New
Market Report Shows Kitchen Market Grew by over 5% in 2006
A
new edition of JKMR's Overview Report on the UK Kitchen Furniture Market
has just been published. Report findings show that the kitchen market
continued to grow in 2006, with almost 1.075 million kitchens being purchased
last year, up 2.5% on the level seen in 2005. The value of the total market,
including integrated appliances, sinks and worktops, rose by 5%, with
the sale value of fitted kitchen units, specifically, growing by slightly
more than 5%.
The Overview Report shows that the specialist studio sector had a strong
2006, gaining market share in both volume and value terms. By contrast
the past year proved a challenging one for the multiple operators taken
as a whole, with sales for some individual operators falling by over 10%.
Howden Joinery, however, continues its meteoric growth and JKMR calculates
that it now sells one in four of all kitchens sold in the UK. The growth
of Howden is having a huge impact on the market overall and the Overview
Report analyses in-depth which operators and which sectors are particularly
losing out.
The report is not all 'smiley faces', showing that several key industry
indicators are fragile, and a number of companies vulnerable to the rapidly
changing face of the market. Yet, although 2007 may well see the market
becoming more challenging, JKMR believes that a collapse is extremely
unlikely and that the market is most likely to see at least one further
year of growth.
As well as historical trends the report analyses the potential for market
growth in 2007 and 2008; likely developments in kitchen retailing structure;
future design trends, and probable short to medium-term developments for
largest UK fitted unit suppliers. The new report highlights key developments
seen in the industry over the last year, as well as looking at the likely
future impact of changing UK socio-economic and demographic conditions.
The Overview Report includes long-term trends in market size and retail
channel share, together with trends in sales by price sector and the sales
performance of all larger UK furniture manufacturers and importers. New
analysis for the 2007 edition include retail channel sales for the 'total'
market (fitted units, appliances, tops & sinks), in addition to data
specifically on fitted unit sales; regional distribution of sales; and
the growth of retail channels that are 'closed' to the majority of suppliers.
Cost for the full report has been held at the 2006 price of £495;
individual sections can also be purchased.
JKMR is the only research consultancy in the UK specialising in the fitted
kitchen market. JKMR research is regularly used by market leaders in all
sectors of the industry and many global names in business and financial
consultancy. The consultancy produces a wide range of reports on all aspects
of the fitted kitchen market. For further details on all JKMR reports
and research services please call Jayne on 01323 504674 or e-mail jkbarb124@aol.com.
Pronorm
Reports Business Growth in UK Market
Pronorm,
manufacturer of contemporary rigid kitchen furniture, has reported a trebling
of business over the last four years in the UK market, with growth in
excess of 15% for volume and value. The growth comes as a result of the
strategic decision to stand alone from Nobia-owned sister company Poggenpohl
and build its own brand position in the UK market.
Says Jason Grinton, UK & Ireland Business Manager:
‘We have clearly achieved our aim to emerge from the shadow of Poggenpohl
and assert our own brand identity which is reflected by our strong business
growth and healthy UK dealership. We currently have 85 dealers with an
aim to expand to 110. This is now a brand with momentum and opportunities
are available for retailers to get involved with it.’
Pronorm's extensive portfolio of 80-plus kitchens is pitched at the medium
to top end of the market, offering retailers precision-manufactured rigid
quality with contemporary design. Grinton cites a major factor behind
the strong sales growth to its ability to move vertically in price. This
gives designers a flexible product range while still being able to appeal
favourably to varying consumer price points.
Says Jason Grinton:
‘A Pronorm can start as low as £12k, but we are increasingly
selling kitchens of higher and higher value, rising to the £60k
mark. The ability to compete in the top end like this all points to the
brand's core values of excellent quality and premium contemporary design
and proves that the Pronorm stacks up with its top-end peers for design,
performance and aspirational value.’
Pronorm will be unveiling some new products in September which the company
is confident will strengthen Pronorm's position further and open up even
more scope for retailers.
For more information on Pronorm products, please contact Jason Grinton
on
Tel: 07801 862691,
Email: jason.grinton@pronormde.co.uk
Web: http://www.pronorm.co.uk
Craven
Dunnill Appoints Marketing Director as Company Continues to Grow
Craven
Dunnill, the award winning tile distributor, has appointed Steve Whitehurst
as Marketing Director. Steve previously worked for H & R Johnson Tiles
for 20 years in various sales and marketing roles culminating in the development
and launch of its Material Lab in London.
He has also worked closely with Craven Dunnill's sister company Craven
Dunnill Jackfield on the on-going collaborative project for the London
Underground.
The role of Marketing Director at Craven Dunnill is a new position which
comes at a time of continued growth for the company. Steve will work closely
with Peter Howells, Managing Director, and will be particularly concerned
with marketing communications and the continued expansion of the product
portfolio to meet the ever developing needs of the marketplace.
Steve Whitehurst is from North Staffordshire and is married with two children.
He graduated from Aston University in 1985 in Geological Sciences and
then joined British Ceramic Research as a Scientific Officer.
This position proved to be excellent technical grounding for a career
in tiles. He joined H & R Johnson Tiles in 1987 and steadily progressed
through various technical, customer service, sales and marketing roles,
travelling overseas extensively for the company liaising with the company's
various suppliers and manufacturing plants.
Craven Dunnill, based in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, is a distributor and
manufacturer of wall and floor tiles in the UK, supplying both the Retail
and Contract sectors. For all sales enquiries Tel: 01746 761611
A
Good Start to the Year for Screwfix
First
quarter results for Screwfix have been very encouraging and showed sales
growth of 25.9% to £103 million in the 13 weeks ending 5th May,
2007. The company, which had a 2006/2007 turnover of £345m, has
continued its Trade Counter initiative with 15 Trade Counters being opened
during the quarter, bringing the total to 61* across the UK.
Simon O'Mahony, Head of Marketing at Screwfix comments, ‘We are delighted
by the figures. Whilst the retail profit has decreased slightly over previous
periods, the results reflect the significant start up costs of our second
Distribution Centre which is due to open in Stafford this summer, as well
as the Trade Counter pre-opening costs.’
He adds, ‘Our Trade Counter roll out programme will continue throughout
the year and is being very well received by our customers. The ‘£10m
worth of deals’ promotion in our latest catalogue (issue 87) is also
proving to be very popular, as is the introduction of yet more leading
brand names and over 1700 new products. As well as maintaining the quality
of our award-winning catalogues and screwfix.com website, we are equally
determined to continue to meet the needs of our customers in terms of
choice, quality product, service and, of course, price.’
He concludes, ‘We would like to express our thanks to everyone here
at our Head Office and Contact Centre in Yeovil as well as our colleagues
at our Distribution Centres in Trentham and Stafford and, of course, our
teams based around the country in our growing Trade Counter network.
‘Recognised as being ‘where the trade buys’ and promising
a fast, reliable service, Screwfix is the UK's leading direct and online
supplier of high quality, low cost screws, tools, fixings and accessories
and offers over 15,000 items, ex stock. Each of these products can be
accessed 7 days a week via a call to Freephone 0500 414141, a click onto
http://www.screwfix.com,
or a visit to one of the growing UK network of Trade Counters (full address
details can be found at http:www.screwfix.com/tradecounters).
* As at 5th June, 2007, Screwfix Trade Counters can be found in Aintree,
Aylesbury, Barking, Birkenhead, Birmingham, Bradford, Brighton, Bristol,
Burton On Trent, Cambridge, Canterbury, Chelmsford, Cheltenham, Chester,
Colchester, Crawley, Croydon, Derby, Doncaster, Dudley, Eastbourne, Edinburgh
Seafield, Edinburgh Sighthill, Enfield, Falkirk, Gateshead, Glasgow, Gloucester,
Harlow, High Wycombe, Huddersfield, Hull, Ipswich, Kettering, Kingston
Upon Thames, Leicester, Lincoln, Luton, Middlesbrough, North Shields,
Nottingham, Orpington, Park Royal, Peterborough, Portsmouth, Reading,
Rotherham, Scunthorpe, Shrewsbury, Slough, Southall, Southampton, Staples
Corner, Stevenage, Stockport, Swansea, Swindon, Trafford Park, Winchester,
Yeovil and York.
Full financial results can be found at http://www.kingfisher.com.
Tel: 01935 414100
Beko
Sponsors Watford FC
Beko, asupplier of Major Domestic Appliances & Televisions, has signed
a two year deal that will see the company invest a significant sum into
Watford Football Club, and that deal will now see the Beko logo emblazoned
across the Hornets' shirts for the next two seasons.
Beko plc is a subsidiary of the Turkish company Arcelik, which is part
of the Koc group, one of the top 500 largest companies in the world. Arcelik
is the third largest manufacturer of Major Domestic Appliances in Europe,
with over 50 years experience.
Currently the largest refrigeration brand in the UK, Beko Plc is located
in Watford, with the responsibility for all sales, marketing, distribution
and product support activities for the UK and Ireland. To find out more
about Beko visit the company’s website at http://www.beko.co.uk.
Welcoming Beko into the Watford family, Chairman Graham Simpson said:
‘It's fantastic news that we are able to unveil the club's best ever
sponsorship deal, at such an exciting time for us all as we gear up for
next season.
‘Beko has strong community links and understands its corporate social
responsibilities within the Watford area, and the company is a very good
match for this football club.
‘I think it speaks volumes that Beko is prepared to back us to such
an extent as we look to build this club towards our Vision.
‘I'm certain we'll have a very fruitful relationship ahead of us,
with many exciting times to come.’
Beko's Managing Director, Clayton Witter said: ‘The fit with Beko
is absolutely brilliant. Watford has an outstanding reputation as a true
family club, with magnificent support within the community.
‘Beko is very much a family brand. The company is also based in Watford,
literally around the corner from Vicarage Road. We are a company with
a huge ambition to grow and be successful. We have a real desire to enhance
our support within the local community and there is already a real support
for Watford within the company.
‘Watford is still seen as a very successful family club with huge
ambition.
‘The club’s future plans in terms of football performance on
the pitch and the incredible ground development are hugely exciting.
‘All of these factors support the reason why the association between
Watford and Beko is so perfect.
‘We are extremely proud to be associated with Watford and are very
excited to have the opportunity to work with everyone at the club.
‘The future potential is tremendous and we look forward with huge
pride to be the official club sponsor to Watford and to what, undoubtedly,
will be a long, happy and successful relationship.’
Following the announcement earlier last week of the cessation of Watford's
previous deal the commercial team has been pleased to introduce Beko to
the club's supporters as early as possible ahead of the new season.
Speaking of the deal that he struck with Beko, Head of Corporate Sales
Marcus Pinder said: ‘It has been a pleasure working with such a professional
team.
‘The company has taken a long time to make sure it understands Watford
and is fully immersed in our values and vision. I'd like to thank the
Beko team and my colleagues at Watford for the hard work that has gone
into securing this record deal.’
At the end of the 2008/09 season both parties will have an option to extend
the deal to a further third year.
BMA
Announces Annual General Meeting
The
Bathroom Manufacturers Association's (BMA) Annual General Meeting (AGM)
will take place on Thursday 21st June 2007 at Crewe Hall in Cheshire.
Attending are representatives of BMA member companies, managers from potential
new member companies, corporate sponsors of the Bathroom Academy and representatives
of the media.
The AGM provides a wonderful opportunity for potential members to experience
first hand what it means to be a member of the BMA and offers them the
chance to speak to members and hear about the benefit they derive from
their membership.
Corporate Sponsors of the Bathroom Academy will have the opportunity to
help formalise the direction of the Academy, which is now completely virtual
with a new website at http://www.bathroom-academy.co.uk
offering students all facilities online including enrolment, access to
course material, testing and Continuous Professional Development.
The day includes the AGM, a General Council Meeting and a presentation
from Matthew Farrow, Head of Environmental Affairs for the CBI, who will
give expert advice and guidance on environmental impact for manufacturers.During
the afternoon attendees will discuss BMA initiatives for 2007 and beyond
including the Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme, the Bathroom Academy
and the market, in accordance with OFT guidelines.
At this year's AGM, the current BMA President Ted Goold will step down
after a two-year stint at the helm and members will elect a New President
and two Vice Presidents.
Speaking about his two-year BMA Presidency Goold says: ‘My two years
as President seem to have flown by. The Association is growing and in
great shape. We have a clear strategy and we are unquestionably acknowledged
as the authoritative Voice of the Industry. The initiatives on education
and training and on water efficiency have all been widely successful.
I have no doubt that the new Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme
will be a great success.’
So far in 2007 the BMA has had a very busy time with requests for membership,
new initiatives and launches including the Water Efficient Product Labelling
Scheme, the virtual Bathroom Academy, new study material covering domestic
water systems and a new questionnaire 'Designing For Life - Rate Your
Bathroom'.
This year's AGM is set to be a vibrant, exciting event and the BMA Secretariat
team looks forward to welcoming all attendees.
For information on all of the BMA activities contact Karen Myles at Karen.myles@bathroom-association.org.uk
or visit: http://www.bathroom-association.org
Britannia
Launches New Range Cooker Collection
Britannia
launched its new Range Cooker collection at Grand Design last week in
collaboration with fashion designer Avsh Alom Gur.
Although
we have started to see many bright colours entering the kitchen over recent
months, it's fair to say that these new products have taken things a step
further with their bold and creative designs.
Avsh Alom Gur (pictured), three times winner of British Fashion Council's
New Generation Award, speaking exclusively to The K&BZine said;
‘When I was first asked by Britannia if I was interested in designing
the company’s new range cookers, straightaway I said yes. My next
thought was 'what the hell have I done?' The technical challenges made
me feel a little afraid, as I had to take my work with drapes and folds
and apply it to a flat surface. I have experience with working with metal
designing jewellery, but this was something very different.
‘Working with Britannia was so successful because the company has
the same attention for detail as I do, whilst also giving me artistic
freedom. It was important to me that the finished product didn't just
look good but was also of the very highest specification.
It really was a team effort as I know that many of my designs presented
real challenges to Britannia, which the company responded to. I would
be delighted to work with Britannia again, because the way we worked together
produced such a quality result’.
The range cookers are expected to retail at around £4900. The striking
looks are supported by a nine function oven, a four function oven, a quick
start option, automatic programmer and hotplate options.
Web: http://www.britannialiving.co.uk
My
Dream Kitchen 'Inundated With New Customers' At Grand Designs Live! 2007
Both
My Dream Kitchen and De Dietrich were first-time exhibitors at Grand Designs
Live! with the East London-based kitchen specialist launching GKUK Kitchens
from Rotpunkt, for which it has exclusive UK rights.
With the aid of De Dietrich expert Home Economists on hand to explain
the benefits of all the appliances featured, the company not only took
countless enquiries, but has already accepted a high level of kitchen
and appliance orders. David Cohen-Skalli, managing director of De Dietrich
International Operations flew to the UK from the De Dietrich Paris headquarters
to attend the first day of the Show. He says:
'The My Dream Kitchen stand was an excellent showcase for De Dietrich
to exhibit its technologically advanced appliances to a high calibre audience
of consumers, architects and designers at Grand Designs Live! The layout
looked fantastic, featuring many of our technologically advanced products
such as the De Dietrich pyrolytic oven, 90cm induction hob, integrated
coffee machine and ICS dishwasher in a contemporary kitchen setting. We
are very pleased that the Show has been such a success for the company,
and for De Dietrich.'
Spiro Nicholas, managing director of My Dream Kitchen says:
'We wanted to feature a prestigious appliance brand on our stand, which
is why we chose De Dietrich, as its design-led products fit perfectly
with the sleek and contemporary GKUK kitchens we offer. With the additional
help we received from the De Dietrich home economists, we were able to
demonstrate how our kitchens would look and perform in a 'real life' situation,
which was such a benefit to us. We were literally inundated with new customers
over the three-day period of the show and we are absolutely delighted
with the results. The 'phones have not stopped ringing since we returned
to the showroom.'
My Dream Kitchen is an independent kitchen design company based in East
London. It is the exclusive distributor of GKUK Kitchens by Rotpunkt.
Web: http://www.gkuk.co.uk
Tel: 0800 018 5654
Web: http://www.mydreamkitchen.co.uk
De Dietrich Trade Sales: 01256 308 067
Email: sales@fagorbrandt.com
Web: http://www.dedietrich.co.uk
Poggenpohl’s PLUSMODO kitchen was announced as the winner of the Kitchen Systems category in the 2007 Grand Designs Magazine Awards on Friday, June 9th at a gala dinner held at ExCel.
(L
to R): Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud, Poggenpohl MD Martin Gill,
KBSA Chairman Tony Nicholas
Martin
Gill, MD of Poggenpohl UK, comments: 'This is a fantastic result for Poggenpohl
and PLUSMODO. Grand Designs and Poggenpohl are both synonymous with quality
design of the highest standard and winning the kitchen systems category
highlights the superb architectural virtues of this kitchen concept. We
are delighted for this fact to be recognised by eminent judges of the
best of the best.'
Already the recipient of multiple awards the PLUSMODO kitchen was the
focus of this year’s Poggenpohl stand at Grand Designs Live and is
the result of a year-long collaboration with world-renowned Spanish architect
and designer Jorge Pensi. Open and closed functional areas create ‘a
poetic dialogue between display and concealment’, and their juxtaposition
creates an interesting sculptural composition of shapes, colours, materials
and light.
Web: http://www.poggenpohl.de
Smeg
Exhibits Appliances at Grand Designs
Visitors to the DuPont Corian and DuPont Zodiaq stand at Grand Designs
Live 2007 were able to see a selection of build-in Smeg appliances in
situ and admire the capacious free-standing FAB40X retro style fridge
freezer in silver finish. Measuring 70cm wide and also available in cream,
this latest FAB frost-free refrigeration appliance with an A+ energy rating
has a gross capacity of 386 litres.
The ovens and extractor hood are from the Smeg Linear Series. Both ovens
demonstrate the versatility of this build-in cooking appliances range.
The SCP111SG is a 60cm oven that offers the user twelve cooking functions
with the added benefit of pyrolitic cleaning. Sharing its sleek geometric
styling and 'all glass' frameless exterior, the smaller SC45MCSG is 45cm
tall and offers ten cooking functions. Both models have illuminated control
knobs and a digital electronic programmer with multi-display.
Equipped with five induction heat zones, the SE2951ID is a 90cm wide induction
hob. The 'Suprema' black ceramic glass surface is easy to clean and exceptionally
tough.
Operation is by touch controls, and each zone benefits from having an
individual timer and fifteen power levels. Above the hob, the sleek KTS75C
Linear Series angled chimney hood has four speeds operated by electronic
controls. It also houses two powerful halogen lamps that illuminate the
cooking area whilst its advanced engineering renders it practically silent
when in operation.
Finally, the DI912 fully integrated reduced height dishwasher consists
of a single stainless steel basket in a 90cm wide design that sits below
the work surface. Triple 'A' rated and able to wash up to twelve place
settings, its ergonomic design means the user no longer has to bend down
to load and unload a lower basket and, as the model does not require contact
with the floor, it suits contemporary kitchen styles. This dishwasher
is technologically advanced too, featuring an Intensive Wash Zone. This
programme runs simultaneously to a normal wash cycle and is possible because
the DI912 has two spray arms, enabling it to run two wash programmes at
once, each programmed for the needs of a different load.
Web: http://www.smeguk.com
Maytag
UK, the premier refrigeration and appliance manufacturer has announced
its summer sale.
Between
1st July and 30th September, Maytag is dramatically reducing the price
of its three leading refrigeration models, the ZigZag, the Trilogy and
the SOV225GB.
Retailers can save up to £800; great added value at the point of
sale or can be enjoyed as a handsome profit margin.
Maytag is also extending the company’s '5 Year Peace of Mind' promotion.
On all Maytag cooling appliances there is a full five-year 'total peace
of mind' warranty that includes free parts and labour. To alert customers
to this extended offer, special, new POS is available from Maytag now.
To receive your new POS material, call your Area Sales Manager.
Admiral, Maytag's lead-in brand, is also featuring in the sale bonanza,
with attractive end of line model pricing on the SAC224GB and the SAD224GB.
The design and American-style features, combined with prices under £1000,
it's predicted that demand will be high. With only limited stocks, retailers
are urged to order their stocks as soon as possible!
There are special savings on American laundry, with reductions on Maytag's
Neptune washer and dryer. Purchasing the two together generates a saving
of £500 - a great trade reduction and a chance to offer customers
a bargain too.
The Osiris, Maytag's unique American stacked washer and dryer combination
elevates space-saving technology to new heights and is on offer at just
£675 - brilliant design, washing 7kg in just 35 minutes with genuine
American performance. Designed to wash and dry a load in less than an
hour!
The Maytag UK Summer Sale is detailed in the latest edition of OUTLOOK,
the company's retailer communications tool.
Contact your Area Sales Manager or Maytag UK directly for a copy or full
details of the summer sale bargains. Contact Maytag UK on: 01737 231 000
or visit the website at http://www.maytag.co.uk
Broughton
Crangrove Galley Matrix Introduces New Communication Tool
Broughton
Crangrove Galley Matrix, the Lancashire based distributor, has introduced
'The Plug', a new marketing communication for customers.
There's a separate 'Plug' for each of the groups brands; Broughton’s
bathrooms, Galley Matrix kitchens and Crangrove heating. Issued for the
first time in April 2007, the 'Plug' communicates information, concisely,
on new products and special offers as well as display offers on a variety
of trusted and renowned brands.
The first issue of the Bathroom Plug featured leading brands such as Ideal
Standard, Mira and the company's own brand Aquos, which, along with many
others, are available the next day to any destination in the UK. It showcased
product information, offers on new and existing products, display opportunities
and the Broughton’s Aquos Showroom vehicle - an ideal way to introduce
the Aquos range of suites to your team without spending time out of your
showroom. To book the Aquos Showroom call Lee Anderson on 01282 834083.
The Kitchen Plug featured an extensive variety of kitchen offers, from
ovens, hobs and hoods to washing machines and refrigeration, both integrated
to freestanding. It even featured a range of accessories such as sinks,
taps and lighting. Within these are special offers, discounts and display
offers, all to help the retailer pick out the perfect range of kitchen
appliances for their showroom. Products cover a spectrum of price ranges
and brands, enabling retailers to optimise their selection to attract
a broad range of consumers.
The Heating Plug was a concise one-page publication, which picked out
the best product of the month for retailers information. In the first
issue it focused on Greenskies Solar Heating, giving the retailer all
the information they need to effectively sell this product; specification,
selling points and even details of the installation course available to
ensure that fitters are fully trained and provide the best service possible.
Each concluded with an information section detailing price notifications
along with the contact centre details for any enquiries, along with 'The
Customer Charter' on the back. This outlines the company's values and
service promises, with a section to nominate a member of the Broughton’s
customer service team for the Customer Hero award, recognising excellent
service. The Bathroom and Heating Plugs also included a customer satisfaction
survey, which gave readers the chance to win a trip to Rome worth £1000!
Chris Honer, Sales Director says: ‘The new Plug series is a great
addition to the company communications portfolio and we are really excited
with our first issues. They are concise and easy to read and bring retailers
quickly up to date on all the latest deals and products from the company.
We believe The Plug will become a invaluable information tool for us all.’
Second issues of the Plugs will be out soon! To make sure that you have
the most up to date copy please contact your Area Sales Manager.
For more information call your Area Sales Manager for a copy or contact
the Broughton Crangrove Galley Matrix Contact Centre on: 0870 60 60 601.
Baumatic
is taking to the roads with its Dance Partners Collection thanks to new
livery sporting the colourful Tango range.
Making
a splash on the UK's motorways, Baumatic has revealed its colourful new
livery, which will be hitting the roads this month. The vibrant new fleet,
which will be used for both deliveries and the Baumatic service team,
features a colourful design based on the advertising for the Tango TG1
oven in bright red.
Four vans have just been unveiled and are now making their way around
the UK, and a further nine are due to hit the roads in September. There
will also be four 18 tonne rigid trucks featuring the same inspirational
décor revealed in the next six weeks.
Designed to make maximum impact on the roads, the 17-strong fleet represents
an investment of more than £33,500 in branding alone and will help
promote this exciting new collection nationwide as part of Baumatic's
on-going commitment to brand promotion for 2007.
Tel: 0118 933 6900
Web: http://www.baumatic.com
Kitchen
World takes National Second Nature Award
Kitchen
World in Mansfield is on top of the world after achieving PWS' national
Second Nature dealer of the year award. Standards across the 170 strong
Second Nature network were exceptionally high and the final assessment
involved a mystery shop of the 9 regional winners. Kitchen World is delighted
to come out top in the deciding round.
Independent
auditors were commissioned to assess PWS' 170 Second Nature dealers on
a number of key criteria, including branding, product and retail environment
with the mystery shop also focussing on service levels. The auditor commended
Kitchen World for the company’s excellent displays and welcoming
atmosphere. Praise was also given to its interesting designs, appealing
layout and great use of lighting. From a customer perspective the auditor
was particularly impressed with the relaxed environment commenting that
she could not have been made to feel any more welcome.
Sales Director Lee Bennett and fellow directors Justin Salmon and David
Bower said, 'We are thrilled to win Second Nature's Dealer of the Year
award as we are only too aware of the stiff competition we faced from
other outlets across the country. However our strength lies in our reputation
for quality and craftmanship and this is the foundation on which we have
built a successful and happy business with a loyal and committed workforce
that values every customer and takes great pride in each project. We were
really pleased to be the regional winner but to scoop the national award
is the icing on the cake, a wonderful reward indeed that will undoubtedly
raise the profile of our business.’
Comments David MacArthur, PWS' National Sales Manager, 'Kitchen World
has excelled in the audit, which is an unbiased and prestigious endorsement
of the quality of the company. It not only reflects its high standards
and professionalism but the company’s unquestionable dedication and
passion about its products too.’
Directors of Kitchen World will join representatives from the other 8
regional Second Nature winners on a trade trip to PWS' door suppliers
in Italy and will also enjoy a well deserved holiday as part of the national
winner's prize.
Lee Bennett accepted the award on behalf of all the staff at Kitchen World.
The picture shows Steven Campbell PWS Area Sales Manager presenting Lee
with the award.
Roman
Opens Customer Relations Centre
Roman,
the UK shower manufacturer, has opened a new £100,000 Customer Relationship
Facility where customers can contact Roman with; sales orders, to find
out about promotions, order queries, installation questions, technical
enquiries and to generally receive any help and advice needed.
The
facility is an ultra modern glass fronted series of open plan offices
which is aimed to bringing everybody together as a full customer care
team – its elevation gives it dramatic views across the main production
facility.
It has seen the combining of several departments at Roman, including;
Sales Support, Technical Helpline, Installation and After-sales Service-
all coming together as one complete Customer Relationship unit. The team
now works as cells with staff from each specialist area working together.
Roman recruited an experienced Customer Relationship Manager to oversee
and be responsible for the new state-of-the-art Customer Relationship
Facility - Alison Harrison.
The facility currently includes 3 teams, totalling 20 office-based staff,
which will increase over time, allowing for more, Sales and Call-centre
Staff - eventually able to hold a total of 40 people.
David Osborne, Managing Director, at Roman comments; 'Customer satisfaction
is extremely important at Roman. We aim to give the customer the best
service possible, from initially ordering a product, to quick and accurate
deliveries, right through to our after-sales care- we want them to be
completely satisfied with their whole Roman Brand experience. It is essential
that they can easily approach us and that the Customer Relationship Team
is on hand to help with any questions and solve problems. We are always
looking to improve and optimise customer care and this new facility can
truly help with that. It is there for all our customers, whether they
be the retailer, end user or installer.'
Tel: 0845 0522 445
Email: brochures@roman-showers.com
Web: http://www.roman-showers.com
Formica
Europe Appoints New European Head of Product and Design Development
Formica
Ltd has announced that Gary Brown has been appointed as European Head
of Product and Design Development. He will be responsible for developing
and implementing the product development and design strategy for the business
in Europe.
Gary joins the company having previously been Product Innovation Leader
at Ford of Europe. He worked in a number of roles for the Ford Motor
Company for almost 15 years and has an MBA from Warwick Business School.
Gary will report to Renee Hytry, Senior Vice President for Global Design,
based in the USA, and locally to Chris Gray, European Marketing Director.
Gary Brown commented that: 'Formica has been recognised as an innovator,
with an excellent record of new product introductions. I am looking
forward to working with the European team and helping develop our regional
product offerings along with processes for broader efficiencies to ensure
the Formica brand retains its strong position and reputation.'
Web: http://www.formica.com
Doors
are Opened and Relationships are Made
One
of Wales' leading kitchen and bedroom manufacturers opened its doors on
Tuesday 12th June to one of the most influential people in British business.
Sigma
3 Kitchens and Bedrooms welcomed Governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn
King, to its Llantrisant headquarters during his fact finding trip to
Wales.
Last week's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision to keep interest
rates at 5.5 per cent, is good news for Sigma 3.
Brian Lakin said: ‘As with all companies that are providing consumers
with products or services, interest rate levels have an impact on our
business.
‘In our industry, interest rates significantly affect the housing
market. With a market that has remained buoyant for quite some time now,
and prices continuing to rise, a large number of people are choosing to
re-mortgage against their equity in order to extend or improve their homes
rather than move house.
‘In addition to the refurbishment of older properties, providing
kitchen and bedroom furniture to builders and property developers is another
important channel for us. With demand for new housing also high, this
is another area from which Sigma 3 will benefit.’
Sigma 3, an £18 million turnover company, has expanded rapidly over
recent years, opening seven showrooms across southern England and a further
showroom in Cardiff, on Colchester Avenue, to complement the other three
Welsh stores in Swansea, Newport and Cardiff Culverhouse Cross.
Mr Lakin said: ‘We are proud to have opened our doors to one of the
most influential men in the UK. Mr King had a comprehensive tour of our
manufacturing plant and met with our directors and highly skilled shop
floor staff.’
Sigma 3, which manufactures kitchens to order at its plant near the Royal
Mint in Llantrisant, employs 200 people across the UK, with over 100 based
at its Llantrisant Head Office.
Web: http://www.sigma3.co.uk
Symphony
Social Housing Named National Number One
Symphony’s
Social Housing Division has been named one of only two preferred national
suppliers to major property group ROK.
At the same time, the Division has been ranked Number One kitchen supplier
in the Procurement for Housing (PFH) league table.
Beating five other kitchen companies, Symphony’s performance was
ranked across a wide range of service, support, delivery and financial
stability criteria by PFH, a Government-sponsored body which provides
a comprehensive approved supplier list for over 500 clients.
'We’re delighted with this acknowledgement of our leading position
in the social housing market,' said Alan Kinnes, Director of Symphony’s
Social Housing Division. 'It’s a position based on our ability to
supply nationally, but support locally – at every stage from first
contact to final delivery.
'We have the largest and most experienced sales, design and project management
teams in the industry, helping our clients meet national market demand
and stringent Government targets on efficiency, decent homes and eco homes
standards.'
As the leading kitchen supplier to the social housing sector, Symphony
delivers some half a million kitchens every year for local authorities
and housing associations across the UK. One in four community and private
homes in the UK is now fitted with a Symphony product.
Web: http://www.symphony-group.co.uk
Change
of CEO at Villeroy & Boch
Frank
Göring is the new CEO of Villeroy & Boch since June 1st. He succeeds
Wendelin von Boch, who will enter into the group's Supervisory Board after
40 years at the vertices of the company.
Göring, 45, joined Villeroy & Boch in 1997 as marketing director
in the Bathroom and Kitchen division and since 2005 he has been a member
of the Management Board with the responsibility for the Bathroom and Wellness
division. Previously he held director roles in important companies like
Procter and Gamble, Reemtsma and Hero.
The first semester for Villeroy & Boch closed with the turnover rising
5.2% compared to the previous year, with sales reaching 247.9 million
Euro. Leading the demand were the foreign markets, with a rise of 8.9%.
Regarding the three divisions, Bathroom and Wellness continues to make
steady progress with sales rising 15% to 137.2 million Euro.
Significant growth has been registered in Northern and Eastern Europe,
in the Alpine countries and in the Far East region.
The results of the Tableware division however are not so positive, with
sales at 70.7 million Euro (-9.2% on 2006). The positive results acquired
in UK, Italy and Russia have not been able to compensate for the losses
in Germany, USA and Benelux.
New company policies have influenced the Tile division, rising 4.2% to
40 million Euro, thanks to positive export results. The Turkish group
Ecsacibasi since March 26th holds 51% of shares of the controlled V&B
Fliesen, the company which directed this branch of activity.
Web: http://www.villeroy-boch.com