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Doncaster Business Appoints New Managing Director

Doncaster based Pegler has appointed a new managing director to drive the business forward.

Stuart Anderson has been sales and marketing director at Pegler since 2000 and will take up his new position at the beginning of September 2006. Stuart began his career within engineering for British Gas before joining Pegler's sales and marketing team in 1989. Following a short spell at Potterton in 1998 he re-joined Pegler in year 2000, rising to become director in 2002.

Stuart re-joined Pegler at the same time as outgoing managing director Tony Clarkson. Their close working relationship has made a significant contribution to the success of Pegler in recent years.

Following his new appointment, Stuart praised outgoing managing director Tony Clarkson and wished him well, ‘Tony and I joined Pegler at the same time and forged a partnership that has seen the company develop into a flourishing business, with a strong management team at its heart. It is this combined effort of not just Tony and myself, but all the staff at Pegler that has seen the company enjoy so much success in the last six years.’

Stuart will be responsible for overseeing Pegler's busy events programme, which includes the launch of a new range of products and the opening of a first Sales Office in Beijing.

Stuart continued, ‘Our customers have always been at the centre of what Pegler do and my appointment will provide continuity with the past while focusing on the future. Our forthcoming product launches and innovations will see Pegler brands develop throughout the UK and worldwide. I look forward to leading the business and I am confident that Pegler will continue to have a great future in Doncaster for many years to come.’

New Appointment to Spearhead Future Product Development for Bristan Group

With over 30 years experience in the industry Peter Pegden has been appointed to the newly created role of Head of Product Development and Design for the Bristan Group.

It was recently announced that Bristan has joined forces with other key companies in Masco's UK plumbing platform to form a single group, which is now known as The Bristan Group Ltd. Alongside the UK brand in showering and brassware, Bristan; John Sydney; Heritage Bathrooms; Sirrus by Gummers; Damixa UK and Masco Care (the Group's service arm) have all been bought together to create a single, stronger business entity.

Since 2002 Peter has held the position of Product Development and Engineering Manager at Sirrus by Gummers, a Bristan Group brand, and he is delighted to be moving into his new role with a view to making the Group's aggressive new product development plans a reality.

Peter has previously held product management positions for many leading brands, both on a national and European level. Now Chairman of the BMA taps, showers and controls product group and part of the BMA management committee he says that his incomparable experience will ensure that the Bristan Group remains a trailblazer in new product development.

Commenting on his new role Peter says:

‘The bathroom market has changed radically since I first began in this industry and as the life cycle of a bathroom shortens, product development and innovation has become pivotal to a company's success.

'The Bristan Group embraces innovation and has always been a pioneer in bringing cutting edge designs within the reach of most consumers' budgets and I am delighted to be taking on the challenge of forging our plans for product development ahead.’

Take a New Look at New World

With a fresh brand identity and a contemporary brochure available from August/September, New World is set to go from strength to strength as it aims to broaden its appeal to a new, younger market whilst remaining an attractive option for those already familiar with the brand.

Building upon its previous range of affordable cooking products, New World has created a more streamlined portfolio that has essential cooking functions and sleek design, suitable for customers wanting to upgrade their appliances for a coordinated kitchen scheme.

2006 sees the arrival of revitalised range cooking, built-in and freestanding collections that combine contemporary design and practical features to offer a comprehensive package for retailers. With products that offer affordable style without compromising on functionality, New World has sought to target a wider market by making sleek styling affordable for every consumer.

Alexia Walker, Product Marketing Manager at GDHA, comments: ‘Providing a complete cooking package at a competitive price has always been central to New World's ethos. However, we have taken a fresh look at consumer requirements for 2006 and have designed this new collection of appliances in accordance with the cooking and design features style-conscious consumers desire, without breaking the bank.

‘With a fresh new brand identity, new bold, contemporary brochure and widespread trade advertising, this year is going to be an exciting one for New World. A consumer campaign is already underway and the latest range, built-in and freestanding products offer fantastic brand recognition for retailers.’

To take a look at New World's 2006 collection of cooking and non-cooking appliances, call 0870 458 4378 to request the latest brochure. Alternatively, you can visit the website, http://www.newworldappliances.co.uk, which is currently being updated.

The Sky’s the Limit for Poggenpohl: New Collaboration with Airbus

Poggenpohl kitchens will soon be flying high in aeroplanes across the globe. The luxury German kitchen manufacturer is collaborating with aircraft manufacturer Airbus and German aircraft kitchen manufacturer Sell, to change the face of cabin service worldwide.

The three companies have joined forces to create an aircraft kitchen for all Airbus aircraft – including the new Airbus A380 – the world’s biggest passenger jet. The new aeroplanes, currently encompassing 14 aircraft types carrying between 100-555 passengers, will be fitted with high quality Poggenpohl kitchens for a higher standard of comfort in cabin service for the future.

This partnership is one of enormous experience and expertise. Sell has been designing and building galleys for most aircraft since 1954 whilst Poggenpohl, founded in 1892, is the longest established kitchen brand in the World.

Big Brother 7 Chooses Ideal Standard

This year's Big Brother House included tantrums, tears, drama and bathroom products from bathroom manufacturer Ideal Standard.

The main focus in the bathroom was the Kyomi bath. The large 174 x 84cm, semi-recessed oval bath is made from Idealcast, a material that has the strength of cast iron with half the weight. The Kyomi bath was accompanied by the Kyomi full pedestal basin and the back-to-wall WC suite.

Academy brassware was used on both the bath and the basin. The distinctive cone handle is integrated into the whole making the spout the visual focus and a perfect accompaniment to the Kyomi sanitaryware.

Cone accessories were chosen for the bathroom including toilet brush and holders, toilet roll holders, toothbrush holders, towel rails, soap holders and robe hooks. The chromium plated Cone accessories form an integral part of Ideal Standard's complete bathroom range.

Brian Grey, Ideal Standard UK's Marketing Manager comments:

‘We were delighted that the Big Brother House designers once again chose Ideal Standard products for the bathroom. The Kyomi and Academy collections are popular and reflect the growing trend of softer curves and lines that move away from the sharp and detached mood often associated with minimalism.’

Tel: 01482 346461
Web: http://www.ideal-standard.co.uk

Metro Designer Interiors Complaint Upheld

A public complaint objecting to a national press ad for Metro Bathrooms and Kitchens, Linwood was upheld according to information published by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

Complaint:
A national press ad, for Metro Bathrooms and Kitchens, stated ‘YOUR LUXURY KITCHEN OR BATHROOM £1995 Supplied and Fitted GUARANTEED’. The complainant, who had bought a bathroom and been charged a £100 delivery fee, objected that the ad was misleading.

Adjudication:
Metro Design Interiors (MDI) did not respond to the ASA's enquiries. We were concerned by their lack of response, which was a breach of CAP Code clause 2.6 (Non-response), and reminded them of their responsibility to respond promptly in future. We asked CAP to inform its members of the problem.

Complaint upheld
The ASA noted MDI had changed its ad in response to a previous ASA informal investigation. We also noted, however, the addition of a statement ‘Delivery charge may apply’, in the small print, did not comply with our recommendation that MDI should state prominently under the headline price that there was a delivery charge.

We considered that the claim ‘YOUR LUXURY KITCHEN OR BATHROOM £1995 Supplied and Fitted GUARANTEED’ was likely to lead readers to infer that the total cost of the kitchen or bathroom was £1995. Because the ad did not prominently state that a delivery charge would apply, we concluded that the ad was likely to mislead. We told the advertisers to amend their ad to include a prominent statement that a delivery charge would apply.

The ad breached CAP Code clauses 2.6 (Non-response), 7.1 (Substantiation) and 15.3 (Prices).

>Neos< - A New Era

Increasing success both at home and abroad is the key signature of this year's in-house exhibition of German kitchen manufacturer >rational<.

>rational< will be presenting its latest new designs at its in-house exhibition from 15th to 21st September in Germany. In addition, the UK in-house exhibition will be at >rational's< head office in Cannock will run between the 9th - 12th October and display the latest ranges to its retailers and journalists.

This year, with entirely varied highlights, entailing far more than simply innovative kitchen ideas, >rational< will lay down conspicuous markers. What started with the consistent alignment of its product and the development of its own corporate philosophy will now be completed with the modernisation of the company's image as a brand. A presence that preserves its evolved identity at the same time as satisfying future demands.

Added to this are new marketing activities, new ways of addressing the clientele and presenting kitchens as well as new channels of communication. All in all, >rational< is referring here to a qualitative leap, to be undertaken together with its partners in the trade. Creating a suitable environment and an appealing experimental world for the kitchens is the goal.

The plan is to provide the kitchen dealers with optimum basic conditions, a sound framework that will enable them to achieve sales success and an effective profile. To this end, the aim will be to increasingly underline the special features and benefits that a customer gains when buying a >rational< kitchen. After all, in terms of design, technology, equipment and quality >rational< kitchens set high standards right across the board, whilst also displaying a character that is typically their own. >rational< already gave a little foretaste of this year's product innovations at the Eurocucina, where a new variant of the >neos< was the centre of attention. The new design in bookmatched Walnut and Stainless Steel, distinguished by an assurance and elegance, was received with enthusiasm. Further new variations of the >neos< and interesting design options will be showcased during both in-house exhibitions.

>neos< - bookmatched walnut
There are also various new developments in the modern and design-oriented sector as well as the style sector. The re-launch of key lines allows marked features to emerge more distinctly than before. Other ranges have been extended to include new finishes and designs, thereby producing an entirely new impression.

New materials open up hitherto undreamt-of possibilities. The planning spectrum for trade partners has been considerably broadened. Alongside expressive woods and decors, high-gloss and velvety surface finishes play a central role. The range of lacquer colours and finishes, which has always been one of >rational<'s great strengths anyway, is again being substantially expanded.

Year after year >rational< tracks down fashionable colours which are excellent for creating individual kitchen designs and combine equally well with the warmth of woods or modern materials. Added to this is an entirely new colour group offering fascinating looks and textures.

>neos< - white glass
Important design lines have seen the introduction of new variations in the use of glass. Worktops present themselves in new decors and with new edges. Ranking among the new accessories are wall units with illuminated bottom carcase shelves as well as new glass shelving and profiled side panels.

The new-type multi-functional shelf created interest when first shown at the Eurocucina. Here modern entertainment electronics are convincingly and skilfully integrated into the kitchen design. There is the additional possibility of incorporating innovative display screen technology into the kitchen as well. So you have the choice of accessing music, films, information or entertainment.

Tel: 01543 459459
Web: http://www.rational.de

RAK Ceramics and BBD in Bedford Team up

Tile and sanitaryware manufacturer RAK Ceramics has announced the formation of a strategic alliance for the distribution of RAK Ceramics’ products in South East England.

With immediate effect, dealers in the region now have a choice of two sources of supply for the entire range of RAK Ceramics sanitaryware and tiles. Bedfordshire based BBD will concentrate on delivering to all areas north of the River Thames and Midhurst based RAK Ceramics UK south of the river down to the coast.

Rob Jull, RAK Ceramics Managing Director says, ‘Demand for our range of tiles and sanitaryware is now such that getting the distribution right has become a critical aspect of our business - simply developing leading products is not enough. This partnership approach with BBD is a great example of our commitment to meeting our customer's needs, wherever they may be based, delivering choice, quality and value synonymous with the RAK Ceramics brand.’

Gerry Deller, BBD Managing Director says, ‘This is great news for new and existing RAK Ceramics dealers as it gives them more choice, both in terms of supply and product availability. Our pledge to stock the complete range of high growth ceramic and porcelain tiles as well as sanitaryware is backed up with the customer support you'd expect from a major brand. I'm delighted to be working with RAK Ceramics to reach more dealers in the region.’

Celebrating the arrangement of having two distribution outlets in one region, BBD and RAK Ceramics are running two special offers between 21st August and 30th September. New or existing RAK Ceramics stockists in the South East can receive 60% discount for Gold Medal Dealers and 75% discount for Platinum Medal Dealers off display orders backed up with a free showroom design service. In addition, transforming great value into exceptional value, there is a special 5% discount on all tiles and sanitaryware over the same period.

Dealers interested in taking up one of the offers should call RAK Ceramics on two new dedicated sales support lines, 01730 716 231 or 01730 716 232. Alternatively, BBD can be contacted on 01234 223 350.

New Rialto Kitchen Displays at Crown Imperial's Living Arena

Crown Imperial has recently launched new colour extensions to its successful Rialto range and has announced that they are now showcased in its centrally located Living Arena in Daventry.

Visitors to the Living Arena can now view realistic kitchen displays in the new Rialto colour additions (orange, yellow, dark blue and anthracite), giving the buyer an opportunity to examine the complete variety available to them. The Rialto range is exclusive to Crown Imperial and consists of twelve colourful high gloss acrylic doors that allows individuality to sweep through any home.

Living Arena is an exclusive 15,000 square ft show centre completely dedicated to Crown Imperial products and is open 52 weeks a year. It provides the perfect place for hassle free viewing with no salespeople, no pressure and no crowds.

The Living Arena is centrally located in Daventry within 2 hours from 90% of the UK population. The Arena is open all year for retailers and customers, appointments can be made on 01227 742424.

Web: http://www.crownimperial.co.uk

Aspirational Interior Design Made Easy for First Time Buyers

First time buyers can now create a designer look in their new homes without having to break the bank or risking a 'changing rooms' style disaster, thanks to a newly launched end-to-end design and delivery concept from interior design company, Designs for All Occasions.

The pain of visualising how a finished scheme will look has been removed by the firm, which has created a sophisticated range of interior design packs to offer a complete and cost-effective furnishing and interiors range for new home owners -incorporating everything from furniture to the finishing touches.

Designs for All Occasions, a well-established Camberley-based interior design firm, felt that comprehensive, fully assembled furniture and design packages provided a more practical answer for many clients' needs than a more conventional interior design offering or a DIY approach.

‘Many people lack the time, money or vision required to design and furnish a home, but that doesn't mean they want to compromise on style and finish. Our furniture packs allow people who are buying their first house or joint property to furnish their properties to a very high standard, with interior design consistency, but at a great price,’ said Esther Bond, MD of Designs for All Occasions. ‘The packs also make an ideal wedding gift.’

The packs retail at £2,930 for a one bedroom apartment in the Bronze range, which incorporates furniture, curtains, bedding and towels for the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living area.

The included kitchen pack comprises a full dinner service as well as utensils, chopping boards and tea towels. Customers have a choice of colour co-ordinations and styles.

The Silver and Platinum ranges contain more furniture pieces and are thus suitable for larger apartments. Optional finishing items such as lighting and mirrors as well as bathroom fittings and electrical goods are available at additional cost.

‘First time buyers today are older and more discriminating than they have been in the past. With house prices as they are, buying a first home can be a real financial strain, but why should people have to compromise on their interiors? We aim to provide great style for great value and minimal fuss,’ said Bond.

‘Although shopping at stores like Ikea appears to save time, it takes on average 1.2 days to put together an equivalent amount of flat pack furniture - and that's if you can understand the instructions,’ continued Esther. ‘Instead, we create a bespoke package for clients with a professional aesthetic eye.’

Designs for All Occasions is a leading interior design company specialising in interiors for show homes, hotels, rentals, commercial premises and private properties. With over twenty years' experience, Designs for All Occasions has an award winning design portfolio and an extensive client base spanning the UK and Europe. Equally proficient in contemporary and traditional design styles, the knowledgeable team aims to offer all of its clients a very personal level of service and are committed to respecting briefs and deadlines.

For more information about the company’s furniture collections or its interior design service, please see http://www.dfao.co.uk or contact the team on (01276) 691010.

Happy 'SMART' Birthday to IKAS

SMART is wishing IKAS a 'Happy 'SMART' Birthday', as one of SMART's first users, IKAS is a leading kitchen distributor which has successfully utilised SMART for five years within its business.

Kerry McGuinness, Managing Director of IKAS says ‘We chose SMART to gain greater control over our business and adopted the solution in 2001. Since this time I feel the whole company has benefited from increased efficiency and profitability. In addition, at any time I can instantly access operational information at the touch of button to analyse and review our position’.

Tel: 01344 890979
Web: http://www.smart-systems.co.uk

New bulthaup Winchester Showroom

bulthaup Winchester launches a newly fitted state of the art showroom in November 2006. The showroom has been completely re styled and re fitted to incorporate the bulthaup b3 kitchen system, a new design concept that gives the appearance of a 'floating kitchen.' Covering 1000 square foot, the showroom is one of the most up to date bulthaup showrooms in the UK.

bulthaup Winchester says that it has gained widespread recognition for encouraging the consumer to completely re think and evaluate how their living space can work best for them. Stewart Carr Design has worked on projects from medieval houses to fitting kitchens in contemporary buildings such as Huf houses.

The trend is for a cleaner and more functional living space incorporated with furniture that is sympathetic and complementary to your home, whether a modern building or a medieval manor.

With over 30 years experience award winning designer Stewart Carr and his team offer cutting edge kitchen design. 'The showroom is an invitation to start a design dialogue. With every client we look for a unique solution that combines different elements –most of these can be seen, touched and used in the showroom. I am pleased to offer discerning clients in the South and South West a ‘design oasis’ where they can experience a showroom that moves with the foremost in progressive international design, whilst genuinely understanding the differing requirements of individual people and spaces.' says Stewart Carr. 'Design is never compromised, yet function is always essential. Renowned for its advice and strategic plans, bulthaup Winchester adds value to the living space both in terms of quality of life and practicality'.

The showroom will house 4 different bulthaup b3 displays combined with a final display of bulthaup’s modular kitchen design, System 20. Kitchens on display include state of the art designs such as the aluminium kitchen with cherry veneer and the dark oak kitchen design combined with stainless steel. Also shown is a sleek white laminate kitchen with bulthaup water point and glass extractor as well as a kitchen demonstrating the horizontal elm veneer combined with maple bench and the Ductus table

bulthaup b3 is a minimalist lightweight ‘floating’ kitchen supported by a hidden metal framework which moves away from the traditional floor-plan based kitchen with a suspended design. bulthaup b3 offers an ever expanding range of finishes including horizontal and vertical grained veneers, durable laminates, infinite lacquer colours, high gloss and metal options. Offering increased flexibility through the extensive range of finishes, bulthaup is also able to tailor bulthaup b3 to more traditional needs.

bulthaup Winchester, Stewart Carr design, The Broadway, Winchester, SO23 9BE. Tel: 01962 849000 or http://www.scdesign.bulthaup.com

Chalon UK Launches Designed & Crafted for Property Developers

Chalon UK Ltd, designer and manufacturer of hand crafted kitchens and freestanding furniture, has announced the launch of a new kitchen solution for property developers. Called Chalon Designed & Crafted, the company is billing it as 'the new handmade kitchen range tailored exclusively for high-end property developments.'

With over 25 years experience in designing and building traditional but innovative kitchens, this new range from Chalon has been created with prestigious developments in mind. It marks the first steps the company have taken into the contract / commercial market. Jason Coombs, Chalon's new Commercial Sales Manager, states that ‘the thinking behind the new range is best encapsulated by a recent quote I came across in a Sunday newspaper from the managing director of a property developer who stated: 'One of the negatives about modern developments is that you can visit over 100 new kitchens in 100 new homes and every one will be the same. I am afraid that is laziness on the part of the industry. Standards have to be improved...' This is the mantra for Chalon Designed & Crafted,’ Jason says.

To date, the main emphasis in the build-up to launch has been on building several new displays, which each showcase the potential of these new kitchens to great effect. With the range only just coming to market, there is the chance for early adopters to steal a march and indeed arrange a private viewing.

Taking advantage of the variety of media now available, a wide array of promotional materials have been produced to tempt property developers to review Chalon Design & Crafted. These include professional photo shoots and a short, sophisticated DVD, as well as the freshly updated website and new brochure.

‘The launch of Designed & Crafted is something I have been looking forward to announcing eagerly,’ says Jason. ‘Providing a handcrafted kitchen, combined with the build quality Chalon is renowned for, will allow developers to really add value and originality to their developments. Quite simply, there is nothing else out there like it,’ he says. ‘The fact that we have already developed an impressive prospect list without the need for any pro-active marketing is further confirmation of the potential of this range.’

Future Chalon developments
This year promises to continue to be a busy one for Chalon after the successful launch of the new contract range. With the company’s consumer showrooms recently updated, a relaunched website and a range of freestanding bathroom furniture in the pipeline, all coming on top of record sales in 2005.

Company Notes:
Established in 1978, Chalon UK Limited, based in Hambridge, Somerset, is a UK specialist in handmade freestanding kitchen furniture. The company is recognised by The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers for the skill and mastery of its craftsmen. Showrooms in Edinburgh, Harrogate, London, Hambridge and Dublin, and a network of agents throughout the world.

For more information, or to request company literature please contact:
Tel: 01458 254610
Email: barney@chalon.com
Web: http://www.chalon.com

Inta Red is Hi Tech Water Saver

It’s not all bad news for water saving this summer as businesses and individuals are starting to take positive action, using devices designed to save water, according to Intatec, the company which manufactures bathroom and washroom equipment.

Commercial Director Cynthia Fisher explains 'Water saving devices obviously aim to save water, and when it’s hot water that’s not being wasted, there are big energy savings to be made too. It’s good for the pocket and good for the environment. We have noticed a trend towards water saving devices, particularly in new buildings and there does seem to be a domestic and refurbishment market developing too. This may be due to the steadily increasing number of homes with metered water rather than general environmental concerns, but whatever the reasons, with the state of the nations’ water supply at the moment, using water regulating devices makes good common sense. And depending on the water saving, could make sound economic sense too.'

Some of the Intatec range that was originally intended for use in public washrooms is now finding its way into work places and domestic situations. The popular, hi-tech star of the range is Inta Red, an infra red basin tap that turns on and off automatically as needed, just move your hands under the tap and it comes on. Move them away and it stops.

More familiar water saving devices include non-concussive taps, the kind that are pushed, rather than turned – they deliver a flow of water and shut off automatically after a set period of time. There are timed flow devices for use in both basins and showers too, in fact, anywhere a tap is likely to be left on and water wasted.

'The Inta range is technically competent and aesthetically outstanding, with a product line up that includes more specialist washroom equipment, such as vandal proof fittings which, when combined with temperature and flow control devices are ideal for unsupervised wash and shower areas.'

Everything Inta, including technical information can be found online at http://www.intaco.co.uk.

Nicholas Anthony at The Water Gardens

Award-winning designer of luxury kitchens and bathrooms, Nicholas Anthony has won a new contract worth nearly £1.5 million with George Wimpey for an exclusive development in Canada Water, London. The one, two and three bedroom apartments which make up The Water Gardens are part of a £1 billion investment into this premier location in close proximity to Canary Wharf.

In total, 190 contemporary kitchens from the Nicholas Anthony Collection will feature in the development. The luxury kitchens specified by Nicholas Anthony have been designed to reflect the developer's desire to create a feeling of space, light and quality consistent with modern living. They will comprise high gloss units in a choice of five colours; white, vanilla, quartz and, sahara and oak and composite granite worktops, upstands and splash backs in a variety of coordinated colours to suit the choice of doors. The designs have been tailored to meet the needs of busy professionals and so the kitchens incorporate a comprehensive range of integrated Siemens appliances including a stainless steel oven, ceramic hob, microwave, extractor, fridge/freezer, washer/drier and dishwasher.

Commenting on winning the contract with George Wimpey, Geoff Brown, Contracts Sales Director at Nicholas Anthony, said: ‘This is our 5th major contract with George Wimpey and demonstrates how we are now working alongside some of the leading names in household development. We have an extremely effective relationship in that George Wimpey understands how our kitchens are a valuable asset to help market the properties and we are familiar with George Wimpey's expectations in terms of delivery and budget.’

Nicholas Anthony's Contracts Division offers a full design and installation service of Poggenpohl kitchens as well as its own brand, the Nicholas Anthony Collection. The division is dedicated to providing added value and has the capacity to process and manage large orders throughout Southern England.

For more information about Nicholas Anthony Contracts, please telephone 020 7620 3636, visit http://www.nicholas-anthony.co.uk or email contracts@nicholas-anthony.co.uk.

For more information about The Water Gardens please visit http://www.thewatergardens.co.uk or telephone George Wimpey City on 0845 606 6929.

Bureau Veritas Ensures Safety of Imported Products

A recent report from RAPEX (Rapid Alert System for non-food consumer products) stated that the number of dangerous products available in the EU increased dramatically during 2005. The report particularly focussed on the safety of products being imported from China. In recognition of this growing concern, Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services (BVCPS), global leader in consumer product testing, inspections and auditing services, is providing its customers with the opportunity to test imported products at source, with the benefits of high level of UK support.

BVCPS can provide UK importers with a fully-integrated global service to ensure product conformity to both regulatory and performance requirements. The company has multiple state-of-the-art testing facilities across the Far East, enabling retailers who import from this region to both inspect and test their products at source, while being supported by BVCPS's UK offices and accredited laboratories.

Through RAPEX, national authorities identify products presenting a serious risk to the health and safety of consumers, with the exception of food, pharmaceutical and medical products. More than half of the serious risk notifications in the 2005 report were from toys and electrical appliances, while 32% of the notifications identified electric shock as the main danger.

Testing products at source provides importers with numerous benefits, including enhanced development cycles, speeding up the entire testing process and the elimination of unnecessary transport charges for unsatisfactory goods. The proximity of the testing facility to the local manufacturer also allows for straightforward liaison during the testing stage, for example if support is required to assist in product development. In addition BVCPS provides its customers with an established intranet system (BVcpnet) which allows UK customers to access their own personalised section of http://www.cps.bureauveritas.com. BVcpnet provides specific details of products being tested in the Far East, for example who sent them to be tested and when they arrived, as well as an archive of all previous test certificates and reports.

Alan Kirwilliam, Director of Sales and Marketing at BVCPS Manchester, comments: ‘In general I do not think that there is an increasing danger to consumers from products which originate from China. Instead I believe that the findings in this report are a consequence of the RAPEX system being used by more enforcement authorities. Any businesses who are thinking of sourcing products from the Far East should really be covering themselves by ensuring anything they import has already been tested to all relevant standards at source.’

For further information on Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services' range of services please visit http://www.cps.bureauveritas.com or alternatively email bvsales@uk.bureauveritas.com

RH Morton – One in a Hundred

With Fifi and Ally listed as one of the 100 shops around the world you must visit, RH Morton can now claim that its work has been recognised alongside companies based as far afield as Hong Kong and Tokyo. The recent list, compiled by Retail Week, placed the Glasgow boutique alongside iconic stores such as New York based Bloomingdales and Louis Vuitton Paris in a poll of the best shops in the world.

Situated in the stylish Princes Square, Glasgow, Managing Director Fiona Hamilton commissioned RH Morton to fit the company's Cupping Salon in time for the opening of its flagship store late last year commenting;

'RH Morton completed the final touches to The Cupping Salon to ensure that the store would open on schedule. The company's involvement from the design concept through to manufacture, installation and after sales service was impeccable'.

Established over 50 years ago, RH Morton & Co Ltd serve a wide array of clients from the catering industry, including award winning chefs and Michelin star restaurants, to hotels, café bars and the up market domestic sector providing a bespoke quality service, from initial design through to completion and after sales service. Known for its high quality service and goods, the company says that it has become widely known as the Rolls Royce of Kitchen and Catering Equipment having been given the seal of approval from a number of high profile chefs throughout the country including Gordon Ramsay, Nick Nairn and Martin Wishart.

Design Agency Becomes the Ideal Ingredient

Wales based Sigma 3 is taking a fresh approach to its own design having appointed a Cardiff based brand agency to develop the company's brand.

Since buying County Kitchens in 2002 and acquiring six showrooms across the stockbroker belt in the South East of England, Sigma 3 has gone from strength to strength and says that it is currently one of the leading kitchen design and manufacturing companies in Wales and Southern England.

This continued success has led Sigma 3 to enlist brand communications agency Stills Design to create an integrated marketing campaign for the company as it moves into the next stage of development.

Paula Morris, Sigma 3's Marketing Manager said: ‘We're always striving to achieve the best for our customers both with products and service and believe we've finally arrived at the perfect solution. As such, it's important that we ask our customers what they think and develop a brand going forward that reflects this.

‘We have known for more than 30 years that our kitchens are among the best in the market, both in terms of design and build. It has been great to be able to appoint a local company that has a national profile to help us research the market here in Wales and across the South East and develop a comprehensive brand and creative strategy.’

Stills Design has been part of Wales' creative scene for more than 25 years and won the account as part of Sigma 3's agency review.

James Horsham, Marketing and Account Director of Stills said: ‘We are delighted to have won the Sigma 3 account and are very much looking forward to achieving great things at this exciting time in Sigma 3's evolution.

‘We are in the process of conducting brand research to gauge the positive and negative perceptions stakeholders have towards the Sigma 3 and County brands. The results will provide insightful information that will act as the platform for brand development.’

Sigma 3 is a £15m a-year turnover business, and has three showrooms in Wales, six showrooms in the South East and a further showroom in Preston. All Sigma 3 kitchens are manufactured at its state of the art facility in Llantrisant.

Roman Conquers the Kingdom of Tonga

Roman has won a contract to export its Wetroom Freedom Linear Panels to a new beach resort on Kapa Island in the Kingdom of Tonga.

The Kingdom of Tonga is located near Fiji in the heart of the South Pacific- literally on the other side of the world.

The luxury beach retreat, Reef Resort, will be home to 10 guest bungalows, a bar and a restaurant. Roman has so far sent out four linear panels to furnish the four guest bungalows which are currently in construction.

 
(Left) Export Manager Gillian Richardson who organised the contract, (right) Kapa Island in the Kingdom of Tonga

Wetrooms are ideal for the warmer climate in the South Pacific, but also look spa like and luxurious, so fit in with the exclusive feel of the resort, which is due to open in June next year.

Tim Ellis, from the Reef Resort comments; 'We were very keen to have the Roman panels in our bungalows, as they look modern and will fit in with the décor perfectly. We are aware that wetrooms are very popular currently and Roman has an excellent range of them to choose from. This made Roman the ideal selection, and the fact that it is a UK manufacturer made the company even more appealing.'

Roman’s export manager, Gillian Richardson says; 'Roman is extremely excited at the fact we are now exporting to literally the other side of the world. We currently export to places such as Portugal, New Zealand and South America, amongst many others, but the Kingdom of Tonga is by far the furthest away we can get. We know that out products will fit perfectly into the exclusive resort.'

Tel: 0845 0522445
Email: brochures@roman-showers.com
Web: http://www.roman-showers.com