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Heated Towel Rails are 'In Vogue' in Afghanistan

A Black Country manufacturer of heated towel rails and radiators is going global - with help from UK Trade & Investment.

Vogue UK, of Strawberry Lane Industrial Estate, Willenhall, specialises in luxury, hand crafted products, mainly for hotels and residential apartments.

Established in 1990, the company employs 80 staff and has an annual turnover of approximately £8m.

It has been working with UK Trade & Investment's international trade team at Black Country Chamber of Commerce for four years to develop its export business.

During this time, export manager Chris Creasey, following support from UK Trade & Investment, has secured sales in markets as diverse as South Korea, Japan, Pakistan, the Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, Germany, Norway and most recently, Afghanistan.

International trade adviser John Pilley (left) is pictured with Chris Creasey, export manager at Vogue UK.

He said: 'We will shortly be working on projects for a heating system at Kabul International Airport and for the installation of heated towel rails at two five-star hotels in Afghanistan. These contracts look set to bring in around US Dollars 1.5m.

'We won the business from leads generated when I attended a trade show in Dubai in November 2005 thanks to support from our international trade adviser, John Pilley, through UK Trade & Investment's Passport scheme.

'I went on to visit Afghanistan in October 2006 and saw many construction projects which could provide lucrative opportunities for British companies such as ours.

'UK Trade & Investment's commercial teams at the British embassies carried out Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) reports on the other countries for us.

'These reports were really useful because they gave me excellent leads to follow up, and circulated the company's name in the markets concerned.

'Before 2002, our export sales were reactive and therefore limited. Now, they have reached about £2m per year, accounting for 25 per cent of our turnover. Our exports are set to rise by 30 per cent this year, and we are looking at taking on new staff to deal with the demand from overseas.'

Future target markets for the company include Argentina and Mexico.

Vogue UK joined UK Trade & Investment's Passport initiative - a flagship scheme that gives new exporters the training, planning and ongoing support they need to succeed overseas - in 2003, and completed the scheme last autumn.

Through Passport, the company has benefited from a package of support, inclusive of: a free export health check, attending an export workshop, assistance in formulating an international trade strategy and matched funding to help implement this strategy, quality training and mentoring advice, access to the full range of UK Trade & Investment services and membership of the Midlands World Trade Forum, the regional export club.

International trade adviser John Pilley, based at Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: 'Chris Creasey is a shining example of someone who follows the three golden rules of exporting - thorough research, enthusiasm and visiting the market.

'I'm delighted with Vogue UK's success, and look forward to continuing to work with the company.'

For more information about how UK Trade & Investment can help your business expand into new markets abroad, contact the international trade team at Black Country Chamber of Commerce on Tel: 01384 360479.

Kitchen Companies Fined for 'Silent Calls'

Ofcom has imposed financial penalties on four companies under section 130 of the Communications Act 2003 (the “Act”). Penalty notices have been issued to Bracken Bay Kitchens Ltd, Space Kitchens and Bedrooms Ltd, Toucan Residential Ltd (formerly IDT Direct Ltd) and Carphone Warehouse plc, for contravening section 128 of Act by making an excessive amount of silent or abandoned calls.

Silent calls can occur when automated calling systems used by call centres generate more calls than the available call centre agents can manage. When the person called answers the telephone and there is no agent available, the automated calling system abandons the call. This can result in the person called experiencing silence on the line when they answer the telephone.

Ofcom has imposed the following penalties:
Space Kitchens £45,000
Bracken Bay Kitchens £40,000
Carphone Warehouse £35,000
Toucan £32,500

The penalty notices have been issued following the four notifications of misuse of networks and services that Ofcom issued to these companies on 3 November 2006 (the “Notifications”). In the Notifications, Ofcom set out its findings that there were reasonable grounds to believe that each of these companies has engaged in persistent misuse of an electronic communications network or electronic communication services in a way that causes annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety to consumers. This conduct contravenes section 128(5)(a) and section 128(6)(a) of the Act.

Ofcom's investigation found that some or all of these four companies had:

* Repeatedly exceeded the 3% limit for abandoned calls. Between April and July 2006 all four companies' abandoned call rates regularly exceeded 3% and in some cases were higher than 20%;

* Failed to include a recorded information message to prevent abandoned calls from being silent calls, during some or all of the period under investigation;

* Engaged in other forms of conduct which Ofcom considers contribute to the persistent misuse as set out in Ofcom Guidelines and specified in the notification issued to each company. The companies were given until 6 December 2006 to make representations in relation to the matters set out in the Notifications. Ofcom has now considered representations by each of the companies and has decided to issue a financial penalty in each case.

The maximum financial penalty Ofcom can impose under section 130 of the Act is £50,000 per notification.

For Ofcom penalty guidelines see: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/about/accoun/pg/

UK Insolvencies In The Fourth Quarter 2006

There were 3,194 company liquidations in England and Wales in the fourth quarter of 2006 on a seasonally adjusted basis. This was a decrease of 1.4% on the previous quarter and a decrease of 0.1% on the same period a year ago.

This was made up of 1,411 compulsory liquidations, an increase of 4.9% on the previous quarter and an increase of 9.7% on the corresponding quarter of the previous year, and 1,783 creditors voluntary liquidations, a decrease of 5.9% on the previous quarter and a decrease of 6.7% on the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

0.6% of active companies went into liquidation in the twelve months ended Q4 2006, a decrease from 0.7% in the previous quarter and the corresponding quarter of 2005.

There were 29,804 individual insolvencies in England and Wales in the fourth quarter of 2006 on a seasonally adjusted basis. This was an increase of 7.1% on the previous quarter and an increase of 44.1% on the same period a year ago.

This was made up of 17,063 bankruptcies, an increase of 9.6% on the previous quarter and an increase of 24.8% on the corresponding quarter of the previous year, and 12,741 Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), an increase of 3.9% on the previous quarter and an increase of 81.9% on the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

Electrolux Awarded EU Sustainable Energy Award

Electrolux President and CEO Hans Stråberg pushes for incentives to replace old appliances with new, and energy efficient ones.
Electrolux has received the prestigious Sustainable Energy Award in Corporate Commitment Category from the European Commission. The award recognizes the company's ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption of products, factories and services.

The award is part of the Commission's Sustainable Energy Europe 2005-2008 initiative, which aims to increase public awareness for renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transport and alternative fuels.

'I am very proud that Electrolux received this award, which recognizes our efforts in the field of energy-efficiency', says Electrolux President and CEO Hans Stråberg.

Hans Stråberg cites the Electrolux Group's continuous development of energy-efficient appliances. According to Stråberg, energy efficiency has improved by about 40% in the last decade for Electrolux major appliances.

'We believe that incentive programs across Europe to stimulate the replacement of older appliances with new, energy-efficient ones could significantly impact CO2 emissions,' says Stråberg. 'We estimate that there are about 200 million appliances that are more than 10 years old currently in use in European households. By replacing these, we could cut CO2 emissions by some 22 million tonnes per year, corresponding to 6% of the EU's Kyoto target.'

In addition to developing more energy-efficient products, such as the Sensidry heat pump tumble dryer that boasts record-low energy consumption, Electrolux is engaged in other programs contributing to the sustainable use of energy. As a result of these efforts, Electrolux has received a number of distinctions, including the European Commissions Energy+ Award.

FagorBrandt UK Appoints ASK as Distributors for the North of England

FagorBrandt UK has appointed ASK Distribution as the North of England distributor for its De Dietrich and Fagor brands.

In what is an exclusive manufacturer deal for the company, ASK will be actively promoting its association through local marketing drives to kitchen specialists and housebuilders in the region from Stoke-on-Trent to the Borders territory, and will be displaying De Dietrich and Fagor products at its Trade Counter in Leyland, Lancashire. ASK will also be warehousing the most popular appliances for the two brands in order to ensure quick and easy collection for customers.

ASK Distribution is a new company run by Bob Marsden and Alison Clitheroe, who have a combined experience of over 25 years in the niche appliances market. The company is newly established and began trading at the start of the year.

Richard Walker, sales and marketing director for FagorBrandt UK says:

'Together with our excellent Regional and Area Sales Managers, who have already forged relationships with many customers in the North, ASK will be targeting new lines of distribution for our brands. Alison and Bob's knowledge of the market and expertise with customers will help build a valuable partnership and because the region is so diverse, we see a greater opportunity to maximise business. By displaying our products at its Trade Counter, ASK will provide the ability for dealers to view a showcase of De Dietrich and Fagor appliances at a convenient alternative to our Basingstoke Showroom and because it will hold stock of our appliances, ASK can also ensure the shortest lead times for delivery. We look forward to a successful partnership with this new company.'

Alison Clitheroe, director of ASK Distribution says:
'Having worked successfully marketing premium brands in the niche market, we have built an excellent range of contacts in the quality kitchen specialist arena. Working with FagorBrandt UK exclusively means we will have an opportunity to convey the features and benefits of the De Dietrich and Fagor brands to an established range of customers, and we are excited by the prospect.'

ASK Distribution: 01772 453 479 / 07810 185 898
Fagor and De Dietrich Trade Sales: 01256 308 067
Web: http://www.fagor.com/uk
Web: http://www.dedietrich.co.uk

Grohe Bolsters Team with UK Product Manager

Grohe, the luxury shower and tap manufacturer, this week announced the appointment of Paul Davis to the newly created role of UK Product Manager with immediate effect.

As part of his commitment to define the Grohe UK product proposition, Paul will focus on managing the entire UK Grohe product architecture and will be responsible for developing and launching new products, whilst managing the introduction of product developments from the Grohe group to the UK market.

Before joining Grohe, Paul spent three years at Saint-Gobain Pipelines as Product Manager. Previous to this he held various roles within The Boots Company in product development and management.

David Doust, UK Marketing Director said: 'The creation of this new role highlights Grohe’s commitment in building and solidifying our position in the UK market. I am confident that Paul’s experience and energy will spark a new and important development in our direction for UK product development.'

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

Burbidge Wirework Collection with 20% Discount Until May

Kitchen frontals and accessories manufacturer, Burbidge, has expanded its wirework collection with the introduction of a new range of high specification internal accessories from exclusive German manufacturer Vauth Sagel.

Burbidge can now offer customers contemporary wirework corner storage units, undersink baskets, full height swing out pantry units, swing out twin corner units, pull out larder units, and recycling bins, in various sizes.

Ben Burbidge, managing director, says:

'We continually strive to make life as easy as possible for our customers by ensuring they have the products they need to create inspirational, high quality kitchen designs.

'Where we buy in products, rather than manufacture them ourselves, we undertake a significant amount of market research to ensure that the quality of design and manufacturing is in line with our own stringent standards.

'We believe that Vauth Sagel wirework accessories are the best available and complement Burbidge kitchen ranges perfectly.'

To promote the introduction of this new range of accessories, Burbidge is offering customers a 20% discount on trade prices throughout February, March and April 2007.

For more information, please call 024 7667 1600, email sales@burbidge.co.uk or visit http://www.burbidge.co.uk. Alternatively, the new wirework accessories can be viewed within realistic room sets at Burbidge's showroom in Coventry.

BMA Hosts Series of Workshops at B+K Expo

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) is to host a series of four workshops and seminars for Industry professionals at this year's Bathroom and Kitchen Expo, Excel, in London from 13th through 15th May.

Delivered by Industry experts, the first in the BMA series of workshops will take place on Sunday 13th May at 1.45pm covering the growing importance of 'Inclusive Design'. This workshop will offer advice on how best to capitalise on this growing, lucrative market given that by 2020 approximately 40 per cent of the UK population will be over 50 and suffering from age-related ailments such as arthritis and limited mobility.

On Monday 14th May, the BMA will host a workshop and a seminar. A Training Workshop will take place at 11.30am to demonstrate the importance of a professional, qualified workforce and proving how 'getting it right first time' can improve efficiency, boost sales and increase profit, while at 1.30pm leading experts will deliver a seminar on 'wet rooms' honing in on future design and trend predictions.

The last in the BMA series of workshops will take place on Tuesday 15th May at 2pm and will cover the highly relevant issues of water efficiency, helping delegates understand the complexities of Government regulations and explaining how to best capitalise on the rapidly emerging market for water efficient bathroom products.

Yvonne Orgill, chief executive of the BMA comments: ‘We are very much looking forward to participating in Bathroom and Kitchen Expo. These events are highlights in the Industry's calendar offering a perfect opportunity to see new products, gain additional knowledge and network.

‘This year's Bathroom and Kitchen Expo promises to be a wonderful event with a strong presence from the BMA and BMA member companies.’

‘You will find the BMA on stand A60. We look forward to seeing you there!’

For more information and tickets visit http://www.bkexpo.co.uk

For information on all of the BMA activities visit: http://www.bathroom-association.org

Ben De Lisi Talks Fashion and Design at B&K Expo

Renowned fashion designer, Ben de Lisi is confirmed to take part within the seminar programme at the premier trade show for the bathroom and kitchen industry, Bathroom & Kitchen EXPO (13-15 May, ExCeL London). Respected journalist, Grahame Morrison will interview Ben on his design trend predictions for the future, after-which EXPO visitors will get the chance to quiz Ben themselves on what to look out for and what to avoid.

‘Staying ahead of the game, in terms of fashion and design trends, is incredibly difficult as the market is constantly changing and evolving’ said, Grahame Morrison. ‘Ben's insight on up and coming trends and proven design tips will be immensely valuable to all involved in bathroom and kitchen design.’

Ben is a strong player on the English fashion scene and over the years has established a loyal fashion and celebrity following. Since 1995 Ben has been showing at London Fashion Week and has won the coveted British Glamour Designer of the Year award twice in 1994 and 1995. And, his diffusion line in conjunction with Debenhams called BDL has become one of the largest selling ranges under the Designers at Debenhams umbrella.

As fashion and interior design have become increasingly overlapping, Ben's sense of style has been embraced by the interiors world and he has worked with prestigious property developers and is currently working with Abicus, developing a unique range of branded bathrooms.

Ben's 'Design Trends' seminar is one of 12 seminars that will run throughout the course of the show (four each day), all of which will be delivered by esteemed professionals in their respective fields. For free tickets to attend Bathroom and Kitchen EXPO 2007, register online at http://www.bkexpo.co.uk. For details on exhibiting contact Pauline Morrison on 020 8515 2139 or email paulinemorrison@dmgworldmedia.com.

Galley Matrix Invests in Amana

Galley Matrix, the kitchen division of the Lancashire based distributor Broughton Crangrove, has a range of Amana, genuine American refrigerators available for the discerning retailer.

Appointed by Maytag UK as a national distributor of the brand, Galley Matrix handles the Amana refrigeration range designed essentially for the kitchen specialist. The portfolio includes an array of models including the side-by-side to the latest addition the Amana 3D, the three-door side-by-side.

Chris Honer, Sales Director, Galley Matrix says:

'Amana represents a valuable and profitable opportunity for the kitchen specialist. The brand offers one of the most flexible and comprehensive ranges of genuine American refrigerators available today. The depth of customisation of Amana is peerless, and with its exceptional high quality, stylish, counter depth range of models, it meets the kitchen specialists‚ needs perfectly.'

Stephen Stroud Channel Manager, Maytag UK remarks:

'The Galley Matrix partnership is a valuable one for the Amana brand. The company's customer focus is second to none. We cherish the opportunity of working with chosen distributors in furthering the essential essence of the Amana brand and promoting its unique strengths and benefits to the kitchen specialist market place.'

He continues: 'Galley Matrix takes the business very seriously, committing to supporting the brand heavily through intensive staff training, literature and promotions. This is a great asset for us and also the kitchen specialist requiring further information and knowledge of the brand and models.'

For further information of the Amana refrigeration range from Galley Matrix call your Area Sales Manager or the customer call centre on 0870 60 60 601.

DEVI Develops a New Relationship

DEVI has a new distributor for the devimat warm floor system, Craven Dunnill and Co Ltd, which covers the North Midlands. The 2005 winner of the Tile Association Excellence in Distribution Award is one of the UK's leading distributor of ceramic tiles.

Peter Howells, managing director of Shropshire-based Craven Dunnill, comments:

‘We had heard good reports about the DEVI system and the company's reputation before we decided to add the devimat product to our underfloor heating range. The response from our customers has been excellent and we are very pleased with the results so far.’

The devimat is a self adhesive mesh with an ultra thin cable pre-attached, ensuring not only fast and simple installation but also an even warm floor surface. The system can be used under all types of floorcovering.

The mat is simply rolled out onto the floor, the mesh is cut and the next piece is rolled out. The devimat is exceptionally robust and hard-wearing but, for that extra confidence, the devimat comes with a 10-year warranty.

For further information on DEVI, please call 0845 434 9990 or visit http://www.devi.co.uk.

Roman Sculpts the Complete Showering Solution

Roman has developed integrated water delivery into its UK manufactured Roman Sculptures Walk-in enclosure.

The shower valve has been redesigned to allow it to be bolted through the main glass panel of the enclosure. The valve can now be operated from both the inside and outside of the enclosure. This enables the user to easily turn the shower on from outside of the enclosure, allowing time for the shower to reach the required temperature before entering the enclosure.

The Roman Sculptures Walk-in is a luxurious enclosure which features contemporary 10mm thick toughened glass and minimal framing. By integrating the valve into the enclosure it all becomes one ultra-modern unit, making the enclosure even more extraordinary.

The in-line valve and kit offers a host of new functions incorporating a 10” (250mm) drench shower head, creating the ultimate rainfall experience. A multi-spray 5 mode hand shower provides ultimate flexibility with massage, soft massage, hard rain, soft rain, and pulse modes. There is also the option of 2 independently controlled body-jets- to create the ultimate in showering luxury. The advanced thermostatic controls regulate the temperature to +/- 1ºC, and the valve is factory set to a maximum operating temperature of 43°C, in line with safety legislation it also features automatic shutdown in the event of hot or cold water failure.

The bespoke low-level tray to suit the Roman Sculptures Walk-in features an integrated duckboard style drying area. This is manufactured from the same material as the tray to ensure a long life-span and is removable for easy cleaning. The tray offers a maximum flow rate of 25 litres per minute and comes complete with a designer stainless steel grid waste that sits flush with the tray.

The walk-in nature of the enclosure and the low-level tray allows easy access for all, making it the ideal cross-over product for the less-able market.
 
Julian Pearson, Commercial Director at Roman comments; 'We are very excited about this product launch, which we know is greatly anticipated by our customers. During KBB 2006 we showed a prototype of the Roman Sculptures Walk-in with Integrated Water Delivery and everybody was very excited about it. One of the key pieces of feedback we got from showing the prototype was that people wanted to be able to operate the valve from both inside and outside of the enclosure. Our designers went away and worked on this and we have successfully incorporated this additional selling feature into the product.

'At Roman we always strive to be first and to be seen as an innovator, 2007 will be a very exciting year for us as we launch additional products into the Roman Sculptures range, along with many other new ranges and products. The most exciting aspect of these is the integration of water delivery into our enclosures, which will confirm Roman as the complete showering package manufacturer.'

Tel: 0845 0522 445
Email: brochure@roman-showers.com
Web: http://www.roman-showers.com

InSinkErator® Achieves Record First Quarter Sales in 2007

InSinkErator®, the UK and world’s leading manufacturer of food waste disposers, has achieved record sales of food waste disposers in its first quarter results for the 2007 fiscal year, showing a 25 per cent increase on last year.

Ashley Munden, Sales & Marketing Director for InSinkErator UK commented; 'Until recently food waste disposers were a relatively unknown product in the UK. However recent concerns over waste management have highlighted it as one key solution available to consumers wanting to reduce the volume of food waste they put out for kerbside collection. In addition, house builders are increasingly viewing the food waste disposer as a key appliance for installation in new builds.'

The issue has been brought to the fore by recent media controversy over the introduction of alternate weekly collections and potential fines for households that fail to sort waste correctly. A primary driver behind these initiatives is the need to significantly reduce landfill volumes in the UK. Food waste disposers can divert around 20 per cent of household waste away from landfill.

Joe Ferrara, Managing Director for InSinkErator Europe, commented; 'The way in which the UK deals with household waste must change. A recent Local Government Association report branded the UK as the ‘dustbin of Europe’ because of the large volume of waste we send to landfill. The food waste disposer is a simple and cost effective in-home solution that doesn’t require a significant change in habit for the consumer, making it a highly viable solution.'

Herefordshire Council & Worcestershire County Council are leading models for other local authorities to look at when assessing waste management policy. Following an independent study into food waste disposers, these authorities now offer residents cash-back of up to £80 for installing a food waste disposer.

Jeremy Howell-Thomas, waste management project development officer at Worcestershire County Council, commented; 'Having examined worldwide research into their use, the Council concluded that food waste disposers had largely untapped potential for diversion of biodegradable kitchen waste from landfill. So far we have paid out almost 600 rebates and are currently running a large advertising campaign to encourage more residents to take advantage of the scheme. We are delighted to see the adoption of food waste disposers increasing nationally and hope other local authorities recognise the value of this simple kitchen appliance.'

About InSinkErator:
InSinkErator UK, a division of Emerson Electric Co., is the UK and world’s largest manufacturer of food waste disposers. For more information about InSinkErator products, call 01923 297 880 or visit the company’s web site at http://www.insinkerator.co.uk.

About Emerson:
Emerson (NYSE:EMR), based in St. Louis, is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technology, and appliance and tools businesses. Sales in fiscal 2006 were $20 billion. For more information, visit http://www.GoToEmerson.com.

Wolseley Shares Rising Despite Weak Housing Market in US

Shares in Wolseley, the plumbing and building materials supplier, have gone up by 25 per cent in the past six months yet it has recently cut 2,000 more jobs in the US. A housing slump there has hurt sales, depressed prices and hit earnings.

This adds to the 2,000 workers the UK-based company had already made redundant recently, and the total number is about 5% of the global workforce.

Wolseley, which has its HQ at Reading, Berkshire, saw its trade fall by 14% in the five months to December.

The number of housing starts in America - where it gets half its sales - fell more sharply than had been expected.

Reports say Chief Executive Chip Hornsby is now looking again at his expansion plans.

One analyst said: 'Wolsley has taken very radical and swift action. This is the US housing market at its absolute bottom. I don't think it's going to get any worse than this.'

One explanation for the share price strength comes courtesy of bid speculation. Saint-Gobain, the French rival, has been mentioned in connection with a takeover.

According to analyst Robert Cole of The Times, however: 'it may be simply that the market has familiarised itself with the scale of the difficulties facing the company. Between April and August last year, as evidence of the weakening US housing market emerged, Wolseley shares fell from £14.50 to £10.50. The market often assumes the worst if it does not know exactly how things are likely to turn out, so a bounce of some sort was always going to be the logical next step when it transpired that the US housing market was straining, rather than breaking.'

He adds: 'Wolseley derives only about 25 per cent of sales from American housing. Industrial and commercial demand in North America remains good and the European picture, helped by acquisitions, is promising.

Whirlpool Completes US Hoover Sale to Techtronic Industries

Whirlpool Corporation announced on 31st January that it has sold the US Hoover floor-care business to Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. (TTI) for approximately $107 million in cash following the expiration of a regulatory review process. Hoover offers a comprehensive line of products for general and special-purpose vacuuming, including full-size uprights and canisters, deep cleaners, and hard-floor cleaners.

Whirlpool and TTI reached an agreement to sell the Hoover business in December 2006. Under the terms of the sale, TTI will assume operational control of the Hoover business, including manufacturing operations in North Canton, Ohio, El Paso, Texas, Juarez, Mexico, and all other Hoover locations. Whirlpool retains the liabilities associated with pension plans for pension benefits for both active and retired employees accrued up to the date of the sale and for post-retirement medical benefits for currently retired Hoover employees.

About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation is a manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $19 billion, more than 80,000 employees, and more than 60 manufacturing and technology research centres around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com.

About Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.
Founded in 1985, Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. (TTI) (stock code: 669, ADR symbol: TTNDY) is a supplier of superior home improvement and construction tools with a powerful portfolio of trusted brands and a strong commitment to innovation and quality. The portfolio that TTI offers includes a full line of power equipment products, floor care appliances, laser and electronic products. The company's brands include Milwaukee®, AEG® and Ryobi® power tools and accessories, Ryobi® and Homelite® outdoor power equipment and Royal®, Dirt Devil®, Regina® and Vax® floor care appliances.

TTI is one of the constituent stocks on the Hang Seng HK MidCap Index under the Hang Seng Composite Index, the MSCI Hong Kong Index, the FTSE All-World Hong Kong Index, the FTSE/Hang Seng Asian Cyclical Index and the Dow Jones Hong Kong Titans 30. For more information, please visit http://www.ttigroup.com.

Saint-Gobain’s Construction Products sector is strengthening its position in emerging countries, thanks to six acquisitions completed over the last few weeks in South Africa, Algeria, Turkey and Argentina. The acquisitions concern companies involved in the industrial mortars, insulation and gypsum businesses, and represent total sales of more than €230 million.

In South Africa, Saint-Gobain has acquired TAC and Tylon, the country’s leading manufacturer of industrial mortars for tile adhesives, and has also entered into an agreement with a view to acquiring Owens-Corning South Africa, South Africa’s top-ranking insulation business. This acquisition is subject to the approval of the South African competition authorities.

Tylon is South Africa’s no.1 manufacturer of cement-based tile adhesives and grouts. It has sales of around €20 million and employs close to 70 people. Tylon has two plants, in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Renowned for the quality of its products and services, Tylon has an extensive network of distributors across the country.

TAC offers an ideal complement to Tylon’s geographical market and has an adhesives plant 200 km to the east of Johannesburg (Middleburg). TAC was created in 2005, fields a workforce of nearly 30 employees, and generates around €5 million in sales.

Saint-Gobain has entered into an agreement to purchase Owens Corning South Africa (OCSA). With sales of approximately €25 million, OCSA is the only manufacturer of glass wool and stone wool in South Africa and also manufactures insulating foam. A former Isover licensee (glass wool and stone wool), the company has already used Saint-Gobain’s TEL process (1957 to 1997).

These three companies will be able to enhance their service offering to their distributor and applicator customers thanks to BPB Gypsum Ltd and its logistics network.

In Algeria, Saint-Gobain has acquired 66% of the share capital of CM Gypso, based in Bouira. CM Gypso has two quarries, which are thought to hold more than 40 million tons of gypsum. CM Gypso is ideally situated to serve customers in two major cities – Algiers and Constantine, which represent 75% of the domestic plaster market. On the manufacturing front, Saint-Gobain is planning to build a 220,000-ton facility for production of its plaster product range.

In Turkey, Saint-Gobain and its partner Alghanim have taken joint control of Izocam, after having acquired a majority stake (61.2%) in its capital. An IPO on the remaining shares will be launched on the Istanbul stock market.

Izocam has been an Isover licensee for over 40 years. The front-ranking supplier of insulation in Turkey and the Middle East, Izocam expects to deliver sales of around €125 million in 2006, up sharply from 2005.

In Argentina, Saint-Gobain has acquired Iggam, a company specialising in industrial mortars and plaster. IGGAM reported sales of €18 million in 2005 and has two plants, one in Tortuguitas near Buenos Aires, and one in the state of Entre Rios, 500 km to the north of the capital.

Tortuguitas is an ideal complement to Saint-Gobain Weber Argentina’s plant in Bosques, 40 km to the south of Buenos Aires. The two sites are perfectly situated to serve the Buenos Aires region, where most of the Argentine business is generated.

In a market enjoying sustained growth, this acquisition drives Saint-Gobain Weber into the top spot on all industrial mortars segments (tile adhesives, wall-facing products, additives, white cement, etc.) and broadens its business portfolio. This acquisition also represents an opportunity for Saint-Gobain’s Gypsum business, which is regaining its foothold on the Argentine market with its Tuyango plaster brand, the recognised market leader.These acquisitions in attractive and dynamic construction markets have confirmed Saint-Gobain Construction Products as a major player in South Africa, Argentina, Algeria and Turkey. The acquisitions have also helped to further the sector’s development in emerging countries.

With 45,000 employees across the globe and 250 consolidated companies, Saint-Gobain Construction Products says that it is a leader in all of its businesses: insulation (Isover), gypsum (Placo, Gyproc, Rigips, etc.), outdoor living solutions (CertainTeed), industrial mortars (Weber) and pipe (Pam). In 2005, the Construction Products sector delivered sales of €10 billion (proforma BPB), representing 26% of the total sales reported by the Saint-Gobain Group.

HL Display Acquires Display Team Oy

Swedish HL Display AB (publ), a supplier of in-store communication and merchandising solutions for the retail trade, announced yesterday the acquisition of Display Team Oy, a privately owned company based in Helsinki, Finland.

The company manufactures and markets shelf merchandising solutions under the brand names Maxime BrandMan® and Maxime CatMan®. The addition of Display Team is a significant advance in HL Display's efforts to provide its customers with a more complete product range. The addition is also in line with HL Display's focus on brand manufacturers (FMCG companies) and support for more efficient retail product launches.

'This acquisition will add flexibility and choice to our customers. They will be able to continue building on our in-store solutions, now also with a greater focus on product launches. This will make us a more attractive and complete partner for the retail industry,' says Gérard Dubuy, CEO in HL Display AB (publ).

Display Team was established in 1991 by Jaakko Wilenius. The main customers are big international FMCG-companies like Procter & Gamble, Unilever etc. The product shares the same markets as HL Display's product lines, as well as the same production technology. These facts combined with the bigger organisation offered by HL Display provides an opportunity for Display Team to take the next step.

'By merging with HL Display we're going from being a small company to become a bigger force on a market that we share. I feel that we have taken Display Team as far as possible and in order to make the next step we need what HL Display can offer. A big international sales organisation that will add local expertise to our existing structure, a strong chain of distribution and an opportunity to develop the product and the brand, says Jaakko Wilenius, CEO in Display Team Oy.

Display Team's net sales for 2006 is approximately 6 MEUR and the acquisition is expected to have a marginal positive effect on earnings per share for the HL Display Group 2007.

Web: http://www.hl-display.com

The Importance of Website Evolution for Online Retailers

With web technology evolving at an unprecedented rate, it is important for all retailers to ensure they are up to speed with the latest trends and developments in order to optimise their e-commerce efforts. Zendor, the Manchester-based multi-channel retail expert, has identified four key areas which retailers should keep in mind when building on their online proposition:

* Maintaining a 'Customer Balance' - There are a raft of technological advancements and broadband is facilitating increased opportunities for retailers online. However, when riding this wave, retailers should strive to strike a balance between web development and usability, so that they do not restrict customers' use. Broadband is providing wider and easier Internet access across the UK with the proportion of enabled homes doubling by 2008 to 18.5 millions (64% penetration). An effort should be made to ensure retailers do not run away with the technological opportunities and alienate their core audience, who may or may not be web savvy. The most important question to ask is - 'what do my customers want from my website?'

* Improvement in Website Fluidity - To enable a smoother and more straightforward shopping process, and therefore improve the customer experience, retailers are rethinking the 'traditional approach' and refining their transactional websites. This includes removing or reducing irritating pop-ups and additional pages. Broadband has also enabled retailers to streamline a number of functions or 'steps' into a blended single web page.

* Developing a Stronger Online Selling Strategy - As more retailers become increasingly 'multi-channel', many are striving for consistency in their stores and websites. This not only involves brand image, but also customer experience. By replicating in-store sales techniques, retailers are driving customer loyalty from store to web, crossing the divide with such initiatives as outfit-building with virtual models or browsing by trend, up-selling matching clothing or accessories, and pushing special offers such as multi-buys.

* Providing an Added Value Experience for Customers - To encourage loyalty and brand 'buy-in' retailers are creating a point of difference in their web content. Alongside the shopping function, some are introducing magazine or editorial content or web and e-mail personalisation with, for example, targeted product recommendations. With the arrival of Web 2.0 customers can now have a hand in 'building' websites - online communities of customers are now invited to share ideas and review products.

More and more retailers are choosing to adopt a multi-channel retail approach and competition in the online arena has never been more fierce. With this competition set to intensify further in 2007, it is essential that online retailers are aware of the opportunities available to them in order to attract and retain their customers.

Manchester-based Zendor handles a range of fulfilment services for retailers interested in moving into the distance shopping arena. Zendor's services include fulfilment and call centre services, multi-channel strategy and planning and channel development and marketing. For further information please e-mail curious@zendor.com visit http://www.zendor.com or call 0161 238 2050.

Covermyfurniture.Com - Change the Look of your Home

It is a fact that the success of recycling is of utmost importance to our society and to make it really work, everyone needs to participate and do their bit. With kerbside recycling schemes being rolled-out across the UK, we are all becoming more aware of the need to partake in the three 'R's: reduce, reuse and recycle.

Mountains of waste are being dumped in landfills every year. Though we are all pretty well educated in the processes of recycling small items like aluminium, glass, and paper, how many of us realise just how easy it is to recycle larger items - like a sofa or armchair.

Many of us would like to change our homes the same way we change our seasonal wardrobes, but few of us can actually afford to. A recent survey1 carried out to cast light on people's interior tastes revealed that 60% of people could only afford to redecorate their homes every 2-5 years, even though the same percentage said that their tastes actually changed from year to year.

Luckily now, not only is there a more affordable, stylish and easy solution to instantly change the look of your home, but there is an environmentally friendly one too, enabling you to 'reduce, reuse and recycle'. Rather than spending a fortune on this season's fleetingly fashionable designs, or putting up with a shameful suite, you can give your piece of furniture a stunning new look using a unique service: made-to-measure, furniture covers from Covermyfurniture.com.

Says Joanna Whitworth, co-founder of Covermyfurniture.com: ‘Interior fashions are changing faster than ever. But big items of furniture are too valuable to simply scrap when they go out of fashion. Whatever the shape of your furniture we can cover it - and it makes much more sense environmentally to revive your furniture rather than consigning that much-loved sofa to the skip!’

In the same survey, 33% of respondents used loose covers on their furniture, yet 77% don't like the look of them. Covers from Covermyfurniture.com, however are made to fit your furniture like a glove, making it look like a brand new piece.

About Cover My Furniture
Covermyfurniture.com is an online, mail order, international furniture covering service, that makes exact made-to-measure covers without even stepping a foot through your door. You do the measuring, no consultant comes into your home, it's a straightforward Do-It-Yourself process.

Ordering your new cover couldn't be easier. The process is simple; it takes just 4 easy steps:

1) Log onto http://www.covermyfurniture.com and choose the colour and type of fabric you want for your chair or sofa. The range has colours and patterns for all the seasons - the possibilities are endless.

2) Take a picture of the furniture you want covered using a digital camera and send it back to Cover My Furniture. If you don't have a camera, a disposable one can be sent.

3) Cover My Furniture will then send you a bespoke measurement chart for you to fill in - don't be scared, it's like joining up the dots.

4) Once Cover My Furniture has received your measurement chart and a balance payment, your new cover will be delivered directly to your home within 28 days.

Cover My Furniture customer service manager, Jackie Thompson says: ‘We developed this unique service because it can be very expensive, time consuming and sometimes out of the question to constantly keep up with fashions. The covers are great value for money, easy to order and come in a choice of contemporary designs.’

For more information, fabric samples or a free Cover My Furniture brochure please visit the website; http://www.covermyfurniture.com or call 01772 838 308.