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Weekly Email News for the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Industries
9th May 2008
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Appliances
ATAG UK Launches New Gas Hob Range

ATAG UK
has recently launched the MAGNA Design Line that includes a cutting-edge collection of gas hobs. Visually striking the Stainless Steel Hob, 900mm wide, HG9711MT, is designed to cater for a diverse range of cooking styles and personal tastes from the sophisticated dinner party to the casual weekend brunch
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Franke - All Squared Up

Providing an alternative to traditional chimney-style cooker hoods, the new Kubus High Wall from Franke presents a modern block design that's the perfect partner to today's modular kitchen furniture
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New Siemens Dishwasher
Siemens has just introduced a freestanding dishwasher in a fingerprint free stainless steel look. What sets new model SN26M890GB apart from the rest is the fact that this 60cm wide dishwasher can now accomodate 14 place settings - instead of the standard 12
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Egg Cooker Exclusive to Cooking Time
A quick and effective way to cook your eggs, the Severin Electric Egg Boiler is a fantastic kitchen gadget exclusive to Cooking Time
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Maytag UK's Refrigeration
Maytag UK says that not only is the company the purveyor of genuine American refrigeration it is also the inventor of the side-by-side
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Electrolux Launches Auto-focus for Chefs
Electrolux is launching a new oven called Inspiro, the first oven that thanks to a breakthrough heat management technique automatically selects the right heating mode based on the contents of the oven
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Team UKI Steam Iron
Team UKI, the Birmingham based small domestic appliance brand, has added a new steam generator iron to its collection
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De Dietrich Designer Hood
This De Dietrich wall mounted designer hood is designed to act as a showpiece above a 90cm hob and is sleek and sophisticated in its minimalism
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Fagor 8kg Washer
Fagor large capacity 8kg stainless steel freestanding washer dryer is AA-rated for energy and wash performance
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New Monchrome Look Kettle
Monochrome is the latest 'must have' look from the catwalk. Now you can make a style statement in your kitchen with the new Morphy Richards Accents Dove White Kettle and Toaster
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Surfaces

Cova Veneers ad


Cosentino SenSa Granite
Specialist in natural stone, Cosentino is launching a new range of granite work surfaces this autumn. SenSa Granite benefits from exclusive stain protection, which is designed to last for fifteen years
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Bushboard Omega Ebony Stripwood
For a touch of the exotic, look no further than Ebony Stripwood on Bushboard's newly launched Omega worktop range
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LG HI-MACS for Counter Top Perfection
A good example of how LG HI-MACS can be used for design and performance perfection for a modern kitchen worksurface with integrated sink
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LathamLGHiMacsAdvert

Taps & Showers
The Future is Electric

Triton Showers
has launched a new 'Inscriptions' electric shower collection that combines designer style and performance with an affordable price tag.

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New and Improved Trevi Shower Kits
A new and improved shower kit range has been introduced by Trevi, Ideal Standard's brand for shower valves and kits. Elipse is designed to replace the existing Compact range whilst other Trevi ranges have been simplified
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Kitchens
Chic & Sophisticated Milton Walnut
Walnut is the fourth finish to be added to PWS' successful Milton in-frame collection. Milton Walnut embodies essential elements of style to inject sophistication into the kitchen with its classical in-frame design and distinctive walnut colouring adding warmth to the scheme
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Light Up your Life with Miele die Kuche
Award winning kitchen manufacturer Miele die Kuche says that it is the only company to offer customers a choice of eight different ways to not only illuminate, but enhance their kitchens.
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Bathrooms
Utopia Extends You Modular Range
Utopia Bathroom Group has added a new high gloss finish and a range of new single drawer cabinets to its popular YOU range of modular bathroom furniture
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Xil Bathroom Collection from Smirk
For over a decade Smirk has provided consumers with a collection of bathroom choices coupled with its design expertise. 2008 sees Smirk showcase the Xil bathroom furniture collection, utilising natural materials such as wood and stone to give the bathroom an organic feel
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KB Accessories
Easy-fit Linea 320M Waste Sorter Bin from Carron Phoenix

Complementing its extensive sink and tap portfolio, Carron Phoenix can provide an added eco-solution with its competitively priced Linea 320M waste sorter bin

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Radiators
Marbella from Aeon
Aeon Radiator Heaven unveiled the new Marbella designer radiator at KBB in March. Marbella is a departure for designer radiators, with four natural stone elements divided and supported by polished mirror finish stainless steel 'belts' in this vertical hanging design
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Credit Crunch May Yet Bite
It's becoming a little more difficult to ignore the effects of the credit crunch. Persimmom Homes has announced it is to stop building any more homes until the situation improves, and the latest Plimsoll report into the construction industry suggests that 14% of firms in the housebuilding sector are vulnerable.


That may of course mean that the refurbishment and interiors market stays reasonably healthy as people improve rather than move.

Sales of building materials at builders merchants cross the country are also in decline - down 3.1% over the first three months of this year.

Further, a recent report by MTW Research into the K & B distributor market identifies that a substantial proportion of recent asset growth may have been heavily subsidised by rising levels of borrowing by the industry. In 2007, the combined assets of the Kitchen and Bathroom Distributors grew by around 4%, whilst borrowing rose by 5%.

The in-depth report (100+ pages) goes on to find that an average distributor's turnover has risen by around 7% since 2004, reflecting growth at, or slightly below, inflationary levels in recent years. Forecasts for turnover, profitability, asset and debts are provided by MTW to 2012, with a number of reasons for the industry to be reasonably cheerful.

On a brighter note Rachel Mulvihill of Taps4Less.com and her daughter Shelby are racing 5km to help Cancer Research. Good luck to them. Potential sponsors can read More here:

Aqualux

People
More Summer Showers for Scotland

Aqualux
is reinforcing its presence across the border as it appoints Dave Stewart as area sales manager covering Scotland.
[More here]

Whirlpool: Juan Pillay New Marketing Manager
Whirlpool has announced the appointment of Juan Pillay to Marketing Manager of Fabric Care and Dishwashing. Juan previously held the position of Business Planning Manager at Whirlpool and brings valuable market insight to the position.
[More here]

FIRA Appoints New Testing Boss

FIRA International
has appointed Mark Bronka as Operations Manager, Testing Services.
[More here]

New Sales Manager for PWS

PWS
has appointed Jane Hubery as Area Sales Manager, responsible for the sales development of the PWS portfolio in the East Midlands.
[More here]

Aqualux Boosts Sales Team

Aqualux
is welcoming an additional member to its UK wide sales force as Gary Laister is appointed area sales manager for the Midlands.
[More here]


Brochures and Literature

'New for 2008' from Aqata
Aqata, the independent British manufacturer of shower enclosures, has unveiled the 'New for 2008' brochure to accompany the launch of its new Spectra range of ultra minimal frameless enclosures.
[More here]

Screwfix Introduces 'Simply the Best'
The latest catalogue from Screwfix (issue 91) focuses on offering 'Simply the Best' and features more than 18,000 high quality, low cost building, maintenance and refurbishment items for use by the trade and serious home improvers, this 1188-page issue also includes over 900 new products.
[More here]

Marflow Showroom Price Guide
Bathroom supplier Marflow Engineering has launched its latest showroom price guide containing details of its complete portfolio, from the traditional St James to the ultra contemporary designer range, Tangent.
[More here]


Exhibitions & Events

Tecnargilla 2008
The time is coming around for Tecnargilla, the most important international showcase of supplies for the ceramics industry, organised by Rimini Fiera in partnership with ACIMAC.
[More here]

Cesana at Salone Del Mobile
Italian shower manufacturer Cesana exhibited its range of stylish, contemporary showers at the Salone Del Mobile exhibition in Milan last month.
[More here]

Expansion for Kitchen & Bathroom Show
The Kitchen & Bathroom Show has been extended from two to three days to enable visitors with a professional interest in the industries to spend time at the event during their normal mid-week working day as opposed to taking up their valuable weekend leisure time.
[More here]

First News from THE Conference 2008
TV presenter and comedian Nick Hancock has been announced as guest host of THE Conference, which is taking place this year in Tenerife, 26-29 June.
[More here]


Awards & Standards
Whirlpool Announces Scholarship Winners
Whirlpool Foundation has announced the results of the 56th annual Sons & Daughters Scholarship competition on behalf of Whirlpool Corporation's Twin Cities grouping. Three $16,000 scholarships, payable over four years, two $2,500 Honour Awards and one $1,000 Incentive Award were presented to outstanding graduating high school students.
[More here]


Marketing & Promotion
Ad Campaign for Silestone
Spanish-owned Cosentino, the manufacturer of Silestone quartz work surfaces, has unveiled its new press advertisement for 2008.

[More here]


Internet
New Website for GROHE
GROHE, tap and shower manufacturer, has launched its new website - aimed to inspire, inform and support on all aspects of bathroom and kitchen design.
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Slick and Stylish
The introduction of an extensive range of built-in domestic appliances is the catalyst for a new, stylish website for Sovereign Appliance Marketing Ltd.
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Training
Miele Plays Host to Sales and Customer Care Course
The Miele Experience Centre in Abingdon was the venue for the latest one day Sales and Customer Care course, which is approved by KBB NTG and CITB Construction Skills.

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Charity Events
Taps4Less.com Races for Cancer Research UK
Rachel Mulvihill of Taps4Less.com and her daughter Shelby are racing 5km to help Cancer Research.
More here:

Bedrooms
New Rialto Range from Hammonds
Whether you describe your style as vintage boudoir or elegant and sophisticated, Rialto, the latest design from Hammonds, offers versatility while providing storage solutions for the way we live today 

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Tiles
Decorum Tile Studio Launches New Ranges

2008 marks another exciting year for Decorum with a number of new launches including its collaboration with English Heritage to produce a range depicting the richness and diversity of the English tile craft.
More here:


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ATAG Gas Hob
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PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Mereway has Handleless Options
Futura; part of Mereway's Cucina Colore Collection brings Italian chic design and practicality together with storage solutions hidden behind dramatic contemporary styling. The Futura handleless range presents clean lines with smooth top extrusions so fingers tuck over the top ridge for opening doors.
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Utopia Mag
LATEST TENDERS

East Ayrshire Council Requires Electrical Domestic Appliances
East Ayrshire Council is looking to contract for the provision of furniture, furnishings and white goods to Council hostels and homeless tenancies. (Time-limit 01.07.2008).
[More on this Tender]

Cardiff Tenders for Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades Framework
Cardiff County Council is tendering for a framework agreement for carrying out the upgrading of existing kitchen and bathroom facilities to Council owned properties. Estimated value excluding VAT: 24,000,000 GBP. (Time-limit 28.05.2008).
[More on this Tender]


THIS WEEK'S NEWS

K&B Distributor Market: Debt Surges in Difficult Times
Research for a new report on the Kitchen and Bathroom Distributors market has found that the industry is set to experience tougher trading conditions in 2008/9, despite signs that the market should continue to experience positive performance in terms of overall sales turnover.
[More on this Story]

Merchant Sales in Q1 Reflect Market Downturn
Sales of building materials at builders'merchants across the country were down by 3.1% during the first three months of 2008, when compared with the same trading period of the previous year, latest figures from the Builders Merchants Federation reveal.
[More on this Story]

Collapse of Cotswoldgate Leads to Calls for a Change in Company Law
Cotswoldgate has become the latest housebuilder to fall victim to the credit crunch after going into administration last week. The demise of the 13m turnover company prompted creditors to call for a change to the law that allows housebuilders and their financial backers to share the same company directors.
[More on this Story]

KBSA Announces Major Changes to Drive Forward Growth
The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) has announced that it has restructured its administrative operations as a key part of its new plans to improve member benefits and services. This will be coupled with a new membership campaign for both retailers and corporates.
[More on this Story]

Maytag UK Appoints New Distributor for Ireland
Maytag UK has announced the appointment of C&F Quadrant to handle the distribution and service of Maytag UK's brands throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland with immediate effect.
[More on this Story]

New Showroom for Aquadreams
Sean McCann and Jason Humpherston say tht they have proved that dreams really do come true, with their new bathroom showroom in Sutton Coldfield. Aquadreams is a [tc] totally committed showroom, consisting of 40 displays of [tc] bathrooms products in a 2,100 sq ft double fronted store, just a couple of miles off the M6.
[More on this Story]

Tradestyle Cabinets Opens Riverside Studio & Showroom
A new flagship boutique 'Riverside Kitchen Design Studio and Showroom' was officially opened last week to produce the very best in creative kitchen solutions in Glasgow. This is the third kitchen showroom to be opened by Elaine Sutherland whose other studios are in Elgin and Inverness.
[More on this Story]

Samsung Staron Targets KBB Market with ArtiCAD
ArtiCAD, the computer-aided design software developer for the KBB marketplace, has announced a new partnership with Samsung Staron UK
[More on this Story]

Nobia and DMG Acquire German Kitchen Chain Vesta
Through Culinoma, Swedish company Nobia and Dutch company DMG have acquired 75 per cent of the German Vesta Group, a kitchen retail chain located in Germany with ten stores that generated sales of approximately EUR 27 million in 2007.
[More on this Story]

Bugs Like it Hot!
Keep everyone smiling this summer with the latest appliances from Maytag UK. National Food Safety Week takes place from 9th to 13th June this year and it is an excellent opportunity to remind consumers of the dangers of food contamination by bacteria.
[More on this Story]

Premium Appliance Brands Customer Support Service
Warrington based white goods company Premium Appliance Brands has proved that customer service is the top of its agenda by overhauling its customer support and service operations.
[More on this Story]

Call for Water-Wise Business to Shout About Success
The Environment Agency is calling on innovative businesses and other organisations to lead by example and demonstrate their outstanding contribution to water conservation by entering the Water Efficiency Awards 2009.
[More on this Story]

Satinjet Awarded Waterwise Marque
Deva's Satinjet shower system - that saves up to 40% on water and energy whilst providing the most rejuvenating and luxurious cleansing experience - has been awarded the Waterwise Marque in recognition of its environmental achievements.
[More on this Story]

Ten Marques of Excellence
Waterwise has announced ten new water saving devices which have been awarded the prestigious Waterwise Marque. The new products bring the total number of Waterwise Marque products to 25 across a broad range of products for saving water indoors and outdoors.
[More on this Story]

Shades Smashes Environmental Targets
Shades has just released its environmental target results for 2007 and the picture couldn't be greener - the figures are not only excellent for the company, but for the environment too.
[More on this Story]

Green Issues Taken Seriously in Eco Kitchens
Eco kitchens and carbon footprints are much banded about terms, but interestingly enough consumers are starting to take things seriously. Traditional craftsmen like Cotteswood have in fact been environmentally dedicated when producing kitchens and advising customers on green issues for many years.
[More on this Story]

Home Baker of the Year Launches at Poggenpohl Manchester
Sticky cakes were the order of the day at Poggenpohl's Manchester studio on 10th April. The newly-opened showroom enjoyed a visit from actress and queen of home baking, Jane Asher, to launch the Home Baker of the Year award 2008.
[More on this Story]

HPP Illuminates with Environmentally Friendly Lighting
Furniture component supplier, HPP has joined forces with Sensio to offer the latest UK technology in stylish, energy efficient lighting.
[More on this Story]


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BMA NEWS ...

Defra Claims Retailers are Key to Water Efficiency
In a new report titled 'Future Water - the Government's water strategy for England', Defra when referring to the Bathroom Manufacturers Association's (BMA) Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme claims that retailers are key in the development of water efficiency initiatives.
[More Here]


KBSA CORNER...

Building A Business In 2008
This time of year always brings numerous surveys and economic forecasts about what is in store for the coming twelve months. Now that the madness of the sales has passed retailers in the KBB industry can take stock and assess how their businesses are going to prosper during what is generally termed to be 'tough trading conditions'.
[More Here]


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Archive Section

We have archived items from the following Channels: News, Appliances, Awards, Bathroom Products, Events, Kitchen Products, Literature, Marketing, People and Taps & Showers.

KBB 2008:[Exhibitors] BKEXPO 2007: Exhibitor List here; Product Launches here: Reviews here Reviews of product launches from KBB 2008 can be found here.


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