CLICK HERE FOR NEWS ARCHIVE

Record 215,000 visitors go to ISH

ISH 2007, The World's Leading Trade Fair for the Bathroom, Building Services, Energy, Air Conditioning Technology and Renewable Energies, set a sensational visitor record with 215,378 people having made their way to Frankfurt Fair and Exhibition Centre from 6 to 10 March (2005: 192,187). This is an increase of twelve percent over the previous event two years ago. More visitors came from both inside and outside Germany. One in four visitors came from abroad (53,844). Altogether, 2,392 exhibitors (2005: 2,345) from 58 countries presented their innovations on 254,000 square metres of exhibition space (gross), thus occupying almost the entire Exhibition Centre.

Dr. Michael Peters, Member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt, and Iris Jeglitza-Moshage, Vice President, Technical Fairs, welcome the 200,000th visitor to the ISH: Kirsten Hagemann (33) from Kassel who was delighted with this unexpected honour. A graduate engineer, she runs her parents' company (sanitation and heating specialists Rainer Hagemann) and is a regular ISH visitor

Dr. Michael Peters, Member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt: 'ISH 2007 was not only the biggest ISH ever but also a fair of superlatives in many respects. Continuity, the concept of the event as an association of events and the venue itself are the factors determining the success of the world's leading fair for the sector. Only here in Frankfurt can one obtain such a comprehensive overview of the energy, building-services and air-conditioning technology sectors, as well as the Bathroom Experience; something that is greatly appreciated by both domestic and foreign visitors.' The mood in the sector is excellent. This year, 97 percent of German exhibitors rated the economic perspectives as being satisfactory to good (2005: 72 percent). The opinion of foreign exhibitors was similar with 92 percent taking an optimistic view of the situation (2005: 77 percent).

93 percent of German visitors consider that the economic outlook is satisfactory to good (2005: 71 percent). 94 percent of foreign ISH visitors share this opinion (2005: 89 percent). The representatives of the sponsoring associations of the ISH also took an extremely positive view.
Michael von Bock und Polach, General Manager of the German Sanitation, Heating and Air Conditioning Federation (Zentralverband Sanitär, Heizung, Klima - ZVSHK): 'The fair exceeded all our expectations. For the sanitation, heating and air-conditioning sector, the ISH was the show for energy and design. The fair highlighted the high degree of future orientation to be found in our sector. The significant increase in the number of international trade visitors - without any corresponding decrease in the number of German visitors - emphasises the leading position held by German sanitation, heating and air-conditioning technology. This year's ISH will have generated powerful impulses, the effect of which will be felt well into next year.'

Fritz-Wilhelm Pahl, President of the Association of the German Sanitation Industry (Vereinigung der Deutschen Sanitärwirtschaft e.V. - VDS): 'The upwards trend in the sanitation sector, which began last year, continued at the ISH with more exhibitors, more visitors and more internationality. The trend towards bathrooms of high quality in terms of both design and equipment is spreading more and more from Europe. In particular, the booming Asian nations are demanding more top technology and top design.'

Klaus Jesse, Member of the Board of Directors of the Association of the German Central Heating Industry (Vereinigung der deutschen Zentralheizungs-Wirtschaft e.V. - VdZ) and President of the Association of the German House, Energy and Environmental Technology Industry (Bundesindustrieverband Deutschland Haus-, Energie- und Umwelttechnik e.V. ¬- BDH): 'ISH 2007 produced an echo unlike any fair before - from the trade, the public and politicians. The reason for this is that the high degree of political priority enjoyed by energy and the environment are shifting the focus to our industry. This year, the ISH presented technical and commercial solutions for improving the extreme CO2 reduction and energy-saving potential of buildings. In Frankfurt, the world can discover the very latest in technology for high energy efficiency and renewable energies. The industry profits greatly from the high level of internationality at the ISH.'

The top ten European visitor nations after Germany were: Italy, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain and the Czech Republic. The most overseas visitors came from Asia and North America: USA, Canada, South Korea, Japan and China. Around two thirds of visitors are managers with a high level of decision-making authority. The installation trade made up the largest single group of visitors with around 86,000 fitters. Engineers, architects and planners also attended in significantly larger numbers than in 2005. The overall main areas of visitor interest were heating technology and Bathroom Experience (50 % each). The subject of renewable energy was of primary interest for almost 33,000 trade visitors (15 percent). One in four visitors came for air-conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation technology.

ISH 2007 was given excellent ratings by the exhibitors. 84 percent confirmed that they had achieved their goals for the fair (2005: 83 percent). Particularly positive and ten percent higher than at the last ISH was the exhibitor opinion of visitor quality, the number of new contacts made and orders placed during the fair. Considerable interest was shown in the complementary programme with special shows, lectures and symposiums. The focal-point subject of 'Renewable Energies' was taken up by, inter alia, the ISH Tech¬nology and Energy Forum, the Tiled Stove Forum, the 'Energy & Architecture' special show for the installation trade and the special event for architects and planners, Outlook - Integrating Energy. The Air Conditioning Forum spotlighted energy efficiency and hygiene while the spectrum covered by the field of building-relevant refrigera¬tion technology was boosted by the première of the IKK Building Forum. Another first at this year's ISH was the inclusion of the subject of preventive fire protection with the 11th Building Law & Fire Protection Symposium and the 1st International Building Law & Fire Protection Symposium.

The next ISH will be held in Frankfurt am Main from 10 to 14 March 2009.

More words and pictures on this year's ISH here.

Top 70 Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Manufacturers Companies Feeling the Pinch

A group of lean, fit and relatively small companies are taking the kitchen, bedroom & bathroom manufacturers industry by storm and showing the bigger players how it’s done.

That’s according to business analyst Plimsoll Publishing, which says the emerging companies are:

Increasing sales at 3 times the rate of their larger competitors
Delivering 4 times the profitability
Showing 5 times the return on investment.

According to Plimsoll, which has 16,000 customers worldwide who rely on its regular reports on the market, price deflation is hitting the bigger companies where it hurts – in their pockets. It started with air travel, moved to electrical goods, used cars and even insurance. And now it has arrived in the kitchen, bedroom & bathroom manufacturers industry.

22 of the top 70 firms are losing money, while 44 are making less profit than last year. Salaries alone at the top 70 companies eat up 26% of sales. In general they pay their staff more and are less productive.

But the new kids on the block are nimbler, slicker and more efficient.

Plimsoll’s senior analyst, David Pattison, said: '22 of the bigger companies are displaying symptoms of extreme tiredness. But the big companies are desperate not to miss out on the new profit and growth areas, so they are busy hunting down the emerging firms. At Plimsoll, we have identified why this is happening, and who it is happening to.'

The kitchen, bedroom & bathroom manufacturers business is just the latest in a long line of industries to be affected by falling prices. The cost of used cars has fallen by an average 3.6% since 2000. Over the same period, the price of IT equipment has dropped by 20%, photographic gear by 8%, clothing by 6% and toys by 5%. At the same time, the cost of production has risen by 1.3% in one year alone, between 2005 and 2006.

The findings are contained in a special two-part analysis of the industry. The first part of the study focuses on the top 70 kitchen, bedroom & bathroom manufacturers companies and sets their performance within the context of the overall market, while the second identifies and charts the progress of the up and coming firms outside the elite 70.

These findings are based upon Plimsoll’s latest research into the Top 70 companies in the kitchen, bedroom & bathroom manufacturers market. The full Analysis is available to order from http://www.plimsoll.co.uk or by calling 01642 626422 or emailing c.sherwood@plimsoll.co.uk. Readers of KBZine can also claim a FREE second Analysis into the rest of the kitchen, bedroom & bathroom manufacturers industry when ordering and quoting the reference PR03.

Plimsoll has a track record in predicting business trends. It conducts independent business analysis in the UK, France and Japan.

Herefordshire and Worcester Find a Waste Solution for a Rubbish Problem

Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council have found a unique solution to reducing the amount of kerbside waste collected in their area - food waste disposers. In an effort to divert household waste away from landfill, both authorities now actively encourage residents to install food waste disposers with cash-back incentives. This has proved highly successful with hundreds of households taking advantage of the Sink Your Waste scheme.

All waste disposal authorities in the UK must reduce the tonnage of biodegradable waste going to landfill in line with EU regulations. The first target states landfill tonnage must be 25 per cent less than 1995 levels by 2010. It is the responsibility of local authorities to implement initiatives that enable the UK to meet these objectives.

Jeremy Howell-Thomas, waste management Project Development Officer for Worcestershire County Council commented; ‘Having examined the worldwide research into their use, the Council concluded that food waste disposers had a largely untapped potential for diversion of biodegradable kitchen waste from landfill.’

To supplement this information, Worcestershire County Council conducted its own independent study into the impact of food waste disposers on waste management. Results demonstrated that food waste disposers can divert up to 27 per cent of household waste away from landfill.

The report also identified that food waste disposers are a simple and convenient, permanent, in-home solution that do not require a significant change of habits by the householder, making them a highly viable method of managing, and separating household rubbish at source. Food waste is simply washed down the sink in to the disposer where it is ground into fine particles before being flushed away by running water through the normal sink waste system.

Jeremy continued; ‘We created the Sink Your Waste campaign to promote the use of food waste disposers. As part of this, we offered residents cash-back of up to £80 against the cost of installing a food waste disposer in their home. To date we have handed out almost 600 rebates and are currently running a large advertising campaign, including billboards, to encourage more residents to take advantage of the scheme.’

Feedback from residents has been very positive and we have projected that if we reach a 50 per cent penetration as in much of the U.S.A., the volume of biodegradable waste going to landfill would be just 15 per cent of the current level.’

Taylor Woodrow keeps Diglis Basin Development Eco-friendly with InSinkErator®

Taylor Woodrow, one of the UK’s leading housing developers, is set to install more than 400 InSinkErator® food waste disposers in a new development at Diglis Basin in Worcester.

Taylor Woodrow’s redevelopment of Diglis Basin will include the construction of more than 400 new apartments with views over looking the rivers’ Severn and Basins. To ensure the development is waste efficient and eco-friendly, Taylor Woodrow specified the installation of InSinkErator food waste disposers into each new home.

Trisha Lightfoot, Bryant Design director for Taylor Woodrow explains; 'InSinkErator food waste disposers instantly lift the specification of our new developments, providing customers with a highly convenient and efficient waste management system.'

Food waste disposers fit between the sink and the waste plumbing, grinding leftover food into fine particles before it is flushed by running water into the waste system. The resulting sludge can then be recycled into a soil conditioner and potentially used to produce biogas, a non-fossil fuel that can be used to generate electricity.

The UK is facing a massive challenge to increase recycling rates and reduce household waste. A recent report from the Local Government Association (LGA) found that the UK sends seven million tonnes more rubbish to landfill than any other European country.

Ashley Munden, Sales & Marketing Director for InSinkErator, commented; 'In essence tackling this problem requires simple common sense; UK householders need a simple and convenient alternative to putting rubbish in the bin. The food waste disposer is an easy to use and permanent in-home solution that cuts household waste going to landfill by around 20 per cent. We are delighted that Taylor Woodrow have recognised the benefit of food waste disposers and are installing them on such a large scale in a key new development'

Tel: 01923 297 880
Web: http://www.insinkerator.co.uk

The New Rimless Pan by Twyford Bathrooms

The creation of the rimless pan has been driven by HTM64 (Healthcare regulations). The old regulations (1995) required a perforated box rim or a rimless pan. Changes in the 2006 regulations (driven by a need to reduce infection and hidden dirt traps) now specify rimless only.

To comply with the 2006 HTM64 regulations, Twyford Bathrooms investigated what it means to offer a ‘truly’ rimless pan and found the current definition to be very vague. Other products on the market claiming to be rimless do in fact have concealed rims which carry water through hidden channels from the back of the pan to exit at the front (See image demonstrating Twyford Bathrooms Rimless pan vs other products). The first diagram shows the water in the Twyford Bathrooms’ Rimless pan being forced around the pan; the second diagram shows other products with a concealed rim and water travelling within the concealed rim.

The new Rimless pan from Twyford Bathrooms is truly rimless; it has an outlet (taking up less than 4% of the bowl) at the back of the pan which forces water around the pan. As this pan is truly rimless it has patent pending status (application number is 0522615.4).

Please find below some excerpts from our patent application that hopefully clarify things and explain why the Twyford Bathrooms’ Rimless pan achieves truly rimless status, unlike previous attempts.

‘An object of the invention is to provide an improved water closet pan which has no internal or hidden water channels or ducts, yet is effective in directing flushing water to the parts of the pan where it is required.’ Unlike other products on the market, it has no hidden rim.

‘The toilet bowl construction... enables full use to be made of the flushing water ... and due to the elimination of any hidden passages in the rim, eliminates potential dirt traps.’

‘The configuration of the inner surface is such that no part of the surface is hidden from all points of view, and are all accessible for manual cleaning. This arrangement means that hygiene issues due to trapped dirt are eliminated or at least significantly reduced.’

‘The water inlet is closed to the bowl except for the water outlets through which water is directed into the bowl. This closed form prevents the trapping of effluent in the area of the flushing water inlet which increases the hygiene of the pan.’

This reduction in effluent can only be achieved by a pan with a minimal water inlet. The Twyford Bathrooms rimless design has an outlet into the bowl that is only marginally wider than the pipe it is accepting.

Web: http://www.twyfordbathrooms.com

Cevisama Achieves Growth - The Spanish Tradeshow has Reported an Increase in Attendance

Cevisama 2007, the Spanish ceramic tile and bathroom furnishings exhibition that ended on 10th February in Valencia, has reported very positive overall attendance figures.

The event attracted more than 97,000 visitors, 8.2% more than in 2005 (the 2006 show also hosted ceramic technology manufacturers).

Foreign attendance was up by 14.5% on 2005 and 7% on 2006. Overall, the show was attended by 12,759 foreign buyers.

Highest attendance was from Europe, which accounted for 73% of total foreign visitors, followed by the Middle East (8%), America and Asia (7%) and Africa (5%).

Italy remained the best represented country with 2,000 visitors, followed by France and Portugal. There was significant growth in attendance by visitors from Germany, up by 36%, and from several Eastern European countries such as Russia and Bulgaria which doubled their attendance figures. Cevisama received visitors from a total of 147 countries.

Money's No Object!

Customers are no longer concerned about budget when it comes to bathroom furniture, according to new independent research from Shades...

In a bid to get to the bottom of what its current and future customers really look for when buying bathroom furniture, Shades recently commissioned an extensive nationwide survey, with some rather surprising results.

Some 278 people across the UK were interviewed while shopping for bathroom products in a wide range of outlets from merchants to independent bathroom boutiques. Respondents were selected to achieve an equal balance between age, gender and social status, with the aim of securing genuinely valuable data that would help Shades in its future product development.

One of the key most important findings of the survey is the somewhat surprising fact that price is no longer a key driver when it comes to purchasing bathroom furniture. In fact, a whopping 83% of interviewees who had bought bathroom furniture did not have a budget, and, of those that did have a budget, only 46% stayed within it. When asked to rate their priorities, budget was only considered the 7th most important factor, with quality of construction, colour scheme, design style of cabinets and range of sizes available all considered much more significant.

‘This is brilliant news for the entire bathroom furniture industry as it suggests that there is far greater potential for up-selling to increase overall profit margins within bathrooms. Unlike the kitchen market, which has become very price-sensitive in recent years, it would seem customers are considering design and quality over budget in bathrooms and that's the best scenario for retailers and manufacturers alike,’ explains Julie Holliday, Brand Manager at Shades.

For further information of to order your new copy of Shades' new brochure simply call 01937 842394 or log on to http://www.shadesfurniture.co.uk

Colour - The New White in Bathrooms!

Many people heaved a sigh of relief when they finally stripped out their Avocado Green or Chocolate Brown bathroom suites, so much the style statements of the 60's and 70's, and installed the ‘must have’ white fittings of today.

However, trends in interiors are constantly changing and Italian bathroom products sourcer and distributor Althea UK Ltd, reports a surge of interest and orders for the company’s coloured ranges of washbasins, WC's, baths and bidets, across a broad spectrum of its contract customers.

Although classic white bathroom products still lead the field, the ability to tone or contrast within overall bathroom colour schemes is appealing to a growing number of interior designers working for hotel groups, new home developers and restaurants.

There is also a trend developing for a ‘mix & match’ approach, using say a white bath, bidet and WC, set against a richly coloured washbasin from the same product range.

All Althea bathroom products combine Italian design flair with quality and value for money - the ability to supply in a range of colours is simply one more reason for the company’s success.

By the way, you won't find Avocado Green within the current Althea product palette, but who knows, perhaps in time it could make a comeback! - today's colour choice is lemon, yellow, cherry, grey, green & black.

Contact: Barbara Holmes
Tel: 01924 43952.
Email: barbara@altheauk.com

Broughtons Introduces New Range of Mira Showers

Broughtons, the sanitaryware division of Broughton Crangrove Galley Matrix has strengthened its portfolio with the addition of the latest Mira showers, Coda, Element and Silver.

The new range brings fresh, contemporary styling with exhilarating showering at an affordable price. The three new chrome mixer models offer single sequential control from the Element and Silver, while Coda is a dual control bar valve.

These offer:
* Precision thermostatic control for safety of all the family.
* Temperature control to within +/- 1.5¾C of the set level for comfort.
* A maximum temperature stop.
* Compatibility with all types of hot water systems - gravity, combi boilers or pressurised hot water.

They are simple and easy to maintain with easy access filters, flow and temperature cartridge. The range comes with the additional benefit of an inclusive 5-year guarantee, as well as excellent spares and after sales support.

'There is an increasing interest and demand for showers today. Mira is one of the UK's best selling and most well respected, quality brands, with outstanding recognition with retailers and consumers alike. The new additions not only look the part, with styling-of-the-moment in sought-after chrome finish, they offer performance, safety and comfort using the latest thermostatic technology. The new Mira shower range is not only easy to install, working with all types of hot water systems, they are very competitively priced too, says Chris Honer, Sales Director, Broughtons.

‘Broughtons is a great asset and adds tremendous value to the Mira brand. Broughtons highly regarded delivery expertise, superb national coverage and ease of availability through their in-depth stocking, will further improve Mira's success in the market with availability and service excellence,’ explains Jim Milton, Key Account Executive at Mira Showers.

The new Mira showers are supported with a dual branded brochure and will be further supported with targeted, co-ordinated promotional activity for retailers.
The new Mira showers are available ex-stock from Broughtons distribution centre, ready for next day delivery to the majority of conurbations throughout the UK.

For further information on Mira Showers and retailer promotions by Broughtons contact your Area Sales Manager or call the national sales office on 0870 60 60 601 or visit the website for more information http://www.broughtoncrangrove.co.uk or http://www.mirashowers.com

Imperial Splendour at Harrods

Luxurious handcrafted bathroom sanitaryware from British manufacturer, Imperial Bathrooms, features in the newly opened specialist bath shop - Ella Jade - located in Harrods, the most famous department store in the World.

Located on the 2nd floor, Ella Jade offers a comprehensive range of bathroom products that are designed for the discerning. Imperial’s period-style Etoile range creates a stunning display within the bath shop and has a high level cistern and pan, bidet and a traditional washstand especially designed to house the Etoile basin. Combined with a traditional cast iron bath and Imperial’s range of Regent brassware, Etoile offers luxury and authenticity.

Commenting on Imperial Bathrooms’ presence within Harrods, Managing Director, Antonio Garrido said: 'We are delighted to have our products featured within Ella Jade. Imperial Bathrooms is renowned for the quality, function and form of its stunning range of products and it is an honour to be associated with Harrods, a store that boasts a reputation for excellence and supplying the finest-quality merchandise.'

Antonio added: 'As with all our sanitaryware products, Etoile is handcrafted to the highest quality standards and enables customers to create a unique bathroom space of classical distinction.'

Smooth and sleek, the Etoile range successfully harmonises modern features with elegant design. To create a bespoke bathroom solution, customers have the option of combining the basin with a traditional pedestal or an elegant washstand available in highly polished chrome or antique gold. The latter incorporates a glass shelf for storage and a towel rail that can be situated to the right or left of the basin to suit individual tastes and designs.

No longer just a shopping destination or a splendid building, Harrods is an ‘experience’ that has attracted visitors from around the world for over 150 years. A byword for high-class and glamorous shopping, Harrods prides itself on its motto; ‘Anything is possible’. Today the store retains an international reputation for quality and has 1.2 million luxury goods displayed throughout 330 departments.

To find out more about Imperial Bathrooms’ products visit Ella Jade http://www.ellejade-london.com or http://www.imperial-bathrooms.com. Alternatively call 0870 60 61 62 3 for a copy of the latest Design Guide.

50% Increase in Press Coverage for KBSA

The value of editorial press coverage for the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association rose by over 50% in the six months from July to December 2006, according to recent figures released by the Association.

Between July and December last year the association's public relations consultancy, Carol Downing Communications achieved coverage worth the advertising equivalent of £211,752 within trade, consumer and regional press which equates to over £35,290 every month - a 51% increase on the last six month period and 68% up on the same period last year.

Editorial coverage was achieved every month in key trade journals. PR activity also resulted in nine bedroom, eight bathroom and two home office features in regional papers, along with a recommendation to consult the KBSA in a major kitchen feature in Which? Magazine.

‘Our editorial coverage continues to increase, raising our profile and that of our members with consumers,’ says the KBSA's sales and marketing director Ruth Ward. ‘We're delighted with the results which show that, more and more, the key consumer magazines call on the KBSA for authoritative comment and consumer advice.’

Total circulation achieved for the period was over 1.8 million in the trade press, 1.83 million in the regional press and 1.72 million in consumer titles. This equates to total readership of more than 16 million across all three sectors.

Web: http://www.kbsa.co.uk

Advanced Sensor Technology for New Siemens Fridge Freezers

In May 2007, kitchen appliance manufacturer, Siemens will be introducing a pair of new fridge freezers with advanced sensor technology for more accurate temperature control.

Models KG34NA90GB and KG39NA90GB are both top A+ rated appliances, making them 25% more energy efficient than an A rated appliance and at least 40% more efficient than a B rated refrigeration appliance.

Both models measure 60cm wide but their heights differ to accommodate different ceiling heights. The KG34NA90GB is 185cms high and the KG39NA90GB is 200cms high. Net capacity for both freezers is 88 litres while the KG34NA90GB provides 186 litres in the fridge and larger model KG39NA90GB offers a 221 litre capacity.

Notable features on these two new fridge freezers include Multi-Airflow cooling for a frost free fridge with full air circulation throughout, frost free freezer, bacteriaKontrol to prevent any bacteria building up internally, super cool and super freeze functions, freezer alarm and AirFilter in the fridge.

In addition, the deluxe interior of both fridges provide safety glass shelves with an elegant metal trim, a full width chrome bottle rack for the safe storage of wine and other bottled drinks, two interior lights for better visibility and a full width chiller compartment for fresh food storage.

A practical metal can dispenser can be found inside larger fridge freezer model KG39NA90GB for the safe storage of all sizes of canned drinks.

In the freezer (lower half of appliance) there's an easy twist ice dispenser and a berry tray inside one of the three large Perspex drawers. Two ice packs can be found neatly stored inside the freezer door to conserve space.

Finished in stylish stainless steel, these two new fridge freezers from Siemens are designed as a focal point to reflect a contemporary look, currently very much in demand in the UK kitchen market.

Estimated retail prices: £799 for model KG34NA90GB and £849 for model KG39NA90GB. Both new sensor-controlled fridge freezers come complete with a free five-year parts and labour warranty worth an additional £250.

For brochures & stockists:
Tel: 0870 840 3300
Web: http://www.siemensappliances.co.uk

Aga Foodservice Group Wins Contracts Worldwide

Aga Foodservice Group is winning gold medals and setting a new personal best by signing major contracts with some of the largest sports stadiums across the globe.

In the US, Victory Refrigeration and Stellar Steam have recently been awarded a contract to provide refrigeration and steamers for the stadium of the Super Bowl Champions, Colts in Indianapolis.

Marvel also provide under counter refrigeration in Luxury Suites for the Miami Dolphins and St Louis Cards.

In the UK, Williams Refrigeration and Falcon Foodservice have won major contracts with Premier League giants such as Manchester United and Chelsea whilst Wembley and the Millennium Stadium are both home to Williams refrigeration equipment.

However, it's not just within the football arena that you can see Aga Foodservice equipment as the new £200m showpiece Grandstand at the Ascot Racecourse also features coldrooms, reach-in cabinets and undercounter units from Williams.

Aga Foodservice Equipment (AFE) has also won the contract to supply bakery, foodservice, prime cooking and refrigeration equipment for the new Whole Foods Market store in Kensington, London. Whole Foods Market is the US retailer of organic and natural foods. The new store, which is due to open in early June, will be fitted with product from Aga Foodservice Group's Bongard, Eloma, Falcon, Mono and Pavailler operations.

AFE's Business Development Director, Kenny Maguire, comments: 'This will be an innovative store in the heart of Kensington and will showcase the capability of AFE to provide the complete package with both 'hot' and 'cold' equipment with the focus on efficiency and quality.'

http://www.agafoodservice.com/index.asp

TC Sets the Standards in 2006

Traditional and Contemporary Bathrooms (TC), based in Wakefield, has just finalised its fiscal year, reporting growth of 98% and sales exceeding £16m.

The company operates from a purpose built 140,000 square foot warehouse & distribution facility, employing over 120 people and covers all areas of the UK and Northern Ireland via independent retail showrooms with over 30 dedicated delivery vehicles.

TC offers a wide range of bathroom equipment to suit every installation requirement, with all the latest designs in sanitary ware, brassware, baths and showers.

Extensive stocks of product means that the company can fulfil orders with speed and accuracy.

FD Martin Chalcraft (pictured) says:

'The range is clearly at its strongest coming into 2007. We have worked tirelessly to collate the complete portfolio that we now offer.

'Combined with significant reinvestment in stock availability, delivery infrastructure, and state of the art warehousing we have become a dependable one stop shop and increasingly, a recognised consumer brand. We are well poised to move forward yet again on what was a tremendous year.'

Many customers are buying into the offerings TC provide - a series of open days in November and December served well to introduce existing and potential clients to the complete picture and presence this year at Expo in May and Interbuild in October will no doubt serve to reinforce the presence that TC now command.

TC - Traditional Contemporary Bathrooms
Tel: 01924 845000
Email: sales@tc-bathrooms.com
Web: http://www.tc-bathrooms.com

Kitchen Retailer Tests his Showroom DDA Compliance the Hard Way...

Steve Root of Roots Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms of Faversham has been unexpectedly putting his firm's disabled access facilities to test recently, as he recovers from a broken bone in his foot!

Steve was returning from evening classes in French and Business Studies at Canterbury Christchurch University when the accident happened. 'The university is only 5 miles from where I live so to help keep fit I've been running home at the end of class. On Wednesday we were learning the French for 'I fell', which is 'je suis tombe' and on the way home 'je suis tombe!'. At first I thought I'd only sprained my ankle but as the pain increased through the night I went to the local A&E department where the X-Rays showed I'd broken a bone in the foot and the doctor said I'd torn quite a few ligaments too.'

Steve runs the business with his family and counts himself fortunate that the company was able to purpose build its large showroom just outside Faversham in 2003. It meant Roots could design the building to be accessible to all its customers and in line with legislation. 'Now I can personally put everything to the test and, as a consequence, have been able to make some small adjustments to the layout of the building,' says Steve.

Especially useful has been the £10,000 investment in a stair lift although including it in the building plans created a lot of headaches at the time and meant the company had to have a custom made, extra wide staircase.

'It's designed to take wheel chairs but also has a built in seat giving me a few minutes to take the weight off my foot - sheer heaven!' said Steve as he travelled gracefully up the stairs to his office.

'There's always something positive to come out of an accident!'

Having an accident can seriously damage your earnings. Steve could be perceived as fortunate in that he can still get to work and has lost only 7 days to his injury so far. 'Roots was set up so that any one of the partners can cover anyone else's work so my short absence hasn't reduced turnover, just slowed down the introduction of a few new products we are working on. It took a long time to get the business set up that way but times like this make me pleased we did it.'

Part of Steve's role is the IT systems and several years ago he made sure the he could access the office computer system from anywhere with an internet connection. The technology is called 'VPN' and it's a standard part of Windows XP Professional and many other IT systems.

Roots is still open 7 days and Steve's brother Dave is currently carrying out all surveys in Steve's place. 'It's no different to if Steve had booked a holiday as far as the business goes, with the advantage he is still here for us to ask questions'.

Roots can be contacted on 01227 751130 or via the web site at
http://www.rkbb.co.uk

Servis Launches Competition to Encourage Youngsters to Think Green

As the deadline to be part of a WEEE compliance scheme looms, Servis has announced the launch of a design competition to encourage children and art students to express their feelings about tackling climate change. Budding artists will be set the challenge to design the exterior of a fridge freezer with an illustration that expresses what being 'green' means to them.

The competition will be split into four categories, under 7 years olds, 8 to 11 years old, 12 to 15 years old and 16 plus. Using special technology, the winning design from each category will be printed onto a Servis AM7310 fridge freezer and presented to the winner.

Servis is offering retailers the chance to get involved with the campaign.

Participating dealers will be provided with competition packs with information to promote the competition locally and will have the opportunity to present the winners with their prizes at a press photo call. Servis is also encouraging schools to get involved, offering a free fridge freezer to the first 10 schools or colleges to enter the competition.

Gill Hewitson, Servis Marketing Manager (pictured), comments; ‘The WEEE directive is just one way for our industry to help combat climate change. By encouraging consumers to purchase A+ rated products and educating the future generation on the importance of looking after our surroundings, manufacturers and retailers can further help this necessary cause.’

Deadline for entries is the 22nd June 2007. Retailers wishing to participate in the competition should contact Janet Cartwright on 0121 568 2208 by the 15th April 2007.