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James Theobald - A New Chapter

Distributor James Theobald has announced a management buy out by Jamie Gardiner, Commercial Director and Steve Brooks, Sales Director of Theobald's. The new owners offer an impressive 20 years combined working experience within the company and their new roles are Joint Managing Directors of James Theobald Ltd.

Left to Right, Jamie Gardiner, Wilhelmina Theobald, James Theobald, Steve Brooks

Well renowned within the industry, James and Wilhelmina Theobald comment on the momentous event ‘After nearly 30 years within the industry and creating the strong Theobald's brand, we feel it's now time for us to move on to pastures new. We would like to wholeheartedly thank everybody who has worked with us over the years and we will look back with many fond memories. We would also like to wish the new owners Jamie and Steve every success for the future’.

Jamie Gardiner and Steve Brooks comment ‘We are both delighted to have secured this exciting business acquisition and look forward along with the Theobald's team to continue building upon the success of the brand. It is very much 'business as usual' and we are both committed to developing the brand heritage of Theobald's for many years to come’.

Theobald's has many established brands in its portfolio and over the last 29 years James Theobald has successfully expanded its offering with the addition of its popular brand Butler and more recently Brompton Bathrooms.

Tel: 01622 776700
Web: http://www.Theobalds.com

KBSA Survey Reveals How Consumers Choose Retailers

According to research recently carried out by the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA), the two most important factors when choosing a retailer for home improvements are knowledgeable staff and deposit protection.

88% of people who graded the importance of choosing a retailer felt that knowledgeable staff was 'very important', perhaps due to the availability of interiors magazines and regular television programmes, which educate consumers, who in turn expect showroom staff to offer advice and guidance on their products.

77% of people who graded the importance of choosing a retailer felt that deposit protection was 'very important'. With so many stories about 'cowboys' doing home improvements and the difficult situations people have been left in, consumers are demanding enhanced protection from reputable retailers.

Ruth Ward, KBSA sales and marketing director comments: ‘This research validates our view that reputable retailers must offer the very best consumer protection to meet the needs of today's discerning customer. We have responded to this consumer demand by making it a condition of KBSA membership that either the standard deposit protection known as ConsumerCare, (deposit protection for up to 25% of the contract price) or the improved cover, ConsumerCare Plus is offered.

‘ConsumerCare Plus offers additional four-way protection which includes deposit, work in progress, non-completion and a six-year warranty. Both types of insurance protection are underwritten by HCC International Insurance Co Plc, a specialist UK authorised Insurance company.’

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

Private Firms 'Prey for Value Hunters'

The UK’s dwindling number of privately owned kitchen, bedroom & bathroom manufacturers firms are looking more and more like potential takeover targets, according to a new report by business analysts Plimsoll Publishing.

Latest research shows that 182 of the UK’s top 269 kitchen, bedroom & bathroom manufacturers companies remain in private hands, and their values are increasing faster than those of their corporate competitors. Their exclusivity, niche products and unique services are adding to their attractiveness.

Another more practical factor is also coming into play, according to Plimsoll’s senior analyst, David Pattison. 'The increasing age of owners and principals at some of these companies is causing them to consider their choices,' he says. 'While many family firms have succession plans in place, an offer for the company at the crucial moment is often listened to sympathetically, as the new generation review their options.'

But the big prize for corporate and private raiders is the hidden potential of family-run companies. Current owners typically strip out 80% of profits as fees. To the value hunter, this is a huge platform on which to build.

But for those who are not averse to the idea of a takeover, their past activity may backfire on them.

'The problem for private companies wishing to sell is that many of them haven’t done themselves any favours in the past in terms of promoting the value of the business,' says David Pattison. 'With the help of professional advisers, they have become very adept at hiding their worth. When they go to sell, there simply isn’t the evidence to support a high asking price. Potential buyers will always make a low offer in this situation because they simply won’t believe a company’s own unsupported figures.'

The changing atmosphere in the industry has an upside and downside for staff and for the wider economy. On the one hand, if families increasingly withdraw, the sector is in danger of losing the steady corporate stewardship and entrepreneurial drive that has been a cornerstone of the economy for the last 60 years. On the other, new professional owners, despite bringing more debt and risk, may offer greater focus and drive, benefiting the company and its employees in the longer term.

The latest Plimsoll analysis into the UK kitchen, bedroom & bathroom manufacturers market cuts through the confusion to give a detailed value and performance rating for each of the 269 companies in the sector. It is aimed at those looking at their options in the market and anyone thinking of buying or selling a company.

Plimsoll has been analysing business performance for more than 20 years and operates in the UK, France and Japan. For further information about its latest report, please call Clair Sherwood on 01642 626422 or e-mail c.sherwood@plimsoll.co.uk

Poggenpohl Goes from Strength to Strength

Business is booming in the UK for luxury German kitchen manufacturer Poggenpohl. Unit sales in this country have increased by 80% year on year (2005-2006) and in the first part of 2007 sales are up by more than 100% on the previous year.

The company has experienced consistent growth over the past five years and now has the most 'own' stores of all luxury kitchen brands. Poggenpohl UK is expecting a turnover of at least £25m for 2007, whilst its share of Poggenpohl's total turnover internationally has now grown to 15% - just five per cent behind the US market, which is the largest outside Germany.

Martin Gill, Managing Director of Poggenpohl UK attributes these impressive sales to a variety of factors: the growth of the Poggenpohl exclusive dealer network and own Poggenpohl Design Centres (including the return of Poggenpohl to the West Midlands following the opening of Design Centre at Fort Dunlop in Birmingham); the refurbishment of key locations such as the Norman Glenn showroom in Finchley Road, London and Poggenpohl Manchester; plus the continued expansion of the contracts division.

'This is an outstanding performance by the Poggenpohl brand,' comments Martin Gill. 'Both consumers and developers are recognising the level of exclusivity and luxury that our brand confers on their properties as well as appreciating the high quality German engineering. Our new store locations are strategically placed to capitalise on this and ensure continued growth of our UK business.'

Web: http://www.poggenpohl.de

Belling Kicks Off its 'Keep Britain Cooking' Campaign

Belling has started a nationwide initiative to 'Keep Britain Cooking' at the first Children's Food Festival, which took place on the 14th and 15th July in Oxford.

Organised by the Northmoor Trust, this special festival was a celebration of food and cooking aimed at young people. Over 360 children participated in interactive cookery sessions in the Belling Kids' Kitchen; a dedicated marquee that ran a series of 12 cookery sessions across the two days to teach children how to make a variety of dishes, with two high capacity Kensington 90E range cookers on hand to help.

Supported by celebrity chefs Raymond Blanc and Sophie Grigson, cookery writer Amanda Grant and Nora Sands, from the TV programme, Jamie's School Dinners, the festival saw Belling kick off its 'Keep Britain Cooking' campaign, with the clear aim of ensuring family recipes handed down through the generations do not become a thing of the past and to make cooking fun and accessible for everyone.

Across the two days, children keen to learn more about cooking came on down to the Belling Kids' Kitchen to receive their Belling chefs hats, balloons, badges, and for every child who took part in the cooking sessions, a certificate congratulating them on their achievement.

Laura Greenhalgh, Brand Executive of Belling, comments:

‘At Belling, we have been keeping Britain cooking for 95 years, and because we believe cooking is vitally important, we have launched a campaign to ensure we all keep on cooking for at least another 95 years.

‘The Children's Food Festival was a great opportunity for the potential cooks of the future to learn about food and cooking and we were awestruck by the response from parents and children alike.

‘With over 18,000 people in attendance across the weekend - twice the estimate of the organisers - it was encouraging to see how keen young people are to know more about the food they eat and from the comments received on the Children Food Festival website, we couldn't be more proud to have been involved.

‘This was only the first step for our 'Keep Britain Cooking' campaign, which is set to develop further over the coming months. A brand new section of our website has been dedicated to highlighting the latest activities Belling has been involved in and allows people to view a range of inspiring recipes and post their own family favourites for a chance of seeing their recipe online and wining a Baby Belling Pronto in the process! We hope that everyone who comes to our site, http://www.belling.co.uk/keepbritaincooking, will be as keen about cooking as us!

Steaming to Success

Aqualux is extending its exclusive collection of steam cabins to offer installers and customers a new range of sizes, shapes and added-extras.

The premium frameless Crysta collection includes a Round steam cabin, measuring 900mm x 100mm x 2250mm high, and a minimalist Square Glass steam cabin measuring 880mm x 1000mm x 2050mm high.

Both cabins use 6mm tempered glass and the thermostatic faucet, hand shower and head shower are in a fashionable polished chrome finish. As well as LCD touch screen and radio fitted as standard, the steam cabins also have a USB connector for an MP3 player.

An automatic self-cleaning function is another clever feature that Aqualux has introduced. The two steam cabins in the collection also come with a two-year guarantee.

The stylish Florenta range includes a Quadrant Shape steam cabin, measuring 900mm x 900mm x 2200mm high, and an Off-set Quadrant measuring 900mm x 1200mm x 2200 high. Both steam cabins in the Florenta collection are single seated and benefit from 5mm tempered glass and silver effect framed finish.

Added features such as a rotating mirror, an integral handy shelf, radio and stylish handle all add to the collection's appeal.

Sandra Hyde, Aqualux marketing manager, said: 'We've always shouted about the health benefits of steam. Our new collections give consumers the best of both worlds, they can benefit from improved circulation, relief from aches and pains and detoxify the skin whilst listening to their favourite music on the integrated radio or MP3 player.

PWS Warms Up with Devimat Underfloor Heating System

Hot on the heels of its stone flooring launch, PWS has introduced the Devimat underfloor heating system to its portfolio.

Devimat is the perfect partner for stone flooring, creating a comfortable, economic and maintenance-free heating solution. Costing only 0.5p per hour per square metre to run the system is quick and simple to fit in any size or shape of room. Installation time and cost is reduced as the cable is pre-attached to the mesh and is a twin conductor so there is no second tail to return to the thermostat.

A further benefit is the system can be laid straight onto the existing floor without the need for special primers and the ultra-thin cable can be installed within the thickness of the tile adhesive. Devimat features a unique 100% aluminium earth sheath that is fully compliant with earthing requirements for installations in wet areas such as shower-rooms and bathrooms.

Devimat is supplied with a 10 year guarantee and for showroom awareness a working point of sale unit and leaflet holder is available.

For further details of the new Devimat underfloor heating system and POS package from PWS, visit http://www.pws.co.uk , call Customer Services on 01325 505555 or email mail@pws.co.uk.

Utopia Introduces Display Fitting Service

To ensure new displays are fitted quickly, expertly and with the minimum of disruption, Utopia is offering a new fitting service for retailers.

Using a nationwide network of fully trained contractors, Utopia will now arrange for the fitting of displays. Should the existing display need removing, Utopia will also undertake this and make good the walls prior to the fitting of the new display.

Commenting on the new service, Liz Green, Marketing Director, said 'Talking to retailers, there is clearly a need for a prompt, reliable and professional service when it comes to fitting displays. We now have a highly skilled team in place to deliver just that.'

Retailers should contact their Utopia area sales manager to take advantage of this new service designed to help save time and money on display updates.

http://www.utopiabathrooms.co.uk/

Victoria & Albert Napoli is a Winner

Freestanding bath manufacturers Victoria & Albert have been enjoying heavy weight consumer endorsement of the brand's Napoli bath and lido tapstand.

The egg-shaped model came out top in the recent 'I love my bath' competition held at the Daily Telegraph House & Garden Fair 2007 in Olympia, where visitors were encouraged to vote for their favourite bath from a selection of models from leading brands which included Roca, Villeroy & Boch and Aston Matthews.

Hot on the heels of this win comes the announcement that the Napoli has been awarded a Certificate of Commendation in The Manufacturer Awards 2007, an initiative from the publishers of the Designer Magazine.

'Curvaceous baths are proving very popular, especially when linked to clean lines, so it came as no surprise that our Napoli came out top at Olympia' said Jonathan Carter, UK Marketing manager for Victoria & Albert.

'It is also interesting to note that stone resins like our limestone rich QUARRYCAST have really come of age as the bath material of choice - as well as our Napoli coming first in the 'I love my bath' competition, the runner up 'St Moritz' bath also features the same stone resin construction.'

For more information about the 100% QUARRYCAST range from Victoria & Albert baths, visit www.vandabaths.com or telephone 01952 221100.

Exclusive Retailer First To Stock Luxury Shower Toilet

Retailer West One Bathrooms, based in Selfridges of London, has become the first to display the exclusive Balena shower toilet.

Designed for the luxury market, world-renowned manufacturer Geberit has created a stunning product in terms of both style and functionality.

The Balena 8000 is a wall-hung shower toilet, recognising the growing trend for this top-end category of toilets, and is slim-line and modern in design.

Features of the Balena include body temperature water, massage spray, warm air dryer and air purification.

'Wellness' is a buzz word of the 2000s and the new Balena has been designed to meet the demand for a product which offers enhanced hygiene through nature's purest source, water.
Jean Edouard, general manager for West One Bathrooms which has showrooms throughout London including Mayfair, Battersea, Wandsworth and Knightsbridge, said: 'The Balena is a unique, luxury product which has created particular interest among our customers at our Selfridges of London showroom.

'Wall-hung sanitaryware enhances the contemporary feel of a bathroom and this feature, along with the technologically advanced capabilities of the Balena, are making it a very popular choice.
The Balena 8000 UP is currently only available within the London area but will shortly be available for distribution nationwide.

For further information about the Balena, contact Geberit on 01622 717811.

ALNOArt Pro Crowned '2007 Kitchen Innovation of the Year'

ALNO continues to rake in awards: The 'Besser Leben' initiative has awarded ALNOART PRO its gold medal for being the '2007 Kitchen Innovation of the Year'. The innovation prize is sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology.

This latest win continues a trend that ALNO AG began in March 2007, when the Pfullendorf-based kitchen furniture manufacturer received five of the highly coveted red dot design awards given out by Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen for innovations such as its ALNO Premium fittings.

ALNO's chief sales officer, Dr. Stefan Popp says, 'This latest award for our ALNOART PRO kitchen once again highlights ALNO's innovativeness and relentless drive to push the envelope in product development. The award-winning ALNOART PRO is synonymous with design excellence and functional perfection.'

The prize-winners were selected in two distinct phases. First, a jury of experts picked out the most innovative submissions. They based their ratings on four main criteria: technical functionality/safety, innovativeness, ergonomics/ease of use and aesthetic functionality/design.

ALNOART PRO is a high gloss, handless design, featuring clean, sober contours. offers plenty of space that users can fill with their own ideas and furnishing solutions. Consistent design, uncompromising quality and flawless craftsmanship form the foundation for ALNOART PRO's timeless appeal.

Profiled frames made from real aluminum bring structure to the glass fronts and add accents to ALNOART PRO. Wide recessed grips, also made from real aluminum, ensure that drawers, pull-outs and doors open easily. The high-gloss glass fronts on ALNOART PRO offer extraordinary depth with unprecedented brilliance of colour.

ALNOART PRO has what it takes to become a true classic in high-gloss white, black, and cappuccino.

A perfect exterior should be complemented by a flawless kitchen interior. That's why ALNO uses the Premium fittings that won a prestigious red dot design award in 2007. These new in-drawer designs made from lacquer, glass and chrome can satisfy the most demanding of tastes.

For more information about ALNO kitchens call 01924 487900 .

Symphony Expands Chain of Custody

UK furniture supplier Symphony has received Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody certification across its kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture ranges.

The certification, which guarantees that wood used in the manufacture of Symphony’s products comes from well managed forests, according to strict environmental, social and economic standards, means that FSC-accredited products are now available to all Symphony’s customers, from private developers and affordable housing providers to export markets and Symphony’s over 1,000 retail outlets.

Beck Woodrow, FSC’s Construction Adviser comments:  'Achievement of higher EcoHomes and BREEAM ratings is fundamental to achieving national targets for the industry, so it is very good news for the sector that a major provider like Symphony has achieved certification for products available to developers and consumers across the UK.'

The FSC accreditation is the latest in a series of environmental measures by Symphony to support the use of sustainable materials across all aspects of its operation and supply chain.

The company, through its logistics contract partner C Butt, recently invested in new delivery vehicles, which are among the cleanest, most fuel-efficient trucks on Britain’s roads. The Bluetec Euro 5 Mercedes Actros utilise the latest SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology to convert polluting nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water.

Symphony is also able to minimise the amount of product it transports by road, through its choice of suppliers. The company’s largest materials supplier is based in Belgium and utilises the canal network to transport raw materials and finished products.

The cut and edged panels are then taken the short distance by road to Zeebrugge for transportation by ferry to Hull, then by road to Symphony’s Leeds and Rotherham plants.

The company, which employs more than 1,000 people, operates to stringent waste management targets with some 80% of its waste segregated for recycling and re-use, including burning scrap wood and wood dust to heat their factories.

As a member of Valpak, Symphony also complies with stringent waste packaging regulations, keeping packaging to a minimum without compromising product protection. Assembled cabinets are wrapped in blankets during the loading process and Symphony has designed special recyclable cardboard sleeves, to protect frontals in transit.
 
Paul Kettlewell, Group Sales Director, comments: 'In an ever more environmentally aware market place, it is vital that we support sustainable production and help the housing sector deliver stringent Government EcoHomes standards.

'It is also important that we ensure our own workplace and operations are as environmentally sound as possible, so our Group Environmental Management Committee, constantly measures and reviews our performance.'

Web: http://www.symphony-group.co.uk

We Love Kitchens Opens a New Showroom in Berkhamsted

Following the opening of We Love Kitchens of Beaconsfield in 2002, founders Tim and Adele Cook have opened a second kitchen showroom in Berkhamsted. The new showroom is a contemporary 3,000 square feet loft space, featuring 16 ALNO kitchen designs.

The new showroom comprises three working kitchens, which include working ovens, hobs, warming drawers, fridges, freezers, coffee machines, sparkling water taps, Servo Drive drawers with lighting and two small TVs, allowing potential customers to imagine and explore what they would like and need from their new kitchen.

Tim Cook says, ‘At We Love Kitchens, we offer stunning ALNO kitchens, ranging from contemporary to the more traditional styles. To complement these kitchens we offer appliances from Miele, Kuppersbusch and Gaggenau and provide a complete project management service from start to finish. We are extremely enthusiastic about designing kitchens and go to every effort to ensure that the design is right for our clients' individual needs.’

Tim and Adele Cook live locally with their three children and are the third generation of kitchen retailers within the family. Tim's grandfather and father, both local, began manufacturing and selling fitted kitchens back in the early 1960s. Tim's father was a pioneer in the introduction of German fitted kitchens in the UK and started importing German furniture as early as 1964. Adele's family is also highly successful within the retail business.

Germany's largest kitchen manufacturer, ALNO is renowned for its designs and creative ideas, including different working heights, fantastic storage solutions, intelligent lighting and the servo-soft closing system, which prevent doors and drawers slamming. With the vast range of ALNO doors and feature units available, We Love Kitchens can design a truly individual kitchen to meet every customer's needs and desires.

We Love Kitchens of Berkhamsted can be found at:
The Wilderness
Back Lane
Berkhamsted
HP9 2AZ

Tel: 0845 2707456
Web: http://www.welovekitchens.co.uk

ATAG UK Announces New After Sales Service

ATAG UK, the premium built in Dutch appliance brand, has announced a new after sales service partner, Repaircare.

The 1st August 2007 heralded the start of Repaircare's In Warranty After Sales Service for ATAG UK. Repaircare is a division of Connect Distribution Services Limited, the largest distributor and stockist of domestic appliance spare parts in the UK. David Holden, Managing Director of Repaircare says: ‘ATAG is a superb addition to our portfolio and we are proud to have been selected by such a highly successful European company. Our mission is to provide a world-class one-stop service. The consumer today is uncompromising and we are geared up to meet and satisfy the most demanding of them.’

Ellis Bardsley, Business Development Director for ATAG UK explains: ‘The kitchen specialist sector is passionate about quality, design and service. We totally respect that all elements of the brand's offering has to be of the highest quality and standard to be accepted. The appointment of Repaircare is a huge asset that will facilitate the 'best-in-class' levels of service for ATAG UK, the Kitchen Specialist and their customer. Repaircare understands the strategic importance of high quality service, and they support our business with a passion.’

ATAG UK has enjoyed the service support of Bradshaw Appliances which will now focus on assisting the penetration of the brand to the Kitchen Specialist market. Bradshaw's will continue to handle the out of warranty service work for the brand.

ATAG's appliances are all offered with a 2-year guarantee and when purchasing over four appliances the guarantee is extended to a full 5 years' parts and labour, and that includes the cost of the engineer too!

The new ATAG service number from 1st August is 0844 557 6319. Alternatively, the new website at http://www.atagservice.co.uk is designed to facilitate 24/7 easy access for trouble shooting, ordering spare parts, downloading user manuals, warranty registration and to make service requests.

Broughton Crangrove Galley Matrix Customer Satisfaction Survey

Broughton Crangrove Galley Matrix (BCGM), the UK national distributor of bathrooms, heating and kitchen appliances, has announced the winner of its customer satisfaction survey in April 2007.

Mark Lineham, of Thoroughly Wood of Folkstone, Kent was randomly selected from hundreds of entrants and won travel vouchers worth £1,000. Mark says: 'I am so pleased to have won and it couldn't have come at a better time. We have always received excellent service from BCGM. The company's range of products, delivery and service are first class and are an invaluable extension to our business. I am so impressed that BCGM goes to such lengths to find ways of improving an already excellent service - the company is certainly the best delivery company we deal with in the industry and we can always order with confidence.'

BCGM carries out regular customer satisfaction surveys and in the most recent survey, 82% of respondents gave 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' feedback on the service, with deliveries and ease of order placement receiving particularly high scores.

Simon Macklin, Customer Service Director for BCGM explains: 'We actively seek customer feedback through multiple channels, as being in touch with our customers‚ expectations is a prerequisite for service excellence. The Customer Satisfaction Survey is just one way in which we encourage customers to let us know how we are doing, and the feedback is used to drive our business forward at all levels. All comments received in the most recent survey were responded to by a member of the senior management team, and where suggestions were made for improvement, we were able to develop specific action plans. I am particularly pleased with the results of this survey, as it shows that the hard work that we have put in to improve our service proposition over the last few months‚ is starting to yield results.'

For more information on how you can take part in the company‚s next survey call your Area Sales Manager or contact the Broughton Crangrove Galley Matrix Contact Centre on: 0870 60 60 601.

Caption: Mark Lineham from Thoroughly Wood is BCGM's winner of the company's recent customer satisfaction survey.

BMA Welcomes New Member Intatec

Staffordshire-based Intatec, expert in bathroom safety and manufacturer of thermostatic mixing valves, kitchen and shower bath mixers and more specialised products including non-concussive, timed flow, infrared, foot operated, knee operated, lever operated and push taps, is the latest company to join the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA).

Commenting on joining the BMA, Intatec's Managing Director, Stuart Gizzi (pictured) says: ‘It is important for responsible businesses to play an active part in the life of their industry. As manufacturers, we all have the responsibility to develop products that are not just right for the industry, but right for consumers and the environment too. We can only do this by talking to each other.

‘With a constant focus on design, safety and the environment, we strive to make a positive contribution wherever we can. The forum created by trade bodies such as the BMA is particularly relevant, allowing us as a group to drive forward issues for the collective good, not just individual profit.

‘We hope that our joining the Association will add to the dialogue and exchange of ideas that will keep our industry flourishing, encouraging innovation and promoting the technical and environmental good practice that will improve bathrooms in Britain, now and into the future.’

In welcoming Intatec, BMA Chief Executive Yvonne Orgill says: ‘It is wonderful to have a quality company such as Intatec on board. Intatec's values mirror our own and we're looking forward to working with the company.’

The BMA membership has grown in 2007 with three new companies joining, The Deva Tap Company, Mayfair Taps and Showers, and now Intatec.

Web: http://www.bathroom-association.org

To contact Intatec visit: http://www.intatec.co.uk/index.html

Putting People First...

As part of its on-going dedication to employee satisfaction, The Bristan Group is celebrating its second successful re-assessment of the Investor in People Award it secured six years ago.

During a three day period in June, some 38 employees, including the HR manager, CEO and MD, were interviewed by an Investor in People assessor, who was more than happy to allow The Bristan Group to retain its accreditation for another three years.

Just some of the key areas of strength and effective practice identified included:

- An extremely strong culture of openness, friendly, family atmosphere, which is displayed and exhibited by staff of all levels.
- A continuous improvement culture is very well embedded.
- Management styles are very supportive and open, demonstrating a positive approach to ideas for improvement and progress towards agreed and achievable objectives.
- The company has a comprehensive communications strategy with training encouraged at all levels.

‘We are very proud of our Investor in People Award, not least because the continuous improvements that it requires ensures that we are always striving to make the very most of every opportunity for every member of staff. Securing our Investor in People Award for a second time is really great news for everyone who works for The Bristan Group,’ comments Judith Gibbons, Head of Marketing at The Bristan Group.

For more information call Bristan on 0844 7016271, http://www.bristan.com

Britannia Takes the Road to Success

Range cooker specialist Britannia is about to complete its biggest show vehicle tour to date. By the time the branded display lorry pulls into John Lewis at High Wycombe today 17th August, it will have visited over 120 stockists throughout the UK and Ireland.

Displaying a wide selection of range cookers, hoods and built-in products, the show vehicle is designed to give retailers and consumers the opportunity to explore Britannia’s full portfolio. With Britannia’s expert staff on hand, it is also a great opportunity for stockists to receive training on the products’ unique selling points.

Henneke Duistermaat, Director of Marketing at Britannia, believes that this summer’s tour is the most successful in its three year history. She comments: 'The response from stockists has been extremely positive. We’ve sold more display cookers than ever before, with our latest model, the XG 110cm, performing particularly strongly.'

She continues: 'This success underlines the importance of the tour. Retailers need to have a good understanding of new developments and trends but pressures on their time means they can’t always get to the design or kitchen shows. Having the lorry, however, means that we can bring the show to the retailer – allowing them to see at first hand all the latest models.'

The XG 110cm, the star of the show, offers a separate grill compartment and six gas burners and is the first 110cm range cooker to offer a Chef top hotplate. Available in Britannia’s three most popular designs – Sigma, Classic and Dynasty, it is priced at £3,799.

For further information about Britannia’s XG 110cm or to find out more about the next Show Lorry tour, please call 01253 471111 or visit http://www.britannialiving.co.uk.

Grab a Granite with Carron Phoenix

Carron Phoenix is encouraging retailers in the run up to Christmas to grab a granite with great deals on its extensive range of granite sink and workcentre packs.

From July through until December, Carron Phoenix are offering 20% off the most popular ZX, Summit and Coral granite sinks in five colours when bought as a complete workcentre pack. The offer, open to all independent retailers, also enables the retailer to pass on the saving to their customers during one of the busiest times of the year for trading while ensuring their margins are protected.

ZX 150 Havana - one of the sinks included in the Carron Phoenix granite promotion

Neil Clark, sales and marketing manager at Carron Phoenix comments:
‘With great design and great performance our granite sinks now offer retailers great value too. We have recognised that this time of year is the busiest for kitchen retailers and hope this promotion will ensure their tills ring even more!’

To participate in the promotion or for further information retailers should contact their local Carron Phoenix distributor.

For stockists or more information on Carron Phoenix's sink and tap products, call 01324 638 321 or log on at http://www.carron.com

Anglian Selects Planit for Business Restructure

Anglian Home Improvements has selected design and visualisation software from Planit International to drive the restructuring of its kitchen business in order to meet increasing demands form customers for quality, speed and efficiency.

The Planit system will enable Anglian to provide its customers with the best possible representation of a finished kitchen design.

'This new partnership is an important one for Planit, in adding another leading player in the KBB industry to its client base,' says managing director Alastair McPheat. 'Significant too, is Anglian’s total commitment to adopting CAD for its growing kitchen business, in embracing the training packages for all its staff – right from the outset, before the system goes live.'

Anglian perceives training to be vital in ensuring a smooth transition from drawing board to CAD. Providing a bespoke service from design through manufacture and installation, the partnership with Planit will ensure the restructuring of the kitchen business will help the company to remain profitable and competitive.

'We have been in the kitchen design business for some time now but were lagging behind in terms of harnessing new technology,' explains Anglian marketing director Martin Troughton. 'Most CAD systems were investigated but we are convinced that Planit will make a significant difference to the ongoing development and success of our business.'

Tel: +44 (0)1233 649700
Web: http://www.planitsoftware.com

Servis UK Fridge Magnets Help Spot Meningitis

Service engineers from Servis UK are handing out highly visible fridge magnets to customers, highlighting the key symptoms of meningitis.

In their role as official sponsors of Meningitis UK, Servis is backing the charity's nationwide campaign of promotions coupled with fundraising activities designed to raise awareness of this deadly disease.

Meningitis can kill within 4 hours so spotting the symptoms straight away can be a life saver. The prominent position of a fridge magnet will ensure that the crucial information remains highly memorable and accessible to homeowners.

Meningitis UK funds lifesaving research into finding a vaccine to eradicate meningitis and septicaemia. Although there is an effective vaccine to protect against Meningitis C, there is still no vaccine to protect against several other deadly strains, including the most common - Meningitis B.

Servis UK marketing manager, Gill Hewitson comments, ‘Servis UK takes its role as corporate sponsors of Meningitis very seriously; we are immensely proud to support this extremely worthwhile cause and are aware that many families continue to be affected by meningitis - checking for symptoms and prompt action if anything is suspected can mean the difference between life and death.’

For further information regarding Servis Tel: 0121 568 8333 or visit http://www.servisuk.co.uk

Mark Wilkinson Encourages People-Friendly Recycling Solutions

The company that he founded, Mark Wilkinson Furniture Ltd has agreed to sponsor Greenclean, the 2007/2008 RSA Design Directions Scheme looking for innovative ways to manage domestic waste. The contest that was launched in July.

The RSA Design Directions project that Mark Wilkinson Furniture Ltd is sponsoring will put the 'challenge' to colleges throughout the United Kingdom. In Mark Wilkinson's words, ‘the RSA Design Directions scheme allows us to encourage new designers by investing something of our success back into the design industry. However large or small our contribution, it is always worth it - young designers are more than our future, they are our inspiration.’

Mark Wilkinson, wrote the brief in collaboration with the RSA; for this design project, the winner/s will pick up a prize of £3,500.

To find out more about Mark Wilkinson Furniture Ltd visit – http://www.mwf.com

To find out more about RSA Design Directions call 020 7451 6802 or visit: http://www.rsadesigndirections.org

Coram Showers Rated Number One

Coram Showers' range of high performance shower enclosures is the most widely used in the trade sector, according to the latest figures in the BRG Consult European Bathroom Product report. Published in June, the report has confirmed that Coram Showers has the third largest share of the shower enclosure market overall and supplies more enclosures to the trade and merchant sectors than any other manufacturer.

This latest report looks at sales in 2006 and shows that Coram has significantly increased its market share by almost a third compared to the results of the BRG Consult report for 2005, which positioned the company as the fifth largest manufacturer in the UK.

Commenting on Coram's growth, Charlie Wallis, marketing manager at Coram said: ‘Central to Coram's considerable and sustained growth within the trade sector is the company's understanding of the UK shower enclosure and bath screen market and its awareness of the specific needs of installers. By engaging with the trade and developing contemporary, watertight shower enclosure and bath screen designs that are quick and easy to install accurately, Coram has driven forward its market share in the trade sector.

‘Building on this success, Coram has also recently expanded into the retail market with the launch of the Acora range. As the BRG Consult report noted, consumers have increasingly sophisticated demands when it comes to shower enclosures and they are looking for a product that provides style, as well as high quality. By listening to installers and consumers and developing products to specifically meet their needs, Coram will replicate the success of its trade products with the Acora range, which combines contemporary design with watertight performance and straightforward installation.’

Coram Showers specialises in the design and manufacture of shower enclosures, shower pods, shower trays and bath screens. The company's current range includes the Premier and Optima ranges of shower enclosures, Waterguard Showertrays, a range of bath screens and the new retail range, Acora. Designed for fast and easy installation, as well as watertight performance, all Coram products are designed and manufactured at the company's Bridgnorth factory in Shropshire and enclosures are power shower tested to BS 6340 against leakage.

Tel: 01746 766466
Web: http://www.coram.co.uk

Electrolux Supports Sustainable Project of the Year at LEAF Awards

Electrolux, a world leading producer of both home and professional appliances and equipment, is investing in a major new marketing initiative by sponsoring the Best Environmentally Sustainable Project of the Year at the prestigious LEAF Awards, the Leading European Architects Forum, which will presented at a spectacular dinner in London on 29th November 2007.

Sustainability is a theme which is a top priority for Electrolux. As a leading global appliance manufacturer, Electrolux is working hard to reduce the energy consumption in its plants all over the world and has dramatically improved its products over the last ten years to operate with less strain on the environment.

Now in their fourth year, this is the first time the LEAF Awards have been held in London after successful years in other leading European cities.

The LEAF Awards are open to all companies, technologies and individuals with offices in Europe that have made an outstanding contribution to the world of architecture, and who continue to set the benchmark for the buildings of tomorrow. Entries close on 31st August 2007. For information please visit http://www.designbuild-network.com/awards/

Dawn Stockell, Brand & Marketing Manager at Electrolux comments: ‘The LEAF Awards have rapidly become Europe's most prestigious architectural prizes, creating and recognising excellence in design and build. As winners of the prestigious Sustainable Energy Award 2007 in the Corporate Commitment Category from the European Commission, Electrolux's sponsorship of 'Best Environmentally Sustainable Project of the Year' is a natural extension to the company's commitment to eco issues across the industries we are involved in.’

Rita Hatton, LEAF Project Director commented ‘The LEAF Awards recognise the strategic importance, impact and, above all, the innovation and practical developments that both challenge and change the way we consider and evaluate the buildings of tomorrow.'

Web: http://www.electrolux.com

American Standard to Sell Bath and Kitchen Business to Bain Capital for $1.755 billion

American Standard Companies Inc. announced on July 23rd that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell the company's worldwide Bath and Kitchen products business to funds advised by Bain Capital Partners, LLC, a leading global private investment firm, for $1.755 billion in cash.

Upon completion of the sale, Bain Capital will acquire all of American Standard's Bath and Kitchen business with 2006 annual sales of $2.4 billion, 26,000 employees and 54 production facilities in 23 countries worldwide. The business manufactures and markets industry-leading products under brand names such as American Standard®, Ideal Standard®, Armitage Shanks®, Porcher®, Jado®, Ceramica Dolomite® and Vidima®.

The sale closing is expected to occur early in the fourth quarter. The company intends to use proceeds of the sale primarily to repurchase common stock and reduce debt to keep the company at investment-grade standards. The sale is subject to normal regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Shareholder approval is not required. The buyer has secured firm financing commitments.

On February 1st, 2007, American Standard announced plans to separate its three businesses by selling Bath and Kitchen, spinning off Vehicle Control Systems and retaining its largest business, Air Conditioning Systems and Services. This announcement is the final step needed for completion of those plans following the spinoff of Vehicle Control Systems as an independent publicly traded company to be known as WABCO, which is scheduled for July 31st at 11:59 p.m. EDT. In March, the company sold Venesta Washroom Systems, which was part of Bath and Kitchen.
Combined with Venesta, proceeds for the sale of Bath and Kitchen total $1.92 billion.

Following the spinoff and the sale, American Standard Companies will change its name to Trane. Trane is the flagship brand of its global Air Conditioning Systems and Services business, which last year generated sales of $6.8 billion. Trane will retain the American Standard brand name for its heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) and related products, while the newly formed Bath and Kitchen business will retain the name for its markets.

‘This is a major milestone in our plan to separate American Standard into three focused, better understood companies,’ said Fred Poses, American Standard chairman and CEO. ‘We believe that Bain Capital's all-cash offer provides excellent value for our shareowners. Bath and Kitchen is a global market leader, with size, global reach and organizational talent. It has a rich history and a great future for its customers, employees and new owners.’

‘This is a market-leading global company with a wonderful heritage, a strong portfolio of brands, deep customer relationships and an experienced management team,’ said Steve Barnes, a managing director at Bain Capital based in Boston. ‘We look forward to supporting the management team and dedicated employees in realising the company's full potential through continued operational improvements, further enhancing and leveraging its strong family of brands, and accelerating growth,’ added Walid Sarkis, a London-based managing director at Bain Capital.

American Standard Companies is completing plans to spin off WABCO. Regular trading of WABCO's common stock (WBC) began on August 1st on the New York Stock Exchange. It is currently traded on a ‘when issued’ basis.

American Standard's financial advisor for the Bath and Kitchen sale is Lazard. Its legal counsel is Skadden Arps. For Bain Capital, Bank of America, N.A. and Credit Suisse provided financing, Lehman Brothers acted as financial advisors, Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel, and PricewaterhouseCoopers provided transaction advisory services.

About American Standard Companies:
American Standard is an $11.2 billion global manufacturer with market-leading positions in three businesses: air conditioning systems and services, sold under the Trane® and American Standard® brands for commercial, institutional and residential buildings; bath and kitchen products, sold under such brands as American Standard® and Ideal Standard®; and vehicle control systems, including electronic braking and air suspension systems, sold under the WABCO® name to the world's leading manufacturers of heavy-duty trucks, buses, SUVs and luxury cars. The company employs approximately 62,000 people and has manufacturing operations in 28 countries. American Standard is included in both the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index, which recognises the top 20 percent of leaders in corporate sustainability in North America.

About Bain Capital Partners:
Bain Capital (http://www.baincapital.com) is a global private investment firm that manages several pools of capital including private equity, high-yield assets, mezzanine capital and public equity with approximately $50 billion in assets under management. Since its inception in 1984, Bain Capital has made private equity investments and add-on acquisitions in over 240 companies around the world, including such leading companies as Dunkin' Brands, Sealy, Toys ‘R’ Us, Michaels Stores, Burger King, SigmaKalon, Bombardier Recreational Products, Samsonite, Sensata Technologies and Staples. Headquartered in Boston, Bain Capital has offices in New York, London, Munich, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo.

Latham Goes Global

James Latham the distributor of timber, panel products and LG HI-MACS solid surface has entered into an agreement to be the exclusive UK distributor of Global Vacuum Presses.

This high quality range of products is made by Nabuurs Developing S.L. of Valencia, Spain which is a world leading manufacturer of vacuum membrane presses. Developed by Anton Nabuurs, an award winning cabinet maker, the range offers many benefits including lower energy consumption, greater control over the vacuuming process, ergonomic design and a 3 year warranty.

The company also offers a mould design service and a consultative after-sales service offering solutions to design problems that customers may need to overcome.

The range includes thermoforming ovens, membrane presses and hydraulic presses. The machines will heat and form LG HI-MACS® solid surface to enable fabricators to make complex or simple three dimensional shapes.

Other products include cold and hot membrane presses in stationary and tilting versions with one or two pressing stations and a variety of vacuum bagging presses for veneering, laminating and bending wood materials such as plywood and MDF. 3D PVC foil, solid grade laminates, veneers, laminates, plastics etc can also be formed into shapes.

'We will soon be announcing details of where in the UK customers can visit to see the machines, and demonstration and training will be available,' says the company.

'Information on the range, including video demonstrations, key features and benefits, warranties and a price list are available. Please contact in the first instance our Marketing office.'

Tel: 0116 257 3415
Email: marketing@lathams.co.uk
Web: http://www.lathams.co.uk
Web: http://www.globalvacuumpresses.com

Atag's A Great Hit On Big Blagger

For fans of Big Brother 8 the various supporting websites are a huge attraction. One of the most talked about fan sites on the Internet is Big Blagger. The site's mission is to provide light-hearted news and comment and at the same time providing innovation and exclusivity. Their success is illustrated in the millions of dedicated visitors that log on daily.

Big Brother 8 is now in its last few weeks and Big Blagger is a constant source of information for Big Brother fans. Many enquiries are received daily and enthusiastic viewers are always seeking information on the products used on the set. Big Blagger ran a competition for their enthusiastic fans and chose to use the ATAG built in oven, as featured in the bedroom set of Big Brother 8.

Phil Holmes of Big Blagger said: 'We always have a great crowd on our site, but when we introduced the oven competition the numbers went barmy. We had nearly 10,000 entries for the competition and it is one of the very best results we have ever experienced.'

The ATAG oven featured on the show is the OX6111G finished in stainless steel with dial and push controls with the marque's distinctive side opening door. The multi-function oven is tripled glazed and has settings to appeal to all house-guests' needs.

'The competition response has been amazing. ATAG is a young and vibrant brand and we have had over a thousand consumers wanting to know more about ATAG - it's a great result,' says Ellis Bardsley, Business Development Director, ATAG UK.

For more information on ATAG's appliances call ATAG UK on 01993 852 908 or visit the website on www.atag.co.uk.

Indesit Board Approves Q2 Figures

Sales of €804m, up 4.6% on the same period last year; net profits of €11m, up 48.0%; net financial indebtedness at €566m, 18.4% down on the €694m posted at 30th June 2006. Such are the figures that Marco Milani, CEO of Indesit Company, submitted to the Board of Directors, meeting on 26th July under the chairmanship of Vittorio Merloni, to approve the consolidated figures for the 2nd quarter.

The Group’s 1st half performance was particularly positive on the operating front, with sales rising to €1,562m (up 6.7%), Ebitda to €145m (up 17.0%), Ebit to €73m (up 38.6%) and net profits to €34m (up 75.7%).

The quarterly figures include non-recurring income and charges with a negative balance of €17m relating largely to the industrial plan and the proposal of the closure of the Blythe Bridge plant in the UK.

'Thanks to ongoing improvements to the performance and quality of our products and the provision of top level services to our customers' - said Marco Milani – 'our sales have grown significantly, with peaks of excellence in Italy, Poland, Russia and non-European markets. The progress we’ve made with our development plan enables us to forecast results for 2007 that already achieve the objectives set by the three-year plan for 2008.'

The Company expects growth in sales of 4% to 5% and in Ebit of €185m to €190m in 2007.

In addition to good results, Indesit Company has received several awards and acknowledgements, assigned by prestigious international juries, over the last few months.

The new Indesit Moon washing machine designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro won the 'Best Design Award' at the Grand Prix de l’Innovation 2007 in Paris, just a few months after its commercial launch.

In London, for the second year running, Indesit Company won the 'Best Technology Award' at the prestigious Grand Designs Live for the new Hotpoint-Ariston 48 cm oven designed by Makio Hasuike.

At the beginning of the year in Milan, Bipiemme Gestioni and Etica Sgr published a survey in which Indesit Company was one of the very few Italian companies (with Sabaf and the Italo-French STMicroelectronics) in the worldwide ranking of listed companies with the best CSR profiles.

In June, Indesit Company, with the Jonathan project, received a special mention in the 'best community partnership programme' category of the 'Sodalitas Social Awards' promoted by Sodalitas and recognised by the Italian President. The mention singled out the programme’s specific social content and value.

Key results in 2nd quarter 2007 (2nd quarter 2006 figures in brackets)
Sales: €804m (up 4.6% on 768m).
EBITDA* before non-recurring income and charges: €80m (up 7.5% on 74m).
EBITDA: €63m (stable, 63m).
Amortisation and depreciation: €36m (down 2.5% on €37m).
EBIT* before non-recurring income and charges: €44m (up 17.2% on 37m).
EBIT: €27m (up 3.1% on 26m).
Non-recurring income and charges produced a negative balance of €17m (negative €11m).
Net profits for the Group: €11m (up 48.0% on €7m).
Net financial indebtedness: €566m (€694m).
Net working capital: €252m (€257m), NWC over 12 month rolling sales: 7.5% (8.2%).

Key results in 1st half 2007 (1st half 2006 figures in brackets)
Sales: €1,562m (up 6.7% on €1,464m).
EBITDA* before non-recurring income and charges: €160m (up 10.4% on €145m).
EBITDA: €145m (up 17.0% on €124m).
Amortisation and depreciation: €72m (up 1.1% on €71m).
L’EBIT* before non-recurring income and charges: €88m (up 19.5% on €73m).
EBIT: €73m (up 38.6% on €52m).
Non-recurring income and charges produced a negative balance of €15m (negative €21m).
Net profits for Group: €34m (up 75.7% on €19m).

* Definitions of performance indicators:
EBIT: operating margin;
EBITDA: operating margin before amortization and depreciation;
Net working capital: inventories plus trade receivables plus trade payables.
Net financial indebtedness: the balance of current financial assets, cash and cash equivalents, payables to banks and other financial payables, medium/long-term financial payables and other non-current financial assets.

Web: http://www.indesitcompany.com