B&Q rolls out stoma friendly toilets across stores as part of accessibility and inclusion push

B&Q is rolling out stoma friendly toilets across its stores. The upgraded facilities will include additions such as a hook for clothing or bags, a shelf or flat surface for medical supplies, a disposal bin inside the cubicle, and a mirror so the user can clearly see their stoma and bag when changing.

This move is in tandem with Colostomy UK’s wider advocacy work to improve toilet provision in retail and other public spaces. As part of its collaboration with Colostomy UK, B&Q will also roll out Stoma Aware training for customer facing staff.​

The toilets will also be added to Colostomy UK’s listings, making it easier for people to plan visits and find suitable facilities in advance.

Kingsley Mack, Director of Property at B&Q, says: “Shopping should never be stressful because you are worrying about where you can safely manage your stoma. By adding stoma friendly features to our toilets, we want every customer and colleague to feel welcome, respected and confident in our stores. These changes are a simple, practical way to support dignity, ease anxiety and show our ongoing commitment to making B&Q truly accessible for everyone.”

Giovanni Cinque, Marketing & Campaigns Manager at Colostomy UK, says: “People living with a stoma often tell us that a lack of suitable toilets is one of the biggest barriers they face when going out, leading to isolation, cancelled plans and a reduced quality of life. B&Q’s decision to adopt stoma friendly toilets sends a powerful message that hidden conditions must be recognised and accommodated.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Inclusive technology will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards will open for entries in April. They celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 15th October.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.