Eurocare
to Show Bath Industry Special Needs at Interbuild 2006
Eurocare Showers will unveil a brand new range of doors and screens
at Interbuild 2006, which it claims will take the domestic special needs
bathing and showering sector to the next level.
Designed exclusively in partnership with manufacturer Selecta Shower
Products in stylish chrome and glass, the new Eurocare Inspirations
range comprises doors and screens designed to fit their wet floor, bathing
and showering products.
The highlight of the stand will be a full-height flat screen that has
been developed to fit the Eurocare X-Dex wet floor former.
Eurocare sales and marketing manager Joanna Holborn said: 'The new doors
are streets ahead of current special needs solutions for the domestic
market and when combined with our extensive product range, they will
give building contractors, architects and specifiers the ability to
create bespoke bathrooms that are as stylish and aesthetically pleasing
as they are practical.'
Joanna believes Interbuild 2006 is the ideal place to showcase the innovations
because of the wide variety of visitors and specifiers the show always
attracts.
She added: 'Historically there's been an element of trade off between
style and practicality when it comes to special needs bathing and showering.
Our aim is to make bathing a pleasure, not a burden, and this applies
to aesthetics as well as functionality.
'By combining our existing products with the new doors we can create
bespoke bathrooms to meet individual requirements which are, aesthetically,
well ahead of the choices currently available in the UK.
"These doors really do raise the game for special needs bathing
and showering. We're very excited about their potential and believe
that our customers will be too.'
As well as launching the new doors, Eurocare, which is based in Doncaster,
will be displaying the innovative Berwick cut to length above-floor
waste tray, which was launched last autumn, as well as a selection of
their most popular bathing and showering solutions for the public and
private sectors.
A
selection of the other
Interbuild Exhibitors in the Bathroom and Haeting market are as follows:
Aquatherm
Sales Uk Ltd 10-B27
B C Technology 09-F01
Contour Showers Ltd 11-F15
Ideal Standard 10-D35/E33
Ideal Stelrad 10-D37/E36
Jax Bathrooms.Com/Bathroom City 11-F17
Mapei (Uk) Ltd 11-J11/K10
Myson Radiators 10-D41/E40
Natural Stone Tiles Ltd 12-H15
Pegler Ltd 10-C41
Quinn Radiators 10-A19
Saniflo Ltd 12-F36
Schluter-Systems Ltd 11-L11/M10
TC Bathrooms 11-G18a
The Radiator Company 10-D21/E20
Wolseley Uk 10-C31
Thomas Dudley Ltd 11-J19,11-J21
Ticsa Ceramics S.L 12-G11
Triton Plc 11-H11/J10
Tyco Thermal Controls (Uk Ltd) 10-E21
Wedi Systems UK Ltd 11-G19/H18
High-profile
'Cash Back' Promotion for Siemens Laundry
For a limited period from 14th April until 26th May 2006,
kitchen appliance manufacturer Siemens is running a multi-level 'cash
back' laundry promotion, aimed specifically at independent dealers and
their end customers.
This high profile campaign centres on improving displays and sales of
Siemens's extensive collection of freestanding washing machines and
tumble dryers in dealer showrooms nationwide during the 6-week promotional
period.
To participate in the promotion, dealers are required to display a minimum
of six products from across Siemens's home laundry range: namely WLXM,
WXLP & WIQ washing machines, plus at least 2 tumble dryers. Only
dealers achieving the required display criteria will qualify for this
promotion.
Varying cash rewards of between £10 and £150 are being offered
to dealers & consumers for individual sales of Siemens laundry appliances
during the promotional period. The exact amount depends on the model
sold. For example, a dealer selling a WIQ model would receive £50
'cash back' and a consumer buying a WIQ model would receive £150
'cash back'.
For dealers and their shop floor staff, the cash will be rewarded via
personalised 'Pure' debit cards, which can be redeemed online at http://www.purecard.co.uk.
Each participating dealer is issued with his or her own personal passwords
for a gateway to shopping on the internet at top high street stores
such as John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Boots and W.H. Smith. For consumers,
special 'cash back' claim forms are being provided in order to collect
the cash via a cheque, directly from Siemens.
To ensure maximum exposure for this high profile promotion, Siemens
will be investing a considerable sum of money on national press advertising
in all the key publications, including Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph,
Times, Guardian and Independent throughout the 6-week promotional period.
All qualifying dealers will be mentioned in the advertisements to highlight
their significant displays of Siemens laundry appliances and flag up
their participation in the campaign.
Comments Siemens Brand Manager, Jane Massey: ‘Loyalty from dealers
& consumers deserves rewards and that's what we are offering during
this intensive 6-week campaign. By putting in place these value added
cash incentives, we are supporting those who support us in this key
sales quarter.’
More
Corporate Sponsors back BMA Academy
The
Bathroom Manufacturer's Association's Bathroom Academy has seen a number
of Corporate Sponsors pledge their support to the BMA member's investment
in training and its underpinning certification programme.
‘This initiative has been supported very well by the publishers
of the bathroom press,’ says the BMA Training Manager Richard Moss,
‘it is also beginning to be supported by other far-sighted Industry
stakeholders’.
Corporate Sponsorship has come from DMG World Media, which publishes
kbbreview and Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms magazine as well as
organising the B & K Expo exhibition and the Industry Awards. CMP
Business Media, which organises the kbb2006 exhibition are also corporate
sponsors, as are Fifth Element Publishing, which prints the Designer
magazine and organises the Kitchen Showcase, other support has been
pledged from Essential Publishing, which prints trade publication Essential
Kitchen & Bathroom Business as well as a number of consumer magazines
including Essential Kitchens Bathrooms and Bedrooms Magazine.
Non-publishing supporters includes CAD company Articad, which produces
CAD programmes for both bathroom and kitchen planning and has committed
a number of its employees to read for their Certificate in Bathroom
Studies.
The BMA also has a number of College partnerships, which are supporting
its career path initiative for plumbers on NVQ training schemes.
‘The pilot schemes have gone really well,’ Moss told us, ‘and
support from companies such as those mentioned is welcomed by the members
of the BMA, who are investing heavily in the training opportunities
that the Bathroom Academy offers’.
Moss expects a number of other Corporate Sponsors to join the BMA's
Bathroom Academy initiative in the coming months.
Bathroom Manufacturers Association Tel:01782 747123
Web: http://www.bathroom-association.org
To register on the Certification programme contact:
phil.lumley@bathroom-association.org.uk
BMA Members Investing in Training
A J Gummers Ltd ~ Aqualisa Products Ltd. ~ Aqualux Product Ltd ~ Armitage
Shanks ~ Bristan Ltd ~ Bronte Whirlpools Ltd ~ Coram Showers Ltd ~ Dolomite
~ Flair International Ltd ~ Geberit ~ Grohe Ltd ~ Hans Grohe Ltd ~ Heritage
Bathrooms ~ Huppe ~ Ideal Standard UK Ltd ~ Imperial Towel Rails ~ Jacuzzi
UK Ltd ~ Jado ~ Just Trays Ltd ~ Kaldewei UK Ltd ~ Kohler Daryl Ltd
~ Kohler Mira ~ Kohler UK ~ Laufen Ltd ~ Lucite International ~ Masco
UK Ltd ~ Masco Corporation ~ Newteam ~ Pegler Ltd ~ Polypipe B &
K Products Ltd ~ Qualceram Shires Ltd ~ Reva Industries Ltd ~ Roca Ltd
~ Roman Ltd ~ Samuel Heath & Sons plc ~ Shades Ltd ~ Showerlux UK
Ltd ~ Sottini ~ Thomas Dudley Ltd ~ Topravit Ltd ~ Trevi Showers ~ Triton
plc ~ Twyford Bathrooms Ltd ~ Vitra UK Ltd
Belling
- Building the Brand in 2006
With a variety of new product launches planned throughout
the year, Belling says that it is set to go from strength to strength
as it aims to broaden its appeal to the younger market.
Building upon the success of its original microsites, launched in October
2005, Belling has a series of new adverts set to appear in national
consumer glossy titles such as She, Red and BBC Good Homes, to further
strengthen the 'Belling thinks of everything' message and target young
professionals and new families.
In addition, Belling conducted extensive research to discover what the
modern consumer looks for when choosing a new appliance. Style, practicality
and ease of cleaning came out on top and this provided the platform
for a number of new products innovations.
April sees the arrival of two new range cooker collections that address
each of the key consumer requirements outlined above. Available in 90cm,
100cm and 110cm models and across gas, electric and dual fuel options,
Kensington and Sandringham offer a model for every cooking need.
A new feature of all new 90cm models is the tall fanned electric oven,
with a capacity of 76 litres. This oven will fit standard baking trays
and, with four shelves and 25 shelf positions, offers consumers greater
versatility and capacity - a total of four pizzas can be cooked at the
same time.
Across all three sizes of the Kensington range cooker, Belling's new
satin steel finish is available, offering a brushed steel look. The
heat resistant coating means it is easy to clean and cool to touch,
with the added benefit that it is resistant to finger marking.
These new developments demonstrate how Belling is focusing on offering
a complete cooking package. Jane Rylands, marketing manager at GDHA,
comments: ‘Meeting the needs of consumers has always been central
to the Belling ethos. However, we have taken a fresh look at consumer
requirements for 2006 and this in-depth research has provided as invaluable
insight into what consumers look for when choosing an appliance.
‘All of Belling's new products have been developed with the findings
or our research in mind and the result is a collection of stunning products
with real consumer appeal, which offers fantastic brand recognition
for retailers.’
SEB
Provisional First-Quarter 2006 Sales: A Good Start
Consolidated
sales for the three months ended 31st March 2006 showed a solid gain,
reflecting both poor prior-year comparatives and generally more satisfactory
demand, continuing the late-year 2005 trend.
In addition, first-quarter 2006 revenue included a €26-million contribution from recently acquired Lagostina and Panex, which were not consolidated in first-quarter 2005, as well as a €24 million positive currency effect. At constant scope of consolidation and exchange rates, revenue was up an organic 6.6%.
The
beginning of the year saw flat revenue at constant scope of consolidation
in Europe, where the price environment remained deflationary, as well
as slower growth in North America and robust sales in South America
and the rest of the world. In addition, sales were probably lifted in
March, when certain retailers increased stocks ahead of the announced
1st April rise in cookware prices.
In France, where the market has recently begun to show slight signs
of a recovery, Groupe SEB improved its performance over a sluggish first-quarter
2005. Sales nonetheless varied from one product family to another and
continued to feel the effects of downward price pressure. Demand was
strong for cookware, irons and hair dryers while pressure cookers registered
slower sales. Especially hard-hit were the most undifferentiated product
families, such as ovens, kettles and filter coffeemakers, for which
the Group is currently adjusting its industrial tool.
In the other European Union countries, where sales growth was supported
by Lagostina's contribution, revenue rose by 1.2% at comparable scope
of consolidation and exchange rates. While the first-quarter saw a significant
decline in Germany following the discontinuation of a number of last
year's promotional campaigns, the situation stabilised in Italy, the
Netherlands and Portugal. At the same time, sales increased in Greece,
the United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain and Austria, where the Beertender
draught beer system continued to drive growth.
In North America, sales were stable. In the United States, All-Clad
made further gains, Rowenta showed resilience in upmarket irons, T-Fal's
momentum slowed, primarily due to electrical appliance sales, and Krups
coffeemaker sales declined, mainly because of retailer inventory draw-downs
and an unfavourable comparison with a very strong first-quarter 2005.
Sales in Canada and Mexico were very satisfactory.
South American markets remained strong, enabling Groupe SEB to further
consolidate its positions. Excluding Panex, and at constant scope of
consolidation, revenue rose by an organic 14.1% in the region. In Brazil,
Arno maintained its market leadership in small appliances, despite an
increase in the real that made it easier to import Asian products. The
integration of Panex is proceeding apace and synergies are gradually
being developed. Favourable trends persisted in Argentina, Colombia
and Venezuela, while an upswing was apparent in Chile.
In the rest of the world, Groupe SEB continued to make gains and develop
in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and other markets that are tomorrow's
growth drivers. While sales slowed as expected in Central Europe, where
the Group holds substantial market share, Groupe SEB pursued its fast,
robust expansion in Japan, strengthened its positions in South Korea,
reinforced its presence in Australia, and maintained its solid, promising
momentum in the CIS and Turkey.
Record
Number of Visitors to Franke Website
Franke, the kitchen systems manufacturer, recorded over 100,000
visitor sessions on its new look website last month.
The company's internet report shows that the figure is up 30 per cent
on the same time last year and marks a record number of visitor sessions
on the Franke UK website.
The Franke website was given a fresh new look in February following
the launch of a range of appliances, as well as several new sink and
tap innovations, and Franke is pleased with the response.
John Swain, product manager for Franke UK, said: ‘We are delighted
with the website figures for March. It reminds you how important it
is to maintain good web presence as the internet is definitely becoming
the place to research products before making a decision to buy.’
Franke has invested considerable time in creating a site that is a valuable
resource for retailers and consumers and the company believes this dedication
has significantly contributed to its popularity.
John commented: ‘The site has been designed to target the consumer
and the retailer and in both of these categories we've developed ideas
which make the site useful to them.
‘For the consumer, we've added features such as 'Help Me Choose',
which enables people to find products more easily than ever before.
‘The site also has a database of over 1,800 retailers so by typing
in a postcode, customers can locate their nearest showroom, enabling
them to view products in-situ before making a decision to purchase.
And using the multi-map feature on the site, customers can also download
directions directly to the showroom.
‘Retailers obviously benefit from traffic being directed to their
showrooms, which is why it's important for them to keep their contact
information up-to-date.’
For further information, visit http://www.franke.co.uk
or call 0161 436 6280.
Coming to a Cinema Near You!
AEG Premieres on the big screen with a strong, silent message as part of £3 million advertising campaign.
AEG-Electrolux is the first major appliance brand to invest nationally into targeted cinema advertising. AEG-Electrolux's Silent Kitchen Cinema Commercial will hit the big screens on 18th May and run through to mid-June.
The
30 second cinema commercial focuses on the 'whisper quiet' operation of
AEG-Electrolux's range of appliances which includes the quietest dishwasher
in the world. The commercials will be shown nationally in over 400 screens across the UK - specifically running alongside the high profile ‘Da Vinci Code’ film release... starring Tom Hanks and Ian McKellen, and set to be one of the years box office successes after dominating the nations booklists.
Cinema
Advertising Will be Complemented by National Press Advertising Campaigns
for Aeg-Electrolux
The AEG-Electrolux National Press & Magazine Campaign will run from
April to July, and then September through to December in the heaviest
Press Communication Investment to date in the growing AEG Brand.
The aim of this heavy national press activity is to position and promote
the extended AEG-Electrolux built-in and freestanding ranges consistently
across the calendar. It will include five separate press campaigns for
the 'Compact', 'Longfresh Cooling', 'Silent Kitchen', 'Widescreen Dishwasher'
and 'Weight Sensor Washing' Ranges..... targeting the premium consumer
through a broad range of Quality Home and Food Magazines including Good
Housekeeping, Waitrose Food Illustrated, Country Living and a range
of BBC titles. Furthermore the campaign will run across national Press
supplements including the Observer, Times and Telegraph.
‘2006 represents the Strongest Investment the Electrolux Group
has ever placed into the AEG-Electrolux Brand, targeting - through Cinema
and Print Media - Upmarket Consumers who are passionate about food and
passionate about their homes. The choice of titles and frequency of
communication will ensure that AEG is the preferred brand of the premium
appliance purchaser,’
explains Andrew Mackay, Electrolux UK Brand and Marketing Director.
All AEG-Electrolux Advertising Creatives - Cinema and Press - were developed
by London based Agency, BBH. Media Planning and Buying has been undertaken
by Zenith Optimedia.
Trade Sales Line:
Freestanding: Tel: 08705 650 650
Built-In: Tel: 08705 822 886
Web: http://www.electrolux.com
Electrolux
£5 Million TV & Press Campaign
Following
the recent launch of its new communications platform, ‘Electrolux
- Thinking of You’, the Electrolux Group announced on 5th April
the start of a combined £10 million Consumer Advertising Investment
into its portfolio of home appliance brands - Electrolux, AEG-Electrolux
and Zanussi-Electrolux.
The first Investment - £5m into combined National TV and Press
is to specifically strengthen the Electrolux brand's position as one
of the leading names across cooking, cleaning and cooling appliances.
Focusing on both built-in and freestanding ranges, the aim is to position
and grow the Electrolux brand, based on 'thoughtful design innovation',
strong communications and the new banner ... 'Electrolux - Thinking
of You'.
National
TV Campaign
‘INSIGHT - Better Visibility for Better Results’
The TV campaign will focus on the Electrolux Insight Range - and the innovations which take the effort out of using them.... 'We were thinking it's better when you don't have to bend'!
'Electrolux
- 'Thinking of You' - heralds the strongest brand investment within
the UK ever to position the Electrolux brand as the Thoughtful Design
Innovator... developing and offering products and ranges based on real
consumer insight. The unique new Insight range spearheaded by the patented
cooker design will lead this investment as we seek to grow the position
of the global Electrolux Brand in 2006 and the years ahead,’ comments
Andy Mackay, UK Brand & Marketing Director Electrolux Major Appliances
& Floorcare.
In
the kitchen - the star of the show is the ‘Insight’ Cooker
with huge viewing windows, and the VISI Dishwasher - the first dishwasher
with the combination of a clear vision window and automatic functionality
to choose the ideal wash programme.
The campaigns, developed by Advertising Agency Lowe Brindfors, will
run on the ITV, C4, C5 and Satellite channels from w/c 24th April through
till the end of May.. and then again later in 2006. Media Planning and
Buying has been undertaken by Zenith Optimedia.
National Press Campaign
Three dramatic Press Creatives each focusing on a specific Unique Selling Point will also deliver a strong message to the consumer. Developed again by Lowe Brindfors, the creatives will present the product in a dramatic way, using artistic photography that plays with scale or the context in which the product is displayed.
The
Press Advertising Schedule will take in premium National Press Magazines
such as the Guardian, Telegraph and Observer and also the Mail, Express
and a whole range of Home Interest Magazines, and will hit the news
stands from late April 06.. and then run throughout the year.
The Press Campaign will run in parallel to the Electrolux TV Insight
campaign.
Web: http://www.electrolux.com
De
Dietrich Offers Free 5 Year Parts Guarantee
As
an endorsement of the build quality and durability of its products,
from 1st May 2006 until the end of the year, premium appliance brand
De Dietrich is offering a free 5 year parts guarantee on its entire
2006 range. There is no minimum purchase required and registration is
extremely simple, via a single phone call.
For 5 Year guarantee claim forms, please contact your De Dietrich Area
Sales Manager.
De Dietrich Sales (Trade) 01256 308 067
Email: sales@fagorbrandt.com
Web: http://www.dedietrich.co.uk
De
Dietrich Launches Consumer Advertising Campaign 2006
Following
the success of its awareness campaign for 2005, De Dietrich is running
a consumer press advertising campaign using both glossy magazines and
national newspaper weekend supplements in 2006.
De Dietrich is targeting the quality AB audience which is the prime
market for the brand's profile. The theme for the creative is 'AT DE
DIETRICH, ALL OF OUR RANGE...IS TOP OF THE RANGE' which embodies the
ethos of the 2006 built - in appliance range. The aim of the campaign
is to make De Dietrich quality available to a wider audience by emphasising
the fact that all ovens in the range, pyrolytic and non pyrolytic are
built to the highest specifications. An expanded range of range cookers
and hoods will be available soon, together with upgraded refrigeration,
dishwashers and laundry products.
Creative executions will appear in early front half sections of House
and Garden, 25 Beautiful Kitchens, EKBB, and other glossies as well
as food editorials in The Times Magazine, Observer Food Monthly, Observer
Women's Magazine and the new Sunday Telegraph magazine, Stella.
The campaign will last from April until December 2006.
De Dietrich sales order processing (trade only): 01256 308 067
Email: builtinsales@elcobrandt.com
Web: http://www.dedietrich.co.uk
Continued
Expansion for Fitted Kitchen Specialist
The
UK independent fitted kitchen chain, In-toto Kitchens, has opened three
more high street showrooms bringing the company’s nationwide network
a step nearer its goal of 50 In-toto studios across the UK by the end
of 2006.
The new showrooms have opened in three smart locations in and around
the London area - Amersham, Ealing and Northwood Hills - significantly
strengthening the brand presence in the affluent South East.
The three new franchisees all have extensive experience within the fitted
kitchen sector. Shanti Panchani joins In-toto from MFI, where he was
a General Manager, Adrian Cheriman was formerly with bedroom specialists
Hepplewhite and then kitchen specialists Symphony before opening his
Amersham In-toto studio, and Ealing franchisee Paul Wheeler was an M&S
Executive and an independent kitchen fitter before deciding to open
an In-toto showroom.
‘I looked at opening my own studio independently, but the benefits
of taking on an In-toto showroom overwhelmingly outweighed that option,’
Paul Wheeler comments.
‘In-toto has an established, well recognised consumer brand and
a reputation for quality of product and excellence of service. They
provide all the back up you need to start - and to succeed - in business.
In-toto support you in finding and securing the perfect premises for
your showroom; they help you design it and fit it out, then work with
you to ensure you have a strong launch and continued momentum. Although
I've only just opened my new showroom in Ealing, already I am really
busy with quotations for new kitchens, and contracts for work already
agreed. I'm absolutely delighted with my new business!’
In-toto celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, and this year looks
forward to reaching its target of 50 showrooms across the UK.
With number 47 in the pipeline, In-toto certainly looks set to be 'going
for gold' in 2006!
Kitchen
Showcase 06 in Partnership Deal with Gaggenau
Gaggenau,
European manufacturer of luxury built in appliances for the domestic
kitchen, has joined forces with Masterclass Events Ltd, organisers of
Kitchen Showcase 06, to deliver the largest UK event in 2006 dedicated
entirely to kitchen design.
Kitchen Showcase is a design focused kitchen exhibition and conference
launched by Masterclass events (publisher of the Designer magazine)
in 2003. The 2006 event will be held at Olympia 2, London between 27th
and 29th June and will see more manufacturers exhibiting than ever before.
Over 20 of the world's leading kitchen companies including Linea Quattro,
Santos, Waterline and Crown will exhibit at the show alongside a number
of appliance manufacturers including Gaggenau, who recently signed an
exclusive deal as the show's main partner and sponsor.
Gaggenau and Kitchen Showcase 06 are both set to benefit from this mutual
association. In partnership with the most important high end kitchen
exhibition and conference in the UK in 2006, the Gaggenau brand will
be positioned with an audience comprising more than 2000 design professionals
and over 500 consumers who will visit on the closing day when doors
are opened to the public.
This audience will be the focus of the exhibition's publicity and marketing
campaigns, which will incorporate the Gaggenau logo as the show's main
partner. A carefully targeted direct mail, advertising and emarketing
campaign has already been implemented and is set to secure exposure
of the Gaggenau brand in the architectural, property development and
interior design markets as well as the self build sector.
At the show itself, Gaggenau will be represented at a dedicated and
exclusive
product presentation area in the main visitor registration hall and
will be sited throughout the exhibition guaranteeing exposure of the
brand and product portfolio from the moment visitors enter the show
and throughout the entirety of their visit.
Commenting on this sponsorship agreement, Adam Roddan, Sales Director
for Gaggenau UK, said, ‘We are absolutely delighted to confirm
that Gaggenau will be the main sponsor of this year's 'Kitchen Showcase'.
Both 'The Designer' magazine and 'Kitchen Showcase' exhibition are excellent
business partners for Gaggenau as we share the same brand values and
synergy. This sponsorship agreement is yet another example of our determination
to grow our position as the leading force in the UK's luxury kitchen
appliance arena by increased investment in the future of this important
market’
Web: http://www.kitchen-showcase.co.uk
International
freestanding bath specialist Victoria & Albert has moved to bigger
premises as part of a strategic development plan for the company's expansion.
The new complex in Telford, Shropshire, will serve as the company's
global headquarters and the base for V&A's European sales and marketing
team. The company now has a new phone number, 01952 221100, and full
location details of the new HQ are available from http://www.vandabaths.com.
‘Our new premises provide us with some 27,000 square feet of space
in which to facilitate ever greater efficiency for our distribution
and sales operations and is the ideal base in which to realise our growth
potential,’ said Victoria & Albert Group Managing Director
Joe Matthews.
‘Our sales figures, both here in the UK and worldwide, are the
currently the best we have ever reported and we anticipate that these
figures will increase significantly as more and more distributors come
on board from Europe and further afield.’
William
Ball Unveils New Distribution Centre
As
part of its commitment to providing an efficient service for the North
of England, North Wales and Scotland, high quality fitted furniture
manufacturer William Ball has invested in a new state-of-the-art distribution
centre.
Situated
within walking distance of its existing Haydock site in Merseyside,
the new 27,000 square foot building is in a prime location on the boundary
of Costco, nearby junction 23 of the M6.
The new purpose built distribution centre has a modern design to better
reflect William Ball's proactive corporate image, and has 7.5m high
eaves which allow excellent storage options for warehousing.
The company's sales team will also benefit from a new cutting-edge communication
system that will link all voice and data with William Ball's Essex-based
head office.
A spacious new showroom, which will be open to both public and trade
customers, has been incorporated to display all the latest trends in
kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, studies and open-plan living.
Tel: 01375 375 151
Web: http://www.wball.co.uk
Roman
Joins the Best of British
Roman, the UK shower manufacturer, has chosen the biggest
bathroom showroom in Europe as the first to display its Roman Sculptures
range.
As a result of a visit to the Roman stand at the KBB exhibition in Birmingham
earlier this year, British Bathroom Centre owner Paul Bitton completed
a deal with the County Durham-based company to be the first to display
this collection of showering products.
The British Bathroom Centre has been showcasing the best the British
bathroom industry can offer for more than 25 years. The company's branch
on Oxgate Lane, London has followed tradition by becoming the first
to display Roman Sculptures.
Roman’s
Fletcher Gaubert and Sue Bitton, British Bathroom Centre
Roman
Sculptures is a range of products that sit at the top end of the showering
market and was officially launched at the KBB exhibition in Birmingham.
All Roman Sculptures products have 10mm thick toughened glass and minimal
framing. They are finished using an efficient sealing system utilising
a clear water-resistant sealant. All products in the collection can
be installed both straight to floor in a wetroom situation, or to a
bespoke Roman Sculptures low-level tray.
Included among the first phase products are the Corner and Linear Panels
which are suitable for creating a true wetroom. A panel can provide
the solution to any bathroom, especially when space is at a premium,
as you are not restricted by the size of an enclosure. The panels are
supported using polished stainless steel bracing bars ensuring minimal
framing. For the more generously- proportioned bathroom, using a larger
panel in a Wetroom situation simulates a luxurious spa and gives unrestricted
access to everyone, resulting in an ultra-modern minimalist look.
Also available from this range is the Roman Sculptures Hinged Door.
The flexible Hinged Door is available in a range of sizes and can be
used with In-line and Side-panels, making it suitable for any situation
– alcove, straight wall or corner. With chromed hinges manufactured
from the highest quality solid brass, it truly is a top-end product.
The Walk-in Enclosure is the final product in the first phase of Roman’s
Sculptures collection and can be the centrepiece of any contemporary
bathroom.
Measuring 1700mm x 800mm it is a suitable bath replacement with its
clean, straight lines offering a massive showering area. The Roman Sculptures
low-level tray, which matches the walk-in, comes complete with an integrated
removable drying area, which is designed with a geometric pattern to
match the drain grid and prepared from the same material as the tray
to ensure durability. The glass panels are located into grooves along
the low-level shower tray, specially designed for this collection, while
the integrated drain grid sits flush with the tray.
The British Bathroom Centre has two other sites across the capital,
one in Hampstead and the other in Holloway which will both eventually
display products from the Roman Sculptures range.
Roman’s managing director, David Osborne, said: This is a great
opportunity for both Roman and the British Bathroom Centre to display
the Roman Sculptures range in such a well-known venue. The Roman Sculptures
collection will increase over the next few months with the development
of the second phase of the range. Every aspect of the range has been
designed with the utmost care and attention to ensure the collection
is of the highest specification and will look at home in even the most
up-market bathroom.'
Paul Bitton, owner of British Bathroom Centre, said: ''The new Roman
Sculptures range is a welcome addition to the contemporary showering
options British Bathroom Centre currently has on display. As the demand
for genuine wetroom products increases the Roman Sculptures range is
set to fulfil consumer’s design aspirations.'
DEVI
has a new distributor for the company's range of devimat products -
the Sheffield-based tile company, RJ Stokes.
RJ Stokes holds one of the largest selections of tiles in the UK and
its distribution area spans the north and south from Cumbria in the
north to Cambridgeshire in the South.
Tim Stokes, director of RJ Stokes, comments
‘We are a well established company and pride ourselves on providing
a quality service supplying quality products into the marketplace. DEVI
impressed us with both its professional approach and a product range
which we felt confident we could promote as a superior underfloor warming
system.’
DEVI's devimat floor warming heating is a DIY product and installation
is easy and economical. There is no need to dig up existing floors as
the devimat can be installed on top of existing floor surfaces.
The devimat, which has a 10 year warranty, only costs 0.5p an hour per
square metre to run and is available in a range of sizes.
Tel: 0845 434 9990
Web: http://www.devi.co.uk
OFT
Refuses Credit Licence to Rotherham Home Improvements Trader
The
OFT has refused an application for a consumer credit licence from Ideal
Home and Improvements Ltd, a manufacturer & installer of kitchen,
bedroom & bathroom furniture, also conservatories, windows &
doors based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
Ideal Home and Improvements Ltd had its application for a licence refused
on the grounds that a business associate of the applicant failed to
deliver services with due care and supplied goods that were not of satisfactory
quality in breach of the Sale of Goods and Services Act. The associate
also failed to deliver services within a reasonable time and failed
to return deposits when in breach of contract. He also contravened the
Trade Descriptions Act and was a partner in a firm that incurred county
court judgements for debt.
Another associate of the applicant gave false and misleading information
to the OFT on the licence application which is itself a breach of section
seven of the Consumer Credit Act.
In considering fitness, the OFT will take into account a number of factors
including:
* any offence or conviction of violence or dishonesty carried out by
the business or anyone involved in running the business
* failure to comply with the provisions of the Consumer Credit Act or
other consumer protection legislation
* consumer complaints and how they are dealt with
* evidence of unfair business practice
* evidence of discrimination on grounds of sex, colour, race or ethnic
origin.
Christine Wade, Director of Consumer Regulation Enforcement said:
'The business practices of these associates were unfair and improper
and therefore it is inappropriate for the applicant to hold a consumer
credit licence.'
RAK
Ceramics Launches Platinum Medal Dealer Club
RAK Ceramics has announced a major new initiative as part
of its manufacturer support package to KBB dealers throughout the United
Kingdom. The launch of the Platinum Medal Dealer Club builds on the
company's existing Gold Medal scheme with a raft of additional benefits
to RAK Ceramics displaying stockists who sign up. Devised to increase
both sales and brand awareness, the new club offers a number of incentives
for dealers to invest in a required level of showroom display.
The Platinum Medal Dealer Club offers significant purchasing discounts
across the RAK Ceramics range of tiles and sanitaryware. This is backed
up with exclusive access to product ranges designed by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen
such as Rondo, the eagerly awaited collection due out in June. As an
impressive accolade for forward looking bathroom showrooms, the membership
package includes POS material, club branding and product training and
dealer hospitality days.
One of the very first dealers in the UK to become a Platinum Medal dealer
is Discount Central Heating in Romford Essex. Having installed five
RAK Ceramics' display suites complete with porcelain tiles at the end
of 2005, Ron Kay of Discount Central Heating is clearly delighted with
the outcome: ‘The perceived value of each range is so strong that
it's easy for us to sell a complete bathroom made up of RAK products
to a customer, including tiles and brassware. We've dedicated the whole
of our upstairs showroom to RAK Ceramics and in so doing became a Platinum
Dealer. Such has been its success that now we're looking to add an additional
three RAK Ceramics displays downstairs too.’
RAK Ceramics UK Marketing Manager, Amy Gough says, ‘This scheme
is great news for RAK dealers, giving them a fantastic opportunity to
access exclusive products, discounts, and sales support. The club really
reflects the essence of RAK Ceramics - dynamic and packed with value.
In the first week of announcing the scheme we have already signed up
numerous dealers.’
For further details of The Platinum Medal Dealer Club, contact RAK Ceramics
on 01730 815507.
Snaplite
Snaps Up the Queen's Award for Innovation
Safe
and Sound Lighting wins the Award for the continuous development of
its range of Snaplite recessed downlighters with inbuilt fire and acoustic
protection.
The fitting of conventional downlighters requires holes to be cut into
the ceilings causing serious degradations in fire resistance. The company's
innovation was a range of lights which retained fire resistance without
requiring additional protection to be installed. As new building regulations
on acoustic protection, condensation and heat loss were introduced,
the company responded with further developments. The latest products
in the range not only are accredited to deal effectively with fire resistance
and sound insulation, but also prevent condensation and heat loss. Although
not a regulatory requirement, they also seal against smoke progression
adding to the life saving designs of domestic housing.
Snaplite
is manufactured in the UK under license by Electro-technik Limited of
Bromsgrove, Worcestershire.
Pioneered by Peter Jones of FL Patents Limited in 1997, Snaplite was
the first domestic downlighter, possibly in the world, to have inbuilt
fire protection. An awareness campaign was launched to highlight the
need for downlighter protection and Snaplite's development has led in
meeting the changing safety and energy needs of Building Regulations.
Snaplite as a standard component meets all relevant Building Regulations
and has become the industry benchmark for quality, safety, regulatory
acceptance and innovation.
Web: http://www.snaplite.co.uk
RH
Morton Holds the Winning Recipe for Baxters Kitchen
Baxters
Executive Chef, George McIvor, opened the new demonstration kitchen
completed by RH Morton with a show of culinary flair at the Baxters
Food Group new Glasgow Office last week.
George McIvor tested the new facilities, installed by catering and kitchen
equipment supplier and manufacturer RH Morton, whilst demonstrating
and preparing the recipes for the new range of Baxters soups.
The
kitchen doubles up as both a demonstration area and staff facility which
showcases the quality and diversity of RH Morton’s work which encompasses
not only commercial kitchens, but bespoke domestic areas such as this
to provide a functional, unique catering facility at Baxters. RH Morton
worked alongside George McIvor and his team throughout the project to
ensure that the kitchen meets a variety of needs.
George McIvor Executive Chef from Baxters Food Group commented; 'We
are all delighted with the new kitchen that RH Morton have completed.
They provided a very professional and efficient service keeping us updated
at all times throughout the project. The scheme was carried out within
our budget and tight time schedule and their attention to detail was
impeccable. We look forward to the next project that we can work on
together.'
Baxters is renowned in Scotland and beyond for producing some of the
UK’s finest soups, preserves, condiments, beetroot, chutneys and
a wide range of other fine quality food products since 1868.
RH Morton has been given the celebrity seal of approval by top chefs
across the country such as Nick Nairn, Martin Wishart, Matthew Gray,
Brian Maule and Colin Clydesdale, and Morton’s increasing involvement
in the domestic and professional sectors confirms the company's continuing
development in every aspect of the kitchen business.
Tel: 0141 551 8136 and 0131 332 1554
Web: http://www.rhmorton.com
The
Four Pillars of Whirlpool's European Expansion Strategy
On the occasion of the Eurocucina international kitchen fair
in Milan, Whirlpool presented the four pillars of its expansion strategy
to over 2,000 trade partners and 100 journalists.
The event, which took place in Stresa on Lake Maggiore, celebrated the
winning spirit of Whirlpool. Guests had the opportunity to meet up with
the company's senior leadership and hear about all the product innovations
for 2006.
Whirlpool strongly believes in the power of brands and innovation to
break out of an industry stalemate and challenge the market. This has
proven to be a winning strategy and in the past two years it has helped
Whirlpool achieve results. Whirlpool Europe sales have increased by
7.2%, whilst profit has grown by 25%. Every year, the company invests
globally more than 500 million Euro capital in new innovative products.
Over 3000 engineers and designers are employed in R&D.
‘Our strategic investments in innovation to support our brands
have been a winning move. They have allowed Whirlpool to become the
number one brand in Europe’ says Marc Bitzer, president, Whirlpool
Europe. ‘Since our launch on the European market in 1989, we have
invested over one billion euros in our brands. Now we want to step up
our strategy and develop new growth opportunities.
Throughout our history we have built a brand portfolio that mean prestige,
style, and excellent quality. Consumers are proud of owning our appliances.
We want to continue in this vein and reinforce our leadership position
and consumers' trust in our brands.’
These are the four pillars of Whirlpool's strategic expansion in Europe:
Brand Focus
Whirlpool Europe says that it possesses the most focused brand portfolio
in the household appliances industry. ‘The Whirlpool and Bauknecht
brands alone account for over 90% of our revenue’ says Marc Bitzer.
‘Since 1996 Whirlpool has been the overall number one brand in
Europe and our objective is to achieve one of the top three positions
in every single market. For its part, Bauknecht is one of the strong
A brands in Germany.’
This year Whirlpool is launching KitchenAid on the European market.
This prestigious brand has been owned by Whirlpool in the US since 1986,
and has been present in Europe with its highly successful stand mixer
and other small domestic appliances. A complete range of KitchenAid
built-in products will be introduced in Europe to attract the high-end
market. The launch will start in Italy and France, and will then extend
to the other European countries. The project is backed by a 30 million
Euro investment, and aims at reaching a 10% share of the high-end market
in the next three years. The introduction of this new brand completes
Whirlpool's brand portfolio, allowing for a comprehensive coverage of
all market segments, and offering consumers an ever greater choice.
* The KitchenAid brand stands at the very high-end of the market and
appeals to an audience of modern gourmets and cooking enthusiasts. These
consumers demand professional standard appliances to support their gastronomic
endeavours.
* The Bauknecht brand enjoys a strong tradition in German-speaking countries,
the Benelux and Nordic markets. It stands at the medium/high end of
the market. Bauknecht consumers appreciate family values and are attentive
to the quality of life. The brand conveys a sense of technology, healthy
living, respect for the environment and harmony.
* The Whirlpool brand is positioned at the medium/high end of the market.
It is aimed at modern, dynamic women that have little time to dedicate
to domestic chores, but want to obtain perfect results with minimum
effort and no waste of time. It stands out for design, femininity and
top performance (6th Sense technology).
* Local brands, such as Ignis in Italy, Laden in France, and Polar in
Poland, cover the value segment of the market. They combine long established
tradition with outstanding value-for-money.
Whirlpool will continue to invest in each one of these brands to sustain
their growth and support them in becoming leaders in their own segment.
Innovation Leadership
*‘Our ability to look ahead is the lifeblood of Whirlpool brands.
Challenging the market and thinking creatively, Whirlpool responds with
inspiration to consumer needs and evolving lifestyles. It creates new
product categories and is the first to offer innovative solutions to
emerging needs. Amongst Whirlpool's most recent innovations: Prêt-à-Porter,
the fabric freshener that revitalises clothes using the delicate strength
of steam, for perfect and always ready-to-wear garments.; Loft 3 doors,
a 3-door refrigerator featuring an 80cm wide cavity for more storage
capacity and ease of use; Origami, a cooking hob with a complete set
of accessories, and the new Titanium built-in range; Twin built-in Microwave,
the first built-in microwave oven that fits perfectly in the kitchen's
furniture.’
* In 2006 Whirlpool is planning the launch of 24 major product innovations
and presents In.Home, a research and design project. The project particularly
focuses on product/user interface, and interprets the domestic environment
as constantly evolving, where the appliances adapt to the varying situations
and moods throughout the day.
Trade and Market Growth
* Throughout the years we have established a strong relationship of
mutual trust with our trade partners across Europe. They believe in
our products for they know that Whirlpool appliances are at the forefront
of innovation and technological advances, anticipating consumers' evolving
needs. Their support will help us grow at an even greater pace in the
future.
* Whirlpool is giving particular focus to the growth potential of emerging
markets. In Europe, the two offering the greatest growth opportunities
are Russia and Turkey, respectively the second and the fourth emerging
markets in the world. In Russia, brands are relatively young, providing
opportunities to shape their identities, so Whirlpool will invest in
the strength and prestige of the Whirlpool brand, to reach consumers
on an emotional level. In Turkey, Whirlpool has secured a strategic
distribution agreement with Vestel. Thanks to this partnership, Whirlpool
products are sold through a franchise distribution network.
* The built-in segment plays a very important role in Whirlpool's growth
strategy in Europe. In the past three years the company's built-in business
has grown by 40%, with a market share increase of three percentage points.
In this context, Whirlpool's objective is to become the number two European
built-in manufacturer by 2008.
Global Platform Leverage
* Whirlpool can leverage on its global platform for procurement, technology,
manufacturing and logistics to gain considerable competitive advantage
in its manufacturing footprint and supply chain.
* On a global level it has standardised advanced manufacturing techniques
such as ‘six sigma’ and ‘lean’.
* The aim is to achieve best-in-class quality for every Whirlpool product
category in Europe by 2008.
Whirlpool Europe
With 14,000 employees, a sales presence in over 30 European countries
and manufacturing sites in seven countries, Whirlpool Europe is a wholly
owned subsidiary of Whirlpool Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer
and marketer of major home appliances. Headquartered in Benton Harbor,
Michigan, the corporation manufactures in 13 countries and markets products
under 5 major brand names in more than 170 countries worldwide. It has
an annual turnover of more than 14.3 billion dollars, 68,000 employees
and almost 50 production and technological research centers globally.
Whirlpool's European Operations' Centre is located in Comerio (VA),
Italy. For further information on the company, please visit the Web
Site http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com
Wolseley
plc Acquisitions Update
Wolseley
plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and
heating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier
of building materials, announced recently three further acquisitions
for an aggregate consideration of £25 million. In a full year,
these three acquisitions are expected to add approximately £72
million in additional revenue.
Since the beginning of the financial year on 1st August 2005, a total
of 35 businesses in Europe and North America have been acquired for
an aggregate consideration of approximately £623 million. These
35 acquisitions are expected to add approximately £997 million
to Group revenue in a full year. Goodwill and intangible assets related
to these acquisitions is estimated to be around £402 million.
These totals do not include the recommended offer for Brandon Hire plc
which was announced on 28th March 2006.
North America
On 3rd April 2006, Stock Building Supply ('Stock') acquired Home Lumber
Company ('Home Lumber') a supplier of framing lumber, OSB, plywood,
engineering wood products and other building products, from Brent Johnson
and Kelle Johnson Vollkommer. Home Lumber is located in the Inland Empire
region of California which is currently one of the most robust housing
markets in the USA. It has its main branch in San Bernardino, California
and two smaller branches in Bishop, California and Yerington, Nevada.
In the year ended 30 November 2005 Home Lumber had revenues of $92.2
million (£51.2 million) and gross assets of $24.0 million (£13.3
million) at that date. This acquisition will add critical mass to Wolseley's
existing building materials distributor presence in California.
Europe
On 31st March 2006, Wolseley UK acquired Nevill Long Limited ('NL')
a specialist supplier of interior building products including suspended
ceiling systems, ceiling tiles, dry lining, insulation and partitioning
systems, from James Latham plc. NL has a network of nine branches across
England and Wales. In the year ended 31st March 2005 it had revenues
of £20.2 million and gross assets of £6.6 million at that
date.
The product range of NL is complementary to Encon, the distributor of
insulation products acquired by Wolseley in October 2005.
On 31st March 2006, Tobler acquired the trade and certain assets of
Hermann Frei, an oil fired and gas fired burners service and maintenance
business, from Mr Hermann Frei. Hermann Frei is based in Nuglar near
Basel and services customers in the North Western part of Switzerland.
In the year ended 31st December 2005 it had revenues of CHF422 thousand
(£187 thousand) and gross assets of CHF17 thousand (£8 thousand)
at that date.
Charlie
Banks, Group Chief Executive of Wolseley said:
'We are delighted to announce these new acquisitions which support our
strategy of growing the business through acquisition and organic growth.
The acquisition of Nevill Long will build on our presence in the interior
systems market in the UK, which we entered through the acquisition of
Encon in October 2005, and Home Lumber gives us a stronger position
in the buoyant housing markets of California and Nevada.'
Cast
your mind back 25 years. It was 1981 and the country was gripped by
Royal wedding fever. In the sporting arena, John McEnroe ended Bjorn
Borg's five-year Wimbledon reign, Spurs won the FA Cup and the first
London marathon took place. Musically, Bucks Fizz won Eurovision and
we were bopping to Joe Dolce's 'Shuddapa Your Face' and The Tweets'
'The Birdie Song'. What halcyon days!
1981
was an eventful year for the bathroom industry too - Ideal Bathrooms,
the UK distributor of proprietary branded bathroom products, first began
trading. And this June, the company celebrates its official silver anniversary.
There will be events taking place throughout the year involving customers
and suppliers in a celebration of 25 years of growth.
Back in 1981 Isaac and Fowzi Baroukh were running a successful bathroom
retail outlet in Kingston and through first hand experience identified
a gap in the market. They recognised the need for a specialist distribution
company to supply the retailer market and started selling bathroom products
to small and medium sized retailers.
The brothers began their distribution business from their shop in Kingston
and were selling £4000 of bathroom products per month. Three years
later Ideal Bathrooms moved to a 20,000 sq ft warehouse in Kingston
and the rest is history. In 2006, Ideal Bathrooms now has four large
warehouses throughout the UK stocking a wide variety of products from
the best brands in order to service its retailers and achieves a turnover
of £4 million per month.
Twenty-five years ago Ideal Bathrooms had just one vehicle and made
local deliveries on Monday and Thursday, the first invoice issued was
to Aquascene in Hertfordshire and all the paperwork was generated by
hand. In 2006, Ideal Bathrooms has a fleet of 40 vehicles, can process
orders instantaneously and promises next day delivery to its customers.
Armitage Shanks, Ideal Standard and Triton were the first brands stocked
and they are still stocked today. However, the products available then
are not! Avocado, Pampas and Sunking colours were the fashion must haves
and the Vogue cast iron bath was the most popular item.
‘Unlike the haircuts and shoulder pads around in 1981, Ideal Bathrooms
has achieved the longevity and success that many only aspire to.’
says Ideal Bathrooms' Commercial Director, Martin Carroll. ‘Success
is simply through having the best products coupled with the best services
available and Ideal Bathrooms work very hard to ensure that they constantly
achieve the best of everything.'
'25 years down and many more to come,’ says Martin ‘We intend
to remain the specialist distributor for bathrooms and we will continue
to innovate and be at the forefront of new ideas and developments in
our industry.’
...and Finally
How
Will You Watch the World Cup?
With
the World Cup just a few months away, award-winning furniture designer,
Halo, has identified favourite seating positions to watch the matches
on TV, although some of them could pose a threat to good posture.
Following research amongst customers into how people sit whilst watching
TV, Halo can now help football fans and sofa-aficionados alike identify
which animal they most resemble when it comes to watching the matches
– Meercats, moles, snakes, rabbits or hawks, to name but a few.
Kate
Hardcastle, Head of Marketing at Halo said: 'Whilst the sloth lounges
on the floor, propped against the sofa, the hawk is much more tense,
sitting on the back, as if waiting to swoop when the winning goal goes
in. The rabbit is, without a doubt, caught in the headlights and
sits right on the edge of the sofa, hands clasped and ready to hop up
should the winning penalty be scored.
'The meercat is easily distracted from the action, constantly looking
around for more food and drink and the mole is just too nervous to look,
occasionally popping its head up from behind the sofa when penalties
are taken.'
However, certain seating positions are not recommended if viewers want
to maintain a healthy back and good posture. FIRA’s (Furniture
Industry Research Association) Ergonomics Unit is the UK’s leading
authority on seating and related issues and states that posture is all
important when watching the TV.
Levent Çaglar, Senior Ergonomist & Head of Ergonomics Unit
at FIRA, said: 'The hawk’s posture is unstable and forces the person
to lean forward to avoid falling, which compresses his abdomen and is
quite uncomfortable.
The sloth’s posture is not very good either, as he is slouching
and his back is twisted and his spine is in a C-shape, rather than the
natural S-shape.
'Clearly the position on the sofa adopted by the rabbit is the best
one. It is stable, will let his back be supported when leaning
back and would make jumping up much easier and safer when England scores.
'So the moral of the story is: support your lower back when leaning
back on the sofa; don’t sit for long; don’t slouch excessively;
and get up and move about.'
In addition to identifying some of the main types of football watcher,
Halo has come up with a plan to enable the sloths, hawks and rabbits
amongst us to watch the football together and still have plenty of space.
Halo’s Mini Corner Sofa in aniline leather means that there’s
no fighting over the favourite spot once the game starts and any half
time trips to the fridge won’t result in the loss of a hard-earned
seat.
Kate Hardcastle continued: 'With over 120 hours of World Cup football
on the TV this summer, there’s going to be a lot of sitting on
the sofa and we wanted to make sure that people were as comfortable
as possible during that time. Our corner sofa means that whether
you’re a sloth, a hawk or a rabbit, you’re always assured
of the best seat in the house.
'What’s more, with aniline leather and Haloform cushions which
don’t need plumping, viewers at home will be sitting pretty for
the World Cup even though their favourite team might not be.'
For more information, please log onto http://www.haloliving.co.uk
or call 0161 923 0500.