Acceleris
plc Completes Funding for 2D Heat Technology
Acceleris
plc, specialist funds raiser for early and development stage businesses
has announced the completion of a £300,000 funding round for North
West based 2DHeat Ltd. The development stage company which is focusing
on commercialising a novel, disruptive and step-change heating element
technology is attracting attention from major domestic appliance manufacturers,
as well as from other major scientific and industrial sectors.
The global annual White Goods market is estimated at £70bn retail
value, with the UK representing some £5bn of this. Major global
manufacturers who supply such products include Whirlpool, Electrolux,
Merloni and Bosch Siemens. Driven by Global warming fears and the resulting
Kyoto protocol, certain of these manufacturers are increasingly looking
to develop ever more energy efficient products. End-use consumers are
similarly more discerning in seeking only the highest rated energy efficient
appliances in addition to novel design features and operating benefits.
2DHeat’s technology represents a major enabling step in potentially
achieving these commercial goals.
The
innovative development involves 'spraying-on' and 'conditioning' thin,
electrically conductive, metal oxide coatings directly onto the item to
be heated, thereby replacing the separate coiled wire or strip heating
elements that have been in use for many generations. The technology is
increasingly attracting interest because of its potential economic, energy
efficient, environmental and design advantages.
John Lewis (pictured), Managing Director of 2DHeat Ltd said: 'Development
of this exciting new technology has hitherto been severely constrained
by lack of funds. We now look forward to commercially exploiting and working
with our first customers, the white goods manufacturers, to get highly
energy efficient products to market.'
2DHeat believes that there are several other major market opportunities
- including space heating, refrigeration, and transport, industrial and
processing sectors - where the unique properties of the novel elements
will allow similar benefits to be achieved. The money raised so
far will be used to demonstrate industrial scale reproducibility of the
new technology and to recruit new technical staff.
John Nicholson, Director of Acceleris plc, added: 'Acceleris is pleased
to have helped advance 2DHeat’s promising 'green' technology, which
has significant market potential.'
Tel: (+44) 01925 269906
Marking
one hundred years of iconic home innovation and inspiration, the Ideal
Home Show kicks off its centenary celebrations on Friday 14th March, 2008.
Over the last 100 years, the Ideal Home Show has been the UK launch pad
for countless household legends. These include the first the first toaster
and electric kettle (1920), the first electric grass mower (1970), the
first microwave (1947) and more recently, the largest commercial plasma
screen (2006). The show also unveiled the first ‘energy efficient
kitchen’ in 1989.
Each
year, full sized houses and even whole villages, including pubs, town
squares and shops are built inside Earls Court. The 100th year celebrations
will be no different and visitors will find a full size eco house and
a giant dream house to name a few. Also this year, to mark the Ideal Home
Show's commitment to environmental issues, the show will be holding it's
own light bulb amnesty. All visitors who bring an old light bulb can exchange
it for a free energy saving bulb.
Century Street
From the art deco of the 20s and 30s to the leather and metallic minimalism
of the 80's, the last a hundred years have left quite a style legacy.
From psychedelic sofas to retro cars, kitsch gardens and even classic
advertising, Century Street celebrates it all and takes you on a journey
into the past, with houses from different decades recreated from the show's
staggering archives.
The Ultimate Eco House
Exclusively designed for the Show, the zero carbon eco house will be built
using the latest innovations in eco-architecture. The affordable one story
home makes creative use of space and its surroundings and shows that generating
positive environmental vibes does not compromise your standard of living
or cost the earth to achieve.
The Dream House
A contemporary home sporting a cinema room, games room, separate guest
wing and ornamental pool and fountain, the Dream House showcases the kind
of luxury and spectacular style that most of us can only dream of. The
house will be styled by interior stylist Maggie Colvin.
Innovation Nation
The first thing you'll experience when arriving at the show will be the
Innovation Nation area; an incredible collection of UK designing talent
offering unseen designs and prototypes for brand new home products and
inventions. This will be made up of the Show's annual 'Concept Products'
competition for student designers as well as the brand new 'Innovation
Creation' competition featuring designs submitted by the British public.
(Competition opens 1st January 2008 with more details to follow soon.)
To book tickets or view a full list of exhibitors and attractions at the
Daily Mail Ideal Home Show, visit http://www.idealhomeshow.co.uk
or call ticket hotline on 0870 606 6080.
A
potted history of the Ideal Home Show
• The first Ideal Home Show Exhibition opened in 1908.
• In 1912 an eleven-roomed detached house was on sale for £1,100.
• In 1919 a diagram demonstrated how a well-planned kitchen could
reduce the number of steps required to make afternoon tea from 350 to
50.
• In 1920 ‘Electric aids to the tea-table’ identified new
electric curiosities; a kettle and a toaster.
• In 1921 the Daily Mail Ideal Home Exhibition was temporarily replaced
with the Daily Mail Efficiency Exhibition, such was the focus on labour
saving devices.
• In 1921 an entire village near Welwyn Garden City was built as
part of the show. Called Meadow Green, it consisted of 41 cottages representing
16 types of construction and featured unseen innovations in architecture.
People still live in these houses today.
• 1930 was the first year a house designed by a woman was featured.
The competition to design the house was only opened to married women.
• In 1935 the show's research found only 25% of households had an
electric iron, this rose to 75% in 1939.
• The show was suspended 1940-6 because of the Second World War.
In 1947 the babies section was extended to incorporate older children
as a whole generation had missed so much. It was called Peter Pan's Paradise.
• Royalty have been regular visitors, including Prince of Wales (1932),
King George V and Queen Mary (1921, 1937), the Queen Mother (1924, 1986),
Princes Elizabeth (1949), Princess Margaret (1965), Prince Philip (1957),
Princes Michael of Kent (1991), Princess Diana (1992) and the Queen (1955,
1965, 1988).
• In 1951 a special entrance was set aside for members of the Women's
Institute.
• In 1955 the Television Retailers Association offered advice to
confused buyers on choosing a television.
•The 1956 House of the Future predicted houses would operate like
machinery and eliminated the need for house work.
• In 1957 attendance hit an all time high of 1,329,644 people.
• In 1979 the Ideal Home Show moved to Earl's Court from Olympia.
Earl's Court 2 was built especially for the growing show.
• In 1989 the Show teamed up with Friends of the Earth to open first
‘Green Kitchen’. The washing machine, fridge-freezer, dishwasher
and microwave were all energy efficient, the aerosols were CFC free and
the kitchen units were made of sustainable wood.
Centenary Ideal Home Show celebrates past, present and future
14th March - 6th April 2008, Earls Court.
KBB,
the UK event for the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom industry, is a successful
showcase of the latest products and designs alongside informative seminars
and demonstrations with featured cafes, bars and restaurants available
to utilise for a much needed break.
For some people in the industry, the perception of KBB is of a ‘bathroom
show’, something which may have been slightly nearer the truth a
few years ago, but in the last four years the exhibition has run from
strength to strength, growing the kitchen section into what it is today
- an impressive line up of some of the very best companies in the industry
at present.
The kitchen section for 2008 is now sold out, over 2 months prior to the
event, and is 15% larger than the 2006 edition with a host of new companies
taking to the stage. A testament to the success of the event, the Kitchen
Gallery will also return on a much larger scale, providing a platform
for companies offering high-end and contemporary kitchen product. The
Poggenpohl Champagne bar will add a luxurious ambience to the Gallery
and provide somewhere to carry out business or to simply relax and digest.
With so many companies exhibiting this year in what is the largest kitchen
section the event has ever seen, find below a snapshot of those taking
part...
Alno (UK) Ltd, Astracast, Baumatic, Beko UK, Black Red White, Blanco,
Bradshaw Appliances, Callerton Kitchens, Caple, Carron Phoenix, Charles
Yorke, Cuisine Sagne, DK Distribution, De Dietrich, E.C.B., Elica Group,
Fagor, Fourneaux De France, Franke, Hardy Inside, J & J Ormerod, Kuppersbusch
UK, Leisure, Luxair, Mobilpref Spa, Mobilturi SRL, Neptune, Nolte Kitchens,
Oikos spa, Poggenpohl, Premium Appliance Brands, Pronorm, Rangemaster,
Rational Built-in Kitchens, Reginox, Silverline Built in Appliances, Smeg
UK, Sovereign Appliances, TRS Interiors, The CDA Group, The Corner Fridge
Company, Westin, William Ball, Vzug, Zimmer.
Not forgetting the bathroom and tiling areas of the event, along with
the launch of HPE, the new heating and plumbing event, KBB will be at
its largest. Over 300 companies in seven halls, KBB will be a showcase
of the very best names in the industry, a chance to source beautiful and
innovative new products for the coming seasons. This is your chance to
see brand new ideas, join in industry debate and catch up with old friends
and colleagues. A unique experience for all, there’s too much to
miss, so make sure the dates are in your diary.
KBB 2008 will take place from 2-5 March at the NEC, Birmingham incorporating
Expotile and introducing the brand new Heating and Plumbing Event. To
register, call +44 (0)845 218 6036 or visit http://www.kbb.co.uk.
Twyford
Bathrooms Returns to KBB for Major Re-launch
Twyford
Bathrooms will reveal a fresh identity at this year's KBB as well as a
host of ranges that it says will confirm its position as the leading sanitaryware
manufacturer in the UK, and the first choice for retailers, merchants
or specifiers.
KBB will see the unveiling of several completely new bathroom suites with
contemporary and nostalgic influences, which will inspire visitors at
the UK's largest exhibition for the industry. Twyford Bathrooms will also
reveal a fresh collection of high quality shower enclosures and trays,
ensuring that Twyford Bathrooms can offer a complete portfolio of bathroom
products.
Encore
This will be the first opportunity to see the brand new curvaceous Encore
suite, which will undoubtedly be a star product for 2008. Moreover, Twyford
Bathrooms will also be adding to its hero collections Refresh and Galerie,
where high design meets affordability.
In addition to previewing the completely new suites, visitors will also
have the first view of new striking furniture units which will be bespoke
to Twyford Bathrooms suites, as well as vanity and vessel basins.
New Identity
Ahead of the show, Managing Director Mike Conlon says, 'We have a great
mix of new products to showcase at KBB, and this, along with our new identity,
will really surprise the visitors. This is one of the biggest launches
Twyford Bathrooms has masterminded in recent years, and it is exciting
to be involved with KBB.'
Web: http://www.twyfordbathrooms.com
AFG's
Presence at European Midcap Events in London
The
Eighth Edition of the London European Midcap Events took place on December
5-6, 2007. Edgar Oehler, President and Delegate of the Board of Directors,
attended as representative of AFG Forster-Holding Arbonia AG.
Under the leadership of Edgar Oehler, AFG has embraced an expansion strategy
that included the takeover of leading brands such as Aqualux, Miele Die
Küche, EgoKiefer, RWD Schlatter and STI | Hartchrom and resulted
in rapid growth.
In 2006, the corporation recorded a gross turnover of CHF1.242 billion,
which it expects to increase to CHF1.4 billion in 2007. AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding
AG employs in excess of 6,000 people worldwide and operates production
facilities in Switzerland, Germany, France, England, the Czech Republic,
China and the USA.
Web: http://www.afg.ch
Apadana
Ceram Starts Up Production
Production
began in October at the giant factory owned by Apadana Ceram, the newly-formed
Iranian company which is destined to become one of the largest tile manufacturers
in the world.
The ceramic company, named after the palace of Darius the Great in Persepolis,
will be capable of producing more than 30 million sq.m of tiles a year
(100,000 sq.m/day) when fully operational.
At this initial stage, Apadana has started up production of double fired
wall tiles which will shortly be joined by glazed and unglazed porcelain
tile, all produced using the latest and most innovative technologies.
The local management has proven professionalism and experience in the
Iranian ceramic industry and is supported by a technological and product
development partnership with the Cooperativa Ceramica d'Imola Group.
Apadana Ceram will also be the first ceramic company in Iran with an ERP
company management system, giving it an excellent level of computerised
management and integration.
BCT
Gains Recognition Again at Prestigious National Awards
British
tile manufacturer British Ceramic Tile (BCT Ltd) has added two more awards
to its collection. The Devon-based company won the categories of
the Contract Floors’ and Retail Floors’ Readers Choice for Ceramic
Tile at the prestigious Network’s Publishing Flooring Awards. Held
at the Royal Suite in London’s Wembley Stadium on 19th November 2007,
BCT Ltd was nominated for the Awards by architects, specifiers and end
users for the company's product development, excellent customer service
and presence within the market.
The Reader’s Choice Awards are recognised throughout the industry,
and BCT Ltd is proud to be the winner for the second year running.
It has been a successful year for the company which has worked extremely
hard in both developing its product offering and its customer services
provision within the flooring industry.
Bradley Wild, National Sales Manager , BCT Ltd, collected the award, commenting:
'It is great to be recognised by our trade customers for our innovation
and customer service within the flooring industry. This is a wonderful
award to receive and a great achievement for all at BCT.'
Contract Floors and Retail Floors are industry publications aimed at the
flooring market. The Awards are decided by 1,500 readers randomly selected
from a database of architects, specifiers and end users from the industry.
Independent researchers were brought in to conduct the two-week
survey and respondents were asked which companies they felt had best served
them throughout the course of the year.
Web: http://www.bctltd.co.uk
Burbidge
Boosts Bespoke Capability
With
more and more homeowners looking for kitchen designs which reflect their
individuality and own personal style, sales of special-sized doors have
more than doubled over the past year alone. To help its customers
meet this growing demand Burbidge has invested £150,000 in a brand
new, high-tech moulding machine, which will allow for a greater range
of timber bespoke doors at a lower cost than ever before.
The kitchen market has seen major changes over recent years, with consumers
becoming increasingly selective when choosing a kitchen and often wanting
unusual items tailored to their own specification. As such Burbidge has
experienced an unprecedented growth in demand for special requests.
The new equipment at its manufacturing plant, which allows for a greater
variety of sizes and quick changeovers, will allow the leading kitchen
frontals manufacturer to provide its customers with a greater scope for
flexibility and creativity than ever before. In turn allowing Burbidge
customers to exploit another important selling point over more standardised
competitors.
Ben Burbidge, managing director of Burbidge, comments: 'Today, with so
many different styles and trends to choose from, consumers are becoming
increasingly selective about what type of kitchen they choose and often
want a more tailored item to perfectly fit into the space they have. In
this increasingly competitive market, it is paramount that we help our
retailers keep on top of the changing market trends. Therefore, having
experienced a substantial sales growth in this area, we have invested
heavily in this new technology in order to further develop our capacity
to produce non-standard size doors quickly and at a much lower cost.'
The company’s trade price list includes Special Size Availability
Tables for each range, which show the minimum and maximum sizes available.
Special sized doors are only available as part of a larger standard order.
Burbidge is the longest established UK kitchen frontals and accessories
manufacturer. The company’s products can be viewed in realistic
room sets in its showroom in Coventry. Please call 024 7667 1600
for further information.
Market
Leading Insurance Benefits Now Part of CPA Membership Package
Insurance-backed
guarantee provider the Consumer Protection Association (CPA) has extended
its range of benefits for members with discounts and concessions for a
range of commercial insurance products.
In an industry-exclusive deal with specialist commercial insurance provider
Trade Direct, CPA members can now enjoy a range of insurance packages
that are especially written for businesses including those serving the
home improvement industry. These include Tradesmen's Liability Insurance,
which is a pre-condition of membership of the CPA, and which can be arranged
by telephone or online for small business and limited companies to obtain
immediate cover. Every policy purchased will also include up to £1,000-worth
of tool cover free of charge. CPA members will enjoy a discount of at
least 10% off of the premium and all CPA/Trade Direct Tradesman's Liability
Insurance policyholders have access to a free 24 hour advice line to help
with problems in connection with their business.
Trade Direct specialises in offering commercial insurance cover for a
range of needs, Combined Public and Employers Liability, Contract Works
Insurance, Commercial Vehicle Insurance, Business Premises Insurance,
Personal Accident and Sickness Insurance and Legal Expenses Insurance.
The CPA's John Travers says that this is part of a range of new membership
benefits that are being introduced for members: ‘The CPA is a market
leader in the provision of Insurance Backed Guarantees. But we now want
to enhance the CPA membership experience further with a range of high
quality services and concessions. The arrangement with Trade Direct is
particularly effective for Tradesman's Liability Insurance because it
allows new members to gain CPA cover immediately, rather than waiting
for the liability policy to be processed.’
Web: http://www.thecpa.co.uk
REHAU
Promotes Benefits of Polymer Edgeband
REHAU
is encouraging customers in the furniture industry to put a little something
extra into their products by upgrading from melamine or wood veneer edging
to one of its polymer alternatives.
It
is promoting the benefits of polymers such as PVC ABS and PP in two key
areas.
Firstly, in performance terms, REHAU says that polymer offers impact and
fade resistance which is superior to most traditional alternatives, as
well as exceptional durability and protection against water ingress. Secondly,
it contributes towards long term product sustainability because the majority
of REHAU's polymer edgeband is manufactured in the UK using a proportion
of recycled materials.
REHAU's promotion of the RAUKANTEX branded edgeband has already prompted
big name manufacturers Magnet in Darlington as well as Moben Kitchens
based in Manchester to switch from melamine to polymer on some of their
ranges.
Magnet, for example, has recently changed the edgeband on its premium
range of carcasses from melamine to 0.6mm ABS edgeband in silver. Victoria
Hunashi of Magnet, said: ‘REHAU's silver ABS RAUKANTEX edgeband gives
us the contemporary finish we want combined with exceptional performance.
It meets our stringent quality demands and gives us a new range of options
in terms of design.’
REHAU is keen to point out that it offers a complete technical support
service for customers looking to upgrade to polymer. It can advise on
the most appropriate edgeband for any application and can also, for example,
put manufacturers in touch with glue and machinery suppliers.
For most manufacturers, the changeover to polymer edging is very straightforward
with REHAU's network of local sales offices offering on-the-spot advice.
A 'Getting Started' pack is available which includes details on REHAU's
Express collection offering small minimum order quantities. To obtain
a copy, call REHAU's Ross on Wye HQ on: 01989 762534.
Acova
Radiators can now be seen on the company’s stand and in the Potton
Home at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre in Swindon.
The centre is the first of its kind in the UK. It has life-sized exhibits
from over 220 suppliers that show all types of walls, roofing, heating,
staircases and floors that customers can choose to build or renovate their
home.
The Acova stand itself has 15 radiators on display, including the Orfeo
Spa and Altima Exclusive, plus the multicolumn traditional style radiator,
the aluminium Etal, the Yucca and the multi-purpose Fassane mirror electric
radiator.
Potton Homes chose towel rails and central heating radiators from the
Acova range for its new 4-bedroom home which has been built full size
and fully furnished within the centre. Here the radiators can be seen
in situ, complementing the architecture and interior design of the house.
The National Self build & Renovation Centre presents an ideal opportunity
to view Acova products both on the company’s stand and within the
Potton Showhouse. It is advisable to purchase tickets on-line before visiting
the centre. (http://www.buildstore.co.uk)
Web: http://www.acova.co.uk
Baumatic
Completes £120,000 Contract to Supply Manchester's Islington
Baumatic
has recently supplied appliances for 200 luxury apartments at Islington
Wharf, Manchester, in a deal worth £120,000.
The kitchens were supplied by William Ball's contracts division.
Developed by ISIS Waterside Regeneration in association with British Waterways,
the Islington Wharf development at Ashton Canal is an exciting contemporary
development which has won acclaim for its architectural brilliance.
Each of the compact open-plan kitchens includes a Baumatic integrated
dishwasher, fridge and freezer, plus a striking stainless steel extractor
hood.
The 1-4 bedroom apartments are now on sale via Knight Frank, starting
at around £147,000.
For more information on Baumatic call 0118 933 6900
Web: http://www.baumatic.com
BSH
to Take Over Willem van Rijn Huishoud-elektro B.V.
From
the beginning of 2008, BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH will
be assuming direct control of sales activities for the Bosch and Neff
brands in the Netherlands.
The long and highly successful collaboration between Willem van Rijn,
Amsterdam, and Bosch is about to take a new direction.
After notching up more than 70 years distributing home appliances bearing
the BOSCH name in the Netherlands, Willem van Rijn Huishoud-elektro B.V.
will hand over sales responsibility to BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte
GmbH, Munich with effect from the start of 2008. From this date, BSH will
directly control the sales function for the BOSCH and NEFF brands in the
Netherlands. The takeover remains subject to approval by the relevant
antitrust authorities.
With the takeover, the primary objective is to achieve continuity of high
quality service in business dealings with customers in the retail sector
and consumers.
The existing, highly experienced organisation under the guidance of sales
director Frans-Anno Tweebeeke will continue to build up the market position
of the BOSCH and NEFF brands in the Netherlands.
Sales responsibility for the SIEMENS and GAGGENAU brands will stay in
the hands of Siemens Nederland N.V.
Kitchen
Firm Cavendish Cooks up another Winner with Mercedes Sprinter
An
Ashington company is so delighted with its new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
vans that it has already ordered another.
Hot
on the heels of its latest two metallic silver Sprinter 311CDI Longs,
which arrived via Longbenton dealer Bell Truck and Van, Cavendish Kitchens
and Bedrooms is now expecting delivery in January of a Luton-bodied Sprinter
211CDI.
'When we saw our new Sprinters in their updated and very eye-catching
liveries we decided to replace our old Luton, even though it wasn’t
due to be changed for another year,' explains Factory Manager Craig Watson.
Specialist firm Hoopers of Gosforth applied the new liveries.
Cavendish uses its Sprinters to deliver quality kitchens and bedrooms
from its manufacturing plant at Ashington to customers across the north-east.
The company also uses two smaller Mercedes Vito 111CDI vans.
'We’ve been running Mercedes vans for over 19 years now,' continues
Mr Watson. 'They were the first vehicles we bought and we’ve remained
loyal to Mercedes-Benz ever since..
'They have always been unbeatable in terms of reliability and our drivers
love them. They are very comfortable and car-like to drive, particularly
the new-generation model, which has a better cab, a more driver-friendly
six-speed gearbox and a smoother, more powerful engine range. The brakes
are also very reassuring, with excellent stopping power, which is important
when you’re carrying a lot of weight.'
Cavendish was established in the mid 1980s after identifying a gap in
the market for high-quality fitted kitchens at affordable prices. Increasing
customer demand led to rapid expansion, with the company introducing a
range of bedrooms designed and built to the same exacting standards as
its growing kitchens portfolio.
It now employs more than 40 people at its headquarters and manufacturing
facility, and showroom in Ashington, and at its other branches in Benton
and Kingston Park.
'We are pretty demanding as a company,' continues Mr Watson. 'Our customers
expect the best from us and we expect the same sort of service from our
van supplier. We don’t like the big business mentality, where you’re
treated like a number. We like individual attention, and that’s what
we get from Bell Truck and Van.'
Cavendish normally replaces its vehicles every four years and is delighted
with the high residual values commanded by its Mercedes vans. 'We were
very pleased when we came to part-exchange our old Sprinters,' continues
Mr Watson. 'It made the whole package that little bit sweeter. If it had
been any other manufacturer, I’m sure the resale values would have
been a lot lower.'
Like all new Sprinters, the company’s latest van came with a Mercedes-Benz
Service Package. Under this, all labour costs, materials and lubricants
required in routine servicing will be covered for five years or 60,000
miles, whichever is reached first.
Launched last year, the new-generation Mercedes-Benz Sprinter combines
dynamic good looks, ‘bullet-proof’ build quality, comprehensive
specification and ingenious technology. The range cost £1.25 billion
(1.8 billion euro) and took a team of 400 design engineers five years
to develop. The result is a triumph, a vehicle that sets new standards
in terms of productivity, refinement and safety.
Highlights includes best-in-class side-loading door widths, outstanding
ergonomics and comfort, a powerful and clean CDI diesel engine line-up
topped by an 184hp 3.0-litre V6, and an advanced new version of the remarkable
ESP® anti-skid system called Adaptive ESP®.
Web: http://www.cavendish-kitchens.co.uk
Maytag
UK's New Customer Service Vehicles
Maytag
UK has taken delivery of a new fleet of customised vehicles for the company’s
service engineers.
The
new fleet of Renault Trafic LWB service vans are liveried in opulent silver
together with each brand's logo. The vehicle panels highlight the company's
brands and have an image of the company's Maytag SOV225GB side-by-side
fridge freezer on each side. Included is the customer call centre telephone
number completing the smart new look.
The new range of service vehicles echoes Maytag UK's passion to deliver
first class service at every level of the organisation. Attention to detail
is not only external, with the profile raising graphics, but is reflected
in the internal specification too. To encourage good workflow, cost and
time efficiencies, each vehicle is fitted with satellite navigation and
tracker systems.
Darren Harrison, Service Manager comments: ‘We are extremely pleased
with the new service vehicles and the impactful graphics. The new vehicles
have been specified and supplied with the most up to the minute equipment
to suit our needs. Our aim is to provide service excellence and customer
satisfaction across all levels of the business and the new vehicles with
their stunning livery contribute to achieving our aims and meeting performance
and dependability expectations of our customers.’
Maytag UK services the entire UK and southern Ireland utilising its own
engineers and service partners to ensure that speed of service is best
in class. Darren explains, ‘Each Maytag engineer is fully trained
on all our brands and appliances ensuring that our customers receive the
best service possible by repairing first time. Our training is not only
technical, it extends to caring for our customers effectively too.’
Web: http://www.maytag.co.uk
Energy
Labelling Review in Full Swing
The
EU Energy Label has been a mandatory requirement for domestic appliances
for over ten years. However, for a number of domestic appliances, the
old ‘A to G’ classes have become inappropriate, with most products
on the market being placed in the ‘A’ or even ‘A+’
bands.
The European Commission feels the labelling system needs to be revised
to keep it meaningful and useful to the consumer. AMDEA has been meeting
with DEFRA representatives to discuss their thoughts on a revision of
the Energy Labelling Directive and methods of making the Label better
for the consumer. CECED is also due to shortly publish its proposals for
the future of the energy label.
Web: http://www.amdea.org.uk
Group
Calls Greenpeace Campaign 'Risky'
The
international environmental group Greenpeace is targeting electronics
manufacturers that use brominated flame retardants in their products to
prevent them from catching fire, despite the significant fire danger those
products can pose if they overheat, according to the Bromine Science and
Environmental Forum (BSEF).
In a recent update of its report Guide to Greener Electronics, Greenpeace
attacked several major electronics producers for not moving fast enough
to reduce their use of certain chemicals, including flame retardants.
However, the substances Greenpeace seeks to eliminate are all approved
for use, and provide critical performance and safety functions in a wide
range of electronic products, the BSEF says.
Among the substances attacked by Greenpeace are brominated flame retardants
(BFRs), which are commonly used in electronics to provide a high level
fire safety. In certain applications, they are the most effective, efficient
products available.
Preventing fires in electronics is particularly important, as they often
contain heat sources and significant amounts of highly flammable plastics.
Recent incidents with music players, computer batteries and game consoles
bursting into flames illustrate the dangers.
More on this article at http://www.appliancedesign.com
'Professional
Forum': Modern Miele Technology in Historical Ambiance
A
showroom dedicated entirely to professional laundry care, dishwashing
and medical technology completes Miele's showrooms at the company’s
headquarters in Gütersloh.
Washer-disinfectors, laboratory and commercial dishwashers, washer-distractors,
tumble dryers and rotary ironers are ready for live demonstrations at
any time in the 'Professional Forum'. Modern technology is presented in
an unusual ambiance on 156 m2: The showroom is in a historical building
and memories of Miele's past accompany visitors on their tour.
On opening the door to the new Forum, the striking 'Miele Professional'
logo on one of the eight metre high walls is the first impression visitors
experience. Until 2005, this new showroom was part of the Miele boilerhouse
and still houses steam-driven power generating equipment dating back to
1927. The old windows remained in the showroom and new skylights provide
further light.
The central display is accentuated by rails with downlighting forming
three large squares suspended from the ceiling, dividing exhibits perfectly
into three theme islands. This arrangement makes orientation easy for
visitors: For hairdressers who are interested in washing machines and
tumble dryers and hoteliers requiring large flatwork ironers for an in-house
laundry. The middle section of the room displays a large washer-extractor
in a diaphragm wall representing the two sides of the operation where
special hygiene requirements apply. The Miele decontamination unit is
an eye-catcher in the showroom and is displayed with in- and out-feed
equipment and software for process documentation - a presentation which
immediately arouses the interest of decision-makers in hospitals and laboratories.
Bistro ambiente at the flatwork ironer bar
The third theme area not only provides information but also hospitality.
Here, Miele has created a bistro-like atmosphere: The smell of coffee
from Miele coffee machines fills the air as coffee is served at the flatwork
ironer bar. With its fabric-covered roller, the bar looks just like a
Miele flatwork ironer but is, in fact, a custom-built unit under a thick
glass counter and seats 12.
Sitting at the bar provides a good view of the new showroom walls. The
gable-end wall incorporates a large screen for films and presentations.
A ribbon of dark glass runs around three walls reflecting the design common
in shops around the turn of the last century. 11 flat screens have been
integrated into the glass ribbon, allowing the presentation of corporate
videos or the screening of product information. These are complemented
by large photos on the walls of exclusive hotels and large clinics where
Miele machines have already stood the test of time.
Washer-disinfectors, laboratory and commercial dishwashers are displayed
in a row against the right hand side wall in the new 'Professional Forum'.
Illuminated showcases between the machines themselves display typical
examples of dishwasher loads, e.g. laboratory glassware, printed circuit
boards and instruments used in dental surgeries and keyhole surgery. Customers
can assure themselves of the outstanding efficiency of the machines on
site. The machines are ready for operation and programmes can easily be
selected and started. Outstanding cleaning results are immediately visible.
Demonstrations of water and electricity consumption of washer-extractors
The left-hand side of the new showroom is devoted to commercial laundry
technology, covering washer-extractors and tumble dryers for 7.5 to 32
kg loads. Additionally, a metering stand has been installed allowing customers
to check the water and electricity consumption of Miele washer-extractors
on site.
To demonstrate the versatility of the machines, plumbing connections for
mains water, hot and demineralised water have been installed behind the
wall panelling. Also provided are single- and multi-phase connection points,
gas pipes and pipes for compressed air and data telecommunication lines
linked to Miele's in-house computer network. Data telecommunication links
are necessary, for example, for the metering stand and demonstrations
of the Miele remote service system in the showroom. This system allows
Service to access machines via data telecommunication. Faults during operation
can be remedied even at great distances.
The entire ventilation system is integrated into the grey and white wall
panelling which matches machines and the anthracite coloured flooring.
As the connections are accessible at all times, machines can be replaced
individually or the entire exhibition can be completely changed if required.
The new 'Professional Forum' at the company's Central Headquarters in
Gütersloh houses a display of commercial machines and equipment.
Most machines in the 'Professional Forum' are ready for operation for
customer demonstrations. 11 flat screens have been integrated into the
glass ribbon around three walls in the showroom. These can be used to
show corporate and product information videos.Photo: Miele
Flatwork ironer bar with flair: Provides seating for up to 12 people who
can gather information on Miele Professional whilst enjoying a coffee.Photo:
Miele
The new metering stand for laundry technology demonstrates the electricity
and water consumption of a washer-extractor per wash cycle.Photo: Miele
Washing technology for professionals: Washer-disinfectors for doctors'
and dental surgeries, hospitals, laboratories and industrial cleaners.
Glass showcases display typical items for washing; from printed circuit
boards to bone drills. Photo: Miele
The
2007 Electrolux Design Lab, the fifth edition of this annual competition,
challenged students to come up with environmentally-sound, commercially-viable
products and solutions that would enable consumers to live in greater
harmony with the environment.
In India and Nepal, people have used the soap nut (sapindus mucorossi)
for centuries to get their clothes clean. Szabó says that a kilogram
of soap nuts would last the typical person a year, and soap nuts are good
for people with allergies and gentle on clothes.
E-wash is a brilliant connection between ancient knowledge and high-tech,'
comments juror Henrik Otto, Head of Global Design for Electrolux. 'It
takes someone open-minded to look for solutions from somewhere else and
apply them to his own culture.'
Adds fellow juror Matali Crasset, an award-winning French designer: 'It
is a global system. It doesn’t just address one part of the process.'
Szabó says that his starting point was the polluting effect of
both the washing process and the production, packaging and transportation
of the detergent. 'I was looking for a substance that could replace the
detergent,' he explains.
'The soapnut is a natural plant and can be cultivated. It does not harm
nature but is a part of it.
'The other problem was the form of conventional washing machine. I reduced
the size and made it flat, so it would fit into a small apartment, but
also would be able to wash a lot of clothes at the same time.'
A kilogram of soap nuts would last the typical person a year, he adds,
and soap nuts are good for people with allergies and gentle on clothes.
The
award for second place went to Pebble by Laura Pandelle from École
Boulle, France. Pebble is a portable, solar food cooker that uses spray-on
solar cells and induction heating for precise, energy-efficient cooking.
'This is a fascinating design that’s plausible and really useful,'
comments juror Jason Bradbury, a UK technology presenter. 'Solar paint
is a really interesting use of a really exciting technology.'
'I like the fact that it is a readily transportable object,' adds juror
Celine Cousteau, an environmental activist. 'You are not stuck in the
kitchen. You can put it anywhere. You can also leave it and do something
else, so it’s liberating. It is also very appealing from a tactile
standpoint.'
Third place went to Go Fresh by He Cheng Fei from Jiangnan University,
China. Go Fresh is an energy-saving fridge with individual, honeycomb-
shaped compartments that preserve each type of food at the right temperature
and can be removed to be taken on a picnic, for example.
'Essentially, he’s attempted to redesign the bicycle,' Bradbury comments.
'The fridge hasn’t changed a whole lot since the 1950s. He’s
made it a three-dimensional, walk-around object and portable.'
Adds Crasset, 'With the food stored at the ideal temperature, people may
waste less. Also, the refrigerator is more than just a functional appliance
in a corner. It can, for example, be used as a room divider.'
The Design Lab ‘07 award is a prize of 5,000 Euro and a six-month
scholarship at one of the Electrolux Group’s global design centres.
The
other five finalists are:
• Circompo by Thanat Tengamnuay from King Mongkut's University of
Technology Thonburi, Thailand. Circompo is a composter and garbage bin
that decomposes organic waste – especially food – using microorganisms
that are kept under ideal conditions of air, moisture and heat to speed
the process.
• Fog Shower by João Diego Schimansky from Pontificia Universidade
Católica do Paraná, Brazil. Fog Shower is a shower that
uses a fog of microscopic water droplets and only two liters of water
for a five-minute shower, compared to 26 liters for today’s most
efficient water-saving showerheads.
• Pure Washer by Tatjana Voronova from Hochschule für Gestaltung
Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany. Pure Washer is a rotating dual kitchen
sink and detergent-free compact dishwasher that reduces water consumption
and uses degassed water to remove oily dirt from dishes.
• Nature Wind by Bae Won-Ho from Dong-A University, South Korea Nature
Wind is a solar-powered aircleaner mounted to a window that uses a series
of filters to refresh and sanitise household air.
• Return pot by Ying-Hao Juan from Cranbrook Academy of Art, U.S.A.
Return Pot is a plastic decomposer that turns plastic bags made from polyactic
acid (PLA) resin into compost for plants.
The jury
The entries were judged by a jury of internationally renowned members
of the environmental, design, and technology communities. They include:
• Matali Crasset, the award-winning French industrial designer who
works across a wide range of disciplines including products, interiors,
and conceptual projects. Her approach is to research new typologies that
address the fundamental needs of mobility and freedom enabling people
to use objects and spaces in their own way. She worked for Philippe Starck
for five years before opening her own studio in Paris in 1998. Her work
can be seen on her website
http://www.matalicrasset.com.
• Jason Bradbury, the UK’s best known Gadget and Consumer Technology
presenter who currently hosts The Gadget Show on Prime Time British television
and Discovery Channel. He’s also the regular gadget guy on ITV’s
This Morning and BBC Radio 2’s The Steve Wright Show. As a journalist
he has written numerous features for newspapers and magazines including
The Guardian and .Net Magazine. He also has a regular blog on his website
http://www.jasonbradbury.com.
• Céline Cousteau, the daughter of ocean explorer and filmmaker
Jean-Michel Cousteau and granddaughter of the legendary Jacques Cousteau,
is currently featured in PBS’ most successful new television series
'Jean-Michel Cousteau: Ocean Adventures,' and has worked for three years
in Costa Rica on a sustainable development project for The Earth Council,
an affiliate of the United Nations University of Peace. She now has a
key role in her father’s Ocean Futures Society, which is an organisation
dedicated to exploring the global ocean, inspiring and educating people
throughout the world to act responsibly for its protection. Her blog
can be found at http://www.oceanfutures.org.
• Henrik Otto, Head of Global Design at Electrolux heads up an organization
of more than 100 designers in seven countries on four continents. Since
joining Electrolux in 2004 he has embarked on a mission to make design
one of the forces that powers the evolution of Electrolux into a leading
global appliance brand. He oversees and directs the design process for
more than 30 product lines in the kitchen, floor care and professional
categories. Over the course of his 15 years in the profession, Otto has
been awarded countless design accolades and peer acclaim. He is a member
of prestigious organizations including the Swedish Industrial Design Foundation
(SVID) where he is a member of the Board. See Electrolux products at http://www.electrolux.com.
Over the years, thousands of students have participated in this global
competition crowned with inspiring international workshops and press events.
It has been run in Budapest, New York, Stockholm and Barcelona.
In 2006, the Design Lab Award went to Nevale, a portable food carrier
that lets consumers keep up to four different home-cooked meals at the
right temperature, while featuring an intuitive, ecological and sleek
design.
Web: http://www.electroluxdesignlab.com
The
Symphony Group Appoints Jardine Lloyd Thompson
The
Symphony Group - the privately owned provider of fitted kitchen, bedroom
and bathroom furniture - has appointed Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) to
manage its insurance and risk management programmes and pension arrangements.
The business moves to JLT after more than 20 years with Leeds-based W
Denis and comes as Symphony continues to grow its business both nationally
and internationally.
Symphony’s Group Finance Director, Graham Smith said: 'We needed
a partnership which reflects our position as a UK market leader with a
thriving business across the UK and overseas. Through Jardine Lloyd Thompson’s
combined knowledge and expertise, we have been able to deliver significant
improvements to our insurance programme and pension arrangements. Our
claims handling procedures have been enhanced and substantial premium
savings have been achieved. '
The appointment follows an extensive consultation period and sees JLT’s
Employee Benefits division transferring Symphony’s existing pension
scheme and rolling out a new Group Personal Pension Plan through a dedicated
communications campaign.
JLT’s Insurance Broking division has also provided Symphony with
recommendations for the placement of the company’s insurance programme
and continues to provide regular direction and advice to ensure the policies
are delivering against business objectives.
Adrian Girling, JLT UK Chief Executive, commented: 'We are extremely pleased
to be working with such a prestigious company. JLT’s size and capability
means we can deliver excellent service standards across the Risk, Insurance
and Employee Benefits markets.'
The Symphony Group Plc is the UK’s largest privately owned provider
of fitted kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture to private and public
sector property developers, high street retailers and builders merchants.
The company designs and installs kitchens for the UK’s leading house
builders and works with housing associations across the country on a range
of maintenance and refurbishment programmes.
It is one of Yorkshire’s largest employers and is a member of the
Sunday Times PWC profit track 100, which monitors Britain’s top performing
private companies. The company’s Chairman, Doug Gregory, was recently
named the region’s 'star industrialist' in a survey by Yorkshire
Business Insider magazine. He comments:
'We have dealt with a small provincial broker for many years and we probably
stayed with it for too long. We felt that the company was not able to
provide the service and the responsiveness we needed for a company of
our size.'
The JLT Group is a leading risk management adviser and insurance and reinsurance
broker, as well as provider of employee benefit administration services.
Over
150 independent retailers from across the UK attended [tc] bathrooms’
annual event, held at the Galpharm Stadium in Huddersfield recently.
The event started with a presentation by [tc] bathrooms’ Sales Director
Steve Parkinson on the latest new products and the company’s plans
for 2008, which includes relocation to a purpose-built 207,000 sq ft building.
Retailers were then given the opportunity to look around [tc] bathrooms’
own showroom to see the latest displays of its new ranges of showers,
taps, suites and baths.
Steve Parkinson, Sales Director of [tc] bathrooms, explains: 'This was
an excellent opportunity to get a large number of our customers together
to demonstrate our latest new product innovations and to reveal our exciting
plans for helping them grow their businesses in 2008. We have seen a number
of retailers choosing to be totally committed [tc] dealers in 2007 and
this looks set to increase even further in 2008 as they begin to realize
the benefits.'
After the tour of the showroom, [tc] bathrooms put on an action packed
evening of entertainment. This started with a three course Christmas dinner
and a free bar was provided throughout the evening. Live music was provided
by acclaimed jazz singer Rosie Brown and TV stand up comic Lee Hurst really
got the guests laughing. [tc] bathrooms also provided casino tables, with
cash prizes for the winners, which was followed by a disco that went on
until the early hours.
Steve Parkinson explains: 'We really wanted to make the event memorable
for our customers and also to show them our appreciation for their continued
support. In a fast changing market you have to work in partnership with
your customers and the event gave us a perfect opportunity to discuss
new ideas to grow our businesses together in a relaxing and informal environment.'
One of the highlights of the evening was an adaption of ‘heads or
tales’ game with Roger Hearson from Glenwood Kitchens in Rotherham
winning [tc] bathrooms’ popular Mini suite worth £500.
Each table at the event was asked to make a donation to Wakefield Hospice
in an effort to raise even more money following [tc] bathrooms' Financial
Director Martin Chalcraft’s recently completing a gruelling 264 mile
bicycle ride through death valley in the Nevada Desert. To date Martin
has raised over £6,000.
For details of how to become a tc bathrooms retailer, contact the sales
team on 01924 845 000 or visit the website http://www.tc-bathrooms.com