News

Innovation & Training – two possible ways forward
[Back to Articles]

Bathroom companies are looking closely at two areas - innovation and training - to help them navigate through the difficulties they are experiencing in the economic downturn.
Yvonne Orgill, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) explains. “2008 started gloomily and got worse as it went on but bathroom manufacturers have responded positively by launching a wide range of innovative products to stimulate the market. They have also spent time inspiring their staff with product and service training. Retailers and installers are also spending time bringing their staff fully up to date and are using the BMA’s on-line Bathroom Academy.”
Innovation
Product innovation during 2008 has been wide and varied. Many bathroom manufacturers have concentrated on developing eco-friendly products to meet the increasing demand from consumers who want to cut household bills and who are seriously concerned about climate change.
Very stylish WC suites with remarkably low flush volumes have appeared in recent months. 4 and 2.6 litre dual flush suites are increasingly common. Aerated shower heads have been developed which reduce water consumption but still maintain a good showering experience and single lever ceramic disc taps with ‘click stop’ action for full or half flow are also becoming common.
Other innovations include shower enclosures where water feed is hidden within the framework. New ‘wet room’ products have been introduced and coloured ceramics are now being seen.
Training
It is a fact that bathroom companies who have well trained and motivated staff are riding out the economic storm better than those with ignorant employees.
The BMA’s Bathroom Academy was launched in 2007 and is now well placed to assist in training employees. Staff can access the Academy modules which are entirely web based. They can study at their own pace with the aim of achieving the industry-recognised Certificate in Bathroom Studies.
“Two new modules went live at the end of 2008” says Orgill. “The new ‘Principles of Bathroom Design’ and ‘Computer Aided Design for Bathrooms’ are particularly suitable for both retailers and installers and are already proving very popular.”
More details about The Bathroom Academy and its new modules can be found at www.bathroom-academy.co.uk and visitors to the site are invited to view the animated presentation which explains the academy in full detail. Click on ‘about the academy’ and click the graphic to view the 5 minute movie.
Further Information
For further information please email info@bathroom-association.org.uk or
telephone 01782 747123 and visit www.bathroom-association.org

[Back to Articles]