Interbuild
2004 Dispels the Myths
The
true value of Interbuild was highlighted last week when the many sections
of the building and construction industry joined forces at the NEC. Just
short of 50,000 visitors attended the UK's premier construction event
and it is predicted they will have generated business worth millions of
pounds for the 1,600 exhibitors.
Said
Event Director Steve Webb: 'Our aim was to celebrate the 50th Interbuild
in style and I am delighted to say we achieved that.
'I am particularly pleased that the figures have dispelled a few myths
about Interbuild. There has been a lot of negative talk about the Show
but the critics have been answered in no uncertain terms.
'Everything we have done from changing the Show dates to using the new
halls at the NEC and introducing new feature areas has been successful.
'All the companies that entered the New Product Awards have benefited
- regardless of whether or not they won - and it was an excellent decision
to give innovation the prominence it deserves.
'Our marketing initiative worked very well and exhibitors played a huge
part in ensuring the event was successful by giving it their full support.
'There were a lot of very happy exhibitors - and visitors - and it was
an absolute pleasure as Event Director to walk around the Show and have
people shake my hand and congratulate us on helping to generate business.
'This was the 50th Interbuild and based on the reaction over the past
five days, this Show will still be around 100 years from now.'
Attendances increased on a daily basis from Sunday through to Wednesday
and although Thursday is traditionally a quieter day, it did not follow
the normal trend this year.
Interbuild last week became wholly owned by Emap Construct after it bought
out Montgomery's 50 per cent share.
The Show dates for the next Interbuild in 2006 will be April 23-27.
Aqualux
Added Energy to Interbuild 2004
Aqualux, the shower enclosure company, added Energy to the Architects Pavilion at Interbuild. Energy, a new collection of shower enclosures has been introduced to meet consumer demand for contemporary designs. Features include easy clean, limescale resistant glass, wall-clamping system (patent pending) and integral features such as shelves and towel rail.
Also on show was Aqualux's new collection of 'Tuff-Lite™' slimline or flat-top trays and a selection of Aqualux's popular models, such as the stylish Walk-In enclosure.
Sandra
Hyde, Marketing Manager at Aqualux was pleased that, despite a few reservations,
the company decided to exhibit: 'Our stand was busy from the moment the
show opened to the end and was visited by Architects, House Builders,
General Building, LA’s, Bathroom centres, distributors etc. We gained
an exceptional amount of quality leads, numerous ‘new business’
orders and a huge amount of interest, all of which far exceeded our expectations.
A missed opportunity indeed for our competitors!'
Aqualux is building its range and reputation in the mid-market with new
products aimed specifically at house builders, architects and specifiers
as well as the independent retailer market. It exhibited in the Architects
Pavilion at the show so as to be well placed to showcase its new and existing
ranges in the right environment.
The new 'face' of Aqualux Karen Pickering MBE, Britain's most decorated
female swimmer, was also in attendance to promote the Energy range. As
part of an advertising and sponsorship deal for 2004, Karen is 'the face'
of Aqualux for its promotions and advertising over the year and in the
run up to the 2004 Olympic Games.
James Cadman, Managing Director, says: 'The last couple of years have
been an extremely exciting time for the industry and Aqualux alike. Consumer
choice has never been greater and we're seeing a far more discerning customer
out there. Having looked at consumer trends we've launched the range to
the meet the demand for minimal, contemporary designs that has seen enormous
growth. We want to ensure that we are providing our customers with shower
enclosures that capture both the look and feel they want in their bathrooms.
'Aqualux has an established reputation for quality and value. Energy is
a great addition to the Aqualux range. It is the first in a series of
new products for 2004 that will keep this focus and provide added, practical
benefits making installation and maintenance easy.’
Tel: 0870 241 6131
Web: http://www.aqualux.co.uk
Triton
Cleans Up as Lone Bathroom Brand
Lorna Fellowes, Managing Director of Triton, accepts that the Interbuild
of 8-12 years ago has probably gone forever, with more shows across Europe
taking up companies’ marketing budgets. However, Interbuild still
serves a valuable niche in attracting builders merchants and electrical
wholesalers.
‘We have just concluded the 2004 Interbuild exhibition and I have
to say we had a very busy time during the show. Sunday was a particularly
good day. The show sensibly opened at 11 o’clock and we were ‘rushed
off our feet’ right up until 4 pm in the afternoon.
‘Typically
the visitors on Sunday were the one-man band installers with an adequate
number of specifiers, especially from Health Authorities and Local Authorities,
also in attendance. One would have guessed that Monday and Tuesday would
have been the best days, however, they ticked over nicely with peeks and
troughs. Wednesday and Thursday were both extremely busy, again with a
good mix of installers and specifiers.
‘The Interbuild that was 8 - 12 years ago has gone forever! Many
people now exhibit in Europe and the industry is spread amongst a number
of different shows, all with different target audiences and agendas. In
my view, however, Interbuild is the show that caters for the construction
industry and therefore serves the builders merchants and electrical wholesale
customers.
‘I do think it was a shame that Triton was the only branded bathroom
proposition present at this year’s Interbuild - many industry colleagues
tell me that they now show at KBB instead. I fully understand that those
who are still seeking new stockists and have a strong presence in the
bathroom boutique need to go to KBB, but KBB does not attract the installers
and specifiers in the same way that a construction industry show can.
My personal view is that the construction industry customers deserve to
see the best when they go to their show.
‘Clearly the Interbuild organisers did not do themselves any favours
some years ago when virtually all exhibitors, quite rightly, were highly
critical of the way the show was being run. Many companies chose to vote
with their feet at the time and I think that taught the organisers a sharp
lesson.
‘I do think as an industry we should be big enough and well organised
enough to tell the organisers exactly what we want and also, through our
various associations (in our case the BMA), negotiate the right terms
and conditions for the bathroom hall. Interbuild is not about who has
the biggest and most impressive stand (clearly demonstrated at KBB this
year) but in my personal view, is about interacting with installers and
specifiers on products and techniques.'
http://www.triton-showers.co.uk
ArtiCAD
Returns to Interbuild After 10 Years to Launch new Bathroom Software
Bathroom, Kitchen, Bedroom & Study CAD specialists, ArtiCAD Ltd, was
back at Interbuild for the first time in 10 years demonstrating its suite
of easy to use design, pricing and ordering systems plus customised and
integrated solutions for manufacturing, contract and merchant businesses.
Established in 1992, ArtiCAD reports a huge increase in demand for their
design, pricing & ordering system from Developers and Builders Merchants.
Just released in time for Interbuild, ArtiCAD Version 11 has a stunning
new Bathroom system.
In
addition to a huge volume of stunning new graphics for sanitaryware, showers,
basins, wc's towel rails and accessories, some major programming innovations
mean that the new bathroom system is even faster and easier to use.
Designers can select from thousands of colours and textures that can be
applied to ANY surface in the design (floors, walls, objects) and reflective
finishes such as high gloss/glass/chrome can also be selected. Textures
such as woodgrain and tiling are stored as bitmaps in the ArtiCAD system
and the designer can easily add to ArtiCAD's already extensive library.
ArtiCAD's Marketing Director, Theresa Turner said:
'With such an increase in sales of the ArtiCAD system to developers, contractors
and merchants, Interbuild was the ideal platform for us to showcase the
latest in CAD software solutions for bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms'.
'ArtiCAD is uniquely expandable and adaptable and our ability to create
customised and integrated software solutions means there's so much more
to ArtiCAD than just a design, pricing & ordering system. Detailed
floor plans and dimensioned elevations not only add to presentations but
serve as a vital guide for successful installation. The pricing and ordering
module caters for multiple suppliers in the one design and can be linked
to electronic ordering and management systems.'
www.articad.cc
wedi
Builds on Tilebacker Success to Launch New Products
wedi Systems used its appearance at this year's Interbuild to launch a number of innovative new products such as tile covered loungers and steam rooms, in a determined effort to build on its success with the now well known Tilebacker Board. Managing Director Ian Fyfe said that he was pleased at the level of interest from fixers, contractors and architects.
While
the Tilebacker and Fundo products formed the basis of the wedi offering,
other products such as this tiled lounger were shown for the first time
wedi Tilebacker Board is an inert, dimensionally stable building board,
CFC and HCFC free, achieving zero depletion of the ozone layer both in
manufacture and usage. It is the first and only product of its type to
have achieved BBA Certification, guaranteeing compliance with building
regulations in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
wedi Tilebacker Board is purpose made for the fast, lightweight construction
of a strong, durable substrate for tiling, particularly in heavy and frequently
wet areas e.g. showers, steam rooms and bathrooms. wedi Tilebacker Board
has a 10-year proven track record of installation in UK leisure, commercial,
domestic, hotel and public building applications.
http://www.wedi.co.uk
Stelrad
Launches New Towel Rail Designs
Stelrad Radiators has launched a new range of deluxe towel warmers that
will provide a stylish approach to space heating for any home or commercial
building.
There are three designs available within the new range - the Como, Lecco
and Bergamo. Available in a wide variety of sizes and outputs, these are
suitable for a small en-suite or even the largest commercial installation.
'Our new range will provide installers with a solution to any heating
requirement,' explains Ian Taylor, business development director, Ideal
Stelrad. 'As well as providing exceptional heating performance, the new
towel rails will add style and flair to any room. The range is available
now and installers can find out more by visiting their lodal merchants
or by calling our hotline number.'
The
Como is available in four different sizes ranging from 733mm by 500mm
to 1733mm by 600mm. Outputs vary from 433 watts for the smallest model
to 1,112 for the largest, making them suitable for most heating requirements.
The Como is available in either a white or chrome finish.
The Lecco comes in a striking tube on tube design and offers advanced
heating performance, perfect for any kitchen, bathroom or en-suite. Its
simple design means that the Lecco can easily be used to replace an existing
radiator and comes in a wide variety of sizes. Ranging from 733mm by 500mm
to 1733mm by 600mm, the Lecco is also available in either a white or chrome
finish.
The Bergamo has a distinctive sleek flat appearance that is designed to
ensure outstanding heating performance even in the largest bathroom. Its
flat surface also provides plenty of space to dry towels. The Bergamo
is available in six sizes ranging from 740mm by 500mm to 1730mm by 600mm
with outputs ranging from 376 watts for the smallest model up to 940 watts
for the largest.
For more information please visit http://www.idealboilers.com
or call the Stelrad hotline on 0870 849 8056 for a free colour brochure.
Simply
Washrooms Debuts at Interbuild
A comprehensive product range, including wash basins, urinals and general
washroom accessories made its first public appearance at this year's Interbuild.
According to Managing Director, Lindsay Walsh, 'Although Simply Washrooms
is a new brand, our trading pedigree dates back more than 30 years. Our
aim is to deliver the finest bespoke solutions that are durable, hygienic
and functional.
'Our
classic designs are ideally suited to a range of environments where the
highest quality is always assured,' he pointed out.
From a modern UK manufacturing base, Simply Washrooms, which is part of
the William Walsh group of companies, has engineered a comprehensive product
portfolio that combines style with high performance.
The company's expertise spans both the commercial and domestic markets
and Simply Washrooms specialise in many different areas, such as education,
health, leisure and the public sector. A quality-driven and efficient
service ensures made to measure innovative solutions can be made available
within five working days.
From hospitals, nursing homes and schools, to pubs, clubs and government
institutions, Simply Washroom's products are equally at home. Elegance
and practicality are inherent across the whole range, whilst integrated
and user-friendly designs always create the right impression.
Lindsay adds: 'We pride ourselves on reliability, innovation and cost
effectiveness. Our product range is manufactured from the highest quality
stainless steel that is long lasting, hygienic and practical - offering
many benefits over traditional Porcelain alternatives.
'Speed and reliability of service match our quality designs. Thanks to
an extensive manufacturing base at Middleton, Greater Manchester, around
80% of our stock is available within 24 hours. We are ready to deliver
when our customers require.
Simply Washrooms also offers a total service portfolio, such as visually
appealing tiling and cubicle partitions that complement their extensive
product range.
Tel: 0161 643 8484
mailto:sales@simplywashrooms.co.uk
http://www.simplywashrooms.co.uk
Thomas
Dudley Conceals Cistern Full of Fish
Thomas Dudley exhibited at Interbuild 2004, and featured the revolutionary
Vantage concealed cistern and others from the range, also wall-hung sanitaryware
supports and the new Dudley Hydroflo QUIET inlet valves. There was also
an interactive installation and demonstration area (and a see-through
glass cistern full of goldfish - the biggest selling item according to
one wag on the stand!).
The
Dudley Vantage concealed cistern has been specifically developed for use
in fitted bathroom furniture. The Vantage comes with unique front access
and can be easily installed and maintained without the need to cut unsightly
inspection holes into bathroom vanity tops.
The cistern is supplied factory assembled, removing the need for the installer
to spend time assembling and fitting the inlet and flushing valves into
the cistern on site. Combined with a host of other time saving features,
this reduces the installation time for the Vantage to less than half that
of traditional concealed cisterns.
Constructed from high-density polyethylene, every Dudley Vantage concealed
cistern boasts front and top access panels as standard – enabling
flexible and simple installation. In the unlikely event of the Vantage
requiring future maintenance, it can easily be serviced through either
access panel in a matter of minutes.
The extremely quiet filling operation of Hydroflo float valves makes them
ideal for use in domestic and commercial WC cisterns.
Hydroflo valves are 100% tested before leaving our factory. This means
that when they are installed, durability and reliability come as standard.
The unique float stem is securely retained by the float arm, making it
impossible for the float to become detached once installed. The float
can be adjusted by simply turning either the top or bottom of the stem.
A float arm ratchet enables very precise final water level adjustments
to be made, and when set the float level stays firmly in place.
The Hydroflo meets the requirements of BS1212 Part 4 – passing rigorous
200,000 cycle endurance tests. With health and safety firmly in mind,
Hydroflo float valves boast two built in backflow prevention devices.
An air break above the silence tube and a special membrane inside the
head of the valve combine to offer one of the safest float valves available.
A useful key is attached to the head of each Hydroflo that allows quick
and easy removal of the filter without any risk of damage. Each Hydroflo
also comes with a lay-flat silence tube for exceptionally quiet filling.
http://www.thomasdudley.co.uk
RB
Takes the Strain out of Toilet Seat Fixing
RB UK Ltd, one of the UK's leading suppliers of display and shelving solutions,
exhibited the Doddler, an innovative and hygienic fixing tool for toilet
seats at lnterbuild. This universal tool is a 'must-have' for all plumbers,
builders and keen diy'ers and enables toilet seats to be quickly and easily
fitted or replaced in even the hardest to reach places.
Available in bright yellow high quality glass-reinforced nylon, the Doddler
is hygienic in use and easy to clean as well as being easy to find in
any toolbox. It has a unique ball joint pivot system that makes it very
easy to use in tight corners and can dramatically reduce installation
time. Importantly, it will not mark or damage porcelain, which can be
one of the hazards of using metal adjustable spanners.
The Doddler is supplied in boxes of 15 and is available for immediate
delivery from RB UK's centrally located warehouse. An eye-catching merchandising
unit is also available that provides customers with product information.
Tel: 01234 27 27 17
mailto:info@rbuk.co.uk
http://www.rbuk.co.uk
Kolpa
Launches Whirpool Bath into UK
First time exhibitor Kolpa is a Slovenian manufacturer of bathroom and
kitchen products. On show at Interbuild was a king size (pictured right)
whirlpool bath, alongside shower cabins and bathroom furniture. The company
is also active in the kitchen market, with a range of worksurfaces and
tops.
Tel: +386 739 33300
mailto:info@kolpa.si
http://www.kolpa.si
James
Hardie Doubles its Presence
James Hardie had a double presence at Interbuild by building two stands
illustrating the workability of its main products Hardibacker and Hardiplank.
James Hardie was established in 1888, but only launched in the UK last
year. European Product Manager, Michel Princen comments: 'Interbuild 2004
provided us with a means of demonstrating why James Hardies products have
been so warmly welcomed by the building trade.
James Hardie is an international company with operations in the United
States, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Chile and most recently
the UK, employing over 3,000 people worldwide and generating revenue of
more than Euro 800m a year.
Hardibacker is a water resistant tile backerboard by James Hardie, a high
performance, water resistant tile backerboard for walls and floors. An
increasing number of builders, contractors and specifiers are switching
to Hardibacker because of the numerous benefits it has over traditionally
used wood based substrate materials.
Hardiplank, meanwhile, gives the beauty and character of wood without
the associated maintenance issues. The launch of 'Hardiplank means that
builders, specifiers and contractors no longer have to choose between
beauty and durability because now they can have both,' the company explains.
Guaranteed not to rot, crack or deteriorate, this durable material is
also water resistant. Available in a range of colours, Hardiplank carries
a 10-year warranty and also a Class "O" fire rating.
Tel: 0800 068 3103
http://www.jameshardieEU.com