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THE K&BZINE ISSUE 204 31st August 2007
Large
Kitchen Tops Homebuyers' Wishlist
A big kitchen with space to dine tops the homebuyers' wish list, according
to a new report, highlighted by Which? Research found that space for a
kitchen table was more important than a large garden and a downstairs
toilet in the eyes of would-be buyers.
[More
on this Story]
Outside
Access from Franke
Staying
in is the new going out and families are, once again, enjoying cooking
together - making the evening meal a family affair that's sociable and
fun. As designers open up the kitchen to the dining room to make more
room for additional cooks, so the products that go into the space need
careful consideration.
[More
on this Story]
Coram
Appoints Five Acora Sales Agents
Coram
Showers has appointed five new sales agents for its recently launched
retail range, Acora. Brian Robertson, Larry Alford, John Corbett, Alan
Downes and Simon Evans will be responsible for driving forward sales of
Acora's innovative and stylish enclosure and bath screen designs across
the UK.
[More
on this Story]
LAUFEN
Announce Autumn Promotion
Swiss
manufacturer LAUFEN has announced an autumn promotion to support the launch
of its new cloakroom washbasin SMAL.
[More
on this Story]
Mark
Wilkinson to Speak at Decorex
Designer
Mark Wilkinson is a key speaker in the Lecture series at Decorex, the
exhibition for interior designers that takes place at the Royal Hospital,
Chelsea between 23rd and 26th September.
[More
on this Story]
Imperial
Bathrooms joins BMA
West
Midlands-based manufacturer of handcrafted bathroom products The Imperial
Bathroom Company Ltd is the latest company to join the Bathroom Manufacturers
Association (BMA).
[More
on this Story]
Aqualux
Takes Top Spot
Aqualux has officially been confirmed as the UK's number one volume supplier
of shower enclosures. With a market share of 15 percent, the West Midlands-based
manufacturer has topped the industry's official table according to results
just released by BRG Consult.
[More
on this Story]
Burbidge
Invests
Following
the launch of a number of new kitchen frontal and accessory ranges since
the beginning of the year, Burbidge has invested £175k in updating
its national showroom and introducing new brochures, including a new ‘mini
brochure’ and downloadable e-brochure.
[More
on this Story]
Paul
Caneparo Crosses the Water
Fresh
from a successful Expo show and sustained sales growth, Crosswater and
Simpsons say that they are stronger than ever and new Director of Sales,
Paul Caneparo, is set for a busy time.
[More
on this Story]
Silestone Gets NSF Certification
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), has certified Silestone worktops
by Cosentino as a safe material for direct contact with any kind of food.
[More
on this Story]
MFI
To Sponsor Hell's Kitchen
ITV
has announced that MFI is to sponsor the next series of Hell's Kitchen.
The deal includes broadcast and online sponsorship. Marco Pierre White
will step back into the kitchen for first time in seven years when he
takes over reins at TV's most exclusive restaurant.
[More
on this Story]
Roman
Makes Wetrooms Simple
Roman, the UK shower manufacturer, has launched a step-by-step online
video guide which demonstrates how to install a wetroom. This can be seen
on the company’s website.
[More
on this Story]
Blum
puts Dynamic Space® on Display at Daro
Key
Blum distributor Daro Factors has equipped the company’s new east
London showroom with a full and interactive Dynamic Space® display.
[More
on this Story]
Wise
About Water
Cottam
and Preedy says that it has extended its reputation for innovation in
the field of valves with the company’s CP961® Multi, combined
isolation valve and flow regulator.
[More
on this Story]
IDS
Offers a Green Route to Surface Materials
IDS
has implemented some new measures which strengthen the company's eco-commitment
and offer customers a greener route to its surface materials portfolio
which includes all the industry-leading brands in worksurfaces, laminates,
solid surfacing, flooring and panel products.
[More
on this Story]
In-toto
Opens Showroom in Basingstoke
National kitchen specialist In-toto kitchens has opened a new showroom
in Basingstoke. The showroom includes seven different displays.
[More
on this Story]
Exclusive
Baxi Boiler Offer from Screwfix
To
coincide with the Autumn demand for heating systems, Screwfix is offering
a very special promotion on its Baxi Boiler range in the latest Screwfix
catalogue (issue 88). All orders for plumbing items, totalling £1,000
or more, which include a Baxi boiler, will receive £200 worth of
Screwfix vouchers.
[More
on this Story]
English
Brassware Meets Russian Imperial Splendour Marflow
Engineering's St James range of traditional bathroom brassware has been
chosen as part of a major refurbishment by the Grand Hotel Europe in St
Petersburg, Russia, part of the Orient Express Group of Hotels.
[More
on this Story]
THE
K&BZINE ISSUE 203 24th August 2007
Whirlpool
Corporation Reports Record Results
Whirlpool
Corporation has announced that second-quarter 2007 net sales increased
3 percent to $4.9 billion. Net earnings from continuing operations were
$161 million, or $2.00 per diluted share, up approximately 60 percent.
[More
on this Story]
Now
Kitchens - A New Beginning
Now
Kitchens of Preston has been acquired by TSC Industries Ltd, Glasgow.
Following the acquisition, TSC has brought forward Now Kitchens planned
move to a new 40,000 sq ft warehouse and distribution facility immediately
adjacent to the M6.
[More
on this Story]
Rogue
Trainers - The Campaign Continues
The
PHIA campaign to highlight the increasing number of complaints from people
who have paid large sums of money for so called ‘Fast Track’
Training to become Plumbers, Fitters and now Electricians continues.
[More
on this Story]
Utopia
Strengthens Sales Team
Utopia
has significantly strengthened its UK sales team with the addition of
several high calibre industry professionals. There have been five new
additions to the team of eight Areas Sales Managers covering the UK.
[More
on this Story]
Wolseley
Pre-Close Period Trading Statement
Wolseley
plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and
heating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier of
building materials, issues its regular trading statement for the 11 months
to 30th June 2007, prior to entering its close period.
[More
on this Story]
BMA
Conference Comes Closer
Time
is whizzing by and the 2007 Bathroom Conference is coming closer. This
year's event will take place at the Oxford Belfry on 30th October and
promises to be an occasion not to be missed with expert speakers appealing
to anyone who works in the Bathroom Industry.
[More
on this Story]
Aqualux
Takes Top Spot
Aqualux has officially been confirmed as the UK's number one volume supplier
of shower enclosures. With a market share of 15 percent, the West Midlands-based
manufacturer has topped the industry's official table according to results
just released by BRG Consult.
[More
on this Story]
Another
Star in the Theatre
On
visiting the Stonetheatre in Waterloo, actress Jane Asher was taken by
the stunning colours of the slab of Jurassic Green. In addition to varying
shades of predominately green, this stone features other delicate colour
shades.
[More
on this Story]
BMA
Welcomes New Member Classic Marble
Northern
Ireland manufacturer Classic Marble is the latest company to become a
member of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA).
[More
on this Story]
Broughtons
Adds New Ranges from Aqualux to its Portfolio
Broughtons,
the bathroom division of the national distributor, Broughton Crangrove
Galley Matrix has added several new ranges from Aqualux to its portfolio.
[More
on this Story]
Dimplex Returns to its Roots
To
reflect a heritage going back almost 60 years, the UK's space and water
heating market leader has changed its name back to Dimplex UK Limited.
[More
on this Story]
Express
goes 'Quackers' over Victoria and Albert
Personnel
at Express Bathrooms of Hereford have been experiencing a new breed of
visitor to the company’s 40,000 sq ft showroom off Holme Lacy Road,
Rotherwas, in the shape of two wild Mallard ducks.
[More
on this Story]
Showerlux
Wins Contract at Fawsley Hall
Bathroom
manufacturer Showerlux is celebrating after winning an exclusive contract
with luxury country hotel, Fawsley Hall, following a dedicated focus on
the specifiers market.
[More
on this Story]
Planit
Announces New Version of Fusion Design Software
Planit
International is introducing a new version of its design and visualisation
software for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and home improvement markets.
[More
on this Story]
HPP
Complete Warehouse Extension
Furniture
component supplier, HPP has completed a warehouse extension at its Oldham
headquarters which will help to improve the company’s efficiency.
[More
on this Story]
Commited
to Exceed Decent Homes Standards
Housing
Hartlepool, a not-for-profit social housing provider, is working in partnership
with Ideal Boilers, one of the UK’s leading heating manufacturers,
to raise the energy ratings of its housing stock.
[More
on this Story]
Jacuzzi®
Brand Takes to the Road
During
July bathroom manufacturer, Jacuzzi UK commenced a Roadshow taking in
over 20 locations throughout the UK. The events were an opportunity for
Jacuzzi brand retailers to meet with the team away from the distractions
of their busy showrooms.
[More
on this Story]
Lawcris
Tops £1m Turnover in one Week
Against
a background of difficult market conditions, Lawcris Panel Products has
bucked current industry trends to top the £1m turnover mark in just
one week.
[More
on this Story]
Finnish
are First for Panel Master UK Ltd
Cabinet
and wall panelling company, Panel Master UK Ltd, based in Springvale Mill,
Haslingden, has just fulfilled its first overseas order to Finland, with
help from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI).
[More
on this Story]
Smallbone
Opts for Weeke
As
a brand name Smallbone of Devises needs no introduction. The premier kitchen,
bedroom and bathroom manufacturer produces designs and products of distinction
and quality for discerning customers up and down the nation and, indeed,
overseas.
[More
on this Story]
THE K&BZINE ISSUE 202 17th August 2007
James
Theobald - A New Chapter
Distributor
James Theobald has announced a management buy out by Jamie Gardiner, Commercial
Director and Steve Brooks, Sales Director of Theobald's. The new owners
offer an impressive 20 years combined working experience within the company.
[More
on this Story]
KBSA
Survey Reveals How Consumers Choose Retailers
According
to research recently carried out by the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists
Association (KBSA), the two most important factors when choosing a retailer
for home improvements are knowledgeable staff and deposit protection.
[More
on this Story]
Private
Firms 'Prey for Value Hunters'
The
UK’s dwindling number of privately owned kitchen, bedroom & bathroom
manufacturers firms are looking more and more like potential takeover
targets, according to a new report by business analysts Plimsoll Publishing.
[More
on this Story]
Poggenpohl
Goes from Strength to Strength
Business
is booming in the UK for luxury German kitchen manufacturer Poggenpohl.
Unit sales in this country have increased by 80% year on year (2005-2006)
and in the first part of 2007 sales are up by more than 100% on the previous
year.
[More
on this Story]
Belling
Kicks Off its 'Keep Britain Cooking' Campaign
Belling
has started a nationwide initiative to 'Keep Britain Cooking' at the first
Children's Food Festival, which took place on the 14th and 15th July in
Oxford.
[More
on this Story]
Steaming
to Success
Aqualux
is extending its exclusive collection of steam cabins to offer installers
and customers a new range of sizes, shapes and added-extras.
[More
on this Story]
PWS
Warms Up with Devimat Underfloor Heating System
Hot
on the heels of its stone flooring launch, PWS has introduced the Devimat
underfloor heating system to its portfolio.
[More
on this Story]
Utopia
Introduces Display Fitting Service
To
ensure new displays are fitted quickly, expertly and with the minimum
of disruption, Utopia is offering a new fitting service for retailers.
[More
on this Story]
Victoria
& Albert Napoli is a Winner
Victoria
& Albert have been enjoying heavy weight consumer endorsement of the
brand's Napoli bath and lido tapstand. The egg-shaped model came out top
in the recent 'I love my bath' competition held at the Daily Telegraph
House & Garden Fair
[More
on this Story]
Exclusive
Retailer First To Stock Luxury Shower Toilet
Retailer West One Bathrooms, based in Selfridges of London, has become
the first to display the exclusive Balena shower toilet.
[More
on this Story]
ALNOArt
Pro Crowned '2007 Kitchen Innovation of the Year'
ALNO
continues to rake in awards: The 'Besser Leben' initiative has awarded
ALNOART PRO its gold medal for being the '2007 Kitchen Innovation of the
Year'.
[More
on this Story]
Symphony
Expands Chain of Custody
UK
furniture supplier Symphony has received Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
Chain of Custody certification across its kitchen, bedroom and bathroom
furniture ranges.
[More
on this Story]
We
Love Kitchens Opens a New Showroom
Following
the opening of We Love Kitchens of Beaconsfield in 2002, founders Tim
and Adele Cook have opened a second kitchen showroom in Berkhamsted, featuring
16 ALNO kitchen designs.
[More
on this Story]
ATAG
UK Announces New After Sales Service
ATAG
UK, the premium built in Dutch appliance brand, has announced a new after
sales service partner, Repaircare.
[More
on this Story]
Broughton
Crangrove Galley Matrix Customer Satisfaction Survey
Broughton
Crangrove Galley Matrix (BCGM), the UK national distributor of bathrooms,
heating and kitchen appliances, has announced the winner of its customer
satisfaction survey in April 2007.
[More
on this Story]
BMA
Welcomes New Member Intatec
Staffordshire-based
Intatec, expert in bathroom safety and manufacturer of thermostatic mixing
valves, is the latest company to join the Bathroom Manufacturers Association
(BMA).
[More
on this Story]
Putting
People First...
As
part of its on-going dedication to employee satisfaction, The Bristan
Group is celebrating its second successful re-assessment of the Investor
in People Award it secured six years ago.
[More
on this Story]
Britannia
Takes the Road to Success
Range
cooker specialist Britannia is about to complete its biggest show vehicle
tour to date. By the time the branded display lorry pulls into John Lewis
at High Wycombe today 17th August, it will have visited over 120 stockists
throughout the UK and Ireland.
[More
on this Story]
Grab
a Granite with Carron Phoenix
Carron
Phoenix is encouraging retailers in the run up to Christmas to grab a
granite with great deals on its extensive range of granite sink and workcentre
packs.
[More
on this Story]
Anglian
Selects Planit for Business Restructure
Anglian
Home Improvements has selected design and visualisation software from
Planit International to drive the restructuring of its kitchen business
[More
on this Story]
Servis
UK Fridge Magnets Help Spot Meningitis
Service
engineers from Servis UK are handing out highly visible fridge magnets
to customers, highlighting the key symptoms of meningitis.
[More
on this Story]
Mark
Wilkinson Encourages People-Friendly Recycling Solutions
The
company that he founded, Mark Wilkinson Furniture Ltd has agreed to sponsor
Greenclean, the 2007/2008 RSA Design Directions Scheme looking for innovative
ways to manage domestic waste.
[More
on this Story]
Coram
Showers Rated Number One
Coram
Showers' range of high performance shower enclosures is the most widely
used in the trade sector, according to the latest figures in the BRG Consult
European Bathroom Product report.
[More
on this Story]
Electrolux
Supports Sustainable Project of the Year at LEAF Awards
Electrolux,
a world leading producer of both home and professional appliances and
equipment, is investing in a major new marketing initiative by sponsoring
the Best Environmentally Sustainable Project of the Year at the prestigious
LEAF Awards.
[More
on this Story]
American
Standard to Sell Bath and Kitchen Business to Bain Capital for $1.755
billion
American
Standard Companies Inc. announced on July 23rd that it has signed a definitive
agreement to sell the company's worldwide Bath and Kitchen products business
to funds advised by Bain Capital Partners, LLC, a leading global private
investment firm, for $1.755 billion in cash.
[More
on this Story]
Latham
Goes Global
James
Latham the distributor of timber, panel products and LG HI-MACS solid
surface has entered into an agreement to be the exclusive UK distributor
of Global Vacuum Presses.
[More
on this Story]
Atag's
A Great Hit On Big Blagger
For
fans of Big Brother 8 the various supporting websites are a huge attraction.
One of the most talked about fan sites on the Internet is Big Blagger.
[More
on this Story]
Indesit
Board Approves Q2 Figures
Sales
of €804m, up 4.6% on the same period last year; net profits of €11m,
up 48.0%; net financial indebtedness at €566m, 18.4% down on the
€694m posted at 30th June 2006. Such are the figures that Marco Milani,
CEO of Indesit Company, submitted to the Board of Directors,
[More
on this Story]