The “Voice of the Bathroom Industry”, the BMA, held its AGM in June and, to a packed audience, reviewed its work over the last twelve months, elected new officials and looked forward to a challenging year ahead.

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association represents the interests of almost 40 major bathroom manufacturing groups with around 80 well known brands in the UK market. Its AGM, held at the BMA office suite in Stoke on Trent, saw the retirement of its current President, Alan Brown and the election of its new President, Steve Lee.

Alan Brown held the post for the usual two years and commented, “My stint at the helm seemed to have flown by. The association is in great shape. We have a clear strategy, our finances are in good order and our initiatives as the Voice of the Industry are now highly regarded by the government, the trade and the public.”

Steve Lee was elected unanimously by the BMA membership. 42 year old Steve is the very successful chairman of the Bristan Group, of
Tamworth. He is well known and highly respected in the bathroom industry. Reflecting on his appointment Steve said “we are travelling a challenging path and the last 18 months have been particularly painful for our members. But the BMA will remain strong, focussed and proactive and I am extremely proud to be taking over.”

Steve Lee joined Bristan Ltd in 1992, progressing from Commercial Director to MD in 1997 when acquiring the company in a £20m management buyout. He quadrupled turnover and profit in 5 years, acquiring a major competitor, John Sydney, in 2000 and achieving UK market leading position for showers and taps. Under his leadership, Bristan Limited was sold in 2002 to Masco Corporation but Steve stayed on to become CEO and to integrate 6 UK divisions and form the larger group now based in the new purpose built HQ in Tamworth, Staffs. During 2007/08 he introduced a new management team to Bristan appointing the new CEO Richard White and subsequently becoming Chairman in 2008

The AGM also saw the election of David Osborne to the position of First Vice President. David is currently chairman of the BMA’s Centre of Excellence Product Group. He is Managing Director of Roman Ltd, shower designers and manufacturers.