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Masco Corporation Reports Q3 Results and a Reduction in Anticipated Earnings for 2006

Masco Corporation reported on 31st October net sales from continuing operations for the quarter ended September 30th, 2006 increased one percent to $3.3 billion. North American net sales decreased one percent and International net sales increased 10 percent. In local currencies, International net sales increased five percent compared with the third quarter of 2005.

Income from continuing operations, excluding the non-cash impairment charge for financial investments and costs and charges related to profit improvement programmes in the third quarters of 2006 and 2005, was $236 million or $.60 per common share and $290 million or $.68 per common share, respectively. The third quarters of 2006 and 2005 benefited from net gains from the sale of financial investments of $.01 and $.04 per common share, respectively.

Income from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2006 was $225 million or $.57 per common share, including an $8 million non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge for financial investments and $9 million pre-tax of costs and charges related to profit improvement programmes. Income from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2005 was $254 million or $.59 per common share, including a $43 million non-cash, pre-tax impairment charge for financial investments and $12 million pre-tax of costs and charges related to profit improvement programmes.

Net income for the third quarter of 2006 was $252 million or $.64 per common share and included a $50 million pre-tax net gain ($.07 per common share, after tax) from discontinued operations. Net income for the third quarter of 2005 was $262 million or $.61 per common share and included $8 million of after-tax income ($.02 per common share) from discontinued operations.

In September 2006, the Company completed the sale of Computerized Security Systems ('CSS'). CSS supplies electronic locksets primarily to hospitality markets in the United States and had annual sales of $73 million. This disposition was completed pursuant to the Company's determination that this business unit was not core to the Company's long-term strategy. Under generally accepted accounting principles, the net gain on this transaction, along with 2006 year-to-date and prior-period operating results, are reflected in discontinued operations. Total net proceeds from the sale were $91 million; the Company recognised a $51 million pre-tax net gain (included in discontinued operations) on the disposition of CSS.

As part of its profit improvement programmes, the Company announced a plant closure in the Plumbing Products segment in January 2006. In the third quarter of 2006, the Company incurred $9 million pre-tax ($52 million year-to-date) of costs and charges related to this plant closure and other profit improvement programmes in the Plumbing Products and the Cabinets and Related Products segments. The Company expects to incur additional costs and charges during the fourth quarter of 2006 for its profit improvement programmes and currently anticipates that total costs and charges related to these programmes for the full-year 2006 will aggregate approximately $70 million pre-tax, as previously announced. Implementing these programmes should improve the Company's earnings outlook for 2007 and beyond.

The Company's results continued to be adversely affected by accelerating declines in housing activity, a moderation in consumer spending and increased commodity costs, partially offset by profit improvement programmes and selling price increases. The Company has implemented additional selling price increases in an effort to at least partially offset commodity cost increases.

A softening of incoming orders for building products and services along with a forecasted deeper-than-expected decline in year-over-year single family housing starts for the last several months of 2006 are expected to result in the Company's fourth quarter net sales being down mid-single digits compared with the fourth quarter of 2005. Accordingly, full-year earnings from continuing operations, excluding costs and charges related to profit improvement programmes, impairment charges for investments and any other items, may be closer to $2.20 per common share rather than the Company's most recent guidance of $2.25 to $2.30 per common share. Including such charges, earnings from continuing operations may be closer to $1.95 per common share for the full-year 2006.

Headquartered in Taylor, Michigan, Masco Corporation is one of the world's leading manufacturers of home improvement and building products, as well as a leading provider of services that include the installation of insulation and other building products.

Web: http://www.masco.com

Spanish Kitchen Brand Seeks UK Retailers

CRS Agencies Ltd is well underway with its plans for developing the Spanish brand of Santos in the UK marketplace. A number of retail outlets have already been secured for the product including a very influential London retailer which wiil undoubtedly be the flagship studio for Santos.

CRS Agencies Managing Director, Colin Seaton, commented 'We made a number of very good contacts at the recent Kitchen Showcase exhibition which has resulted in us being able to complete partnership deals with certain design led retailers throughout the south of England. Our next goal is to find like minded retailers for Santos in the northern areas of the UK'

The Santos sales offer for new studios is exceptional and includes the supply of a heavily subsidised computer aided design package along with comprehensive training on the product offering and the use of the CAD package.

Contact number: 07919 440374

http://www.santos.es

Clean up for Free with Siemens Wet Appliances

Kitchen appliance manufacturer Siemens is offering customers a free 28-day trial period on selected freestanding washing machines and dishwashers bought from a participating Siemens dealer between November 1st 2006 and January 31st 2007.

Called 'Perfect Partners', the promotions entitle the purchaser to use their new Siemens washing machine or dishwasher at home for up to 28 days, without any obligation to keep the machine long term.

At the end of the 28-day trial period, if they are not totally satisfied with the washing machine or dishwasher's performance, Siemens guarantees to take the machine back.

ln addition, all washing machine customers will receive a free 6-month supply of Ariel powder & liquid - regardless of whether they keep the machine or not. All Siemens dishwasher customers will be provided with a 3-month supply of Finish 5 in 1 tablets - corresponding to 90 washes worth of detergent.

The four washing machine models eligible for the laundry promotion are part of a new collection launched only last month (October). Two of the models include the autoStain stain removal system (ASR) currently being advertised in the national press.

Full details of both Perfect Partners' promotions can be found on the special promotional leaflets produced by Siemens for participating dealers nationwide.

Comments Siemens Brand Manager, Jane Massey: 'These promofions give customers extra peace of mind when choosing a new Siemens wet appliance. The free friaI offer further demonstrates our supreme confidence in the quality of the dishwashers and washing machines from the 2006/7 collecfion.'

Both promotions are in addition to Siemens's successful free 5-year parts & labour extended warranty scheme available on selected freestanding models.

http://www.siemensappliances.co.uk/

Nobia: Continued Favourable Growth Rate

During the third quarter, kitchen company Nobia increased its net sales by 24 per cent to SEK 3,631 million (2,930). Organic growth amounted to 11 per cent. Profit after tax increased by 35 per cent and earnings per share amounted to SEK 3.22 (2.39). The operating margin strengthened to 7.7 per cent (7.5). Operating profit rose by 27 per cent to SEK 280 million (220).

The improvement in operating profit during the third quarter was the result of increased sales in all regions, and the positive contribution to operating profit from the French business unit Hygena. The operating margin also improved in the UK.

Comments from the CEO:
'Growth in sales and profits remained favourable during the quarter,' says President and CEO Fredrik Cappelen. 'We are also pleased that our activities in the UK have successively yielded results and that we can see an improvement in demand in Continental Europe.'

Aqualux Blog makes Living History

Wednesbury-based Aqualux is backing the History Matters campaign, with an eco-friendly entry by its marketing manager in the biggest blog in history.

Sandra Hyde joined the campaign on Tuesday 17th October whilst attending the Bathroom Manufacturers Association inaugural conference. The spirited debates on environmental issues inspired Sandra to mark the day and record the attitudes and ambitions voiced at the event for future generations to understand more about the specific concerns faced by companies and individuals in 2006.

The conference had two main parts, ‘Precious Water’ and ‘Water Pressures’. Both sessions looked at customer demands and assessing the threat caused by water shortages and climate change.

As a leading manufacturer of bath screen and shower enclosures, Aqualux is working hard to meet environmental concerns and has already created a 'green' garden at its headquarters. A main focus for the company is the current and future water shortage, the ecology and potential future plans to save and preserve water.
The heritage organisations behind the History Matters - pass it on campaign, including the National Trust and English Heritage, have been urging everyone in the UK to take part in a mass blog recording how we lived on one single day, creating a massive electronic snapshot in words of everyday life at the beginning of the 21st century, which will be stored in perpetuity as a social history archive.

Sandra said: ‘The wonderful thing about taking part is that we have no idea how the issues and concerns of today may have changed in the future. When we are discussing the environment, will future generations look at 2006 as a turning point which helped to save the planet, or will they have a totally different perspective?

‘Aqualux is at the forefront of these changes and decisions, so it is good that the company has been included in this national record.’

Web: http://www.aqualux.co.uk
Web: http://www.historymatters.org.uk

Britannia Appoints Marketing Director

Range cooker specialist Britannia Living has appointed Henneke Duistermaat as Director of Marketing from 1st November 2006.

Managing Director Philip Oatley comments: ‘Henneke Duistermaat has successfully headed the marketing department for 18 months now. In recognition of her commitment and contribution to the business, I have invited Henneke to join the Board.’

Britannia's marketing strategy and tactics have changed considerably in the past 18 months and this has led to a substantially increased interest from consumers. Brochure requests increased by 24% in 2006 compared to 2005.

Major changes have been made to advertising, brochures and the website. A new POS package was also developed and was very well received by kitchen specialists.

Henneke Duistermaat comments: ‘I thoroughly enjoy working at Britannia. It's a delight to market such strong products and I love working with the Britannia team. I look forward to continuing to develop the Britannia brand.’

Tel: 01253 471129
Email: hduistermaat@britannialiving.co.uk

CP Group Named 'Best of British' at ELLE Decoration Design Awards

Yorkshire tile manufacturer, the CP Group, has clinched a national design award for its new Unity range.

Demonstrating the progression and potential of tile design, 'Unity' was named 'Best in Wallcoverings' at the prestigious ELLE Decoration Design Awards in London and will represent the UK tile industry in the international design awards in Milan next April.

The awards, which were judged by a panel of industry experts including Sir Terence Conran and Tom Dixon, celebrate the best British interiors designs launched within the last 12 months. Shortlisted designs had to be original, beautiful, smart and stylish and have the vital 'x-factor' as well as being designed and made in Britain.

The Unity collection by the CP Group was the only tile range to make the shortlist for this year's awards and beat off stiff competition from big name wallpaper companies Osborne & Little, Interiors Europe and Loophouse to take the title in its 'wallcoverings' category.

Unity is a collection of five different sized glass tiles which have been designed to work together in unison. Sizes range from 10x10cm right up to 40x30cm and can be arranged in a variety of patterns and designs ensuring no two rooms need ever look the same.

Available in 16 standard, four metallic and four iridescent colours as well as three different textures - plain, ridged and speckled - Unity offers the ultimate artist's palette, as each colour and texture has been developed to work in harmony with many others in the range.

Commenting on what made Unity stand out from the competition, Chair of the judging panel and Editor of ELLE Decoration, Michelle Ogundehin said: ‘The great thing about these glass tiles is their jewel bright lustre and the way their five varying sizes allow you to arrange them in any number of truly individual, very architectural configurations. Available in a mixed palette of colours including metallic and iridescent hues and three textures, they can be used alone or combined with plain ceramic tiles for instant impact.’

Jayne Adamson of the CP Group (pictured), who designed the Unity range and was presented with the award by Michelle, said: ‘We are delighted the Unity collection has achieved such huge recognition nationally and are thrilled to be taking a British tile design out onto an international playing field next year. The range is very important to us as a company as it demonstrates the sheer scope, potential and expanding role that tiles have to play in current interior design trends.

‘Thanks to modern manufacturing techniques and the calibre of young designers coming into the industry, tiles are becoming increasingly innovative and I'm delighted we're putting British tiles firmly on the global map.’

Unity and the other eight category winners from the UK event will represent the British nominations for the ELLE Decoration International Design Awards, competing against nominations made by 22 international editions of ELLE Decoration magazine. The winners will be announced in April 2007 during the Milan Furniture Fair.

Dutch Design meets Dutch Design - For New Kitchen Collections

Two of the leading players in the kitchen market in the Netherlands - Keller and ATAG - have joined forces to bring Dutch technology and innovation to the UK retail and consumer market. The aim of the new joint venture is to differentiate the offering from other showrooms and kitchen enterprises.

Keller, established in 1936 and now with over 90 showrooms in the UK, is already a well-known brand in the UK. Key to this success and growth is the 20,000 m2 production plant which has made Keller one of the fastest-growing players in the European kitchen market.

The company has a range of models under the Red, Black and Gold Label collections which encompass affordable design options for the retailer, consumer and quality developer.

ATAG is a top brand in kitchen appliances in the Netherlands. Inspiring and challenging, ATAG offers stainless steel and/or glass ranges which are designed with quality, performance and comfort in mind. Recent launches include the new Compact and Magna Design ranges and the Hob collection.

Both Keller and ATAG have won many Dutch design awards and are featured in ‘Living Tomorrow’, the well-known exhibition of future developments in industrial design.

Peter Bastinck, Keller's Commercial Director, explains ‘We want to offer the UK consumer something really novel to differentiate our retailer from others in the same environs. Our joint initiative encompasses striking showroom displays, original advertisements in both the national home-interest and regional press and literature promotions. The idea is to create a win-win formula as complementary business partners.’

For more information, please visit http://www.kellerkitchens.co.uk or call 0161 962 6939.

'Seeing is Believing'

The Bristan Group's new fully functional interactive showroom is a sales tool that will help customer's get to grips with all its latest products

As part of its significant investment in state-of-the-art new headquarters, the Bristan Group has now opened its exciting new showroom - packed full of all the latest products.

The brightly coloured showroom, complete with plasma screens showing company footage, is designed to invoke all the senses and will provide a showcase for all the company's products, which are displayed in real bathroom settings as well as on back-lit display panels that demonstrate the full potential of each range.

Including product from key Bristan Group brands, such as Bristan, Heritage Bathrooms, NewTeam and Damixa, the showroom will enable existing and potential customers to experience the available quality and design first hand.

Not only will the new showroom act as a tool for the Bristan Group sales teams, who will be able to bring external customers to see how the product can look in-situ, it will also act as a facility for training both internally and externally.

Potential new stockists of Bristan Group products, merchants, installers, specifiers and bathroom specialists, can visit the showroom at any time (by appointment) for training sessions or simply to view the product.

A large meeting room with multimedia technology is also available alongside the showroom which acts as a perfect venue for meetings. The Bristan Group is encouraging its customers to use this facility free of charge to hold their own regional meetings.

Tel:0870 4425555
Web: http://www.bristan.com

Victoria & Albert Baths get the French Connection

International freestanding bath manufacturer Victoria & Albert continues to forge ahead with impressive European sales growth following the announcement of two new agents for the brand in France.

Covering the entire country through two distinct territories, Aquados based in Chennevieres sur Marne, East Paris, will cover the north of France and Damars SA in Salon de Provence near Marseille the south.

Specially selected for their wealth of experience in handling premium brands, the new agents have already experienced strong interest for Victoria & Albert products from leading bathroom outlets right across France.

Victoria & Albert Baths Ltd Export Sales and Marketing Manager David Coath says:

‘We are passionate about bath design and it's great to come across partners who share this approach too. The French public appears to really embrace design flair and the feedback from our new displaying stockists is that both our contemporary and classic ranges are going down with them very well.

Web: http://www.vandabaths.com

Clean Finish for RH Morton at Lanark Visitor Centre Cafe

RH Morton, bespoke kitchen and catering equipment supplier, has completed the final touches to the New Lanark Visitor Centre front of house kitchen. The work completes the major kitchen refit at the New Lanark World Heritage Site, a beautifully restored 18th century cotton mill village in Southern Scotland, which is one of Scotland's top attractions, welcoming over 400,000 international visitors every year.

Lorna Davidson of New Lanark World Heritage Site commented;
'Everyone is very impressed with the newly refurbished food counter in the New Lanark Visitor Centre café. RH Morton was happy to co-operate with our wish to take plenty of time at the planning stage, involving our staff in key decisions about the choice of equipment and layout and offering advice based on their extensive experience. As a result our catering team is enthusiastic about the new arrangements and we are able to offer visitors to the New Lanark World Heritage Site a much improved facility in our Mill Pantry café.'

The new kitchen showcases RH Morton’s bespoke workmanship and illustrates the quality and diversity of the company's work. RH Morton has provided unique catering facilities for the Visitor Centre to incorporate style with accessibility.

Judith Tatham, Managing Director of RH Morton explains;
'The cooperation between the centre staff and the RH Morton team ensured that we were able to produce exactly what they required to not only improve the aesthetics, but the convenience and efficiency in the way the counter staff work'

The New Lanark Visitor Centre Café has been completed to allow for the food to be freshly prepared each day in a clean, efficient and aesthetically pleasing environment. The emphasis on home baking and cooking resulted in the installation of an improved display area where not only cakes, but also the salads and hot food available on the menu can be displayed.

RH Morton has been given the celebrity seal of approval by top chefs across the country such as Nick Nairn and Martin Wishart.

Tel: 0141 551 8136 (Glasgow)
Tel: 0131 332 1554 (Edinburgh)
Web: http://www.rhmorton.com

Sanitec Invests Bathroom Ceramics Factory in the Ukraine

On 26th October 2006, after a ceremony attended by the Presidents of Finland and the Ukraine, the Finnish Sanitec Group and the Ukrainian Ukrbudmaterialy Group signed an agreement to establish a joint company in which Sanitec will hold 51 percent and the Ukrainian shareholders 49 percent. The agreement concerns the largest Ukrainian bathroom ceramics manufacturer, Slavutskiy Plant Budfarfor.

The partners intend to restructure the existing bathroom ceramics plant in Slavuta, Ukraine, and to transform it into a state of the art company with extended production capacity. The factory currently produces 2.5 million pieces annually.

The investment will be realised in the coming years, as the plant will be thoroughly reorganised. The existing buildings will be modernised and new plant facilities constructed. The intention is to use proven equipment and production techniques as currently used in Sanitec's production plants throughout Europe. The applied technologies will allow for a significant reduction in the production costs and improve productivity and efficiency. All employees will undergo extensive training in new technologies.

The present product range will be extended with upgraded quality and design. New ceramic series will be designed both for the Ukrainian market and for export.

The new company will remain as the main player on the Ukrainian market, and will extend activities in the traditional export markets of Budfarfor, such as Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. The market position of Budfarfor, combined with Sanitec's experience in technology and marketing, will bring a large potential for the future.

Information about the partners:

Sanitec Group
Sanitec is a European multi-brand group that designs, manufactures and markets bathroom ceramics and bath and shower products. Sanitec Group is based around locally well-known brands, which have strong positions and deep roots in the bathroom business. The company works closely together with customers and industrial partners, architects and designers to develop sustainable bathroom concepts with advanced design, promoting healthy lifestyle and wellbeing.

The Sanitec brand portfolio includes brands such as Albatros, Allia, Ido, Ifö, Keramag, Kolo, Koralle, Leda, Pozzi-Ginori, Revita, Selles, Sphinx and Twyford. The strength of these brands coupled with new products, solid quality, and appealing design, has allowed Sanitec to maintain strong, long-standing customer relationships.

Sanitec has historically grown both organically and through acquisitions. In 2005 the Group net sales amounted to EUR 848 million and today the group employs almost 7,000 people. The company is the largest or second largest supplier in all its main markets. The 28 production plants are in Europe whereas the sales and marketing network operates worldwide.


Ukrbudmaterialy Group
Ukrbudmaterialy Group is a Ukrainian multi-brand Group that designs, manufactures and markets building materials. A member of the Group, 'Budfarfor' industrial complex in Slavuta, Ukraine, is the largest manufacturer of sanitary ceramics in Eastern Europe with annual output exceeding 2.5 million products and a hundred years' experience in manufacturing bathroom ceramics.

The industrial complex currently produces more than 50 types of various bathroom ceramic products. These porcelain products are made of environmentally clean raw materials according to the requirements of the international ISO 9001:2000 standard.

The products are presently exported to the Russian Federation, Belarus, Moldavia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Successes of the plant have been awarded with numerous prizes and diplomas. Over the course of three years, the plant's products were the winners of the Ukrainian contest '100 Best Products of Ukraine.'

Web: http://www.sanitec.com

Plumbing Specialist Reveals Identity

Plumbing equipment specialist Altecnic has revealed its new corporate identity this week.

The design, which is a sophisticated progression of its previous image, has been developed to reflect the solid technical and progressive nature of the company, which has been supplying thermostatic and pressure control valves, pressure vessels, flues and other specialist equipment, to the UK’s plumbing market for the past 18 years.

Managing Director Stuart Gizzi (pictured) said:

'We wanted our corporate image to evolve, in exactly the same way that we have grown our business. The logo appears on not only electronic and printed materials, but embossed into products and on packaging too, so the decision to update is one that we haven’t taken lightly. I’m delighted with the new look, I’m confident it will serve us as well as the old one.'

The company, which is based at Hixon in Staffordshire has consistently grown and now has a staff of 68. Many of its product lines are UK market leaders and can be found in buildings such as the iconic Swiss Re Tower in London – more commonly known as the Gherkin – and in one of the most prestigious, yet-to-be-used sports stadiums in Europe, as well as attached to central heating radiators in homes right across Britain.

Altecnic has also launched a new look website. It adds to the high tech online technical and product information that has always made http://www.altecnic.co.uk a popular resource for plumbing and heating engineers and specialists.

Social housing Refurbishment Drive gets Multi-billion Pound Boost

On Thursday, October 19 thirty eight councils in England were given the go-ahead for their plans to transfer more than 94,000 homes during the next two years, as part of the Government's social housing refurbishment drive.

Twenty four councils have been granted immediate places on the 2006 Housing Transfer Programme and further discussions with the remaining councils about their schemes are continuing.

Housing Minister Yvette Cooper said the Government was committed to improving housing and building new homes for the next generation.

‘Social housing must meet modern standards. It is not fair that at the beginning of the 21st century some social tenants should be living in houses without decent kitchens or bathrooms or even without proper heating or with old leaky windows. That is why the decent homes programme is so important.

‘We have invested £21bn since 1997 in refurbishing old council housing, transforming the lives of tenants. That has led to the number of non-decent homes dropping by one million. Today's announcement will help more than 80,000 more families get a decent warm home, and a further 100,000 maintained at the standard that tenants have the right to expect.'

As part of the Decent Homes drive the Minister announced 49 schemes, involving 38 local authorities that will ensure social rented homes meet and are maintained at minimum standards of decency by transferring their stock to Registered Social Landlords (RSLs).

The 2006 Housing Transfer Programme involves 29 new transfer schemes to RSLs, with an additional 20 schemes being held open subject to further discussions between DCLG local authorities and RSLs. These schemes are primarily where housing stock has a negative value, and a funding gap would have to be filled to enable a transfer to take place to an RSL.

Transfer: Local authority schemes on programme
Blaby District Council
Braintree
Bracknell
Brighton and Hove City Council
Castle Morpeth
Castle Point
Daventry
Fenland
Gedling
Gravesham
Harborough
LB of Lewisham - New Cross Gate
LB of Lewisham - Grove Park
Mole Valley
North Shropshire
Oswestry
Rochford
Salisbury
Sheffield - Hyde Park Walk and Terrace
Sheffield - Harold Lambert & Manor Park
Sheffield - Woodthorpe & Lower Manor
Sheffield - Wybourn
Sheffield - Richmond Park
South Kesteven
South Northamptonshire
Sutton
Three Rivers
Watford
Wellingborough

Transfer: local authority schemes with places held open
Berwick-upon-Tweed
Cannock
Chester-le-street
Crawley
London Borough of Havering - Mardyke
Manchester - Inner South
Manchester - East Area
Manchester - Stockport Overspills
Manchester - South
North West Leicestershire
Plymouth
Ribble Valley
Salford
Tamworth
Torridge
Tower Hamlets - Digby & Greenways
Tower Hamlets - St Stephens Estate
Tower Hamlets - Libra Parnell
Tower Hamlets - Chicksand East
Wansbeck

Public Enquiries: 020 7944 4400;
News Releases: http://www.communities.gov.uk

SOURCE: Department for Communities and Local Government

Eco-friendly Kitchens from Nicholas Anthony

The world of kitchens is becoming increasingly eco-friendly, says kitchen designer Nicholas Anthony. Manufacturers have taken huge steps in adopting environmental policies to ensure that their processes have a minimum effect on the environment.  In fact, the company says that kitchens in the Nicholas Anthony Collection are proof that environmental friendliness is compatible with high quality products and cutting edge design.

· Water-based lacquers have replaced oil-based types.
· PVC and halogen-free laminate foils are used.
· Reinforced corrugated cardboard used for packaging is taken from a sustainable source and is recyclable.
· A hard maple veneer has been developed which uses wood from a managed renewable resource.

Tony Nicholas, Managing Director of Nicholas Anthony comments: 'It is not only manufacturers who have demonstrated their ongoing commitment to the planet. Designers also share insight on materials, products and designs that are perfect for outfitting an eco-friendly kitchen. Fast growing bamboo is not only used for accessories such as chopping boards but is now employed within the fabric of the kitchen itself for splashbacks and flooring.  Furthermore, cork is a renewable resource made from the bark off a tree which is hypoallergenic and resistant to mould and mildew, making it an ideal material for wall and floor tiles. Fluorescent lighting doesn‚t just look good, but can cut energy bills in half.  Likewise, convection ovens use a fan to drive heat rapidly from source to food so they cook food at 25% faster than a conventional oven.'

These days, kitchens are also designed to encourage recycling in the household. With environmental issues at the forefront of clients‚ minds, Nicholas Anthony has devised an integrated system in the form of a recycling storage drawer. This provides five compartments to easily separate materials such as cans, glass, newspapers and magazines. The fact that they are integral to the kitchen furniture also means that everything can be stored out of the way leaving the kitchen clear of unnecessary and unsightly clutter.

Nicholas Anthony is a kitchen and bathroom specialist with showrooms in Ascot, Colchester, Knightsbridge and London W1. The company's expert service includes complete design and installation of your kitchen and bathroom with advice on the best solution for your home and lifestyle. Kitchens start from £15,000.

For more details on Nicholas Anthony, telephone 0800 0683 603 or visit http://www.nicholas-anthony.co.uk

KBSA Retailers Offer Comprehensive Consumer Protection

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association has launched a new enhanced deposit protection scheme which protects consumers from payment of the deposit to completion of the contract and includes an insurance backed warranty.

All KBSA members now offer the standard deposit protection known as ConsumerCare, (deposit protection for up to 25% of the contract price) or the new improved cover, ConsumerCare Plus.

‘We are delighted that so many KBSA members have responded positively to the launch of the new ConsumerCare Plus insurance. A quarter of all retail members have already signed up and many more are expected before the end of the year,’ says KBSA operations director Lucinda Kenny.

‘This new insurance is the most comprehensive in the market place and is offered to KBSA members at a price that is just not available outside of the KBSA. It will herald a significant change in the industry and set our members apart, giving the consumer massive confidence in our specialist retailers.’

The new KBSA insurance package, ConsumerCare Plus offers protection across four distinct time periods: the deposit (up to25% of the contract price); 2nd stage payments (up to 75%); work in progress or non-completion of the contract (up to 15%); and a 6 year warranty period.

‘This insurance is one of the most significant benefits we have ever introduced. It gives our members an extremely strong marketing tool that will make a major contribution to maximising their sales and profit margins,’ adds Lucinda.

‘Our members will benefit from an extremely competitive premium for this insurance because of the power of the KBSA brand and the strict criteria for retailer membership. No other association can provide such comprehensive cover at such a competitive rate.’

Visit http://www.kbsa.co.uk or call 01905 621 787

Chubb Fire Addresses Commercial Kitchen Fire Risks

Against a background of increasing risks to fire safety in the commercial kitchen environment, Chubb Fire has developed a range of products to meet the growing needs of restaurants, hotels and pubs in dealing with the danger and complying with the new Fire Safety Order.

According to the National Statistics from the Department for Communities and local government (DCLG), 2900 fires were reported in restaurants, cafes and public houses in 2004, and 5100 fires were started by cooking appliances. Given that only 20% of fires are officially accounted for, and attended by the fire brigade, the actual figures could be dramatically higher.

Nigel Roddie, Chubb Fire's Business Manager explains: 'Commercial kitchens are often busy, hectic environments and the fryers, griddles, ranges and ventilation ducts are high risk areas which have the potential to cause very serious fires.

As specialists in preventing, detecting, containing and escaping from fire, it is crucial that Chubb Fire has a range of products specifically designed to cope with these risks'.

In terms of fire suppression, a specifically designed cooker hood fire suppression system is available from Chubb Fire.

The self-contained stainless steel enclosure can be installed either to be appliance specific (with a nozzle aimed at specific danger areas) or overlapping across a range of appliances.

Triggered by a fusible link which separates at a certain temperature and causes the release of a compressed gas cylinder, the system can provide automatic fire detection.

An extinguishing wet chemical agent is then dispensed directly onto the fire, suppressing it within seconds and covering it with a specially formulated wet chemical solution which, when applied to the burning oil, cools and emulsifies it.

This process immediately seals the surface and prevents re-ignition inhibiting the release of flammable vapours and cools the area, helping to prevent fire re-flashes.

For John Wylie, Recruitment Officer responsible for Health and Safety at the Oriental School of Cookery in Hackney, East London, this provides the perfect solution.

'Based in the grounds of Hackney Community College, we operate a restaurant which offers Thai, Chinese and Indian food and a large open plan training kitchen for up to 40 people.

'When I joined in 2002, we undertook a risk assessment of all areas and decided to use the cooker hood fire suppression system from Chubb.

'Not only does it give us the peace of mind that if temperatures get too high it will be automatically activated, it also sets a good example to the students and demonstrates that we are taking a proactive and responsible attitude to fire safety.

'Chubb checks and services the equipment very satisfactorily once a year and so far, thank goodness, we have not had cause to use it'.

For smaller kitchens Chubb Fire also has a Class F Wet Chemical extinguisher.

Known as the Fry Fighter, it has been developed specifically for fires resulting from cooking oils and fats.

HIPPOBAGS™ Replace Skips for Dolphin & Sharps Home Installations

The waste industry’s alternative to the traditional skip, the HIPPOBAG™, is now the exclusive national waste disposal solution used by two of the UK’s leading home improvement brands. Dolphin Bathrooms and Sharps Bedrooms, which operate over 200 showrooms across the country, signed up operators HIPPOWASTE™ for the removal of waste from all home installations, replacing traditional skips.

Dolphin Bathrooms’ national network of highly skilled installers is using the exceptionally strong HIPPOBAGs™ as the exclusive solution for disposing of old bathroom suites. The HIPPOBAG™ is an ideal solution for Dolphin as one bag can accommodate an entire bathroom suite and is conveniently flat-packed so there is no need to wait around for the arrival and collection of skips.

For Sharps Bedrooms, the company has designed a customised waste collection service for the waste generated from new bedroom installations.

'We have designed some very bespoke solutions for Dolphin and Sharps that are providing them with a more cost-effective way of handling their waste,' explains Ben Clark, head of performance improvement at HIPPOWASTE™. 'Our tailored service has meant that the companies have made both cost savings and improved their waste disposal operations.'

Alan Craven, purchasing manager from the Homeform Group, which owns Dolphin and Sharps said: 'We have been delighted with the service and the flexible solutions that HIPPOWASTE™ has been able to offer us. The efficiency of the HIPPOWASTE™ service is helping to maintain our commitment to customers and enhance our operations as a whole.'

The striking yellow HIPPOBAG™ is an exceptionally strong polypropylene bag which can hold up to 1.5 tonnes of waste. Once full, HIPPOWASTE™ will collect, transport and dispose of the bag and its contents in a responsible way with up to 80% recycled.

The company is currently in talks with a number of other high profile brands who require bespoke waste disposal solutions, which will give it an even stronger presence across a number of markets.

For more information call 0870 880 2430 or visit http://www.hippowaste.co.uk.

Final Assisted Areas Map Published - And Good News for Areas Left Out

The Government recently published its map of Assisted Areas showing the zones where businesses can apply for regional aid for the next seven years. The Government also unveiled a new package of measures to help areas left off the map.

This package, announced to Parliament by Margaret Hodge, Minister for Industry and the Regions, will allow Regional Development Agencies to give grants to small and medium sized businesses in all the areas squeezed off the map from January 2007.

A draft UK map published for consultation in July had to include a cut of a fifth of the UK's coverage under EU rules. Today's map keeps most of those cuts, but incorporates more than 30 areas where the Government has made changes in response to representations. It will now be sent to Brussels for final approval.

The EU rules only allow regional state aid to businesses located within the areas designated, although all other forms of Government aid are still allowed to firms outside.

Margaret Hodge said:
‘We have had the difficult job of prioritising areas eligible for regional aid, with a 20% cut in the overall coverage of the UK. We set out to make regional aid available where it is needed most to expand industry and maintain jobs. We listened hard, and we made changes to reflect local views wherever we could.

‘We had tough choices to make, but I believe we have reached the best balance we could between the needs of areas and the opportunities in those areas.’

Under EU rules from 2007-2013, in the UK the percentage of population which can be covered will be reduced from 30.9 per cent to 23.9 per cent. This is because of Britain's strong economic performance and because aid has been redistributed to the poorer areas of the now enlarged Europe.

All western Member States will see their coverage fall, many of them more sharply than in the UK. Coverage in France will reduce from 36.7 per cent to 18.4 per cent and coverage in the Republic of Ireland from 100 per cent to 50 per cent.

The UK Government has based the 2007 map on areas where Assisted Area status will have the greatest impact on promoting growth, productivity, skills and jobs. Four measures were used to decide how to prioritise Britain's coverage:

* the employment rate;
* the level of skills;
* the number of people claiming incapacity benefit; and,
* manufacturing as a share of employment.

These measures allow a focus on those areas where the impact of state aid can be maximised.

Three disadvantaged regions automatically qualify: Cornwall and the Scilly Isles, West Wales and the Valleys, and the Scottish Highlands and Islands. It was decided before the initial consultation that the whole of Northern Ireland would continue as an assisted area.

The EU rules agreed by all member states mean some areas which enjoy coverage at present are not eligible to be included in the future because overall their economies are too strong within the EU. Six regions were excluded in this way: Halton, Ellesmere Port and Neston; South Manchester; North Warwickshire; Lowestoft; Brighton and Hove; and, City of Edinburgh and West Lothian.

Map and full details available at http://www.dti.gov.uk/regional/index.html