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Christophe Gontier Resigns as Managing Director of FagorBrandt UK

After 17 years in the white goods industry, and as one of the most popular, colourful and longest serving executives in his field, Christophe Gontier, managing director of FagorBrandt UK has left the company following his resignation.

Mr Gontier joined De Dietrich Ltd. in 1988 and was integral to the growth of the brand in the UK, which was already a household name in France. During his time at the helm, the De Dietrich brand has become a pioneering force in the UK premium appliance field; the first to launch pyrolytic ovens and induction hobs to market with an array of other technologically advanced appliances. Under the umbrella of Spanish owners, Fagor, the business is thriving, and given its current success Mr Gontier felt it was the right time to move on.

Christophe Gontier says:
'I always wanted to leave on a high, and now is a very good time. With Fagor as our owners and the fantastic and positive input they have made to our UK business, I know I am able to change the direction of my career with a good feeling about the company I leave.

'I have greatly enjoyed my time in the white goods industry, and over the years I have made many good friends; not just associates. When the business was going through tougher periods, I felt it would not be the right time to move on as I wanted to protect the brands and be there for our customers. However, I now feel the time is perfect for me to face new challenges. FagorBrandt UK has a sound financial structure in place, an excellent pricing mechanism and a really strong team to take the message to our valuable customers.

'I am pleased to say that over the past two years, the growth of the business has put us in a very good position - the brands are strong; the people are really dynamic and the products are second to none!

'I greatly look forward to the future, as I am able to leave the business in the confidence that it will continue to grow. I will always be grateful for my time with the company and look forward to its continued success.'

In the meantime, the UK business will be overseen by David Cohen-Skalli, managing director of FagorBrandt International Operations, until a successor is announced.

PAB Named in Fastest Growing UK Companies of 2006

Warrington-based white goods firm, Premium Appliance Brands, has had its achievements recognised on a national level, after being named in this year's Sunday Times Fast Track 100 league table, which was published on 3rd December. The business was also shortlisted for the title of Young Company of the Year at the prestigious Growing Business Awards, which took place in London last week.

Established in December 2002, PAB has developed a number of new white goods brands and designs and sources unique product ranges from Europe and the Far East to sell to major distributors and retailers throughout the UK. The company's success is mirrored in its rapid expansion. In just three years, PAB has grown to 31 staff and has doubled its turnover every year since its inception. It aims to establish itself as one of the UK's leading appliance suppliers and maintain its growth through investment in new product lines and by continuing to add value through innovative design.

Guy Weaver, Managing Director of Premium Appliance Brands Limited, comments, ‘2006 has been a phenomenal year for the company. We have launched a fantastic new range of white goods under the White-Westinghouse brand, which were recognised on a worldwide level because of their quality of design and manufacturing. We have increased our turnover, staff numbers and product portfolio and we are delighted that a company from the electrical industry has received national recognition.

‘We feel extremely proud to have been named in the Fast Track 100 league table as one of the 100 fastest growing companies in the UK and we are certain that we can continue this success in 2007 with more new product lines, continued support of British design and further innovation.’

Bathroom Academy Reaches Milestone

The BMA's Bathroom Academy reached a milestone this week with the award of the 100th certificate to a well deserving student for successfully completing a Core Merit.

Helen Williams, showroom manager of Bristol-based BBS Plumbing and Heating Supplies, now has two Core Merit certificates for completing two of the Academy's Generic Industry Guides: one for baths and one for sanitaryware and fittings.

‘I've found the material provided by the Bathroom Academy very useful indeed. Although I've been in the Industry for 10 years I still like to learn and enhance my knowledge. As a result of studying the Core Merits I can confidently and successfully advise customers and colleagues,’ says Helen.

Helen is enjoying studying the Guides so much that she has decided to complete all six Core Merits, after which she will gain access to the 'members only' Bathroom Academy and become eligible for comprehensive information on new products that is vital for remaining abreast of trends and changes, assistance with Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and networking opportunities.

BMA Chief Executive Yvonne Orgill says: ‘We're very proud of Helen and delighted to award her our 100th certificate. The Generic Industry Guides are proving extremely popular with more than 47,000 downloaded from our website http://www.bathroom-association.org/training so far this year.
We're extremely pleased with the response and our plans are well advanced for three new Guides early next year.'

The current seven Guides feature detailed information on Bathroom Furniture, Brassware, Shower Enclosures, Shower Trays, Shower Controls, Sanitaryware & Fittings, and Baths. Written by experts and offering a consistent voice using common language and sharing good practice, they follow the same five elements: right choice of product; generic industry design; generic industry installation; FAQ, and, Industry terminology. They provide essential product knowledge to installers, merchants, and retailers and are intended to supplement other studies and enable stakeholders to 'get it right first time'.

Bathroom Academy Training Manager Phil Lumley (pictured) comments: ‘The BMA's Core Merit programme is the ideal way for people performing any function within the Bathroom Industry to learn at their own pace in their own time at a very affordable cost.'

The BMA has found that stakeholders who choose to successfully complete the six Core Merits and sit the multiple choice questions reap huge rewards. Their product knowledge rivals the most seasoned stakeholder and they have more confidence, are professional and successful.

Helen adds: ‘I would certainly recommend the Bathroom Academy's Guides and Core Merits to all Industry stakeholders. They certainly add value to professional performance and they're great fun to do!’

To learn more about the Bathroom Academy call Phil Lumley on 01782 747 123 or email phil.lumley@bathroom-association.org.uk

The BMA Bathroom Academy - Committed to Excellence

Web: http://www.bathroom-association.org

Darling Challenges Industry to Use Design to Increase UK Competitiveness

In a speech to the Design Council's Competitiveness Summit yesterday the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Alistair Darling, challenges business to use design to increase UK competitiveness against the rise of low-wage, rapidly expanding developing economies.

Research by the Design Council shows that over a ten-year period, UK quoted companies identified as effective users of design out-performed the FTSE 100 by 200 per cent. But too many UK companies spend nothing on design, which shows that design-led planning is not part of mainstream business thinking.

Alistair Darling said:
'Design is often key to transforming our world-class science into the products and services that the world wants to buy. With increasing global competition, creativity can determine success, particularly in the manufacturing industry which faces the fiercest competition from low-wage economies.

'Design is good for the bottom line but with only a fraction of UK businesses investing in design, they are missing a huge opportunity. Through Designing Demand and the extension of R&D tax credits, Government is putting in place help for business to use design to innovate. Business needs to see design investment as being as crucial to their success as R&D and skills.'

Designing Demand is the design support programme for UK business, helping companies to become more competitive, increase profits and boost performance through access to strategic and effective use of design.
Targeted at SMEs, the programme supports the use of design as a key driver of business growth. Developed, tested and piloted by the Design Council, a full national programme of delivery is supported by RDAs.

Sir George Cox, Chairman of the Design Council, commented:
'Our universities and design schools are filled with international students eager to take their new skills home to plan products and businesses for the future. UK business needs to respond by inspiring a desire and ambition for continued business expansion through design and innovation. We need the UK to make much greater use of such skills.'

David Kester, Chief Executive of the Design Council, commented:
'Britain faces a massive threat from rapidly developing economies. Countries such as India and China recognise that design helps business to diversify into high value economic activity, and they are encouraging creativity.

'Britain has to become more impatient to deliver progress, as we are not reacting quickly enough to the challenge. The Design Council is continuing to work with business and the public sector to embrace design, but there is a long way to go before its potential significantly to contribute to economic competitiveness is fully exploited. Britain has great creative capabilities, but it's currently sitting on an under-utilised asset. We need to act now, before it is too late.'

Web: http://www.designcouncil.org.uk

Healthy, Home-Cooked Meals-to-Go Concept Wins Design Lab Competition

Obesity is one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. Could newly designed household appliances contribute to a healthier life style in the future? This was the challenge Electrolux put to young design students who were asked to come up with solutions for healthy eating habits for 2016 in the fourth edition of the Electrolux Design Lab.

Electrolux, this month, presented its fourth Design Laboratory Award to Metin Kaplan, 21, from Istanbul Technical University, for his innovative concept called Nevale.

Hundreds of design students from across the world had entered this year's competition. They were challenged to seek food preservation and preparation solutions promoting healthy eating habits for the consumer ten years out.

Nevale was given the first prize for its ability to provide consumers with hot or cold homemade meals for take-away at any time of day. Metin Kaplan capitalised on the idea that people would take healthy meals with them if they could find a way to keep warm food warm and cold food cold.

He created a mobile food carrier that keeps food at the desired temperature until it's time to be eaten. This, figured Kaplan, would promote healthy eating and reduce the need for fast-food restaurants.

Second Prize was awarded to Organic Cook designed by Brian Chuan Chai Law (National University of Singapore, Singapore). This oil free cooking, grilling and boiling concept uses infrared and vacuum technology to bring healthy meals to the table in a fraction of the time traditional cooking would require.

Third Prize went to Altamirano Segovia (Universidad La Salle, Mexico) for his portable cook-top VESSTO. VESSTO, an anagram for ‘Stirling (ST) Stove’, is a cooker which combines physical flexibility and use of renewable energy as a power source.

The top three were picked from nine finalists-three from Europe, three from Asia Pacific, and three from the Americas- who all submitted smart, innovative, and thoughtfully designed solutions for healthy eating.

Other finalists included:
Fit Snack Joy by Yirong Yang, a Chinese design student
Hot Pod by German student Christian Jung
HydroSphere by London Royal College of Art student Kleber Puchaski
Nutry Print by Brazilian student Clayton Tolomiotti Rezende
SpiceHood by US student Jonathan Assaraf
Vege by Teeravit Hanharutaivan, a design student from Thailand

More details on the current as well as past editions of Design Lab can be found at http://www.electrolux.com/designlab.

Gorenje Pininfarina Line Receives the Manufacturer's Award 2006

The jury of the English edition of The Designer magazine has awarded the Gorenje Pininfarina range the Manufacturer's Award for 2006. This is the third prize won by this product line in just over a year on the market. The Manufacturer's Award contest is organised by The Designer magazine, one of the most influential magazines for design professionals. Among the 200 products competing this year, Gorenje Pininfarina appliances received the award after entering the final round of the competition.

Bill Miller, Gorenje UK Sales Director, said: ‘After being rewarded with several international awards for the Gorenje Pininfarina range we are proud that also the UK market has recognised Gorenje's efforts in the field of innovation, design and high quality. Receiving an award from The Designer jury, the leading magazine for design professionals, confirms that when our customers buy a Gorenje appliance they can be assured that they have purchased a high quality, reliable, environmentally friendly, innovative and stylish product. The Gorenje Pininfarina collection has proved to be a big hit with UK kitchen designers, high-end developers and discerning consumers. The range was admired by visitors to the 100% Design exhibition earlier this year and the fridge freezer is now also available from Harrods.

'Customers are very impressed by the distinctive design, innovative features, technologically perfect, precision-built and extremely environmentally friendly appliances that are not only a joy to cook with, but are also a work of art.’

Earlier this year, Gorenje won a Product of the Year Award for its Pininfarina range. The ubiquitous second generation Gorenje Pininfarina range also scooped first place in the Get Connected Product of the Year Award 2006, in the category for Major Domestic Appliances, voted on by the industry. (http://www.gcmagazine.co.uk).

The Gorenje Pininfarina range has a minimalist design of frontal surfaces in longitudinally brushed aluminium and glossy black glass with alternating appearance and transparency, advanced touch-screen control systems, and the highest energy class - A, or better. The company says that by combining state-of-the-art design and advanced technology, the designers of this household appliance range from Gorenje and Pininfarina have not created just a vogue to expire after a few seasons, but a design that lasts; an award winner of the present and the future.

The Gorenje Pininfarina fridge-freezer was recently awarded the international design prize Icsid Excellence Design Award 2006 and the internationally acclaimed Plus x Award 2006. From the aspect of design, the range is distinguished both by the discernible approach and the materials employed; this is coupled with innovative technological solutions that have characterised all new Gorenje's appliances for several years.

Web: http://www.gorenje.com

KBSA London Meeting is a Success

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association held a successful regional meeting at the Building Centre in London for Region 6, (London and the Home Counties). Corporate members Cesana, leading Italian shower manufacturer and PJH, the UK’s largest kitchen and bathroom distributor, hosted the event.

Around thirty retail and corporate members attended the event which was introduced by KBSA operations director Lucinda Kenny.

Lucinda updated members on the introduction of the new ConsumerCare Plus insurance and Renee Mascari, CEO of the KBB NTG also introduced the recently launched NTG training calendar, which is available on line at www.kbbntg.com

David Bentham spoke on behalf of Cesana, he gave an overview of the brand and the product portfolio, illustrated the strength of the Cesana brand in Italy and outlined the benefits to KBSA members of selling the brand in the UK.

Steve Johnstone, sales director of PJH group presented an introduction to the group. This included details of the group’s strengths and what they could offer retailers in order to add value to their businesses.

After the presentation guests were able to view the Cesana display at the Building Centre.

'It was a pleasure to welcome so many members to this important regional meeting,' said Lucinda.'Our regional meetings are an important part of our communications calendar and give members a valuable opportunity to discuss KBSA issues in an open forum.

'I am particularly pleased that members at this meeting were able to share their experiences of introducing ConsumerCare Plus and feedback particular problems so that we can deal with them during this transition period.'.

Gorenje UK Sales Up more than 50%

European kitchen appliance giant Gorenje has announced that year-on-year UK sales under the Gorenje brand for the first ten months of 2006 have increased by more than 50%, making the company one of the UK's fastest growing major brands, largely due to the successful launch of the 5-year parts and labour guarantee in March, and new distributors and retailers coming on board.

The Gorenje Group's total business performance in the first nine months of 2006 was also good, in particular in the light of extremely tough conditions in supply and sales markets; revenues in the first nine months of the year stood at EUR 770.8m, up 4.2% on last year. Future projections envisage steady growth in revenue (10% annually) and in profit (3.4% annually) so that by 2010 the group would generate revenues in excess of EUR 1.5bn, making Gorenje one of the five biggest household appliance producers in Europe.

Now rolling out its extensive new built-in and freestanding range, Gorenje UK attributes its success to the acquisition of new accounts across the UK and Ireland, bringing the total number of retail outlets stocking the brand at over 1,000.

Gorenje UK says that it is bucking the national trend of disappointing retail sales and most markets in which the company operates are still in recession, with tough competition from the East. According to analysts, the demanding market conditions are set to continue if not worsen in the second half of the year, while commodity prices are expected to rise even further. Another major factor affecting business performance in 2006 is the implementation of the directive on the recycling of electronic and electrical waste.

Last month Gorenje opened a new refrigerator and freezer plant in Valjevo, Serbia, which was built in just 7 months. The total investment is valued at 20 million Euros. Gorenje has employed 330 people to run and operate the plant, and expects production to reach 55,000 units before Christmas and 400,000 next year, with the targeted annual production capacity of 1 million appliances by 2010. In addition to the factory and the warehouse, the 27,500 m2 premises also include a 850 m2 modern showroom and sales centre, called Studio Gorenje.

Gorenje's strategic plan until 2010 provides for the production capacities in Slovenia, its home nation and HQ location, to remain at the current levels with growth to be generated abroad. The first step towards the internationalisation of appliance production was the takeover of Czech cooker manufacturer Mora Moravia in 2004. By the end of the year Gorenje will have manufactured approximately 3.7 million household appliances in total and generated over EUR 1.1 billion sales revenue.

The Management Board of Gorenje is determined that by a high level of business activity, innovative products, sophisticated design and cost control, the company should continue to grow and prosper, and despite unfavourable economic conditions, achieve its ambitious objectives in 2006.

In Gorenje's traditional markets the highest growth of sales volumes was recorded in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and the Ukraine. In Germany, sales under the Gorenje brand names grew by 25%; similar figures were also posted in France. The company is looking for new markets in the Middle- and Far East, assisted by the representative offices in the United Arab Emirates and in China.

‘We have been working very closely with our independent retailers and regional multiples to deliver high quality, well designed, environmentally friendly appliances,’ says Gorenje UK Sales Director Bill Miller. ‘We have ensured that we are constantly responding to the market and listening to our customers in order to meet their demands, whilst developing even better products.’

‘Combining that with an ongoing programme of retailer training and the new, free 5-year parts and labour guarantee has led to greatly increased interest, particularly from kitchen specialist retailers.’ Launched in March, the guarantee package demonstrates Gorenje's commitment to product quality and retailer and consumer support. ‘The stylish Pininfarina range and expanded built-in range can only help to build on that as well,’ adds Bill.

A heritage brand for over 55-years in large parts of Europe, Gorenje was introduced to the UK in 2002, with a small range of high quality products. Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength.

Teaming up with key designers has led Gorenje to win a number of prestigious design and innovation awards, not least the international Red Dot award last year, which has previously been awarded to Apple and Pininfarina. This year, the company has been ranked third in Europe's top environmentally friendly companies; its use of natural resources being 4-times more efficient than the manufacturer average in the old EU15 member states.

Bill Miller says, ‘We are now stepping up our sales drive in the UK and this year is a very exciting phase of Gorenje's growth and development in the UK and Ireland.’

For more information on Gorenje, call 0208 247 3980 or visit http://www.gorenje.co.uk

Jacuzzi Annual Income Up to $80.9m, and Debt Reduced

Jacuzzi Brands, Inc has announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended September 30th, 2006. Net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 rose 7% to $313.5m from $293.3m for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. Operating income increased to $27.3m from $17.1m over the same period one year ago.

Operating margin improved to 8.7% of net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 from 5.8% of net sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. The improvement in operating margin was due to cost reduction efforts in the Bath segment, reduced corporate expenses and higher sales prices that helped offset increased raw material costs.

Earnings from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 rose to $25.6 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, from $4.9 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company reversed $14.0 million ($0.18 per diluted share) of reserves against tax refunds due from the federal government of Italy. The Company also recorded interest income of $2.6 million related to these tax refunds. Earnings from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 included a $1.1 million adjustment to decrease the gain associated with the disposition of Rexair, which occurred in the third quarter of fiscal 2005, versus no such adjustment in the corresponding period of 2006.

Net income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 improved to $29.5 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, from net income of $2.3 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. Net income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 included a gain from the disposal of discontinued operations of $3.5 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, largely related to the Company's previously announced sale of its investment in Spear & Jackson. Net income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 included a loss from the disposal of discontinued operations of $2.8 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, primarily related to adjustments associated with the disposal of the Eljer operation, which was sold in the third quarter of fiscal 2005.

Bath Products
Bath Products segment sales declined slightly in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. The Bath Products segment successfully implemented price increases that largely offset higher commodity prices. Improved sales of U.K. sink products in the U.S. and in Europe partially offset weak demand for other bath products in the U.S.

Operating income increased 42.0% to $9.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 from $6.9 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. This improvement was due largely to cost containment initiatives and higher margins on new product introductions.

Pro forma operating income (excluding restructuring and other charges of $2.7 million in the fiscal 2006 fourth quarter and $1.5 million in the fiscal 2005 fourth quarter) increased to $12.5 million, or 6.5% of net sales, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 from $8.4 million, or 4.3% of net sales, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 (see table below for detailed reconciliation.) Pro forma operating margins for the fiscal 2006 fourth quarter increased by 220 basis points from the prior year period.

Restructuring and other charges for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 mainly consisted of $0.6 million of accelerated depreciation (included in cost of goods sold), $1.8 million in cash restructuring charges related to the U.K. bath product line consolidation and reorganisation, and an additional $0.3 million related to the continued downsizing of the U.S. bath product line. Restructuring and other charges for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 of $0.9 million were primarily related to staffing reductions in the U.K. and U.S. bath business, as well as other overhead reductions. Fiscal 2005 fourth quarter results also included $0.6 million of start up costs in China.

Forecast
The Company is currently forecasting earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.75 per share for fiscal 2007. This forecast includes $0.04 per share of income from non-recurring items that primarily relate to the sale of surplus properties. This forecast is a ‘forward-looking statement’, and accordingly is subject to qualifications. The major assumptions for the forecast include the successful execution of business strategies to outperform the residential housing market, which the Company expects to decline but moderate while the renovation market improves; continued growth in domestic commercial and institutional construction activity; successful new product introductions driving sales and profit margins for the Bath segment, which has experienced increasingly difficult trading conditions; successful marketing initiatives and dealer enhancements to increase spa market share, in a significantly declining domestic market, together with increased penetration of European markets; continued conversion of copper plumbing to PEX, consistent with recent industry trends, sufficient to overcome both increased competition and a declining residential construction market; the return to profitability of the U.K. operations following a 2-year trend of increasing losses; product price increases to offset continued overall inflationary cost pressures on commodities including energy; continued reductions of corporate overhead costs; and increased non-cash pension income, primarily due to a higher discount rate.

On October 11th, 2006, the Company announced that a definitive merger agreement had been signed under which affiliates of private equity firm Apollo Management L.P. will purchase Jacuzzi Brands for $12.50 per share. The acquisition is subject to certain closing conditions, including the approval of the Company's shareholders, regulatory approval, and the receipt by Apollo of all necessary debt financing, and is expected to close in the first quarter of calendar 2007.

Which Washer's Best?

Miele's G 1220 SC freestanding dishwasher has achieved the number one ranking out of twenty models tested in the lastest Which? report on dishwashing appliances.

‘The Miele leaves dishes spotless and glasses sparkling on both the normal and eco programs,’ notes Which?, awarding maximum marks for the G 1220 SC's washing efficiency, drying efficiency and smear-free cleaning result on glassware.

This model achieved the number one ranking in the previous two Which? test reports, published in November 2005 and March 2006, ‘and still none of the new models on test has been able to top it’ states the latest report.

Stefan Pichetta, Product Manager at Miele, comments, ‘Which? is seen as the benchmark when it comes to independent testing in the UK. Superb results like those achieved in the new dishwasher report are invaluable as they provide consumers with credible, reliable information which is often used to aid purchase decisions.’

For stockist information call Miele on 01235 554455 or visit http://www.miele.co.uk

Lawcross and Kronospan Perfect Partners!

It's a great start to the year for Lawcris Panel Products as the company celebrates its continued growth and partnership with Kronospan UK.

A current monthly spend of over £1m makes the panel product supplier Kronospan's largest single site customer with growth looking set to continue throughout 2007.

Lawcris credits its success to both a close working relationship with its suppliers and its propensity to keep up with trends and adapt quickly in an ever-changing marketplace.

Managing Director Simon Hall said: ‘Our relationship with Kronospan began 16 years ago when we started to purchase standard grade MDF from the company. Five years ago, we expanded into supplying the company's decorative panel portfolio - Kolorband, and since then have grown the business to offer one of the widest selections of decorative panels on the market.’

‘We work closely with Kronospan's design team to ensure we offer our customers the latest trends and designs. Our in-house design centre means we also host a facility for customers to view our entire panel product portfolio under one roof.’

New for 2007, Lawcris is stocking all of Kronospan's latest decorative panel designs, including a larger selection of natural texture finishes such as Ash Vernasca, Verade Oak, Portifino Cherry and Highland Oak.

Lawcris' Melamine Development Manager, Paul Holstead said: ‘Due to an increase in quality of the printing process real wood replication is becoming harder to detect. This has led to a surge in the popularity of natural texture finishes amongst our customers.’

He adds: ‘Dark woods are also popular and in 2007 we will continue to stock Kronospan's bestsellers such as Walnut Opera and French Walnut.’

As one of the most self-contained panel businesses in the country, Lawcris offers a full service from the distribution of panel products through to the pressing and machining of component parts.

And a huge stock base means the company can offer a delivery turn-around time of 24 hours.

Mr Hall said: ‘Above all else, Lawcris is committed to customer service. We are always communicating with our customers and looking at ways in which we can meet their needs more effectively and efficiently.’

‘Although we are continuing to experience steady growth, we are certainly not complacent. The market place is extremely aggressive at the moment and with margins getting tighter, companies with the greatest flexibility and the ability to diversify and adapt to change are in the strongest position to retain their market share and attract new customers.’

Mercury Chooses Charles Yorke as Showroom Partner

Appliance manufacturer Mercury has chosen bespoke furniture specialist Charles Yorke to design the furniture for its new working kitchen showroom.

Mercury’s brief to Charles Yorke was to design and build a variety of kitchen environments, from contemporary to traditional, to complement its diverse range of individually handcrafted cooking appliances.

Charles Yorke came up with four very different designs which show off the different appliances perfectly. Madrid, a contemporary shaker design in quirky walnut sap provides a backdrop for the stylish Mercury stainless steel gas hob top, modular oven and grill whilst the traditional hand-painted Avignon suits the brand new Thermastone heat store range with vitreous enamelled doors in azurite. Charles Yorke’s popular farmhouse range Kelham makes an ideal partner for Thermastone in a calcite finish teamed together with a new island canopy in stainless steel, and the sleek RC1090 dual fuel range cooker and slab canopy have been set in the linear Rio range. Mercury’s fully functioning kitchen showroom will regularly play host to groups taking part in demonstrations and workshops. A large island unit provides a generous work space and informal seating so that everyone has a good view of the action.

Commenting on the project Mercury’s Managing Director, Jenny Hyatt said: 'We were keen to work with Charles Yorke because there is a strong synergy between our two product ranges. We have an extremely versatile range of products and it has been a pleasure to work with the team at Charles Yorke to create the ideal bespoke setting for each one.'

Established in 2000 Charles Yorke combines traditional cabinet making skills with state of the art technology to create beautiful fitted furniture which blends the best of old and new. The company is known for its innovative approach to kitchen design and has introduced concepts such as mobile units, a walk-in butler’s pantry formed using cabinetry rather than walls, and furniture solutions designed to integrate elements such as audio visual equipment into the overall scheme.

Charles Yorke furniture is available to consumers through a network of carefully selected retail kitchen studios and designers. Further information is available at http://www.charlesyorke.co.uk or call 0870 428 1630.

PJH Takes a Seat with Haro

Distributor, the PJH Group, has teamed up with leading German WC seat manufacturer, Haro Sanitary, and added a wide selection of high quality WC seats to complement its expanding bathroom portfolio.

With almost 100 years of experience in manufacturing WC seats for a worldwide audience, Haro Sanitary offers unbeatable value with a continuously evolving product range featuring innovative design solutions and the highest standards of comfort, hygiene and quality.

Explained PJH's marketing manager, Sally Hough, ‘The current Haro WC seat portfolio, mirrors the PJH Group's equally high standards of quality and value-for-money that we aim to deliver to our evolving customer base.’

Included in the Haro collection now available from PJH, is the unique and popular, 'SoftClose' WC seat. With a 10 year guarantee, this system allows just a touch of the fingertip to automatically bring the lid down softly and reliably - the ultimate in convenience. In addition, the 'Take-Off' hinge mechanism is equally as impressive - an optional extra allowing the seat to be easily removed with one simple action - perfect for hygiene and easy cleaning.

And from an installation point of view, the range also offers the Haro 'EasyFix' and 'FastFix' systems that drastically reduce fixing time. FastFix is a simple stainless steel fixing system with a nut that ‘zips’ up the threaded bar meaning easy and rapid installation, and a tight flush connection to the ceramic.

Hygiene and cleanliness feature throughout the Haro range from PJH, in particular the 'CareLine' WC seat which is ideal for families, the elderly and disabled. CareLine was designed to specifically meet even the toughest hygiene safety standards in both private homes and public sectors - by way of the 'ActiveShield', a specially developed protective hygiene coating that offers maximum resistance to bacteria and germs and yet is odourless and kind to skin.

For further information on the Haro Sanitary range now available from PJH Group, visit http://www.pjhgroup.com or http://www.haro-sanitary.com or call PJH on: 01204 707070. In addition, a Haro Sanitary product display is currently on show at the world famous Building Centre in London.

Stoves and Nigella - The Perfect Recipe for Christmas 2006

Stoves Sterling 1100G stainless steel range cooker is on set for a special three part series with domestic goddess Nigella Lawson on enjoy cooking over the festive season.

Nigella's Christmas Kitchen started on Wednesday 6th December at 8pm on BBC2 and sees her cooking, baking and cake making her favourite recipes using the Sterling range cooker to create a host of seasonal treats.

This contemporary range cooker features a one piece hotplate, seven burners including a large wok burner, two conventional gas ovens, a slow cook oven and telescopic shelves for easy removal of heavy dishes, making cooking all year round a pleasure.

Kate Waller, Brand Manager for Stoves, comments: ‘Like Nigella, Stoves is passionate about cooking and this year we have been involved in various high profile cooking and lifestyle programmes.

‘We are proud to have been part of this exciting series and wish all our staff, retailers and customers a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.’

Clearwater Featured on Working Lunch

Clearwater Collection, the largest manufacturer of freestanding baths in Europe, has recently been featured on BBC 2's business programme 'Working Lunch'.

'Working Lunch' interviewed Darren Allison, managing director of Clearwater Collection, in November about the substantial growth in the export side of the Bradford-based business. Clearwater currently exports to over 25 countries including India and the Middle East.

Darren comments: ‘I was delighted to be interviewed about our export business as this is extremely successful, plus it is always great to have the opportunity to illustrate the success of British manufacturers. Our baths are proving exceptionally popular across the world due to their high quality and versatility - we produce beautiful freestanding baths which, depending on the style, can be a centrepiece in a large bathroom or fit perfectly into an ensuite.’

Darren continues: ‘We have seen a marked increase in our sales to international hotels, who are installing Clearwater baths because they offer a luxurious, quality feel to the bathroom.’

Clearwater Collection specialises in the manufacture of double-skin acrylic freestanding baths and prides itself on the quality of its baths along with the vast range of designs it offers, covering both traditional and contemporary styles.

All Clearwater products feature the distinctive Clearwater badge, which serves as a hallmark of excellence, and come with a lifetime guarantee. Clearwater Collection recently achieved the internationally recognised quality accreditation ISO 9001. The company exports to 25 countries and has recently launched in the States with Clearwater USA.

Tel: 01274 738140
Email: enquiries@clearwater-collection.com
Web: http://www.clearwater-collection.com

ECF Invests with Homag for the Future

Supplier and manufacturer of quality components to the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom industries, East Coast Fittings, has made a significant investment in new equipment to boost the company’s carcase manufacturing capacity.

The order placed with Homag UK for near a quarter of a million pounds includes an new beam saw, a state-of-the-art CNC machining centre and a ‘boomerang’ panel return device.

(From left to right): Craig Cooper, Technical Director ECF; Leon Bruchez, Homag; Derek Goodman, MD ECF; Jenni Gifford, Bank of Scotland; Chris Goodman, Works Director ECF

The saw is a Holzma HPL350 with rear lift, mono-rail saw carriage guidance, 'shark's fin' side pressure alignment and magnetic contactless encoding for positioning of the program fence.

The CNC machine is the all-new Weeke BHX500 throughfeed drilling centre with dual panel processing from above and below which is individually selectable.

The Ligmatech Boomerang panel return system will be attached to an existing edgebander at ECF to deliver efficient one-man operation.

ECF MD Derek Goodman and members of his team took delivery at Homag UK's Castle Donington HQ where he said that the undeniable superior engineering and performance of the Homag Group equipment along with the high developed service infrastructure at Homag UK had made them an obvious choice of supplier and technical partner.

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

Whirlpool and Techtronic Reach Agreement on Hoover Floor-Care Business

Whirlpool Corporation announced yesterday that it has reached a definitive agreement to sell the Hoover floor-care business to Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. (TTI) for $107 million in cash. The sale of Hoover Floorcare US does not affect the Hoover brand in Europe. All Hoover branded products sold in Europe are manufactured by the European-based Hoover Candy Group.

Hoover offers a comprehensive line of products for general and special-purpose vacuuming, including full-size uprights and canisters, deep cleaners, and hard-floor cleaners.

Whirlpool expects the transaction to close in the first quarter of 2007, following regulatory clearance. Upon close of the transaction, TTI will assume operational control of the Hoover business, including manufacturing operations in North Canton, Ohio, El Paso, Texas, Juarez, Mexico, and all other Hoover locations. As part of the sale, Whirlpool retains the liabilities associated with pension and post-retirement benefit plans for currently retired Hoover employees.

‘The decision to divest the floor-care business allows us to focus on our core appliance business,’ said Whirlpool chairman and CEO Jeff M. Fettig.

‘We have now signed a definitive agreement to sell the Hoover floor-care business and completed the sale of Dixie-Narco vending systems and Amana Commercial microwave business. In addition, we continue to work toward completing the sale of the Jade business by the end of this year.’

Search on for British Small Business Champion

On the entry form for British Small Business Champions (BSBC) 2007 businesses  are  asked to suggest the ideal prize that would  benefit  them. The winning business will be given £10,000 to spend as specified.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) which launched BSBC in 2003  has opted for this flexible prize because it feels that it is the businesses which are entering that really know what would  boost their business.

Suggestions from businesses which have entered so far include:- office  equipment; marketing expertise and solar panels but the majority focus on something  that would recognise the efforts of their staff including a weekend away and team building.

The winning business will also have a donation of £5,000 made to the charity of its choice. This is because the FSB knows that so many of its members support  a particular, often local, charity. This business will also get £20,000 of advertising in the FSB's magazine 'Business Network' and be presented with a splendid trophy to keep.

BSBC 2007  invites entries from thriving, established businesses (trading for rmore than five years) with up to 50 employees (including sole traders.) UK small businesses  have until 31st January 2007 to  apply for BSBC 2007. There is no fee to enter and businesses do not have to a member of the FSB.

Every entry will be allocated to one of six geographical regions:- Central; North; South; Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland.  Regional judging will be in February and the  winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in each of the regions during March and April. The regional winners go forward for national judging.  All regional  finalists will be invited to the national awards celebration dinner in London next June where one business will be announced as the British Small Business Champion 2007.

 There are a number of ways to get an entry form and find out more about BSBC 2007. Interested businesses can go to http://www.fsb.org.uk/bsbc, where the application form can be downloaded, or they can telephone 07901 795045, or e-mail bsbc@fsb.org.uk.

Bathroom Industry Comes Together for Inaugural Conference

A packed audience of representatives from all sectors of the Bathroom Industry attended the Inaugural Bathroom Conference in Chepstow

The Inaugural Bathroom Conference themed, Precious Water - Water Pressures gave an in-depth investigation into the water supply, demand and consumer bathing habits that are all fuelling government's decision to implement change for our Industry and the consumer in the not too distant future.

Ted Goold, BMA President, chaired the Conference, his opening remarks to a packed audience of 114 delegates stated that we all take water for granted, it's far too cheap and is readily available at the turn of a tap, our perception is that we live on an island surrounded by water, it constantly rains so why do we need to conserve water. Ted bought us back to earth with a crashing blow, stating that, parts of the World where water is not in an abundant supply, there is no tap, they have access to only a fifth of the water we use daily in the UK, have a totally different perception of water, its as high as life itself!

Joanne Turner, currently involved in a joint venture between two government departments DEFRA and DCLG, highlighted the main points of the new voluntary Code for Sustainable Homes which will be implemented in 2007. The Code will complement the Building Regulations and help to drive change in existing, refurbishment and new build markets. The Code takes into account the need for energy and water conservation measures, with proposed reduction of the amount of water used in various applications such as bathrooms, kitchens and the garden.

Dame Yve Buckland National Chair for the Consumer Council for Water gave an insight into the consumer's awareness of the need to become water efficient against a growing cynicism about water leakage and the need, by the water companies to address leakage in a more aggressive manner. Terry Marsh from the Centre of Ecology and Hydrology in Oxford looked at the cycle of weather and what we can expect from future weather patterns, hot and dry summers to wet and windy winters and the impact this will have on our supply of water.

Paula Campbell, Three Valley's Water put the view from a drought stricken area and how water use has steadily increased year on year, with 26% of water now used for bathing and showering.

Paula highlighted that by 2074 predications indicate that there will be over 70 million people living in the UK, huge growth in the number of housing and yet a decline in the annual rainfall, greater pressures will therefore be put on water supply.

Ted Goold stressed the importance of all sectors of the Industry, together with a committed government to work together. For manufacturers to look at ways of satisfying the insatiable appetite the consumer has, for bigger and better products, that fulfils the desire for a bathing experience, yet uses less water. For government to lead a long term campaign focussed on changing attitudes about water use and wastage, to embed water efficiency into the schools curriculum and college NVQ programmes. Government should lead by example and show their commitment to water efficiency by implementing an incentive programme to both commercial and private water users, a call for the reduction of VAT on water efficient products was well supported by delegates.

The afternoon programme included speakers from the Bank of England talking about consumer spend, inflation, a strong housing market and future risks to the economy. Allan Wilén, Construction Products Association took a look at future UK Construction prospects and the impact that the Olympic 2012 workflow will have.

Robert Burgon, Deputy Chairman of the World Plumbing Council and Director & Secretary of SNIPEF addressed the image of plumbers, skills shortage and the important role that quality plumbing has on the world's health.

Yvonne Orgill, BMA Chief Executive commented that the Inaugural Bathroom Conference has proved to be an extremely useful forum to discuss and debate matters of mutual interest. It is important that all sectors of the Industry work together on issues such as water efficiency. Its not about the water we use in the bathroom, it is about the water we waste. Retailers, merchants, installers and manufacturers have an obligation to ensure that the consumer use bathroom products efficiency and effectively.

Tapping into the Market by Design

Pegler is a specialist designer and manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom brassware - taps, mixers and showers.

It's vital that you like the look, the shape and the feel of the taps in your kitchen or bathroom, but it's equally - some would say even more important that the 'insides ' of the tap or shower have been designed to ensure accurate and precise control of water - both temperature and flow.

It's this combination of qualities that sees Pegler still one of the world leaders in this sector.

So how exactly does a new Pegler design move from being a twinkle in a designers eye, to a highly polished, quality chrome plated bathroom tap? Let's take a look at how one of the most popular Pegler designs - Traun - came to life.

Traun has a minimalistic design with a cubist theme and came about as a result of the on-going research that Pegler undertakes into what the marketplace really wants.

Functionality is vital but design is what initially sells designer brassware and Traun started life as one of many sketches on a piece of paper in the Pegler design office. The design team looked for the concept that best met the brief it had and one which it knew from experience would allow it to 'wrap' the design around a highly functional, high quality, well engineered valve that would deliver water flow and importantly, one that could actually be manufactured.

With the design concept agreed, the internals of the tap are engineered to deliver the flow requirements, remembering that here in the UK, in most parts of the country, water pressure is low. Traun is designed to operate on water pressure of 0.1/0.2 bar.

Having completed the theoretical engineering satisfactorily, it's time to see what the finished tap might look like. The Pegler design team uses solid works software to design 3D visuals on the computer screen, to create the internal workings, so it can begin to check that it meets the needs of end users - water flow, seat depths for fixing, external workings - the levers and joints, the cosmetic styling, the aesthetics and the proportions.

The design is then created in resin or brass so that the proportions and the ergonomics can be closely scrutinised. If it passes this close scrutiny phase it gets the green light for production and as with the Traun range - it became a reality.

You can see the full Pegler range by visiting http://www.pegler.co.uk, or you can call 0870 1200 284 for brochures and price lists.