Category: News and Comment

News and Comment

August data points to construction slowdown

August data indicated a sustained downturn in business activity across the UK construction sector, led by weakness in the residential building segment.  The seasonally adjusted S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) – an index tracking changes in total industry activity – registered 44.3 in August, down from 44.7 in July and below the neutral 50.0 value for the twentieth successive month. All three … Continue reading August data points to construction slowdown

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News and Comment

Toby Drew takes BDM role for Roca Group in Ireland

Roca Group UK & Ireland has appointed Toby Drew has joined as Business Development Manager for the Laufen and Roca brands, covering Leinster and Munster.   He will focus on both retail and merchant accounts. Drew has 25 years’ sector experience; the last 17 of which have been in bathrooms.  “In taking on a new role, I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with my existing contacts in the bathroom industry,” notes … Continue reading Toby Drew takes BDM role for Roca Group in Ireland

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News and Comment

Husqvarna to discontinue its non-core stone diamond tools business

Husqvarna Group plans to discontinue its non-core stone diamond tools business within the Construction Division, which will result in the shut down of its manufacturing operations for stone diamond tools in Belgium, Portugal, and Greece, along with all global service centers and sales activities linked to the stone business worldwide. The stone diamond tools business currently employs approximately 200 people. “This is fully aligned with … Continue reading Husqvarna to discontinue its non-core stone diamond tools business

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News and Comment

José Luis Ramón takes strategic role at ABK Group

ABK Group has appoint José Luis Ramón to the Board of Directors. Ramón will support the Group’s strategic direction, with a particular focus on accelerating growth and development activities within ABK’s slabs product segment. “We are delighted to welcome José Luis to ABK Group at a pivotal moment for our development,” said Stefano Socci, CEO at ABK Group. “His deep understanding of the global surfaces … Continue reading José Luis Ramón takes strategic role at ABK Group

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News and Comment

C.P. Hart appoints Richard Baylis as MD

Richard Baylis has been appointed as the new Managing Director of luxury bathroom specialist C.P. Hart, with the appointment taking effect on September 1. He succeeds Dean Weston, who has been promoted by parent company Wolseley Group to lead its Plumb Centre network. Baylis has more than 20 years’ experience across the home improvement sector, having held senior roles at O2, Wickes, Homebase, and Bathrooms … Continue reading C.P. Hart appoints Richard Baylis as MD

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Business & Markets, News, News and Comment

Howdens gains share in ‘flat’ kitchen market

Howdens has reported first-half sales of more than £1bn as it continues to gain market share in a ‘flat’ UK kitchen market. It posted group sales of £1.03bn for the 24 weeks to 13th June, up 3.3% year-on-year. Profit before tax rose 4.3% to £122.2m, with gross margin improving to 62.8%. Chief Executive Andrew Livingston stated: “Our first half performance demonstrates the strength and growth … Continue reading Howdens gains share in ‘flat’ kitchen market

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News, News and Comment, Showrooms

Refin opens first French showroom

Refin Studio Paris, the first showroom of Ceramiche Refin in France, invites professionals to explore the interplay of materials and design. Located in the 11th arrondissement, the space features interactive displays and comprehensive collections. It emphasizes hands-on experiences and collaboration, exemplifying the company’s philosophy of innovation and artistic integration in ceramics. Continue reading Refin opens first French showroom

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Appointments, Business & Markets, News, News, News and Comment

Ben Bryden appointed Interim MD at RAK Ceramics UK

RAK Ceramics UK has appointed Ben Bryden as Interim Managing Director, following the retirement of Managing Director Alvin Biggs.  Bryden has been with RAK Ceramics UK for 10 years, having originally joined the company as Head of Projects before taking on the role of UK & Ireland Sales & Marketing Director. “It is an exciting time to take on the role of Interim Managing Director,’ … Continue reading Ben Bryden appointed Interim MD at RAK Ceramics UK

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News, News and Comment

Mapei UK acquires new distribution hub

Mapei UK’s expansion continues with the acquisition of a new warehousing and office site in Bilston, near Wolverhampton. Spanning over 260,000 sq. ft, it will provide warehousing for Mapei’s increasing product portfolio. Mapei’s Midlands-located warehouses will transfer to the new location during 2026 as part of Mapei’s strategy to bring all logistics under one roof. Located just four miles from the M6, this new facility … Continue reading Mapei UK acquires new distribution hub

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News, News and Comment

Beatrice Lucchese appointed Florim CEO

On Thursday, 21st May Florim appointed Beatrice Lucchese as Chief Executive Officer, the third generation of the Lucchese family to hold the leadership of the Italian tile group.  Founded in the early 1960s by engineer Giovanni Lucchese, Florim is now an international benchmark in the field of high-end ceramic surfaces for architecture, interior design and construction. Since 1984, the company has been led by President … Continue reading Beatrice Lucchese appointed Florim CEO

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Hiren Varmora
News and Comment

Morbi shutdown: the hidden cost of war

I wanted to share the following post on LinkedIn with Diary of a Tile Addict’s readers because I have seen no coverage – in either B2B tile/construction magazines, newspapers, TV, or online news outlets – about the hidden costs of the Israel-USA attacks on Iran, and the subsequent impact on the global energy market, on world trade in general, and the ceramic tile sector in … Continue reading Morbi shutdown: the hidden cost of war

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