Bathroom innovation and design has come a long way in recent years and the industry has done much to meet the challenges of the head long rush for sustainability.

In vitreous china manufacturing there have been major breakthroughs in WC design. Pans which flush successfully, and legally, with as little as 4 litres (single or dual flush) are now quite common. Their development has been fast - they were still on the drawing board only two years ago. In taps click-stop technology, which helps the user to ‘feel' how much water is being used, is no longer luxury but it has now reached the big DIY and home shopping stores in a major way.  In showering, wet rooms are advancing apace and enclosures are becoming increasingly minimalist.

Companies which lead the pack in product design will survive those who are stuck in the stone age and simply copy what's out there. For the future, maybe innovation in rich colours, tinted chrome and polished nickel finishes (and, of course, sustainability) will help stimulate the market. But innovation alone is not the whole answer to survival. Exemplary quality in products, customer service and installation will see the fittest survive the longest.

When the consumer is strapped for cash he or she will spend more time examining the purchase, making sure it is fit for purpose. You may have got away with surface blemishes a few years ago but it is all different now.

Consumers also expect products to last. Those with the most free cash - the 55 plus age group - will spend wisely.  They will search for the best. They will seek out the most water efficient products listed on BMA's site at  www.water-efficiency.org.uk . They want a perfect product and a fault free installation. They want great customer service backup from a motivated staff who have been fully trained using the Bathroom Academy at www.bathroom-academy.co.uk.

Manufacturers, retailers, merchants and plumbers who recognise the changes in the market caused by the cliff-hanger economy have a much better chance of survival than those who don't. Knowledge is power and the BMA is continually working for the industry, expanding the information available to both members and consumers to help them survive.

www.bathroom-association.org is well worth a visit.

Further Information

For further information please telephone 01782 747123, email: info@bathroom-association.org.uk or visit www.bathroom-association.org