BC Designs International has launched a new bathroom brand for the mid-upmarket sector.
Bayswater London W2 is a collection of traditional products including taps and basins, baths, showers, furniture, radiators and accessories.
The brand was introduced to exclusive UK distributor Ideal Bathrooms at a special launch event at Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire on December 4.
BC Designs and Ideal Bathrooms have jointly invested over £1 million in the new venture.
BC Designs is 70%-owned by Halifax-based Roxor Group, with the remainder owned by product development director Barrie Cutchie and sales director Darren Allison, formerly with Kent-based Bathroom Brands.
Speaking exclusively to kbbreview, Allison claimed Bayswater would grab a 10% slice of the UK traditional market, which is worth around £80 million, within 18 months to two years.
“Bayswater is based on the Victorian era,” he said. “We’ve taken existing and new product and put Barrie’s design slant on it. It’s mid-end, affordable and only available through distribution. 80% of the products are being manufactured in the UK and involve several manufacturers. We’ll take a slice of the market, but the market is still growing, certainly internationally.
“I don’t see myself as going up against Bathroom Brands. I just see an opportunity in the marketplace for something that’s very strong for the retailer – not available everywhere. The internet is there, but there seems to be more of a trend now for people to get a feel for what they’re looking for and then go into the showroom and find someone who’ll back that product up.”
Commenting on the new distribution deal, Danielle Lillis, Ideal Bathrooms’ commercial director, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for this highly exciting new bathroom brand. Bayswater has a superb Victorian and Edwardian style collection which perfectly complements our contemporary portfolio. It was important for us to partner with the right brand to give us a strong product offer in this fast growing market sector, where Ideal Bathrooms have not traditionally been represented – excuse the pun!
“Bayswater brings a wealth of experience in the bathroom industry coupled with a range of superbly designed products for the mid-upper market sector. We will be working closely together to develop this new British bathroom name into a major industry brand.”
- Main image left to right: Danielle Lillis, commercial director, Ideal Bathrooms; Barrie Cutchie, product development director, BC Designs; John Bagshaw chairman, Ideal Bathrooms; Darren Allison, sales director BC Designs and Kim Kirby-Stevens, operations director, Ideal Bathrooms.
- For the full exclusive interview with Barrie Cutchie and Darren Allison see the January issue of kbbreview