Inclusive
Design in the Domestic Bathroom
The
National Home Improvement Council, the Bathroom Manufacturers Association
and Armitage Shanks combined to address an audience of Journalists,
MPs and members of the House of Lords, in Westminster Palace at the
end of May.
At
the lunchtime meeting, which saw the launch of the association's initiative
on bathrooms in the home for people with Special Needs, BMA director
Yvonne Orgill (pictured), spoke of the work that the bathroom industry
is doing to increase its knowledge of inclusive bathroom requirements.
The BMA has just completed a survey, which was mailed out to over 6,000
carers; its aim is to build the bathroom industry's knowledge of the
future requirements of people with infirmity or disability in their
bathrooms at home and away from home.
The survey began by seeking the views of Occupational Therapists, who
are employed by local councils to assess the needs of older, disabled
or recuperating people, who want to continue to live at home and amongst
their own community. To encompass 'away from home' facilities the survey
went to managers of Residential Homes and of Care Homes. Further work
is being done in conjunction with the British Toilet Association - for
public conveniences - and with the organisers of the Naidex exhibition.
Yvonne Orgill said, ‘in the UK, we have become very good at ensuring
that our people live longer and that those in our community with disabilities
can survive better and can integrate into the community better - they
can continue to live at home rather than 'in a Care Home'.
‘The bathroom, with its facilities to keep us clean and to provide
toilet functions is absolutely crucial in helping people with special
needs to continue to live in their own homes.’
Some of the indicators that Orgill referred to came from the Office
of National Statistics, which tells us that we are approaching a period
where the overall number of people in the UK's population, indeed the
population of Europe, is actually decreasing - but the number of older
people is increasing dramatically.
By
2020 there will be 30% more people over the age of 60 in the UK and
by 2050 that proportion will have increased to 56%. That is an additional
six million people, over the age of 60, living in the UK by the middle
of this Century. To bring the time scale into perspective it is worth
pointing out that the number of over-sixties will include today's 16
year-olds.
Taking the whole of Europe - in which almost all UK bathroom businesses
are very active - the numbers are even more dramatic, by 2050 there
will be a decrease of 48.8 million people under 40 living in Europe
(that is almost the same as the population of England) while the number
of over 60's is predicted to grow by 47.2 million. In total the population
of Europe will have decreased by almost 4 million people but a much
high percentage of that population will be in their senior years.
Speaking
at the same lunch on behalf of Armitage Shanks, marketing manager Tony
Rheinberg (pictured right) explains, ‘All of the statistics that
Armitage Shanks has seen, show that the proportion of people affected
by disability rises as people get older. There are around 10 million
people in the UK, who are disabled, in fact 1 in 4 people in the UK
are either disabled or have an immediate friend or relative who is and
two million people self define themselves as visually impaired. We can
no longer treat special needs as a minority issue.’
On the subject of disability, Rheinberg continued, ‘there is always
some debate on the point at which a physical or mental imperfection
ceases to be a problem and becomes a disability?
‘Am I disabled because I'm using crutches...am I disabled because
I have problems turning a tap on...am I disabled if I can't read the
Shower Gel bottle in the shower without my glasses? Or is it when I
no longer dare to step into the bath because I don't trust my balance,
or is it when I am too stiff to raise myself up after sitting on the
toilet.’
It is precisely to find the answer those kinds of questions from bathroom
manufacturers that the BMA asked the people who know, those that assess
and care for older people and people with disabilities.
The first factor that the survey revealed was a basic difference in
primary needs between bathrooms at home and the facilities away from
home.
The Occupational Therapists dealt with a lot more injury related disabilities,
from short term injuries like broken bones or special needs during recuperation
from surgery or disease, to permanent injuries such as those brought
about by amputation.
In fact the most common ‘disabilities’ that the Occupational
Therapists faced were:
For manufacturers, which have to consider design that matches market
demand, then the most common issues are very important and may grow
even more important if the Government were to put some focus on design
for special needs into its Code for Sustainable Homes, which appears
a logical step. Currently the ODPM is concentrating more on energy and
water efficiency.
The BMA is currently working on a guide to Special Needs, which will
become part of the Generic Industry Guides that are central to the BMA's
bathroom academy certification scheme.
‘We are still working on the analysis of the data that we have
gathered,’ says Yvonne Orgill, ‘both Beryl Steeden, who heads
up the College of Occupational Therapists and Kate Sheehan, who is an
independent Occupational Therapist have been helping us to 'translate'
the Care Industry terminology used by those filling in the survey sheets
and then to identify the demands placed upon the bathroom by the various
conditions'.
The Care Home and Residential Home managers were more affected by the
infirmities of old age – their most common challenges were:
'Where both groups were in complete agreement was when describing the
main factor that influences buying decisions. When marking from Price;
Durability; Looks; Availability; Ease of Use and Ease of Installation.
'Ease of Use' was the most important factor in influencing their choices
- with all of the Occupational Therapists marking this as the primary
influence and 7 out of 10 Managers putting ease of use first. 'Looks'
came second for the OTs but was in last place for 40% of the managers,
who were much more interested in Durability, with 11% of them marking
durability as their top reason to buy and 32% marking durability as
their second reason.
Ease of Installation was surprisingly important for Occupational Therapists
and may be due to the fact that their expertise lies in the ailments
of people rather than in home design - they had to rely on architects,
plumbers and electricians for advice and had problems with judging the
implications of different flooring methods - lack of knowledge on sheet
flooring, floor boards, even concrete floors restricted their job effectiveness.
Call for Change
Another area where there was general agreement between all of the respondents
was in their observation that bathrooms need to be larger. In the home,
the OTs wanted more inclusivity and asked for space (to accommodate
a wheelchair), they also called for flat floors leading into showers
and space around the toilet and the bath - the two 'appliances' that
they had identified as being the most difficult to use. Here they wanted
space for a helper to operate in the domestic environment and called
for access from both sides of the WC for transfer from a wheelchair
as well as room for a transit shelf to the bath.
Suggestions also included, ensuring that wall-strength in the bathroom
is sufficient to take grab-rails and the practice of opening doors outward
to free up more space.
Sufficient space in 'away from home' toilets was also the major factor,
with the majority of respondents listing 'lack of space' as the biggest
problem for disabled users. Even in washrooms that are wheelchair friendly
there were mentions of toilet cubicles that are difficult to access.
Another commonly recurring experience was Disabled toilets that were
poorly signed and were often locked.
The practice of hotel bathrooms in using shower-baths was criticised
as making it difficult for disabled guests to use either.
This 'lack of space' issue has prompted the BMA to call for a change
in thinking on modern home design. The BMA is challenging architects
and home builders to reconsider the bathroom, which has always been
known as 'the smallest room' and asks why it should be smaller than
the master bedroom, which is much safer, softer and dryer and where
we spend most of our time asleep!
The BMA considers that the work that it has done so far is just a beginning
and the survey activity will continue, with more material published
once the analysis is complete. The goal is fully inclusive bathrooms
for all homes.
For information on all of the BMA activities visit: http://www.bathroom-association.org
Britannia
Steps it Up in the Style Stakes at Grand Designs Live
Range
manufacturer Britannia is raising the bar when it comes to client satisfaction
by introducing Colourange, a new custom-made service allowing its range
cookers to be crafted in any colour of the end-user's choosing. Launched
at the Grand Designs Live Show, the range specialist enjoyed a phenomenal
response from designers, stockists and the public at large.
Available
on its Sigma, Dynasty and Classic ranges, Colourange allows retailers
and designers to tailor their customers' kitchen designs to a greater
level than ever before. Britannia says that ‘as Britain's first
range specialist to offer a unique colour match service, we are confident
that the launch will give us the edge in the market.
Henneke Duistermaat, marketing manager at Britannia, comments: ‘Combining
the technology and quality synonymous with Britannia, with the bespoke
design element of Colourange, is certain to raise the appeal amongst
our discerning customer base; and the incredibly positive feedback we
received at the Grand Designs Show would certainly seem to back this
up.’
To achieve the colour-match, customers simply send a sample of the chosen
colour - whether it's a kitchen tile, swatch of fabric or any other
material - to Britannia's colour laboratory, where a swatch is coloured
to the desired shade and returned for approval. Once the customer is
completely happy, the colour is signed off and sent back to Britannia
where the custom-finish is applied to the range cooker.
To ensure a fully-coordinated kitchen, Colourange is also available
on Britannia's K7088 and AG hoods.
Colourange prices start at £3,499 for a 90cm Classic range, with
costs for specialist finishes such as pearlescent or metallic available
on request. For further information and advice regarding Colourange,
visit http://www.britannialiving.co.uk
or call 01253 471111.
Domestic
Appliance Distributors, the UK appliance distribution company, is to
stock BEKO for the first time.
Gloucester-based D.A.D will be supplying the company's dishwashers,
cookers, laundry and refrigeration products to its network of nearly
1,000 retailers across England, Wales and Scotland.
Managing Director of D.A.D, Adrian Gillman, says, ‘BEKO represents
an important sector of the market that retailers should not ignore.
The company is a fresh, modern brand and a market leader in several
sectors. BEKO is well-marketed and offers real value for money to our
customers.’
Jamie
Williams of D.A.D.
D.A.D
already distributes over 600 appliances every week all over mainland
Britain, and has a current roster of 30 named appliance brands.
'BEKO believed that it needed to improve its distribution channel,'
continues Adrian, 'and we were delighted that the company chose D.A.D
to become one of its main distributors.'
D.A.D owns and runs its own fleet of lorries on its hundreds of routes
around the country - a service which allows quicker, easier and more
efficient distribution, and provides a distinct advantage for the company.
‘We'll be stocking BEKO's entire range of kitchen appliances, including
dishwashers, laundry, refrigeration and cooking products, and hoping
to take the brand forward in doing so,’ continues Adrian.
Established just 14 years ago in Gloucester, family firm D.A.D says
that it has built-up a reputation for a friendly, efficient service
and good value for money. Using a highly-trained customer services team
and the latest technology, the company is able to offer precise delivery
dates at the time of order. The company has also expanded successfully
into the contracts market.
In addition to BEKO, D.A.D will also be taking on sister brands Leisure
and Flavel.
For more information on Domestic Appliance Distributors (D.A.D) or BEKO,
call 01452 504 084 or visit http://www.dad-online.co.uk
New
UK Merlyn Warehouse and Showroom
As
part of the company’s expansion plans Merlyn Industries has taken
possession of a new 25,000 square foot capacity state of the art warehouse
in Milton Keynes.
Previously, Merlyn used 4 separate warehouse spaces in the area, but
with the company’s growth the increased capacity of the new warehouse
will enable it to hold a lot more stock, and streamline its operations.
Dana Davies, UK MD of Merlyn says ‘In addition to the increased
capacity and obvious benefits of operating from a single warehouse,
we will also be able to provide a ‘touchdown’ area for our
regional sales managers, with a boardroom and office space with telephone
and WiFi facilities. The Buckinghamshire base will become a central
meeting point and will give the team the ideal location to catch up
following long periods on the road.’
For the first time in the UK there will also be a showroom on site,
which retailers will be encouraged to visit and Merlyn sales staff will
use for product training and to familiarise themselves with any new
ranges.
Tel: 00353567791555
Email: info@merlynbathrooms.com
Web: http://www.merlynbathrooms.com
New
Branding from Broughton Crangrove Galley Matrix
Lancashire-based
distributor Broughton Crangrove has re-branded its products into three
separate divisions - kitchens, bathrooms and heating products - in order
to better differentiate itself in the marketplace.
Previously
available in one main catalogue, these three product areas are now branded
individually. The bathroom range is now known as Broughtons, the kitchens
and appliances are Galley Matrix and the heating products come under
the Crangrove brand.
The range of products offered by the distributor has not been compromised.
The Galley Matrix kitchen brand offers products from twenty appliance
manufacturers, as well as a range of kitchen furniture and a selection
of Franke sinks and brassware. Meanwhile, Broughtons offers sanitaryware
from a total of eight bathroom manufacturers, as well as an extensive
range of showering options and accompanying furniture, brassware and
accessories.
And a full range of heating products from well-known brands, including
Worcester and Baxi, to name but a few, can now be found under the Crangrove
brand.
Broughton Crangrove offers next day delivery on all products throughout
the three brands, which means added value for the independent kitchen/bathroom
retailer, as they can buy from a variety of manufacturers across all
three sectors and have them arrive together as one complete package
the next working day.
Broughtons Commercial Director, Allan Nutter, says, 'Broughton Crangrove
has an extensive range of high quality products from leading brands
in each of its three categories. In order to fully do each one justice
and make it easier for the retailer to do business with us, we felt
the next step was to individualise each sector by creating these new
brands. This is great news for retailers, as they continue to get the
quality of service they have come to expect from us, and can now easily
define each area of their business, while enabling them to take delivery
of all the products needed the next day after ordering.'
The three brands are supported by their own full-colour catalogues with
details of each product, estimated delivery times and full information
on how to order.
More information is available from the National Sales Office on 0870
60 60 601, or log onto http://www.broughtoncrangrove.co.uk.
Fisher
& Paykel Annual Results: Profits up, but Europe Remains Flat
The
Directors of Fisher & Paykel Appliances Holdings Ltd announced on
26th May a profit after tax of $63.9 million for the year ended 31st
March 2006. The result is marginally above the guidance provided to
the markets on 9th February 2006.
Highlights for the year include:
• Record total Appliances sales - surpassing $1 billion for the
first time
• Record Appliances sales in New Zealand, the USA and Singapore
• The commissioning of a washer manufacturing facility in the USA.
• USA headquarters moved to Huntington Beach, California.
• Distribution of Whirlpool branded products commencing in Singapore.
• Continuation of Cost Down programme.
Appliances sales grew 5 percent to a record of 1,331,100 units, compared
to 1,267,600 units, for the previous financial year. This reflected
strong growth in the offshore markets, particularly the USA, where revenues
grew by 58 percent.
Total
Unit Sales
The
Australian washing machine-plant was relocated successfully to Clyde,
Ohio, USA during the-year. This move, in response-to Increased demand,
will result in lower working capital requirements and freight savings.
Although the Finance Group faced difficult trading conditions throughout
the year, it contributed $36.4 million before interest, taxation and
amortisation.
As previously foreshadowed, the Finance Group sold and leased back its
head office in March, which resulted in a post-tax profit on sale of
$1.734 million.
Appliances
Appliances returned a pleasing trading performance given the unprecedented
business conditions experienced during the year. Extraordinarily high
costs of key raw materials, as well as the effects of the high New Zealand
dollar, put pressure on both margins and profitability. These increases
were offset somewhat by an ongoing, aggressive and effective cost reduction
prsgramme. Small price increases were implemented in key markets.
Operating profit before interest and taxation was $81.4 million (previously
$77.2
million) for the year. The operating margin improved from 6.1 percent
in the first half
to 8.8 percent in the second, giving an overall margin of 7.5 percent.
The
improvement in the second half was the result of sales seasonality,
the ongoing cost reduction programme and a softening in some raw material
categories. Price
increases in the three key markets also contributed to the lift in margin.
Appliances sales volumes grew by 5.0 per cent to exceed 1.331 million
units for the year.
In a contracting market New Zealand sales volume was up by 4.6 percent
over the previous year. This gain in market share was due to an aggressive
marketing approach and changes in distribution. Total sales of 318,500
units (304,500 last year), were a record for this market. Revenue was
up 4.9 percent in NZD terms.
Australian sales declined as tougher market conditions prevailed. The
slow-down in retail spending resulted in a 5.8 percent reduction in
sales, in line with the overall market. First half sales were down 9.7
percent on the previous year. The second half saw a recovery, with sales
down only 2.3 percent. Revenue however was down only 1.0 percent in
Australian dollar terms, due to an improvement in the second half. Exports
to Australia were converted to New Zealand dollars at an average hedged
rate of $0.903.
The USA market continued the growth experienced in previous years. Unit
sales, at 337,800 were 33.O percent higher than for the previous year
(revenue up 60.2 percent in USD terms). The normalised underlying growth
in Fisher & Paykel branded product was around 20 percent. The USA
now represents the largest revenue generator for the group. DishDrawer
dishwasher continues to lead the way, along with the Smart Load dryer,
which is gaining acceptance.
The integration of the DCS brand into the USA distribution model is
now complete, and confidence in the brand has been restored. The DCS
manufacturing facility at Huntington Beach, California, has now been
fully integrated with Fisher & Paykel process controls. The USA
head office has been moved from Laguna Hills to Huntington Beach to
ensure that synergies with the DCS offices and distribution operations
are realised.
Sales in Singapore improved with a recovery in market conditions. This,
along with the additional distribution of the Whirlpool brand, resulted
in a 60.9 percent increase in unit sales (with a 68.4 percent revenue
increase in SGD terms).
European markets remained steady, with sales of 17,300 units, matching
last year. Strategies are in place to address distribution and growth
opportunities in these markets.
European
Sales
Rest of World unit sales were down 10.2 percent to 38,800 units (43,200
units for the previous year). This reflected the high NZD, which made
competitiveness difficult to maintain. The Middle East and Asia remain
good medium-term commercial prospects.
Strategic Alliance
The strategic alliance with Whirlpool Corporation continued to develop,
and Fisher & Paykel Appliances took over the distribution of Whirlpool
branded products in Singapore during the year. This mirrors a similar
arrangement for the New Zealand market.
Sales of DishDrawer dishwashers to Whirlpool USA are in line with expectations.
Deliveries of motors to Whirlpool under the Component Supply arrangement
started towards the end of the financial year. This is expected to increase
to full capacity in 2006/07.
Restructure
Around 80 percent of sales are now generated offshore. In order to cope
with the expansion of the Company globally, a review was undertaken
of the way the business is managed. The business activities of New Zealand,
Australia and the USA will now be managed on a geographic basis. Corporate
functions remain in place, to provide overall leadership, governance,
consistency of approach, and to promote best practice, across all geographies.
Millennium
Designer Radiator Lights the Way at London Interiors
The
Aeon Collection will be unveiling the new Millennium radiator on a specially
darkened display space at London Interiors to accentuate a striking
feature - laser-like beams of blue light on which the radiator's thick
glass top appears to float.
The
new wall mounted Bamboo radiator (pictured) will also be shown to the
trade for the first time at London Interiors. A further nine designs,
all hand-crafted to create the collection's hallmark 'metal in the raw'
brushed stainless steel effect, will also be displayed.
Aeon design chief, Saffet Kalender, says: ‘All Aeon designs feature
crisp, clean lines formulated to accentuate the play of light across
brushed, satin stainless steel. With the new Millennium we have gone
one stage further by including a unique concentrated light source within
the radiator to create a stunning laser effect along the design's glass
top, an unusual feature in itself.
‘The impression created is of a freestanding element suspended
between two satin finish pillars hewn out of stainless steel,’
continues Saffet. ‘It is somehow understated and awe inspiring
at the same time.’
Long and low, the Millennium is available in eight variants with an
overall length of 1170mm or 1670mm. Its 500mm height enables it to sit
under window frames or be positioned to add the impression of length
to a room. Depending on the specification, up to 60 individual satin
finish brushed stainless steel tubes stretch over a metre between two
bold half moon pillars. The Millennium has a high heat output, ranging
from just over 9,000 Btu (2,653 Watts) to a mighty 31,611 Btu (9,254
Watts).
Hidden from view within each pillar is a high intensity LED light. The
beam from each light is magnified and passes along the underside of
the radiator's glass top where it diffuses to both leading edges.
The new wall-mounted Bamboo retains the style and power of the original
three-dimensional corner mounted design while taking up far less space.
At 1800mm high by just 275mm wide and 80mm deep, Bamboo can be used
to create a spectacular focal point in modern apartments and compact
bathrooms.
Four satin-finish thick hollow stainless steel tubes, tapered sharply
at the leading edge, direct the eye in, around and through the new Bamboo
design. Use of hollow tubes results in an increased convection area
and lower water content than would be expected, making Bamboo a remarkably
efficient as well as beautiful radiator.
The entire Aeon Collection is produced from the highest-grade solid
stainless steel. All joints are TIG welded to avoid leakage and are
pressure tested to 16 bar minimum. The craftsmanship and quality of
the Aeon Collection is such that a 20-year guarantee applies across
the range.
Tel: 01525 379505
Web: http://www.aeon.uk.com
Let
In-Sink-Erator Grind Away your Food Worries
In-Sink-Erator,
the worldwide specialist in food waste disposers, will be exhibiting
at the forthcoming Kitchen Showcase exhibition, to be held on the 27th
– 29th June at Olympia in London.
In-Sink-Erator is the principle manufacturer in a dynamic market that
is set to experience significant growth in the UK over the next few
years. Consumer awareness of the benefits of the product is growing
and an increasing number of building developers, such as Taylor Woodrow,
are recognising the convenience and environmental benefits a food waste
disposer offers.
Ashley Munden, Sales & Marketing Director for In-Sink-Erator, will
be on hand at the Kitchen Showcase to discuss the potential for this
sector and the work In-Sink-Erator is doing to educate authorities nationwide
about using the food waste disposer as an effective method of waste
management.
Stand: B 3
Web: http://www.insinkerator.co.uk
New
Commercial Director for Servis
Charlie
Jones is now Servis UK's new Commercial Director. Charlie, formerly
Managing Director (Commercial) for Indesit Company joined Servis as
a consultant in November 2005 and accepted the full time position as
Commercial Director from the 2nd May 2006.
Charlie, married with two sons, led the marketing team at what was Merloni
Domestic Appliances Ltd, Uxbridge, in the hugely successful repositioning
and brand development of the Indesit brand during 2003/04.
Servis, alongside the recently acquired Electra brand, is now set to
benefit from comprehensive dual brand strategy that will see innovative
but simple-to-use product introductions, alongside brand personality
development. The entire brand marketing pallet is being overhauled in
a major attack on the UK market including: brand identities; trade focused
marketing material; consumer advertising; along with developing further
customer service and after sales support.
Commenting on his new appointment Charlie says ‘I am very excited
by this new role. Servis is an extremely well established and respected
'British' brand. The acquisition of Electra gives us the opportunity
to pursue a 'dual brand' market strategy. Significantly building on
a business from established foundations is a rare opportunity in any
career, I relish the challenge!’
Charlie will be supported in his new role by the sales and marketing
teams. Long-time marketing manager Gill Hewitson will work alongside
Charlie as will the existing team of account directors, managers and
the telesales team.
For further information regarding Servis tel: 0121 568 8333 or visit
http://www.servisuk.co.uk
Trojan
Wins Out of Court Settlement Against Hoesch
National
law firm, Walker Morris, has successfully enforced the design rights
of Trojan Plastics Ltd following proceedings issued in the High Court
after Hoesch Pty Ltd imported baths and panels into Europe which Trojan
believed infringed both its UK and Community design rights in its successful
CONCEPT shower bath and panel design.
Trojan is one of the UK's largest manufacturers of baths and bath panels
and employs 170 people at its 36 acre manufacturing facility in Huddersfield
(West Yorkshire).
Patrick Cantrill and Roy Crozier of the Intellectual Property Group
at Walker Morris, acted for Trojan in High Court proceedings resulting
in a settlement whereby amongst other things, Hoesch, which trades as
Amanzi Bathworks, agreed not to resume the supply to Europe of its Marks
I and II shower baths and panels and to withdraw the challenge before
OHIM to the validity of Trojan's registered design in its CONCEPT shower
bath.
Patrick Cantrill of Walker Morris said, 'This industry is extremely
competitive with innovative designs being readily copied if the correct
protections aren't in place. Trojan put significant investment into
the design of the company's products and it is only right that it is
able to protect its successful designs.'
The baths and panels which were the subject of the dispute were imported
into the UK throughout 2005 and following complaints from Trojan's distributors,
Trojan turned to Walker Morris for assistance and support.
David Mosley (Marketing Manager) of Trojan commented, 'We believe firmly
that companies with innovative designs have to be willing to protect
them. Whilst we hoped to settle the dispute without having to resort
to litigation, the dispute with Amanzi was the first time we have felt
that we had no choice but to enforce our intellectual property rights
through the courts.
'From the outset Walker Morris advised us that we had a very strong
case against Amanzi. Although we first raised our complaint with Amanzi
in March 2005 we did not issue proceedings until August of the same
year after we concluded that the dispute could not be settled amicably.'
Ernie Hatton (Managing Director) added, 'Our innovative designs are
the key to our success in a competitive marketplace. Protecting our
design rights is essential to our success and as such we are not afraid
to take legal action in order to do so. We are delighted with the result
against Hoesch Pty Ltd and its UK Agent. Hopefully it sends a clear
message out to those who would seek to infringe our intellectual property
rights that such actions will not be tolerated.'
Caption: Trojan's David Mosley - Marketing Manager (left) and Ernie
Hatton (right) Managing Director with Walker Morris's IP lawyer Roy
Crozier - Associate
KBSA
Retailer Excellence Award Finalists Announced
The
KBSA has announced the three finalists selected for the 2006 Retailer
Excellence Award. The finalists for this award are chosen by the retailers'
own customers who submit an evaluation of the service they have received
as part of the KBSA's regular vetting procedures.
The three finalists are Mr William Hodgson, Elite Interiors, Stanley,
County Durham, Mr Keith Ferries, Ferries Kitchens Ltd, Tain, Highland
and Mr Val Tolhurst, Kitchen Sense of Harleston, Norfolk.
‘These retailers all received excellent feedback from their customers
and have illustrated the best standards of customer service. We wish
them all well and look forward to announcing the winner at the Design
Innovation Awards ceremony on July 6th,’ says KBSA Operations Manager
Lucinda Kenny.
One of last year's finalists benefited from an increase in business,
thanks to the publicity they received from last year's awards. Tom Ireland
of Kestrel Kitchens, based in South Yorkshire, arranged an advertising
campaign in the local press and the Yellow Pages following his award's
success, and has reaped the rewards with a significant increase in sales
since the campaign.
The KBSA Design Innovation Awards 2006 include the following categories:
* Kitchen Design Award
* New Kitchen Designer Award
* Bathroom Design Award
* Bedroom Design Award
* KBSA Retailer Excellence Award
* KBSA Supplier Excellence Award
The awards ceremony will take place at the Radisson SAS Hotel at Stansted
Airport on Thursday July 6th.
MB
Distribution has opened a retail showroom to display the range of Décor
wall and ceiling panels at the company’s premises in Middlesbrough.
The
new showroom demonstrates the use of Décor in a virtual living
environment, demonstrating the elegance and diversity of this wall and
ceiling range. On show is a kitchen area, bathroom area, shower cubicles
and dining room, all demonstrating an expensive-looking expanse of wall
or ceiling in a choice of textures and colours.
Deceuninck says that the Décor range has remained at the forefront
of design for some time. Décor flush finish panels are manufactured
using water-based inks that gives a depth of colour for the authentic
finish to satisfy today's design-conscious consumers. Due to the product's
high water resistancy, Décor is a good solution for bathrooms
and kitchens where traditional tiles would have been used.
Commenting on the new Décor showroom, Director of MB Distribution,
Michael Greenup said: ‘Numerous surveys throughout 2005 demonstrate
that nearly five million people are planning to revamp or replace their
kitchen or bathroom. Put simply, this market is huge and through Décor
we have an opportunity to tap into this arena. The showroom is our window
to the consumer and clearly demonstrates the stunning effects you can
achieve with Décor in numerous real life situations. Today's
home improvers, whether they're planning to do it themselves or 'call
in the experts' are shrewd buyers and are looking for products that
will give them a unique, bespoke home space whilst creating an exclusive
and expensive atmosphere. The Décor range is innovative enough
to provide exactly what the discerning consumer needs.’
For more information on all the products and services from MB Distribution
visit http://www.mb-distribution.co.uk.
A
Record-breaking Three Days for Grand Designs Live 2006
Attracting
over 50,000 visitors in three days, Grand Designs Live 2006 has broken
2005's record show-launch figures, with a 15% increase in attendance
on 2005, with over 600 exhibitors taking up 32,000 square metres.
Kevin McCloud comments, 'There has been a tremendous vibe and great
atmosphere. It's been so much fun meeting people face to face over the
three days. I've had a great time.'
The event, which launched in 2005, has evolved into a spectacularly
vibrant show and changed the face of the interiors exhibition industry
forever. Visitors were stunned by the breathtaking show features and
wealth of inspirational design ideas. Maura Preece from West Sussex,
who spent over eight hours at the event, said: 'This has been amazing,
I've been able to furnish my house and garden, whilst firming up plans
for my next project!'
Visitors packed themselves into the seminar theatre headed by Kevin
McCloud, to hear the guest speaker celebrity line-up including Naomi
Cleaver, Diarmuid Gavin, Sarah Beeny, Oliver Heath and Jason Bradbury,
who wowed audiences with their specialist knowledge, top tips and advice.
Kevin Murphy, Deputy CEO/Managing Director, ExCeL London comments: 'Once
again Grand Designs has delivered on the successful formula they created
last year. The visual and aural excitement when entering the show sums
up Grand Designs Live, and again provided an exciting and entertaining
event for the consumer.'
The four sections; GRANDGardens, GRANDKitchens&Bathrooms, GRANDBuild
and GRANDInteriors, plus The Grand Village and Design Shopping Arcade
were a clear hit with visitors, as the numbers show. Features included
WWF One Planet Living, the Celebrity Chefs' Surreal Meal, CEDIA House
of the Future...Today! and Diarmuid Gavin's Garden Market.
Lee Newton, managing director of show organiser Media 10, said: 'With
this second hugely successful show, it's clear that with Grand Designs
Live we have created a winning formula. Visitors were able to meet experts,
gather ideas and purchase everything from door handles to houses. Grand
Designs Live is expanding to the heart of England at the NEC in October,
and is set to be a sensational event.'
Web: http://www.granddesignslive.com
Ashley
Bathrooms Grabs the TV Spotlight - Twice
Ashley
Bathrooms has supplied entire suites of 'Made in Britain' sanitaryware
to two episodes of the popular Channel 4 home makeover TV show, 'Honey
I Ruined The House'.
Reflecting the quality and design of the suite, Cromford sanitaryware
from Ashley Bathrooms was chosen for two home makeovers masterminded
by celebrity TV designer Naomi Cleaver, whose latest series returns
to our screens to undo the havoc wreaked by hapless homeowners on their
properties.
Broadcast on May 25th and June 22nd, the episodes feature properties
in High Wycombe and Glasgow where bathrooms were completely revamped
and fitted out with Ashley products.
‘Naomi clearly loves our Cromford Suite,’ says Ashley Bathrooms
Marketing Director David Smith. ‘Following our initial engagement
to supply sanitaryware for the High Wycombe makeover, the finished bathroom
looked so good that we were then instructed to deliver a further suite
for the second show filmed in Glasgow. Ashley was delighted to be able
to help Naomi show her chosen TV residents what can be done with the
right products for a project.’
For more details of Ashley Bathrooms telephone 01332 830 404 or visit
http://www.ashleybathrooms.com.
Bristan's
Quirinius Heated Towel Rail at 5 Star Hotel
Bristan
is supplying 300 heated towel rails as part of the £70m refurbishment
of the 5* Mayfair Radisson Edwardian Hotel in London. Set in exclusive
Mayfair, in the heart of the capital, the Radisson Edwardian is currently
undergoing a major revamp, with Bristan joining big names such as Fendi
and Baccarat to help further enhance the opulence and glamour of this
luxury hotel.
The handmade Quirinius towel rail was selected for its high quality
manufacture and compact design, which enables the hotel to supply each
room with a stack of fresh warm towels within arms reach of the bath
or shower.
The 300 Quirinius towel rails are all finished in chrome and have 1008
BTU heat output, while measuring just 381 x 686 x 381mm. As part of
its approach to customer service, Bristan customised the design of the
Quirinius to suit the hotel's exact requirements.
The Mayfair Radisson Edwardian hotel has also ordered 16 special rails
for its suites. The renovations are due for completion at the end of
September 2006.
Tel: 0870 4425555
Web: http://www.bristan.com
Two
Centre Forwards Set to Clinch Title
For
approximately 7500 hours now, a Miele washing machine and tumble dryer
have been running in a gruelling endurance test designed to finish to
coincide with the start of the football world cup. The point of the
exercise is to prove that Miele machines can stand up to 20 years of
use. Since kick-off last year, both machines have been on the treadmill,
running their hearts out in full view of netizens around the world who
can witness this marathon feat via webcam http://www.miele-wm-dauertest.de.
7500 hours without injury timeout mean that these Miele machines have
already surpassed the industry average for durability.
The Miele benchmark is 5000 programme cycles which, on a washing machine,
equate to 10,000 hours of uninterrupted operation. As a result of shorter
average cycle times on tumble dryers, 7500 operating hours mean that
the tumble dryer has already passed the 20-year test. But that is no
reason to stop the test! The tumble dryer will continue to pace its
running mate, a Miele washing machine, until it, too, has passed the
20-year mark, clocking up 10,000 hours of uninterrupted operation. And
as no-one seriously expects either of these machines to be on their
last legs by that time, Miele plans to let the game go into extra time.
20 years is an uncompromising standard and constitutes an integral part
of Miele's corporate policy. And to ensure that these standards are
met, Miele puts its appliances through their paces in marathon endurance
tests - particularly before the launch of a new product series, but
also as an ongoing measure to monitor the quality of goods in production.
185 washing machines and tumble dryers stand shoulder to shoulder in
Miele's endurance test bays. The drums on these machines rotate day
and night, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Miele would urge all to drop by and check out the Miele website for
themselves. Apart from providing an insight into everyday test laboratory
life at Miele, visitors will also find a wide variety of interesting
information on both laundry care and football as well as topical recipes
from countries participating in the world cup.
More recently, Miele's website features a competition allowing football
fans to place bets on the outcome of individual matches. The winners
with the highest score can look forward to attractive prizes: First
prize is a LiquidWash washing machine, a model featuring a wide range
of programmes as well as automatic liquid detergent dispensing. Second
prize is a MatchWinner vacuum cleaner, a campaign model launched to
mark the World Cup. A further 12 high scorers can earn themselves an
Art.by Miele vacuum cleaner.
AGA
Group's strategy to provide the foodservice sector with more efficient
equipment is bringing widespread recognition - as seen in a series of
recent awards.
Victory Refrigeration, the Group's US based commercial refrigeration
manufacturer, has received the prestigious award of Energy Star Partner
of the Year from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
federal Department of Energy (DOE). It is the first foodservice equipment
maker ever to receive this award which recognises Victory's efforts
in promoting energy efficient equipment and in educating the industry
on this topical issue.
Eloma, the Group's German combi-oven maker, has received the Dr Georg
Triebe Innovation Award for its 'Multi-Eco System' - a control system
which manages energy and water consumption. Eloma's Genius and Multimax
combi-steamer ranges now run the system adding to the benefits of their
boilerless system to make Eloma the most efficient product on the market.
Falcon's Infinity Fryer has been voted the 'most innovative new development
in kitchen equipment in Europe' by the Foodservice Consultants Society
International (FCSI), the professional body for all Europe's leading
commercial kitchen designers.
William McGrath, Chief Executive, Aga Foodservice Group commenting on
these awards said: 'To receive these awards and, in particular, to be
the US Government's Energy Star Partner in foodservice equipment is
a great accolade. We are committed to providing our customers with the
complete package in energy-efficient products. The mood in the sector
is changing and the benefits of putting 'back of house to front of mind'
are being recognised environmentally and financially.’
http://www.cleanupfrying.com
http://www.infinityfryers.com
http://www.victory-refrig.com
http://www.eloma.de
And
Finally...
Two
pictures this week which somehow seem to go together: first, the Home
Pub from Servis, launched to coincide with the World Cup (one can imagine
hundreds being delivered today, only to be sent back by irate other
halves on July 10th). Retailing at just under £700, this fridge
freezer has a pump on the outside of the door connected to a five litre
barrel of beer, together with a gas cylinder and valve. Advice on 24
hour beer keg delivery is also offered. More on this from http://www.servisuk.co.uk/Products/SPECIALHomepub.htm
Our second picture, meanwhile, kindly sent in by Richard Moss of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, needs no explanation, save perhaps to say that this particular washroom is in the USA, so as long as you stay within these shores, you are safe.