Britons
Unaware of Electrical Recycling Scheme
Just
two per cent of Britons are aware of new electrical recycling legislation
which comes in at the start of next month, a new Which? survey reveals.
The Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (Weee) regulations means
that manufacturers and retailers (both high street and online) will have
to contribute towards paying for goods to be recycled at local tips -
although they're not obliged to offer free collection from your home.
But a poll of 2000 people by electrical chain Comet has found that only
two per cent were aware of the new regulations.
Half of the people surveyed had never recycled an electrical item and
one in five people weren't even aware that electrical items can be recycled
at all.
Collection scheme
Nearly one in ten people surveyed claimed their local authority had not
made recycling policies clear, and Hugh Harvey, Comet's Managing Director
said: 'The results of this survey surprised us - it is clear that more
needs to be done to alert consumers to this new legislation and the opportunity
it gives them to dispose of their electrical waste in an environmentally
friendly way.
'In response to this survey we are proud to announce that we're expanding
our collection and recycling facilities for large electrical items to
all UK households today, a service which has so far recycled more than
three million electrical items, from fridges to dishwashers.
'We believe that by making this service available to everyone, not just
to those who have bought a product from us, we will make a positive impact
on the environment.'
Comet says that its collection and recycling service will cost £20
and that it does not matter where you initially purchased the electrical
item.
White
Goods are Still Missing Energy Labels
A
trading standards survey of fridges, freezers, washing machines and other
kitchen appliances on sale found a quarter are still not carrying special
energy rating labels.
The labels - designed to help consumers assess the 'green' credentials
of products before they buy - are required by law.
But they were missing from 23 per cent of goods checked in the three month
long survey across the South East.
Trading Standards Officers (TSOs) from eight local authorities checked
some 8,316 appliances on sale in a range of outlets, including national
and independent electrical and DIY stores, department stores and fitted
kitchen suppliers.
Greener choices
Letters are to be sent to non-compliant firms reminding them of their
responsibilities.
The chairman of the Trading Standards Institute (TSI), Dave Roderick,
said: 'It is extremely disappointing that nearly a quarter of all appliances
are still being displayed without the energy information required by law
to help consumers make an informed choice.
'Our advice to consumers is simple: if a product has not got an energy
label, ask to see it - and if it is still not forthcoming, go elsewhere.'
The regulations governing energy labelling on white goods have been introduced
over the past 10 years in a bid to help consumers make 'green' choices.
Labels indicate the power and water efficiency of a range of products,
using a 'traffic light' style rating.
Fairer
Terms for Online I.T Shoppers
Following
discussions with the OFT, dabs.com plc (Dabs) has agreed to amend unfair
terms and conditions regarding returns and refunds in its consumer contracts.
Dabs supplies computers, software and electronic goods directly to customers
in the UK via its website. The company's old terms and conditions of sale
contained a number of terms that the OFT considered unsuitable in a consumer
contract, and that raised concerns under the Unfair Terms in Consumer
Contracts Regulations (UTCCRs) and the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling)
Regulations (DSRs).
The terms and conditions that the OFT wanted Dabs to amend included
those that:
* excluded the company's liability for errors in the descriptions of goods,
* limited the company's liability for faulty goods sold, by making the
consumer pay cost of carriage to return items,
* imposed time limits for notifying the company of defects in goods, and
* made refunds under the DSRs conditional on the return of cancelled goods.
Following discussions with the OFT, Dabs has agreed to delete or revise
its unfair terms, and agreed to introduce terms that are fairer and comply
with the UTCCRs and DSRs.
Ray Hall, OFT Director said:
'The OFT welcomes the changes made by Dabs, consumers now have fairer
and clearer terms and conditions. All suppliers that sell to consumers
online, by mail order, or telephone must make sure their consumer contracts
do not limit the consumer's rights.'
To help distance sales businesses ensure their terms and conditions comply
with the relevant regulations, the OFT has published specific guidance
which can be downloaded from the OFT website at http://www.oft.gov.uk.
Wolseley
plc Acquisitions Update
Wolseley
plc, the specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products
to professional contractors and a leading supplier of building materials,
announced on 5th July five further bolt on acquisitions for an aggregate
consideration of £15 million. In a full year, these bolt on acquisitions
are expected to add approximately £28 million to total revenue.
Since the beginning of the financial year on 1 August 2006, a total of
41 bolt on acquisitions in Europe and North America have been completed
for an aggregate consideration of approximately £374 million. These
41 acquisitions are expected to add approximately £656 million to
Group revenue in a full year. Goodwill and intangible assets related to
these acquisitions is estimated to be around £258 million. In addition,
on 25 September 2006, Wolseley plc completed the acquisition of DT Group
(formerly known as Danske Traelast) for an estimated consideration of
£1,339 million, which brings aggregate acquisition spend for the
year to £1,713 million.
Details of the latest five acquisitions are as follows:
North America
On 14th May 2007, Wolseley Canada acquired Maverick Supplies Limited ('Maverick')
from Kathy Davies, Rick Davies and Bergum Equities Inc. Maverick is a
wholesale distributor of pipe, valves, fittings and industrial supplies
to oil and natural gas companies and oilfield contractors with six locations
in south central Alberta. In the year ended 30 September 2006, Maverick
had revenue of CAD$17.5 million (£8.3 million) and gross assets
of CAD$2.0 million (£0.9 million) at that date.
On 2nd July 2007, Stock Building Supply acquired certain assets of Hollow
Metal Specialists, Inc. ('HMS') from Patricia, Michael, Patrick and Timothy
Hilliard. HMS is a fabricator, distributor and installer of commercial
doors, hardware and access control devices for commercial and institutional
projects, based in Sarasota Florida. In the year ended 31 December 2006,
HMS had revenue of $15.4 million (£7.7 million) and gross assets
of $1.9 million (£1.0 million) at that date.
Europe
On 1st June 2007, Wolseley France acquired Etablissements Lebrun SAS ('Lebrun')
from Jean-Claude Lebrun, Anne-Sophie Thieffry, Marie-Charlotte Lebrun
and Emerantine Lebrun. Lebrun is a generalist builders' merchant based
in one location south east of Paris. In the year ended 31 December 2006,
Lebrun had total revenue of Euro2.8 million (£1.9 million) and gross
assets of Euro0.5 million (£0.3 million) at that date.
On 1st June 2007, DT Group acquired H.R. Sandvold AS ('Sandvold') from
HS Investering AS and Bukkevik Invest AS. Situated in Haugesund, on the
west coast of Norway, Sandvold is a plumbing wholesaler and in recent
years has extended its product range into kitchens, bathrooms and bathroom
accessories. This acquisition will enable DT Group to expand its lightside
product offering to complement its extensive heavyside range. In the year
ended 31st December 2006, Sandvold had revenue of NOK58.5 million (£4.9
million) and gross assets of NOK13.3 million (£1.1 million) at that
date.
On 22nd June 2007, DT Group acquired A/S Baagoe & Riber ('Baagoe &
Riber') from Baagoe & Riber Holding A/S, Hans Jorgen Riber, Ulla Riber,
Susanne Riber, Jens Peter Riber and Marni Holmquist. Baagoe & Riber,
a builders merchant, is based in Svendborg in the south of Funen, the
second largest island in Denmark. In the year ended 31st December 2006,
Baagoe & Riber had revenue of DKK51.8 million (£4.7 million)
and gross assets of DKK20.9 million (£1.9 million) at that date.
Chip Hornsby, Group Chief Executive of Wolseley said:
'We are pleased to announce these five bolt on acquisitions which continue
to build on our strategy of growth through acquisitions and organic means.
The acquisition of Sandvold introduces a specialist plumbing distributor
into DT Group and HMS helps Stock Building Supply develop their commercial
sales initiative.'
'Pura
by name, pure by nature', is the way that Aqualux describes its latest
premium collection of enclosures.
The
new Pura range, which translates as pure from Italian, Portuguese and
Spanish, reflects the simplicity and minimialistic quality of the enclosures
and is the first of Aqualux's collections to offer a completely frameless
showering experience.
The collection is available in larger sizes up to 1000mm and features
elegant long bar styled handles, chrome polished fittings and matching
integral towel rail. All enclosures are available in polished silver and
8mm limescale resistant glass is used as standard. Clever features such
as gel magnet door seals have also been included to ensure a leak-free
enclosure.
Aqualux is so confident in its new Pura collection, all the enclosures
come with a lifetime guarantee.
Commenting on the new Pura range, Sandra Hyde, marketing manager, said:
‘In 2007 we're seeing a subtle reworking of the previous fashion
for chunky geometric shapes and the introduction of curves to soften the
look of the bathroom.
‘The use of sleek, contemporary bar handles and complementary hinges
also fits effortlessly with the current trend for linear lines in a fitted
bathroom.'
The UK manufacturer of bath screens and shower enclosures has also applied
its extensive knowledge of the market to make the installation of any
Pura enclosure incredibly easy by providing a guide block to create balance
during fitting. Integral shelves provide an added-value feature, but also
allow for adjustment for out-of-true walls up to 25mm.
Included in the collection are a Double Opening Saloon Door Off-set Quadrant,
900mm x 1200mm, large corner entry, 900mm x 1000mm, D-Shape Quadrant,
925mm x 1050mm, Pivot door recess or as a corner fit with side panel 900mm
x 1000mm and single and double hinged door quadrant, 900mm x 1000mm. A
Square bath screen also features in the Pura collection.
Aqualux has also launched a new selection of shower trays to accompany
the Pura collection. Tuff-Max® is a lightweight and slimline range
of trays that is made from high grade, acrylic sheet and backed with a
reinforced lattice structure for outstanding durability.
Web: http://www.aqualux.co.uk
IDS
Expands Surface Offer with Hanex
Recognising
that solid surfacing has become a key worksurface material, IDS has expanded
its portfolio with the launch of the premium Hanex brand of solid surface.
With
a palette of 55 designs, Hanex offers designs and colours to suit today's
changing trends throughout the home. 32 reflect best sellers in the market
and match existing commercially proven colours, while the remaining 23
are exclusive designs in step with colour trends evident in the kitchen
and bathroom sector.
Within the 25 exclusive designs is the Galleria range which replicates
granite thanks to its translucency. With the inclusion of larger chips
giving excellent visual depth, Hanex can offer an authentic alternative
to granite.
Solid surface offers greater advantages for bespoke fabrication and design
freedom over any other worksurface material. Unlimited design flexibility
ensures kitchen designers can create thicker slab worksurfaces, large
island units, interesting shapes, drainer patterns and flushfit or undermount
sinks with completely invisible joints. Ultimately solid surfacing gives
the designer absolute versatility to achieve a seamless look and feel.
Andy Sutton, Business Development Director at IDS comments: ‘We've
been selling solid surfacing now for five years and we've seen significant
growth in both templated solid surfacing and pre-fabricated blanks. To
meet market demand, we're introducing the Hanex range so we can give customers
a wider depth and breadth of colour choice.’
Hanex will be the premier solid surfacing range in IDS's extensive offer.
Sheet material is available in 12.5mm thickness x 3680 x 760mm, or 6mm
thicknesse x 3060 x 760mm and is backed by a ten year guarantee. Like
all other IDS core products Hanex will be available ex stock for delivery
within 48 hours.
For further information on Hanex, please contact IDS on tel: 08457 298
298 or email hanex@idsurfaces.co.uk.
For more information on IDS, please contact t: 08457 298 298, email: info@idsurfaces.co.uk
or web: http://www.idsurfaces.co.uk
Geoffrey
Clarke, Alan Marks and Jack Wooley, the team behind the Ebb bathroom concept,
which inspired global interest from the design world following its appearance
at 100% Design 2005, will unveil two new product concepts at this year’s
show.
The
design collective has developed the two new products Loop and Line along
with the further refined Ebb system past the prototype phase and has established
a unique vehicle to bring them to market called ‘UsTogether’.
Formed out of a desire to simply do something a bit different, UsTogether
enjoys all the benefits of the combination of the collective talents of
designers from Britain and Ireland.
The team has been working behind the scenes for the last two years to
transform Ebb and its sister products into a commercial reality and all
three designs are now ready to be brought into the market place. Each
one is made from the revolutionary material, LG Hi-Macs, a non-porous
natural acrylic stone that can be formed into almost any shape.
UsTogether Spokesperson Geoffrey Clarke stated, 'It was the incredible
reaction of the press following the unveiling of the prototype in 2005
that made us realise the enormous opportunity that Ebb was opening up
for us.'
Designer Alan Marks stated, 'UsTogether as a team, has been working hard
over the last two years to refine the products and make them ready for
the market. The team itself has also been evolving; we now have a strong
collection of creative individuals, all working to ensure the success
of UsTogether as a whole.'
UsTogether has been supported by LG Hi-Macs at this year’s show and
will be unveiling its new range of products at stand G80.
About UsTogether
Formed out of a desire to simply do something a bit different, UsTogether
combines the best of new British/Irish designers to produce high-end products
initially for the bathroom market. Ever since Ebb was first unveiled at
the 100% Design Exhibition in 2005, interest in the ribbon-like curves
of the product has gone global. It has so far not only reached the final
of the Elle Decoration Awards in 2006 but has been featured in design
publications around the world.
UsTogether will be officially launched at 100% Design 2007.
Tel: 028 3752 3735
Web: http://www.ustogether.eu
(The company website will be launched the day before 100% Design 2007)
About 100% Design
100% Design is the UK's premier contemporary interiors event for the contract
market. No other show can connect the worlds of architecture and design
with innovative, contemporary interior products, creativity and an exciting
mix of new and established talent.
Website: http://www.100percentdesign.co.uk
ATAG
UK exhibited for the first time at the Grand Designs exhibition in June.
The stand, hosted by Bradshaw Appliances, occupied a show-stopping position
in the Kitchen Centre hall, featuring the very latest built in appliances
from ATAG UK.
ATAG's training and demonstrating team was on hand to assist the enthusiastic
raft of visitors enquiring about the unique built in appliances.
‘This was a superb show for us,’ says Ellis Bardsley, Business
Development Director for ATAG UK.
He continues: ‘We couldn't have wished for more exposure than we received over the few days we were there. It was extremely valuable to talk directly to the consumer and really understand what they want their appliances to do for them.
'We
received great feedback and at the same time generated considerable interest.
We couldn't have asked for more.’
ATAG UK unveiled several new products for consumers to view including
the new, soon to be launched Teppan Yaki; an assortment of finishes including
the new Graphite Black Line; the range of domino puzzles; compact ovens
and steam cooking and a selection of some of the quietest dishwashers
available.
Tel: 01993 852 908
Web: http://www.atagkitchenappliances.co.uk
Boost
the Value of a Sale in a ‘Moment’
Ideal
Standard, a leading provider of bathroom and kitchen solutions, has introduced
brassware and accessories to complement the Moments bathroom suite. Ideal
Standard is urging retailers, interior designers, specifiers and installers
to take advantage of such coordinated brassware and accessories to make
the most of every sale.
Created by award-winning German studio Artefakt, each element of the Moments
brassware and accessory range holds a distinct reminder of the sanitaryware
and furniture design. Artefakt Designer Achim Pohl says, 'Moments
fully reflects Ideal Standard’s integrated total bathroom concept
– where individual elements of the bathroom make small statements,
but when brought together, the whole bathroom makes a strong affirmation.'
The range of accessories reflecting the Moments design includes towel
rails, soap dishes, soap dispensers, glass holders, bath grips, robe hooks,
toilet roll and toilet brush holders.
Brian Grey, Ideal Standard Marketing Manager comments, 'If a consumer
is not sold accessories by a retailer, they will go on to purchase something
cheap from a supermarket or shed. Retailers should display coordinating
accessories with bathroom suites and make consumers aware of what is available.
In the grand scale of a bathroom purchase, the cost of accessories is
not much to a consumer – it is a great sales opportunity that many
retailers miss out on.'
Functionality, choice and intelligent use of space are important things
to consider when specifying a bathroom and the Moments brassware range
has each of these as key attributes. This is especially evident in the
bath shower mixer which features a swivel spout that slides away for a
clean look and safety.
The curvaceous feel and characteristic rounded edges of the Moments suite
are also featured in the striking shower column. The Moments shower
column features five control settings and multiple jets offering an invigorating
shower experience.
Grey comments, 'With an RRP of £1000 it is not quite an ‘add-on’
piece like the accessories, but the Moments shower column does offer consumers
the opportunity to coordinate their shower with the rest of the bathroom,
and who knows it could result in a compulsive purchase!'
For further information regarding the Ideal Standard Moments collection
call 01482 499637 or visit http://www.ideal-standard.co.uk.
Electrolux
has issued a warning to customers over fears that some of its dishwashers
could burst into flames.
The company says a component in some models of AEG-Electrolux and Zanussi-Electrolux
dishwashers may pose a potential fire risk.
Anyone with an affected model should stop using their dishwasher immediately
and switch off the appliance.
No product bought before July 2006 is affected and the dishwashers with
potential problems are:
Brand: AEG-Electrolux
Model: (Mod): F50765
PNC: 911916296
Brand: AEG-Electrolux
Model: (Mod): F50765
PNC: 911516005
Brand: ZANUSSI-Electrolux
Model: (Mod): ZSF6161
PNC: 911916239
Brand: ZANUSSI-Electrolux
Model: (Mod): ZSF6161 S
PNC: 911916240
Brand: ZANUSSI-Electrolux
Model: (Mod): ZDF501
PNC: 911516002
Brand: ZANUSSI-Electrolux
Model: (Mod): ZDF501 S
PNC: 911516007
Brand: ZANUSSI-Electrolux
Model: (Mod): IZZI ALU
PNC: 911915225
Brand: ZANUSSI-Electrolux
Model: (Mod): ZSF6161 N
PNC: 911916260
Brand: ZANUSSI-Electrolux
Model: (Mod): ZSF6161 X
PNC: 911916265
The Model, PNC and Serial Number of the dishwasher are printed on the
rating plate on the right side of the dishwasher door. The location of
the rating plate is also shown in the user guide that came with the appliance.
If the model number matches one in the table above and falls into the
given serial range then the dishwasher is an affected model.
Only the following serial numbers are affected: 62700001 to 64099999 and
70800001 to 71699999.
Consumers owning one of these dishwashers should contact the Electrolux
hotline on 0800 7076258 between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday, or between
9am and 5pm Saturday and Sunday.
No other AEG-Electrolux or Zanussi-Electrolux appliances are affected.
Always
keen to respond quickly to customer feedback, The Bristan Group has changed
its premium rate 0870 numbers to the more cost-conscious 0844 prefix.
The new 0844 numbers are not planned for release until 2008 but, the Bristan
Group has pushed for these new lower rate numbers at the earliest opportunity
and reports that they are in operation from July 1st 2007. The cost of
ringing the new 0844 numbers from a landline will be fixed at 3p per minute
for both local and national calls - a major improvement on the 0870 numbers
and it will also enable a better understanding of the cost of calling
for all customers.
The move, which will include all the mainline numbers for Bristan, Heritage
Bathrooms, Gummers and Masco Care, also comes in response to the increased
awareness of the cost of calling 0870 and subsequent complaints in the
press about the public being generally confused by how much 0870 calls
cost.
‘We have used 0870 numbers without problems for several years. They
have helped us keep track of calls and record calls, which is great for
improving our customer service levels. However, in recent months the prices
have been raised, against our wishes, and we have decided that they no
longer represent the kind of service with which The Bristan Group would
like to be associated,’ comments Judith Gibbons, head of marketing
at The Bristan Group.
There will be a crossover period whereby the old numbers are still active
and to allow for the reprint of new sales literature with the new numbers
included.
Web: http://www.bristan.com
Chalon
Announces the Launch Of Fifth UK Showroom in St Albans
Chalon
UK Ltd, designer and manufacturer of hand crafted kitchens, bathrooms
and freestanding furniture, has announced the launch of the company’s
latest new showroom right in the centre of St Albans, Hertfordshire.
As Chalon's fifth wholly owned and managed UK showroom, it provides a
perfect showcase for some of the company's latest kitchen designs. Conveniently
located at 22 Holywell Hill, it is part of the central town shopping footprint
and is already enjoying considerable footfall through the doors.
The cornerstone of the showroom is a large Chalon Original freestanding
kitchen which occupies the prime, window location. This highly distinctive
kitchen features each of the four main elements of a freestanding Chalon
kitchen - a large Housekeeper's Cupboard, for food storage with integrated
Miele fridge, freezer and microwave; the signature central Worktable,
for food preparation; Buffet Bases providing further storage and housing
a Miele washing machine; and a Sink Dresser Base which also disguises
a Miele dishwasher (as well as a large Brass & Traditional double
Farmhouse sink). The mixture of granite and wooden worktops, as well as
the variety of different Chalon painted finishes used, add to and help
underline the informal, freestanding feel of the display.
The second roomset developed for St Albans features an 'L-shaped' run
of Chalon Original cabinets providing a more 'fitted look,' contrasted
against the characteristic double 'D end' Worktable. The Housekeeper's
Cupboard incorporates a Sub Zero freestanding fridge, with a Miele integrated
coffee machine and warming drawer, showing how comfortably Chalon's traditional
designs sit alongside the very latest appliances. A Wolf Range Cooker
helps provide the focal point of the display whilst a Chalon 120 Bottle
Wine Rack offers a glimpse of the company's freestanding furniture collection.
A
final room shows a Chalon Original Concave kitchen, showcasing the quality
and skill of the company’s cabinet-making techniques with the widespread
use of curves. A circular Worktable with Oak top provides a variation
on this key Chalon piece, whilst a Mercury Thermostone Range Cooker and
Liebherr pull out fridge drawers provide the up to date appliances customers
are increasingly seeking.
Future plans for the new St Albans branch include the addition of a Simply
Chalon fitted kitchen, bedroom and study displays and a series of special
opening promotional offers.
Chalon UK Ltd says that it views the launch of its new St Albans showroom
as another important step in the company's expansion, fulfilling a key
part of its strategy to grow its UK sales by expanding its showroom base
into new areas that match the company’s potential client demographic
requirements.
Future Chalon developments
2007 continues to be a busy one for Chalon, with the company’s exhibiting
at the House & Garden Fair being the centrepiece of the Summer season,
as well as several new displays currently being completed at the King's
Road, London showroom - one of which will be a roomset from the new freestanding
Chalon Bathroom range.
Web: http://www.chalon.com
Ideal
Bathrooms is growing rapidly, thanks to key strategic initiatives that
have resulted in an increased demand for the distributor's services.
The
introduction of the Ideal Bathrooms Directory to assist consumers when
choosing a bathroom has been a big hit, according to feedback from retail
showrooms. Recent sales figures indicate that the whole campaign, which
has included consumer and trade advertising and a new website to capture
sales leads for retailers has been very successful indeed.
In order to manage the increased sales and maintain top customer service
levels, Ideal Bathrooms is taking on four new Sales Executives to support
Ideal Bathrooms Directory customers. Sarah Perkins is the first to start
and three others will be joining the team during the next few months.
There will also be a new Sales Manager for Scotland to assist with the
increasing number of retailers in the area.
To further improve its service to all merchant customers, Ideal Bathrooms
has appointed Duncan Potter as National Key Accounts Manager. Duncan has
12 years' experience with Ideal Bathrooms and brings a wealth of knowledge
and understanding of the market to his new position.
An additional five external sales team members represents a big investment
and is proof to suppliers, customers and competitors that Ideal Bathrooms'
commitment to customer service is fundamental to its business plans.
‘Customer service is all important and its what we do best,’
adds Martin Carroll, Managing Director, ‘That's why we have grown
to be the number one specialist National bathroom distributor - a position
we are proud of and intend to hold on to.’
Web: http://www.idealbathrooms.com
Mayfair
Takes a Creative Step Forward
In
line with the recent re-branding of the company, Mayfair Taps and Showers
has announced the addition of Sarah Wharton to the team, who joins the
taps and showers manufacturer as Marketing Manager.
Tony Robson, Commercial Director at Mayfair stated 'Taking into account
the rapid growth of Mayfair and our continued high profile in the marketplace,
we have established a need for a high-level PR and Marketing professional.
Sarah brings a great deal of experience to the role and a creative flair
which fits perfectly with the foundations we have set in place to take
the business forward.'
Sarah commented, 'I am delighted to be part of the highly creative team
at Mayfair during this very exciting time of business growth. We already
have a number of new marketing initiatives in the pipeline so I am sure
I will be very busy over the next few months'.
About Mayfair Taps and Showers
Mayfair was founded in 1988. Operating out of its Yorkshire base,
the company has grown from strength to strength and has moved to a purpose
built facility in Shelburn in Elmet W Yorks. In 2006 the company
completed its overseas manufacturing network by the establishment of Quanzhou
Mayfair Brassware Co Ltd in China. Mayfair has office and warehouse facilities
in Quanzhou and Kaiping City.
Web: http://www.mayfairtapsandshowers.com
Paul
Lynn Joins Contracts Team
Baumatic has announced the appointment of Paul Lynn in the role of National Contracts Manager. Paul Lynn is extremely qualified for the post, having worked in the white goods industry for the past 20 years. Starting out in the industry with AEG Electrolux, he then went on to secure positions within the Brandt Group and then, most recently, Indesit.
Specialising
in the house building sector, he has a wealth of key contacts within the
contracts market and is looking forward to expanding Baumatic's sales
in this area. ‘Baumatic has a fantastic line up of appliances for
all sectors of the house building market - from entry level to high end
developments - and I believe we can make a really strong impact providing
builders and developers, with quality products that will keep within their
budgets,’ he says.
Tel: 0118 933 6900
Web: http://www.baumatic.com
KBSA
Awards an Outstanding Success
The
KBSA recognised and rewarded outstanding designers, retailers and suppliers
at its annual Design Innovation Awards 2007. The glamorous awards ceremony
took place at the five-star De Vere Grand Hotel in Brighton after the
KBSA's AGM, which was held at the hotel earlier in the day.
KBSA
chairman Tony Nicholas introduced the host for the evening, comedian Terry
Alderton, who entertained the audience with his own unique brand of kitchen,
bathroom and bedroom humour.
Ruth Ward, KBSA's sales and marketing director comments: ‘It was
a fantastic evening and a fabulous venue to celebrate excellence and design
innovation.
‘The entries this year were of an exceptionally high level, which
made the judges' jobs particularly difficult! On behalf of the KBSA I
would like to congratulate all of the finalists and winners and thank
everyone who entered and who attended the ceremony to support the Awards.
‘I would also like to thank our awards and event sponsors for their
invaluable help - Britannia, B/S/H, Construction Skills, Essential Publishing,
Gorenje, Hepplewhite Fitted Bedrooms, Nicholas Anthony, Poggenpohl, Siemens,
The Private Health Partnership, Wentworth and Yellow Pages.’
The KBSA is a national trade association founded 28 years ago to promote
excellence within the interiors industry and champion consumer protection.
It now has more than 370 retailer members throughout the UK.
List of finalists and winners 2007:
KBSA Design Innovation Award for the Kitchen:
* WINNER: Stuart Frazer Ltd - Paul Rigby
* FINALIST: Ultimo - Stephen Surgeon
* FINALIST: In-toto kitchens, Cheltenham - Rob Evans
KBSA Design Innovation Award for New Kitchen Designer:
* WINNER: Harvey McLean - Alan Hughes
* FINALIST: Nicholas Anthony Ltd - Kristi Connell
* FINALIST: In-toto kitchens, Amersham - Adrian Cheriman
KBSA Design Innovation Award for the Bedroom:
* WINNER: Hammonds Furniture Ltd - Keith Bravin
* FINALIST: Per La Casa Ltd - Mark Tivey
* FINALIST: Hammonds Furniture Ltd - Victor Alan Sherwood
KBSA Retailer Excellence Award:
* WINNER: In-toto kitchens, Leamington Spa - Richard Gee
* FINALIST: Manor Design - Colin Harvey
* FINALIST: John Lewis, Solihull - Angela Holmes
Supplier Excellence Award:
WINNER: Hepplewhite Fitted Bedrooms
Blum
Reaps Prestigious Award for Excellence
At
the recent Interzum international exhibition, fittings manufacturer Blum
was the recipient of some of the most prestigious industry and international
design awards for the company’s products.
The awards were as follows: The famous ‘red dot award’ presented
by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, Essen was for Blum's SERVO-DRIVE
which was awarded category winner ‘best of best’. Also Blum's
TANDEMBOX intivo for top design quality.
The ‘Interzum award’ presented by Koelnmesse, Köln was
for Blum's AVENTOS as category winner ‘best of best’; for TANDEMBOX
intivo for top design quality; for SERVO-DRIVE for top design quality.
The ‘iF product design award’ presented by Industrie Forum Design
e.V., Essen was for TANDEMBOX intivo for top design quality.
SERVO-DRIVE is Blum's new system for opening pull-outs facilitated by
a small electric source activated by slight pressure on the front and
accompanied by BLUMOTIO soft closing for return to the cabinet seat.
TANDEMBOX intivo is a new system for differentiating drawer and pull-out
side designs enabling manufacturers to distinguish their products with
style.
AVENTOS is Blum's lift system for overhead cabinets now in four different
configurations with an effortless opening motion and BLUMOTION soft closing.
Blum continues to pioneer motion systems for kitchen and other cabinet
use.
Tel: 01908 285700
Email: info.uk@blum.com
Web: http://www.blum.com
Myson
Extends Product Warranty
Heating
specialist Myson has extended its product warranty period to ten years.
Previously standing at five years, Myson is so confident in the quality
and standard of its products that the company has increased the warranty
cover on the purchase of panel radiators, decorative radiators, and towel
warmers.
The continuous improvement in manufacturing processes, and further commitment
to its quality systems, has given Myson an increased confidence in the
quality of its products. This has now been passed onto the customer in
the form of an extended warranty.
Myson says that it has made innovative leaps forward in its product development,
earning a reputation for taking heating design to groundbreaking levels.
With factories in Gateshead, Hull, Bolton and Newcastle West in Ireland,
Myson offers a full range of radiators, under-floor heating, fan convectors,
towel warmers and heating controls.
Chris Edwards, Commercial Director at Myson said: 'As leaders in our field,
Myson is reacting to a rapidly changing market. As Myson has developed
over recent years, the quality of our products has done the same. The
extension of the guarantee time reflects a confidence as well as an improvement
in the Myson service'.
'We wanted to pass on the success of Myson to our customers. The extension
of the warranty covering our products will give our customer an added
sense of security which is associated with the Myson brand.'
Web: http://www.myson.co.uk
Shower
Fixing Plate Proves a Winner for Marflow
An
'easy-fit' fixing plate for bar shower mixers by Marflow Engineering has
proved to be extremely popular, especially with the independent bathroom
retailer.
The
Shower PL8 was launched early Autumn 2006 and the first nine months sales
figures confirm that this product filled a gap in the market for a quality,
reliable and stylish solution for fixing bar shower mixers.
‘Our market research told us that plumbers and merchants were waiting
for a product of this kind, we are delighted to find that it has been
welcomed by independent retailers as well,’ says Paul Dawes from
Marflow Engineering.
‘We were the first company to bring this type of one piece concealed
fixing to market and offer a cost effective and efficient solution to
a universal problem.’
The PL8 can be fitted into any kind of wall, block or brick, stud partition
or rendered wall and creates a perfect fix every time. The steel plate
is fixed into the wall at the first fix stage with a simple clamping device
that holds the pipes in position, perfectly square and at the correct
distance apart. After decoration the bar shower mixer is then easily fitted
to the exposed pipework.
Marflow Engineering is a specialist in the design and manufacture of a
wide range of showers, mixers, taps and bathroom accessories. Marflow
has been established for nearly forty years and maintains a reputation
for excellence in design, innovation and service.
Web: http://www.marflow.co.uk
Hoffmann
at Gerard Lewis Designs
Contemporary
furniture designer and manufacturer Gerard Lewis Designs relies significantly
on the Hoffmann system for creating secure, accurate and permanent joints
with its unique serrated dovetail key that pulls the joint tightly together
and binds it securely.
Gerard Lewis Designs manufactures free standing cabinet furniture as well
as living room, bedroom and dining room furniture. The company’s
Synergy Collection launched in January 2007 was displayed at Design Interiors
2007 and was awarded ‘Best New Product’.
Owner Nick Harvey and his wife Sandra started the business in August 2001
and have experienced consistent growth represented by a year-on-year doubling
of turnover.
Nick originally experienced the Hoffmann system when he worked at pine
manufacturer Ducal as a senior technical designer. ‘It's one of the
first machines we installed and we use it constantly - it's invaluable.’
At Gerard Lewis Designs' new factory the Hoffmann keyway router has been
mounted on a mobile base for use anywhere in the factory. The company
uses the system widely - for constructing plinths, bases, frames and also
to create joints as a design feature in some cases where the exposed joints
are capped with a decorative material or matched to the surface joined.
‘The beauty of the Hoffmann system is that it is fast, reliable and
we find new uses for it all the time. It certainly lends itself to design,’
says Nick Harvey.
Tel: 01524 841 500
Email: info@hoffmann-uk.com
Web: http://www.hoffmann-uk.com
Emilceramica
Sets up Emil Major as Joint Venture in China
Emil
Major is the name of the new Chinese joint venture set up by Emilceramica,
a leading Italian tile producer, and Major International, a well-known
Chinese importer and distributor of high-end products.
Under
the terms of the agreement, signed on 7th May by Emilceramica's managing
director Sergio Sassi and Major International's chairman Richard Zuo,
a chain of 20 Emil Major brand stores will be opened in the largest Chinese
cities. The first two points of sale - one in Peking and the other in
Shenzhen (the city on the border with Hong Kong where Major International
is based) - will be operational by the end of 2007. These will be followed
by a franchise chain in the smaller cities.
This initiative was announced during a press conference given by Sergio
Sassi together with Emilceramica sales director Maurizio Orlandi and the
area manager for the Chinese market Leonardo Demuro.
‘This Chinese launch is part of a strategy that we have been pursuing
for years,’ commented Sassi. ‘We have found the right partner,
a company that we have been working with for several years, which has
astonished us with its professionalism, sometimes superior even to the
levels we are accustomed to in the West. Both partners will contribute
their key strengths to the venture: Emilceramica will supply its exclusively
Italian high-end tiles and will look after merchandising, layout and overall
coordinated image of the brand stores; Major International, the first
importer of Italian tiles in China, will provide its commercial expertise
and knowledge of one of the markets with greatest potential for tile consumption
but at the same time one of the most difficult to approach.’
Emilceramica has had a presence in China since 1995. It began its export
activities in 2000, although until now the quantities sold had not been
significant. ‘The creation of Emil Major aims to strengthen and stabilise
our presence and the forecasts predict an average annual increase in sales
of around 25%,’ explains Mr Orlandi.
Emilceramica closed fiscal 2006 with a consolidated turnover of 206 million
euro, 11.5% up on the previous year. It has a production of 16.4 million
square metres in six factories. The group has two international manufacturing
operations, one with Dal Tile in Muskogee (Oklahoma, USA) and the other
with Zeus Ceramica in Ukraine.
Emilceramica exports its products to more than 80 countries and has an
export share of 68%.
Web: http://www.emilceramica.it