Modernism
Exhibition Features First Fitted Kitchen
The
V&A's major spring exhibition: Modernism: Designing a New World,
opened yesterday. It is the first in-depth look at the movement which
revolutionised the world around us and the way we live, giving us fitted
kitchens, our obsession with sunbathing and gyms, and our love of clean,
minimalist architecture and design.
Modernism: Designing a New World looks at the key defining movement
of 20th century design, from the white geometric planes of Corbusier's
Modernist houses to streamlined silver cars; from the first Bauhaus
steel framed chairs of the 1920s to the smooth surfaces of the first
fitted kitchen - all highlighted in the exhibition.
The exhibition explores the meaning of Modernism and the dreams behind
the movement as, in the wake of the First World War, its pioneers planned
for a new and better world. There was a rejection of the past and a
belief in the future and in technology; a Utopian desire for a healthier
life, one more rational and more efficient. While the focus is on architecture
and design, reflecting a time when ideas about how we live took centre
stage, health and new ideas about the body is a main theme in the exhibition.
V&A Curator Christopher Wilk said: ‘Our world today was fundamentally
changed by Modernism. It was the key point of reference for art, design
and architecture in the 20th century. It was that big and that important.
It's particularly exciting to bring from Europe and America an extraordinarily
wide range of exhibits, from fine paintings to X-ray machines, fitted
kitchens to swimsuits.’
The V&A exhibition is the first to examine how Modernism swept the
design world, especially Europe, Russia and America. There are over
300 objects and more than 50 film clips in the exhibition. On show is
sculpture, painting, photography, furniture, fashion, prints and architecture.
Key modernist figures featured include artists Piet Mondrian and Fernand
Leger, architects Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius,
furniture designers Marcel Breuer and Alvar Aalto, fashion designer
Sonia Delaunay and photographer Man Ray.
Looking at the years from 1914 to 1939, the exhibition shows how Modernist
ideas evolved into a mass movement with widespread influence in peoples'
lives, in the homes and cities of the 1920s and 1930s. It shows how
it developed from its origins in Germany's famous Bauhaus schools in
the earliest 1920s to its acceptance in the American mass market in
the 1930s. Finally it shows how Modernism found its distinctive style
- abstract, linear, geometric - which still dominates design today.
Highlights
* The earliest surviving fitted kitchen: one of the first line of mass-produced
fitted kitchens, discovered recently in Frankfurt after continual use
for 80 years, and the prototype for all subsequent fitted kitchens.
An
original 'Frankfurt Kitchen', by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky
*
Examples of 'Healthy Body Culture' including X-ray machines and sun
lamps. A highlight is a dramatic photograph by Alexander Rodchenko -
one of the great photographers of the 20th century - of 'Sun Lovers'
engaging in fashionable, outdoor exercise.
* An installation of chairs, 'Sitting on Air', featuring one of the
most radical and imitated designs of the 20th century, the cantilever
chair - the chair with two legs. Cantilever chairs by Marcel Breuer,
Mies van der Rohe and Alvar Aalto among many others will be shown. Arguably
the most important furniture design of the 20th century.
* Rarely exhibited drawings by Wassily Kandinsky based on photographs
by Charlotte Rudolph of the dancer Gret Palucca.
* Harry Beck's first sketch for today's London Underground map, a Modernist
design of the 1930s.
BBC Two will screen a four part series on Modernism and its legacy today,
presented by Dan Cruikshank called Marvels Of The Modern Age. A complementary
season of Modernism in the Cinema will run at the bfi National Film
Theatre.
Modernism: Designing A New World 1914-1939
6th April – 23rd July 2006, Sponsored by Habitat
Tickets on sale Spring 2006: In person at the V&A - in advance or
on day of visit.
Full: £9. Senior Citizens, students and 12-17 yr olds: £7.
Family tickets: £22/£12
Advance telephone and online booking 0870 906 3883 or http://www.vam.ac.uk/modernism
Frankfurt
Kitchen Sold at Auction
An
original 'Frankfurt
Kitchen', from 1926 by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky (pictured) and
manufactured by Grumbach Frankfurt was sold recently at auction for
over 20,000 euros. Originating from a flat in the Frankfurt-Niederrad
housing development, except for a few small parts all fitted parts are
extant.
It comprises: a high cupboard with attached storage bins, 2 cover strips,
6 wooden drawers, one with lock and key (for the housekeeping book),
enamel sheet and grid in the pans cupboard, 4 original wooden racks
in the pans cupboard, draining board in the storage bin section (wood
and aluminium sheet, hanging cupboard with two removable shelves, 5
glass sliding doors, screen with three flaps covering storage room in
the tall cupboard and hanging cupboard, double sink, sink cover.
Also
features a corner cupboard with lid, 2 consoles for draining rack, pantry
cupboard with a wooden drawer and wooden grid, cover with hanging windowsill,
worktop with cutout, white enamel built-in dustbin, ironing-board with
holder, spice rack, small 'cooking box' with two wooden drawers, sliding
door on wheels and rails. Also: 18 storage bins by Haarer of Frankfurt;
Fittings: nickel-plated brass (design by Ferdinand Kramer).
Several kinds of wood, specifically chosen according to purpose (e.g.
oak against vermin, beech for the worktop, softwood for the frame),
painted grey-green: aluminium, enamel, glass, linoleum.
This kitchen was intended to create room for important household tasks
such as cooking, washing and ironing even in the tiniest of flats. The
time and labour expended by housewives, who - due to the social changes
brought about by the First World War - were now mostly also working
outside the home, should be reduced to a minimum:
'First and foremost principal of their arrangement (= furniture and items) was to reduce superfluous walking and handling while preparing things. The breadth of the kitchen was specifically measured for a person to be able to reach the 'stove - wall' from the 'sink - wall' by just turning around. This type was modelled on the kitchen of the railway's dining car, where two persons had to prepare meals for 80 customers in no time'.
ALNO
Shows at Eurocucina, Milan for First Time
Germany's
largest kitchen manufacturer, ALNO is appearing this week for the first
time at the world's most prestigious kitchen exhibition, 'Eurocucina',
in Milan which runs from 5 - 10 April.
Widely regarded as the fashion and design capital of the world, Milan
is also becoming the new ‘hot spot’ for kitchens. More than
150 global kitchen and appliance manufacturers are showcasing their
products over approximately 28,000 sqm. For ALNO Eurocucina provides
an important opportunity to 'show its colours'. With an aggressive marketing
and export strategy in place, the ALNO Group says that it has an ever-increasing
international presence and Milan is the best place for the business
to demonstrate its strength, intensify the interest of both existing
and potential dealers and enforce the ALNO brand with consumers.
‘The creative stand design enforces ALNO's modern and inventive
image, justifying the company's position as the German market leader
and one of the largest kitchen manufacturers worldwide,’ says the
company. ‘In Milan, the ALNO Group is presenting a selection of
its high-quality flagship kitchen displays, demonstrating ALNO's expertise
in the designer kitchen field.’
The theme and focus of the ALNO stand is the individual and the motto
‘inspired by life’. Kitchens are as unique as the people who
live in them. A total of six different kitchens are on display, five
from the LIFESTYLE range and one contemporary COUNTRY style kitchen.
Each display features one kitchen and the individual who is living in
and with it.
The stand design consists of three image levels. Image level 1 represents
the ALNO Group. The outer shell of the stand is meant to symbolise the
outside world. Image level 2 represents the ‘Brand Promise’,
the bond between the company and its product. The walls separating the
display kitchens feature stories of the people who live in them, giving
visitors the opportunity to gain an impression about the individuals,
their requirements and circumstances. Image level 3 symbolises the inner
world and focuses on the product itself. The kitchens are linked with
their individual target groups.
ALNO is exhibiting in Hall 24, stand D07 / E12.
Tel: 01924 487 900
Franke
Showcases Latest Innovations at Waterline Show
Kitchen
systems manufacturer, Franke, is showcasing a range of new products
at this year's Waterline roadshow.
The
Laser sink with Slimfix fixing system, the Kubus multi bowl sink and
a selection of products from the new appliance range are on display
on the Franke stand and are attracting a lot of interest from retailers
attending the roadshows.
John Swain, product manager for Franke UK, commented: ‘The slimline
Laser sink, which sits flush with the work surface and can be simply
placed into a cut-out without the need to attach it with clips, is proving
to be extremely popular as it offers consumers a completely streamlined
look while also being easier to install.
‘The Kubus multi bowl undermount sink is also proving to be popular.
Offering a tight 25mm radii to give the sink a modern, geometric look,
the Kubus multi bowl only requires one cut out of the granite worktop
and therefore makes it easier to install than two separate bowls.
‘We're also showcasing a hood, hob and oven from the new range
of appliances and we've had some really positive feedback from customers
attending the show.’
The 8-venue Waterline road show enables retailers from across the UK
to see the latest product innovations at some exciting venues, including
Blenheim Palace in Oxon and Lords Cricket Ground.
The tour opened at Stapleford Park, Melton Mowbray, 2nd March and has
visited the Holiday Inn, Bristol, 8th March; Mere Golf & Country
Club, Cheshire, 16th March; Cambridge Belfry, Cambourn, Cambridge, 21st
March; Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxon, 28th March; the Spa Hotel,
Tunbridge Wells, 4th April and continues at Lords Cricket Ground, North
London, 12th April and Thorpe Park, Leeds, 25th April.
For further information on any of the Franke products currently on the
Waterline road show, visit http://www.franke.co.uk
or call 0161 436 6280.
Alessi,
Seymourpowell, BMW and Palomba Serafini Included in Unique Speaker List
at this Year's Masterclass Conference
Some
of the world's most inspirational product, industrial and award winning
designers will be brought together under one roof in London this June,
at the Masterclass 2006 conference and seminar, to present their own
unique perspectives on design.
Held on 27th and 28th June at Olympia 2, London alongside Kitchen Showcase
06, the UK's only exhibition dedicated entirely to kitchen design this
year, the Masterclass 2006 conference is set to deliver one of the widest
and inspirational speaker lists since its launch in 2001.
Masterclass is an annual event, originally created to promote discussion
of key issues relating to kitchen design in the UK. Now in its 5th year,
this 2 day conference and seminar programme, entitled 'Perspectives
on Design', promises to be an effective and inspirational forum for
any professional involved in kitchen design comprising keynote presentations
from a wide range of guest speakers and interactive demonstrations and
discussions lead by industry experts.
Guest speakers have been asked to present the audience with insights
into the inspiration behind their own designs and to share their visions
of where they believe design trends are heading. Speakers confirmed
to date include:
* Matteo Alessi - born to the world of design, Mattel Alessi's
name carries its own design credentials. As head of Alessi London, Matteo
is charged with establishing the Alessi brand as the ultimate in design
in the UK.
* Roberto Palomba, Palomba Serafini - an ever growing force in
Italian design, Palomba Serafini has an extensive portfolio of work
across all products, including a direct relationship with the kitchen
through their partnership with Schiffini.
* Erik Demmer is an exciting young designer from Germany. Best
known for his work with bathroom products, Erik's wide portfolio of
projects includes architectural models for Dieter Sieger, Ceramics for
Duravit and the Quadriga tap series for ARWA. His range of work and
unique design ideas are sure to stimulate discussion with delegates.
* Stephen Johnson has been involved in British furniture design
almost since birth, and is now establishing his own reputation as a
furniture designer with new concepts such as his ICE range launched
in 2006.
* David Fisher is a Creative Director for one of Europes's most
celebrated product design consultancies, Seymourpowell and was the lead
designer on the new Mercury Thermostate cooker.
* Kevin Rice is part of the BMW design team and will talk on
the importance of design to brands, and how the experience of the automotive
industry could relate to kitchens.
Over 400 delegates including Architects, Interior Designers, Kitchen
Retail Designers, Kitchen Manufacturers and Independent Designers are
expected to attend Masterclass this year. Delegates will have the opportunity
to meet with all those participating in the conference informally to
share ideas and opinions ensuring they gain an insight into the many
contrasting styles and ideas that will be presented across the 2 days.
As places are strictly limited, anyone wishing to take part in this
event is being advised to book early. Tickets are available for single
day or 2 day entry and may be booked by contacting Masterclass events
directly.
For more information visit http://www.kitchen-showcase.co.uk.
Premium
Appliance Brands Announces Record Results for 2005
This week, Warrington based white goods firm Premium Appliance Brands
(PAB) has announced strong financial results for 2005 with the news
it has achieved record sales and more than doubled its turnover, even
in a year that was particularly challenging for the consumer durables
market.
The firm, which only began trading in December 2002, recorded a turnover
of £11.3m in 2005, compared to £5.6m in 2004.
Guy Weaver, Managing Director of Premium Appliance Brands, comments,
'The market for consumer durables was especially tough in 2005 and many
companies lost a considerable amount of revenue and business. But, there
is always room for growth if you are providing retailers and consumers
with a product that is well-designed, stylish, practical and competitively
priced.'
Along with sales, 2005 was also a notable year for PAB’s corporate
side as the firm moved into its own warehouse in Bolton, expanded its
floorspace in Warrington and increased its headcount by over a third
from 14 to 23 staff. The Appliance Division of Bernstein Group Holdings
was also successfully absorbed into Premium Appliance Brands during
2005.
Guy
Weaver, Managing Director of Premium Appliance Brands and Peter Brazier,
Sales Director.
Guy
Weaver, continues, 'The company itself has also gained major recognition
in the last twelve months, being named by Real Business Magazine and
one of its 50 UK companies to watch in 2006 and being awarded the title
of start-up business of the year in the Warrington Business Awards.
'And we are confident of further significant growth in 2006 with the
launch of three new product ranges under the White Westinghouse, Cookers
and Homark brands which will provide further opportunity for our retailers
and distributors.'
Further
Expansion for Leaker Direct
National
Distributor, Leaker Direct (Distribution) Ltd, is following its success
exhibiting at KBB2006 by expanding the company’s business premises
just off the M8 in Lanarkshire, Scotland. Leaker Direct has acquired
the neighbouring property and renovations are underway to join the two
buildings. The new property will increase Leaker Direct's premises to
50,000 sq ft.
The new and improved facilities will include a 50,000 sq ft warehouse,
sales, marketing and accounting offices; alongside a 5000 ft sq Trade
Showroom. On display in its showroom are Leaker Direct's exclusive range
of German Rigid Kitchens from Burger Kuchenmobel with 13 working displays
featuring Built-in Appliances, Range Cookers, Sinks & Taps, Flooring
and Lighting all distributed by Leaker Direct.
If you would like to arrange a visit to Leaker Direct’s showroom,
or if you require further information on the wide range of products
distributed by Leaker Direct please contact the company on 01698 831
010 or email sales@leakerdirect.co.uk.
Wider
Choice from Ideal Bathrooms
Ideal
Bathrooms has added to its choice of premium brands in a new arrangement
with Grohe. Ideal Bathrooms now stocks in-depth the Grohe frame system
and flushing system for wall mounted sanitaryware, its Hydraspa system,
the Grohe brassware range and the latest digital shower technology.
Grohe is one of Europe's biggest bathroom brands and is an important
brand in the UK too. It has recently introduced new products which will
feature strongly in the stocked range. Among the newly launched products
are the Grohtherm Wireless! shower, an advanced digital shower with
sophisticated wireless remote control operation and the new Grohtherm
thermostatic hi-tec mixers with TurboStat® technology that offers
a fast response time to temperature fluctuations. In addition, a modification
to the Eurodisc range enables it to operate with high and low pressure
water supply, all of which forms part of Grohe's new brand strategy
of quality, performance and enjoyment.
'Our policy is always to stock in-depth those products which particularly
meet the needs of the market and offer new ideas or technological advantages,'
says Ideal Bathrooms‚ Commercial Director Martin Carroll.
'Grohe has an excellent reputation for quality and the new product developments
fit in well with our extensive choice of bathroom products, further
widening options for our customers.'
As the UK bathroom market is changing, especially with the increase
in pressurised systems and wall mounted sanitary-ware, Grohe expects
to see a rapid growth in demand for its products.
'Our partnership arrangements with Ideal Bathrooms gives us the perfect
base for our expansion,' says Mark Dalton Marketing Manager of Grohe
UK 'Ideal Bathrooms will ensure retail showrooms can be confident of
continuity of supplies of high quality Grohe products featuring technological
innovation to make the bathroom experience all together more pleasurable.'
'Nesting
Syndrome' Brings in £0.5bn a Year for the Building Industry
Pregnant
women in the UK spend £1/2 billion on home improvement work annually
(see note 1) when the ‘nesting urge’ strikes and they rush
to prepare the perfect home for their new baby.
This is according to the latest survey by TrustMark, the Government-backed
scheme to help the public find reputable tradespeople. The survey found
that 80% of new mothers in the UK renovated their home prior to their
child’s birth. The urge hits strongest in the second trimester,
with 71% feeling the need to get the builders in at 24 weeks into their
term.
However, making the home ready for a new family member isn’t all
plain sailing. Four in ten (40%) new mothers made lifestyle sacrifices
to ensure work was done in time – and almost one in five (18%)
claim that having the work done was actually more stressful than childbirth!
Tellingly, just 16% of those interviewed had done any checks on the
tradesmen they let into their homes.
Gail Werkmeister, President of the National Childbirth Trust said:
'Many expectant parents do seem to refurbish their homes before the
baby arrives, driven by the urge to create a safe and perfect home for
them and their new baby. If building work falls behind schedule or is
not completed to satisfaction, expectant parents may well experience
unnecessary stress. Parents have many things to think about and cope
with leading up to their baby’s birth; it would certainly be helpful
for them to know the tradesmen they employ are reliable which is why
a scheme such as TrustMark is a good idea.'
Ian Livsey, Chairman of TrustMark added:
'Understandably mums-to-be want to find a tradesman quickly and efficiently.
But they shouldn’t make rushed decisions. For a less stressful
pregnancy and more successful home improvement, we advise people to
use TrustMark. It’s an easy process, helping homeowners find properly
checked firms within their local area, and a single logo to look out
for which signposts reputable tradespeople.'
1. £556,557,270 - figure based on My Voice research and Office
for National Statistics report on births.
2. Regional Breakdown:
- The Midlands spent the most on nesting syndrome (£1091 per family).
Yorkshire & Humberside spent the least (£704). National average
spent was £870.
- The nesting urge was strongest among Londoners with 28% of new mothers
listing home improvements during their pregnancy as their number one
priority. The Midlands listed it as the lowest (14%).
- Yorkshire & Humberside performed worst at not asking for references
- 91% of new mothers admitted not checking up on the tradespeople they
used. The South West performed best with 26% checking for references.
- Unsurprisingly perhaps, Yorkshire & Humberside polled highest
in the Britain (22%) in feeling they had been ripped off. London polled
highest in being aggrieved that the work was not done in time (23%).
3. The consumer research was conducted by MyVoice on behalf of TrustMark
during March 2005. The sample size was 1,256 adults aged 18+.
4. For further information about TrustMark, go to http://www.trustmark.org.uk
Prevent
Scalds, Advises Honeywell
Measures
should be taken to prevent scalding hot water in basins, showers and
baths warns Honeywell, the manufacturer of water valves and heating
controls.
In
healthcare, thermostatic mixing valves certified to Buildcert TMV3,
such as Honeywell TM200VP, must be fitted. Valves to the domestic TMV2
standard, such as Honeywell TM300, are acceptable for most other premises
but a risk assessment should be carried out to determine if the facilities
are used by vulnerable people, such as the elderly, young children or
the mentally or physically disabled. If so, TMV3 valves should be installed
to provide the maximum safety level.
Honeywell thermostatic mixing valves employ a highly sensitive wax element
which controls the hot and cold water inlets to provide a safe uniform
temperature. They also ensure safety by cutting off the hot water inlet
automatically if the cold supply fails. They are designed for convenient
'under-basin' and 'under-bath' installation. A lockable safety cap displays
the temperature set point and prevents unauthorised adjustment.
Honeywell explains that the problem of scalding water has become more
acute recently because, to prevent risks from Legionella, hot water
must be stored at a temperature of at least 60 degrees C and distributed
at 50 degrees minimum – dangerously hot for bathers. So there must
be fail-safe mixing control at the outlet to prevent scalding.
Having campaigned over several years to make parents and carers aware
of the danger of scalding water in bathrooms, Honeywell welcomes the
ten minute rule bill tabled by Mary Creagh MP in the Commons (29th March
2006), which calls for thermostatic mixing valves on all new baths to
prevent scalding hot water from taps.
Children and the elderly are at particular risk of life-threatening
scald burns, but scalding is wholly preventable, says Honeywell.
About 450 UK children under five are admitted annually to hospital with
a severe scald caused by bath water. Tragically, some die. A further
2,000 suffer less severe scald injuries. Many more such accidents lead
to lengthy and painful treatments and permanent scarring. (Source: Child
Accident Prevention Trust, http://www.capt.org.uk)
A few seconds’ lapse can damage a child for life, warns Honeywell.
Those who complain that this is an invasion of civil liberties cannot
have not seen photographs of a seven year old girl, with no skin from
the waist down, who will need skin grafts from somewhere else on her
body every 12 to 18 months until she stops growing.
The elderly are at increased risk because their skin tends to be less
sensitive, says Honeywell, so they might not be able to pull away from
hot water quickly enough to avoid scalding. They also tend to be less
agile and so are at risk of injury while trying to escape from a scalding
bath or a blast of hot water from a shower. Scalding injuries often
cover a large area of the body, leading to high rates of morbidity and
mortality.'
Freephone: 0800 7833 824
Email: water.control@honeywell.com
Web: http://www.honeywelluk.com
and http://www.honeywell-valvesizing.com
Electrolux
Celebrates World Health Day - April 7th 2006
As
World Health Day is upon us, many people realise that they are not living
as healthy a lifestyle as they would wish for. Electrolux shows how
household appliances can help consumers have healthier homes.
With modern-day, busy and bustling lifestyles it is not always easy
to meet all of one's needs to exercise and stay fit, have a wholesome
diet, and at the same time ensure that the environment at home is healthy
as well.
What many people do not realise is that with technology and modern appliances,
having a healthier home is much easier than in the past. To celebrate
World Health Day, Electrolux sheds some light on how to make use of
household appliances to have a healthier home without much effort.
* Dishwashers are a classic example of an often-overlooked appliance
type offering health benefits. Dishwashers can wash and dry the dishes
far more hygienically than doing the washing up and drying by hand!
While the average temperature during hand washing only reaches 40°C,
dishwashers reach temperatures in excess of 65°C, comfortably above
the temperature levels where bacteria multiply. At the same time, dishwashers
also ensure that dishes are properly and safely dried thanks to the
use of hot air - rather than tea towels, which may simply transfer bacteria
onto your plates.
* Clean air is also another important element in a healthy home. With
the average European spending 90% of their time indoors and being required
to take no less than 23,000 breaths a day, keeping indoor air clean
is vital. This can be a particular challenge, as only 0.01% of all airborne
pollutants in the home are visible to the naked eye. Some 99.9% of all
airborne particles are not visible at less than 1 micron in size. Air
cleaners, such as the Oxy3silence Air Cleaner by Electrolux, can significantly
reduce the number of all air borne particles and other pollutants, like
traffic emissions, animal allergens and tobacco smoke that often cause
allergies and asthma. Regular vacuum cleaning is also advised, as this
helps reduce the overall dust and pollen content in your home. This
reduces possible allergy triggers. Use a HEPA or high efficiency filtered
vacuum like the Electrolux Oxy3system with British Allergy Foundation
approval cleaner for maximum efficiency.
* To most people, washing machines are known for their capacity to remove
dirt and stains, but an often-overlooked advantage is their ability
to reach extremely high temperatures and hence work as an effective
deterrent against bacterial build-up on clothing. Electrolux therefore
advises that items of clothing, such as underwear, that are more sensitive
to bacterial build-up, be washed (if the fibres allow) at 60°C or
more.
* In addition, using dryers reduces the amount of pollen and dust in
clothing. Although hanging clothing items out to dry in the open air
might seem like a healthy option, it means that clothes become a key
target for dust and pollen in the wind. The build-up of these agents
can cause allergies and general discomfort. Tumble dryers, on the other
hand, ensure that clothes are kept in a secure and closed environment.
The gentle tumbling and ventilating action of the appliance removes
a large amount of pollen and dust from fibres, trapping them in the
filter. AEG-Electrolux offers the only proper A Energy Rated tumble
dryer, which helps keep drying costs down.
* When keeping food cool, keep foods separate, to avoid cross-contamination.
Do not store raw meat and dairy products, or raw and cooked meats together
in the fridge. Store raw meat on the bottom shelf to prevent the juices
from dripping onto other food. When defrosting food, use a microwave.
The time it takes to defrost food is shortest and this reduces build-up
of bacteria which occurs when meat returns to its flexible state. Avoid
defrosting food at room temperature, this only allows bacteria to slowly
build up.
Why not take inspiration from an ancient Japanese way of cooking using
the AEG-Electrolux Teppan Yaki? This 60cm wide model is made from ultra-dense
stainless steel which provides exceptional heat conduction for perfect
searing and cooking of all types of food - without oil - from exotic
sushi to crisply seared vegetables, fish and lean meats. Teppan Yaki
meals are delicious, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing.
Or, why not try steaming your food with the AEG-Electrolux KB9820EM,
a compact multifunction oven with integrated steam functions. Enjoy
a healthy, nutrient packed, reduced fat meal without compromising on
flavour, crispness or appearance. Living a more comfortable and healthy
lifestyle starts at home by being aware of the environment around you.
That environment is supported by the opportunities household appliances
offer as a standard.
Web: http://www.electrolux.com
BSH
Appliance Care Celebrates 20 Years in UK
April
2006 marks the 20th anniversary of BSH Appliance Care, the service division
of BSH Home Appliances Ltd in the UK. Originally responsible just for
the Bosch and Neff home appliance brands in the UK, the company now
services all four BSH appliance brands: namely Bosch, Siemens, Gaggenau
& Neff.
The company was formed two decades ago on 1st April 1986 in Hayes in
Middlesex, close to Heathrow, at the offices of Neff (UK) Limited and
its service company. There were 114 employees in total (of which 69
were field engineers) as a result of the merging of Neff's service division
& the Robert Bosch service division in Denham.
BSH
ACL Service Director, Bernhard Vocke
Later
on in 1986, the domestic appliance division of the Siemens brand was
created in the UK, joining Neff and Bosch in the BSH Appliance Care
(ACL) family. Five years later, having outgrown their offices in Hayes,
the sales & marketing companies for Bosch, Siemens & Neff moved
to purpose built premises in Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire. The ACL
call centre remained in Hayes. In 1995, the existing three were joined
by a new group acquisition, luxury built in brand, Gaggenau.
By 2002, the number of ACL engineers had more than quadrupled to a total
of 320 engineers. Very strong growth in employee numbers coincided with
the implementation of greatly improved work practices within the organisation
and huge acceleration in every area of the business. This culminated
in BSH Appliance Care winning the highly coveted 'TEQ national service
award' for the best after sales service in the country in 2003.
With constant technical advances in this highly computerised age come
regular opportunities to optimise work practices. In 2005, BSH Appliance
Care put in place even more effective organisational structures whereby
Area Service Managers became field-based - rather than office-based
- allowing them to spend more valuable time out on the road with their
teams of directly employed service engineers.
At the same time, the national call booking facility was rationalised
into one central call centre in Hayes. Further improvements are envisaged
in the future to ensure that BSH Appliance Care maintains and enhances
its reputation in the industry.
Comments BSH Appliance Care's Service Director, Bernhard Vocke: ‘It
is important to understand the needs of our target market and adapt
our service to suit. We want to be the customer service organisation
that sets the standard for service, reliability and value in the UK.
That is what we constantly strive to do at BSH Appliance Care’
Uwe Hanneck, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BSH Home Appliances Ltd
reiterates these remarks, adding: ‘At BSH, our philosophy has always
been to support the Bosch, Siemens, Gaggenau & Neff brands by providing
excellent customer service. Our aim is to build up a relationship with
these customers so that they trust us enough to hopefully re-purchase
our brands next time they are in the market’
Precious
Metal from Victoria & Albert
Freestanding
bath manufacturer Victoria & Albert has totally revamped its brassware
range for 2006. Twenty nine taps and fillers are based around both contemporary
and traditional design themes. These new models come in response to
strong consumer demand for brassware to complement the successful Victoria
& Albert range of freestanding baths.
Contemporary minimalism is found in a variety of wall, deck and pillar
mounted mixers that provide a huge choice of configurations with hand
held shower options. In addition, the Victoria & Albert T1 bath
filler is joined by two new freestanding models, which at an impressive
108cm high from the floor make a dashing choice. For those seeking to
recreate period splendour, Victorian and Edwardian styled individual
bath and basin taps are available for the first time from V&A. Pillar
mounted bath and shower mixers also come in traditional styling.
Of particular relevance to potential buyers of the Capri bath are the
angular 'waterfall' bath and basin fillers. Based around a distinctive
gull wing theme the minimalist chrome finished body of each filler can
be rim or deck mounted. They come with separate hot and cold valves
that can be individually located to suit each application. When in operation
a seamless ribbon of water extends across the full width of the filler
from a hidden spout.
‘The Victoria & Albert brand is all about style and quality,
which are found in equal measure in our new taps and fillers,’
says Joe Matthews, Managing Director of Victoria & Albert Baths.
‘The various technical and aesthetic considerations associated
with freestanding baths means that brassware should be chosen with care.
Our new comprehensive range is great news for the consumer as it makes
it easy to achieve their dream bathroom. Now there's the perfect tap,
filler and waste to go with every Victoria & Albert bath - the complete
bathing solution.’
Image
Showers is continuing to add to its support services for the company’s
UK customer showrooms.
Two field service engineers have been appointed to provide showroom
display installation and maintenance to ensure showroom displays are
always installed correctly and looking in pristine condition - an important
factor in impressing showroom visitors. In addition they will also attend
service call-outs in conjunction with the showroom outlets to resolve
any end-user installation problems which may arise occasionally.
Image Showers offers a high quality service support package to retailers
which includes lifetime guarantees on the full range of the company’s
shower enclosures and screens, replacement parts, standardised parts,
a UK warehouse and a national distributor network, technical telephone
pre and post sales advice, display design and installation and a supporting
field sales team.
The company is also adding new products to the range in both upper market
and mid-market sectors including a frameless range.
Tel: 00 353 56 23374
Internet
Retailer Moves to High Street
The
UK independent online retailer of Bathroom products, www.plumbworld.co.uk
Ltd has made it's first move into bricks and mortar retailing with a
new store in Altrincham, operated under the brand Bathroom World.
http://www.plumbworld.co.uk
Ltd which has been selling bathrooms online since 1999 and now has an
online turnover in excess of £12 Million a year, is keen to bring
web prices to the high street and fill a gap in the consumer's choice
for bathrooms.
James Hickman, Managing Director of www.plumbworld.co.uk Ltd said:
'At one end of the market you have the low cost, standard bathroom products
offered by the large groups, like B&Q and Homebase, and at the other
end you have the high end, high cost bathroom boutiques. The market
in the middle, ordinary people wanting something a little different
for their bathrooms is not well served. With the launch of our High
Street Bathroom World stores we intend to target these customers and
provide the same great value we provide on the web to those people who
would rather shop on the high street'
The first Bathroom World shop is at 28 George Street, in the Stamford
Quarter of Altrincham.
Group Director, Julian Smith said 'We felt that Altrincham was the perfect
location to launch the first of 12 stores planned across the UK, and
are delighted to be able to take part in the regeneration of Altrincham
Town Centre'.
Free
Advice from UK Qualified Plumbers
With
reports of plumbers earning £100,000+ a year and charging huge
hourly rates it is nice to see that some plumbers are willing to give
help to consumers entirely for free.
A recent Which report found that Plumbers hourly rates ranged from £9
in Wales up to £130 in the South East with many plumbers charging
a call out fee on top. The increasingly high cost of plumbing services
is a reflection of supply and demand. The Construction Industry Training
Board calculates that by 2008 the UK will need an extra 32,000 plumbers
just to keep up with the growing demand.
It may sound far fetched that anyone would be able to find qualified
plumbers willing to help members of the public solve their plumbing
problems free of charge. Plumbers in the UK usually get a pretty bad
press, but in fact a growing number are willing to give up hours of
their spare time, just for the satisfaction of helping someone out.
This is exactly what is happening on the newly re-launched web site
http://www.plumbingpages.com.
The site has a forum where members of the public can ask a question
about their plumbing or heating problem and get comprehensive, step
by step, help from a qualified plumber.
James Hickman, owner of the site said: 'We have had over 2,500 different
questions in the technical help forum with more questions being asked
at the rate of 20-30 a day. It is not uncommon for 3-4 different plumbers
to get involved in solving a tricky problem with someone's boiler. People
ask questions on everything from how to fix a leaky tap right through
to how do I install solar heating. There always seems to be someone
qualified to answer and willing to help. We don't pay them to do it,
they do it simply because they enjoy helping other people.'
It seems that despite their reputation at least some of Britain's plumbers
are not purely out for a quick buck.
Tel: 01386 768078
Bureau
Veritas Introduces New Inspector and Auditor Training School
Bureau
Veritas Consumer Products Services (BVCPS), specialist in consumer product
testing, inspections and auditing services, has opened two new Chinese
training facilities. As China now provides such a huge source of manufacturing
for the UK, BVCPS has introduced training schools to provide local well
trained and ethical inspectors and auditors in the region. The new facilities
will enable BVCPS to quickly respond to any customers needs for inspection
and auditing services. Located in Shanghai and Shenzhen, the centres
are conveniently situated to qualify inspectors and auditors for manufacturing
and sourcing sites in both the North and South of China.
For UK retailers, ensuring their entire global supply chain conforms
to recognised ethical standards on working hours, child labour and health
and safety can be particularly difficult - not least because of the
distance between retailer and factory. By ensuring its China-based auditors
are qualified to assess local manufacturing sites to UK ethical standards,
BVCPS can ensure global ethical consistency. These new training facilities
will allow BVCPS's UK customers sourcing from the Far East to be confident
their supply chain operates ethically.
To graduate from the school each new inspector/auditor must complete
a four-week training course that includes exercises designed to simulate
real-life conditions, followed by four weeks of ‘on-the-job’
experience, prior to sitting a formal qualification exam. Auditors are
taught relevant ethical standards and how to take into consideration
the different cultural and legal environment of each site, whilst inspectors
are trained in the standards that products must comply to along with
how to assess aspects of the products such as colour, quality and packaging
which are most important to BVCPS's clients.
Peter Nicholls, Business Development Manager at BVCPS, comments: ‘We
know that well trained and ethical inspectors and auditors are vital
to our clients. These new schools will provide inspectors and auditors
that will inspire confidence and trust from our clients.’
Web: http://www.bureauveritas.com
Businesses
Can Save Money with New Water-Saving Products
Twyford
Bathrooms recently announced that ten of its WC suites have been awarded
a place on the Water Technology List having successfully met the criteria
to enable Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) claims.
The Water Technology List, developed and managed by Defra and the Inland
Revenue, in partnership with Envirowise, will help businesses save money
in the short and long-term by encouraging them to invest in technologies
and products that reduce water use and improve water quality.
Water savings are a key area for all businesses. According to Envirowise,
manufacturing companies can easily save between 30% and 50% of water
and wastewater costs through inexpensive changes to their working practices.
Martin Gibson, Director of Envirowise, said, ‘The Water Technology
List is making it easy for businesses to make important decisions to
improve their water use and water quality and save money at the same
time. Businesses will benefit in the long-term through reduced water
costs and improved water efficiency and in the short-term by claiming
an Enhanced Capital Allowance.’
He added, ‘Twyford Bathrooms is one of the product and technology
manufacturers leading the industry forward. One of the objectives of
offering the ECA is to encourage innovation and to encourage companies
such as Twyford Bathrooms to come up with new technologies to improve
water use and water quality.’
Efficient Toilets
Twyford's product falls into the category on the Water Technology List
of Efficient Toilets.
More efficient toilets save water by reducing the amount of water used
in flushing. Typically, water savings of up to 25% can be achieved through
the specification of efficient WCs. Toilet flushing accounts for about
50% of the water used in commercial offices (in homes the figure is
around 30%).
The following technologies are eligible for the WTL:
o Efficient toilets eg low-volume flush toilets
o Urinal with integral control
o Urinal controls
The Water Technology List currently has five qualifying technologies,
which will be reviewed on an annual basis and expanded in future years:
o Flow controllers
o Meters and monitoring equipment
o Leakage detection equipment
o Efficient toilets
o Efficient taps
For more information, visit http://www.eca-water.gov.uk
or call the Environment and Energy Helpline on 0800 585794.
For more information on how the UK Government is promoting water minimisation,
visit the Envirowise website at http://www.envirowise.gov.uk/water
Success
at CNC Homag Open House
Homag
U.K. hosted its first open house exhibition of 2006 with a special focus
on CNC technology.
Homag MD Paul Cooper said that the company was most gratified with the
high number of companies and individuals that attended and especially
pleased at the interest shown, not only in the machinery on live display,
but the excellent new training facilities and other back room systems
designed to give Homag's UK and Irish customers the highest level of
commitment available.
With
its extensive showroom and demonstration bay as well as the training
and service facilities, customers have increasingly found these events
to be a practical and beneficial way to see high quality demonstrations
in a working environment.
In June a special edgebanding event is planned at which the new Brandt
200 series of new single-sided machines will be launched in the UK.
The recent open house featured the latest CNC technology for all manufacturing
sectors at all levels - from furniture, joinery and shopfitting applications
through office furniture and fabrication specialists.
From CNC specialists Weeke two of the Venture machines (3 and 5) were
demonstrated - the first to offer an excellent opportunity for small
to medium companies with a high specification including the patented
LED positioning system on the table and a C axis. The Venture 5 is a
high-tech CNC centre for a wide range of applications and has a C axis,
a 14 place tool changer at the rear and an 8 place tool changer in front.
Also from Weeke the BHC 280 machining table with a matrix table for
nesting processes and the similar BHP 200 machining centre with a gantry
head configurations both drew enormous interest as this manufacturing
process continues to gain popularity.
For all panel processing in a single clamping the Homag BAZ 222 with
3mm PVC edging capability on shaped parts was demonstrated including
the ‘folding’ of edging materials around right angles using
unique grooving process for seamless corner edges.
From beam saw specialists Holzma the HPL 380 (rear lift) saw was shown
with the special plaque. This model represents excellent value for a
high specification saw.
Anyone wishing to obtain further information on any of the technology
on show, associated machines or information on training courses should
contact Michelle Spencer on (Fax) 01332 856400 or (email) Michelle.Spencer@homag-uk.co.uk
Tel: 01332 856500
Web: http://www.homag-uk.co.uk
The
recent announcement of a hosepipe ban in some areas of the country has
brought an unexpected spate of phone calls into the Bathroom Manufacturers
Association's switchboard. The calls have come from gardeners, who visited
the BMA's WaterHog website looking for water-saving tips.
Perhaps the most bizarre request for information came from a gardener
looking to purchase a water pump to help him spray his used bath-water
out of his upstairs bathroom window and over his lawn!
The BMA felt that the best solution to this flood of calls would be
a web-link to the Horticultural Trades Association's web-site, which
carries advice on water saving for the gardener. The HTA site tells
us that, while you cannot use a hosepipe on your garden or your car,
you are allowed to hose-down your pet or livestock!
One
interpretation of this could be that if you stand your whippet or designer
pug-dog in the centre of the lawn and give it a good soaking the grass
benefits too - I guess if you try the same thing with your cat, it is
bound to sprint around and, perhaps, the flower-beds will get hit as
well!
Such a scenario is not in the intended spirit of the hosepipe ban but
there is other advice on the HTA site, which gardeners will find useful.
For sensible ideas on saving water in the bathroom visit http://www.bathroom-association.org/watersaving
and if you are a desperate gardener visit http://www.the-hta.org.uk
Also: http://www.midkentwater.co.uk/household/efficiency/garden.htm