Globe
Union has acquired PJH Group, the UK’s largest distributor of kitchens
and bathrooms, for an undisclosed sum.
Globe Union, which is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, designs manufactures
and supplies kitchen and bathroom products to customers all over the world.
Scott
Ouyoung, chief executive of Globe Union (Left) and Andrew Yates, chief
executive of PJH (Right)
It
will merge Bolton-based PJH and its eight UK sites into its global business
network, which employs over 8,500 people across facilities in Canada,
China, Germany, Mexico and the US.
Globe Union is the largest import supplier of brassware products, fixtures
and accessories for kitchens and bathrooms in North America, where its
customers include Home Depot and The Great Indoors, part of Sears.
It launched the Danze brand in 2000 and acquired taps, drains and vitreous
china specialist Gerber in 2003.
With ambitions to expand in Europe, it plans to make PJH the centrepiece
of its European growth strategy.
The deal will give PJH – which designs, sources and distributes a
wide range of kitchen units, appliances and bathroom suites - the opportunity
to source competitively from the Far East and take advantage of Globe
Union’s worldwide expertise.
Formed in 1972, PJH Group employs almost 800 people across two trading
divisions and has over 550,000 sq ft of warehouse space across its UK
trading centres. Its customers include B&Q, Barratt Homes, Persimmon,
builders’ merchants and over 4,000 independent retailers.
PJH distribution is the UK’S largest trade and retail distributor
of kitchen and bathroom products while PJH installation installs appliances
for the house building industry.
PJH distributes and installs leading brands such as Roca, Bosch, Whirlpool
and Electrolux and also has a number of its own brands such as Prima,
Moods and Apple which account for over 50 per cent of sales.
The group has seen sales grow by 50 per cent to £162 million in
the past five years, making it the leading distributor for the UK’s
£3.2 billion kitchen and bathrooms market.
All sites will continue to operate following the deal and the company
will retain its board of directors and UK identity.
The combined organisation will have a major global presence and a combined
turnover of over £400 million. PJH Group’s management team
acquired the business in a deal backed by private equity firm LDC in 2005.
The company has delivered profits growth of 20 per cent each year since
the deal, which saw former commercial director Andrew Yates step up to
chief executive.
The transaction represents a full realisation of LDC’s investment.
Scott Ouyoung, chief executive of Globe Union, said: 'PJH Group and Globe
Union offer each other perfect opportunities for future growth.
'PJH provides a strong and established UK base for our European expansion
strategy. Meanwhile our established supply chain and manufacturing facilities,
particularly in the Far East, will make the business even more competitive
in its domestic markets.'
Andrew Yates said: 'As a growing business PJH is ready to take on new
markets. Expanding into Europe will deliver the ambitious expansion we
are looking for and becoming part of Globe Union offers us that ready-made
platform to build on our UK success.
'The deal is testament to PJH’s performance in a very competitive
sector and for that we have to thank all of our employees. This is a fantastic
deal for everyone at PJH and represents a great opportunity to become
part of a major global player.'
Web: http://www.pjhgroup.co.uk
It
was virtually a clean sweep for ALNO: The Design Centre North Rhine-Westphalia
handed out five of the prestigious red dot design awards for products
made by ALNO and its subsidiaries Wellmann, Geba and Impuls.
The
prizes were given in recognition of ALNO's new Premium fittings and four
cooking tables that it had launched last year to much acclaim. The winners
were longIsland (ALNO), palmIsland (Impuls), cookIsland (Wellmann) and
blockIsland (Geba).
‘We are delighted by this enormous achievement. It shows us that
our strategy of developing innovative, cutting-edge products is highly
successful. The awards will encourage us to continue forging down this
path,’ said Dr. Frank Gebert, CEO of ALNO AG, after the winners were
announced.
Especially satisfying was the fact that, of all of ALNO's new products,
the awards went to the Premium fittings and the cooking tables created
together with young designers, noted Berthold Müller, a product manager
at ALNO.
‘We specifically targeted the designers of tomorrow in the cooking
tables project. We wanted to give the students a platform for personal
and professional development, and a challenging opportunity to grow. Seeing
their cooking tables win a red dot award is an amazing accomplishment
for the young designers, and will make it easier for them to embark on
a successful career,’ added the product manager.
Together with Professor Dieter Zimmer at the Muthesius Academy of Fine
Arts in Kiel these students had designed the next generation of cooking
tables - tables that allow people to prepare food, eat meals, and spend
time together, all at the same place. ALNO got five of the cooking table
designs ready for production together with the young designers. The tables
were unveiled to the press last year at a design event in Hamburg.
The Premium fittings are also a recent addition to the ALNO product range.
‘The new fittings have added a whole new dimension of product design
to unit interiors. With an aesthetics composed of white - a hot colour
right now - bright chrome and glass, we are setting new standards for
interior unit design,’ explained Thomas Siber, who developed the
new design concept at ALNO.
Premium, longIsland (ALNO), palmIsland (Impuls), cookIsland (Wellmann)
and blockIsland (Geba) will be presented at the red dot design museum
in Essen from June 26 - July 23, 2007, as part of a special exhibition
entitled ‘Design on stage - winners red dot award: product design
2007’.
Web: http://www.alnokitchens.co.uk
Imperial
Bathrooms Appoints Supply Chain Director
Bathroom
manufacturer, Imperial Bathrooms, continues its expansion strategy with
the appointment of Kevin Johnson to the newly-created position of Supply
Chain Director.
Kevin
assumes this role after seven years at Jacuzzi UK where he held the position
of Site Director, with operational responsibility for the Jacuzzi and
BC Sanitan brands in the UK.
In addition to being responsible for production at Imperial’s burgeoning
sanitaryware and wood divisions, Kevin will oversee the logistics of all
other complementary products that the company now offers in its bid to
become a ‘single brand solution’ provider.
Having held a number of a number of senior positions with Silverdale Ceramics
and Vernon Tutbury prior to his time at Jacuzzi, Kevin brings a wealth
of market knowledge, together with production and logistics experience,
to his new role.
Managing Director, Antonio Garrido, said: 'Kevin will play a major role
in helping support Imperial Bathrooms’ ambitious marketing strategies
and I am confident that he will be an invaluable asset to the company’s
short and long term growth both in the UK and overseas.'
Covering the spectrum of both traditional and contemporary design styles,
all Imperial products combine the very best in British manufacturing with
timeless and elegant designs. They epitomise the company’s mantra:
A Modern Classic.
For further information on Imperial Bathroom visit http://www.imperial-bathrooms.com
or contact 0870 60 61 62 3 for a copy of the 2007 Design Guide.
Bespoke
Cheesy Kitchen Designed For Stilton's No. 1 Fan
A
cheese mad mother from Timperley, Cheshire, has had an unusual bespoke
kitchen designed for her - the cabinets look like Blue Stilton!
Sally Conner, 38, wanted to create a real stink when designing her new
dream kitchen and took inspiration from her family's favourite food, Stilton.
Sally
approached kitchen expert Magnet and persuaded the company to produce
the cabinets especially for her. The cabinets have been designed with
the doors hand painted to Sally's specification.
Sally says, ‘Some of my friends think I'm mad but we wanted to own
a kitchen that no one else could copy. We eat Stilton most days and one
night over dinner the idea just came to me. I'm delighted with the end
results and Magnet gave me expert advice at every stage from design through
to installation to make the whole process simple.’
The kitchen is a mixture of Magnet's Tiko and Kara Cream ranges, and Marketing
Director, Anjum Ahmed comments: ‘We pride ourselves on designing
our kitchens to fit customers lifestyles and needs by asking them the
question What Happens in Your Kitchen? We were however slightly taken
aback when we received this request for personalised cabinets but we thought
it was so original we would help out and the end result is fantastic.’
Nigel White, of the Stilton Cheese Makers Association, adds, ‘We
know Stilton is the most popular blue cheese in the UK and an English
institution but even we were surprised to hear about the lengths this
Stilton mad fan has gone to. We will certainly be sending Sally and her
family some complimentary Stilton to enjoy in their new kitchen.’
The SCMA is running a campaign called 'Stick on the Stilton' to encourage
consumers to think of the cheese not only as an after dinner treat, but
also as an alternative to add into simple every day meals such as burgers
or sandwiches as well as soups, sauces and dips.
Web: http://www.magnet.co.uk
As
part of its on-going commitment to keeping ahead of the game in terms
of design innovation, Shades Bathroom Furniture has recently invested
heavily in its in-house design and supply chain team.
Based at the company's Wetherby headquarters, the new format team will
be responsible for all future range releases, and their first wave of
products to hit the market have been described as simply 'breathtaking'.
The latest Shades brochure and website demonstrates the results of all
the good work being done by the team, and this isn't beginners luck, there's
even more in the pipeline.
‘The prominence of the bathroom has risen beyond expectations in
recent years and consumers are prepared to invest a lot more heartily
in good quality products that are well designed and expertly executed.
With our new design team in place we are now in a better position than
ever before to offer exactly what the consumer is demanding,’ explains
Liam Walker Shades' primary product designer.
Tel: 01937 842394
Web: http://www.shadesfurniture.co.uk
Shades
makes Waves in the Emerald Isle
Shades
Bathroom Furniture has revealed that its high quality fitted bathroom
furniture will now be available to customers in Northern Ireland, thanks
to the distribution skills of family-run business Noble NI Ltd.
Based in Dundonald, Belfast, Noble NI Ltd will be Shades’ sole distributor
in Northern Ireland, which has a population of around 1.7m. Established
for more than 20 years, Noble NI Ltd is the perfect partner for Shades
Bathroom Furniture and will be using its wealth of contacts and expertise
to ensure great distribution links across Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland retailers wishing to stock Shades products can contact
Noble NI Ltd on: 028-9048-4890.
Tel: 01937 842394
Web: http://www.shadesfurniture.co.uk
Looking
Good for Image Showers
Business
is looking good at the moment for Image Showers, which is Ireland's leading
manufacturer of enclosures and screens; it is continuing to make significant
progress in the UK.
Ben
Seymour has recently joined the sales team in the UK. He joins Nicola
Coleman, Becky Reeve and Rob Maspero who between them cover the UK, with
Neil Beswick as UK Manager.
Ben is from a sales and marketing background and in his last role successfully
increased sales six fold - he plans to do the same for Image Showers.
‘Image Showers is a fairly new brand to the UK so the potential for
growth is enormous. We have already an extensive product range and an
envied services network and field back up. It's a great product to be
associated with - the customers love it - and it is exciting being involved
with building up an established company in a new market.’
‘Displays are the main priority at the moment. In the last few months
Image Showers has installed hundreds of enclosure displays around the
UK in selected, quality bathroom showrooms. We fit all the displays to
ensure they are perfect for when customers come in to look and try them.
A good display is essential and should then pay for itself over and over
again.’
The reason Image Showers is so successful in Ireland is simple - it looks
after its customers. Image Showers prides itself on excellent service
with next day delivery, service back up - a team of engineers fitting
displays and installing showers for customers and good quality products
with a lifetime guarantee on its Allure and Ultra ranges. All these features
and benefits are of course part of the package offered to the UK with
the added benefit of having been comprehensively tried and tested.
Web: http://www.imageshowers.com
Yorkshire
based Mayfair Taps and Showers (previously known as Mayfair Brassware)
may not be at first glance a company you would recognise instantly, but
you probably have used a Mayfair tap at some point recently and may even
have one in your bathroom.
Mayfair has been successfully manufacturing OEM (Own Equipment Manufacturing)
products for the world’s leading manufacturers for the last twenty
years and as a result of its steady growth in the marketplace, the company
has taken the strategic decision to further market products under its
own, ‘Mayfair’ brand. The brand positioning will relate to Mayfair’s
central business objective, to provide leading edge design and high quality
performance at prices which are accessible to a large section of the market.
A new lifestyle oriented brand called ‘Mayfair Life’ will introduce
new designs to the marketplace while a comprehensive new catalogue, website
and other sales materials will be available from April 2007.
The
Winning Team: Mayfair Managing Director Andy Green (right) with Commercial
Director Tony Robson (left)
Commercial
Director Tony Robson explained, 'This is a natural progression for us.
It is undoubtedly expensive and difficult to build a brand from scratch
but we are building the Mayfair brand on the secure foundations we already
have. We have been a credible force in the marketplace for over 20 years,
we have made substantial investment in new product development and our
supply chain so it makes perfect sense to create this new branding and
marketing to support our sales effort.'
To spearhead this programme of brand development, Mayfair has sought out
and retained a leading brand development consultancy. Belfast based Triplicate
has a strong portfolio of clients within the bathroom industry and has
a reputation for innovation both in product design and in marketing. This
substantial investment on behalf of Mayfair will significantly raise the
company's profile within the trade.
Tony Robson stated, 'With this level of investment and our focus on new
product development, supply chain management, personnel and marketing,
we know that we will achieve our objectives of being at the forefront
of the market.'
The management at Mayfair has set ambitious but achievable growth and
profitability targets and is committed to supporting and controlling its
infrastructure by investing at each level of development. Tony confirmed,
'Growth is what every company wants, but it is easy to lose control over
costs and quality when you grow too fast. Quality control is vital to
the success of our products and some might say that we are control freaks
at Mayfair, but it works for us. With the very best in design, sales and
marketing supported by our four key strategic areas; design, service,
quality and cost and our philosophy of always providing the consumer with
products they want, at very attractive retail prices, we are making sure
that we are a force to be reckoned with in the taps and showers market.'
About Mayfair
Mayfair was founded in 1988. Operating out of its Yorkshire base, the
company has grown from strength to strength and has moved to a purpose
built facility in Shelburn in Elmet W Yorks. In 2006 the company completed
its overseas manufacturing network by the establishment of Quanzhou Mayfair
Brassware Co Ltd in China. Mayfair has office and warehouse facilities
in Quanzhou and Kaiping City.
Mayfair sales contact: Bobby Moore, Mayfair, 01977 685 770
Twyford
Wins Waterwise Marque for Galerie Eco-Flush
British
sanitaryware manufacturer Twyford Bathrooms has been awarded the prestigious
Waterwise Marque for the Galerie Eco-Flush, a new dual flush that operates
on 4/2 litres of water, as opposed to current legislation that requires
6/4 litres for flushing.
The
Waterwise Marque - the first scheme in the UK to highlight water efficient
products - is awarded annually to products which reduce water wastage
or raise the awareness of water efficiency. Only 15 Marques have been
awarded this year.
Committed to improving the environment, Twyford Bathrooms has refused
to accept that 6 or 6/4 litres of water per flush is an acceptable minimum
use of water, as stipulated by the current water regulations. The new
Galerie Eco-Flush goes one step further and flushes on 4/2 litres of water
maximum - this is 30% less water than the current UK standard.
Toilets are one of the top 'consumers' of water in the home, with 45 million
domestic WC's in the UK using an estimated 2 billion litres of water per
day. Due to the fact that consumers do not replace their bathrooms often,
approximately 40 million toilets in our homes flush on excessive amounts
of water, between 13 and 7.5 litres per flush. Only 5 million domestic
toilets flush with 6 litres in accordance with the current water regulations,
which is unacceptable in today's climate.
Mike Conlon, Sales & Marketing Director of Twyford Bathrooms explains,
'With climate change and global warming, the fact is that the UK now receives
much less rain that it once did. With increases in population and urbanisation,
this puts extreme pressure on our finite water supply - the UK uses 25%
more water than it did in 1980! We are very proud of the Galerie Eco-Flush
WC, and are delighted to have been awarded the Waterwise Marque. We are
excited that organisations are recognising the necessity to provide consumers
with water efficient products, but still believe that consumers must be
educated and encouraged to update their WCs.
'If we are effectively going to drive down WC flushing volumes in UK we
need a plan that will remove any objections from the consumer, the plumber
or the retailer. In short, I believe we need a 5-point plan that covers
the following key areas:
1. the product is available on a nationwide basis
2. that it is well designed but has mass market appeal so doesn't look
out of place in a UK bathroom
3. the product can very easily replace current 13 / 9 / 7.5 / 6 litres
WCs - i.e. it needs to have same footprint and installation features and
fits the normal installation requirements for plumbers and householders
4. that the product complies with all UK and European standards eg is
WRAS approved and it is tested to EN997 Class 2
5. and that it is priced competitively and so is accessible to all
These five points would make a significant step towards encouraging ‘the
market’ to make water conservation a reality; five points that the
Galerie Eco Flush fulfils.'
Twyford Bathrooms has ensured that the Galerie Eco-Flush is not only water
efficient and effective, but priced reasonably and easy to install, in
order to encourage consumers to switch from water guzzling WCs to the
Eco- Flush. Twyford Bathrooms has invested much time and money to ensure
that the Galerie Eco-Flush is carefully engineered to flush and remove
waste effectively on 4/2 litres. The stylish Galerie Eco-Flush WC has
a starting price of £266 for the WC, and consumers will be able
to purchase the WC from showrooms and builders merchants across the country.
Environment Minister, Ian Pearson, says, 'I welcome the Waterwise Marque
which will raise the profile of water efficiency, help the consumer to
make informed choices in product selection, and reward those manufacturers
who are taking a lead in water saving. It is good for the environment,
good for consumers and good for business.'
Did you know that London is drier than Istanbul? Or that South East England
has less water per person than Sudan or Syria? If every Twyford Bathrooms
cistern sold in a year was converted to this new 4/2 litre flush over
10.8 billion litres of water would be saved per year - that's almost a
reservoir! For the average domestic toilet flushing 12 times a day, the
Galerie Eco-Flush saves a staggering 8,760 litres a year, which is good
for the environment and saves the consumer money.'
Web: http://www.twyfordbathrooms.com
Change
to Condensing Boiler Installation Regulations
An
important change to the Building Regulations covering the installation
of condensing boilers came into force on 6th April 2007, directly affecting
plumbers and central heating engineers operating in hard water areas,
which make up 65% of the UK's water supplies.
This alteration to the Guidance documents for Part L of the revised Building
regulations requires that in any new installation of a condensing boiler
where the water hardness is above 200 ppm, some provision must be made
to treat the feed water to reduce the rate of accumulation of scale.
Explaining the reasons behind the change, Harvey Bowden, Director of UK
Water Treatment Association and Chairman of Harvey Softeners Ltd says:
'Condensing boilers are most susceptible to rapid scaling because of the
small waterways and the intense heat required for the rapid transfer to
the domestic hot water circuit.
'Recent research commissioned by UKWTA, that helped bring about this change
in the regulations concluded that, in a hard water area, the efficiency
of a typical SEDBUK A boiler where no provision had been made to limit
scale accumulation, will be reduced to that of a boiler with SEDBUK C
rating within the first few heating cycles.
'So, how can plumbers and heating engineers ensure they are meeting the
new requirements of Building Regulations Part L when installing new condensing
boilers in a hard water area?
There are various options, varying in effectiveness. Chemical and physical
devices are relatively low cost and can be effective but most reputable
manufacturers of physical devices would agree that there's no way you
can predict in advance how well a physical device will perform in any
particular installation.
'Another alternative that has proved totally effective in scale reduction
for over a century, is a salt-regenerated ion exchange water softener
and this can be easily fitted at the same time as a new condensing boiler
to keep it completely scale free. Also, if a softener is fitted to the
water feed of a condensing boiler already in use, where customers are
having problems with scale build up, the softened water will fairly rapidly
de-scale the existing system and prevent further scale forming.'
BMA
Announces Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme
The
Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has announced the launch of a
world first - a Bathroom Industry-led Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme.
The BMA has been working on its labelling scheme for commercial and domestic
bathroom products since the release of the DCLG and Defra Water Efficiency
in New Buildings consultation document on 13th December 2006, which contains
proposals for new homes, extensive renovations and new commercial buildings
in England and Wales.
The consultation document proposes three options including a performance
standard for new dwellings set between 120 and 135 litres of water per
person per day, down from the current consumption of 150 and 160 litres
per person per day; a component based approach with maximum standards
for key fittings; or, a do nothing approach.
The
BMA scheme will achieve several aims including helping Government meet
its water consumption reduction targets, raising awareness of water efficient
bathroom products and promoting the importance of water efficiency.
Speaking about the labelling scheme, BMA Water Efficiency Working Group
Chairman Roger Cooper (pictured) says: ‘As I said back in January,
we all have a part to play in facilitating better water efficiency. I
indicated then that the BMA would respond in a big way, and here we are.
‘Our scheme is the world's first Bathroom Industry-led water efficiency
labelling scheme. We are delighted to have seized the initiative, taken
control of the situation and come up with a scheme that benefits everyone,
from Government through to end users. We're offering a win-win solution.’
Pledging Government support for the BMA labelling scheme, Environment
Minister Ian Pearson says: ‘Labelling on energy efficient products
already informs customer choices on products such as fridges and freezers.
‘The BMA's announcement is a very welcome development, which will
help extend that choice to the water sector, not only for householders
but for developers and installers.
‘This is a logical and timely step which underlines the increasing
importance of treating water as a resource to be valued rather than taken
for granted.’
The scheme is voluntary and available to all manufacturers and importers
selling water efficient WCs, flushing cisterns, taps and combination tap
assemblies, shower controls and baths in the UK, provided their products
meet with the stringent criteria as defined in the scheme proposal.
Companies wishing to participate in the labelling scheme must submit a
Declaration of Conformity testifying that the product complies with the
relevant flow and or volume requirements. In addition, the BMA may request
copies of reports and randomly test qualifying products.
The BMA is currently developing a new website http://www.water-efficiencylabel.org.uk,
which will host supporting information, criteria for qualification, application
forms, fee structure and a database of listed products.
Cooper adds: ‘We've done the hard work of putting the scheme together
and we call upon Government, water utilities and other related trade and
consumer bodies to implement greater awareness campaigns via educational
and media routes, as we will not make significant water savings unless
the consumer is properly educated. We can make water efficient taps but
if they will not save water if used incorrectly.
‘We would also like to see incentive schemes for water efficient
products, such as no VAT imposed on them, and grant aided schemes. If
Government expects us to manufacture more water efficient products, it
should incentivise demand.
‘Our scheme will make water efficient products easily identifiable
and help stakeholders make a more educated choice, but we still need to
work together to make a real difference.’
In reiterating Cooper's comments, BMA President Ted Goold says: ‘In
my address at the BMA Inaugural Conference in October 2006, Precious Water
- Water Pressures, I outlined a number of recommendations for both Government
and Industry to take up.
‘Here is the industry playing its part. We are now looking for Government
to respond and a reduction in VAT on water efficient products would be
a great start.’
Watch for products bearing the label from June onwards.
For further information about the BMA please email karen.myles@bathroom-association.org.uk
or telephone 01782 747123
Easyquote,
the UK provider of business management software for the KBB sector, has
been selected by Everest Kitchens to streamline its sales order generation
and processing systems.
At
the heart of the new collaboration will be custom-developed software that
links seamlessly with Everest's in-house business systems and its advanced
kitchen design and visualisation application from Planit International.
‘With limited face-to-face time available during consultations, it
is vital that we are able to present a highly polished and professional
sales presentation to potential customers,’ says Everest Kitchens'
managing director, Roy Frost. ‘The ability to provide customers with
photorealistic representations of their new kitchens, then quickly and
accurately convert their requirements into fully specified quotations,
is crucial to our sales process.’
‘Similarly, our core sales message: 'Fit the Best, Everest' is as
relevant to our suppliers' services as it is to our own products. We therefore
look to develop the best systems with partners who offer us the best products
and support.’
‘Easyquote is recognised as the leader in its field and demonstrated
that it could tailor its software precisely to meet our requirements.
It operates seamlessly with our existing business systems, saving valuable
time. It also ensures complete and accurate specification of customers'
requirements, which provides spin-off benefits at the survey and installation
stages - enabling us to reduce overall delivery lead times as well. Collaboration
with Easyquote represents a real win-win situation for Everest and its
customers alike.’
Commenting on the new agreement, Easyquote's sales director, Andy Peters
said: ‘We are delighted to have been selected to play a central role
in streamlining Everest's order processing and reporting systems. In operation,
our software sits between Everest's internal business system and its customised
design and visualisation system from Planit International.’
On receipt of confirmed sales appointments, Everest's sales personnel
initially create a new customer contact record in the Easyquote system.
During face-to-face discussions with the prospect, they will use the Planit
design software to create an accurate plan and photorealistic 3D representation
of the required kitchen, including options such as appliances, worktops
and fittings. This data is then transferred directly into Easyquote, where
it is converted into a fully specified quotation that can be printed out
immediately - along with the 3D roomset image - for the customer to review.
Once accepted and signed, itemised order information is transferred from
Easyquote back to Everest's order processing and fulfilment systems.
‘Previously, it may have taken the sales person between 30 minutes
and an hour and a half to ensure that all items were correctly specified
and priced. Using Easyquote, the process is now reduced to just a few
minutes and the potential for costly or time consuming mistakes is eliminated,’
adds Peters. ‘The system's versatility also enables quotes to be
updated instantly if, for example, customers change their minds about
the required fittings or decide on appliances from a different manufacturer.’
The new Easyquote system has already received an enthusiastic welcome
form Everest's sales force and will be rolled out through the company's
organisation in two stages during the coming months.
‘Everest Kitchens has quickly established itself as a major player
in the home improvement sector,’ says Peters. ‘The company's
adoption of Easyquote will help it to utilise its resources to best advantage.
We therefore look forward to working closely with Everest to enable the
full capabilities of our software to be harnessed as its business grows.’
Tel: +44 (0)1827 300422
Web: http://www.easyquote-software.co.uk
The
Alno Shop, the London showroom that's a watchword for design and innovation
in kitchen interior decoration, chose to exhibit two of the stars of Elica
Collection, the prestigious high-end range created by Italy's world-leading
cooker hood producer.
On Wigmore Street, the central London thoroughfare where the world's most
important kitchen retailers are featured, Elica Collection's Star and
Grace hoods shine with their own special light, two remarkable models
glittering brightly in the design constellation.
Created by the skill and imagination of Design Team Elica, Star and Grace
have the appearance of extremely original light sources, with Star's sophisticated,
highly decorative look a contrast to Grace's sober, more essential lines:
but in reality both contain all the technology of Elica's patented Evolution
system, combining mechanics, lighting and grease and odour filter systems
into a slim, steel cylinder.
Despite its compactness, the Evolution system is as easy to maintain as
a regular cooker hood and the filters are simple to remove and wash: the
carbon fibre filter can be ‘regenerated’ with a simple wash
in water, while the steel grease filter can be popped into the dishwasher.
But an Evolution cooker hood is also there to light up your kitchen!
Even when there's no cooking to be done, an Elica Collection hood can
be used as a normal light source: and when the kitchen is working full-out,
its illumination ensures maximum safety while at the same time, operating
as a hood, refreshing the surrounding air - with the Evolution system
guaranteeing a minimum level of noise.
Star and Grace can be operated using either an elegant remote control
or the hood's touch-sensitive steel rod-switch control, which has only
to be brushed lightly with the fingers to operate all the different functions
of the appliance.
Web: http://www.elica.co.uk
Ultimate
Door Service as Trade Mouldings Invests
With
25 years of experience behind the company, Trade Mouldings, one of Europe's
most successful manufacturers of vinyl doors, wrapped mouldings and accessories
for kitchens bedrooms and bathrooms, has invested in excess of £2
million to provide the ultimate made to measure vinyl door service.
The
investment has been made at Trade Mouldings' Cookstown factory in Northern
Ireland and includes a 40,000 square feet factory extension and the commissioning
of advanced CNC nesting technology so that non standard door sizes can
be produced to order with no minimum quantities required.
With an excellent reputation for quality and service to the industry,
this is another significant advance in the service Trade Mouldings offers
it's customers from the 3 distribution centres at Cookstown, Dublin and
Manchester. ‘We listen to our customers and this is now what they
want’ says Sales Director Damien Connolly. The non standard door
facility complements the extensive range of 21 stock vinyl door designs
with identically matching mouldings and all accessories. These include
the all-vinyl 5-piece designs and along with 3 timber doors are available
for immediate collection or next day delivery.
The new non standard doors will be available in 22 colour options to a
lead time of 2 weeks in all styles for kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms
together with all end panels, non standard frame doors, angle doors, locker
tops and accessories. To coincide with the new service and included in
the 22 colour options refreshing new surfaces have been in introduced
- Black Gloss, Red Gloss, Walnut Gloss and Tobacco Walnut.
The new CNC nesting machines installed at the Cookstown factory are 4
SCM Ergon multi-head routers designed for the nesting production method
that enable Trade Mouldings to introduce the high level of flexibility
to make made-to-measure doors. The SCM Ergon machines are of gantry design
each carrying 4 heads with 12-position tool changers per head These are
supplemented by two 24-position tool changers on each side of each machine.
They are twin table routers with matrix style tables operating a high
volume vacuum system to secure the MDF sheets while machining takes place.
Trade Mouldings operates AlphaDoor software supported by SCM's Xilog operating
system which gives them huge flexibility and allows independent production
to take place on each table.
Trade Mouldings' three distribution centres now carry extensive stocks
of all products - the full vinyl door range of styles and colours, high
quality 5-piece doors, timber doors, glazed doors and the entire spectrum
of perfectly matched mouldings and accessories. The distribution centres
also stock handles, wirework, lighting, cooker extractors and other components.
With the new made to measure door service, they can manufacture to individual
customer request and specification in all styles, colours, sizes and designs.
Put together this means in excess of 330 options to choose from to a 2
week delivery and in any quantity. The company is now in a position to
offer a genuinely complete service anywhere in the UK and Ireland at any
time.
Tel: 01706 753600
Email: trademouldings@btconnect.com
Aqata
Celebrates 21 Successful Years in Business
Aqata
is celebrating 21 years in business during 2007 and is established as
one of the UK's leading independent manufacturers of shower enclosures.
Founded by managing director Peter Brown in 1986, the Leicestershire-based
company has grown progressively over the past two decades and developed
a reputation as a successful independent British company delivering high-quality
products to selected retailers nationwide.
Aqata, a family-owned business, will be celebrating its achievement throughout
the year with the launch of new products and extensions to its current
lines, designed and manufactured to Aqata's high specifications. This
year will also see an expansion to Aqata's factory and new appointments
nationwide to strengthen its sales and marketing team.
Jayne Barnes, Sales and Operations Director of Aqata, comments: ‘We
are extremely proud of our heritage, and both our retailers and customers
have come to rely on us to produce high quality, stylish products. Credit
for our success is down to the whole Aqata team, many of whom have been
with the company since our foundation. Looking ahead in 2007, we are determined
to continue to expand upon the success Aqata has enjoyed in the last 21
years whilst remaining true to our core values.’
During the past 21 years, Aqata has demonstrated that it has the vision
and expertise to design and manufacture products to meet the needs of
retailer customers, architects and designers, both in domestic and commercial
markets.
The company is currently preparing for the KBB exhibition in 2008 and
Aqata's regular participation in the show has always attracted a great
amount of attention and an excellent response from the bathroom industry.
Aqata has many long established relationships with specialist bathroom
retailers. One of longest standing and successful being midland based
Stuart Plumbing and Heating Supplies. Stuart Elliott, Managing Director
of Stuart Plumbing and Heating Supplies says: ‘As a family run business
like Aqata, it has been a pleasure to work with a manufacturer whose values
reflect our own. Moreover, we have always been able to rely on Aqata to
supply us with the latest products in line with current industry trends
in a flexible range of sizes. We are looking forward to continuing our
relationship with Aqata into 2007 and beyond, and are confident that the
company will continue to supply us innovative reliable products.’
Email: info@aqata.co.uk
Web: http://www.aqata.co.uk
Web: http://www.stuartplumbing.com
Hoover
Candy Group Announces Spring Sale
The
Hoover Candy Group announced on Tuesday 27th March a spring promotion
designed to assist kitchen retailers sell more appliances per kitchen
and pass on valuable savings to their customers. The promotion encompasses
built-in kitchen appliances across both Hoover and Candy brands.
Candy brand deals include the new Candy induction hob for just £299
which comes with a free set of induction hob saucepans; a £70 saving
on the newest built-in microwave oven (MIC 232 EX), specially priced at
just £99 with the purchase of any hob plus a Candy oven over the
trade price of £200; a 60cm fully integrated dishwasher at the special
retail trade price of £199 with the purchase of any Candy single
or double oven; and the Candy built-under larder fridge and matching built-under
freezer for only £329. Candy deals include 50% off the new Signature
built-in warming drawer when purchased for display pplus order another
for stock at a 50% discount.
With the purchase of any Hoover Signature single or double oven plus any
Hoover hob and hood, save £50 off the HDB 284 fully-integrated washer-dryer
(sale trade price £349, down from £399) and save £60
off the HBC 3150K fridge-freezer (sale trade price £299, down from
£359) giving a combined saving of £110.
To take advantage of these offers, retailers should contact their Hoover
Candy Built-in Retail Division Area Sales Manager or telephone the Sales
Hotline on 0151 334 2781 quoting promotion HBCI 04/07. The Hoover Candy
Spring Sale runs from 2nd April to 30th June and while supplies last.
All prices exclusive of VAT.
Fired
Earth's Paint Coverage Grows
As
part of a strategy to broaden the reach of the Fired Earth brand, Aga
has concluded ground-breaking deals with two major DIY stores who following
successful trials, will roll out Fired Earth's Elements of Colour range
across a large number of their stores later this year.
Aga believes these deals, which for the first time takes Fired Earth paint
into broader channels outside the confines of its own retail estate will
result in substantial growth in the company's paint category.
Fired Earth's high quality Elements of Colour paint range is produced
in the UK and features a striking palette that was developed in close
co-operation with Kevin McCloud, the well known Designer, author and television
presenter, who is a leading authority on paint and colour. 98% of Fired
Earth's paint sales are either low or very low VOC.
Symphony
has opened its latest overseas retail outlet in the 'City of Gold'.
A new 3,000sq ft studio, featuring an extensive range of Symphony kitchens
including premium brand Mirari, has opened in Dubai, believed to be one
of the fastest growing cities in the world.
'The rate of property development in Dubai is phenomenal,' said retailer
Morten Skjodt. 'From luxury apartments to home refurbishments, there is
incredible demand, both from local people and the cosmopolitan mix of
ex-pats and business people now making their home in the city. Symphony’s
contemporary gloss kitchen ranges are proving particularly popular for
buyers of the latest luxury apartments in Dubai.'
Morton has established the Symphony studio with three other partners and
has a second floor dedicated to exclusive garden furniture.
Major high profile development projects are under way across Dubai, including
the landmark Ocean Heights on the Dubai Marina, the Burj Dubai Complex
and mixed-use theme park Dubailand.
Symphony has been exporting fitted kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture
for 16 years and has a dedicated sales and distribution operation, working
with retailers across Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East and Far East.
Web: http://www.symphony-group.co.uk
Sterling
Distribution Appointed for KWC Faucets
As
of April 1st 2007, Sterling Distribution will add the KWC Faucets brand
to its portfolio. Manufactured in Switzerland to the highest standards
of design and functionality, the company says that KWC Faucets has a reputation
among designers in the know as the tap of choice for high-spec kitchen
schemes.
Sterling distributes nationally to a customer base of over 3,000 and is
about to launch a new brochure which will incorporate the KWC collection.
‘We are delighted to be working with such a prestigious brand, which
sits very well with our existing product range,’ says partner James
Casswell, ‘and we are excited about taking the product forward and
expanding the UK market for KWC.’
Kim Stuart, recently appointed as Sales & Marketing Director for KWC
AG in the UK, adds, ‘as part of a comprehensive new marketing strategy
in the UK, the addition of Sterling to our distribution network fits perfectly
with our plans to build on both the profile and the market reach for the
brand.’
To learn more about KWC Faucets please visit: http://www.kwc.com
Sterling Distribution, Tel: 01684 299 555
Web: http://www.sterlingdistribution.co.uk
Are
Retailers Missing a Trick?
The
Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) believes retailers could be failing
to capitalise on possibly the most lucrative segment of the bathroom market
- inclusive design for the 50s+.
More people than ever before are taking early retirement and looking forward
to an active 'third age' of healthy, independent life after work. They
are discerning and will make demands for new products and services, including
luxury bathrooms.
According to Social Trends, the age group between 50 and 65 accounts for
80 per cent of the UK financial wealth with 80 per cent owning their own
homes and spending more per week than any other age group.
The attitudes and aspirations of the Baby Boomer generation born after
1940 will force the pace of change and their desire for quality, user
friendly bathrooms should not be regarded as a 'special need', but an
emerging market opportunity brought about as a result of changing demographics.
Research
conducted by the BMA in 2006 with professional carers and occupational
therapists revealed that to ensure independent living we will require
larger bathrooms to facilitate manoeuvrability, despite the fact that
the majority of British bathrooms measure only 8x6 feet with just about
enough space to accommodate the basics. This is where clever design and
planning can make a real difference.
Using inclusive design products could offer the perfect solution in these
cases.
The research also highlighted the fact that consumers with particular
requirements often find it very difficult to ask for what they need due
to embarrassment and a lack of product knowledge or availability.
To help retailers in the quest of meeting the needs of the inclusive design
market place, the BMA is developing a new Rate Your Bathroom fact sheet.
The fact sheet ensures retailers and installers ask the right questions,
thus guaranteeing the right product is sold and eradicating any awkwardness
or embarrassment by posing a series of questions making the product selection
process easier.
Speaking about the new fact sheet BMA Chief Executive Yvonne Orgill says:
‘Having worked very closely with occupational therapists we are aware
that Industry needs to realise that it is not only severely disabled people
who need to modify aspects of their homes. Many over 50s with debilitating
conditions such as arthritis, waning eyesight and less strength also need
to consider how they can adapt their homes to meet their changing requirements.
‘Retailers have the opportunity to tap into a relatively untouched
sector of the market. People who need to modify their bathrooms do not
want to compromise on style and design and most often in later life have
increased disposable income to spend more on their bathrooms than when
they were younger.’
By 2008, projections suggest that almost 40 per cent of the European population
will be aged over 50, while figures from the Office of National Statistics
state that by 2050 the UK's over 60s population will have grown 56 per
cent, which means an additional six million people over the age of 60,
including today's 16 year-olds.
The baby boomer generation is set to revolutionise what it means to be
old because their attitudes are so different to those of their parents
and they are likely to be demanding and imaginative consumers of both
products and services, seeking out information for themselves and refusing
to be defined by their age group.
The BMA's new Rate Your Bathroom fact sheet - to be launched at B&K
Expo in May and then available from the website http://www.bathroom-association.org
free of charge along with all other fact sheets - will ensure that both
consumers and retailers are fully equipped to get the most out of purchase
experience.
Also at B&K Expo, the BMA will host a workshop in conjunction with
the extremely knowledgeable and passionate occupational therapist Kate
Sheehan, to explain how we can overcome the awkwardness surrounding independent
living and get the most out of this evolving marketplace.
The workshop will take place on Sunday 13th May at 13.45 in the Workshop
Theatre and promises to open the door to new markets.
‘We look forward to seeing you there.’
For further information please email karen.myles@bathroom-association.org.uk
or visit http://www.bathroom-association.org
KBSA
'Misleads' Over True Cost of Insurances, says Homepro
The
Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) has come under
fire from HomePro - one of the UK's leading providers of Insurance Backed
Guarantees (IBGs) - for misleading its customers over the 'true cost'
of its ConsumerCare Plus Insurance Backed Guarantees.
‘The KBSA launched its scheme at the KBB exhibition last year; and
claims an ‘extremely competitive premium’1 for the insurance
and that ‘no other association can provide such comprehensive cover
at such a competitive rate’1. This is plainly misleading; not least
as to the 'true cost' of the insurance.
‘First, the KBSA's IBGs are not priced significantly differently
to any number of schemes, such as HomePro Insurance's, available to all
kitchen and bathroom retailers - not just KBSA members.
‘Second, the KBSA conveniently overlooks that its considerable membership
fees of over £1000 - for just a single retail outlet - need to be
paid before a business has access to these policies. Many providers, while
still assessing the bona fides of firms that wish to offer IBGs, make
them available at no extra cost.’
TrustMark
‘Finally, there are any number of associations - such as HomePro's
own TrustMark-approved FairTrades - that can not only provide such cover
at equally competitive prices, but also provide considerable effective,
practical benefits to home improvement companies at a membership charge
a fraction of the KBSA's. The vast majority of these benefits are inclusive
within the membership fees.
‘As part of a package of works, IBGs are indeed a superb means of
enhancing their confidence - and a powerful marketing tool when it comes
to increasing quote acceptances.
HomePro Insurance is one of the UK's leading providers of Insurance Backed
Guarantees (IBGs) and specialises in providing insurance and services
to the trade and construction industries; offering products that are not
only highly competitive but are also associated with levels of service
and cover that are unrivalled in the sector.
‘Further optimism is shown by the KBSA when it also claims that the
‘new insurance will herald a significant change in the industry;
it will set...members apart in the market place, giving the consumer massive
confidence in [its] specialist retailers’1. The reality is that IBGs
are very mature products in the home improvement sector - having been
available for over 20 years - and the KBSA is, in fact, playing catch
up where many other providers have been driving this kind of protection
for decades.
‘HomePro Insurance was one of the first companies in the sector to
achieve Financial Services Authority (FSA) authorisation - now a legal-must
for tradespeople aiming to introduce such policies to their homeowner
customers - and is listed by Office of Fair Trading (OFT) in its advice
to homeowners published in Having Work Done on Your Home: Organisations
That Can Help.
‘It is anticipated that the company will be the largest IBG provider
in the UK by the end of 2007. All HomePro insurance products are underwritten
'on shore': IBGs by IGI Insurance Company Ltd and Red Sands Insurance
Company (Europe) Ltd; while others - such as Public Liability - are underwritten
by Allianz Cornhill.’
1: KBSA press releases, September 2006
(http://www.kbsa.co.uk/trade/news/ccp.asp);
and 13-02-06 (http://www.kbsa.co.uk/trade/news/fourway.asp).
Tel: 0870 7 344 344
Web: http://www.HomePro.com
Ideal
Standard Survey Reveals Wellness Needs
Ideal
Standard, a leading provider of bathroom and kitchen solutions, on 4th
April released final results of a survey looking at consumer attitudes
towards wellness and wellness equipment in the home.
The survey, commissioned by Ideal Standard and carried out by Ipsos, comprised
1,200 men and women from France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom
in the 20 to 70 age category. Results clearly indicate a rise in the use
of wellness equipment in the home, turning the bathroom into the focal
point for relaxation and well-being.
Living location and pace of life emerged as determining factors in the
use of wellness solutions. City dwellers, with a faster urban lifestyle,
expressed their desire to indulge themselves via home wellness product.
They felt it was a moment when they could take time out to pamper themselves
in order to feel special. In comparison, people living in the countryside
were more inclined to use wellness to relieve themselves of aches and
pains.
67% of all rural dwellers voted relieving aches and pains as a top-3 benefit
compared to an average of 48%. Among men living outside towns and cities,
77% voted this as a top priority compared to 34% of male city dwellers.
Similarly female city dwellers in all countries placed more importance
on pampering themselves than women living in rural areas or villages.
'Pampering' appeared as a top 3 benefit for 49% of female city dwellers
versus only 11% of women living in rural areas.
Men and women, split by type of urban settlement. Graph representing
the number of respondents who had tried wellness equipment before (566
in total).
Overall, half of all respondents have already used some kind of wellness
product. Two-thirds of those surveyed believed that more and more people
are using wellness equipment at home with the main reasons being that
no planning is required (38%), convenience (35%) and more privacy (27.5%).
62% said they believed wellness will become more important to people and
that because equipment will become more affordable it would become more
common place in the bathroom.
Fitness versus pampering - 'Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus'
As expected, men spend less time in the bathroom than women; however they
both report that the most important reasons for using wellness equipment
are relaxing and de-stressing. Men place more importance on health and
fitness benefits whilst women appreciate wellness equipment for pampering
and beauty routines.
Men were also more likely than women to invest in wellness for fun, in
order to have a luxury, 'spa' style bathroom, and to enjoy spending quality
time with a partner or the family.
Other key findings include:
* The most popular piece of wellness equipment tried is the whirlpool
tub (70%), followed very closely by the sauna (69%) and hammam/steam facilities
(56%).
* Italian men spend most time in the bathroom compared to German, British
or French men. Italians in general are the most enthusiastic users of
wellness equipment with over half (58%) of those who ever tried wellness
equipment saying that they are regular users, using facilities at least
once every two or three months, and nearly a quarter saying that they
used it at least once a week.
* 73% of respondents considered a more resourceful and environmentally
friendly treatment of water a key priority for the future of companies
producing wellness equipment. 65% also saw wellness equipment becoming
at the same time more high-tech and user-friendly.
Among respondents who are not owners of wellness equipment at present
and don't intend to buy within the next 12 months, nearly half said they
would still like to own some wellness products at one point in the future.
This means that in total 68% of the respondents owned or were likely to
buy wellness equipment in the longer term.
Ideal Standard taps into trend with its home wellness strategy
In order to respond to this new trend Ideal Standard has created a range
of wellness products that are effective, easy-to-install, and that integrate
seamlessly into either new or exisiting bathrooms. The ultimate goal is
to introduce and integrate a stylish and pleasurable addition to homes
and life spaces.
Two flagship products include the unique TRIS system and the WWW (World
Wide Wellness) bath tub.
TRIS is the world's first bathroom product to incorporate a range of wellness
options into one home bathroom unit. The versatile unit features a sauna,
a steam function (hammam) ands well as a variety of different hydrojet
showering options.
'WWW' builds on Ideal Standard's experience in the hydro massage product
area by combining both hydro massage and dry massage in the same bath.
It uses flat and dry jets to give a complete body massage.
All Ideal Standard wellness products can be installed and adapted for
use in standard bathrooms and incorporate design features that make them
easy to use and maintain. The wellness range is now becoming available
across Europe from Ideal Standard distributors.
For further information on Ideal Standard products call 01482 346461 or
visit http://www.ideal-standard.co.uk