill. ‘Our speakers, exhibition, gorgeous venue and full support from the industry are all part of the mix which will set new standards for our industry.”

Conference Coup

2011-07-12T09:37:00.000+01:00

With just over 120 days to go for the Annual Bathroom Conference plans are well advanced and the BMA is now “absolutely thrilled” to announce that it has secured the services of Sue Nelson

to act as both facilitator for the entire event and also to present the important key note speech.

“This is something of a coup for us,” says Yvonne Orgill, CEO of the Keele University-based BMA. “Sue is extremely busy in her business life as science writer and broadcaster and we feel very lucky to have her agree to spend so much time with us at the conference. She will be a valuable addition to this year’s line-up.”

Described as “one of Radio 4’s best science presenters” by The Sunday Times, her programmes - from Frontiers and Discovery to Material World - have covered everything from biofuels to dark matter. Her credentials are spot on for this year’s conference which has the environment at its core.

As former BBC science and environment correspondent, Sue produces the popular Planet Earth podcast for the Natural Environment Research Council and is Editor of The Biologist. She will know that the areas of the UK, indeed Europe are under severe water stress and drought conditions are looming in many parts. Her knowledge of the subject will enhance the busy conference programme which looks into the part which the bathroom industry can play in reducing the UK’s water consumption and improving the sustainability of our homes.

Drought is back

2011-07-07T07:39:00.001+01:00

We are running out of water. Large areas of northern Europe are facing drought after one of the driest European springs on record, and DEFRA has said that areas of East Anglia are in drought, with parts of the Midlands, South West and South East in a ‘near-drought’ state.

Grandiose schemes are being proposed by leaders such as Boris Johnson who is suggesting we move water from Wales and Scotland by canal and this has resulted in an immediate call, from some, for the Welsh Government to be given greater power over Wales' natural resources. It’s all very well proposing vast and expensive infrastructure projects which are politically charged and take decades to complete but what we need is action, now. And, actually, everything is already in place to quickly and quite easily reduce householders’ water consumption. Our own research and proposal for a WC Scrappage Scheme is well advanced.

Our bathroom industry has been working hard over the last few years to introduce technically advanced and stylish bathroom products which consume the minimal amount of water yet still give the bathing experience we have become accustomed to. To assist both professionals and DIY-ers identify the latest sustainable products the BMA introduced the Water Efficient Labelling Scheme. This on-line database of water efficient bathroom products has grown massively in the last twelve months. Over 1500 products in nine categories are now listed. The WEPLS database can be used to identify the best available products to ensure that new bathrooms are the most water efficient possible. www.water-efficiencylabel.org.uk Then, using the accompanying list of over 1100 nationwide stockists users can search for their local retailer for the best deals on the best products

Bathroom products which save water and energy are already on the shelves. What we need now is government to encourage their installation and an instant reduction in water consumption will be the result. Canal building takes time.

Important standards meeting in Berlin this week

2011-07-06T11:15:00.000+01:00

Our Technical Director is away this week in Berlin at a European industry meeting discussing the details of British Standard EN1111 (1999). This standard concerns the technical specification of Thermostatic Mixing Valves and is increasingly important in helping prevent scalding by uncontrolled hot water in bathrooms.

AGM and meetings coming up

2011-06-22T08:16:00.001+01:00

Its all hands to the pump this week in preparation for the BMA's AGM on 28 June. Department reports, the accounts, and various presentations are in preparation for this important meeting in the BMA Calendar. About 40 members will be attending the event at Britannia Stadium in Stoke and two guest speakers have been booked to talk to us about eCommerce and how the Bathroom Industry can use it. We are looking forward to it.

And life goes on! The CEO and Technical Director will be attending a meeting with WRAS on Wednesday to further develop and build the strong relationships between our two organisations. We are enhancing our exchange of information, highlighting industry issues and trying to resolve them.

And on Thursday we are meeting with BCG - again improving and developing relationships between the bathroom industry and its supply chain.

Water Efficiency is what its all about

2011-05-31T13:38:00.003+01:00

We are in Paris this week for a major discussion on a European Labelling Scheme for water efficiency.

And next week we are hosting the WC Road Map meeting – sustainability in the ceramic industry and participating in a forum on the greater picture of sustainability

Eco Zone goes live

2011-05-22T10:32:00.002+01:00

Our new environmental pages went live over the weekend. Here you can find loads of useful and straightforward information about the environmental aspects of the bathroom. Some pages are downloadable. BMA Environmental

London and Milan this week

2011-05-15T11:17:00.001+01:00

We are visiting KBB London this week. We don’t have a stand but it will be good to meet members and friends. We also have two meetings – one to discuss the formula for the Bathroom Industry Journalist Award and the other Consumer Campaign for Water Efficiency. Meanwhile our Technical Director is in Milan discussing issues on harmonisation of European Sanitaryware standards – this is the main committee and the focus will be on the recent announcement that the Construction Products Directive is now a Regulation and that harmonisation of standards across Europe will have to include sustainability as an essential requirement.

Discussions on a new "Blue Deal"

2011-05-10T11:49:00.007+01:00

Our Technical Director is in Spain working on the development of a Grey water/Rainwater standard and is also participating on harmonisation of European Standards for Baths. Meanwhile our CEO will be meeting Lord Redesdale later this week discussing the possibility of a ‘Blue Deal’ to replace the 9 million water guzzling WC’s that are out there. This is highly relevant following the announcement this weekend that the South East of the UK has only had 10% of its normal rainfall this year. Balancing water supply and demand is becoming increasingly difficult.

CEIR Congress 2011

2011-05-09T11:53:00.004+01:00

April was a busy month and it seemed to fly past us this year – perhaps a combination of the good weather, the additional holidays and the Royal Wedding added to the fun. But the end of April saw the BMA representing the UK bathroom industry at a very important meeting in Europe. CEIR is the European Committee for the Valve Industry and the Annual Congress this year was held in Turkey.

During Congress participants had the chance to follow up the emerging needs of the valve sector and tried to find common solutions to the needs of the market. CEIR is becoming an increasingly important voice for the valve industry and within its focus areas it will be actively promoting energy and environmental integrity. We will be reporting more about CEIR in the future.

What's going on?

2011-03-28T09:31:00.003+01:00

Last week BMA participated in a two day meeting on the consultation with an Ecolabel for taps and shower heads. The meeting held by the commission research house in Seville explored the elements for the base criteria. Industry experts and environmentalists together with government representatives attended.

This week, we are getting ready for BMA meetings when representatives from member companies will discuss, debate matters of mutual interest covering, technical, marketing, training issues.

A budget for bathrooms?

2011-03-25T08:14:00.000Z

The chancellor’s proposed measures to stimulate growth and improve stability in the economy is generally welcomed. Any measures which will help our industry have to be applauded. Tax simplification and the reduction in corporation tax to 23% in coming years is a very welcome move for our manufacturing members. So too is the removal of the excessive regulation and red tape which have bound our businesses for so long. The removal of the tight grip on planning will help property developers and bathrooms will see some benefits there and the removal of planned fuel duty increases will help in bathrooms distribution. But it’s the announced help for first time buyers which pleases us most since, when the measures do take hold, a stimulus to the housing market, and the associated link to the bathroom industry, is very welcome.

March is turning out to be very exciting!

2011-03-07T19:01:00.003Z

We have our PR/Media event on Tuesday - preceded by one of our regular Marketing Meetings. This will be a great day - over 70 BMA trade members, with their PR companies, and representatives of the media will be with us for our "freshen up event" in London. Can't wait! Meanwhile our Technical Director is off to Europe to discuss a proposed European Labelling Scheme. He will also be discussing the contents of the governments Green Deal, especially hot water.

Exciting couple of weeks ahead

2011-02-28T12:01:00.002Z

We've got some great events lined up over the next couple of weeks and it all kicks off today.

Our Technical Director is atttending the Construction Products Association meeting, talking about the Governments Green Deal then he's off to Berlin to discuss the Four Member State activity on materials in contact with drinking water.

Tomorrow, of course, is the first day of ECOBUILD - if you are attending we'll see you there - ours is STAND S10. Do drop in to see us. We have meetings planned with exhibition organisers, Lord Redesdale, members and our friends in the media.

Next Tuesday - 8th March - is our Spring PR Event in London which we have called FRESHEN UP. We have a super day lined up for our members, their PR companies, and members of the consumer and trade press. We'll keep you posted

Great News this week

2011-02-25T07:13:00.001Z

We've been shortlited in the Sustain Magazine Awards 2011. Great News. Last year we won the awards for WEPLS, the Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme. This year we are shortlisted for our Water Calculator which goes hand in hand with WEPLS. Fingers crossed!

Bathroom Conference venue planning

2011-02-10T09:28:00.001Z

Can you believe it is almost 6 months since the last Bathroom Conference!? Plans are racing ahead for our next event in October and we are now in the middle of selecting a suitable venue. Somewhere different this year. We will be doing a recce tomorrow.

CEIR meeting yesterday

2011-02-10T09:23:00.001Z

We were in Brussels again yesterday for the CEIR Board meeting where discussion concentrated on ‘Country of Origin’ marking. The category is being expanded to meet an EU ruling to embrace taps and shower valves. Discussion also included areas for future activity of the organisation, the annual congress, and lots of other European activity. CEIR = The European Committee for the Valve Industry

WEPLS in Europe

2011-02-04T07:31:00.002Z

We were in Brussels this week representing our BMA membership in an important European bathroom manufacturers meeting. We were there to discuss a European Voluntary Labelling Scheme – an equivalent to our own WEPLS – Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme. The European scheme is being designed and developed for the tap and shower valve market as part of CEIR – the European Association for Taps and Showers. WEPLS is increasingly well respected and is being used as a benchmark for bathroom product labelling. We are pleased with that!

Great week ...

2011-01-28T16:30:00.000Z

A great week for us this week and we’ve achieved a lot …

We’ve been to Tyneside College to see how the newly launched Bathroom Fitters element of our Bathroom Academy Interiors NVQ is shaping up. Great progress to report there. Then we had our first meeting with our graphic designer to look at Bathroom Conference 2011. We are planning how the Conference will ‘look’ this year. We’ve participated in the KBB National Training Group. This session looked at how we can improve the professionalism of the Kitchen, Bathroom Bedroom Industry. The meeting had representatives from like-minded major companies across the sector – working with Construction skills. And yesterday we held our Water Efficiency Working Group. The attendance was high so we moved the location from our usual meeting room to a much bigger one within Keele University. We discussed future developments of WEPLS and at how water efficiency in our Industry is ‘flowing’. The meeting was also attended by officials from DEFRA. As I said – great week!

Busy busy!

2011-01-24T11:28:00.003Z

It’s been a busy time for us since we returned from our Christmas Break. First off we set to work with meetings with some members of the BMA marketing team to put more details towards The Bathroom Conference in October. We have a great theme lined up and some very promising speakers to make the day take off once again. Then we quickly got involved in a forum looking at raising standards of bathroom installers. Government officials and other professional bodies participated in this. And last week we took part in a conference call (from our offices in the Keele Science & Business Park) with other European Countries looking at ways to introduce a voluntary Water Efficient Bathroom Products label across Europe. This is exciting stuff since our WEPLS is now looked at as a benchmark. The result of the conference call is that a full blown European meeting has been arranged in early February to launch the idea for taps and showers. It’s been a productive few weeks.

WEPLS Review next week

2011-01-18T16:25:00.002Z

Next week, Thursday 27 January, sees a major meeting here at our new Keele Offices. Over thirty bathroom business leaders – members of the BMA – will be gathering to discuss our Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme. WEPLS has grown rapidly since it was launched. We now need to set its business plan for the next five years. Also in attendance will be officials from DEFRA.

An interesting year ahead

2011-01-17T08:13:00.001Z

2011 is set to be an interesting year. It will be the year when austerity begins to bite and uncertainty will raise its ugly head once more.

The effect on the UK economy, and on the bathroom industry in particular, may be unsettling. No-one really knows, or can even guess, what effect our government’s measures will have.

But there are a few indicators.

2011 has kicked off with an increase in VAT. Big ticket items, which include the new bathroom, will suffer from the 2.5 % increase. Economists expect a dent in sales for the first 3 months at least but the hope is that Easter and a little sun from the approaching Spring will buck up orders.

The same economists tell us that interest rates are also set to rise during the year. We have seen two years of rates bottomed-out at their all-time low but the inevitable economic cycle suggests that they are bound to rise. This is great news for savers but mortgage payers will find themselves squeezed and their pockets suddenly shallower.

Our hope is that when we write this comment column in twelve months’ time we will have come through it reasonably unscathed and can look forward to the Olympics year with a little more optimism.

Compliments of the Season

2010-12-14T10:00:00.003Z

Happy Birthday Mr.Jennings

2010-11-10T14:58:00.001Z

George Jennings, inventor of the public toilet and the "closet of the century". Genius of the industry. Born 200 years ago today.

Our new phone and fax numbers

2010-11-01T15:10:00.005Z

We've moved ! Here's our new phone and fax numbers.
PHONE - 01782 631619
FAX - 01782 630155

Bathroom Conference 2010 - feedback

2010-10-27T10:35:00.004+01:00

STUART CROSS - CONFERENCE FACILITATOR : "Presenting at the BMA Annual Conference is a rewarding experience in three ways. First, I know that the delegates aren't just their to be entertained; they are committed to taking action when they are back at their organisation to improve the performance of their business. Second, it gives me new networking and business development opportunities. And finally, with the energy and professionalism that the BMA team put into the event, it is simply a fun and enjoyable experience."

LARRY HOCHMAN - keynote speaker : "I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to do the keynote speech at the BMA conference this year. The importantce of building relationships with customers has never been more relevant. The success of your business, and your career, depend on it."

WILL STEWART, BUYER - BATHSHOP, JOHN LEWIS PARTNERSHIP : It was a very enjoyable conference for me, very impressive venue and an industry that is encouraged by innovation and change within customer service. "

And the winners are ....

2010-10-26T13:25:00.006+01:00

At the October 2010 Bathroom Conference, the BMA Members Awards were announced:

Trade Journalist - Gae Ratcliffe

Consumer Journalist - Jackie Daly

Trade Magazine - Essential Kitchen and Bathroom Business

Consumer Magazine - Utopia Kitchen and Bathroom

Bathrooms Exhibition - ecobuild

CSR - what hopes?

2010-10-25T08:39:00.001+01:00

This week’s Comprehensive Spending Review gave us some depressing news for the bathroom industry. Although the Chancellor decided not to slash public sector capital spending by as much as had been feared, public sector investment in construction over the next four years will be more than £20bn less than in the last four years, and that will have significant consequences for us. Regarding housing, the budget is being cut by 60% and, needless to say, this is very deep. There will be a major impact on the bathroom industry – let’s hope that the Government’s decision to give social housing providers greater flexibility as to how they deliver their services really does work. The Chancellor remains very positive and hopes that the slack created by his cuts in public spending will be taken up by the private sector. He hopes that effects of the inevitable redundancies will be eased by improving private activity. There is a lot of hope around.

Best bathroom conference ever! (their words)

2010-10-21T11:43:00.002+01:00

Well its over for another year and all the staff at the BMA are getting their breath back after a hectic few days at our Bathroom Conference. To be honest we are feeling rather proud of this year’s event. Best ever! It went entirely to plan and the arrangements were spot on. We had a record number of delegates for both days and the atmosphere throughout was warm, friendly and very positive.

The bathroom industry certainly enjoyed a successful business event - technical and marketing seminars, BMA General Council Meeting, Golf Tournament, trade exhibition, networking dinner on the first night (sold out), gala black tie dinner on the second night (sold out), entertainment, awards, and of course the conference presentations from ten excellent speakers. The keynote speaker, Larry Hochman (former European Business Speaker of the Year) lived up to expectations with a riveting hour long speech which was both thought provoking and inspiring ( and in the words of one journalist it ‘scared’ him!)

Talking about journalists we noticed that there was at least two in the main hall (laid out cabaret style this year) who were blogging and tweeting as it was all happening. We don’t think we have had that before but we like it – and as Hochman pointed out we will see more of this type of communication in the future. There’s no hiding place and bathroom manufacturers need to be aware of what is being said about them on the web.

Arrangements are already in hand for next year’s Bathroom Conference and we can’t wait! Make a note in your diaries – 17 and 18 October 2011. And the theme? IS GREEN THE ONLY COLOUR?

Serving the Bathroom Industry

2010-10-15T09:26:00.001+01:00

It’s a big week for us at the BMA! Monday 18 October sees the start of our full two days of events at the Carden Park Hotel. near Chester. On Monday morning we will be hosting a meeting of our General Council when important policy issues and priorities are discussed. Then in the afternoon we will be presenting two separate workshops - “changing water-using behaviours” and “the road to certification and compliance”. The day will be concluded with our annual networking dinner and this year it is more popular than ever - completely sold out. On Tuesday our Annual Bathroom Conference takes place. A full day of presentations from 10 world-renowned speakers has been arranged. The day is fully booked with around 170 delegates signed up. The theme – “customer service – making good business sense” is so relevant in today’s climate. So its busy – but we love it! Serving the Bathroom Industry. The Voice of the Bathroom Industry.

Blog Action Day

2010-10-15T08:02:00.002+01:00

We are delighted to be supporting not one but two causes today – BLOG ACTION DAY blogactionday.change.org and GLOBAL HANDWASHING DAY. Water is one of our most undervalued natural commodities. Although recent floods, in many parts of the globe, seem to assure us that water is plentiful, it is in the wrong place, at the wrong time and only 1% of it is drinkable. Members of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association have been working hard in recent years to develop products which are super-water-efficient and at the leading edge of eco-technology. There is now more choice than ever before and there is a genuine drive to design gorgeous looking bathrooms which are easy to install and thoroughly enjoyable to use.

Bathroom Conference - 19 October - just around the corner

2010-10-12T10:42:00.002+01:00

With the Annual Bathroom Conference just around the corner it’s all getting very hectic here in the BMA offices in Stoke. We are very excited about this year’s event. Delegate numbers are up on last year with almost 170 signed to attend. Speakers and exhibitors are all prepared and our set builders are making their final touches to the stunning new layout of the main conference hall. It will all be a tad different this year. As I said its very exciting. But more exciting still are our plans for next year’s event. The dates are set for 17 and 18 October 2011. The theme for the Conference is developed with the working title IS GREEN THE ONLY COLOUR? This will be a ‘global’ conference and speakers for 2011 are being invited from Asia and the Americas to contribute their view on the future of the bathrooms industry. Stand by for another cracker!

The BMA gets involved

2010-10-06T16:50:00.002+01:00

The BMA gets involved! It represents its members in important international forums and at the highest possible level, worldwide. Two weeks ago our CEO, Yvonne Orgill, was in Ireland at the FEST conference presenting to delegates the importance of the increasingly influential and prize-winning WEPLS - the Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme. Today she is accompanied by the BMA's Technical Director ( Chris Taylor- Hamlin) at the PMI Annual Conference in Washington DC. Here Yvonne and Chris are showing how the UK's BMA is pushing the boundaries of water efficiency in bathrooms. They are demonstrating to delegates from the US, Canada, and Australia, how the UK's voluntary scheme, which is free of government interference, can really make a difference in the drive for water saving. They are also showing that education has a major role in changing attitudes to water efficiency and how the BMA's own Bathroom Academy can play its part. Both Yvonne and Chris have been warmly welcomed in the US and their water efficiency messages have been regarded as leading the field.

Our Water Report shows the figures

2010-10-01T15:12:00.001+01:00

Water…. we in the UK either seem to have too much of it or not enough! They say it always rains in Manchester, whilst those in the South East say it never rains! What’s going on? Contrary to popular belief, England is not a wet country; it has less water available per person than Spain or Portugal. And therein lies the problem. Demand is outstripping supply in some areas which is forcing government to take drastic action to slow down our water usage. This not surprisingly is having a dramatic impact on those industries that manufacture water-using products. One of the key industries to be affected is the bathroom products industry, though thankfully the industry has already made great progress in reducing the water consumption of toilets and taps. Our association – representing 80% of manufacturers – has played a key role in making everyone more water conscious. Our Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme is designed to highlight products that are truly water efficient.
Water efficiency is a real hot topic, consequently benefiting from considerable research to help government determine what messages need to be communicated. In order to provide an update on this hot topic, we asked GoughMandarin to produce an overview report on water efficiency, as a guide for both members of the trade association and the broader market. Commenting on the report, our Chief Executive Yvonne Orgill said, “The report enables manufacturers to understand water efficiency, the drivers and consumer attitude to water efficient bathroom products. The report pulls together the key elements from the plethora of consumer and trade research projects that have been carried out over the last five years, thus giving valuable information to enable crucial commercial decisions to be made on new product development.”

Rave reviews for WEPLS labelling scheme

2010-09-30T13:36:00.001+01:00

Our Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme (WEPLS) has received rave reviews from all sectors of the bathroom industry. The newly designed labels, which are similar to the energy labels used on white goods, show at a glance the water-efficiency credentials of bathroom products and will be a boon to both householders and professionals alike. The scheme now has seven product categories listed in the online database and the website is easier than ever to navigate. Around 1000 water efficient products are searchable in the web lists. Bathroom stockists and retailers can register their showrooms with the scheme for free so that potential bathroom buyers can easily find their local bathroom specialist. Jacob Tompkins at Waterwise, (a UK NGO focused on decreasing water consumption in the UK ) is a keen supporter of WEPLS and Katherine Rathouse, a social researcher who works with DEFRA and several UK Water Companies, describes herself as a ‘big fan’ and thinks that the scheme will go a long way in raising awareness of the need for water efficiency. More details are available at www.water-efficiencylabel.org.uk/

BMA supports Blog Action Day - for water

2010-09-30T09:03:00.003+01:00

Blog Action Day is an annual event held every October 15 that unites the world’s bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day with the aim of sparking a global discussion and driving collective action. This year the subject is WATER. Why water? Right now, over a billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean, safe drinking water. That’s one in eight of us who are subject to preventable disease and even death because of something that many of us take for granted. Access to clean water is not just a human rights issue. It’s an environmental issue. An animal welfare issue. A sustainability issue. Water is a global issue, and it affects all of us.

BMA supports Global Handwashing Day

2010-09-29T14:45:00.000+01:00

Millions of children around the world are getting ready for the third annual Global Handwashing Day, to be held on October 15, 2010. Handwashing with soap is the most effective and inexpensive way to prevent diarrheal and acute respiratory infections, which take the lives of millions of children in developing countries every year. Together, they are responsible for the majority of all child deaths. Yet, despite its lifesaving potential, handwashing with soap is seldom practiced and difficult to promote. The challenge is to transform handwashing with soap from an abstract good idea into an automatic behaviour performed in homes, schools, and communities worldwide. Turning handwashing with soap before eating and after using the toilet into an ingrained habit could save more lives than any single vaccine or medical intervention, cutting deaths from diarrhoea by almost half and deaths from acute respiratory infections by one-quarter. A vast change in handwashing behaviour is critical to meeting the Millennium Development Goal of reducing deaths among children under the age of five by two-thirds by 2015.

Free Seminar - Reducing Water Demand

2010-09-29T08:51:00.006+01:00

On 18 October the BMA in conjunction with Waterwise will be holding a free to attend seminar on ‘Breaking Habits and Shifting Norms to Reduce Water demand’. The seminar will discuss past, present and future water saving initiatives and how manufacturers can influence a change in behavioural use.The seminar is open to ALL BMA members & Affiliate Members and takes place at 2pm Monday 18 October at the De Vere Carden Park Hotel, nr Chester and is expected to finish around 5.00 pm. To reserve your place at the seminar, simply let us know and we will add you to the attendees list. There is no cost involved in attending and you do not have to participate in the Bathroom Conference on 19^th. Call us - phone number at the bottom of this page.

BMA Annual Awards - shortlists announced

2010-09-27T11:51:00.003+01:00

The lines are closed. The votes have been counted and verified. And we are delighted to announce the shortlist for this year’s BMA Awards. The awards, which form part of the Annual Bathroom Conference (the bathroom industry’s most important annual event), recognise the importance of journalists and the media in actively reflecting the role of today’s bathroom industry. The awards will be presented at the Conference Gala Dinner on 19 October at Carden Park, near Chester. More than 160 delegates have already signed up to attend and with over a month to go we are confident that the conference will be its usual sell-out.

“We are really excited about this year’s conference,” says Yvonne Orgill, our CEO. “This well-established business event just gets better and better. The line-up of speakers who will be discussing customer service are truly world class.”

Nominations and voting for this year’s awards are, as usual, entirely from within the membership of the BMA.

BMA ANNUAL AWARDS - SHORTLISTS

TRADE JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

· Lisa Archangeli

· Rebecca Nottingham

· Gae Ratcliffe

CONSUMER JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

· Linda Clayton

· Jackie Daly

· Clara Perry

BEST TRADE BATHROOM MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

· Bathroom and Kitchen Update

· Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business

· kbbreview

BEST CONSUMER BATHROOM MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR

· Essential Kitchen Bathroom bedroom

· Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom

· Utopia Kitchen and Bathroom

BEST BATHROOM EXHIBITION

· Ecobuild

· Grand designs

· KBB

http://www.bathroom-association.org/conference/default.asp

Marketing Meets

2010-09-14T16:44:00.002+01:00

Last week's BMA Marketing Committee Meeting was a lively affair. About 20 BMA members (including one member of the press ) attended the morning event held in Stoke. The committee meets 4 times a year under the chairmanship of David Osborne, MD of Roman showers and this meeting saw discussions on the Toilet Scrappage idea, the importance of WEPLS as a catalyst for water efficiency, and products for Special Needs. Also under discussion came the new BMA trade name register and a new campaign to highlight the dangers of uncontrolled hot water. Of course, the arrangements for the forthcoming industry event of the year – The Bathroom Conference - rightly took a considerable part of the discussions. The conference is well established in the industry’s calendar and members considered that because of its unique importance it would be difficult to imagine an October without it!

Bathroom Conference – 18 and 19 October 2010 – Carden Park, near Chester

Warts and All

2010-09-08T11:16:00.000+01:00

Today’s customers are increasingly sophisticated and won’t put up with shoddy customer service. But how bad, or how good, is it in today’s bathroom world? Customer service is the theme in this year’s Bathroom Conference, and to make it more relevant than ever we have launched a major customer service survey, the results of which will be used by the conference speakers to show delegates how the industry is fairing. The survey gives everyone the chance to have their say and influence the direction of the conference programme. It is anonymous and just involves clicking boxes. It takes just a few minutes to complete, online.

Here is the link
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/bmacustomerservicesurvey2010

David Brindley joins BMA

2010-09-07T09:55:00.000+01:00

David Brindley has joined the five other regular BMA staff at our expanding offices in North Staffordshire. David has served the bathroom industry since his school days and has worked in all departments in sanitaryware manufacturing. Latterly he was the Technical Manager at Armitage Shanks and in that position became well known in the industry serving on many of the standards and technical committees. David’s extensive knowledge of literally everything in bathrooms will enhance the role of the BMA as Voice of the Industry and bring an additional dimension to our knowledge base.

Congratulations on getting your blog up and running!

2010-08-19T12:29:00.003+01:00

Anything that helps the Bathroom Manufacturers Association get its information out to the widest possible audience is to be welcomed and that is why I am dropping you this quick email to 'plug' the Customer Service Survey the BMA is conducting in association with its Digital Media Partners, kbb News. It's an online survey and only takes a few minutes to complete as most of the questions just need a tick to answer. The BMA will share the data with its Conference Facilitator Stuart Cross and the panel of expert speakers who may use part of the analysis to tailor their presentations at the 2010 Annual Bathroom Conference. And kbb News will use the data to produce a report that will be published on the kbb News website after the conference. The online survey is at:https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/bmacustomerservicesurvey2010 and we welcome your participation.

Many thanks, Grahame Morrison, Web manager - www.kbbnews.co.uk

Bathroom Conference - book now to be sure of your place at this important industry event

2010-08-13T15:37:00.001+01:00

AGM sees changes at the top

2010-08-11T16:22:00.001+01:00

Fake sanitaryware imports and stolen labelling were amongst the discussions at the recent AGM of the BMA. Other topics discussed included the rapid progress of the BMA’s unique and respected Water Efficient Labelling Scheme, European funding for bathroom product innovation and proposals for Toilet Scrappage to reduce the country’s carbon footprint. This was a busy and productive meeting. Once again our trade members showed that they have their finger right on the pulse of our industry. We are delighted with the progress we are making. In strict accordance with the BMA’s constitution, retiring President, Steve Lee, passed the responsibility to new president Ian Stuart, CEO Aqualisa Products Ltd.

BMA in line for major environmental award

2010-08-11T16:08:00.000+01:00

We are absolutely thrilled that WEPLS has been shortlisted for a major environmental award. The award, organised by edie.net seeks to celebrate the year's most successful green innovators and environmental breakthroughs.
WEPLS is gaining momentum and the last twelve months has seen it grow from a germ of an idea to a fully integrated scheme recognised by our government and supported by the main movers and shakers of the water and energy industry.

http://www.water-efficiencylabel.org.uk/