Today's consumer is far more sophisticated in terms of design, but despite enormous efforts by the industry as a whole, the shower and its control components are still quite complex and advice very much depends on the retailer and/or plumber. For consumers, the key criteria when making the purchase decision will very much depend on the type of functionality required and the look and style of products.

Following its successful launch earlier in the year, GROHE has incorporated the Euphoria handshower into a new shower system. Now available, it is real testament to GROHE Quality, Design and Technology as well as offering outstanding value at an impressive £498.13 RRP.

Flair International introduces their New affordable style Chianti range, specifically designed for modern bathrooms and today's consumer.

Abode STORM, an exciting range of stainless steel, flat slimline showers aimed at the design conscious consumer. The stunningly designed showers are a feat of engineering excellence at only 3mm thick. The rectangular design and long shaped shower heads are both designed to be wall mounted. The other two heads are square and circular measuring 300 and 400mm in diameter have been created for ceiling mounting. All heads have a single spray pattern which produces a Storm of water for an invigorating shower.

Building on the success of its Geo6 and Hydr8 showering collections, Twyford Bathrooms is set to reinvent the shower tray with Twylite, a range of slim and lightweight shower trays packed full of the Total Install features - quick, easy, and foolproof installation. At just 35mm in depth and made from acrylic-capped polyurethane, the Twylite range is lightweight, but with the addition of a limestone compound structural strength and optimum stability is ensured.

Novellini UK has joined forces with CCL Specialist Supplies to spearhead new ways of drainage in screed and concrete floors that allow designs to be developed without the compromises associated with traditional drainage methods.

For those looking to make their wetroom creation that little bit different and to stand out among the crowd Impey has created two new stylish wetroom screen options.

First is a stunning Smoked Glass option, which brings a whole new dimension of style & elegance to your wetroom. The grey hue of the glass works in perfect harmony with the high quality chrome fittings to provide a unique and sophisticated finish.

When it comes to showering credentials - affordability, intelligence, ease of installation and user-friendliness - it's hard to fault Aqualisa's Visage Digital. Delivering a great, thermostatically controlled shower with spot-on temperatures and perfect performance, Visage Digital makes the benefits of digital technology available to any bathroom - whatever the size or the budget.

Lakes Bathrooms has launched a new minimalist series of sliding shower doors as part of their Italia Range from Provex. S-LITE is new to the frameless range and it was designed at the famous Talocci Design house in Rome.

Mira Showers - the UK's leading manufacturer of showering products and accessories - is strengthening its offer to the retailer with the launch of a new comprehensive range of shower enclosures. Called Mira Flight SFE - ‘Semi-Frameless Enclosure' - the line up includes pivot, bi-fold, sliding doors and walk-ins: so providing a variety of styles from which to choose.

Fully thermostatic the ‘Selectronic Shower Safe' automatically adjusts both power and water flow to achieve the selected temperature. The unit is straightforward to use and features one-touch operation and tactile button coding with large, easy to press buttons. It also has a pre-programmed start up temperature of 41 degrees and phased shutdown, which helps to reduce scale, caused by hard water and ensures a cool start temperature. Other safety features include auto shut off to protect against high temperatures and audible feedback response commands.

Several new ranges will be joining the luxury Francis Pegler portfolio in 2009, including the new Loko collection. With its ergonomically designed handle, Loko provides for easy locomotion and precise fingertip control, extending from a chromed dome, complete with its gracefully arched spout. The complete range includes everything from basin and bath/shower mixers, through to the mini basin mixers that are perfect for the smaller basins found in downstairs cloakrooms.

Affordable luxury is the proposition from Bristan as it launches Neo, stunning collection of brassware which includes this striking thermostatic shower.

Featuring beautiful Italian-inspired styling with a generous fixed shower rose and detachable handset, this timeless design piece incorporates a three control exposed inline shower valve with two stop cocks. Suitable for all plumbing systems, preferably balanced, the shower is thermostatically controlled with a pre-set temperature of 43°C and has 150mm centres, making it ideal for the replacement market.

Space and time restrictions of daily life are contributing to the growth of the shower market and ensuring that it remains a key function in the bathroom. With the consumer tendency to choose showering more frequently than bathing, Roca is delighted to launch a brand new thermostatic shower column - S-LIM (Simple - Less Is More).

Stream was one of 7 shower styles launched by Roper Rhodes in 2008, each of which offers a choice of four thermostatic valves; exposed or concealed dual control, and concealed dual and triple inline versions.

Enjoy is a new range of luxury shower enclosures from German manufacturer, Hüppe, which turn an ordinary shower into a great one.

Sleek in styling and solid in construction, Simpson's new Double-Sided Enclosure with door from the Design View range boasts 8mm toughened glass, combining sophisticated styling and product durability. The discreet framing of the enclosure allows for uninterrupted sleek lines and undisturbed views.

Tile Cutting Specialist RotoZip, has unveiled the latest addition to its range of products designed to make life easier and safer for the Professional Tiler.

Deva is adding to its cutting Edge range of showers with the new SQ204 square thermostatic bar shower with riser, diverter and minimalist square design handset and shower rose to complement the existing tap ranges of Edge, Zonos and Rubic for the ultimate in co-ordination.

The desirable combination of safe thermostatic operation and the sophisticated, solid, sleek, square design results in a stunning shower that's striking enough to appeal to the most design conscious consumer, yet safe enough for the whole family to use.

Triton's trio of ‘Eco' showers combine style and performance together with water saving opportunities. The three new models - T80Z Eco electric shower, and Dart Eco and Dove Eco mixer showers - have been designed to offer advanced environmentally friendly options across all applications whilst remaining easy to install and without compromising the latest looks that customers are demanding.

Available in stainless steel and enamel, the Uniflex shower channel from Geberit provides a classic look for any interior theme. A bespoke option allows the channel to be installed with a variety of other materials including wood, Corian and even bathroom tiles.

Tylö has developed an independent combined door and shower column that turns a normal shower into a fully functioning steam room. It is available in the UK from Golden Coast.

The new '60-G' shower column has been produced with an integral steam generator and full shower functions, used as part of the steam bathing experience.

Modern and spacious, the Slot & Lock system from Aqualux shows that there is no need to compromise on style to reduce installation time. With no need for screws, the enclosure simply slots together and is sealed with silicone.The entire installation process can be completed In just five minutes, keeping disruption to a minimum.

Hudson Reed is proud to announce that the new Rapport Dream Shower has achieved TMV2 and claims it is the first shower panel to be granted this safety approval under the ‘UKAS Buildcert' scheme.

TMV2 is an independent testing procedure to check that thermostatic water valves shut down instantly if the cold water supply should fail, preventing the risk of scalding and that the water temperature remains stable and within safe limits despite changes in the inlet water pressure or temperature.

Aqata, prestigious manufacturer of high quality shower enclosures, presents the stylish Elipse. Combining discreet engineering and excellent design to provide a high quality, curvaceous enclosure, the Elipse is available as a central wall or space-maximising corner model.

Both offer contemporary, clean lines, while the elliptical shape provides practical solutions and a comfortable roomy interior. Its polished chrome finish combined with stunning curved glass, provides a luxury showering area suitable for the majority of bathroom designs.

On The Level, UK manufacturer of patented wetroom shower trays, offers a complete package containing everything you need to create a stylish and contemporary wetroom. The package includes the easy-to-install Birch Ply shower tray, drain gully, waterproofing kit, choice of stainless steel floor gratings and glass shower screens in a choice of design.

Hansgrohe has launched a new XXL range of overheads to join the popular Raindance AIR shower family. Distinguished by an ergonomic rectangular design with softened corners and available in three widths (24cm, 36cm and 42cm), the new Raindance E showers have been created in collaboration with Phoenix Design and offer a very direct and pleasurable experience of the element of water.

Due to the success of the Swing range of stylish and affordable overbath screens, Showerlux has launched a new version of the Moderna specifically designed to suit the smaller bathroom.

Specialist bathroom company, Aquaplus Solutions, brings the ‘Arco' floor standing shower to the UK.

For the ultimate in contemporary styling, the ‘Arco' floor standing shower features an ultra sleek body and a smooth, curved head. Perfect for consumers with a penchant for minimalist design, the ‘Arco' floor standing shower would look great as part of a wet room or equally as stylish combined with a complementary shower tray (as shown).

Purus, the wet room drainage solutions provider, has launched the Mini Brage wet room floor drain. The new drain has a vertical bottom outlet made of polypropylene (PP) and is made for use with Vinyl and Ceramic Tiled floors. The drain can be installed in a concrete floor with a waste feed direct to a stack.

Specialist bathroom supplier, Splash Distribution, introduces an exciting and innovative new shower from the Faraway collection. Typical of the celebrated yet understated aesthetic of the renowned Faraway collection, the shower column single lever mixer with shower set exudes a modern simplicity. Illustrative of the latest cutting edge design, the shower column is sophisticated and quietly cool, ideal for the contemporary bathroom. Providing a generous dousing of water, the large shower head gives a real sense of luxury. Manufactured to last, the sleek shower column is made from brass and is available with a chrome or white finish.

Leading UK shower tray manufacturer, JT, has today launched a new addition to their market leading JT40 range. The JT40 Fusion creates a showering experience, with all the benefits of a wetroom, without the price tag.

Lorna Fellowes, Managing Director of Triton Showers, takes a look at the shower market over the last 10 years and the areas which are seeing the most growth.

Making a real statement within the electric shower market, Triton Showers has launched a stunning new ‘Inscriptions' electric shower collection that combines striking designer style and performance with an affordable price tag.

The Euphoria family of showers and accessories have been designed exclusively to co-ordinate with the complete collection of the Abode bathroom brassware offering. The portfolio contains a myriad of outstanding design pieces including the solid Euphoria oval wall mounted thermostatic shower post suitable for new build and refurbishment projects.

Roper Rhodes has launched a range of shower valves all tested under the TMV2 scheme for domestic showers.

The Hudson Reed Lustre Dream Shower combines everything for a super luxury showering experience with a tropicaldownpour overhead, a neat minimalist handset and six body jets. The Lustre includes thermostatic water control for safer, more enjoyable bathing and a diverter to change the water flow between the three different shower options.

Anti-scald valves are set to become a standard feature in all new bathrooms, with legislation expected in the autumn. The valves -  also known as thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) blend hot and cold water to deliver hot water at safe temperatures for baths and other outlets.  This is to combat the 20 deaths and almost 600 serious injuries caused by bathtime scalding each year.

Style and innovation are the hallmarks of Matki's collection of showers and enclosures. Made in the UK from top quality materials, Matki products are hand-assembled to achieve the unrivalled luxury and durability for which the brand is renowned.

On The Level, UK manufacturer of patented underfloor shower trays, offers a complete package containing everything you need to create a stylish and contemporary wetroom. The package includes the easy-to-install Birch Ply shower tray, drain gully, waterproofing kit, an attractive choice of floor gratings in different finishes and glass shower screens in a wide range of styles and sizes.

Hudson Reed launches I-Flow, an exciting new remote control digital shower system that can set water flow and temperature from up to 10 metres away.

Leading Brassware manufacturer VADO introduces a stylish new showerhead appropriately named Sculpture.

Any modern wetroom can now be made more fashionable than ever thanks to the latest shower drain from Geberit. With seven different grating designs ranging from the more traditional ‘classic' style to the modern ‘trendy' version, the Uniflex shower drain is the perfect finishing touch for any stylish design.

Two products from Mira Showers - the UK's leading manufacturer of showering products and accessories - have been awarded the prestigious Waterwise Marque, acknowledging their contribution to improving water efficiency. The Minilite Eco and Miniduo with Eco handset are ‘environmentally friendly' showers designed to significantly reduce water and energy consumption, by as much as 75%, while still delivering superb performance.

Deva caters for all sectors of the shower market with a wide range of products comprising TMV approved valves featuring dual and triple, vertical and horizontal designs, plus manual showers, concentric showers, electric showers, shower kits, shower panels, handsets, and of course the well-known, multi award winning water and energy saving Satinjet^TM range.

Floor tile failures in bathrooms and other wet areas are a thing of the past with new Aquapanel Floor Tile Underlay from Knauf Drywall. Specially developed as a thin substrate for tiles on floors, the lightweight 6mm reinforced cement board is the ideal complement to ceramic, mosaic or natural stone tiles. Available in 900 x 1,200mm panels from Knauf Drywall stockists nationwide, Aquapanel Floor Tile Underlay is easy to handle and install, and virtually eliminates problems associated with traditional underlays.

Space and time restrictions of daily life are contributing to the growth of the shower market and ensuring that it remains a key function in the bathroom. With the consumer tendency to choose showering more frequently than bathing, Roca is delighted to launch a brand new thermostatic shower column - S-LIM (Simple - Less Is More).

Aqata, best known as Britain's leading independent manufacturer of shower enclosures, also produces a design-led, high performance range of showers called Linneal.

During these difficult economic times, you need to stand out from the rest. Raise your profile with the Rise and Fall range.

Developed by the renowned studio of Phoenix Design in collaboration with Hansgrohe, the PuraVida collection delivers an entirely new, lively and flowing design language.

Purus, the leading Swedish manufacturer of drainage and plumbing products for wetrooms, has launched the Purusline side exit gully.

Aqualisa's Midas range has the golden touch - but thankfully - metaphorically only. Finished in smart, hard-wearing chrome, Midas 100 and Midas 200 focus upon delivering contemporary looks combined with outstanding performance. It's a winning blend of practicality and aesthetics that have become an Aqualisa hallmark and which are spot-on for wet rooms and walk-in showers.

Kira is the latest shower cabin collection from Glass, the wellbeing specialists from Italy. Created by talented young designer, Claudia Danelon, Kira comes in 4 sizes 90x90, 100x70, 100x80, 120x80 for wall or corner installation and in shower and steam versions.

A refreshing new range of shower enclosures geared to busy lifestyles has been launched by German manufacturer, Hüppe.

Launched at the recent ISH exhibition DIGA is an exciting new approach to shower enclosure design. The product features 2 foldaway panels which hinge through 180 degrees from the wall enabling them to fold away either internally or externally. When in use the panels close together with a full height magnetic seal ensuring watertight showering.

The new GROHE Rainshower F-Series - a luxury collection of concealed body, head and ceiling showers. Allowing for a complete bespoke showering experience, the GROHE F-Series pays homage to two geometric forms - the circle and the square. While its side showers can swivel in every direction and offer individual volume control, the super-flat shower tiles fuse seamlessly into the wall and ceiling to maximise on showering space and create the perfect minimalist look.

There is no reason why a small bathroom has to compromise on style and showering space. It can be transformed into a spa-like sanctuary - a place to escape to and unwind from daily stresses. Roman's new Trapezium Shower Enclosure creates a relaxing retreat and is an ideal showering solution for small bathrooms restricted by a window frame, door or other bathroom furniture. Extremely flexible, it can be easily installed to a number of configurations depending on the bathroom layout. To complement this ultra modern minimalist look the enclosure fits to a product specific Trapezium Low Level tray manufactured from Roman Stone- a solid surface technology.

Neos IV a new free-standing addition to the Neos series of hydromassage columns, embraces both practicality and the benefits of personal wellness. It is equipped with four hydro-massage jets, a thermostatic or single lever (manual) mixer, and an overhead shower with rain spray to offer a revitalizing and therapeutic shower experience. It is easy to care for being freestanding and of a brushed stainless steel finish while the directional hydromassage jets allow you to enjoy the height of well-being.

For those looking to add a contemporary heart to their bathroom, the new Leona Shower Pole from Triton boasts a minimal tubular design that will make a real style statement.

Simpsons' renowned minimalist shower enclosure collection, Ten, takes pared-down styling to the next level with the introduction of a single sheet of sleek toughened glass, held in position by virtually invisible, yet sturdy, supports. 

The Selecta Utopia Open Space is a frameless shower enclosure featuring a large corner entry for easy access.  A stabilising bar secures the fixed panel for extra rigidity and also acts as a towel rail.  The large showering area allows for a luxurious shower experience in a contemporary, minimalist design and is large enough to be used for wheelchair access or as a drying and dressing area.

New to Manhattan's impressive product portfolio of wetroom and shower solutions is ‘Minimal'; a modern and elegant shower enclosure.

AllClear® is the exclusive stay-clean coating launched as an integral part of the Classic Collection of products by Lakes Bathrooms last year. Since its introduction, this invisible feature has had some very noticeable results as the company continues to grow in line with interest in this value-adding advantage.

Crosswater's new Base collection is the definition of cool. With its geometrically precise flat spout, Base is the ultimate in contemporary design. Base is understated, sophisticated and ideal choice for a minimalist bathroom.

The perfect solution to the expanding demand for Walk-in Showering

It has been a best seller for the past three decades, and now the launch of the latest T80z electric shower from Triton takes ease of installation and retro-fitability to the next level.   

Visage Digital, the latest intelligent shower to be launched by digital showering pioneers, Aqualisa, certainly has all its digital credentials firmly in place.  Delivering a great, thermostatically controlled shower with spot-on temperatures and perfect performance, Visage Digital is the digital shower the marketplace has been waiting for.  And even better is Visage Digital's pocket-friendly price tag that makes the convenience and benefits of digital showering available to virtually all.

Renowned for quality products and excellence in customer service, Aqata is Britain's leading family-owned manufacturer of luxury shower enclosures.  Aqata prides itself on being an engineering led company incorporating innovative designs, superb quality and inspiring solutions essential for today's demanding lifestyles.

Copies of our successful OUTASIGHT® shower screen have appeared on the market bearing the names OUTASIGHT, OUTOFSIGHT and BIAVA FOLDAWAY. Be of NO misunderstanding, these are not OUR goods. We have not manufactured them or put them on to the market place, and the QUALITY of the Chinese copy will only harm the reputation of the retailers who sell the fake goods, not to mention the reputation of the genuine OUTASIGHT® QUALITY. We ask for the support of ALL retail shops and TRADE outlets, that they ONLY sell the GENUINE patented OUTASIGHT® from CALMTOUCH LIMITED, which is made here, under stringent QUALITY control checks, in our own factory, in the UNITED KINGDOM.

Leading manufacturer Deva consistently updates its extensive ranges, providing you with a host of business opportunities and a vast portfolio of products to suit all styles and budgets.

Showerlux UK has launched an enclosure for bathrooms where space is at a premium. The enclosure has been designed specifically for bathrooms lacking in available wall space without compromising on the overall showering experience.

Impey have built on the success of their award winning Aqua-Dec wetroom former by producing the new LinearFlo-Dec. The LinearFlo has been developed to give a minimalist feel with Straight-Line Design.

Redring's Selectronic thermostatically controlled instantaneous electric showers are claimed to be one of the safest showers available. Having achieved the new and additional safety standards necessary for use in care establishments and for less able users, Selectronic is the ideal product for domestic, commercial or institutional use.

After securing distribution rights for Austrian manufacturer Artweger in the UK, Eurocare Showers is kickstarting 2009 with the introduction of the Artweger shower ranges. New to the UK and available exclusively through Eurocare, the Artweger shower collections are designed with contemporary living in mind.

Matki Showering is a name synonymous with style, innovation and quality. Outstanding design and exceptional craftsmanship form the essential components on which every Matki shower is created. The collection comprises a comprehensive range of showering products from enclosures, surrounds, bath screens and trays through to industry leading thermostatic mixers and brassware.

Leading shower enclosure designer and manufacturer, Coram Showers, has unveiled its all-new Glass Shower Panel range, a collection of minimalist ‘walk-in style' shower enclosure designs, specially developed for the UK market. Comprising three highly stylish models, the Glass Shower Panel Range caters for a variety of bathroom layouts and dimensions, making it easier to create a contemporary, high performance showering space.

Installing an over-bath shower in a small space needn't be a compromise with Simpsons' new Semi-Frameless shower screen - a simple, stylish screen that's virtually indestructible.

Creating a light and capacious environment in the bathroom, the AquaSpace Walk-in Modular Shower Panels feature large panels of toughened "easy clean" clear glass. The contemporary design is consistent throughout with a sleek polished silver effect frame.

Showerwall from IDS provides a high performance and easy installation decorative solution for shower enclosures, bath surrounds and wallpanelling. It is ideal for new build and refurbishment projects with the range of components easily installed by a competent tradesman. This cuts out the need for wet trades and has the benefits of dramatically speeding up installation time, while ensuring a stylish finish. There are 20 different designs to choose that will satisfy a range of interior looks.

Mira's Mini mixers offer a truly powerful ‘mini' valve with the added benefits of eco-friendly options, says Roger Crabb, marketing manager for Mira Showers.