Weekly Email News for the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Industries
7th January 2005
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Broughton Crangrove, a distributor of premium appliances and furniture which offers next day delivery to the majority of the UK, is expanding its bathroom furniture with the latest from Avanti
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Hüppe's popular 501 Classics range has been re-launched with new products, new design details and new colours giving the range a fresh new face
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'When creating the perfect period style bathroom there are a few crucial elements that need to be incorporated in order to gain a truly traditional atmosphere.' says Antique Bathrooms of Ivybridge
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Moods Bathrooms has launched a contemporary furniture range to complement many of its new ceramic ware ranges in the new moods04 Autumn Bathroom Collection
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Welcome Back and Happy New Year
New Year cheer this week from Wolseley, who tells us about its recent acquisitions, and from Bushboard, whose management has carried out a secondary buyout. We also have the happy duty of announcing the first two winners of our Maytag Handy Chiller promotion: Samantha Rogulska of Focus DIY and Martin Lowe of Bushboard (who will probably need it to chill some Champagne after the MBO!). Well done you two - your free Handy Chillers are on their way, courtesy of Maytag. We still have four more to give away, so have a go (and if you didn't win this time, correct entries will be automatically redrawn, so you don't have to re-enter). See below or go here.

Bathroom manufacturer, Shires Ltd, part of Qualceram Shires plc, has announced the appointment of a new Sales & Marketing Director, Paul McClintock.
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Bathroom and spa manufacturer Jacuzzi UK has strengthened its Procurement team with the appointment of Matthew Pemrick as Procurement Manager for its Bradford sites.
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VitrA has appointed David Heyes as sales manager for its northwest sales area.
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During the course of 2005 two important personnel changes will occur at the highest level of management of the Franke Group.
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Due to continuous expansion and success in the kitchen industry Kitchen Culture has welcomed five new members to its team.
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how can today’s multi-channel retailer achieve TRUE integration between shopping channels? Distance shopping specialist Zendor provides the following top tips:
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Furniture components and fittings suppliers EDP has launched an on-line service to supply high quality handles, knobs and accessories direct.
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Manufacturer of wrapped furniture components and doors, Trade Mouldings, has launched a new website with a complete presentation of products and other information.
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The Franke UK website has been recognised as the most successful within the Franke Group.
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Bauformat has launched its new UK website which features online catalogues of the company's Kitchen and Bathroom furniture, together with other products available to the UK market.
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Astracast, a specialist in the manufacture of kitchen sinks and taps, won two Awards in the prestigious Manufacturer Awards 2004, Inspiring Excellence in Design.
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The G 1730 dishwasher from the domestic appliance manufacturer Miele has been awarded a stamp of approval by the 'German Institute of Geriatric Studies (GGT)'.
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For the second consecutive year bathroom manufacturer Ideal-Standard was chosen as a finalist in the Elle decoration Design awards.
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On Friday 12th November, 29 school children from Cavendish Primary School in Eccleshill, aged between 9 and 10 visited the Jacuzzi UK factories on the Euroway Trading Estate in Bradford.
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Planit International, the specialist industry software provider, has completed its first Sales by Design training course and awarded two design professionals with Diplomas.
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An industry Scholarship Scheme pioneered by Roman Limited, the UK shower enclosure manufacturer is continuing to be successful following its launch in 2001.
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Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO set to ExCel
Bathrooms and Kitchens EXPO 2005, the UK's premier trade show for the bathroom and kitchen industry is set for another successful show with more exhibitors than ever before signed up to exhibit.
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Bathrooms and Kitchens Awards Announces 2005 Finalists
The prestigious Bathrooms and Kitchens Magazine lndustry Awards will once again be celebrating the achievements of its sector at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on the 1st February 2005.
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KBSA Launches New Industry Awards
The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association is set to launch a new series of awards to recognise and reward the best designers, retailers and suppliers in the interiors business.
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Blum at ZOW Italy
The recent Italian edition of the ZOW exhibition maintained the reputation as a premier forum of future concepts and cutting edge products. ‘Particularly’ says Blum UK Managing Director Michael Powell, ‘as a venue for design ideas and future orientated concepts.’
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Festive Show Proves Success for Underwood
The Spirit of Christmas show at Olympia proved a huge success for Underwood Kitchens, sponsor of the event’s Celebrity Cookery Theatre.
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Kitchen and bedroom component manufacturer Trade Mouldings enjoyed a highly successful ASFI show.
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‘The best ever’ was the consensus of opinion that described Homag U.K.'s effort at Woodmex 2004. We also hear from Indusvent, Boere, John Boddy and GMD-Giardina.
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Brands representing over 80% of the Domestic Appliance market are already fully committed to The AMDEA Show (NEC 24-26 April 2005).
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'Outlook - shaping water' is a topical design competition and exhibition at ISH 2005 (15-19 March 2005).
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Epoc Messe Frankfurt, Dubai, has finalised its plans for ISH Kitchen and Bathroom Gulf.
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Interbuild 2006 - The Building Show takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from April 23 to 27.
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Spatex 05, the exhibition for professionals in the pool, spa and sauna industry takes place from 13-15th February 2005.
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FRANKE COMMENTS

How Good is Your Pipework?
It’s that time of year again. Millions of bloated Britons have made New Year’s resolutions to beat the bulge and become healthier individuals. And as we are constantly guided by experts to drink more water, many of us will have made a commitment to get through at least two litres a day. So, are we really being healthier by drinking more water?
[More on this Story]

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PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Burbidge Launches Bedroom Collection with Camillo Harvest Oak
Known in the kitchen industry as a British manufacturer of top quality wood, painted and foil wrap frontals and accessories, Burbidge is now expanding into the bedrooms market with the launch of Camillo Harvest Oak.
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KBSA CORNER...

Highlighting the Need for Customer Protection
The need for customers to consider how they will be protected financially in the event of a retail company going out of business has been brought into sharp focus by the closure of both kitchen supplier Pennybee and furniture store Courts..
[More Here]

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Win a Maytag Handy Chiller
Earlier this year, Maytag UK launched the unique and patented Maytag Handy Chiller. In conjunction with Maytag, The K&BZine is giving away a Handy Chiller to six readers who answer the following questions correctly:

1. Where is Maytag UK’s headquarters?
2. How many brands does the company market?
3. What is the name of the company’s latest product in small appliances?
[More Details Here]

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THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Bushboard Management Acquires Control
The Management of Wellingborough based Bushboard Limited has acquired control of its £27m business from Lloyds Development Capital (LDC) in a Secondary Buyout funded by Bank Of Scotland Integrated Finance. Bushboard, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of laminate worktops and commercial washroom systems, has completed the purchase of the majority shareholding of the Company in partnership with Bank of Scotland Integrated Finance (BoSIF).
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Indesit & Finish 'Dino' Outdoor Campaign
December 2004 saw the launch of the Indesit and Finish outdoor campaign. The campaign features an image of a dinosaur on poster sites positioned around traffic hotspots in London and the South East. Representing the extinction of washing up, the impressive dinosaur character was created with Euros RSCG design agency from various dishwasher components, washing-up liquid bottles and sponges.
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Wolseley plc - £41m Spent on Four New Acquisitions
Wolseley plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products and a leading supplier of building materials to professional contractors, provides an update on recent acquisitions. Since Wolseley's last acquisitions announcement on 27th September 2004, an additional four distribution businesses in Europe and North America have been acquired for an aggregate consideration of approximately £41 million in cash.
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Maytag’s January Sale
1st January saw the start of Maytag UK’s sale with £100’s of price reductions offering retailers a kick start for the New Year. The sale finishes on the 31st January 2005. There are price reductions on some of Maytag’s most popular models. Refrigeration has great bargains starting with the M2260iTW (includes trim kit) at £1065; the M2260iW and the M27iW, with 26.7 cu.ft. capacity, are down to £1005 a piece, and the Euroline top mount refrigerator, in white, is going out at £217.
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Nobia Completes Acquisition of EWE-FM
The Austrian and German competition authorities have unconditionally approved Nobia's acquisition of Austria's leading kitchen manufacturer, EWE-FM. Nobia strengthens its foothold in the Austrian and Continental European kitchen market through this acquisition.
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Euroline to Launch Leading Italian Extractor Brand
Falmec, one of Europe's leading extractor brands will launch in the UK market in 2005. Falmec is to be distributed by Euroline Sales & Marketing, a niche distributor of mid-to-high end kitchen appliances and the company behind the UK presence of Viking appliances and Gutmann extractors.
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Franke Sorter System Wins Award
Sink manufacturer, Franke, collected an award for its Sorter waste management system (a former K&BZine Product of The Week) at The Kitchen and Bathroom Designer’s Manufacturer Awards last month. The Sorter achieved commended status at the magazine’s first award ceremony, which has been launched to inspire and recognise design excellence in the kitchen and bathroom.
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Broughton Crangrove Launches New Range of Bathroom Furniture
Broughton Crangrove, a distributor of premium appliances and furniture which offers next day delivery to the majority of the UK, is expanding its bathroom furniture with the latest from Avanti.
[More on this Story]

Local Council Prompts Cross-Range Safety Design Innovation
Myson Heating Controls has fitted its entire Matchmaster valve range with a screw-top cap, following a safety initiative suggestion from Barrow-in-Furness district council. The innovation ensures the cap will not come adrift accidentally, leaving an exposed, and potentially dangerous, metal spindle.
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Waterline 20th Anniversary Show Time
2005 marks the 20th anniversary of Waterline Ltd., which came into being on 5th March 1985. The kitchen distributor is planning a number of celebratory events and promotions during the year, including a Spring Road Show. The seven-venue Tour has been designed to be as accessible as possible for all Waterline customers.
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Maytag’s Solid Foundations in Customer Care
The first stages of implementation of Maytag UK’s SAP system are now complete and the company is using its solid foundation to take its customer service to the next level and bringing it in line with its American counterparts. ‘Streamlining its operations and constantly upgrading systems makes it easier to do business with the company,’ says David Gooch, Customer Service Director.
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Latham’s Gateshead Depot Improves Stock Range
James Latham’s newest depot at Gateshead is increasing its product offering and adding to its stock profile after installing a new racking system. A wide range of Egger Kaleidoscope and Kronospan Kolorband Melamine Face Chipboard (MFC) and MDF is now available at the depot, in a choice of over 40 decors.
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Tretzo helps Transform one of Bradford’s ‘Dark Satanic Mills’
Tretzo UK, bathroom furniture manufacturer, will provide the luxury bathroom furniture for Victoria Mills bordering Saltaire World Heritage Site. The £70m refurbishment scheme by developer Newmason Properties, will transform a 300k sq ft derelict textile mill into luxury apartments and could boast Bradford’s first half a million pound penthouse.
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Service - the Foundation of Homag Success
At Woodmex 2004, arguably one of the busiest Homag U.K. team members was After Sales Director Paul Newman. One of the busiest and also one of the most recognisable in the industry, Paul learned his trade at the cutting edge of engineering with many machine installations and service maintenance visits under his belt.
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KBSA Urges Retailers to Take on Board Assessment for Part P
The KBSA has announced an association with FFINTO, the KBB National Training Group and the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) to offer a pre-training competence assessment programme.
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COMPANY NOTICES

Notices from The Insolvency Courts, October - November 2004
The following Notices have been posted from the Insolvency Courts relating to Kitchen and Bathroom companies from October - November 2004. Some of the recent companies include T&T Kitchens, Watford Bathrooms, Woodstock Furniture Ltd, The Kitchens Workshop, Stytle Interiors (Hampshire) and Parkhill Kitchens.
[More Here

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MACHINERY MATTERS

Abacon Revolutionises Window Finishing at M H Joinery
Based in the south west of England in Bridgewater, M H Joinery Products is a specialist joinery company producing high quality joinery products to order. M H Joinery started in business 9 years ago and has enjoyed steady growth and expansion to achieve a current turnover of around £6 million with customers throughout southern England and in London.
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