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Bathroom Manufacturers Tune into the Consumer

The UK bathroom association, BMA, recently held its 5th annual conference at Fawsley Hall, Northamptonshire, under the theme 'Tuning into the Consumer'.

In his opening speech the BMA president, Ted Goold*, spoke of the downturn in consumer spending in the UK and its impact on the bathroom Industry. He highlighted the importance to the UK industry of presenting the consumer with innovative, good quality products, priced competitively and backed up with great after sales service.

Goold (pictured) reminded members of the aims and objectives of the BMA and highlighted some of the association's main issues when he spoke of changes within building regulations (especially Part G), plus water efficiency, raw materials, third party certification, poor quality imports and lack of skilled labour.

Members present, included the business leaders from the country's top bathroom, showering and brassware brands. They also heard up to the minute presentations on consumer spending patterns, the state of the construction markets and modern design trends by speakers from the Bank of England, Construction Products Association and the Design Council.

In line with the Governments drive towards using water wisely, the BMA had also invited Jacob Tompkins from a new body called Water Wise. The speaker explained the current state of Britain's water supply and explored ways that bathroom manufacturers can work with the Government to achieve its objective in reducing the amount of water used in commercial and domestic premises.

Special Needs & Web-Site
A total of 49 delegates participated in a full agenda, which was packed with information on BMA activities to date, including the marketing and training initiatives, plus the progress and research undertaken by BMA in the 'Special Needs' market.

Delegates were impressed by the statistical data proving the success of the main BMA web-site, which has seen over 13 million visitors and generated over 23,000 consumer requests for manufacturers literature.

'Tuning into the Consumer' began for the BMA when it launched its consumer Fact Sheets in 2003, aimed at showing the consumer how to purchase the right product for their needs, since then a training micro web site has been launched - packed with useful information from career paths, manufacturers training courses, useful links and most recently, a series of Generic Industry Guides.

Ted Goold also presented Martyn Denny, who is the Past President of BMA, with an antique writing slope in recognition of his dedication and services to the BMA and the industry at large. The conference concluded with dinner and each delegate departed with a memorable caricature!

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association, the trade association for manufacturers of bathroom products in the UK, offers a wide selection of useful information, which can be retrieved direct from the BMA web site and the direct hyperlinks to member's web site. BMA web site address is, http://www.bathroom-association.org

*Ted Goold is Group Vice President of Masco Europe and Asia

Lucite Price Increase in Strategy of Re-investment

Lucite International, the world's largest producer of Methyl Methacrylate (MMA), will increase the price of Lucite, its sanitary-ware brand of cast acrylic, by €130 per tonne from 1st January 2006. The increase is necessary to support the Company's strategy to re-invest in the long-term development of the Lucite business and comes as a direct response to the high levels of raw material and utility prices that are set to continue into 2006. The new pricing structure applies to Lucite International customers in Europe, Africa and the Middle East (EAME).

Paul Henderson, Vice President of Lucite International EAME comments on the rationale for the 2006 rise: ‘We have built a robust global business in the sanitary-ware sector based on strong customer relationships and our ability to supply them locally with consistently high quality, innovative products and services specifically tailored to their needs. Our customers in this dynamic and challenging marketplace look to us for inspired new product developments and solutions that will add value to their businesses and we are absolutely committed to continue to deliver in this respect.

‘Lucite International has been absorbing higher raw material and energy costs since 2003. As a direct consequence, margins have been severely eroded such that re-investment for the long-term is currently unjustifiable. We began on a path of cost readjustment in July 2005 and, due to the volatility of oil prices, committed to review the situation after a six-month period. Unfortunately this volatility continues with forecasts of ca. $60/barrel during Q4 2005 and $62/barrel into 2006; consequently, a further adjustment is now critical for us to restore margins to the minimum acceptable levels. We also recognise that we have a responsibility to ensure that we remain at the forefront of cost learning and continue to absorb inflation and drive down costs in real terms in order to minimise the impact on our customers.

‘Being adaptable in this demanding market is important and, with demand for MMA growing faster than supply, the Company is constantly seeking opportunities to stay ahead, specifically through its' Manufacturing Excellence programme which continues to deliver cost base and efficiency improvements. With excellent growth achieved and forecast across the global markets and Alpha, the new pioneering processes for acrylic manufacture set to come on stream in 2008, the Business is confident that its global strategy to service its' customers on a uniquely global basis, is set for continuing success.’

New Copper Company Set to Shake Up the Interiors World

Richard Tyzack - founder and director of Brass & Traditional Sinks - has announced the launch of Eclectica. ‘Dedicated to the creation of individually alluring items for the home that cannot be produced on a mass scale, Eclectica is a treasure trove for those who appreciate the appeal of natural and unique products.’ Says Richard.

‘A purveyor of only the most interesting and off-the-wall products, Eclectica's initial portfolio is primarily focused on copper. Employing the skills of traditional craftsmen to hand make sinks, basins and baths - all from solid copper - Eclectica's stylish products are sure to be a hit with kitchen and bathroom retailers with a flair for design. A collection of brassware, in an English bronze finish that will complement these copper products is also available.’

Keen to harness the innate charm of bespoke items for the home, Eclectica is also introducing a select range of freestanding furniture for the kitchen and bathroom. These include a solidly constructed pine kitchen island unit, which is the perfect host for a copper sink, as well as a French console table for the bathroom - complete with marble top and ornate filigree iron base.

Copper has been mined and crafted by man for thousands of years and is malleable, but strong; gentle in origin, yet rich in converted glory. Eclectica's products are all handcrafted from the highest quality copper and its naturally beautiful patina is designed to be appreciated further as it ages.

Eclectica can be contacted on 01291 652991 or http://www.eclecticapartnership.co.uk

ELECSA Helps Electricians Find Out What Part P Involves

Still standing on the Part P fence because you are worried about the assessment! ELECSA is inviting elearicians and tradesmen the chance to have a trial run of the assessment to find out exactly what it involves.

To help electricians and tradesmen prepare for the Part P assessment when registering for self certification, ELECSA is offering 'pre-assessment visits'. The pre-assessment will be the same as the real assessment by allowing businesses to have a dry run to find out what they can expect and what else they may need to do to pass the assessment.

There is a charge for the pre-assessment service at £250 + VAT but as Julian Carter, General Manager, ELECSA said 'ELECSA understands that many electricians and tradesmen need as much help as they can get to pass the assessments. By offering a chargeable pre-assessment which acts as a trial, businesses can find out for themselves whether they need further preparation or whether they are ready to proceed with applying and paying the full registration ahd assessment fee.'

Companies who perform very well in the pre-assessment and wish to register with ELECSA immediateiy will still have to pay for the full assessment like everyone else, but they are likely to find that the process is easier since they will be more familiar with what to expect and how to prepare.

To book a pre-assessment and find out more, you can contact ELECSA by emailing enquiries@elecsa.org.uk or phoning 0870 749 0080. Further informarion on the ELECSA scheme generally is located on http://www.elecsa.org.uk.

Matki Announces New Brand Ambassador - David Gower

Matki Showering has announced a new brand ambassador - the renowned England Cricket Captain David Gower OBE - supporting the Matki EauZone shower. ‘This integrated shower and wet room provides the ultimate solution for today's cutting edge bathrooms,’ says the company.

The EauZone shower has the open feel and space of a wet room, but without the complication and expense of 'tanking' existing bathroom floors.

The EauZone has a specially developed shower floor slab which is recessed into an existing floor. It is partially surrounded by high glass walls, allowing access at either end creating a seamless transition from bathroom to shower zone.

A chromed shower column supports the glass walls and fits perfectly onto the floor slab. The elegantly designed column holds the solid brass handset, separately controlled six body jets and Deluge shower head.

The 2m EauZone comes complete with thermostatic shower mixer column, brass handset, 200mm Deluge shower, 6 body jets, shower floor and Fastflow shower waste. The 10mm and 8mm safety glass walls are treated with Matki Glass Guard Easy Clean surface protection against limescale. Available with left or right hand corner configurations.

The EauZone Collection includes the 2m EauZone, the 1500 EauZone and the 1000, 1200 and 1500 EauZone with Door.

Prices start from: 2m EauZone - £4100 and for the 1500mm EauZone - £3650

Tel: 01454 322888
Web: http://www.matki.co.uk

The Maytag TriLogy Impresses Which?

The Maytag TriLogy has impressed Which? Magazine in a recent product review. It is quoted that, 'The TriLogy was impressive in our extensive temperature tests and is easily a Best Buy. It keeps temperatures consistently cool and freezes fresh food quickly to help preserve the quality and texture of groceries. It's also easy to set up and keep clean.' says the feature.

The TriLogy was launched in the spring of this year and it has been extremely well received. Maytag's Managing Director, Richard Thompson explains, ‘The TriLogy has been a phenomenal success and has really signalled the move away from the classic side-by-side. It is great to have the Which? Magazine's accolade. The double door fridge is cleverly configured to overcome the restrictions of a traditional side-by-side with the added luxury of no central pillar, so it's extremely easy to load and unload. And of course the fridge is all at a comfortable waist height so it's extremely easy to use.’

There are five independently controlled refrigerated areas for meat, fruit and vegetables ensuring ideal storage conditions for retention of freshness, nutritional value and texture. The two door refrigerator and the pull out freezer drawer are also a convenient combination for the British kitchen as they take up a third less space than a traditional full width door found on top or bottom mount refrigerators.

Features of the Maytag TriLogy™
* Distinctive styling with double doors for ease of use, access and installation.
* Exclusive self-sealing double doors to keep the cold air in when opening just one door at a time.
* Top mount refrigerator at waist level reduces bending, making it easy to use.
* Five temperature zones with an 'A' energy rating for economy in use.
* Frost-free fridge and freezer - never frosts up and never needs defrosting.
* 700 litres /20 ft2 of storage to refrigerate and freeze everything and more.
* Electronic temperature control keeping temperatures to within 1°C to keep all food in prime condition.
* Temperature controlled Chef's Pantry featuring full width drawer with self-opening lid that may be set up to 4°C colder than the main fridge. Ideal for fish, meat, deli items and for chilling wine.
* Humidity controlled fruit and vegetable drawers to keep produce crisp and fresh and stop the droop!
* Adjustable slide-out, spill-proof glass shelves to bring items forward with ease.
* Four-star, frost-free freezer with convenient pull-out drawer incorporating two slide out freezer baskets.
* Optional icemaker.

Available in black, white or stainless steel finish.

Tel: 01737 231000
Web: http://www.maytag.co.uk

Orama and William Ball Bringing European Style to the UK Market

Orama, the independent manufacturer of work surfaces and associated decorative products has teamed up with William Ball, manufacturer of exclusive fitted furniture, to offer a new walnut style worksurface.

The new walnut, which will be available exclusively through William Ball, is a deep, 50mm, acrylic edged laminate surface with a square profile and a very realistic texture. It has been used in William Ball's new design for open living solutions that demonstrates how a seamless finish can be achieved with innovative design & planning. The contemporary, walnut style laminate adds warmth and texture to a very modern setting and is both practical & stylish.

Peter Holt, sales and marketing director, Orama, comments: ‘Orama's innovative product range is the ideal complement to this European inspired, open plan living concept and this new work surface is at the forefront of the current trend for deeper worksurfaces. In particular I am very pleased that Orama is working with William Ball, a manufacturer with an excellent reputation for style and quality.’

The walnut style worktop is included in an open plan living display of William Ball's Helena furniture, a high gloss vinyl finish in ivory, that is being featured at a series of exhibitions throughout autumn and into 2006.

Orama offers high quality durable decorative panels and worksurfaces. Established for many years, the Company holds ISO 9001 certification and the Furniture Industry Research Association Gold Award for product performance. Orama is a corporate member of the KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialist Association). All Orama's chipboard and solid timber products are sourced from 'responsibly managed' forests.

For more information about Orama worksurfaces, please contact Orama directly on: 01773 520560 or visit the website on http://www.orama.co.uk.

For more information about William Ball Kitchens, please contact William Ball directly on: 01375 365151 or visit the website on http://www.wball.co.uk.

Fisher & Paykel a UK 'CoolBrand'

The global organisation that promotes itself as the independent arbiter on branding - SuperBrands - has released the United Kingdom's much anticipated CoolBrand Leaders for 2005, and making the list for the first time is intelligent appliance brand, Fisher & Paykel.

CoolBrand Leaders are brands that have become extremely desirable amongst style leaders and key influencers. Selected by a voluntary council of independent experts appointed by the SuperBrands organisation, the council members are well qualified to judge which brands are worthy of the title of the United Kingdom's 'coolest'.

While Fisher & Paykel is a household name in its homelands of New Zealand and Australia, the brand is relatively new to the UK. 'Fisher and Paykel Appliances has carved a name for itself as one of the most innovative husehold appliance manufacturers worldwide, and proudly claims many 'world firsts'. Says the company.

Awarding Fisher & Paykel CoolBrand Leader status, the council said the brand was 'renowned for pushing the boundaries of conventional design for household appliances.'

'it seeks fresh and dynamic ways to produce appliances turning conventional thinking on its head. It is a brand, which prides itself on catering for the modern consumer delivering intelligent and technologically superior products.'

'Fisher & Paykel's appliances are recognised for their inherent pioneering spirit and have achieved a successful marriage of highly practical appliances with cutting-edge chic design. It is this formula which has given Fisher & Paykel the highly acclaimed accolade of CoolBrand 2005 for the first time' (abstracted from the CoolBrand Leaders Council Judgement).

Fisher & Paykel Appliances' Sales and Marketing Manager for the UK, Richard St John, said being granted CoolBrand status will give the brand an advantage in the marketplace in the UK where the Company is working hard to develop a brand presence. 'We're over the moon to have our brand make the CoolBrand Leader's list for 2005,' he said.

'We have a range of highly intelligent products which set us apart from our competitors, and it's this plafform of innovation which has seen us introduce consumers to new ways of managing domestic tasks, like washing dishes. The DishDrawer dishwasher in a drawer is still unique in the market - there is nothing else like it. The two-drawer dishwasher that can simultaneously clean glassware on a gentle cycle in one drawer, while a heavy-duty cycle takes care of pots and pans in the other, has cemented our reputation internationally as innovators'.

'We aim to create appliances which take the hard work out of domestic duties 'less work, more play' - is our motto. Our family of DishDrawer dishwashers and Active Smart refrigerators are designed to perform to optimum standards using minimal water and energy. lnherent in all our appliances is in-built intelligence, which is monitoring and continually adjusting operating parameters in accordance to usage patterns. We think we're a cool brand, and we're glad the experts agree with us,' said Richard.

Poggenpohl Gains Official Recognition as a CoolBrand

Kitchen manufacturer, Poggenpohl, has been awarded CoolBrand status by the Coolbrands Council, the independent authority on branding. It is an honour bestowed on only an elite group of brands, with fewer than 5 per cent of those initially considered qualifying for the status each year.

Commenting on their decision to award the accolade, Stephen Cheliotis, Chairman of the CoolBrands Council said: 'Poggenpohl is a progressive brand that not only keeps in touch with changing consumer trends but also helps to create them. The brand has a rich heritage and is known for its skill and expertise in kitchen design and manufacturing, producing kitchens that are as practical as they are inspiring. Poggenpohl offers a fresh perspective to kitchen design and is one of only a few brands that has successfully crossed the boundary from traditional to cutting-edge design.'

Martin Gill, Managing Director, Poggenpohl UK, is understandably delighted: 'We are thrilled to have achieved CoolBrand status following our first ever application to the Council, as it reinforces the progressive nature of our brand. We are also undeniably proud to be standing alongside companies such as Agent Provocateur, Blackberry, Chanel, Gaggia and Vivienne Westwood.'

Poggenpohl kitchens retail from £20,000. For further information please call 0800 298 1098 or visit http://www.poggenpohl.co.uk.

New Research from Electrolux & Future Foundation

'We know what we want – we are just not sure how to achieve it – which would explain our love affair with the home interest and lifestyle magazines – and our dependence on advice from friends,' comments Paul Flatters of Future Foundation.

'We asked consumers to comment on a number of different statements about how a kitchen should look, feel and perform, to understand more about the role of the kitchen in the home. The response was that kitchens should be warm, social spaces that are both functional and stylish.'

• Over 80% of people agreed that a kitchen should be a warm and welcoming place in the home.
• Almost 66% agreed that a kitchen should be well designed and stylish,
• Only 18% said that their kitchen is 'just a place to prepare and eat meals'.

'UK consumers aspire to well designed, stylish living spaces – but our research show that these are not the words people use to describe their own homes. Instead research revealed that the three most common descriptions for their homes were welcoming, cosy and traditional!

'Men, however, are more confident in achieving their desired style – with five times as many men as women describing their homes as cool.

'The living room and the kitchen were nominated the two 'most expressive' rooms in the house, with 44% of people choosing the living room and 16% choosing the kitchen – however the idea of a mismatch is further enforced with research revealing that although the kitchen is one of the key rooms, it is given one of the lowest ratings for satisfaction with design.

'The mismatch between aspiration and ability means that UK consumers appear to lack confidence when it comes to putting design ideas into practice in their own homes. Only 24% of people felt their homes were as stylish as their friends and family, and when asked to rank their domestic abilities including socialising, entertaining, and cleaning - 'making their home look stylish' came last.'

Source: Electrolux /Future Foundation report October 2005
This report is based on findings from a programme of desk and original research conducted between April and June 2005. The key sources were:

• Future Foundation/nVision
• Electrolux - Automatic Cooking, Market Survey on Cooking Habits (2004)
• Electrolux – Cooking Trends, A White Paper (2005)
• Electrolux ePanel - Online survey of 225 UK adults aged 16+ (May & June 2005)

Hoffmann Success Leads to Expansion in the UK

The success of the Hoffmann system for creating permanent, accurate, fast and secure joints in most areas of furniture and joinery production has led to the UK Hoffmann Machine Company needing to move to new and larger premises.

From November 1st Hoffmann is at Unit 8 Borrowdale Business Park, Whitegate, Whtelund, Morecambe, Lancs. LA3 3BS. The new contact details are: Tel: 01524 841500 and Fax: 01524 841567. Email remains info@hoffmann-uk.com as does the website at http:www.hoffmann-uk.com.

The Hoffmann system of jointing with serrated dovetail keys of various sizes goes hand in hand with the wide variations of application routers and combination machines manufactured by the company. These range from manual bench-mounted models to stand alone pneumatic automats, combined double mitre cutting and routing machines to full customised CNC special application models.

The Hoffmann system is increasingly used in workshops and factories across the country. In the furniture context it is especially in use to create face frames for in-frame kitchen facades. It can be used for creating simple or complex mitre joints and in joinery applications is now being used to join heavy duty structural elements for both interior or exterior applications.

‘The door and window manufacturing sector has also increasingly adopted the Hoffmann system and in all cases users unanimously find a definite increase in product quality, significant savings in time and labour and an almost complete elimination of rejects.’ Says Hoffmann UK's John Galvin.

‘The move to the new premises will enable us to increase our service to customers as demand grows.’

Tel: 01524 841500
Email: info@hoffmann-uk.com
Web: http://www.hoffmann-uk.com

Latham's LG HI-MACS Range takes Centre Stage at Pentagon

James Latham's Natural Acrylic Stone™ solid surfaces range, LG HI-MACS®, has taken centre stage in a new, state of the art kitchen showroom in Jersey.

LG HI-MACS® 'Volanics' are displayed at Pentagon, the largest independent merchant on the Channel Island, which is showcasing the best in new products for the kitchen. The product was supplied by James Latham's Eastleigh depot via Design Dimension, and is part of a complete investment in the showroom of around £500,000.

Latham's site director Steve Frommont comments, ‘We have always been sure of the quality and versatility of all the LG HI-MACS products, but it is great to know that it has taken pride of place within Pentagon's stunning new showroom.’

Manufactured by LG Chem, the LG HI-MACS® range is available across James Latham's extensive UK depots and is suitable for use in a variety of applications and environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms, and in sectors including healthcare, education and catering, due to its hygiene certificate. The LG HI-MACS® range features Natural Acrylic Stone™solid surface worktops with a colour offering of over 50 shades and patterns. In addition, 'Solid Colours' provides energetic decors such as Orange, Banana and Fiery Red, 'Volcanics' features luxurious shades, and LG DecoBowl® and LG DecoSink® are also available to fully complete the room.

The range is available in a choice of thicknesses, sizes and models. To find out more, contact the marketing department on 0116 257 3415, e-mail marketing@lathams.co.uk, or visit the company website at http://www.lathamtimber.co.uk. Alternatively, contact your local James Latham depot and ask to speak to the LG HI-MACS® product specialist.

Mark Wilkinson Commissions New Model of HMS Victory

In celebration of the bicentenary of the British Fleet's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, English designer Mark Wilkinson working with author & model maker Martin Saville, have produced a 1:48th scale model of Nelson's flagship HMS Victory.

To make the model fully accessible to visitors, Wilkinson has designed a planetary gear-system to allow the ship to be rotated through 3600. This system allows total access to the minute detail Saville has built into the ship - even the model ropes that form the rigging have been produced to scale.

What makes this Wilkinson/Seville model of the Victory unique is Wilkinson's installation of a winching mechanism, made by a clockmaker, which allows the model to be winched apart at the level of its second gun-deck to show the detail inside the ship.

The final pièce de résistance is the specially crafted deck upon which model and mechanism are fixed, the deck also carries a wooden replica of the pyramid of cannon-balls familiar in Nelson's Navy by the name of their brass holding band; 'Brass Monkeys'.

‘This Victory is a Dockyard model,’ says Wilkinson, ‘in Nelson's day it was common practice to provide the shipwrights with a fully detailed model that they could follow, rather than plans, which many of them could not read. That is what Martin has reproduced here.’

For more information on Mark Wilkinson's designs visit: http://www.mwf.com

• Mark Wilkinson

After a chequered education, where his vivid imagination and chronic dyslexia made him anything but the teacher's pet, Mark Wilkinson started his working life as a craft-apprentice in his father's carpentry business.

He soon began making furniture to his own designs and came to prominence when his early design work resulted in the formation of kitchen manufacturing company Smallbone in 1977.

Mark was one of the founding partners of Smallbone, along with his two friends Graham Clark and Charlie Smallbone. His early designs have inspired a complete genre of kitchen that is quintessentially British. He initiated the design of the multi-panelled door, 'fish-tail frieze' and 'cloverleaf' motif that have become the definition-pieces of the hand-made kitchen from the late 1970s.

Mark recently re-formed the working friendship with Smallbone when he sold his own furniture business to Smallbone PLC. He heads the Mark Wilkinson Furniture division of Smallbone PLC, with his wife Cynthia and is a director of the board of the main company.

Mark's approach to new designs is completely pictorial, due to his dyslexia.

He is one of the UK's most prolific designers, with creations of dining tables, chairs of all variety, as well as his own collection of paints, wallpapers, office furniture, glasses and accessories. Mark is also taking up more and more of the invitations to create design pieces for other companies.

He is a Fellow of the Chartered Society of Designers and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Art, he is also a member the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers, a member or Mensa and a Freeman of the City of London. He was recognised last year by the kitchen industry with the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the business magazine Kitchen & Bathroom Designer.

Mark is also an enthusiastic supporter of a number of children's support organisations, he is the chairman of TIPPS (The Independent Parent Partnerships Scheme) and the inaugural chairman of the 'friends of Springboard' a body dedicated to protecting pre-school children from some of the pressures that school life puts on dyslexic children whose teachers and parents have yet to realise that the children have the condition.

Wolseley: £94m Spent on Two More Acquisitions

Wolseley plc, the specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier of building materials, announced on November 2nd two further acquisitions.

Since the beginning of the financial year on 1st August 2005, a total of 13 distribution businesses in Europe and North America have been acquired for an aggregate consideration of approximately £411 million in cash. These 13 acquisitions are expected to add approximately £652 million to group turnover in a full year. Goodwill related to these acquisitions is estimated to be around £262 million.

North American Plumbing and Heating Distribution
On 31st October 2005, Ferguson signed a conditional agreement with John H. Frischkorn, Jr., Incorporated ('Frischkorn') and a shareholders representative of the Frischkorn Employee Stock Ownership Plan ('ESOP'). This agreement is conditional upon the approval of the members of the ESOP and the transaction is expected to close on 30th November 2005. Frischkorn is a leading wholesale distributor of industrial process piping components including pipe, valves and fittings and related products and services to industrial markets in the mid-Atlantic and Southeastern USA. Frischkorn has a branch network of 17 locations across six states and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. In the year ended 31st October 2004, Frischkorn had sales of $85.5 million (£47.5 million) and had gross assets of $25.9 million (£14.4 million) at that date.

US Building Materials Distribution
On 1st November 2005, Stock Building Supply ('Stock') acquired the assets of Seigle's, Inc. ('Seigle's') a leading distributor of building materials and contractor services. Seigle's has 11 locations across Chicago and northern Illinois through which it sells lumber, building materials, framing services and value-added products such as components, millwork, windows and cabinetry, many of which are installed. This acquisition complements Stock's existing operations in Illinois and is the first entry into the Chicago area which is one of the premier housing markets in the USA. In the year ended 31st December 2004, Seigle's had sales of $257.8 million (£143.2 million) and had gross assets of $104.5 million (£50.1 million) at that date.