Impey’s Bathroom Adaptations Technical Training Tour 2024 was spread across four venues, the tour featured interactive training, discussion and networking opportunities. Along with four key UK brands, Impey offered unique training opportunities, centred on the design, development and manufacture of accessible showering and bathroom products.
Each training day welcomed anyone looking to deepen all attendees’ knowledge and understanding when it comes to the installation or specification of accessible bathrooms. Attendees included OTs, TOs, installers, contractors, specifiers, building surveyors, plumbers, adaptations surveyors, environmental health enforcement officers, builders, project coordinators, architects and those working within the DFG sector.
In North London, Birmingham, Leeds and Edinburgh a selection of manufacturers and sector specialists came together to offer informative and accessible training sessions, packed with information, product demos and personalised Q&A opportunities, attended by 169 delegates.
On hand to share their expertise and training tips are leading experts from: Impey, Altro flooring and walling solutions, Closomat toilets, Mira Showers and Whale pumps. This year the tour also welcomes a team from Foundations, the National Body for Disabled Facilities Grants and Home Improvements in England; who will be on hand to enlighten attendees on what is new in the DFG sector.
Topics covered during the events include:
- Installation, maintenance and surveys for wetroom specification.
- Shower trays and (DIN 51097) slip resistance, grab rails, half heights doors and other accessible showering options.
- Flooring and walling solutions with colour and design flexibility.
- Wash and dry toilets and dignity and independence in toileting.
- Innovative shower design, service and support.
- Shower pump technology and drainage performance; including innovations for safe pumped drainage for electric and mixer showers plus flood reduction and pump installation best practice.
John Houghton, National Sales Manager – Healthcare, from Impey explained: “The Bathroom Adaptations Technical Training Tour has been a wonderful growth opportunity for anyone involved in the installation or specification of accessible bathrooms. We would like to offer a huge thank you to our partners this year, Altro flooring and walling solutions, Closomat toilets, Mira showers and Whale pumps. And also to Foundations, the National Body for Disabled Facilities Grants and Home Improvements in England; who came along to share information about new opportunities in the DFG sector.”
Shaun Hunt, Technical and Trade Marketing Manager, Impey: “Accessible showering and bathroom solutions are essential for promoting independence, dignity, and safety for individuals with mobility challenges or disabilities. They reduce the risk of falls and injuries, making daily hygiene routines manageable for everyone. By accommodating diverse needs, these facilities foster inclusivity, enabling people to live comfortably and confidently in their own homes. We are proud to have facilitated these events and to be involved in a sector which promotes a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.”
Simon White, Adaptation Officer, Trafford Council: “My main motivation for attending was to explore any new products and services that are available to the sector and to see some examples of the adaptations that can be provided.
“I have been really impressed with the day and I would definitely recommend a seminar like this to my colleagues.”
John Joseph, Adaptations Surveyor, Leeds City Council: “I came to see new product innovations. Coming here has given me a better understanding of how the products work. I am leaving with lots of information to take back to our team of surveyors and OTs.
“I would 100% recommend this event to colleagues and other people in the industry. I think it would be great for the contractors who manage all our public properties; they would really benefit from seeing the products that are here.”
Caroline Williams, Home Improvement Agency Caseworker, Chorley Council: “I am currently training to be a technical officer and this event has been brilliant to get a handle on some of the bathroom adaptations equipment that is available and learn more about it.
“I would definitely recommend this kind of event to other authorities.”
Tim Weeks, Disabled Facilities Grants Officer, Wakefield Council: “I came to the training session, because I’m always interested in learning and seeing what’s new in the market. If there’s anything that’s new, I want to be aware so that I can feed back to the team and also to our contractors as well.
“I have seen some products I am interested in; the Impey half-height shower screen particularly and the Maxi-Grip Plus grab rail. It’s been great.”
James Broomfield, Adaptations Technical Officer, BCC Adaptations: “Product knowledge is essential for our team to understand how installation works and ensure that the projects we work on come together and run smoothly. All of the products which were being discussed here are ones which we specify on our projects, so the training seemed ideal.
The event has been very informative and well organised and lunch was good too!”
Sabrina Kelly, HIA Manager, The Hertfordshire Home Improvement Agency: “Today was a great networking day; I have really enjoyed meeting all the different stakeholders who are working on adaptations. It has been well worth visiting.”
