ROCCIA’s 2025 trade event showcases industry innovation

Leading Preston independent tile, bathroom, and kitchen retailer, ROCCIA hosted its annual Trade Event last week - drawing record-breaking attendance for the third consecutive year and cementing its reputation as a key date in the industry calendar.

 This year’s supplier showcase event attracted a record number of trade professionals from across the UK, providing a unique opportunity for those working in the kitchen, bathroom, construction, and home renovation industries to engage directly with ROCCIA’s team and a broad portfolio of key suppliers.

 With live product demonstrations, technical workshops, and exclusive previews of new tools and systems, the day offered insight into the innovations shaping the future of the tiling and installation industries.

 Top-tier suppliers including Kelmore, First Trace, Snug, RUBI, PCS, Dural, and others, showcased their latest innovations in tools, fixings, adhesives, and cutting technology. Standout product highlights included:

• RUBI’s DC-250 Smart Advance: a fully automated electric saw designed for adaptability and precision
• PCS’s Dual-System Fixings and Vipatek Sealant: a next-generation fixing solution combining screws and washers, plus a versatile adhesive engineered for performance and ease of use.
   

High-Profile Engagement

 The event also featured the KELMORE-BILE — a customised Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 rally car driven by Mark Kelly, Managing Director of Kelmore and Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship racer.

The high-octane display captured considerable attention from both tradespeople and the local community, including a visit from the Lancashire Fire Department.

This continues ROCCIA’s tradition of high-profile guest appearances, following 2024’s special appearance by former WBC World Champion Tony Bellew.

The event also raised more than £1,000 for local charity, the Rosemere Cancer Foundation. Charity buckets, each containing over £55 worth of professional tools and treats, were sold throughout the day, with all proceeds going toward state-of-the-art equipment and patient support services across Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Feedback from exhibitors was overwhelmingly positive. A representative from Dural said: “Out of all the trade events we’ve attended nationwide, this has got to be the best one. The quality of trader engagement, the hospitality, and the organisation from ROCCIA have all been outstanding.”

Jonathan Stopforth, trade manager at ROCCIA, said: "The annual ROCCIA Trade Event continues to go from strength to strength, with 2025 hitting harder than previous years.

"It was fantastic to welcome so many trade professionals through our doors, both loyal partners and fresh faces, to engage with our trusted suppliers and explore all the new products they had on offer.

"The live demonstrations, expert advice and hands-on opportunities offered throughout the day truly reflect our commitment to supporting the trade community all year round. The addition of the Kelmore rally car brought a real buzz to the event, and it was great to see everyone getting involved in the activities.

"We’re especially proud to have raised over £1,000 for Rosemere Cancer Foundation, thanks to the generosity of our attendees and partners.

"Feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive, and I’d like to personally thank everyone, from our suppliers to the traders, who contributed to making this event such a success."

The event concluded with an interactive golden ticket prize draw, with generous supplier-donated prizes up for grabs.

Guests also competed for a RUBI tile cutter via an arcade-style hammer challenge, adding a fun and competitive edge to the day’s proceedings.

For more information, visit www.roccia.com