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Weekly Email News for the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Industries
20th June 2008
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Franke Appliances
 

Appliances
Big, American and Built-In
Big, American and built in are no longer a contradiction of terms.   Amana refrigeration has it all for the top end kitchen specialist, designer and the discerning, design-savvy consumer
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Amica Introduces its New Laundry Range
Polish appliance manufacturer Amica, specialist in high quality freestanding and built-in appliances,
has introduced its laundry product portfolio
More here:

Britannia's New L Line 110cm

Britannia's
popular L line is the latest model from the range cooker specialist to be offered in a 110cm width
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AEG's Quieter Drying
The T59840 is the second generation of 'A' rated tumble dryers exclusive to AEG-Electrolux. This energy efficiency is down to the specially developed 'Heat pump' technology which works like a refrigerator in reverse
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Baumatic P620BL Black Oven
One of Baumatic's most popular ovens in its Pythagora Collection has just been treated to a new look - in beautiful black
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Cutting Edge Cooking from Theobald
Theobald's Butler Appliances range includes the BOV2220 double oven, which offers a subtle blend of style and functionality and is available in an easy clean stainless steel finish
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Entertaining Made Easy with Team UKI

To take all the hassle out of summer entertaining Team UKI has a range of helpful appliances with all you might need to create everything from accompaniments to an afternoon barbeque to a light summer evening meal
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Surfaces

Cova Veneers ad


Versital Glittering Solid Surfaces
Versital Ltd has launched an exclusive range of solid surfaces. Its REFLECT range provides a glittering array of colour which can be manufactured into solid surfaces of virtually any shape and size
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Facing Up to the Latest in Solid Surfaces

Choosing a colour, look or feel can only be held back by the limits of ones imagination when it comes to the solid surface material called versital(R)
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LathamLGHiMacsAdvert

Taps & Showers

Aqualux Launches 'Folded to Fit' Bath Screen

It's not just Aqualux's shower enclosures that come in space saving sizes, the UK manufacturer of bath screens and shower enclosures has launched a compact bath screen to complement its premium PURA collection
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Roman Presents a New Angle
Roman has launched a new walk-in enclosure into its Sculptures range of enclosures. The Sculptures Angled Walk-in presents a new shape for the bath replacement market
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Crosswater Status Symbol

Want cutting-edge bathrooms without the designer price tag? This is the aim of Crosswater's new Status range
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Kitchens
Hardy Inside Malibu
Hardy Inside, the Rennes-based design and manufacturing specialist, has introduced the Malibu kitchen design.
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Burbidge Kinsale Natural Oak
Marrying solid oak and quality wood craftsmanship with modern simplicity, the new Kinsale Natural Oak kitchen from Burbidge is designed for real lovers of wood.
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Bathrooms
Get Wall- Hung Savvy!

Distributor of branded bathroom products Ideal Bathrooms always has its eyes closely focused on the UK bathrooms market, spotting any market changes that will affect business for itself or its retailers
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It's Bath Time at Impulse
In a major new product development, Impulse Bathrooms has added a complete range of baths to complement its ceramic suites
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KB Accessories
Boxing Clever with Bauhaus

Keeping cloakrooms clutter-free and en-suites in order, Bauhaus' clever new Box slim line vanity unit is slender yet big on style! 'Combining a compact sink with integral tap plinth, practical cabinet and indispensable mirror, complete with handy shelf, the new Box vanity is a mini space-maximising marvel.'

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Radiators
Nuit de Cristal from Aestus
Nuit de Cristal, or Beauty of the Night, is the latest addition to designer heating manufacturer Aestus’s collection of Michel Cinier designed radiators
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Marbella from Aeon
The natural appeal of stone is the inspiration for the Aeon Collection's newest designer radiator. Marbella reflects the increasing popularity of stone in contemporary homes using this erstwhile cool material for room heating.
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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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Overcapacity Begins to Bite

Not long after relaunching operations in the UK, Netherlands based appliance company ATAG Europe has merged with Slovenian manufacturer Gorenje. This may be the first of many as overcapacity begins to bite in the appliance market.

Ellis Bardsley, Business Development Director, ATAG UK comments says: 'European consolidation is inevitable and an important factor for the future. The merger will not directly affect ATAG at a local or subsidiary level. Our 'Exclusive to the Kitchen Specialist' strategy and subsequent plans to build ATAG UK as a brand and business around the Kitchen Specialist channel remains unchanged. It is business as usual.'

The latest Plimsoll Report offers little cheer, with some 55 companies out of 256 in the KB market being given danger ratings: 'These firms are being hit the hardest. The numbers are stark - profit margins falling to only -4% of sales, and the majority of companies in this classification are making a loss. Most are taking on debt at an alarming rate simply to cover costs', says Senior Analyst David Pattison.

Aqualux

KITCHEN DESIGNER/ SALES PERSON

Crabtree - designers and makers of bespoke kitchens, require a kitchen designer to work closely with their discerning clients from their showroom in SW London. The successful applicant will be joining a close knit team within this well established family company.
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People
New Neff Area Business Manager

Susan Forno has been appointed as the new Neff Area Business Manager for Scotland.
[More Here]

New Salesmen at JJO

Due to the strength of enquiries for the company's Eco bathroom and furniture range, JJO has announced the appointment of two additional salesmen.
[More Here]

New Key Sales Appointment for Aqata
Aqata, family owned manufacturer of shower enclosures, has appointed Adam Dolphin as Regional Sales Agent and Business Development Manager for the South West of England.
[More Here]


Homepro

Brochures and Literature

PJH Bathroom Brochure
Distributor PJH Group has launched a new bathroom brochure for its own brand, Moods, featuring its most contemporary and cutting-edge collection to date.
[More here]

ATAG UK's New Catalogue

ATAG UK, the innovative Dutch brand that was brought back to the UK just 18-months' ago, announces the issue of a new, full-colour, 186-page glossy catalogue.
[More here]


Exhibitions & Events
CERAMIC TTD at Tecnargilla 2008
From 30th September to 4th October 2008, on the occasion of the 21st edition of Tecnargilla, international  exhibition of technologies and supplies for the ceramic and brick industries,  CERAMIC TTD will be held, brokerage event organised by Acimac and ISTEC-CNR.
[More Here]

Lean in Action: The Premiere Kitchen Company
ukfirst is holding a one day best practice event at the manufacturing base of The Premiere Kitchen Company on Wednesday 16th July.
[More Here]

Key Associations Back kbbreview EXPO
Three major trade associations have pledged their support to kbbreview EXPO 2009 (ExCeL London, 10-12 May 2009), London's established dedicated trade exhibition for innovators within the kitchen, bedroom & bathroom industry.
[More Here]

Bathroom Conference
The 2008 Annual Bathroom Conference will consider, challenge and stretch the boundaries of sustainability from corporate, social, environmental and economic ideals. But what does this mean for the Bathroom Industry?
[More on this Story]

More News from THE Conference
THE Conference 2008 is set to be the best yet with a fantastic venue, packed programme, plenty of opportunity for business and social networking, and an impressive line up of speakers to entertain, inform and stimulate discussion.
[More here]

FIRA Environmental Workshop
FIRA has organised a half day environmental workshop in the north of England on the morning of 9th July.
[More here]

100% Design London
100% Design is set to push the boundaries of design even further with its on-going collaboration with Tom Dixon - the shows Creative Director - 18-21 September, Earls Court 2, London.
[More here]

Tendence Autumn and Winter
From 4th to 8th July 2008, numerous tableware and kitchen suppliers will be presenting their products at the international Tendence Autumn + Winter consumer-goods fair.
[More here]


Awards & Standards
Whirlpool's GHI and Which? Accolades
Whirlpool has received two awards for its innovative AWO/D AS128 6th Sense AquaSteam washing machine. The ‘Best Buy’ accolade from Which? and the Good Housekeeping Institute Accreditation.
[More Here]


Marketing & Promotion
Aqualux Showroom Give Away
Aqualux is launching its biggest give away of the year and offering bathroom showrooms the chance to get their hands on a free display unit to showcase its latest design additions to its AquaSpace collection - the exclusive Modular Glass Panels.
[More Here]

Cool Promotion from Miele
Miele has launched a free 5 year warranty offer on the company’s newly introduced K10000 refrigeration range. The K10000 range is feature rich with enhanced storage solutions. With quality features both inside and out the range has something to offer every household.
[More on this Story]


Internet
Imperial Bathrooms New Web Site
The accelerated growth British bathroom manufacturer, Imperial Bathrooms, continues to enjoy, combined with the launch of an extended product portfolio, has prompted improvements to the company’s popular web site.
More here:

Utopia Launches New Website
Utopia Bathroom Group has launched a new website at www.utopiagroup.com, reflecting the newly extended product portfolio.
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Training
The UK's First One-Stop Website for Training
www.bookmycourse.co.uk is the UK's first website where you can locate, compare and book top quality training courses nationwide. The new pioneering website saves hours of endless searching, telephone calls and information gathering.
[More Here]


Charity Events
Smeg Partners with Breakthrough
Smeg has announced its recent decision to team up with Breakthrough Breast Cancer, the UK's leading charity committed to fighting breast cancer through research, campaigning and education.
More here:

Tiles
On Trend Tile Collection
A collection of new wall and floor tile designs has been launched into top UK DIY retailer Focus, produced exclusively by UK tile manufacturer British Ceramic Tile. The designs include both traditional and contemporary wall tiles with up-to-the-minute styles suitable for the kitchen and bathroom.
More here:

Precious Metals from RAK
Fed up of plain and uninspiring tile finishes? Enter the new Paradox tile from RAK Ceramics. Made from the highest quality porcelain and with a metallic finish, the Paradox tile offers a new surface for any room in the home.
More here:

 


ATAG Gas Hob
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PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

New from Zanussi - 4 Door Total Frost Free Combi Fridge Freezer
Enhance your kitchen with this new 4 door built-in fridge freezer. As well as space for all your storage needs, it offers total frost free technology - you will never have to defrost the fridge or the freezer again. The mini DAC cooling fan ensures an even temperature throughout the fridge.

[More on this Here:]


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LATEST TENDERS

Water Coolers Wanted in London
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is seeking expressions of interest for Mains fed and Bottled Water Coolers for a 4 year period with an option to extend for a further year. (Time-limit 14.07.2008).
[More on this Tender]

Scotland Excel Requires Catering Supplies
Scotland Excel (Renfrewshire Council) requires the establishment of a framework agreement for the supply & delivery of catering sundries, bakery products, crockery, cutlery, glassware and knives. (Time-limit 07.07.2008).
[More on this Tender]

East Riding Requires Gas Maintenance
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is tendering for a measured term contract for the maintenance and periodic inspection of gas catering equipment. Estimated value excluding VAT: 450 000 GBP. (Time-limit 11.07.2008).
[More on this Tender]


THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Merger between ATAG Europe B.V. and Gorenje Group
On the 11th June 2008 it was announced that ATAG Europe B.V. has merged with Gorenje, a manufacturer of mainly large household appliances in Slovenia. Gorenje is quoted on the Ljubljana Stock Exchange, employs 11.500 people, is represented in 65 countries.
[More on this Story]

Consolidation Ahead as KBB Manufacturers Hit the Danger List
If you want confirmation of how tough the market is, then look no further than the latest findings from industry analysts Plimsoll Publishing Ltd. The company's latest report confirms that zero growth, sliding profits and escalating debts have pushed a third of the UK Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Manufacturers industry to the brink of failure.
[More on this Story]

Miele Triumphs For Second Time At Which? Awards 2008
Premium domestic appliance brand, Miele has triumphed at the Which? Awards 2008 by winning the 'Best Domestic Appliance Brand' category for the second year running. The win comes after scoring more Best Buys than any other brand across ten domestic appliance groups.
[More on this Story]

New Service Manager For BSH Home Appliances
The customer service division of BSH Home Appliances has appointed Mr. Steve Clarke as its new UK Service Manager. In his new role at BSH, Steve Clarke is responsible for the entire field service operation and all back office support for the Bosch, Siemens, Neff and Gaggenau brands in the UK.  
[More on this Story]

PWS Boosts Template and Fit Teams
Gearing up to the launch of its £10m dedicated granite manufacturing plant, PWS has enhanced its template and fit service to satisfy the growing demand for its bespoke worksurfaces.
[More on this Story]

AEG-Electrolux Laundry Campaign finds London is Loudest
A recently concluded advertising campaign conducted by AEG-Electrolux for its Silent Laundry products shows that there are surprisingly high average noise levels in London, Berlin, Madrid, Brussels and Milan.
[More on this Story]

Two Leading Brands One Unbeatable Offer
Ideal Bathrooms has launched a unique promotion in conjunction with Showerlux and Ideal Standard giving a free Simplicity shower tray with selected Glide enclosures which include Pivot, Bi-fold, Quadrant and Slider doors.
[More on this Story]  

LG Hi-Macs® 'Anne' Table
After success at the Milan Furniture fair, 'Anne' table will soon be in your living room! Contained within this contemporary rectilinear side table, is the ghost of its past, a 1730 Queen Anne side table.
[More on this Story]

Symphony takes Kitchen Design to a New Level
Symphony has taken kitchen design to a new level - Code Level 6 to be precise - by supplying the kitchen for the revolutionary Barratt Green House.
[More on this Story]

Design Originality Shows in Mark Wilkinson's New Shan Gara Kitchen
Style abounds in the new Shan Gara kitchen by Mark Wilkinson, delicate Oriental shapes bring an air of tranquility, doors in coloured veneers, mirrored glass and luxury Vellum, hidden wall units that pull forward in use and a fully accessible walk-in larder.
[More on this Story]

Get The Big Brother House Look
Big Brother has returned to TV screens with a completely new-look house. Try these ideas from leading furniture retailer, mfi, to recreate winning looks at home.
[More on this Story]

KBSA Sponsors Grand Designs Best Bathroom Range Award
The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) supported Channel Four's Grand Designs Awards by sponsoring the Award for Best Bathroom Range 2008, which was won by 'The Muse Collection' by Matteo Thun and Antonio Rodriguez with Ceramica Catalano.
[More on this Story]

ABC's Audit Confirms Success of kbb Birmingham
Despite some exhibitor concerns that footfall at kbb Birmingham 2008 was down compared with the 2006 event, the official audience figures independently audited by the ABC confirms that 19,150 people attended the exhibition, which is up on the attendance at the 2006 show.
[More on this Story]

Fareham Branches Out
The timber and panel products distributor, James Latham, has announced the latest stage of development at the new Fareham branch, Matrix Park. From July 2008 it will offer additional timber and panel products including hardwoods and joinery softwoods.
[More on this Story]

Why Energy Labelling is Important - How Upgrading your Fridge can Save up to 800 Euro
Energy efficiency is the main or an important criterion when buying an appliance for between 60 and 99% of European consumers according to a recent survey by Electrolux. But consumers struggle with the energy labelling - and who can blame them when A is no longer top of the league.
[More on this Story]

Brand New Cristadur - Only Available in the UK from Schock     
Since the 'composite sink' was first introduced a number of years ago, Schock GmbH says that it has, through a range of sinks manufactured from the highest quality composite materials, become renowned as a leader in this rapidly growing marketplace.
[More on this Story]

Global Player Takes to the Field Ahead of 2012
Supporting the Anglo-Polish connection, Amica, which provides a comprehensive range of free-standing and built in kitchen appliances across 40 countries worldwide, is one industry leader that has gone the extra mile by sponsoring a fixture between two youth teams from the UK and Poland respectively.
[More on this Story]

Inspirational Design Projects from KitchenAid
KitchenAid has worked with four leading designers to create four 'cooking concepts' that look to the future of the home kitchen and how it can evolve.
[More on this Story]

Furniture that's Fitting from Mereway Bathrooms
Mereway Bathrooms has made a huge impression this year with another exciting and successful Spring product launch now under their belt. All new products were carefully selected and designed to support bathroom retailers and emerging market trends, with Mereway offering a further extensive range of fitted furniture with real feature and class.

[More on this Here:]

Indesit Hosts the World Bank's 7th Knowledge Economy Forum
Day 2 of the 7th Knowledge Economy Forum, organised by the World Bank, was held on Wednesday 18th June in Indesit Company headquarters in Fabriano (Le Marche).
[More on this Here:]



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BMA NEWS ...

Weathering the Storm
OK, let's be honest here. We're clearly in the midst of the rockiest patch we've experienced since the mid-90s, but let's not borrow bad luck and make our situation worse with more negativity and gloomy predictions.
[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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