How’s business been so far in 2026?

While the market still remains challenging, we’ve been very encouraged by the progress we’ve made throughout 2026 so far. Our focus has been less about chasing volume and more about investing in long-term growth with the right partners.

This year has seen us strengthen relationships with independent retailers, significantly expand our showroom presence and continue investing in product innovation, while also launching our Experience Centre programme.

As we move towards the end of the year, we’re really focused on supporting our partners in maximising every sales opportunity. That means continuing to invest in training, consumer demand generation and showroom development. We know retailers are operating in a highly competitive environment, so our objective is to help our customers win more business and grow profitably.

Speaking about your new network of UK Experience Centres, what prompted you to invest in that?

It’s really a natural evolution of our commitment to independent retail. We recognise that today’s consumers want to see, touch and experience products before they make a purchasing decision, particularly when investing in a new bathroom.

Rather than simply supplying displays, we’ve decided to make joint investments with selected retail partners to create destination showrooms that showcase the breadth of the VitrA portfolio and demonstrate the brand in the best possible way. Specifically, the programme is designed to support retailers who have either already demonstrated success with VitrA or represent a significant opportunity for future growth. 

For retailers, the benefits also extend well beyond enhanced displays, with our Experience Centres receiving dedicated support, closer strategic collaboration, marketing investment, training and access to our latest innovations. Ultimately, the aim is to create stronger partnerships that drive greater showroom traffic, increase sales opportunities and deliver mutual growth. 

Where do you think the biggest opportunities are for retailers right now?

Consumers are still investing in their homes, but I think they’re much more selective now about where they spend their money. That means retailers who  offer great design, trusted brands and a premium experience still remain very well positioned.

We’re seeing huge opportunities in design-led bathroom solutions, complete room schemes and innovative products that offer genuine differentiation. Smart technology is also becoming more relevant as time goes on too, and consumers are generally looking for products that combine aesthetics, functionality and long-term value.

What does what does a successful supplier-retailer partnership look like to you?

I’d say a successful partnership is one where both businesses are genuinely invested in each other’s growth. We want retailers to see VitrA as not simply a supplier, but as a growth partner. That means providing the tools, training, marketing support and commercial collaboration needed to help them succeed. 

We really want to make VitrA one of the easiest brands to recommend, specify and do business with. I’m a big believer that the strongest partnerships are built on shared objectives, open communication and mutual investment. 

What would you like people to be saying about the VitrA brand in five years time?

I’d like retailers to say that VitrA is the supplier that genuinely helped them grow their business. Of course, we want to be recognised for our innovative, beautifully designed products too, but products alone aren’t enough.  If retailers describe VitrA as a brand that listens, invests in their success, brings new customers into their showroom and is easy to do business with, then we’ll know we’ve achieved what set out to do. 

Finally, what can we expect from VitrA over the next 12 months?

2027 will be all about building on the foundations we’ve established this year. We’re planning to continue expanding our Experience Centre network, increasing investment in retailer partnerships and bringing more innovative products to market. 

We also see significant opportunities to enhance the digital customer journey, helping consumers discover our products and connect more easily with our retail partners. 

But most importantly, our focus will remain firmly on helping our customers grow. Every single initiative we undertake is being evaluated through the lens of how it helps our retail partners win more business and strengthen their competitiveness in the current market.