Weekly Email News for the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Industries
28th January 2005
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Orama
has unveiled its Maia collection, part of the Minerva range of
solid surfaces
More
here:
Reflecting
the trend for greater use of colour in the home, PWS
has introduced the vibrant Gobi Crystal Azurite to its successful
Second Nature composite stone collection
More
here:
Dedicated
to provide ergonomic design combined with style, >rational<
has launched arte
More
here:
Sepia,
an effect normally seen in early photography, is the colour featured
on In-toto's latest kitchen
More
here:
Four
Seasons
has launched four new fascias together with a selection of accessories
and upgraded cabinetry options
More
here:
Cutlery
trays and dividers are becoming design items just as much as practical
systems. A UK specialist in this field is G&G
Products of Manchester
More
here:
DiLusso
Distribution's
Montana is a shaker door but with routered centre panels in a
rich birch finish
More
here:
Mereway
produces a range of accessories which can be used to intelligently
manage storage in any kitchen
More
here:
Popular
for its classic look and endless colour options, the painted kitchen
is set to remain in hot demand in 2005.' says Barnes
of Ashburton
More
here:
The
new Libero range offers ALNO
kitchen specialists the opportunity to incorporate new high quality
cabinets into their kitchen planning.
More
here:
Now
available from
Aico Lighting is a new range of luxury bathroom fittings,
which includes IP44 rated bathroom mirror wall lights
More
here:
Waterbury's
new Astoni Mirror with Storage is a design that provides optimum
use of space in the bathroom
More
here:
Four
Seasons has introduced a range of new accessories and
upgraded its cabinetry offer to differentiate and increase the
design flexibility of its 18mm kitchen collection
More
here:
Manufacturer
of architectural hardware, dline,
has announced a contemporary and minimalist range of bathroom
accessories suitable for use in both the domestic and commercial
environment
More
here:
The
new Prism kitchen mixer from Bristan
adheres to the design philosophy less is more
More
here:
Manhattan
has added the spacious double bi-fold shower enclosure to its
M3 collection
More
here:
Moods
Bathrooms, has enhanced its new bathroom collection
with a comprehensive choice of the latest modern, traditional
and minimalist shower valves and complementary shower kits
More
here:
Aqualux,
the shower enclosure company, has announced a new facet to its
range with the Aqualux Rain Shower
More here:
Gaggenau says that it can now
provide the perfect cooking solution in the shape of the brand new
Vario 400 series of matching built-in hob units
More
here:
The
latest addition to Mermaid's
Rangeware collection is the hard anodised Range Kettle
More
here:
Putting
the roast back on the table for the health conscious consumer, Progress
has introduced its Enamex Ultimate Grill and Roast
More
here:
In-line
with Indesit's strap line 'We
Work, You Play', the WIL 163 S Washing Machine incorporates a number
of features that save consumers' valuable time
More
here:
The
Ascento Bathroom Furniture from
Ceramica Dolomite, has a new mirror, mirrored cabinet and
two shelving units added to its range
More
here:
Avante®
has improved the Natural Stone bowls in the company’s extensive
collection
More
here:
Teuco's
latest creation is the 612 OBLO ('Port-Hole') mini-pool, a spacious
glass-fronted hot-tub with ergonomic features and soft contours that
display all the qualities of Italian design
More
here:
Blue
Scintilla is the most popular colour choice from
Norske Interiors' iridescent Aurora collection of Mermaid
waterproof wall panels
More
here:
Myson
is adding a new square collection
to its existing contemporary
range. Adaggio, Fantasia, Libretto
and Soprano are based on existing
Myson towel warmers
More
here:
Myson’s
new Viola EO70 towel warmer
is 'a product with a unique
twist – or, more accurately,
a unique pivot.'
More
here:
The
designer radiator 'Niva' is
the newest extension to the
Vasco
range. The flat, tight design
integrates into any interior
More
here:
The
latest
addition
to the
Embrace
Bedroom
Collection
has
an oriental
mood.
Mia
carefully
combines
contrasting
pearwood
and
wenge
to evoke
the
distinctive
Japanese
shoji
paper
screens
so typical
of oriental
interior
design
More
here:
A
somewhat revealing calendar entitled
'The Factory Tour' has been produced
by the beautiful and liberated
staff at Stoke-on-Trent-based
H &
R Johnson Tiles to
raise funds for the Douglas Macmillan
Hospice at Home Appeal
More
here:
H&R
Johnson, the UK
manufacturer of ceramic tiles, has unveiled
Elements, an exclusive new porcelain tile
range drawing on the natural weathered appearance
and textures of geological strata
More
here:
The
Candy Tile Co
has launched three new ranges and a wide variety
of new decorative tiles to further enhance
the company’s existing collection of
British-designed tiles
More
here:
Following
the success of its Strata large-format bathroom
wall and floor tile range, the Pilkington's
Tiles Group has launched the biggest
ceramic tile it has ever manufactured - Mura
More
here:
Part M of the Building Regulations concerns access and facilities for disabled people, including requirements regarding sanitary conveniences. Anna Burns, marketing manager of Twyford Bathrooms, looks at how it makes provision for those with special needs.
More here:
The
Federation of Master Builders
has warmly welcomed the announcement by Secretary of State
for Work and Pensions, Andrew Smith, to provide £3m
in funding for the Worker Safety Advisers scheme
More
here:
Shower
Market Holding its Own
According
to a just published report from AMA, the shower market is expected to
continue to grow in the next few years, but not at the double digit
growth rate it has enjoyed in recent years. Particular growth areas
are in top end, high specification products which are adding value to
a static or in some cases declining housing and refurbishment market.
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Tim
Foley - who has recently been commisioned to write the 'definitive
book on kitchens' and acts as Project Consultant to ITV's 60 Minute
Makeover - also runs a website which includes an excellent Discussion
Forum about all things kitchen related.
You'll
Find it here:
Henning
Storm (49) has been appointed as manager of Nobia's
Danish business unit, HTH. Henning was previously sales director
at HTH.
More
here:
Franke
UK
has strengthened its team with the appointment of two new members
of staff Caroline Hardman and Karen Arrowsmith.
More
here:
With
activity at Westye Group Europe
at an all-time high Greg O’Sullivan (31) has been appointed
Service Manager with responsibility for both the Sub-Zero and Wolf
brands.
More
here:
Bathroom
manufacturer, Shires Ltd, part
of Qualceram Shires plc, has announced the appointment of a new
Sales & Marketing Director, Paul McClintock.
More
here:
Following
the rampant growth in sales of the
Ideal-Standard ClearTap™ in 2004, a new range of Point
of Sale Material has been designed for retailers.
More
here:
Instarmac
Group plc,
the adhesives and grouts manufacturer, has just launched an unusual
product sales promotion for the early months of 2005.
More
here:
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.
More
here:
Four
Seasons
has introduced a total marketing support package for retailers and
new look logo to coincide with the launch of new fascia, cabinetry
and accessory options for 2005.
More
here:
Sanitary-ware
manufacturer Laufen has issued a new
combined ceramic and bathtub price list for 2005, specifically designed
for Dream Dealers across the UK.
More
here:
The
publication by Häfele of the
second edition of its Space Aid for Kitchens catalogue marks a move by
the furniture fittings, components and accessories specialist into kitchen
appliances for the first time.
More
here:
Baumatic
has launched a new, glossy, full colour, 286-page brochure detailing the
entire Baumatic range of kitchen appliances.
More
here:
H
& R Johnson Tiles,
the UK manufacturer of ceramic tiles has launched an extensive new website
to answer the on-line needs of architects, specifiers and contractors.
More
here:
Astracast,
the British sink and tap manufacturer has launched an in-depth web site
for its Nexus range of design-led kitchen products.
More
here:
Zanussi-Electrolux,
part of Electrolux, has launched two new websites, one for freestanding
and one for built-in appliances.
More
here:
How
can today’s multi-channel retailer achieve TRUE integration between
shopping channels? Distance shopping specialist Zendor
provides the following top tips:
More
here:
Two
employees from Jacuzzi UK have won
awards at the inaugural West Palm Beech half Marathon held in Florida
during November.
More
here:
December
2004 saw Grohe Water Technology
play a large part in assisting up and coming architects to gain international
recognition by supporting the AR&D Awards for Emerging Architecture.
More
here
Sink
manufacturer, Franke, collected
an award for its Sorter waste management system at The Kitchen and Bathroom
Designer’s Manufacturer Awards last month.
More
here:
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.
More
here:
Planit
International,
the specialist industry software provider, has completed its first Sales
by Design training course and awarded two design professionals with
Diplomas.
More
here:
An
industry Scholarship Scheme pioneered by Roman
Limited, the UK shower enclosure manufacturer is continuing
to be successful following its launch in 2001.
More
here:
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.
More
Here:
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.
More
Here:
Interclima
+ Elec home&building 2006
Reed
Exhibitions is launching Interclima + Elec
home&building a new trade event that covers all the trades
involved in finishing and smart buildings. It is the product of two
major events in the building market: Interclima, the HVAC show, and
Elec Home & Building, which focuses on electrical installation and
smart buildings.
More
Here:
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.
More
Here:
>rational<
Entertains at UK Homeshow
>rational<
presented three new additions to the >r<130 range; arte cremona
and telaio, at the company's annual UK homeshow in Cannock.
More
Here:
Brands representing over 80% of the Domestic Appliance market are
already fully committed to The AMDEA Show
(NEC 24-26 April 2005).
More
Here:
'Outlook - shaping water' is a topical design competition and exhibition
at ISH 2005 (15-19 March 2005).
More
Here:
Epoc Messe Frankfurt, Dubai, has finalised its plans for ISH
Kitchen and Bathroom Gulf.
More
Here:
Interbuild 2006 - The Building Show
takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from April 23 to 27.
More
Here:
Spatex 05, the exhibition for professionals
in the pool, spa and sauna industry takes place from 13-15th February
2005.
More
Here:
More
woes, meanwhile in the furniture sector, with Allders now in administration
and Homestyle reporting further losses in its interim statement. More
on this below.
See these links for information on Submitting
Editorial and Advertising
The B2BZine Team:
Tony Higgin
sales@thekbzine.com
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Safelift
from ALNO Keeps Everything Hidden Away but Within Easy Reach
Keeping children's fingers away from the kitchen knives has never been
easier or more stylish than with ALNO's Safelift technology. Safelift
is a 44cm vertically-mounted sliding frame which sits behind the wall
unit. Safelift features can be combined with wall units in any ALNO
kitchen range.
[More
on this Story]
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
AMA
Report on the UK Shower Market
A
review of the UK Shower Market by AMA Research shows that in 2004, the
interest rate increases and the slowdown in the housing market influenced
the shower market with lower growth levels. However, compared with other
consumer durables sectors, the shower sector continues to perform well
with comparatively high growth rates.
[More
on this Story]
Underwood
Kitchens Pays Tribute to Installation Manager
Jane
and Martin Cheel, owners of Underwood Kitchens, have paid tribute to
the bravery of their former installation manager, Alan Pepper who sadly
passed away on the 18th January after a long battle with stomach cancer.
[More
on this Story]
Bathrooms
& Kitchens EXPO 2005 Seminar Programme Confirmed
The organisers of Bathrooms & Kitchens EXPO have announced the complete
seminar programme, for 2005's unique bathrooms and kitchens trade exhibition
to be held at London's premier venue, ExCeL, from 8-10 May.
[More
on this Story]
European
Chapter of IKBA is Launched in Cologne
The European chapter of the International Kitchen Bathroom Association
held its inaugural meeting at international furniture fair IMM Cologne.
Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association chief executive Graham
Hayden and former association corporate chair Patrick Love were amongst
attendees, as were representatives of the interiors industry from Germany,
Spain, Italy, Holland and Switzerland.
[More
on this Story]
Another
Added-Value Package from Waterline
Waterline
has announced a new service to customers of Franke sinks that not only
minimises costly damages and shortages but also improves product storage
capability. Waterline says that it is the only Franke distributor to
implement an in-house, custom-made packaging system.
[More
on this Story]
Showerlux
Rewards Long Service Stars
More
than 30 employees who have stayed the course at bathroom specialist,
Showerlux, received long service awards from managing director, Bob
Bowler, at a presentation lunch at the head offices in Coventry recently.
The staff members have clocked up more than 462 years between them and
the company was keen to reward their loyal service.
[More
on this Story]
Homestyle
Group Upbeat Despite £6.2m Losses
Homestyle
operates in the UK and specialises in furniture retailing through its
Furniture Division (177 Harvey's stores) and its Beds Division (430
outlets across Bensons, Sleepmasters and Bed Shed brands) In a tough
market the group has managed to claw back some of last year's losses.
[More
on this Story]
Wolseley
plc Board Changes
Wolseley plc, the specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating
products and a leading supplier of building materials to professional
contractors, has announced that Mr Gerard Legtmann left the Company
on 24th January 2005 to pursue alternative opportunities. Mr Legtmann
was appointed as Chief Executive Officer for Europe in August 2003.
[More
on this Story]
New
Location Announced for Expotile 2006
In response to the success of Expotile 2004 and the recent industry
research undertaken by CMP Information Ltd and the Tile Association,
a new location has been confirmed for the 2006 event. The show will
continue to take place every two years and will be relocated to hall
19 of the NEC Birmingham, situated right at the very heart of KBB.
[More
on this Story]
DuPont
Corian and Zodiaq Awarded Hygiene Certificates by LGA QualiTest
DuPont™
Corian® solid surfaces and DuPont™ Zodiaq® quartz surfaces
have received important hygiene certification by LGA QualiTest GmbH,
the prestigious independent product testing company belonging to Germany-based
organisation LGA (Landesgewerbeanstalt Bayern).
[More
on this Story]
Ritec
Sparkles in Dorchester's Showers
Ritec’s
ClearShield has brought the sparkle back to stylish shower screens at
The Dorchester in London, one of the world’s most luxurious hotels.
Shower enclosures in selected rooms have been treated with ClearShield
– an award-winning glass protection system developed by Ritec to
convert high maintenance unprotected glass into Low-M (Low Maintenance)
Glass.
[More
on this Story]
Bognar
to Lead Maytag's Sales Organisation
Maytag Corporation announced on 26th January that Paul J. Bognar will
assume a new role as senior vice president, sales, effective February
1st, 2005. Bognar, currently vice president and general manager, Canada,
for Maytag International, will replace Christopher D. Wignall, who will
assume a new role working on special projects focused on Maytag's growth
initiatives. Both will report directly to Ralph F. Hake, Maytag chairman
and CEO.
[More
on this Story]
Direct
Line Home Insurance Sponsors Home of the Year Award
The
National Home Awards, a new programme designed to recognise and celebrate
success and innovation in the home interest market, announced on 25th
January that Direct Line Home Insurance will be sponsors of The Home
of the Year category to be known as The Direct Line Home Insurance Home
of the Year Award.
[More
on this Story]
Maytag
Ceases Sale of Appliances through Best Buy in USA
Maytag Corporation announced on 19th January that it will no longer
sell Maytag-branded major appliances at the speciality retailer, Best
Buy. Maytag will continue to sell its Hoover floor care products at
Best Buy, which remains an important floor care customer.
[More
on this Story]
Pro-Cut
Looks to the Future with Weeke
Pro-Cut
and associate company P&R Shopfitting says that it epitomise the
new breed of high-tech and pro-active out-source manufacturing facilities
that see the future through investment in cutting edge technology.
[More
on this Story]
Blumotion
does the Talking at Update
Based
near Woodbridge in Suffolk, Update Interiors says that it exemplifies
the growing trend for using very high quality cabinet makers to create
bespoke designs for individual customers. While the company’s
product description reads ‘kitchens, bedrooms & bathrooms’,
the company is well equipped to undertake a variety of interior work
in other areas from living rooms to home office fit outs.
[More
on this Story]
Part
P Scheme from the BRE
BRE
Certification has received Government approval to run a Competent
Person Self-Certification Scheme for Part P, which has been developed
in collaboration with the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA)
and with the support of the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE).
[More
on this Story]
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]
COMPANY NOTICES
Notices
from The Insolvency Courts, December 2004
The following Notices have been posted from the Insolvency Courts relating
to Kitchen and Bathroom companies from December 2004. Some of the recent
companies include Craftsman Kitchens (Swindon) Limited , East Midlands
Interiors Limited, J B Interiors Limited, The Kitchen Company (GB) Limited,
PMPS Limited, Bedroom & Bathroom Interiors Ltd , Bathrooms Plus
(Southern) Ltd.
[More
Here]
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]
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.
[More
on this Story]
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