Bathroom manufacturers have warned of recruitment challenges, spurring the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) to tackle workforce development.

In late 2024, the association held a roundtable event to identify the challenges in the sector attracting and retaining talent in a competitive marketplace.

Recently, the BMA strengthened its commitment by welcoming three recruitment organisations as affiliates SOS Executive Search, Wilson Brook Consulting and Designer Recruitment.

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Speaking on the partnership, Sean O’Sullivan, Managing Director of SOS Exec, stated:“The BMA plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and excellence within the bathroom industry.

“By collaborating with the association, we can ensure its members can access expert guidance in attracting and retaining the best executive talent—a critical investment for long-term success.”

Founder and managing director of Wilson Brook Neil Holloway emphasised: “The bathroom manufacturing sector is brimming with potential.

“Our partnership with the BMA is about harnessing that potential by matching skilled professionals to roles that align with their talents and aspirations, ultimately driving the entire industry forward.”

While managing director and founder of Designer Recruitment Ben Payne added:“Partnering with the BMA allows us to contribute to developing a thriving sector.

“Retention is just as important as attraction; focusing on career progression and employee satisfaction can help create organisations that people want to stay with and grow within.”

In 2024, the BMA launched its inaugural Thirty-Under-Thirty Awards, to celebrate the achievements of young professionals in the bathroom manufacturing sector.

The association will also continue its partnership with the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) to promote the Bathroom Building Blocks programme, a training initiative for apprentices, new starters, and those refreshing their industry knowledge.

Additionally, the association participates in the Construction Inclusion Coalition, an initiative to widen the talent pool by ensuring the construction industry and its supply chain, such as bathroom manufacturing, appeals to people of all backgrounds.

Commenting on these efforts, chief executive of the BMA Tom Reynolds said:“Attracting and retaining the best talent is fundamental to the success of our industry.

“By partnering with top recruiters and launching initiatives like the Thirty-Under-Thirty Awards, we are actively fostering a culture of growth and development.

“Investing in people is not just a strategy—it’s necessary to build stronger organisations and a resilient sector.”