Impey’s Bathroom Adaptations Technical Training Tour 2024 has concluded.
The tour was spread across four venues and featured interactive training, discussion and networking opportunities. Impey said it offered training opportunities, centred on the design, development and manufacture of accessible showering and bathroom products.
A statement said that in North London, Birmingham, Leeds and Edinburgh, 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.
Rachel Russell, senior regional advisor, Foundations, said: “It’s great to see a tour like this aimed at those who want a deeper understanding of how to install, maintain and specify the best product. While our Foundations Roadshows always include something for technical officers, the value of the four events is a whole day dedicated to presentations from manufacturers and suppliers that explore the technical details of products and their installation – crucial factors that technical officers and surveyors need consider in their role within the grant process.
“For Foundations, the tour provided an excellent opportunity to connect with technical officers and highlight the support we provide through guidance, training and networking opportunities. Another important aspect of the day was the networking between attendees from different local authorities, sharing some of the current challenges being experienced in the sector. This exchange allowed participants to share practical ideas and tips on how to effectively manage these challenges.”
Simon White, adaptation officer, Trafford Council, added: “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, said: “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, added: “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, said: “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.”