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Consumer Insight Principles - The Basis for all Electrolux Product Creation

'Consumer Insight will be the Foundation of ALL Product Development within the Electrolux Group' says Hans Straberg, Electrolux Group President & CEO.

Consumer Insight forms the basis for all product creation and development within the Electrolux Group – and the group says that the new ‘Insight’ Range demonstrates just how closely the group is adhering to this principle.

Research involving over 3,000 consumers was undertaken from the inception of the Insight project and through the entire development phase. This research involved shopping studies, focus and discussion groups. Consumer institutes such as the Future Foundation were also consulted prior to the UK Launch in July 2005.

At yesterday's Electrolux lnsight launch in London

The aim of the research was to understand in-depth the key factors which influence how a consumer chooses, uses and interfaces with kitchen products – and how this is influenced by lifestyles, eating habits and design preferences.

For many consumers the kitchen is a Dynamic area: efficient and functional during the week; welcoming and entertaining at the weekend. Kitchen appliances need to be designed with this in mind. The kitchen is also considered to be a real statement about ‘who we are’ and because consumers are more design conscious, more confident and experimental, more highly involved in their homes, the call and need for product differentiation is vital.

The research found that strong design, ease of use and innovative features ranked highest amongst virtually all Consumer Groups. Electrolux believes that the new Insight range comes up trumps in all these areas, meeting clearly identified consumer needs with definitive, different appliances.

Electrolux Insight New Cooker range: Seeing is believing: Big glass doors and a patented angled ‘insight’ cavity means user can 'see more of what’s cooking, without bending and looking!'

Electrolux Insight New Dishwasher: Clearly Unique: Introducing ‘Visi’ the Worlds first clear dishwasher.' Simple to use, Stunning to see.'

Electrolux Insight New Cooling, ‘Side-by-Side’ Models – 3 door – 3 compartments with racked, turntable and door chilling. Silver finish and design aesthetics which allow the consumer to ‘see-in’ to a wine cooler.

Electrolux Insight New Cooling ‘Fridge Freezers’ – Two 'Maxi Chill' models - premium, sleek stainless steel design featuring a Cool Air Curtain Technology to keep the cold in when the door is open.

Electrolux Insight New Washing Machines: Two 'Maxi load' models 8kg : 'The Largest Wash Load Available in a Standard Size machine!'

Trade Sales
Freestanding: Tel: 08705 650 650
Built-In: Tel: 08705 822 886

New Owner puts Expansion on the Menu at Sussex-based Hammonds

The future of Hove-based Hammonds & Co is secure after the business was acquired by kitchen and bedrooms manufacturer and retailer Sigma 3.

New owner Sigma 3, established for thirty years, is the largest manufacturer and retailer of kitchens and bedrooms in its native Wales.

The expanding business has acquired the assets and the trading name of kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and soft furnishings business Hammonds & Co for an undisclosed sum.

Hammonds & Co, established in 1989, has its headquarters along with a 10,000 sq ft showroom, offices and a warehouse in Hove. The £2.3m a year turnover firm employs some twenty people. It has three further showrooms in Worthing, Chichester and Horsham.

Sigma 3 employs 150 people and has an annual turnover of £13m. It plans to double annual turnover at Hammonds & Co in two years.

The South Wales based business will manufacture kitchens and bedroom furniture for Hammonds at its factory at Llantrisant Business Park, Llantrisant. The state-of-the-art factory recently saw production capability significantly boosted on the back of a £1m investment in its computerised manufacturing facilities.

Sigma 3 Retail Development Director Mike Broomhall said: ‘We are delighted with the acquisition of Hammonds & Co. We expect turnover at Hammonds to increase by thirty per cent in the first year and to double in two years with new jobs being created as the business grows.

‘The acquisition secures our foothold in the south east of England an area which we view as being both stable and prosperous. There are a lot of 'chimney pots' in the south east and therefore potentially a lot of people to buy our products.’

Brian Lakin, Sigma 3's founder and Chairman said: ‘The plan for Sigma 3 is to grow turnover in each of our business areas sensibly and profitably. The acquisition of Hammonds is one part of keeping all sectors in balance ensuring that we do not become over dependent in any one area of our business.’

Commenting on the current state of the kitchens business he said: ‘The market is performing reasonably overall for us. The contract side of the business is strong and we have acquired a number of new sites.

‘Retail sales have slipped a little in recent months but there are encouraging signs that this situation is set to improve. This deal consolidates the retail base and also provides a springboard for future growth.’

http://www.sigma3.co.uk/

Sub-Zero Refrigeration & Wolf Cooking Instruments Reveal 'Italian Secrets'

Wolf cooking instruments and Sub-Zero refrigeration have teamed with the highly talented Italian cook, Anna Venturi and Underwood’s kitchens to create the U.K’s first bespoke Centre for Corporate Cookery classes and demonstrations, named, Italian Secrets. The demonstration space is located at 6 Morie Street, Wandsworth, London. SW18 1SL.

Craig Davies, CEO and Chairman of the Westye Group Europe Ltd, sole importer of the luxury American appliances Sub-Zero and Wolf comments ‘I am delighted that Sub-Zero and Wolf have been nominated as an Official Equipment Supplier for Italian Secrets. We have greatly enjoyed working closely with Anna Venturi and Underwood Kitchens to create a cutting–edge cooking environment, perfect for enthusing corporate clients with a love of the very best of kitchen styling and outstanding Italian food.’

Thanks to their preferred status, Westye will have exclusive use of the Italian Secrets Corporate Cookery Centre on six selected occasions throughout the year and Anna Venturi has generously agreed to lay her culinary talents at Westye’s disposal for four of her private corporate cookery classes.

Westye has provided a wide range of products for the Italian Secrets Corporate Cookery Centre including two Wolf 48" duel fuel ranges, one range features the charbroiler and griddle and a special ventilation hood complete with warming shelf and infra-red heat lamps to keep food or plates warm.

From the Sub-Zero refrigeration collection, look for the wine storage with refrigerated drawers, as well as the over/under fridge freezers and the under-counter refrigerator drawers. There is also a stand-alone tall freezer designed to provide extra food storage capability when required.

Sub-Zero is a specialist in American style refrigeration. Each appliance is handcrafted and is efficient using less energy than a 100-watt light bulb.
The most recent additions to the Sub-Zero range are the 695 side by side refrigerator and 736 TCI fully integrated 90cm wide fridge/freezer. The Sub-Zero range continues to include the integrated 700m series, the 200 series of under-counter models as well as the 400 series of wine storage.

All combination models include the dual compressor refrigeration system, utilising two separate self-contained cooling systems that prolong the life of fresh foods as well as preserving frozen foods for longer. Sub-Zero products are available in Classic Stainless Steel.

The range of Wolf Cooking Instruments includes dual fuel ranges, pyrolytic built-in wall ovens, electric, gas and integrated cooktops as well as warming drawers, steamers, fryers, woks and grills. These appliances utilise the latest technology allied to leading-edge design.

All the built-in and dual fuel ovens have a dual convection system which delivers even temperature and airflow throughout the oven, providing outstanding convenience and control over eight different cooking modes. Two fans and four heating elements operate either simultaneously or in sequence to ensure faultless baking and roasting.

Westye also has a demonstration space at the company’s headquarters in Debden Essex. The Living Kitchen. It is an exclusive venue for bespoke private demonstrations, product launches, presentations and corporate culinary events. An exciting programme is planned for the coming months including a series of cookery demonstrations featuring top name international chefs, and fine wine appreciation events.

Tel +44 (0) 20 8418 3800
http://www.sub-zero.eu.com
http://www.wolf.eu.com

IMI Suggests Sale for Polypipe in Trading Update

In accordance with its normal practice, IMI plc has issued a trading update in advance of its interim results announcement for the six months ending 30th June 2005, due to be published on 5th September 2005.

'Underlying trading has continued much as outlined in our Annual General Meeting statement with the US and Asia still reasonably robust but the UK and, in particular, mainland Europe markets offering little encouragement.

'In Building Products, although the underlying market for the main Polypipe pipes businesses is fairly flat, the pricing environment has improved, the impact of which should begin to show in margin recovery in the second half. A number of the smaller businesses continue to face market pressures and further cost reduction measures have been necessary.

'As previously reported we are engaged in discussions with parties interested in acquiring Polypipe. An update will be given in due course.

'We expect first half profit before tax, goodwill amortisation and exceptional items, to be around £80m compared with £74.4m last year, before applying the changes resulting from the adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). As stated previously, we do not expect IFRS to have a material impact on the Group's reported profit before amortisation of goodwill.'

Pablo Mongelos Named as General Manager of the Fagor Group

Following the acquisition of the Brandt Group in April, Pablo Mongelos has been named as general manager of the Fagor Electrical Appliances Group, which encompasses Brandt and Fagor Electrodomésticos.

Pablo was born in Mondragón (where Fagor has its headquarters) in 1964, and is a graduate in Business Sciences.

He joined Fagor in 1988 and worked in several senior export roles until 1996.

In 1997, he was appointed general manager of Fagor's Cooking Line, and in January 2002 he took charge of the general management of Fagor Electrodomésticos.

For more information on the Fagor Group, or on any of Fagor's range of built-in and freestanding appliances, call the UK sales office on 020 7354 0044, email mailto:sales@fagorappliances.co.uk, or visit http://www.fagor.com/uk.

UK Leads the Way for V&A: Impressive Year-End Results Buck Slow Domestic Market

Victoria & Albert Baths has announced strong trading figures for the Group's financial year ending June 2005, recording an annual +23% increase in UK sales by volume. With worldwide year on sales up +15% compared to 2004, V&A Group figures show the UK sector to be the strongest performer overall, seizing an increased share of the premium freestanding bath home market. In addition, initial results look very promising in the USA and Middle East, along with mainland Europe, where the freestanding specialist has been developing new markets with its solid surface range.

Joe Matthews, Victoria & Albert Baths Group Managing Director says, ‘Much of the industry is talking about a slowdown but it would appear to be at the volume, lower, end of the market. There's been no sign of a slowdown in demand for the niche area of the marketplace where the Victoria & Albert brand has its core strength.’

He continues, ‘The larger contemporary models like the new Sorrento sit tub launched at this year's EXPO seem to be particularly popular, along with the angular Capri. The largest area of growth has been with these and other top of the range models, so if anything the volume figures underrate our full success.

‘Our decision to spend a substantial amount of resource on market research and new product development was the right strategy - consumers are clearly hungry for products that are both distinctive and beautifully engineered and obviously solid surface QUARRYCAST™ ticks all the right boxes.’

Toilet Seat that Muffles the Sound of Flushing Wins £1,000 Prize

A University of Huddersfield graduate has won this year’s Student Plastics Design Award with a toilet seat design that muffles the sound of flushing.

Derek Muir’s Stingray Toilet Seat reduces noise by 40% and is aimed at parents who may not flush toilets at night in case it wakes young children. His winning entry met the competition brief of 'sound design' in a product made predominantly from Bayer MaterialScience’s Baydur and Bayflex polyurethanes.

Muir, who graduated from his product design course with first class honours, has won £1,000 (€1,476) and a placement with Bayer in Leverkusen. Also helping him establish his career as a product designer, the University of Huddersfield has formed a joint-ownership company with Muir to develop and commercialise an innovative aluminium ladder designed for his final-year project.

The competition is organised by the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining, with sponsorship from the Worshipful Company of Horners, Bayer MaterialScience and other companies.

Anyone For Tennis?

Indesit is offering consumers the chance to enjoy tennis from the comfort of their home with an on-line competition where they can win up to £1000 every month.

The Indesit virtual tennis tournament is a European initiative, available in the UK, France, Spain, Italy and the Czech Republic and is open to all who visit http://www.indesit.co.uk. To take part in the competition and be in with a chance of winning, the consumer must play the virtual tennis game and beat their opponent. They will receive 10 points each time they win. At the start of each new game they will also be asked a question relating to the Indesit product range, each correct answer is worth another 5 points. With 60 points or more, they will be eligible to register for the monthly draw of this competition.

‘This virtual tennis tournament competition has been launched to support Indesit's continued sponsorship of the international ATP tournament and ATP Champions Race and to reinforce the brand philosophy ‘We work you play’ which is at the heart of it's collection of freestanding and built- in appliances,’ says Sarah Pascal, Indesit's Marketing Communications Manager. ‘With innovative, efficient and reliable features Indesit products have been designed to work hard to simplify your life and free up that all important leisure time!’

The Indesit tennis competition will be on-line for the next six months and each month a winner in each country will be assigned the £1000 prize in the form of a credit card to spend on whatever they desire.

Tel: 08701 50 60 70
Web: http://www.indesit.co.uk

Marketing Leads the Way

'There's a lot more to being a successful distributor besides simply taking orders' says Martin Carroll, recently appointed Commercial Director of Ideal Bathrooms, the speciaiist bathroom products distributor. 'It's all about quality and reliability of service from when we answer the phone to when we deliver the order.'

To ensure this philosophy is constantly reviewed and improved wherever possible, Ideal Bathrooms has established a marketing department under Martin Carroll's directorship. He brings to the company over 25 years experience in the bathroom market with the leading manufacturers including Armitage Shanks and American Standard and spearheads Ideal Bathrooms desire to be the best in all aspects of customer service.

A number of marketing innovations are in the pipeline, ranging from the development of a website with potential for interactive e-commerce to an ongoing extensive training programme for all internal sales personnel on product innovations and general customer service interaction.

Hayley Hopkins has been appointed as Marketing Co-ordinator to assist Martin in delivering these new marketing initiatives.

'Our aim is to deliver the best of everything - the best price guide, the easiest to place an order with, the most proactive and focused sales teams and the most satisfied customers' adds Martin. 'And we are continually striving to improve in whatever ways we can, responding to our customers needs.'

The 'big yellow book' - ldeal Bathrooms' price guide which is instantly recognised by all in the market, is now produced quarterly to make it even more up to date, responding rapidly to price changes and new product additions as they occur.

The centralised call centre has been increased to 30 people with a specific aim of answering all phone calls within just two to three rings, with the external sales force now numbering eight people, both internal and external are dedicated to working closely with customers.

'Our aim is to not only take our customer's orders, but to also manage them' says Martin. 'In Displays and Specials we have two specialist departments that manage our customer orders from point of order to delivety. At every stage we are in touch with our customers to ensure that they understand exactly what is happening.'

A new initiative is the formation of a Pro-Active Sales team. The team, numbering three, is led by Rachael Percival, a newcomer to Ideal Bathrooms, whose background is steeped in delivering service. 'Our aim' says Rachael 'is to ensure that every customer has a personal contact within the company and every customer has the opportunity to benefit from our special offers.'

With a tumover already over £40 million, Ideal Bathrooms believes its marketing activities will be instrumental in further increasing its sales to those bathroom retailers who demand the highest levels of service support.

Radio Interview Sees Boost in KBSA Web Inquiries

An interview between London-based LBC Radio and Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association managing director Graham Hayden saw a boost in KBSA web inquiries from consumers.

The interview, on the LBC Charlie Jordan Sunday afternoon show, spotlighted the need for consumers to deal only with reputable retailers and outlined the dangers of dealing with 'cowboy' operations.

As a direct result of the interview, requests made via the KBSA website for the KBSA publication 'The Dos and Don'ts of Buying a Kitchen' increased by a staggering 300 per cent in the Greater London area.

‘This was an excellent means of communicating key KBSA messages to the consumer,’ said Graham Hayden. ‘We are continually warning against dealing with any retailer whose credentials cannot be readily checked - and the more times we put this message out, the more our website leads increase.

‘We are committed as a trade association to upholding best standards of quality and customer service throughout the interiors industry - and to protecting the consumer against the pitfalls of dealing with rogue traders.’

The KBSA website, which offers both practical advice on interior design and details of KBSA members throughout the UK, can be accessed at http://www.kbsa.co.uk

Bathsystem Looks for Remedy at Interbuild 2006

An off-site bathroom and kitchen pod manufacturer aims to further enhance its standing in the UK market with a major flag-waving mission at Interbuild 2006.

Italian based Bathsystem Europe says that while most people in the construction trade will be familiar with its products from high-profile projects such as the Lowry Hotel in Salford, they may not associate them with its brand name.

The company intends to remedy that as soon as possible and sees a visit to Interbuild in April as a golden opportunity to gain some additional exposure.
'We've been working as a company in the UK for eight years but marketed via agents and not often under our own name,' explained UK Operations Director David Wardle.

'While our product is known in certain quarters of the UK construction trade, it's not known by nearly as many people as we would like, so we are very keen to develop the Bathsystem brand name.'

The company operates extensively in the Republic of Ireland, where Anja Winterwerber heads up the Dublin office, while David is based in Cheshire.
Around 6,000 pods per year are produced from factories near Brescia in the Lombardy region of Italy and at the newly-opened Longford plant in Ireland - and production capabilities will expand even further in the next year or so.

Bathsystem maintains that by manufacturing in controlled factory conditions, no time is lost to poor weather and the quality of the finished product is consistent and controlled.

There are also added benefits on site in terms of reducing health and safety risks, environmental impact and addressing sustainability far outweigh the traditional options.

All projects are bespoke so it is possible for clients to choose from a wide range of fixtures and fittings from budget to luxurious and modern styles.

As well as the prestigious Manchester hotel, the company supplies university halls of residence and has recently completed projects for numerous hotel groups. Residential projects include The Bridge for Persimmon and Brindley Place, Birmingham.

Added David: 'Our aim is to stamp the name of Bathsystem around the community of architects, developers and contractors and we feel confident that Interbuild will produce that audience for us.
 
'We have one of the most technically advanced production systems on the market and are planning to turn a few heads when we meet up with familiar and new faces at the exhibition.'

Bathsystem will be just one of hundreds of exhibitors at Interbuild 2006 - UK construction's premier event which attracted more than 44,000 trade professionals when last held in 2004.

It takes place from April 23 to 27 at the NEC in Birmingham and entry is £20 on the day but free to visitors who log on at http://www.interbuild.com to register their details in advance.

BSH is the Best for Comet - Two Major Industry Awards Won by BSH

BSH Home Appliances has beaten off formidable competition from within the industry to win two major awards for ‘Best Delivery Performance’ and ‘Best Brand’ at the annual White Goods Forum held by leading electrical retailer, Comet in June 2005.

The ‘Best Delivery Performance’ award was based on an overall points system operated by Comet during 2004. As well as marks given for service and continuous improvement, management teams in each distribution centre were asked for their views on the suppliers, which counted towards the final results.

In the ‘Best Brand’ category, outright winner was Bosch, one of the four household name kitchen appliance brands comprising the BSH stable in the UK.

The Comet award ceremony was held in Harlow, Essex and was attended by representatives from all the major manufacturers of domestic appliances in the UK, including the Electrolux Group, Hoover Candy, Whirlpool and Stoves.

BSH was represented at the award ceremony by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Uwe Hanneck and BSH Account Manager for Comet, Mark Young who said: ‘BSH has demonstrated consistent improvements on the working relationship between both businesses in recent years. These awards recognise the commitment and effort shown by the whole BSH team towards Comet’

At BSH’s head office in Milton Keynes, the man responsible for ensuring that the goods are delivered on time is Group Logistics Manager, Joe O’Sullivan. Of the ‘Best Delivery Performance’ award he says: ‘We have worked hard on strategies to deliver long term benefits to all our customers - not just to Comet - so we are thrilled to have won this award in recognition of our efforts. Our aim has always been to be the benchmark of the industry in terms of service to our customers: Looks like we are well on our way to achieving this!’

Comments BSH Strategic Development Director, Steve Holton: ‘BSH’s business with Comet has grown significantly over the last few years. We have had to adapt to the changes and meet the increased demand for our appliances with improved availability, more flexibility and even greater responsiveness. I am very proud of the BSH team as they have pulled together to achieve these prestigious awards while at the same time retaining the personal touch for which we have become renowned’

BSH Account Manager for Comet, Mark Young (left) with BSH Group Logistics Manager, Joe O’Sullivan (right) proudly displaying the two elegant glass awards at BSH’s head office in Milton Keynes.

New Neff Double Oven Wins GHI Accreditation

The built in cooking appliance specialist Neff has just received a prestigious stamp of approval from the 'Good Housekeeping Institute' (GHI) for new double oven model U1644.

After extensive testing and assessment against a battery of set criteria - including performance, ease of use, design & instructions - the testers unanimously agreed that Neff's new oven is worthy of GHI accreditation.

Open to manufacturers and retailers of food and non-food products, the GHI accreditation scheme carries an independent stamp of approval, widely recognised as a quality standard by consumers who find it hard to distinguish between the many different brands currently on the market.

The capacious U1644 double oven is an integral part of Neff's new cooking collection for 2005. It features electronic control with 'ClearText' to guarantee excellent cooking results by maintaining the oven temperature plus a new shelving system called 'FlexiRail' in both ovens to allow you to move shelves around to tailor make them for individual culinary requirements.

Lighting has been particularly well thought out on the U1644 with 'NeffLight' in the main oven offering bright halogen light on all three shelf levels at once and cleaning has not been forgotten with the inclusion of practical 'CeramiClean' liners to absorb fat and grease throughout the lifetime of the appliance.

The Good Housekeeping Institute has long been at the forefront of consumer issues and has been testing products in its research centre since 1924. It has a well-earned reputation for championing the rights of consumers to buy good value products that work well. In 2005, the GHI still leads the way in offering clear, concise advice to consumers who trust their verdict on real life testing.

Comments Neff Brand Manager, Hannah Watson: ‘Winning GHI accreditation is the ultimate accolade for Neff as it provides us with an unbiased endorsement from a well respected independent body. It confirms our own belief that the U1644 boasts the most practical and ergonomic features of any double oven currently available in the UK. The GHI accreditation logo will shortly be appearing on all our promotional literature & advertising material’

SEB Reports First-Half Sales up 3.3%

SEB's consolidated sales rose 3.3% to €1,003.1m in the six months to 30th June 2005. This performance, achieved in a persistently difficult European business environment, illustrates the impact of the Group’s long-term strategy, based on sustained international expansion and targeted acquisitions. First-half sales included an aggregate €47.2 million in contributions from All Clad, consolidated over the full six months, and from the more recently acquired Lagostina, over two months, and Panex, over one month. Based on a constant scope of consolidation, interim sales were down 1.5% at current exchange rates and 2% at constant exchange rates.

The second quarter saw little change in the general economic environment, which remained lacklustre in Europe but much more buoyant in the Americas and the rest of the world. On the other hand, the currency effect was once again positive, led by the stronger Brazilian real and Korean won. The US dollar, however, continued to have an unfavourable impact on Group sales for the period.

In France , consumer spending remained weak and prevented the Group from making up the shortfall in sales reported in the challenging first quarter. In particular, the lack of demand affected the breakfast lines, fryers and vacuum cleaners. On the other hand, the Group’s assertive strategy in the entry level and premium segments has begun to deliver results, with a very satisfactory performance from the Principio line and strong sales in several high value-added product families like Nespresso espresso machines, steam generators and Clipso pressure cookers.

In the rest of the European Union, the persistently sluggish economy led to a build-up in retailer stocks, whose slow absorption weighed on reorders, particularly in Spain , Greece and the United Kingdom. The UK did, however, experience a very slight upturn in demand at the end of the period. Business remained poor in Italy , where Lagostina has nevertheless opened up a new pathway to growth, and uneven in Germany , while Scandinavian sales continued to expand.

In North America, after a robust first quarter in the United States, led by the introduction of new Krups lines and the fast take-off of the new Rowenta irons, sales of both brands eased to more normal levels in the second quarter. T-Fal cookware sales held firm, while All Clad maintained its momentum, adding €35 million in sales over the first six months of the year. On a constant scope of consolidation and exchange rate basis, sales were unchanged from first-half 2004. In Canada sales were down for the half, but showed encouraging signs in the second quarter, while in Mexico, demand remained strong and of good quality throughout the period.

Performance in South America reflected the still generally favourable economic environment. In Brazil, the Group won new market share and widened its lead over the competition. Excluding the consolidation of Panex, sales rose nearly twice as fast as in the first quarter. They also continued to expand in Venezuela as well as in Argentina, where the Group consolidated its second-ranked position in the market. The new Peruvian business has started up in line with forecasts and initial slotting has been satisfactory.

In the rest of the world, which now accounts for 27% of consolidated sales, Groupe SEB further enhanced its presence, led by the ramp-up of new subsidiaries, especially in Asia, a broader product line-up reinforced sales teams and the ongoing diversification of its distribution network. This assertive process helped to drive faster growth across the region, with a particularly satisfactory performance in Japan, where positions were consolidated in both cookware and electrical products; in Australia, where sales of food processors and irons increased during the period; and in Central Europe, notably in Poland. In the CIS and Turkey, where the Group was already highly present, the product line-up was successfully deployed and geographic coverage was expanded.

Excellence Report for Neff Area Manager

At the inaugural Design Innovation Awards ceremony staged earlier this month by the KBSA (the KBB industry’s national Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association), Neff area business manager Ray Foley (pictured) became the very first recipient of the ‘Supplier Excellence’ award.

Although originally intended to be a Company, rather than an Individual person’s award, the KBSA was inundated with entries personally nominating Ray Foley of Neff for the title of ‘Supplier Excellence’.

Comments KBSA Managing Director, Graham Hayden: ‘These new awards are designed to reward talent and highlight outstanding individuals, like Ray, who demonstrate the very best in class from within the KBB industry’

Adds Neff Sales Director, Mike Jarrett: ‘This award is richly deserved. The people that matter, i.e. Ray’s dealers, have rewarded his expertise and professionalism in a very public way’

Ray Foley has been with Neff for eight years as an area business manager covering Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Wales, Bristol & Avon for the brand.

He is married to Debbie and has two young children aged 5 and 3. On his achievement, Ray says modestly: ‘This award has been won on behalf of all my colleagues at Neff. We work as a team’

At the event, Ray was presented with a specially engraved glass trophy by the Award evening’s star host, singer Toyah Willcox who performed live on stage to the delight of the invited audience from the UK’s KBB industry.

In addition to the ‘Supplier Excellence’ award, four other major awards were presented at the inaugural KBSA ceremony held at the Millennium Copthorne Hotel in Slough after the association’s AGM on 16th June: for ‘Kitchen Design’, ‘Bedroom Design’, ‘Bath Design’ and ‘Retailer Excellence’.

Shires Bathrooms Scores with Arsenal Football Club

Q. How many loos in a football stadium?
A. Approximately 1000!

Or at least that is the case at Arsenal Football Club’s new Emirate’s Stadium which will be music to the ears of Arsenal’s fans when the Stadium opens in 2006. The days of dashing out to avoid the half-time queues will be long gone.

Shires Bathrooms scored the winner when it received the order for 1000 Remo back-to-wall pans together with a selection of Remo basins, wall hung pans and urinals. Shires also won the order to supply Doc M packs for the disabled facilities which will feature Arsenal red, custom designed hand rails, toilet seats and accessories.

The company has been involved in this project for the past two years, working closely with the main contractors on the site, Sir Robert McApline and MJNColston, to specify the optimum product for the job, and as the half time whistle blows fitting of the sanitaryware is just beginning.

Kenny Cameron, Director and General Manager of Shires Ltd, comments: ‘We were commissioned by the architects at the site about two years ago and have been working closely with them since. The order is the culmination of the team’s hard work and efforts and we are now seeing the project come to fruition with the fitting of the products.

‘We are delighted to be involved in this project and to be supplying the new stadium with the sanitaryware. Arsenal Football Club is one of the most respected clubs in Britain and Europe.’

Over many years the company has been involved in several football stadium refits including Leicester City’s Walker Stadium and the Madejski Stadium, home to Reading FC and London Irish RUFC.

Shires Bathrooms has an extensive range of sanitaryware. For further information on the Remo suite or any other Shires Bathroom product, please contact Shires Bathrooms on 0870 160 4414 or visit http://www.shires-bathrooms.co.uk

Maytag Corporation sets date for Meeting of Stockholders to Vote on Merger Agreement

Maytag Corporation announced on July 13th that it has scheduled a special meeting of stockholders for August 19th, 2005, to consider and vote on the adoption of the merger agreement with Triton Acquisition Holding Co. As previously announced on May 19th, 2005, Maytag and Triton Acquisition Holding Co., an entity organised by an investor group led by Ripplewood Holdings L.L.C., have entered into a merger agreement pursuant to which Maytag would become a subsidiary of Triton Acquisition Holding Co., and Maytag stockholders would receive $14.00 in cash for each of their shares of Maytag common stock.

Stockholders of record of Maytag as of July 20th, 2005, will be entitled to vote on the transaction. Maytag plans to mail definitive proxy material to its stockholders on or about July 20th, 2005.

Maytag Corporation also announced that it has received notification from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that the FTC has granted early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

The transaction remains subject to the receipt of debt financing by Triton Acquisition Holding Co., stockholder approval and other customary closing conditions.

Maytag Corporation is a $4.7 billion home and commercial appliance company focused in North America and in targeted international markets. The corporation's primary brands are Maytag®, Hoover®, Jenn-Air®, Amana®, Dixie-Narco® and Jade®.

Electrolux Divests Indian Operation to Videocon and Signs Distribution Agreement

Electrolux signed an agreement yesterday for divestment of its Indian appliance operation, including all three production facilities to Videocon, one of India's largest industrial groups.

The agreement involves a license for Videocon with the right to use the Electrolux brand in India for a period of five years, as well as the Kelvinator brand in India and selected markets for an unlimited time. The license agreement will include strict criteria regarding design, quality, product offering and market communication for the Electrolux brand. Electrolux will have a branch office in New Delhi for implementation of the license agreement as well as for purchasing.

'Although the operation in India showed substantially improved profitability in 2004 and 2005 it would take time to achieve an appropriate level of profitability with its present structure. We are now changing over to a distribution agreement with Videocon, the leading company in consumer electronics and appliances in the Indian market. The Electrolux brand will thus maintain its presence in the Indian market and will benefit from Videocon's extensive distribution network', says Johan Bygge, Head of Major Appliances Europe and Asia/Pacific.

The agreement will involve a maximum cost for Electrolux of SEK 600m, which will be taken in the third quarter of 2005. The effect on the Group's cash flow amounts to approximately SEK 350m. As part of the agreement Electrolux will become owner of approximately 5% of the shares in Videocon Industries Ltd.

The Electrolux Group's Indian appliance operation has annual sales of approximately SEK 550m and about 1,100 employees. The operation has been loss-making for several years. The transfer of the operation to Videocon will take effect immediately.

The Electrolux Group is the world's largest producer of powered appliances for kitchen, cleaning and outdoor use, such as refrigerators, washing machines, cookers, vacuum cleaners, chainsaws, lawn mowers, and garden tractors. Every year, customers in more than 150 countries buy more than 55 million Electrolux Group products for both consumer and professional use sold under famous brands such as AEG, Electrolux, Zanussi, Frigidaire, Eureka and Husqvarna. In 2004, Electrolux had sales of SEK 121 billion and 72,000 employees.

Web: http://www.electrolux.com

Hoffmann is a Feature at Westwood

At his workshops near Haywards Heath, West Sussex, David West makes bespoke hardwood. Westwood Furniture was established 12 years ago and has grown steadily by word of mouth.

The company’s workshops are equipped for versatility and it will undertake work ranging from single items like bookcases, sideboards or dining room tables, right through to fitting out an entire study or home entertainment suite.

One of the most used machines in the workshop is the Hoffmann MU2 bench-top keyway router which is used to rout out the slots in the faces of components to be joined using the Hoffmann serrated dovetail keys.

David West can't praise the system enough: ‘We use it a lot. It is so fast and accurate and the joints we achieve are always secure and tight’ he explains. ‘We use it for frame work, constructing face frames for in-frame designs and also for doing mitre joints on all our plinths and cornices. It is so fast and, of course, we don't have to go through the laborious and time consuming procedure of clamping everything.’

At present David West is working on an item where the customer was shown how the dovetail key can be used as a visual feature - it proved to be a great selling point. The components are joined using the Hoffmann key which is recessed by routing the keyway slot deeper. An identical walnut cap is then placed on top of the Hoffmann key and finished flush with the surface of the furniture item.
The versatility of Westwood Furniture's workshops can be seen by viewing pieces in its showrooms or on the company’s website – http://www.westwoodfurniture.co.uk.

Tel: 015242 62500
Email: mailto:info@hoffmann-uk.com

Social Housing Refurbishment Drive Gets Multi-Billion Pound Boost

Tenants in social housing deserve decent homes, Housing Minister Yvette Cooper said in Harrogate recently. Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Housing's annual conference, she said the Government was committed to improving housing and building new homes for the next generation.

She announced a £3bn funding package to refurbish 125,000 homes to modern standards and build 1,400 new social rented homes. Of that £3bn, £1.8bn will be levered in from the private sector.

'We need to build new homes for the next generation and to make sure social housing meets the modern standards tenants have a right to expect. It is not fair that at the beginning of the 21st century some social tenants should be living in houses without decent kitchens or bathrooms or even without proper heating or with old leaky windows. That is why the decent homes programme is so important.

'We have seen £21bn invested since 1997 refurbishing old council housing, transforming the lives of tenants. The number of non-decent homes has dropped by one million as a result. Today's announcement of £3bn will help 125,000 more families get a decent warm home.

'The funding will also help build new social homes. This country needs to build more homes for the next generation, both in the social and private housing sectors. If we don't we will deny too many of the next generation of young people the chance for an affordable high quality home.'

As part of the Decent Homes drive the Minister announced 61 schemes, involving 34 local authorities that will ensure social rented homes meet minimum standards of decency, and boost provision of new social rented homes.

Announced in the 2005 round of programmes are 11 new transfer schemes to registered social landlords; ten schemes have been awarded places on the Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) programme including an existing ALMO being extended; and seven new Housing PFI schemes.

As well, 33 schemes held open to receive gap funding will enable councils to transfer to registered social landlords when their stock has a negative value.
Also announced was the first Efficiency Challenge Fund grants to groups of social landlords, which the Minister said would improve the quality and reduce the costs of work needed to meet the decent homes target.

'They will do this by co-ordinating their procurement activities, using joint arrangements to get better value and look for ways to maximise the positive impact their very large collective spending can have on the wider community, in regeneration, employment and training.'

Three consortia won funding for projects, covering 28 LAs, ALMOs and RSLs in London and South Yorkshire with 340,000 dwellings. They plan to set up arrangements to procure jointly over £2bn of capital works needed to meet the decent homes standard, producing significant efficiency gains which will be reinvested in the members' housing stock. The Minister challenged other social landlords to put forward their own plans for support from the Fund.

Giving people choice remains high on the Government's agenda and £4million has been provided to support the creation of sub-regional and regional choice based lettings. Social landlords will also be updated on our CBL policy at the CIH conference by issuing a promotional leaflet on choice.

New guidance for social landlords has been also been issued, enabling them to draft their management strategies to implement policies to deal with rent arrears. This includes early intervention, direct and personal contact with tenants, rent incentive schemes, and enhanced welfare benefits advice and referral to debt counselling services.