With more than 650 exhibitors across 2 halls and 40,000sq m of floorspace attracting 20,000 visitors, this year's InstallerSHOW proved that it's a force to be reckoned with – Emma Hedges brings you the highlights from exhibitors' stands.
1. Mira Showers was highlighting its Mira Sport Electric showering range that comes with Airboost technology, pictured, as well as the Mira Form – an innovative thermostatic shower that is the only multi-fit concentric mixer on the market. The overall focus was on smarter showering and simpler fitting – one of the hero products was the Mira Platinum digital shower range, that helps consumers control and track water usage, and can be operated remotely via a smartphone app.
2. Grohe was launching its Rapido Shower Frame – a preassembled frame that has been designed to ease the installation requirements of concealed shower systems and includes all the essential elements in a ready-to-go steel frame. All parts and components are prefabricated, mounted and tested, including the sealing of the water pipes before delivery. Grohe's Lewis Neathey said: "We see it as our responsibility to address current industry challenges and support our professional partners effectively. We are thrilled by the enthusiasm we've seen [at the show] and look forward to continuing to support the industry with our evolving product range."
3. Lecico Bathrooms was sharing a stand with Thomas Dudley and highlighting its new Design Series sanitaryware and furniture ranges, along with its exclusive partnership with REPEAT Materials, offering innovative bathroom panels, shower panels, and shower trays that the company says revolutionise sustainability in bathrooms. REPEAT Materials products are made from recycled PET (plastic bottles), delivering a robust, tough, and waterproof material.
4. Thomas Dudley unveiled its Dudley Quantum push-button operated Leak-Free Syphonic Toilet Flush Valve, pictured, that is said to represent a leap forward in flushing technology. The leak-free design enhances the durability of the valve and optimises water usage by eliminating leaks without compromising performance. In addition, the company was displaying its new Victoria Outlet Valves, which now include a new Valve Mate Adaptor, and are so simple to retrofit it takes less than 30 seconds.
5. Flair Showers displayed a variety of shower enclosures from its brand new Flair PRO Essential Collections range, engineered specifically for trade professionals. Installers got hands-on at the exhibition too, taking on Flair’s Click-Fit PRO test, to experience for themselves how quick and hassle-free a Flair Verve PRO shower door is to assemble. Sarah O'Reilly, senior marketing executive at Flair said: “Exhibiting at InstallerSHOW was important for us to meet and engage with the trade professionals in our industry. We launched the Flair PRO Essential Collections, a product range that has been designed and engineered with installers in mind and are delighted with the interest and feedback our Verve PRO shower doors received."
6. Roman was unveiling its latest offerings from the Innov8, Liberty, and Haven Select Wetrooms collections – along with its new upgraded Solid Surface Gel Coat Shower Trays. Visitors also got to experience Roman's Fast Fix assembly, designed for easy installation. The pre-set profile of the shower enclosure is equipped with screws and a key slot and is said to ensure a seamless setup.
7. Ideal Standard was showcasing its recently launched Eurovit+ and Alu+ ranges. Eurovit+ is a new furniture and basin collection that comes in 4 finishes, including Gloss White and Mid-Grey, offering a contemporary look. Two wood melamine finishes, Natural Oak and Flint Hickory, bring warmth and texture. Alu+ offers customers contemporary shower and beauty bar solutions for modern living.
8. Waterline had a successful outing at InstallerSHOW, displaying a range of products, from furniture to flooring and worktops, designed to make installers' jobs easier, quicker, and more cost-effective. The show also marked Waterline’s official launch into bathrooms. Covering both traditional and contemporary styles, Waterline Bathrooms has been launched in co-ordination with industry experts to reflect the latest design trends and consumer needs. The initial bathroom range will include all the main product groups and will be available for retailers to sell in showroom only. Michael Marriott, CEO of Waterline, said: “Waterline had a successful debut at InstallerSHOW. We enjoyed engaging with installers, learning about their needs for bathrooms and kitchens, and meeting customers. Visitor feedback was very positive.”
9. Häfele showcased many of its legacy products that have revolutionised the furniture fixings industry, including the iconic Häfele Minifix connector system, of which 3.2 million units are still produced every day. There was also the chance to get hands on with Matrix, pictured, Häfele's versatile drawer range offering universal style and functionality as well as easy installation for installers, now with a pre-assembled option. Richard Curtis, MD of Häfele UK, said: “Over the course of 3 days, we had the chance to really get to know our installer customers, find out about the projects they’re working on, and show them the products and services available at Häfele to make their life easier, save them money and extend our services to their customers. We were delighted away by the number of visitors to the stand."
10. Qettle was highlighting the benefits to installers of its Qettle Original boiling water taps that offer 4-in-1 functionality. The company has recently added Matt Black and Gold finishes to the collection that are achieved using a PVD process. Along with a working Qettle on the stand, there was also a Beer Qettle that was proving a hit with visitors. Director Alexandra Rowe said: "We thought a Qettle Beer Hour, twice a day on our stand at InstallerSHOW would go down a treat with visitors in need of refreshment. And aside from the pull of a free half-pint, it’s also a brilliant way for visitors to understand how unique and innovative Qettle’s patented design is."
