How NBS helps Closomat engage with architects

Changing Places Toilets is a campaign-backed concept championing accessible toilet designs. Robin Tuffley, Marketing Manager at Closomat, shares his thoughts on NBS Source and the industry’s changing attitudes to accessibility...

Closomat is the only specialist manufacturer of Wash and Dry toilets in the UK, operating from a Manchester HQ, which includes a purpose-built wash and dry toilet product design and assembly facility. The business has been operating for over 60 years, but recent technological advances and a new direction have presented opportunities.

“We were the original sponsor of the Changing Places campaign back in 2009 and have been leading the field in the provision of these facilities ever since,” Robin said.

The campaign encourages architects to provide more inclusive toilets known as Changing Places Toilets (CPTs) for the quarter of a million UK citizens who need more space and specialist equipment than standard accessible toilets can provide.

Closomat makes it easy for architects to implement these facilities by offering their Changing Places Collection.

“The Changing Places toilets feature more space than a standard accessible toilet (12m²), to accommodate the user and their carer(s), plus a height-adjustable washbasin, ceiling-
track hoist, adult-sized changing bench, peninsular WC with space for carers on either side and a privacy screen.

The additional space and equipment in these facilities ensure disabled customers with complex needs and their carers have safe access to a toilet when shopping, enabling them to stay longer in the store and feel confident and comfortable when doing so.”

Getting the message to specifiers

When trying to influence specifier behaviour, it pays to make things as efficient as possible. As a manufacturer, Closomat has made it simple for architects to choose their Changing Places solutions and be endorsed by the campaign. 

“When you work with Closomat and specify our products, your installation/venue will be signed off and registered with the Changing Places Campaign without question or delay. Without Campaign endorsement, your venue won’t benefit from the promotion and collaboration that comes with central registration – Closomat will guarantee compliance.”

While the Changing Places Campaign was once lesser known in the construction world, new changes to Building Regulations have catapulted the importance of accessible toilets into architects’ minds. 

Closomat chose to work with NBS to gain access to our vast network of architects, designers and other specifiers through NBS Source. Utilising the platform has helped widen Closomat’s net and secure more interest from architects:

If you’d like to improve your reach and increase exposure to your products, get in touch to find out more. 

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