Kitchen and Bathroom News @ The K&BZine

In anticipation of future sales growth, UK kitchen appliance group, BSH Home Appliances Limited has just announced the acquisition of a new 420,000 sq. ft distribution centre in central England.

The huge purpose built development at the new ProLogis Business Park in Kettering, Northamptonshire marks a significant investment in the future of the company, headquartered in nearby Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. The new venue is earmarked for substantial additional storage of the group’s well-known Neff, Bosch, Siemens & Gaggenau kitchen appliance brands.

BSH’s current warehousing facilities comprise 300,000 sq. ft in Milton Keynes plus three satellite stores nearby. The new additional central distribution centre on the A14 in Kettering will incorporate the present satellite storage sites and greatly increase the company’s overall capacity for the future.

The majority of the new centre (400,000 sq. ft) will be devoted to warehousing space and an office block will take up the remaining 20,000 sq. ft. A separate regional service centre for sister company BSH Appliance Care Ltd will also be accommodated here.

Building has already begun in earnest on the new site, which will be ready for occupation as early as November this year. The 12 metre high facility will have 29 dock levellers and 4 level access doors.

To commemorate the start of the building process, BSH C.E.O Uwe Hanneck (2nd from left) and C.F.O, Colin Blake (3rd from left) took part in a special ground-breaking ceremony with Simon Jenkins of Prologis and two local councillors at the Business Park at the beginning of June. BSH is the first company to commit to space in the brand new 120-acre site in Kettering.

Comments BSH C.F.O Colin Blake: ‘In order to accommodate the anticipated expansion of the company over the next ten years, we have decided to prepare ourselves now – rather than wait for a need to arise in the future. The Kettering site more than doubles our existing warehouse capacity and gives us additional flexibility in storage space across the four brands’

Following the acquisition of Lec Refrigeration plc in March 2005, Glen Dimplex has completed its review of the business and is announcing proposed changes to operations at the Bognor Regis site.

Having examined Lec's current operations, it is now proposed that the manufacturing of domestic refrigeration products will cease at the Bognor Regis site by the end of August 2005, with a view to transferring this to GDHA's Merseyside site over a period of time. During the changeover, Lec's domestic business will continue, sales contacts will remain the same for all key customers and continuity of supply is assured.

This development is part of an overall plan to utilise the greater resources of GDHA to help develop and grow the business. Work which began two years ago to source Lec's domestic range from other factories will also continue and projects are already underway to create the strongest ever product range for 2006.

The technical products side of the business is unaffected by the proposed changes and will remain at Bognor Regis while Glen Dimplex continues to gain a better understanding of the profit and growth potential for this part of the operation.

As Lec becomes part of GDHA, Glen Dimplex plans to invest in the brand and the services which support it, in order to strengthen it, accelerate growth and help Lec regain its former leading position in the UK refrigeration market.

As part of focused plans for business development, Mereway Bathrooms has appointed a new General Manager and relocated its central premises to a new office and production space close to the central Mereway Ltd production site.

With a background in International Business, Sales & Marketing with reputable companies such as Royal Dutch Shell, Massey Ferguson and Dixons/Currys, Chris Breslin brings a wealth of skills to the role. ‘Mereway Bathrooms presents a terrific opportunity to take a fledgling company with a great product offering and reputation to an industry leading position,’ says Chris Breslin.

Chris continues ‘My broad commercial background and previous experience of managing high growth businesses will enable me to help the company maximise its strengths. We have all the right elements available to achieve our goal; an experienced and committed team of people, the right products and a respected brand name. Together, we can progressively develop the company in a structured and robust manner that will allow us to build both our position and our standing in the industry, and ultimately challenge the market leader in our sector.’

Now operating autonomously to the successful Mereway Kitchens division, Mereway Bathrooms has grown considerably since its launch into the bathroom industry in 1997. It is anticipated that the appointment of Chris to what is already a strong management team, will see Mereway Bathrooms increase its share in the furniture market, as well as streamline operations within the day to day running of the business.

As a fast growing British Bathroom furniture manufacturer in the industry, and part of the Mereway Group of Companies, Mereway bathrooms has gone from strength to strength supplying a wide range of quality, rigid furniture and related accessories to bathroom retailers all over the UK. The resulting success has seen a change of location for the bathrooms manufacturer to a new 30,000 sq.ft site just a 1/4 mile from the central Mereway Limited site.

While still a family run business, Mereway Bathrooms Limited will continue to expand by investing in technology and people in order to deliver first class service and product to its current and future customers.

Tel: 0121 706 5750
Web: http://www.merewaybathrooms.co.uk

ELECSA is inviting electricians and businesses affected by Part P to book a place on one of the free Part P evening seminars that will be held across 8 locations in the South East in July 2005.

These Part P seminars have been arranged by ELECSA, equipment manufacturer Megger and City Electrical Factors Ltd. Speakers from ELECSA and Megger will talk about how electricians and businesses are affected by Part P and the different options available to complying. Electricians and businesses which take the opportunity to register with ELECSA during the seminar will be offered a registration discount. As Julian Carter, General Manager (pictured) comments ‘We are always looking at ways to help simplify things for businesses. We are pleased to offer these free seminars to businesses affected by Part P. We have brought together expert speakers from the electrical industry.’

The Part P seminars will be held in the following eight locations:
• Tuesday 5th July – Wembly (5.30pm)
• Thursday 7th July - Muswell Hill (5.30pm)
• Monday 11th July – Hillingdon (5.30pm)
• Tuesday 12th July - Twickenham (5.30pm)
• Thursday 14th July – Swanley (5.30pm)
• Tuesday 19th July – Barbican (6.30pm)
• Wednesday 20th July – Greenwich (5.30pm)
• Thursday 21st July – Sutton (5.00pm)

Places are limited and businesses are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. For further details and to book your free place on a seminar, please contact Nicola on 0191 378 3990 (between 9am – 6pm) or email mailto:seminars@elecsa.org.uk. General information on the ELECSA scheme can be located at http://www.elecsa.org.uk, email mailto:enquiries@elecsa.org.uk or tel: 0870 749 0080.

Indesit Censured by ASA for Exaggerating by 7 Minutes

According to information published by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), Dyson objected to a claim by Indesit in a national press advertisement that its new Flash Clean programme gives an A rated wash in just one hour. Dyson reckoned it took 71 minutes, Indesit admitted that in its own tests, it actually took 67 minutes.

Dyson Ltd objected to a national press advertisement for a washing machine that was headed "C''MON GIRLS, LIFE''S TOO SHORT TO SPEND IT WASHING HIS PANTS". The advertisement stated "INDESIT WASHING MACHINES WITH TIME4YOU. A special Flash Clean programme that gives you an "A" Rated wash in just one hour ...". The complainants challenged the claim "an ''A'' Rated wash in just one hour", because their tests of that wash on the advertisers'' machine took 71 minutes.

The Complaint was upheld:

The advertisers said the Flash Clean wash took 67 minutes; they sent evidence that that was the time for the full wash at the recommended temperature of 60 degrees centigrade when tested under the EN 60456 standard for domestic washing machines.

The advertisers asserted that the claim complied with the EN 60456, because they believed the standard allowed manufacturers a 15% tolerance in declaring the length of their programmes. The advertisers sent clauses from the standard that stated that the duration of a programme should be no more than 15% longer than the value declared by a manufacturer.

The Authority took expert advice. The Authority understood that the exact time taken for the programme depended on the load and fabric and the 15% tolerance established by EN 60456 was intended to cover genuine tolerances in products and ensure that appropriate information was given on energy labels.

It considered that consumers would interpret the claim as meaning the programme took close to one hour. It noted the wash took 67 minutes and considered that that was considerably longer than one hour and, because of that, the claim was misleading. It told the advertisers not to use the claim or repeat the approach in future.

Dyson Objection to Electrolux's 'Cyclonic' Vacuum Cleaner Falls on Deaf Ears

According to information published by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), Dyson objected to a brochure from Electrolux which described one of its vacuum cleaners as 'cyclonic.' The complaint was not upheld.

Dyson Ltd objected to a brochure for a range of vacuum cleaners. One cleaner featured in the brochure was the Electrolite Cycloniclite Z7108; the brochure claimed that it was a "cyclonic" vacuum cleaner. The complainants, who understood the term "cyclonic" to mean that the cleaner separated dust from the air that it sucked in by centrifugal force, challenged the claim.

The Complaint was not upheld:

The advertisers said the term "cyclonic" was entirely suitable for the Z7108 vacuum cleaner, because its main mode of operation was the separation of solid particles from air by a two-stage process using centrifrugal forces.

Firstly, solid particles were separated from the incoming airflow by centrifugal forces in the separation chamber that caused radial movement of the particles; particles were then discharged into the sedimentation chamber by secondary vortices.

They maintained that both stages used centrifugal forces to remove the particles. The advertisers said air then left the separation chamber through a HEPA filter, which separated microscopic particles from the air. The advertisers sent video clips that demonstrated the operation of the Z7108 under normal conditions, both with the secondary filter in place and without it.

The complainants sent video clips of the advertisers' Z7116 The Boss Cycloniclite vacuum cleaner, which they said operated in the same way as the Z7108, that showed it operating with and without its secondary filter. One of the complainants' clips showed the cleaner's sedimentation chamber with little dust ''captured'' in it; they said that showed the cyclonic filtration was ineffective. The complainants claimed that the videos showed that the cleaner could not separate dust and air without a filter. The advertisers claimed that, by removing the filter, the complainants had destroyed the cyclonic function of the vacuum cleaner, because the filter, which was positioned in the centre of the separation chamber, was required to create the cyclone in the chamber.

The Authority took expert advice. The expert advised that the advertisers' video data clearly showed that a centrifugal airflow spiralled downwards in the separation chamber, demonstrating that the separation of dust was by centrifugal means. He acknowledged that the vacuum cleaner did not use solely cyclonic filtration to separate solids from the air, because it also used secondary ''mechanical'' filtration.

The Authority considered that the advertisers had shown that solid separation occurred in the Z7108 by centrifugal forces. It considered that the complainants' evidence was not conclusive, because the removal of the filter disrupted the normal airflow in the advertisers' vacuum cleaner.

The Authority considered that "cyclonic" implied the vacuum cleaner separated dust by centifugal force but did not imply centrifugal force was the only method of separation used.

It acknowledged that the advertised vacuum cleaner used barrier filtration as a means of separation but, because the advertisers had shown that centrifugal force was also an effective method of separation, it considered that the advertisers had justified the claim "cyclonic".

Electrical wholesaler HI Distribution has introduced the Fagor brand – the manufacturer of home appliances – to its extensive product portfolio.

Fagor offers a competitively priced range of quality white goods, from freestanding cookers and built-in hobs, ovens and extractor hoods together with a range of high-specification washing machines and fridge-freezers.

While Fagor’s products incorporate the latest designs and technology, including advances in energy efficiency, the brand also has its eye firmly on consumer needs with products that are easy to use, reliable and safe.

Malcolm Unitt, managing director of HI Distribution, explains the importance of this enhancement to its product range: ‘We constantly monitor the global electrical goods market to ensure we offer our customers the most up-to-date technology and designs for premium, middle market and budget products.

‘The Fagor brand has an excellent reputation for quality, reliability and innovation, and we are particularly pleased with its commitment to work with us to support the independent trade. We anticipate that Fagor products will be a popular choice this summer with customers looking for products which demonstrate style, innovation and value, and we are pleased to welcome the brand to our range.’

Fagor products are available now from HI Distribution, and the Fagor range will be featured in the upcoming issue of the distributor’s HI Profile catalogue.

Commenting on the new relationship, Ellis Bardsley (commercial director for Fagor UK) said: ‘We are extremely pleased with the emerging partnership with HI Distribution. Operating a defined distribution strategy is critical to our success, and HI Distribution is a key element in this. Critically, HI Distribution will be offering Fagor products that are ex-stock and which provide the retailer with a competitive, reliable and profitable core range of freestanding and built-in white goods. We look forward to a very successful future with HI Distribution.’

For information on any of Fagor’s advanced range of built-in and freestanding appliances, please call the UK sales office on 020 7354 0044, or email mailto:sales@fagorappliances.co.uk

Maytag UK, the manufacturer of genuine American refrigeration and laundry, dishwashing and range cooking appliances has appointed Marie Mayor to National Account Manager.

Marie’s national account experience has been gained through a number of challenging routes including time spent in FMCG at Golden Wonder and small domestic appliance brand Moulinex/SEB. Marie succeeds Tony Millard who is retiring at the end of June. Julie Blaylock, Sales Director, Maytag UK says, ‘Marie joins us with a breadth of national account skills, which will be invaluable to the company. Marie’s experience and aptitude will further strengthen our position in the market place, supporting and adding value to our trade partners.’

Marie will be based the Maytag UK’s headquarters in Redhill and comments on her appointment, ‘I am very excited about joining Maytag UK. They have a fantastic array of iconic brands. Maytag has been pivotal in expanding the American refrigeration market in the UK through its three brands. I am looking forward to reinforcing Maytag’s portfolio with our retail base who can reap the rewards of a buoyant market through Maytag’s design led and innovative appliances with the convenience of purchasing from one manufacturer, Maytag.’

For further information on Maytag appliances call Maytag UK on 01737 231 000 or visit the websites at http://www.maytag.co.uk and http://www.amana.co.uk

Bathroom furniture manufacturer Tretzo has made further substantial investments in its premises, machinery, IT and marketing. With nearly 40 years of manufacturing experience and a strong customer base in Ireland and the UK it now employs 22 people and is supported by another five. Craftsmanship and ultramodern, minimalist design combine as Tretzo’s personality trademark.

'All the further investment has been used towards developing the business into a world class operation. A new mezzanine floor has given Tretzo extra manufacturing capacity to cope with our strong order book. Together with new panel handling equipment, the purchase of one of the first ‘edge-banders’ in the UK for small to medium-size enterprises makes our facility one of the fastest and most efficient operations in the industry' explains managing director Geoff Clarke. Tretzo is supported by Invest NI advisors.

But it is in product development where Tretzo’s future prosperity lies. Working with the country’s best designers from Belfast & London-based Triplicate, the company has already launched its new Sixes, Zero and Module bathroom ranges to developers and specifiers. Suitable for new-build or refurbished image-conscious consumers, the bathroom compositions offer a cosmopolitan simplicity to functional items.

'Led by general manager Nick Willis we have a superb team which has been very successful' Geoff explains. 'But we intend to be even more innovative. Later in the year Tretzo will be launching further new bathroom concepts which will put us in a league of our own. Watch this space.'

Tretzo will be showing a completely new bathroom furniture design at two major exhibitions in the UK, 100% Design, Earls Court from 22-25 September ‘05 and the major KBB Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham from 22-23 January ’06.

Tel: 028 3752 3735
Email: mailto:sales@tretzo.com
Web: http://www.tretzo.com

Between 1st July and 30th September 2005, kitchen appliance manufacturer Siemens is offering money off ‘package deals’ on specific combinations of freestanding laundry, dishwashers and refrigeration products in a stainless steel finish.

Consumers will be entitled to up to £200 off Siemens freestanding stainless steel appliances when purchased together from an independent Siemens stockist during the promotional period.

There are two types of ‘package deals’ on offer:
a) £200 package. To qualify, consumers must buy three Siemens stainless steel appliances, namely a dishwasher, washing machine and fridge freezer.
b) £100 package. To qualify, consumers must buy a Siemens stainless steel washing machine and dishwasher.

Both offers will be promoted to consumers at point of sale via special round ‘wobblers’, which dealers can attach and display on the stainless steel appliances mentioned in the promotion.

Comments Siemens Brand Manager, Jane Massey: ‘With stainless steel at the height of its popularity, this is a great time to bring forward purchases that were on the back burner. This promotion gives consumers a cash incentive to trade up to Siemens with a set of matching freestanding appliances’

For brochures & stockists, call 0870 840 3300 or visit http://www.siemensappliances.co.uk

Roman Ltd, the UK shower manufacturer, has rewarded its team of retail development managers with new VW Passats, as a 'thank you' for exceptional sales and product awareness building.

The cars were acquired through DaimlerCrysler Services Fleet Management (DCSFM), which operates a UK fleet of 42,000 vehicles and designs individual solutions for corporate customers.

Roman’s managers were rewarded with the upgraded company cars, supplied by Benfield Motors of Gateshead, in recognition of their dedication and commitment, which has ensured Roman’s Orbital Sliding Doors shower enclosures feature in the majority of bathroom retailers across the UK.

Front - Loraine Gamblin, Marketing Manager, Roman Ltd. Back row (L-R) Simon Carr, Corporate Sales Manager, DaimlerChrysler Services Fleet Management, Paul Harrop, Sales & Marketing Director, DaimlerChrysler Services Fleet Management, and Mike Spink, Transport Manager, Roman Ltd.

Orbital Sliding Doors is a range of 6mm thick toughened glass shower enclosures. The doors move effortlessly on precision made roller bearing wheels, into a sprung door-stop, for cushioned opening and closing.

Roman wanted its staff to have a fleet of quality, reliable cars of similar standard to its own products. The efficiency of the vehicles was also a factor, as Roman believes in minimising business emissions to the environment. Recognising good business practice, Roman opted for contract hire on the Passats, attracted by the reduction in administration that it offers.

Mike Spink, Transport Manager for Roman Ltd, commented: 'It’s great to be able to reward our staff with this brand new fleet of cars. DCSFM will handle all the fleet needs of our retail development managers, throughout the country, and we’ll receive just one invoice to process each month.'

David Osborne, Marketing Director for Roman Ltd, said: 'A new car is a great incentive for our staff in the field, who are representing Roman throughout the UK. We want our employees to feel proud at being part of the Roman team and DCSFM have helped us achieve that.'

Roman employs over 190 people at its three acre factory site based in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

National Furniture Conference 2005 -'The Changing Face of the Furniture Supply Chain'

Looking for new ways and fresh approaches on how to make your supply chain work for you? Join FIRA and Qualitas on Thursday 14th July 2005 at the Heritage Motor Centre to discover ways to drive furniture sales into the future.

Good products well sold are not just about closing the sale; this year’s programme will provide delegates with a wealth of understanding on wider retailer issues. Topics covered range from sustainability and lean manufacturing, importing quality products, to dynamic after sales solutions.

Ian Goldsmith will be joining FIRA and Qualitas to share his views on corporate social responsibility. Having been Group Planning Director at Travis Perkins for five years, Ian's current responsibilities include corporate strategy, marketing and environmental issues. Travis Perkins, a builder’s merchant with 740 nation wide stores, hit the headlines at the end of 2004 when it completed the acquisition of Wickes, the UK’s third largest DIY retailer and now one of the big players in the Kitchen and bedroom furniture market.

A premier venue with an ambience all of its own, the Heritage Motor Centre, Warwick, is a remarkable museum that charts the history of the British car industry from 1896 to present day. 'This is guaranteed to be a conference you will never forget.'

Don't Miss Out - call Chris Winsor or Sarah Gower on 01438 777700 to book your complimentary place.

Aqualux’s newly launched Walk-In shower enclosures have literally walked onto stockist’s shelves thanks to a massive demand for the product at this year's EXPO held at London's ExCel.

Aqualux has reported exceptional sales of its entire product range, with the Walk-In shower seeing outstanding uptake by trade customers. The competitively priced Walk-In with Wet Room option will form the latest edition to Aqualux's exclusive Energy range. The new fashionable collection has been designed to be easily adapted into a Wet Room giving consumers ultimate choice to convert their bathrooms during installation or at a later date.

Mike Jones, sales and marketing director, said: 'We are extremely pleased by the reaction to the Walk-In from our trade customers. There is always a certain amount of expectation when launching a new product, but our sales figures speak for themselves. The Walk-In, with Wet Room option, provides unrivalled value for money in terms of competitiveness, design, flexibility and quality.'

The Walk-In comes in three sizes – 1400mm x 800mm, 1400mm x 900mm and 1700mm x 900mm with a height of 1900mm. All are supplied with a tray and integral hardwood, water-resistant foot board.

A conversion kit is available to transform the Walk-In into a luxurious Wet Room installation. The kit includes an adjustable foot and wall channel spacers to provide installers with an easy fitting solution for a range of floor slopes.

Aqualux has used 6mm clear safety glass and high quality die cast chrome plated fittings. As with its other ranges, Aqualux has concentrated on providing a contemporary and stylish solution. The Walk-In is supplied with a slimline tray, stylish integral towel rail and is available in polished silver. Other features include Aqualux'swall-fixing clamping system to make instalment quick and easy. The enclosure is also reversible, making it suitable for either left or right-hand fitting.

Call Aqualux or your local area sales manager for more information on Aqualux's free Walk-In and Energy display offer on: 0870 241 6131 or visit http://www.aqualux.co.uk

Retail prices excluding VAT start at £476 for the full enclosure.

Deco Marble and Granite Limited of Whitby Ave, Park Royal, London was fined £3,000 at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday 14th April 2005 following a prosecution brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), after an investigation into an incident where a worker was killed on 26th September 2003.

John Martin Dunleavy, (known as Martin) aged 37 from Holland Park, was crushed by several stone slabs from a bundle weighing approximately six tonnes, at Deco Marble’s yard in Park Royal. The slabs were being unloaded from a delivery lorry by crane when the chains used to lift the load became trapped. It was whilst Mr Dunleavy was trying to free the chains that the slabs tipped forward onto him.

Deco Marble pleaded guilty to breaching:

Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act;
Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999; and
Regulation 8(1) of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.

Following the prosecution, HSE Principal Inspector Mike Gibb said:
'This incident demonstrates the inherent dangers involved in moving and storing large heavy loads such as slabs of stone. Firms receiving deliveries should consider the use of contract lifts where a crane hire firm can plan and coordinate all aspects of the lifting operations.

'All firms using and storing stone slabs should assess the risks from their current storage and handling arrangements. Toast-rack style storage is preferred to prevent toppling of slabs. Inclined A-frames can also be used provided the slabs are secure.'

Deco Marble and Granite Limited is in liquidation and was fined only £3,000. In sentencing His Honour Judge Rivlin QC said 'No sum could possibly represent the loss the family have suffered but had the company been trading, and successfully so, then the potential fine would have been £80,000'.

The Judge also expressed surprise that the family had not received any financial compensation. He asked the defendant’s solicitors to write to the company’s insurance company to speed up settlement of the claim.

Kitchen frontals and accessories manufacturer Burbidge has been highly commended in the Best of British Manufacturing IT Awards for its use of advanced computer simulation software. The awards, organised by Manufacturing Computer Solutions magazine, recognise companies that have effectively harnessed IT in order to reduce costs, improve efficiencies and competitiveness and to respond to new business opportunities.

Burbidge was highly commended in the Plant & Factory Controls Systems category of the awards, for the application of ProModel simulation computer software. The software was used to identify the most efficient and cost effective way to upgrade and improve the company’s paint line, speed up production and solve issues related to batch sizes and cycle frequencies, prior to any financial commitment.

Following analysis using the ProModel software, Burbidge purchased a second lacquering pen in order to create two finishing lines, and then separated the 20 per cent of products that needed painting and the 80 per cent of products that only required lacquering. In doing so, Burbidge has effectively increased output by 33 per cent.

Graham Heaven, Burbidge’s financial director and head of IT, was responsible for introducing and instigating ProModel, one of the most advanced systems in the field of dynamic simulation modelling. He said: ‘In order to meet market demands and improve performance in today’s business environment change is inevitable. However, trying out new operational ideas can take time, and is often disruptive and of course costly.

‘We wanted to be able to experiment and try out new ideas – whether operational or strategic – before making any financial commitment. We also wanted to have visual accuracy and animation to help explain the proposed changes, so we invested in software that would enable us to do this. The results have justified the investment. For us, simulation modelling has become an integral part of our decision making process as it provides exactly what we need – clear and detailed answers and powerful justification for financial investment.’

Managing director Ben Burbidge said: ‘We have been very impressed with the way Graham has introduced and implemented ProModel, especially as he didn’t have the support of a large in-house IT department. Assessing production process changes and investigating investment decisions prior to financial commitment has delivered very real benefits for us. Most importantly, we have been able to make informed decisions and have eliminated the risk of purchasing the wrong machinery for our needs. We believe our use of computer modelling is a real reflection of Burbidge’s forward thinking nature.’

Burbidge has used ProModel for other projects, including the replacement of its aging door-edge profiling line. Two alternatives were modelled – a twin cutter and a single cutter – and the most efficient solution was to buy two machines.

For information on Burbidge’s range of wood, painted, foil wrap and metal frontals and accessories, please visit http://www.burbidge.co.uk or call 024 7667 1600. Burbidge’s products can also be viewed in realistic room sets in the company’s showroom at its Coventry manufacturing facility. The showroom is open five days a week between 9am and 5pm.

Bespoke kitchen furniture specialist Charles Yorke is to expand its presence overseas with the opening of its first French studio in the exclusive Neuilly district of Paris.

Cuisines Charles Bigant was established in 1964 and is a well known name in Paris, renowned for beautiful functional furniture design and top quality materials.

Owner Emmanuel Bigant was immediately attracted to Charles Yorke's kitchen furniture when he saw it at an exhibition last year. He contacted the company to see if it would be interested in working with him to introduce Charles Yorke's particular brand of British bespokery to the French market. He comments:

'We were impressed by Charles Yorke's unusual combination of traditional cabinet making skills and strong designs. Parisians are famous for their fashion and a typical Parisian customer also has strong idea of style and design when it comes to the home too. Our customers have a real eye for detail and are usually looking for something unusual and exclusive, and Charles Yorke is just that - offering design flair and innovation coupled with British craftsmanship, and of course it is unique to us in France.'

Charles Yorke's Manufacturing Director Mark Denman, said he was pleased that Paris was the company's next venture overseas.

'Neuilly is a lovely leafy town with some of Paris' most luxurious retail outlets and interior design studios. I'm delighted that Charles Yorke will be seen in such surroundings, we see this as a very important step forward in the continuing growth of the company.'

To begin with Cuisines Charles Bigant will be displaying Charles Yorke's Kelham kitchen in American White Oak and another display showing the same range in painted timber with pippy oak accents. Its total flexibility to design individual pieces was very important in Charles Yorke's selection as Charles Bigant's new supplier. The bespoke nature of the company's furniture means that each Charles Yorke kitchen is unique; therefore the designs have been fine tuned to appeal to the tastes of Parisian customers.

Further information is available from:
Charles Yorke on 01623 756 080 or visit http://www.charlesyorke.co.uk
Charles Bigant on 0033 (0)1 46 24 24 12 or visit http://www.charlesbigant.fr

Electrolux is investigating a possible closure of the factory in Nuremberg, Germany. Other production sources are being considered.

'Declining price levels and new competitors with lower cost bases make it necessary for the whole industry to take actions. The products being manufactured in Nuremberg are exposed to severe price pressure. We have to acknowledge that consumers are not willing to pay higher prices for products produced in a specific country', says Johan Bygge, head of Electrolux Major Appliances Europe.

The Electrolux factory in Nuremberg has approximately 1,750 employees and manufactures washing machines, dishwashers and dryers. A potential closure of the factory would incur a total cost of approximately SEK 2,100m.

'According to statistics, we can expect 20 deaths every year in the UK and around 570 serious injuries caused by hot bath water', says Cynthia Fisher of Intatec. When the second death of someone in a care environment happens as early in the year as April, it's time for everyone to take a very serious look at their duty of care. These deaths and injuries are very real. They are also very preventable.

On 30th April this year, John Jones, an 83 year-old resident of a Leicestershire residential home, despite his limited mobility, managed to find his way into a bathroom and climb into a bath of scalding hot water, where he died.

The water's temperature was measured at 51 degrees. The maximum recommended is 44 degrees.

To put that in context you wouldn't be able to keep a hand in a bowl of water at 44 degrees, it would be much too hot for comfort, while not being hot enough to scald. Most people would find an ideal bathing temperature around the late thirties.

The death of Mr Jones is the second reported fatality of someone in a care environment this year. The inquest into his death heard that the National Care Standards Commission had inspected the home a month before his death and had warned about the excessive water temperature. The report recommended fitting a thermostatic control device to limit the temperature to 43 degrees at the water outlet. The jury recorded a verdict of accidental death contributed to by negligence.

What price negligence?
I am very saddened to hear about Mr Jones death and our condolences go out to his family, but how many more deaths do there have to be before hospitals and care homes realise how dangerous hot water really is?

Accidents like this one are completely preventable. And prevention isn't expensive either. My company, Intatec manufactures thermostatic water control equipment, valves that fit under baths, bath shower mixers and showers.

For able bodied adults, the temperature of bath water is mainly an issue of comfort, but for the old or very young, hot water, as we can see in this case can be fatal.

At Intatec, we have embarked on a campaign to inform and educate. Because we have a range of products to sell. Because we have a conscience and because our products save lives.

What cost a clear conscience?
We produce a thermostatic mixing valve called an Intamix Pro. It has TMV3 and DO8 approval. It blends the hot and cold water supply to deliver safe temperatures at the outlet. We think of it as a Guardian Angel and will cost somewhere between £150 and £200 plus fitting. Is that too high a price to pay?

Looking back at the statistics; 20 deaths this year. Two that we know of because they are cases that have come before a court. They have been people in the professional care of others. Whose care will the other 18 people be in?

Caution, HOT WATER
There is no doubt that excessively hot water is an age-old problem, but the solution is not a sign above the tap that says 'caution, hot water.' The technology of controlling water temperature is not new, but some of the applications are and because of that, Intatec has a technical team who are able to provide support for all applications, whether you are an end user, architect, specifier, merchant, contractor or fitter.

Technical and sales information is available from merchants or direct from Intatec and is also available on line, along with the complete range at http://www.intaco.co.uk

Ignorance costs lives
So when does ignorance become neglect? The fact is that hot water is a killer. If you're not aware of that it's ignorance. If you are, but do nothing about it, then it's neglect. The time to act is now. How are you fulfilling your duty of care?

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) reports that the relatively new practice of applying thin film intumescent coatings to protect steel from fire, before overcladding with conventional board systems, is becoming an increasingly popular procedure. The Association warns, however, that the practice is not devoid of possible problems and a number of drawbacks can occur.

Intumescent coatings act by swelling up under fire conditions to form an insulating char, which in some cases may be 50 times thicker than the original coating. This means that cladding systems fixed too close to the coated steel may inhibit the swelling characteristics of the intumescent and thus negate its fire protective properties. Likewise, while cladding systems may be designed to fall away in the event of a fire, if this does not occur before the commencement of the intumescent swelling process, it may also inhibit the performance of the fire protection. Finally, cladding systems often require fixings to be fastened to the steel and such fixings may again inhibit the swelling process of the intumescent and render the protection inadequate.

The ASFP counsels that anyone with responsibility for approving, applying, or maintaining thin film intumescent fire protection, should seriously respect this advice. It is critical says the Association, that clients, specifiers, main contractors, fire protection applicators and board cladding installers are fully aware of the complexities involved in overcladding steel coated with thin film intumescent products. If any doubts exist, both the intumescent product and the board manufacturer should be consulted to determine the recommended gap width and the fixing procedure.

The ASFP was formed in 1975 to represent the manufacturers and installers of passive fire protection in the UK. It publishes a guidance booklet entitled 'Fire Protection for Structural Steel in Buildings' (the Yellow Book) which is referenced in Approved Document B to the England and Wales Building Regulations 2000. The Yellow Book and the principles for assessment of fire protection products that it contains, is supported by the UK Fire Test Study Group (FTSG), which is the representative body of those fire testing laboratories that are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and that provide tests in support of building control. Similar support is given to the Yellow Book by the Steel Construction Institute (SCI) which provides guidance and assistance to designers of steel framed construction.

For further information consult any UKAS accredited fire test laboratory, or contact the ASFP, Association House, 99 West Street, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7EN. Tel: 01252 739142.

Email: mailto:info@asfp.org.uk
Web: http://www.asfp.org.uk