Kitchen and Bathroom News @ The K&BZine

Neff Becomes First Fully Supported Built-In Kitchen Appliance Manufacturer on 'Planit'

A milestone collaboration between built-in appliance brand Neff and the KBB sector's CAD design and visualisation software developer, Planit International will result in Neff's cooking collection becoming the first built-in kitchen appliance brand to be fully supported and maintained on Planit's Fusion design system.

Using latest graphical design and web-based technology, Planit has extended its comprehensive data catalogue to include fully specified CAD images of Neff's product range. Previously, Planit had employed generic representations to illustrate non-specific appliances for all built-in kitchen brands.

From 1st September, Planit users have been able to access a unique link to Neff's website: http://www.neff.co.uk, which will enable detailed cooking product specifications to be accessed and evaluated on screen directly from the Fusion design system.

Once customers have made their choice, appropriate 3D images of Neff built in appliances - from ovens, hobs & extractor hoods to microwaves and other compact appliances such as warming drawers - can be instantly positioned in the design, along with required kitchen furniture, to produce a stunning photo-realistic layout of the finished kitchen in moments.

‘The new collaboration provides a 'win-win' situation for retailers and end users alike,’ says Planit's national sales manager, Chris Anderson. ‘Kitchen designers can harness the power and flexibility of Fusion to demonstrate how alternative appliances, furniture and finishes can be co-ordinated together. Likewise, customers can not only visualise exactly how their Neff cooking appliances will look, but will also be able to evaluate alternative design suggestions in real time.’

Neff's brand manager Hannah Watson agrees. ‘This is a very exciting initiative for Neff. It combines all the inherent advantages of new technology with traditional kitchen planning expertise, to produce tangible benefits both for the dealer and for the end customer when jointly planning a new kitchen.’

Following the initial launch in September, regular updates of the data file can be downloaded by Fusion users directly from Planit's website using 'live' on-line technology. Planit's retailer's package also includes comprehensive technical support, backed by a series of specialist training courses, which enable users - from novice to experienced kitchen planners - to maximise the return on their Fusion system investment.

Around 80% of all contract kitchens and more than 50% of all retail kitchens in the UK are now designed using Planit software. This powerful, yet easy-to-use system has been developed by the sector's only Microsoft Certified Partner and incorporates unrivalled presentational quality, superior photo-realistic graphics and industry-leading customer management tools. Planit Fusion Live is fully Windows® XP compliant and is the system of choice for major kitchen suppliers including MFI, Jewson and more recently Everest.

About Neff
As the UK market leader in built in cooking appliances, Neff is known as 'The cooking brand'. Established in the UK nearly 35 years ago, Neff is now a household name in the fitted kitchen world, having sold well over a million built in ovens since 1972. The company is most famous for its award winning collection of single and double ovens, all with the 'CircoTherm' system of fan cooking. To coordinate with its comprehensive built in cooking range of ovens, hobs, hoods and microwaves, Neff offers a complete spectrum of other major built in and integrated kitchen appliances including fridges, freezers, dishwashers & washing machines. Also available are two new stainless steel freestanding range cookers and a majestic new Manhattan style freestanding fridge freezer, also finished in stainless steel. Please note: only the Neff built in and range cooking appliances are visualised on the Planit data file.

About Planit International
Based at Ashford in Kent, Planit International is the UK's leading developer of advanced design and visualisation software for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and home improvement markets. Its flagship product, Planit Fusion incorporates a comprehensive range of customer management tools, superior graphics and presentational quality. The company is a principal member of the Planit Group and is the sector's only certified Microsoft Partner.

Ripples, the premier bathroom retailer, has announced the opening of its first showroom in Newbury. This is the company’s sixteenth nationwide showroom since the company started in 1988.

Owned by Richard & Diane Garnett, the showroom is conveniently located on Cheap Street, showcasing contemporary and traditional bathroom design.

Richard Garnett, owner of Ripples Newbury, said: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to be offered the opportunity to launch Ripples as a major bathroom retailer in Newbury. Over the years we have followed the success of Ripples and have been impressed with the results.’

The new showroom covers 4000 sq ft and comprises a wide collection of bathroom displays. The team at Ripples Newbury provided major input into the design of the new showroom, resulting in a light, airy and contemporary space. From elegant furniture to the latest in shower technology, exclusive bathroom designs may be our speciality, creating an environment of sensual beauty that is tailored to reflect your individuality, is our unique difference, we believe the bathroom is more than merely a functional space.

Ripples of Newbury will be showing the latest in bathroom furniture from beautifully crafted wall-hung basins and stone shower trays, plus traditional roll top baths, stylish modular furniture, striking vanity units and a working steam room and Jacuzzi bath will also be on display.

The Ripples philosophy is to employ an experienced and dynamic team who offer the customer high quality products, a strong flair for design and friendly service. Ripples commitment to these high standards has enabled them to win numerous industry awards as well as scoop large orders from hoteliers, interior designers and architects.

Ripples of Newbury 29-30 Cheap Street, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5DB
Tel: 01635 569900
Email: newbury@ripples.ltd.uk
Web: http://www.ripples.ltd.uk

Whilst the overall size of a kitchen has not changed radically over the past decade, kitchen designer Nicholas Anthony reports that the number of appliances being fitted into them has. When it comes to installing a new kitchen, homeowners are increasingly allocating more importance to appliances. Whereas 20% of a luxury kitchen budget would previously have been allocated to appliances, it is not uncommon these days for appliances to take up as much as 40% of the budget.

Tony Nicholas, Managing Director of Nicholas Anthony explains: 'It is not uncommon to be asked to install a hob, extractor, double oven, steam oven, fridge freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and microwave within a very small area. In a luxury property this list now extends to integrated coffee machines, wine coolers and warming drawers.'

According to Nicholas Anthony, the latest trends in kitchen appliances are:
* Integrated appliances, such as combination ovens and dual dishwashers perform multiple tasks, saving time and freeing up space in the kitchen.
* Integrated coffee machines, in particular, have become one of the latest trends amongst coffee connoisseurs who want to be able to enjoy freshly brewed coffee at their own convenience.
* With healthy eating at the forefront of homeowners' minds, steam ovens look set to be the appliance of the future. A steam oven is ideal for cooking fresh foods such as fish and vegetables with rice and it's virtually impossible to overcook or burn food. What's more, all the flavours, colours and nutrients of the food are retained, resulting in a more intense taste.

Tony Nicholas adds: 'With thousands of appliances on offer these days, choosing the essential components can be overwhelming. A good kitchen designer will advise on the key appliances needed and consider their positioning in the kitchen. Equally as important, he or she will also advise what to leave out.'

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

For more information on appliances for the kitchen and kitchen design, please contact Nicholas Anthony on 0800 0683 603 or visit http://www.nicholas-anthony.co.uk.

Zanussi-Electrolux Appliances feature in the first of Home Factory's new range of designer homes for the Housing Association market.

In an affordable housing market dominated by 60s tower blocks and drab design, Home Factory is shaking things up with its new hi-spec, volumetric design-led apartments that combine quality, durability and contemporary design - inside and out. Available through partnerships with Housing Associations and shared ownership schemes, getting on the property ladder in central London with a designer apartment can now cost less than £100,000.

The first show house due to be launched later this year will feature a kitchen kitted out with Zanussi-Electrolux appliances. These include the highly specified pyrolytic oven Zanussi-ZBP1165 oven (see image) which was selected by Architects AMA for its designer looks and functionality. ‘We picked Zanussi-Electrolux because its focus on design and innovation is an ideal fit with the Home Factory's aspirations’, commented Warren Johnson, Director.

Designed by architects AMA, known for upscale luxury house designs, and manufactured by Terrapin, the UK specialist in off-site manufacturing, the Home Factory system finally brings to the housing market the much needed combination of luxury design with mass-manufacturing that is prevalent in fashion, interiors and even the car industry. The homes come in one, two and three bedroom apartments that are then configured to fit the dimensions of the development up to 12 storeys high.

Web: http://www.electrolux.com

Myson has invested in a year-long project to improve one of its popular products, the Kickspace 500 and 600 fan convectors.

Kickspace was first launched in 1982 and has remained largely unchanged since its original introduction.

For the past 12 months, a team has been working on the development and rationalisation of the units. The main aims were to improve quality, functionality and production of the product, while removing some of the production costs.

Kickspace is a compact and efficient plinth heater. Originally designed to sit in the board at the bottom of floor-standing kitchen cupboards, Kickspace has long been a firm favourite among designers. However, more adventurous designers took Kickspace into bathrooms, finding space at the base of vanity units there, and even fitting the heaters into the bottom step of staircases.

There are two easy to operate controls - a fan speed setting and a summer / winter switch. The summer setting provides a fan only option that provides a refreshing flow of air. The grilles themselves are available in a variety of finishes to match almost any decor including white, brown, black, aluminium, brushed stainless and chrome.

The product is now even more efficient and quieter thanks to a number of modifications including:-

The unit has been made slightly smaller – to fit into smaller plinths, giving more room for the flexi-hoses to be fitted – ensuring free-flow of water to the product and maximising output.

An improved fan giving enhanced output and dramatically reducing noise levels.
Simplified construction for easier accessibility and maintenance – four screws instead of 30.

New style installation, operating and maintenance manuals to promote trouble free installation.

Simon Nixon, product and export manager for Myson decorative products was part of the project team: 'In a nutshell we have improved quality, maximised performance and minimised noise but still maintained a very competitive price.

'Kickspace has been an increasingly popular product since Myson launched it in 1982 and is often teamed with our Petite towel rail. We are delighted with the improvements we have made to this already excellent product and I am sure our customers will agree.'

Robin Levien Recognised as an Honorary Doctor

The Design Director for Ideal Standard, a leading provider of innovative, design-driven bathroom and kitchen solutions, Robin Levien, has been rewarded for his design success by Staffordshire University who have made him an honorary doctor.

Robin is a product designer specialising in ceramics for tableware and bathroom industries, and has worked with bathroom manufacturer Ideal Standard for over 25 years. Last year he celebrated this partnership at an exclusive event at the Design Museum.

In 1978 Robin started working for the Queensberry Hunt partnership as a designer during which he designed the hugely successful Studio bathroom collection for Ideal Standard. He then became a partner in Queensberry Hunt Levien before setting up Studio Levien in 1999.

Robin commented 'It is a great honour to be recognised for my design achievements by Staffordshire University. Staffordshire is the home of ceramics in the UK and the award is largely based on my ceramic designs for Ideal Standard.'

Robin's latest design for Ideal Standard is the Simplicity shower tray: a tray with a contemporary, elegant design made from a unique material that is stronger and lighter than other trays of its kind on the market.

For further information on Studio Levien visit www.studiolevien.com

For further information on ideal Standard call 01482 346461 or visit www.ideal-standard.co.uk

Following his retirement from KBSA Graham Hayden is running a series of training courses that he has developed for the KBB industry in conjunction with the NTG (National Training Group). These courses are now approved by the NTG and qualify for grants for any business that is registered and pays the training levy to the CITB.

The courses have been developed to be particularly useful to designers, sales representatives, proprietors and any members of staff that wish to understand the principles of sales and customer care. Two successful courses have already been run with 27 KBB delegates attending the one day sales courses at Indesit and Miele.

The next one day Customer Care and Liaison course will be held at Whirlpool Croydon on Wednesday 1st November 2006, The cost per delegate is £195 with a discount for KBSA and NTG members of £45.

The course covers the basic sales process, negotiation, buying signals, closing techniques, body language and the ‘Wow’ factor.

Delegates wishing to reserve a place on this course should contact Graham Hayden direct at Higrahamhayden@aol.com or tel/fax 0208 462 0181 or mobile 07889 692164 to receive full details of the course content.

Further courses are planned later this year and will be detailed on the KBSA website.

A Gorenje fridge freezer, hailed as 'the most glamorous appliance in the world', and decorated with Swarovski crystals is to share the limelight with media style gurus Colin and Justin in a TV charity auction in Glasgow next week.

The Slovenian manufacturer has donated one of its exotic limited edition Eye-catcher fridge freezers to be put under the hammer to raise money for a youth project on an underprivileged Glasgow housing estate.

Studded with 7,000 Swarovski crystals, the donated Gorenje Eye-catcher is one of only five that Gorenje has produced for charity auctions around the world. A commercial version in black and silver was launched in May.

The appliance will be the star lot at Glasgow's stylish arts centre, Oran Mor, on Tuesday, September 12th, to be televised as Channel Five's Colin and Justin on the Estate charity auction.

At a similar auction in Moscow in May, another Gorenje Eye-catcher attracted fierce bidding and was finally knocked down for a cool $110,000 making it the world's most expensive fridge freezer.

The funds raised at that auction were donated to the pan-Russian movement called The Circle of the Sun, engaged in providing aid to homeless children.

The Gorenje Eye-catcher has enjoyed extensive national press coverage, including a TV appearance with Paul O'Grady. It has also attracted a great deal of attention here and abroad since going on display in Harrods earlier this year.

The money from the Glasgow auction will go towards creating youth facilities on Arden, a 1950s ex-council estate which currently has no community café or youth group and has seen youth crime, vandalism, drug and alcohol abuse and general anti-social behaviour spiral out of control.

TV personalities, Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan, still live in their native Glasgow and are fervent supporters of local community projects. They shot to fame with the Million Pound Property Experiment on BBC2 and have since presented a number of shows, written two books and run several charity events.

Sasa Kosec, Gorenje's UK Marketing Manager, says: ‘Working for a company aiming to become the world's most innovative design-led appliances, I have always enjoyed Colin and Justiin's programmes on interior design.

‘When we heard about the charity auction we were keen to get involved and donating an Eyecatcher seemed the perfect solution. I will certainly be there in Glasgow on the day to se the auction for myself.

‘I hope that a lot of money will be raised for a good cause. The donation is part of our strategy to support worthy causes and put something back into the community.’

Other lots at the auction include VIP invites to Universal Film Premieres, Golf at Loch Lomond with training from international pro Stephen McAllister, a beauty weekend, a days sailing on Simon le Bon's former yacht Drum, a weekend in a remote Scottish hideaway with chauffeur-driven Rolls, a Star Wars light sabre signed by Ewan McGregor, a studio recording package and a day's training with the Royal Marines.

Based on the limited edition Eye-catcher with 7,000 crystals, the Commercial line in black with 3,500 crystals in two rows is available for consumers who long for something special and prestigious, and especially for Swarovski fans.

These appliances, which retail for £1,400, introduce a new elegance to the white goods market and, along with the Gorenje Pininfarina range, which was recently introduced to the UK market, represent Gorenje's most prestigious collection.

Gorenje's visionary approach has engendered a philosophy of the beauty of the home, where household appliances play a central role as beautifully designed and unique elements in contemporarily homes.

The Gorenje fridge-freezers, decorated with high quality Swarovski, represent a new generation of cooling appliances, featuring a myriad of advanced functions.

Tel: 0208 247 3980
Web: http://www.gorenje.co.uk

Whilst everyone in the trade may know of FIRA, not everyone understands the full extent of the organisation’s activities. So, FIRA is holding a free Open Day on Tuesday 3rd October 2006 at its Stevenage headquarters where visitors can explore, ask questions, tour the renowned test facilities and listen first hand to FIRA’s extensive offering.

This Open Day which will be held from 10.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m. includes a number of informative presentations from FIRA experts, followed by a chance to tour the FIRA testing facilities. Whatever service might be of interest, at whatever level, this is an ideal opportunity to speak to an expert and visit FIRA.

To book a place or for further information, please contact Marketing on 01438 777700 or events@fira.co.uk

Scots manufacturing company Rearo Laminates has been lending a helping hand to the glamorous worlds of art and showbusiness.

Products made by the company with its headquarters in Govan, Glasgow, are currently being used to brighten up a set of the latest production of Rebus currently being filmed in Scotland.

The new series - made by SMG Productions and starring Ken Stott - is due to be on ITV this autumn and will later be seen in more than 60 countries around the world.

Viewers with an eye for interior design will catch a glimpse of Rearo's latest range of Sibu - a decorative surface material available in metal and wood finishes - which is being used in a scene involving the famous detective.

But as Rearo managing director Graham Mercer explains, it's not the first time his company has been asked to help out a TV production.

He said: ‘Recently our branch in south west England was asked to supply panels to make realistic toilet cubicles for an episode of Casualty. I can only suppose they came to us because we had previously supplied wall lining systems for Bristol Royal Infirmary.

‘I'm a great fan of Rebus so we were delighted to help in a small way with the production.’
Graham added: ‘Earlier this summer we provided material for a display at the Tate Modern in London - one of the most popular art galleries in Europe.’

Sue Morrison, Production Buyer for Rebus said: ‘We went to Rearo Laminates for some good quality surfacing for the walls and doors of one of our Glasgow sets. The director was delighted with the results.’

Tel: 0141 440 0800
Email: sales@rearo.co.uk
Web: http://www.rearo.co.uk

With concerns are growing about the increasing consumption of bottled water, Pegler's Mike Dickinson examines the issue and makes the case for filtered tap water.

Go into any supermarket today and you will be faced with a bewildering range of fizzy drinks and bottled waters with a variety of different brands and a whole host of different labels, from 'mineral water' to 'spring water'. Most of us think we are doing a good thing by choosing bottled water for our health.

Yet buying bottled water regularly can be expensive and transporting bottles from supermarket to home can be a hassle, especially if we're consuming the recommended eight glasses a day. There is an easier and more cost-effective option in the form of tap water.

Tap water in the UK is perfectly safe, however it may not always look, taste or smell how we'd like it to. It can contain substances such as chlorine, lead and copper which can affect the taste and smell and lime scale which can create a film on the top of hot drinks and a chalky build-up inside kettles. Filtering the water can remove some of these impurities and make tap water more palatable, thereby encouraging people to drink more of it.

When all of us have a ready supply of water, literally on tap in our homes that we can access any time, it does beg the question why more of us still do not take full advantage of it. Figures show that ordinary tap water met stringent quality standards in 99.96% of cases*, and is perfectly safe to drink but some impurities still remain, affecting the taste, smell and appearance.

Any issues on the grounds of taste and beverage quality can be resolved by using a filter, so the perfect product would be a modern tap combined with a water filter. Brita is a company at the forefront of developing water filter technology and its consumer insight has made the company a brand leader in water filtration. Pegler has been manufacturing plumbing products for over a century and enjoys a reputation for quality throughout the world.

Recent research* suggested that although 1 in 5 UK households own a jug water filter, there is an unexploited market for consumers who would like the ultimate convenience of filtered water at the turn of a tap. The ideal next step was to make filtered water straight from the tap a reality. To enable this, Brita joined forces with tap manufacturer Francis Pegler, British experts since 1899, to develop the Brita Water Filter Tap crafted by Francis Pegler.

This new system supplies filtered water straight from the tap. Each Pegler tap is fitted with a Cartridge Lifetime indicator, which uses a simple traffic light system to show cartridge status at a glance. A light at the base of the tap shows green when the cartridge is fully functioning, amber when due to be exchanged and red when the cartridge is exhausted. The cartridge is fully recyclable.

When cost and convenience are taken into consideration, filtered tap water stands out as the clear winner. With bottled water costing 4p a litre on average, plus the cost and inconvenience of transporting bottles back home, the Francis Pegler Brita Tap is likely to prove a popular product.

Bottled water increases consumer choice but only a filter tap can provide the water you wish to drink directly in your home The only question is how soon will consumers make the change?

*Statistics taken from Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) report.
* Research undertaken by Brita.

Why is the first sign of a heatwave in this country always empty shelves in the bottled water section of the supermarket? Why are people still lugging heavy, high-priced bottled water home from the supermarket when, for a fraction of the cost, they can have filtered water on tap in their own kitchens.

This year we had the first Heat-Health warning at the start of the warmest June for thirty years and went on to have the hottest July temperatures since records began.

The normal recommended daily water intake for adults is two litres, with 20% contained in food and 80% consumed as liquid, including tea, coffee, alcohol and soft drinks.

Government advice for a heatwave is to substantially increase our water intake and significantly reduce the consumption of tea, coffee, alcohol and soft drinks as these dehydrate the body.

The average price of a litre of bottled water is 80p. If a two-adult family drinks only two litres of bottled water a day between them, it is already costing £11.20 a week. If they increase their consumption by only one additional litre during the hot weather, the cost goes up to £16.80. Add two children to this family, drinking a daily litre of water between them, brings this total to 28 litres, and the cost rockets to £22.40 a week. What's more, the weight of 28 litres of water is 28 kilos which all has to be lifted off shelves, into cars and brought home from the supermarket!

Water from a simple plumbed-in filter on the side of your kitchen sink, on the other hand, costs only 1p a litre to produce and is on tap whenever you need it. A plumbed-in filter can be installed for around £200, the basic filter is maintenance free and the annual cost of filter cartridge changes is around £50 a year.

'Since the temperatures rose in June we have been constantly warned that this summer's heatwave is not just a one-off,' says Harvey Bowden (pictured)of Harvey Water Softeners and Filters, a member of UKWTA (UK Water Treatment Association). 'Like it or not, we are going to adapt to much higher summer temperatures than we've been used to. Investing in a water filter now could save you many hundreds of pounds over the years and all the inconvenience and backache of struggling home with bottled water.'

Due to the success of its free Fagor pan promotion during the Summer De Dietrich is extending the offer until 31st December 2006.

This now means that with any purchase of a touch control induction hob from the 2006 range, the purchaser can not only claim the free 16 piece saucepan set, but also be eligible for the De Dietrich free 5 year parts guarantee, which is available on all products in the range until 31st December 2006.

The free pans include four different sized saucepans (14cm, 16cm, 18cm and 20cm) plus frying pan and feature lids with liquid strainers. Removable handles make it convenient to place a pan in the oven, without the need for transferring food into another dish. Each has a separate plastic lid, for when you want to store cooked food in the fridge, and the pans stack easily; saving space in the kitchen.

De Dietrich is the market leader in induction and is the pioneer of this technology. Induction hobs are economical, energy saving, super quick, totally controllable and extremely easy to clean. De Dietrich touch control induction hobs come with 7 safety features including anti-overflow, anti-overheat, child lock, residual heat indicator, automatic stop, automatic pan detection and small object detection.

To obtain the free pans and 5 Year Guarantee claim forms or to find out more about De Dietrich induction hobs, please call your De Dietrich Area Sales Manager.

De Dietrich Sales (Trade) 01256 308 067
Email: sales@fagorbrandt.com
Web: http://www.dedietrich.co.uk

Electrolux is an Official Partner of The 2007 Solheim Cup, the most prestigious event in ladies golf. The household appliances specialist has also signed a two year contract with Helen Alfredsson, captain of the European Solheim Cup Team. With this sponsorship, the Electrolux Group is taking a leading role in a global and prestigious sporting event.

The Solheim Cup is a bi-annual women’s golf event featuring the top European players from the Ladies European Tour (LET) and the top U.S. players from the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) competing in a format similar to the Ryder Cup.

Peter Sjölander, Global Electrolux Brand Director and SVP Marketing Europe, believes that Electrolux and golf fit naturally together:
'Golf is a great social sport, which supports our values and which encompasses the importance of spending quality time with friends and family, whether it is at home or on the golf course.'

The 2007 Solheim Cup will take place from 14th-16th September at the Halmstad Golfklubb, Sweden. In 2005, the Solheim Cup was played at Crooked Stick Golf Club, Indiana, in the United States and won by the American team. The 2007 Cup will be the 10th Event with the USA Ladies currently leading Europe 6:3 in victories.

Helen Alfredsson was born in Gothenburg, Sweden, and started playing golf when she was 11. She turned pro in 1989 and enjoys a successful golf career, including the major titles of British Open and Dinah Shore plus an additional 20 victories. Helen has been a member of the European Solheim Cup team seven times.

Seven public complaints objecting to a national press ad for BSH Home Appliances Ltd t/a Bosch, Wolverton, Milton Keynes were not upheld according to information published by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

A national press ad, for fridge freezers, stated 'If the thought of ever doing this again makes you shiver... Bosch frost-free fridge freezers.' The ad featured a picture of a basin filled with ice in front of an open freezer door. On the floor, beside the basin, was a hairdryer.

Issue
Six readers complained that showing an electrical appliance next to water was irresponsible.

Response
BSH Home Appliances Ltd t/a Bosch said the ad was part of a campaign that used everyday problem scenarios that could be solved by using Bosch products. They explained that the ad illustrated the problem of defrosting a freezer and then presented a negative solution, defrosting a freezer with a hairdryer, and a positive solution, investing in a Bosch frost-free fridge freezer. They explained that the slogan 'If the thought of this makes you shiver...' was supposed to convey the notion that using an electrical appliance near water was dangerous and unnecessary. Bosch argued that they prepared their marketing communications not only with a sense of responsibility to consumers and society, but also to maintain their brand reputation and integrity.

Assessment
Complaints not upheld
The ASA noted Bosch's comments and considered that most readers would understand that the ad was underlining the benefits of a frost-free fridge freezer, rather than recommending the use of an electrical appliance to defrost a freezer. We considered that the style and presentation of the ad was unlikely to encourage people to emulate the activity and that it therefore was unlikely to be seen by most readers as irresponsible or condoning unsafe practices. We did not object.
We investigated the ad under CAP Code clauses 2.2 (Responsibility) and 10.1 (Safety) but did not find it in breach.

Action
No further action necessary.

Image Showers says that being a good retailer isn't the easiest of jobs and it is impossible to be knowledgeable about all the products available from all bathroom manufacturers. Customers don't make it easy either. There is always one client every day that wants something different from the norm, something that you are unsure whether you can actually obtain.

‘If it is a shower enclosure, bath screen, walk in shower screen or wet room screen you need look no further than Image Showers,’ says the company.

Image Showers designs and manufactures all its own range of showering products, but the company also specialises in providing bespoke solutions for clients who require their showers to be a little bit different.

‘Image Showers has unique skills and ingenious design capabilities to make whatever is required - perhaps the thickness of the glass is a consideration, a special size or shape - maybe the corner needs to accommodate a sloping ceiling. The glass can be clear or opaque and decorative patterns and logos can be individually etched to suit interior design or corporate imagery. Easy clean glass can be specified too, which is surely a must for anyone who has to clean the shower. Image has ideas and solutions for all requirements.’

Of course with wet rooms becoming very popular, the showering area can now be as big as the room itself. There is no longer the problem of 'I can't get a shower tray or enclosure big enough'; whatever space you have can be the showering area. If there are other items in the room such as a w.c. or a basin, a screen may be required to prevent splashing. Image can make the screens any size to suit the room perfectly.

It's not just glass technology though, Image Showers manufactures special profiles for fitting to the floor and the fixing technology is important both visually and technically and essentially all the showers are easy to install.

Bespoke products take just 4 weeks from receipt of order. All products benefit from a lifetime guarantee and the prices are very affordable for a made to measure enclosure.

Tel: 00 353 56 23374

In collaboration with the company’s professional colleagues at the Bank of Scotland Homag U.K. has announced the launch of a comprehensive and wide ranging finance initiative under the banner of Homag Finance.

Finance is the lifeblood of any company, no matter what size.

In an industry where investment in capital equipment is fundamental to success and to secure the future growth of the company, finance and access to finance becomes even more important.

Sealing the Homag Finance agreement at Homag UK headquarters (from left): Brian Cartwright - Bank of Scotland, Paul Cooper - MD, Homag UK, Alan Sibley - BoS, Phil Snewin - BoS.

Companies have a wide variety of needs when it comes to acquiring finance: A start up company looking to invest in essential equipment will usually need finance. A medium sized firm tendering to secure a future-making contract may have to bring in expensive machinery at short notice.

Often there is the dilemma of moving up to the next level with a second machine - will there be enough work to justify the investment? (More often than not in cases like these the new machine proves to be the stimulus for attracting new work and opening new opportunities). Financing capital equipment investment is a practical way of protecting company cash flow. Other considerations involve insuring against damage, breakdown and lost production. There are multiple reasons for using finance as a central business tool.

‘Homag Finance is designed to help you, our customers, at all levels and in every dimension. We already have a number of customers who have benefited in a variety of ways.

For example:
A major office furniture manufacturer recently ordered 2 CNC machines, an edgebander and a beam saw to increase production and immediately opted for the damage & breakdown package.

A contract furnishing company ordered a CNC stationary processor and opted for the 3 months deferred payment.

A leading shopfitter installed a state-of-the-art CNC machining centre and took up the Homag Finance offer of 3 years interest free credit.’

Homag Finance can offer:
* A quick response
* Hire Purchase Finance lease & Contract Hire products available
* Payment holidays
* Low or no deposit schemes
* Damage & breakdown insurance
* Interest-free credit on a wide range of selected machines.

‘On our stand at W6 we look forward to discussing this important new opportunity with you and explaining the wide ranging advantages.’

Tel: 01332 856500
Email: info@homag-uk.co.uk
Web: http://www.homag-uk.co.uk

Mercedes-Benz CharterWay Guarantees Price on International Van of the Year

Mercedes-Benz CharterWay, the international commercial vehicle, financial services, contract hire and fleet management arm of DaimlerChrysler, is offering businesses the Mercedes-Benz Vito Van from only £48.99 per week.

This offer is based on a Mercedes-Benz CharterWay Contract Purchase scheme, which reduces customers' weekly payments by agreeing a lump sum at the end of the term after calculating the future value of the vehicle. At the end of the agreement the customer then has four options:

* To pay off the final lump sum and keep the vehicle. This allows the customer to resell the vehicle for a profit if the current value is higher than the guaranteed future value that is determined at the start of the contract
* To extend the agreement by spreading the balloon payment over an agreed period
* Return the vehicle, freeing the customer from any further obligations apart from an excess mileage charge and damage charges over and above fair wear and tear
* Or, in some cases it may also be possible to trade in the vehicle for a new model
Mercedes-Benz CharterWay offers complete transport solutions in both ownership and leasing, regardless of the organisation's size, sector or operational requirements.

The Vito deal presents customers Mercedes-Benz build quality, lower running costs and through extended service intervals, overheads are kept to a minimum and vehicles are kept on the road longer. The vehicle also comes with a three-year/125,000 mile warranty, whatever comes first, and a residual value that is the highest in its class.

The Vito is the 'baby' of the Mercedes commercial vehicle range and was awarded the International Van of the Year for 2005. Stylish, comfortable and car-like to drive, the Vito comes with electric windows, remote central locking with 'comfort' closing and a radio-CD player as standard. Safety features include the remarkable ESP® anti-skid programme and ABS anti-lock braking.

The fleet manager is able to specify a range of options to ensure the van meets the business' every need with 55 variants available including three body lengths, two roof heights and four powerful engines which are also designed to achieve maximum fuel efficiency.

This Vito offer is available until September 31st to be delivered by October 31st. For more information visit http://www.mbvans.co.uk, phone 0870 240 3135 or contact your local Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Following a recent survey highlighting that consumers do not wash their duvets enough to rid them of bed bugs, dust mites and bacteria, Servis UK has named September 'National Wash Your Duvet Month'. The consumer campaign has been designed to educate consumers on the importance of washing duvets and how it is now possible to do so at home.

According to the survey, 32% of consumers do not wash duvets as they do not know how to do so and 35% say it is because they cannot fit them in the washing machine. Activity during 'Wash Your Duvet Month' will demonstrate to consumers the hygiene benefits of washing duvets regularly and highlight that it no longer involves timely and costly trips to the laundrette.

Charlie Jones, commercial director explains; ‘Thanks to washing machines with larger 7kg and 8kg load capacities, consumers can now wash their duvets in the comfort of their own home. The aim of this campaign is to highlight the importance of washing duvets and how easy it is to do, and therefore driving well-informed consumers in-store.’

Tel: 0121 568 8333
Web: http://www.servisuk.co.uk