As the year draws to a close, I wanted to take a little time to reflect on 2024 and share a few thoughts with you all. This has been a year we are unlikely to forget, with a tough economic backdrop, the uncertainty of a General Election and the completion of the sale of Ideal Standard concluding on day two of our annual Sales Conference back on February 29.
2024 has been a year of planning, collaborating and transformation and we have laid the foundations for an exciting future. The coming together of our three brands opens up so many new exciting opportunities.
We now have an incredibly broad portfolio that spans everything from affordable solutions to inspiring luxurious collections, and ceramics, furniture and fittings that make us the only manufacturer in the UK that can truly be a one-stop shop for our customers. Whether it’s residential or non-residential projects, showrooms or trade counters, we are working across every channel to ensure we are the partner of choice. With our combined strength, we are well positioned to deliver on that promise.
This year has certainly not been without challenges. Planning to bring together two significant organisations and three brands was never going to be straightforward, as each has its own unique history and ways of working. It’s taken incredible effort from every team and every function to get us to where we are today. I want to acknowledge the resilience and dedication you have all shown.
Looking ahead, there is so much to be excited about. In January, at our annual Sales Conference, we will share our detailed plans for the next four years. We are confident our plans will deliver sustainable growth that positions us for long-term success and keeps us at the forefront of our industry. Our agreement with the supervisory board outlines a clear path for the UK and Ireland through to 2028, and I cannot wait to see what we will achieve together.
Next year also brings some fantastic opportunities to showcase our brands together. In March, we will be at ISH in Frankfurt presenting Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard as one unified company on a global stage. Over the coming months, we will be installing Villeroy & Boch Bathing and Wellness displays into our London Design and Specification Centre, just in time for Clerkenwell Design Week in May. This is going to be a stunning addition to our presence in London, and I’m so excited to see it come to life.
As we head into the holiday season, I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you. This has been a year of immense change, but it’s also been a year of solid progress and preparation. Together, we’ve set the stage for an incredible future. Let’s take this time to recharge, reflect and celebrate all that we’ve accomplished.
I wish you and your families a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy year ahead.
Lisa