SSSppoouutt - Bathroom Academy · Brindley has served the bathroom industry since his school days...
Transcript of SSSppoouutt - Bathroom Academy · Brindley has served the bathroom industry since his school days...
The Bathroom Academy | SPOUT 5 | Page 1 of 12
SSSpppooouuuttt Bathroom Academy News | 5 | Sep 2010
IN this issue... Training reduces the risk
Academy progress
WEPLS shortlisted
Part F are you ready for it?
Academy droplets
Meet the staff | our new starter
Get the knowledge
Spout end | exhibitions
Training reduces the risk
It may be unfortunate, and regrettable, but it is a fact that the UK is becoming increasingly litigious. More and more advice programmes on the television and radio are helping consumers know their rights and what they could do if something goes wrong. And businesses, too, know what they should do if their rights have been breached by their competitors.
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“Litigation is on the increase in the UK” says Yvonne Orgill,
Chief Executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association.
“All sorts of businesses are becoming involved in claims and
counter claims and bathroom manufacturers are no
exception. According to Lloyd’s of London staff education has
to be a key priority. A better understanding of the
consequences of behaviour lessens risk and employees need
to be encouraged to share information.”
Lawsuits are not going away
In a recent article Lloyd’s of London, which sells speciality insurance to business, said that lawsuits
are not going away. A recently released survey of executives suggests that increasing litigation is
driving up costs and stifling risk-taking. It goes on to say that seven out of ten companies have faced
litigation in the past three years and there is a growing risk that more and more companies will be
held liable for their actions. Companies have to behave responsibly and think about the
consequences of their actions and activities.
Training is the key
Orgill is recommending to the members of the BMA that
their organisations should consider specialist training to
increase awareness amongst employees about why
companies get sued. “Everyone in the company should be
aware that it is not just the board’s responsibility. All
staff should know the consequences of their actions.”
Competition Law
The BMA has been working hard to help its members and others bring company staff fully up to date
with the very latest information on company law. One of the Bathroom Academy modules deals with
the basics of the Competition Act.
The module has been created by corporate lawyers and is essential training for anyone having
contact with competitors, contracts and outsourcing.
“This training is web based,” says Orgill “and ensures the learner has a full understanding of what
the Act requires. It concludes with an interactive test to confirm the learner’s knowledge and a final
printout gives evidence of participation.”
“Competition Law - The Basics” available for a small fee | further details from the BMA
| Apply on line | www.bathroom-academy.co.uk/
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Academy progress | busier than ever
Latest stats from the Bathroom Academy website show an increase in visitors. There is no
doubt that the Academy has established itself as an important tool for staff training.
Academy Sponsors | The Bathroom Academy would not exist without the full
backing and support of the BMA. BMA members invest heavily into the Academy with
both their time and money and thanks to them courses are heavily subsidised. All
course material is written by leading industry experts. Thanks also go to these companies and organisations for their sponsorship.
BMA news blog | just launched
Look out for the new BMA News Blog @ http://bmanewsblog.blogspot.com/. The
blog will bring followers up-to-date with the activities of the BMA and the Bathroom Academy. It will also be a forum for industry comment.
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WEPLS shortlisted | major environmental award
“Absolutely thrilled” was the immediate reaction of the staff and members of BMA when they learnt this week that its Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme (WEPLS) had 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.
Now in their fourth year, The Awards for Environmental Excellence have been recognised as one of the top awards in Europe. The best environmental projects will be judged by a panel of leading lights including the eminent green campaigner Oliver Heath and eco TV presenter Joanna Yarrow. The winners have the chance to go through and enter the coveted European Business Awards for the Environment, fighting it out with the best of the continent's eco projects.
“We are delighted with our shortlisting,” says Yvonne Orgill, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association. “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. WEPLS is not a one-off project but a long term commitment to supporting the push for a reduction in our water and energy consumption. Members of the BMA can be justifiably proud of their achievement in launching the scheme.”
The awards organisers, edie.net, said “The short-listing for the 2010 Awards was one of the toughest ever with a record breaking number of entries demonstrating the incredibly high standard of today's environmental projects. This truly was a bumper year for award entries and the people behind every project to be shortlisted should be justifiably proud of their achievement.”
WEPLS is now recognised by government as a “cornerstone in water efficiency” and is set to grow further during 2010. The scheme recently underwent a major upgrade and is recognised by DEFRA, WaterWise, CLG, CCWater and The Energy Saving Trust. Big DIY stores and major builders merchants are getting involved.
The WEPLS database is accessible via the web and can be found at www.water-efficiencylabel.org.uk/
Products listed in the scheme will be labelled to show their water efficiency credentials, details will be shown in manufacturers literature and a selection of point of sale material is being made available for retailers who register (free of charge) with the scheme.
A specially designed on-line calculator adds to the usability of the database. Installers can use the calculator to help them meet the efficiency levels specified in The Code for Sustainable Homes and Building Regulations Approved Document G.
“Members of the BMA are very excited about WEPLS and its recent developments,” says Orgill. “2010 will be
the year when water efficiency becomes embedded into the nation’s consciousness.”
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Stand by for Part F
Are you ready for it ?
Building Regulations
Approved Document Part F VENTILATION
Yes it‟s another change to the
Building Regulations and this time
domestic ventilation comes under
scrutiny. The new regulations were
published in April 2010 and they
come into force on 1st October.
The new regs give the details of requirements for new domestic buildings or substantial refurbishments and the part we are interested in relates to bathrooms.
The changes to the regs have been generally welcomed as an essential “step change” and
a key stage towards reaching zero carbon homes in 2016. The new regs bring hugely significant changes which will drive the adoption of low carbon ventilation as an industry standard.
Newly published
guides are available which will help the architect and installer meet the
requirements. New advice on „passive stack ventilators‟ is available and so
too is information on the requirements for kitchens and bathrooms which have been refurbished.
There is far too much detail to list here
but lots of information can be found on the web and it‟s the law from 1 October so you‟d be well advised to get to know what it‟s all about.
ACADEMY droplets | What is The Bathroom Academy?
The Academy is a division of the BMA.
Regarded as ‘The Voice of the Bathroom
Industry’, the BMA represents major
manufacturers of bathroom products who trade in
the UK.
The BMA has a powerful and influential voice and
is regularly consulted by the press, Government
departments, Non Governmental Organisations
and the Bathroom Industry as a whole.
All learning material issued by the Bathroom
Academy is written by leading Industry experts to
inform and educate so you can rest assured that
quality is guaranteed.
Why need a Bathroom Academy?
To improve the professionalism of the
Bathroom Industry and ensure that we
all ‘get it right first time'. Exceptional
product knowledge creates and
nurtures consumer confidence. Good business is
about getting it right first time!
What are The Academy Courses?
Academy courses have been designed
and written by Industry experts. Whilst
the courses differ in content they share
common goals.
* To raise standards of service to the consumer * To recognise skills that exist in our Industry * To add value to any training already undertaken * To provide qualifications that will assist in career development Thanks to the continuing technical and financial support of the members of The Bathroom Manufacturers Association and other Industry sponsors we are able to offer high quality training
at low cost.
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Meet the staff | New starter
David Brindley
The modest yet indisputable expert of the bathroom
industry has joined the staff of the Bathroom
Manufacturers Association.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime” says Brindley.
“After forty years in the industry I have landed my
dream job. I‟m absolutely delighted and can‟t wait to
get involved supporting the industry and helping
develop its future.”
Brindley 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.
“We are delighted to welcome David to the staff of the BMA, say Yvonne Orgill, chief
executive. “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.”
SPONSOR’S spout | essential kitchen & bathroom business
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We’re on the move | BMA relocates
The BMA is busier than ever. Membership is growing. Activities and influence are
increasing. And the current offices in Federation House, Stoke-on-Trent are no longer
adequate. So the BMA is moving.
From Monday 25 October 2010 all of the BMA’s activities will be based in its new office suite at
Keele University Science & Business Park, Newcastle-under-Lyme
The new, state of the art offices, sit at the centre of the
University‟s breath-taking 617-acre campus in the unspoilt North
Staffordshire countryside. A mixture of stunning buildings,
fantastic facilities and tranquil grounds, it‟s an inspiring new
environment for the BMA. The offices are minutes from
Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent, and within easy
reach of major cities across the UK and beyond.
NEW Address from 26 October 2010
The Bathroom Manufacturers Association Innovation Centre IC1
Keele University Science and Business Park
ST5 5NB
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Get the Knowledge | Put a brick in it?
Q | I bought a new WC and I want to save water as much water as I can to help the
environment and save on my water bill but there is no room in the cistern for a brick! What
do you suggest?
A | It is wrong to assume that putting a brick or other
„cistern displacement device‟ in your WC‟s cistern will
always save water. It is a little more complicated than that.
If you bought your WC after 2001 it will already be water
efficient with a maximum flush of 6 litres. The current Water
Regulations (The Water Byelaws in Scotland) require all
new WCs to flush with 6 litres as a maximum. Your suite
(the WC pan and the cistern) will be factory matched and
perfectly designed to work well together at this maximum. If
your WC is a dual flush design then it will probably allow
you to choose a short flush or 4 litres and a long flush of 6
litres. Some WCs launched in the last couple of years flush
on even less than the maximum allowed.
You should not attempt to save more water by placing a brick or other device in the cistern
tank since this will interfere with the correct functioning of the suite, it may not clear correctly
and you may end up using even more water by multiple flushing.
Get the Knowledge | What is EN997:2003?
The UK bathroom industry is governed by many British and European standards and rightly
so. Some of these standards specifically relate to the performance of the product. In
particular, EN997:2003 Class 2, is extremely important since it governs the construction,
performance, function and testing of the WC.
The WC suite has, for a long time, been regarded as the bad boy in the bathroom since it
uses more water than any other item of sanitaryware. In response to the push for water
efficient and eco-friendly bathroom products manufacturers trading in the UK have
responded by developing toilets which flush with water volumes as low as 2.6 litres, short
flush.
But do these products conform with EN997:2003? “Any new WC suite installed in the UK
simply must conform with EN997,” explains Chris Taylor-Hamlin, Technical Director of the
BMA. “Furthermore, it must conform with Class 2 of the standard otherwise it is deemed
illegal.”
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But what is EN997:2003 Class 2?
The standard relates to the
construction, performance, functional
criteria and testing of the WC. Class
1 of the standard is applicable only to
WCs sold in mainland Europe where
flush volumes vary from 4 litres to 9
litres. Class 2, however, is specific to
WCs sold in the UK and defines a
long flush maximum of 6 litres. All
WCs installed in the UK must
conform to Class 2.
EN997:2003 Class 2 also covers
such criteria as the depth of water
seal, flush performance, water
absorption, load testing, leak
tightness, valve reliability, wash of the
bowl, flushing of toilet paper, over-splashing, after-flush volume, static load and durability.
As you can see the standard is comprehensive and purchasers should be confident that the
WC does its job!
EN997 was authored by the British Standards Institute and the European Committee for
Standardisation. “Members of the BMA are keen to ensure that their products do fully
conform with these standards,” says Taylor-Hamlin, “and bathroom buyers and installers
should be fully aware of them. More information is available from our technical team at the
BMA head office.”
Get the Knowledge | Top six selling tips
At the 2009 Bathroom Conference one of the speakers, Kathryn Rathouse a social researcher, gave her six top tips for selling water efficient bathrooms. Here they are
1. The easiest way to sell more water efficient fittings is ONLY to sell water efficient fittings 2. Let consumers compare LIVE displays in the showroom 3. Get plumbers to believe in your products and they will sell them for you
4. Show potential customers the feedback from consumers who have already tried your products previous consumers. They will endorse your products for you
5. Use a “feel-good” icon to communicate your water efficient products
6. Use cutting edge technology and modern design to break the association between water efficient products and the tin baths of yesteryear.
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BMA – what’s that? | The BMA is the trade association for bathroom
manufacturers operating in the UK. It is the principal ‘Voice of the Bathroom Industry’ and acts as an information highway between industry, government and the consumer on issues that affect the bathroom business. The BMA represents, through its technical, marketing and management committees, the interests of almost 40 major bathroom manufacturing groups with over 75 well-known brands in the market place. The manufacturing base directly employs 8,000+ people at over 60 sites
in the UK with The combined annual turnover of the membership is in excess of £800 million pounds sterling per annum.
BMA AGM | Fake sanitaryware imports and stolen labelling were amongst the
discussions at the recent AGM of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association. Manchester‟s prestigious Lowry Hotel was the venue for this year‟s event with an excellent
attendance of BMA members, the press and guest speakers. 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,” commented
Yvonne Orgill, chief executive of the BMA. “Once again
our members showed that they have their finger on the
pulse of our industry. I‟m 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, Chairman of both Aqualisa Group
and JT Group.
“We are looking forward to another busy year at the BMA,” said Stuart. “We will meet the
industry‟s challenges head on. I am privileged to have been elected to this important position
and look forward to serving the membership and furthering the BMA as The Voice of the
Bathroom Industry.”
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Spout end | Exhibitions coming up
Exhibitions are vitally important to the health of the bathroom industry. They are a showcase for manufacturers and their products and a catalyst for education and innovation. The BMA is delighted to support the exhibitions which are now in the industry calendar.
They will further enhance the importance of the bathroom industry and its role in the drive for water and energy efficiency.
Heating Ventilation – HEVAR – London - 22/09/2010 till 23/09/2010
Interior Design - 100% Design – London - 23/09/2010 till 26/09/2010
National Home Improvement Show – London - 01/10/2010 till 03/10/2010
Grand Designs Live – Birmingham - 08/10/2010 till 08/10/2010
Building Construction – Interbuild – Birmingham - 17/10/2010 till
20/10/2010
Plumbing Heating – PHEX – Manchester -20/10/2010 till 21/10/2010
The Sleep Event – London - 24/10/2010 till 25/10/2010
Plumbing Heating – PHEX – London - 17/11/2010 till 18/11/2010
KBB – London - 15/03/2011 till 17/05/2011
Thursday 4th November, Scotland – Hampden Park Wednesday 10th November, Birmingham – National Motorcycle Museum Friday 12th November, Manchester – Manchester United FC Tuesday 16th November, Bristol –West of England Exhibition & Conference Centre Thursday 18th November, London – Mercedes-Benz World, Weybridge
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