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Last SaieDue Before Launch of MADE Expo, Milan

SaieDue Living, the international exhibition of architecture, interior finishings, renovation and building technologies, will be held for the last time in the Bologna exhibition centre from 13th to 17th March.

The 26th edition of the major trade show, which will move to Milan next year and take the name Made Expo, will as usual have a packed programme of exhibitions, ancillary events and new products on display.

Saidue 2007 will be held in an exhibition space of 155,000 square metres and aims to surpass the already excellent results achieved last year: 1,410 exhibitors and more than 132,788 visitors, including 10,627 from abroad. The event’s key strength lies in its ability to showcase the residential building project in its entirety, from the perspective of both technology/planning and aesthetics/decoration.

The new Made Expo to be held in Milan
MADE Expo (Milano Architettura Design Edilizia) will be held in the modern Rho Pero exhibition centre from 5th to 9th February 2008.

The exhibition will combine the longstanding event SaieDue with Buildup Expo, the Fiera Milano event that made its debut this year.

The organisers' aim is to create a single international showcase of Italian architecture and building that will represent all the components of the building process, from earthmoving machinery through interior finishings and demolition to architectural projects. This first edition is expected to be held in a space of 100,000 square metres.

MADE Expo is organised by Made eventi srl, an equal-share joint venture between Federlegno Arredo (owner of SaieDue) and the group owned by entrepreneur Giulio Cesare Alberghini (organiser of SaiDue for 26 years through the company On-Organizzazione Nike).

The chairman of Made eventi is Andrea Negri, formerly chairman of Edilegno and managing director and sales manager of Rintal.

To make this operation possible, Federlegno will soon acquire Buildup Expo from FieraMilano.

The show will initially be held annually (the dates have been established up to 2009) but will subsequently become biennial.

LG HI-MACS® Goes from Strength to Strength for Lathams

James Latham, the UK timber and panel products distributor, had reason to celebrate recently after scooping an Excellence in Achievement award from LG Chem Europe in recognition of sales of its solid surface product, LG HI-MACS®.

The award, which was given at the annual LG conference held in Prague, followed a period of growth that saw Lathams' sales of LG HI-MACS® rise by over 50%, and this success has been followed by a further significant increase at the start of 2007. The UK is now LG's biggest market in Europe.

To cope with growing demand, Lathams has bolstered its sales team with the addition of two new sales staff. Rob Goodman has joined the sales team in the north of England after gaining experience in the solid surfaces sector with Staron and Corian, while Natasha Smith will cover the midlands and has over four years of experience in the field, having previously worked for Staron and IDS.

The sales team is now able to show customers the full LG HI-MACS® range with the arrival of new sample boxes. All 74 colours in the range are on display in the box, including the six new shades in the Volcanics range.

Meanwhile, James Latham has become a Corporate Member of the UK Kitchen Bathroom Specialist Organisation (KBSA), a national trade organisation aimed at improving professionalism in the industry.

LG product manager, Steve Robinson, commented: ‘We have had a very successful year and I was honoured to receive the LG award on behalf of the team who have worked incredibly hard to boost sales and raise awareness of LG HI-MACS®. I am delighted to welcome the new additions to the team who bring with them a wealth of knowledge of the sector, and I am confident that the success we had in 2006 will be repeated and, indeed, exceeded this year.’

Web: http://www.lathamtimber.co.uk

Promotion Follows Merlyn's Record Expansion

Shower enclosure manufacturer Merlyn Industries UK Ltd, has enjoyed record growth in 2006, seeing impressive expansion in the business, both in profit and organisation. Starting off with a team of four, Merlyn now has a 40 strong team, each of whom is passionately committed to driving the company forward. One of the company’s key players, Larry Radiven has been promoted to the position of National Sales Manager.

Merlyn says that it attributes its success in the main to its great team and excellent customer service; ensuring clients get exactly what they want.

The Merlyn brand and the association of the Merlyn M give customers security and confidence. ‘The current trend for minimalism means many shower enclosures look exactly the same. In order to make our products stand out and maximise sales, one key selling tool is successful and innovative branding. Having a strong brand focus has enabled us to cover the entire market, from the lower end to the high spec luxury end, thus ensuring our customers get exactly what they want. This coupled with our exceptional quality control and cutting edge design, position us as a fast growing industry leader, enjoying record profit growth year on year’. Dana Davies, Managing Director, Merlyn Industries UK Ltd, comments.

As well as focussing on the brand aspect of the business, Merlyn also attributes its success to the service the company offers, including a lifetime guarantee and after sales assistance, defining the difference between Merlyn and its competitors. As a result of its service ethic Merlyn enjoys a large proportion of repeat business.

‘The after sales service is what we do really well. At Merlyn we place a lot of importance on service, investing in continuous relationship management training for each member of our team. Service is what customers are looking for. Every business comes down to its people in the end’.

‘Effective company structuring has also played a key role in the success of the business. Merlyn believes in rewarding excellence with a good progression structure and promotion opportunities. Most recently, Larry Radiven enjoyed a promotion to Merlyn National Sales Manager after demonstrating an impressive sales record and unreserved dedication. His inspiring enthusiasm and motivational skills make him a perfect candidate for this challenging role’, says Dana.

‘Merlyn is currently stirring up excitement within the industry with the imminent launch of new products and ranges, all of which will be showcased at Kitchen and Bathroom Expo in May.’

Tel: 00353 567791555
Web: http://www.merlynbathrooms.com

IceKing Announnces Cool 6% Sales Increase

IceKing has announced an increase in sales for 2006 of 6%. Following the launch of the A++ energy rated range, the CLM210, CLM310 and CLM410, IceKing has been at the forefront of chest freezer producers for energy efficiency for over a year.

It's thought that this could be a major factor in the company's success.

‘Our A++ energy rated range is our most popular ever, especially since more and more consumers are getting switched on to eco-friendly, energy efficient appliances,’ says IceKing and D.A.D Managing Director, Adrian Gillman.

‘Not only are they kinder to the environment, but also cost a lot less to run. Sales of this range have been well beyond our expectations.’

IceKing has enjoyed a steady increase in sales every year since it entered the UK.
‘Thanks to the dedication of our staff and confidence from our loyal customer base, the IceKing brand has become a success story,’ continues Adrian.

‘The freezers are reliable and good quality, and we have a superb customer services department to back it all up.’

With around 700 retailers across the UK, the IceKing brand is distributed by its parent company, the national distributor Domestic Appliance Distributors, or D.A.D, which has itself experienced increased sales in 2006.`

‘D.A.D and IceKing are the perfect partnership. By producing and distributing these quality appliances, we can offer the best prices and the most competitive delivery service available.’

IceKing only supplies chest freezers to independents and regional multiples and is therefore able to offer less competition from large multiples and greater margins for its stockists.

The company says that it now offers the widest range of chest freezers in the UK, from the tiny 'micro' DM10, with just a 2.10 cu.ft (60 litre) gross capacity, to the huge DM60, almost 10 times the size, with its 21.00 cu.ft (570 litre) capacity.

IceKing is also popular with restaurants, bars and hotels. The larger chest freezers provide good storage for bulk foodstuffs, whilst the 'micro' has proved popular in guesthouses and smaller hotels. Farmers and vegetable growers also find the larger chest freezer models useful.

The company offers retailers a wide range of POS materials, brochures, wall posters, energy efficiency stickers and is backed by a national PR and advertising campaign, linked via its website http://www.ice-king.co.uk to drive consumers to their stockists.

For more information on IceKing, telephone (01452) 504 084 or visit http://www.ice-king.co.uk.

Whirlpool Receives Energy Star® Sustained Excellence 2007 Award

Whirlpool Corporation announced on 1st March that it will receive the 2007 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award for Sustained Excellence from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This special award is given to a select group of organisations that have exhibited outstanding environmental leadership year after year, while sustaining product and marketing excellence. This unique honour represents the company's eighth ENERGY STAR Award win.

Whirlpool Corporation will be recognised at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 21st, 2007.

Whirlpool Corporation, an ENERGY STAR partner since 1998, will be honoured for its leadership in designing, manufacturing and marketing resource efficient home appliances that earn the ENERGY STAR, the government-backed symbol of energy efficiency. Among the reasons cited in recognising Whirlpool was the company's commitment to offering a compelling depth and breadth of ENERGY STAR qualified products, as well as the company's training programmes, marketing campaigns and national consumer education activities.

Across the U.S., top companies and organisations are discovering the value of promoting resource efficiency through participation in the ENERGY STAR programme. Last year alone, with the help of ENERGY STAR, Americans saved $14 billion on their utility bills and enough peak energy to power 70 power plants.

‘Whirlpool Corporation is proud to again receive the ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award,’ said Dave Swift, president, Whirlpool North America. ‘Whirlpool regards the ENERGY STAR program as one of its most important partnerships because ENERGY STAR offers more than rhetoric to efforts at conserving the world's
nonrenewable resources - ENERGY STAR produces solid results for consumers. As a Manufacturer Partner, and the world's leading appliance company, our vision is to offer products for every home, everywhere. Whirlpool meets that challenge, in large measure, by offering a full line of innovative, energy and water efficient appliances.’

‘Partners like Whirlpool Corporation are national leaders in energy efficiency,’ said Alexander Karsner, Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the Department of Energy. ‘The ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award winners are leaders in adopting energy efficient technologies for their products and practices. Their long term commitment to energy efficiency is good for business, the environment, for consumers - and for the country as a whole.’

‘Partners like Whirlpool are outstanding leaders in protecting our environment through energy efficiency,’ said Bill Wehrum, acting assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. ‘As one of the 2007 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence winners Whirlpool has taken energy efficiency to new heights year after year and we all benefit.’

The 2007 Sustained Excellence Awards are given to a select group of organisations that have showcased outstanding leadership consistently. The winners have set and achieved aggressive goals and they've used innovative approaches to highlight what can be achieved through energy efficiency.

About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation is a manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $18 billion, more than 73,000 employees, and more than 60 manufacturing and technology research centres around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com.

About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, the programme offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 9,000 organisations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit http://www.energystar.gov.

Knowledge Pays Off for Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Retailers

Knowledgeable staff, a friendly approach and membership of a trade association are the three most important factors when choosing a kitchen, bedroom or bathroom retailer, according to the latest research from the KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association).

Respondents to the KBSA survey rated membership above the next four important factors: a showroom with display, free design service, installation service and deposit protection.

41% of respondents said they would spend between £10,000 and £20,000 on a new kitchen with 34% prepared to splash out between £2000 and £3000 on a bathroom.

A quarter of those questioned would spend between £3000 and £5000 on their dream bedroom whilst only 16% would expect to see change from £1000 when fitting out a new home office.

Personal recommendation is still the most important way of choosing a retailer for 39% of respondents, with advertising, web research and magazines each accounting for between 16% and 17% of leads. Trade associations are also seen as important routes of information with 11% of respondents looking to organisations like the KBSA for advice.

‘Retailers offering a personal, professional service and with the backing of a reputable trade association are reaping the benefits with customers,’ says Lucinda Kenny, operations director for the KBSA.

‘Membership of the KBSA means retailers have a track record, credibility and commitment to the highest standards of customer service, which is very important for consumers looking to spend substantial amounts of money. The fact that all KBSA retailers offer deposit protection or enhanced financial safeguards is also a big attraction when viewed against non-accredited retailers or internet shops.’

Web: http://www.kbsa.co.uk

Servis Launches Competition to Encourage Youngsters to Think Green

As the deadline to be part of a WEEE compliance scheme looms, Servis has announced the launch of a design competition to encourage children and art students to express their feelings about tackling climate change. Budding artists will be set the challenge to design the exterior of a fridge freezer with an illustration that expresses what being 'green' means to them.

The competition will be split into four categories, under 7 years olds, 8 to 11 years old, 12 to 15 years old and 16 plus. Using special technology, the winning design from each category will be printed onto a Servis AM7310 fridge freezer and presented to the winner.

Servis is offering retailers the chance to get involved with the campaign.

Participating dealers will be provided with competition packs with information to promote the competition locally and will have the opportunity to present the winners with their prizes at a press photo call. Servis is also encouraging schools to get involved, offering a free fridge freezer to the first 10 schools or colleges to enter the competition.

Gill Hewitson, Servis Marketing Manager (pictured), comments; ‘The WEEE directive is just one way for our industry to help combat climate change. By encouraging consumers to purchase A+ rated products and educating the future generation on the importance of looking after our surroundings, manufacturers and retailers can further help this necessary cause.’

Deadline for entries is the 22nd June 2007. Retailers wishing to participate in the competition should contact Janet Cartwright on 0121 568 2208 by the 15th April 2007.

CCS Helps KBB Businesses Bounce Back from Black Horse Pull-Out

Home improvement finance specialist Consumer Credit Solutions (CCS) is being quick to step in to help kitchen and bathroom companies bounce back from the withdrawal of Black Horse Retail Finance from the off-trade home improvement market.

Black Horse announced in December that it would be terminating many trading relationships with home improvement businesses in January. CCS, already established in the sector, was ideally placed to offer a reputable and competitive alternative to Black Horse.

CCS acts as an independent finance provider and has already started working with a number of Black Horse's former clients. The company has used its £150million buying power and impartiality to offer finance products from a select group of blue-chip lenders. Credit offerings include interest-free, buy now pay later and low-repayment terms, including CCS's newly-developed and unique Bankbuster, which at 4.9% is currently the UK's lowest unsecured loan rate.

The CCS Business Development Team is talking to kitchen and bathroom specialists looking to offer their customers competitive credit. (l-r: Paul Campbell, Adam Turvey, Sinclair Bhagat, Mike Whelan).

One new partner is Europlas, a leading conservatory and double glazing specialist. Finance Manager for Europlas, Jez Simpson, said: ‘It is crucial to our business that we can be a 'one-stop-shop' for people to realise their aspirations for their homes - we need to provide the designs, the products and the finance options to make everything happen. So when we heard about Black Horse pulling out of the market we had to find another provider of consumer credit fast. With a strong reputation to protect and over 30 years at the forefront of the market, we didn't want just anyone. We needed a finance partner that was totally reliable and would give our customers a good deal.’

Andy Wallace, CCS Managing Partner said: ‘Some companies really felt left in the lurch by Black Horse's exit and it has been a difficult couple of months for the home improvement industry. We're delighted that so many have turned to CCS to help keep them on track and we're pleased with how smooth the transitions have been and how happy our new customers seem to be. We are looking forward to building strong new relationships and continuing to offer all our clients great service and excellent finance options for their customers.’

De Dietrich Upgrades its Home Demonstration Offer

For over 25 years De Dietrich has promoted its home demonstration service as a genuine added value aspect to the sale of its premium appliances.

For 2007, De Dietrich has made some important upgrades to this service by increasing the types of products purchased plus extending the time in which application for the service is available.

This makes it easier for purchasers to take advantage of this home demonstration offer; with less administration for dealers.

Home demonstrations of De Dietrich products have been consistently popular since they were introduced and help the customer to get the best out of cooking using these technologically advanced appliances.

All the features and benefits of their De Dietrich products are explained and demonstrated by the dedicated expert in the comfort of their own home and any queries about day-to-day use can be answered on the spot; leaving the customer with real peace of mind.

If a customer purchases a catalytic or pyrolytic oven with three other appliances from the range, or they purchase a range cooker, they will qualify for a complimentary home demonstration by the De Dietrich expert Home Economist.

To claim this offer, the application form can now be filled in solely by the customer and then be returned direct to Brandt UK Ltd. within 90 days, together with a valid proof of purchase. This time-frame has been increased from 30 days in order to allow for a sufficient period between purchase and installation. Should the complimentary criteria not be met, it is still possible to receive a home demonstration, with a nominal charge of £45.00.

De Dietrich believes in supporting its dealers with every available tool to help them sell its products and to continue providing additional benefits post-sale.

Further information and application forms can be obtained from De Dietrich Area Sales Managers. The consumer offer application forms are also available to download from http://www.dedietrich.co.uk.

De Dietrich Offers Free Pan Set

De Dietrich is offering a free 16-piece set of cleverly designed Fagor saucepans and accessories (worth £59.99 per set) with the purchase of any induction hob from its 2007 range until 31st May 2007. This consumer promotion, which was very popular in 2006, is now available with the purchase of all induction hobs in the range.

Following increased dealer requests to purchase the pan sets for displays and re-sale, De Dietrich is also offering the Fagor 16-piece sets at a trade discounted price of £108 if bought in boxes of three, and these can now be easily purchased via a special telephone orderline (0121 766 2215).

The sets consist of four different sized saucepans (14cm, 16cm, 18cm and 20cm) plus a frying pan and all feature lids with liquid strainers.

Two 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 says that it 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.

All De Dietrich induction hobs come with seven 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 claim forms, Dealer Special Offer forms, or to find out more about De Dietrich induction hobs, please contact your De Dietrich Area Sales Manager. The consumer offer application forms are also available to download from http://www.dedietrich.co.uk.

Which? Helps Thousands take on Banks - More and More People are Reclaiming Charges

New figures out on 7th March show that more and more people are using Which? to help claw back unfair bank charges.

‘A total of 262,400 template letters and factsheets on reclaiming bank charges have now been downloaded from our bank charges site.’

The penalty fees are charged by banks if you bust your overdraft limit, or if they bounce a cheque, for example.

'Simple process'
Which? personal finance campaigner Emma Bandey said: 'This figure is testament that the bank charges campaign has struck a real chord with the public and we are delighted to see so many people taking on their bank.

'We hear, almost on a daily basis, from people who have successfully claimed back hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds from the banks.

'Claiming back bank charges is a simple and straightforward process. Don't be put off from reclaiming your charges, get back the money you're owed.'

Mortgage exit fees
People who feel they have been unfairly charged for paying off their mortgage or for switching providers can now also access easy-to-use resources in our money section including a step-by-step guide to reclaiming and downloadable template letters to send to lenders.

Web: http://www.which.co.uk

FIRA Launches New Online Specifiers' Guide - Designed to Make Life Easy

FIRA (Furniture Industry Research Association) has launched a new online specifiers' guide, which is designed to help specifiers determine what standards apply to specific office and contract furniture applications. Furniture specification for the UK market can be more complex than at first sight. It requires an in depth knowledge of British, European and International Standards, and, where some factors are not adequately covered by existing standards, further knowledge is necessary to ensure that product liability and general safety requirements are addressed.

Some specifications will not always be definitive. In many cases (for example finishes) it will be necessary to select a performance level applicable to the severity of a product's end use.

The new online specifiers' guide is regularly updated, accessible 24 hours a day and covers all contract and office furniture at a cost of only £95 per annum. Segmented by product type, the guide comprises 12 easy to understand documents covering general requirements, lists of standards and specific sections relating to workstations, lighting, seating, screening, monitor arms and so on.

FIRA Testing Manager Phil Reynolds comments: ‘Employers have an obligation to provide a safe working environment for their staff. Purchasing equipment that meets the requirements of current British, European or International standards goes a long way towards doing this and also mitigates any claims should there be an incident in the workplace.’

This guide is the latest development of the FIRA ‘all you need to know about furniture’ website http://www.askFIRA.co.uk. By signing up for the guide users will also be allocated a unique username and password enabling access to technical information, a suppliers directory, business information sheets and publications.

For further information and to gain instant access to these reference tools, please contact the Customer Service team on 01438 777 700 or email info@fira.co.uk

Ongoing Investment in Homag at NESP

The progress of NESP - North East Sheets & Panels Ltd - has been notable in a relatively short period.

Started by MD Chris Mountain in 1998, NESP - North East Sheets & Panels Ltd - was formed to distribute products to the kitchen and bedroom manufacturers in the North of England, Scotland and Yorkshire. The company specialises in cut-to-size and edged panels - primarily MFC. NESP pioneered the exclusive use of 2mm ABS as an edging product for its Pinnacle door range. Chris Mountain says that the product is superior to PVC in a number of respects - both to work with and in offering the customer a higher final product quality.

As demand for NESP's services and products grew, the company took on the distributorship for the Blum fittings systems and launched its own Pinnacle MFC/ABS door collection.

Also central to NESP's success, production and quality has been the company’s technical partnership with Homag UK which is its preferred (almost exclusive) supplier of panel processing technology. Originally NESP was operating out of two sites but pressure from growth meant that the company needed to consolidate operations and, in Aug 2006, moved to a new, purpose-built site giving it an additional 40,000 square feet of production area. By this stage the company had expanded from a start-up with 3 people to employing 36 staff with turnover increasing by around 25% year on year to a current figure of £5 million.

The move to the new site coincided with a £1 million investment in new Homag Group equipment and the in depth involvement of Homag engineers in moving existing machines, setting up the new factory lay-out and commissioning new machines.

Chris Mountain explains: ‘We had a two week summer shutdown during which a team of highly trained Homag engineers moved in, stripped down and re-commissioned all of our existing machines, planned the optimum production flow layout for the new factory and installed and commissioned the new equipment. The whole operation was extremely professional and went like a dream!’

The catalogue of investment in Homag Group technology chronicles NESP's impressive growth and underlines the company’s faith and confidence in Homag UK and the Homag Group in general. Chris Mountain says that the company has also been able to place great value on the help and advice it has received from Homag UK's John Shepherd.

When the company started it was with a second hand Holzma beam saw and second hand Brandt edgebander. In March 2001 it bought a new Brandt KD68 edgebander followed in January 2002 by a new Holzma HPL11 beam saw. Both machines giving the company extra capacity and superb accuracy. In September 2003 the edgebanding capacity was again expanded with a Homag KL76 single-sided edgebander equipped with a Ligmatech ‘Boomerang’ panel return device for one-man operation. In May 2004 a second Brandt KD68 edgebander went on stream and in June of the same year panel sizing capacity was doubled with the addition of a second Holzma HPL11 beam saw. In February of 2005 NESP decided to add additional customer service in the form of supplying pre-drilled and routed panels and on this occasion the investment with Homag was in the form of a Weeke BHP 200 CNC machining centre operated by highly versatile Woodwop software. The most recent investment - which coincided with the move to the new factory - was in a Homag KAL 310 state-of-the-art edgebander.

NESP's new Homag equipped factory is already experiencing the benefits as their customers recognise the quality of investment and resulting products. Order books continue to grow and the dedicated delivery fleet has grown to 8 x 18 ton trucks.

Chris Mountain says that NESP’s association with Homag has been absolutely key to the company’s success: ‘Homag’s facility at Castle Donington is top rate for training, viewing machinery and supplying the all crucial engineering back-up. We've had similarly successful experiences with the individual manufacturing companies in Germany. Being able to source all our technology from a single, leading source brings significant benefits and we look forward to continuing this well into the future.’

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

Reliability is the Key for Selecting Boere

When T&N Joinery set about looking for a new widebelt sander to increase its capacity the company did its research with some care. Primarily it was looking for a machine that would be versatile, flexible, offer consistently high quality results and above all guarantee long term reliability.

The reputation of Boere sanders was able to tick all these boxes - especially the last one.

So why the emphasis on reliability? Well, T&N Joinery which was started just over six years ago by Terry Hunter and Nigel Llewellyn is situated in Lerwick, capital town of the remote Shetland Island off Scotland's north east coast.

High in the unwelcoming North Sea life can be tough and the Shetland Islanders are used to prioritising and appreciating machines and vehicles that work well for them and on which they can depend.

The Boere Sandrite KC sander that is now in the T&N Joinery workshops will be working hard on a wide and varied brief - window and door components, staircase components, architectural joinery pieces, door panels, veneered work and much more.

Accessible only by sea or air in reasonable weather, the people of Shetland are used to being able to rely on local suppliers and this is how T&N Joinery has set out its stall - a one stop shop for the Islands' requirements.

The Boere Sandrite KC is an 1100mm working width machine with 2 heads - a contact roller and combination roller/pad unit. It has a 180mm working height capacity and automatic height adjustment for the table which features variable feed speed. The 1900mm belt length is important for the machine to keep running cleanly and without heat build up to ensure consistently high quality of the finished product.

The machine was ordered through Boere's UK partners Calderbrook Woodworking Machinery through Scottish agent Alec Black of J.J.Smith.

T&N Joinery says that the service and back-up that the company knows it can expect from Boere's UK partners is second to none - another key factor in the decision to buy Boere.

Boere sanders operate successfully in over 600 installations throughout the UK and Ireland. These range from compact widebelt sanders for small joinery and furniture firms to full industrial lines. Many of these installations have been running successfully for many years.

These are the engineering qualities that gave T&N Joinery the confidence to install a Boere machine in the remote Shetland Islands.

Top Tips from Electrolux Floorcare's Expert Elizabeth Farmer on Keeping the Cleaning Under Control

Electrolux has a wide range of cleaners - robot cleaners, bagless models which clean their own filters, uprights that are powerful and easy to use - like the Loopie - models for homes with Pets, homes with stairs, those who want huge dustbag capacity, and those who want neat, effective secondary cleaners, handheld vacs or stylish looking rechargeables.

Need a new vacuum cleaner? Check out top tips from Electrolux on what to look out for:

* Make sure it is easy to use - on cylinders look for telescopic tubes so you can adjust the height, manoeuverable wheels, handy controls and long cleaning reach. On uprights, check how light or how easy it is to push, access to tools, cord storage and how flat it goes for under furniture cleaning. Small detail like - how long is the cord - can make the difference between having to change sockets every 5 minutes or not. One of the longest cords on the market is available on the new Electrolux Loopie at 9 metres.

* On bagless cleaners check how easy and hygienic dust disposal is - also how easy it is to clean the filters, as this is something that needs to be done on a regular basis. Electrolux has a great solution for anyone who wants to avoid cleaning filters manually - with a cleaner with self-clean filters - Electrolux Twin Clean.

* Allergy sufferers look for models with HEPA filters and self-seal dustbags.

* If you have pets - ask about 'pet hair' cleaners, or accessories for coping with pet hair and smells (ask about carbon odour elimination filters). The Electrolux Loopie PetLover has a grooming turbo brush, powerful performance and Loop handle which makes it very easy and comfortable to use.

* For homes with stairs: if you pick an upright, make sure it has a stretchy 'stairhose' with a 3-4m reach. The Electrolux Loopie Stairmaster has two 3 to 1 stretch hoses - which means it can easily clean a full flight of stairs.

* Most busy family households find having a second cleaner useful, especially if this is a ready-when-you-are model like the Electrolux rechargeable Ergorapido. It's as simple to use as a broom - only it sucks up the dirt. It can also be used as a handheld cleaner.

* If you have pets or children (or both) a handheld cleaner would be useful. It is light and easy to use either around the house or in the car and garage. Even Wendy Houses need cleaning! The Electrolux Rapido comes in four models and four different colours.

* Don't forget to check the tools for above-floor cleaning - make sure they are 'on board' and you have at least a crevice nozzle and furniture brush.

* For homes with carpets - if you pick a cylinder make sure it has a turbo brush - you need the rotating brushes for grooming and cleaning. Vacuum the home thoroughly once a week. Make sure you have a cleaner with good dust pick up and filtration - and if you have long pile carpet make sure your cleaner has a rotating brush roll to groom and pick up embedded dirt etc that suction only cleaners can miss.

Treat yourself to a handy, smaller secondary cleaner for the odd jobs that crop up during the week, like crumbs on the carpet or dirt or gravel brought into the hall or kitchen. There are plenty of lightweight affordable compacts around such as the Electrolux Ergorapido (£79.99) which is a rechargeable upright cum handheld. See right, comes in five fashion colours.

Start at the top and work your way down. Most cleaners have tools which you can use to suck up the cobwebs in the corners of ceilings, dust round lamp shades, and furniture brushes are ideal for cleaning stair balusters and handrails, as well as tables and chairs. Dust bookshelves and other dust-traps regularly.

Electrolux Floorcare: For brochures & stockist information, call 08706 055 055 or visit the website: http://www.electrolux.co.uk