Join
the 2004 Productivity Race
A
staggering 46% of the UK Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Manufacturers
industry will be unable to afford the 3.9% average wage increase estimated
for next year. Salary negotiations are set to be fraught. This is just
one of the alarming findings from the latest Plimsoll analysis examining
the financial performance of the Top 354 UK Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom
Manufacturers companies.
With the average salary next year set to rise from £19,740 to £20,503
the implications may seem trivial. However, research by Plimsoll has concluded
that with profit margins at a record low and with a staggering 18% of
the industry already loss making, any increase in salary costs would be
foolhardy. The fact is that many of the industry’s Top 354 companies
simply cannot afford this extra cost.
The key issue for 46% of the industry is that they seem to be losing the
productivity race; a simple calculation sums this up perfectly. The amount
of sales these companies generate per employee is £63,851. The most
productive companies generate forty percent more than this figure at £90,573
or around 26% of sales on salaries. For the unproductive this figure rises
to nearly 25% of sales.
Compounding this issue, the analysis has also placed 43% of the 354 companies
in 'Financial Danger'. This situation means these companies have severe
financial constraints making extra costs simply unsustainable.
David Pattison, Senior Analysis at Plimsoll Publishing said, ‘The
productivity race has started. You only have to look at the USA where
any increased sales have not lead to extra jobs. Companies have just got
more productive by getting more sales and profit out of their existing
employees simply to remain competitive. In the UK, companies must be aiming
for at least £77,000 per person to even get in the race.’
The
latest Plimsoll Analysis - Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Manufacturers
assessing each of the Top 354 companies on their financial position in
the industry is available for £305 by calling 01642 626400 or visiting
http://www.plimsoll.co.uk.
Readers of The K&BZine will receive a 5% discount when mentioning
this article upon ordering.
Hotpoint
Joins Sponsors at Industry Awards
Hotpoint
is the latest top brand to join the high profile list of sponsors backing
the Bathrooms+Kitchens magazine Industry Awards, rewarding the best retail
outlets and designers in the business. Hotpoint will be sponsoring the
2004 Designer Award for Kitchens.
‘As the UK's leading kitchen appliance brand, we felt it was important
to show our support for the industry's biggest awards by sponsoring one
of the categories,’ said Marketing Director, Neil Tunstall. ‘Hotpoint
has always recognised the importance of design in the home, and the impact
it has on UK consumers. The Bathrooms+Kitchens magazine awards are a great
way to show the industry's recognition to those who deserve it, especially
for encouraging up and coming designers’.
An experienced panel has been selected to judge this award including Brian
Cotterill, President of the Chefs and Cooks Circle, Robert Torday of the
Richard Rogers Partnership and Terry Hackney of TMH Interior and Kitchen
Design. As far as the designer categories are concerned, they will be
looking for entrants who can demonstrate excellent room planning skills
and provide a clear explanation of how the they met (or exceeded) the
client's brief. Design presentation, knowledge of working within the restrictions
of a room and practicality of use will all be taken into consideration.
The winners of the tenth annual Industry Awards will be announced at a
black tie evening on Monday 19th January 2004 at the NEC Hilton Metropole
in Birmingham. Tickets are now on sale for this popular event which offers
guests a fabulous three course meal, celebrity host, casino and dancing,
not to mention being among the first in the industry to hear who has won.
To book your table, please call Jillian Meade on 020 8565 3091.
LG
Group one of Five South Korean Conglomerates Fined for 'Unfair Transactions'
Appliance manufacturer and sponsor of the current world snooker championships
LG Group has been fined along with four other South Korean conglomerates
after being found guilty of 'unfair transactions' and of illegally bailing
out struggling affiliates.
LG, Samsung, SK Group, Hyundai Motor and Hyundai Heavy Industries were,
between them, fined a total of $28m. However, the fines were lower than
anticipated after the investigation was scaled down to avoid further damaging
the already recession hit economy, the third largest in Asia.
The investigation was launched by by the Fair Trade Commission in Seoul,
as part of a government initiative to lessen the influence of a number
of powerful families in South Korea - known as the 'chaebol'. The official
excuse for scaling down the operation and the low fines was that 'the
cases of unfair cross-unit trading had decreased a lot compared to two
years ago thanks to our constant monitoring and corrective steps'.
The biggest part of the fine (some $25m of it) was handed out to SK Group,
after a multi-billion dollar accounting fraud was discovered.
British
Suppliers Lukewarm towards Merloni Expansion Plans
After last year's £309m takeover of General Domestic/Hotpoint, Merloni
made a commitment to build its share of the UK market by investing £60m
over three years, and increasing production in the UK by up to 15%. After
the Hotpoint deal, Merloni became the UK's biggest appliance manufacturer
and number three in Europe behind Electrolux and BSH. Now, Merloni wants
more commitment from its component suppliers in the UK, and is rather
surprised that British manufacturers are not biting, considering the carrot
is £140m worth of business annually.
Merloni's chief executive Andrea Guerra was reported in a recent Financial
Times article to be 'astonished' that only about half of its 50 main UK
suppliers had expressed a willingness to invest in new plants close to
Merloni's four main UK operations.
Such deals 'have involved companies committing several million pounds
to setting up their small units, together with agreeing long term supply
deals to provide parts for Merloni products', the FT suggests, adding
that many of the UK firms approached 'have also been unimpressed by the
prices that Merloni intends to pay for components'.
Andrea Guerra is reported to have said that only two plants were likely
to be based in the UK (whereas it was expected to be seven), with the
focus now shifting to Italy, Germany and Portugal.
De
Dietrich Celebrates Year on Year Increase in Induction Sales
De
Dietrich, pioneer in the development of induction and pyroclean technologies,
has announced a significant increase in its sales of induction hobs. The
manufacturer has seen a 50% growth in this emerging market, with sales
now second only to gas, having overtaken vitroceramic.
De
Dietrich says it sells the biggest range of induction hobs in the UK in
30, 65, 80 and 90 cm models with several finishes. The hobs also have
features such as boost controls on all cooking zones and timers to stop
cooking the food at one’s convenience. The latest development is
‘Start Control’, which is where the user can programme the hob
to come on at a specific time and power level, cook the food for a given
amount of time and switch off again, just like an oven.
Because this technology comes at a price, it is no surprise that most
sales are in the 65cm four-zone category. However, nearly one third of
sales were of 80 and 90 cm top of the range models. With regard to finishes,
over 50% of sales correspond to sleek frameless models and, in the framed
category, stainless steel is still the most popular finish, followed by
black then aluminium. This reflects the overall trend in built –
in appliances.
‘Demonstration is key to sales success of induction hobs’ says
Caroline Bovey, marketing manager at Brandt UK. ‘We know that the
conversion rate to sales is over 80% when induction is demonstrated to
potential customers. It has so many advantages over other types of hob,
like it is twice the speed of gas, it is the safest way to cook, it has
very low energy consumption and it is ultimately very easy to clean.
‘Every year we see the market expanding for induction and we are
continuing to give it a strong marketing push and, at factory level, our
R&D departments are busy developing this technology even further.’
Tel: 01256 308 000
Brochureline and stockist finder: 08707 503 503
Web: http://www.dedietrich.co.uk
Bodie
Kelay & Dave Taylor Leave >rational< to Head up Bau-for-mat
in the UK
‘Having
both been with Rational for 11 years and an integral part of the UK management
team responsible for elevating Rational to the heights of success within
recent years, we leave the company in a strong position with a recognised
market profile, and wish it well for the future.’ Say Bodie Kelay
and Dave Taylor.
‘We are very pleased to be working with Bau-for-mat who are the eighth
biggest in the German kitchen top ten. The Baumann family still play an
active roll in this 75 year old company, which has had a presence in the
UK for many years. The portfolio fills a commercial gap in most studios
product ranges, which has been reflected by a doubling of the dealer network
since we took over, and we are also enjoying success in the contract market.’
Email: mailto:bauformat@blueyonder.co.uk
South – Dave Taylor - Tel / Fax : 01454 77 77 79
North – Bodie Kelay - Tel / Fax : 01922 69 38 01
Adminex
Oasis Distributor Network Gears Up to meet Customer Needs
As
part of its strategy to ensure that plumbers’ and builders’
merchants can supply installers with sanitaryware to meet the needs of
end-customers, Adminex Oasis is on its way to establishing a network with
distributors.
The distributors are Coletti (Romford); Midland Trays in Birmingham; Plumbing
Imports (UK) of Thirsk; Caber in Perth, Scotland; Bristol Tile Company;
Bedfordshire Bathroom Distributors and Adlington Plumbing Supplies of
Anderton, Lancashire.
The range being introduced to the market via this distribution chain by
the Witham company consists of modern European style WC pans and cisterns
plus basins and pedestals with either the single-tap hole favoured on
the continent or the two tap-hole configuration preferred by 50% of UK
households.
This network aims to maintain the promise of the company to supply part
or complete bathroom sets within seven working days. The distributors
are a key part of the Essex-based supplier’s policy of rapid reaction
to intermediary and end customers’ demands not only for product but
also to answer any technical or other commercial problems.
A trade price list has been established by Adminex Oasis to allow significant
margins for the distributors as well as merchants and ultimately those
fitting bathroom sets whether they are self-employed plumbers or contractors
fitting out multi-dwelling projects, hotel or other commercial projects.
KBSA
Message Reaches More Consumers than Ever!
The
latest figures released by the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association’s
press agency Carol Downing Communications show that the KBSA message is
reaching a bigger target audience than ever before.
Press clips showed that total circulation for coverage gained during the
first six months of 2003 was up by 53 per cent compared with the last
six months of 2002 – and that the equivalent advertising cost (how
much this coverage would have cost if it had been bought as advertising
space) was up 47 per cent.
‘We are absolutely delighted with these figures,’ said KBSA
Chief Executive Graham Hayden.
‘Wide ranging and effective media coverage is essential for the successful
growth of our association – thanks to excellent publicity we have
communicated to best effect our key messages both to consumers and potential
association members.
‘The equivalent advertising cost of our coverage has now broken the
£100,000 barrier, circulation stands at 9.2million and these totals
are just the first six months of the year.’
Coverage gained has ranged from extensive features in the regional press
to major articles in national newspapers and magazines, including Home,
25 Beautiful Kitchens and the Sunday Telegraph.
Web: http://www.kbsa.co.uk
In-toto
is to open a kitchen showroom in Plymouth under franchisee Tony Mawdsley
later this year. It is currently being fitted out and is located at 65-67
Exeter Street, Plymouth. Tony is an experienced kitchen designer with
a good track record for customer service.
If you want an In-toto kitchen in Plymouth now, no problem, simply call
Tony on 01752 224224 or email mailto:mawdsleyt@aol.com
Showerlux Celebrates 30 Years of Trading in the UK
Bathroom
specialist Showerlux has celebrated 30 years of successful trading in
the UK with a day of celebrations at its brand new 200,000 sq ft Head
Office premises.
Over 150 of the Coventry-based manufacturer’s key customers joined
in the celebrations, which involved a full tour of the new premises as
well as the unveiling of a number of new products. The day was rounded
off with a medieval banquet at the magnificent 12th Century Coombe Abbey.
Founded as a subsidiary of the Swiss-based Duscholux Group in 1973, Showerlux
UK Ltd has grown to become one of the UK’s leading bathroom manufacturers.
Originally a company employing just 16 staff with monthly sales of only
£50,000, Showerlux now has an annual turnover in excess of £20
million and a workforce of 175 people.
The product range has developed at a similarly impressive pace, with the
Showerlux bathroom collection now offering baths, mirrors and cabinets,
furniture and hydrotherapy as well as its core range of shower enclosures,
doors and trays. The new products launched at the celebrations are all
expected to further strengthen Showerlux’s position in the key growth
sectors in the UK bathroom industry.
Managing Director Bob Bowler comments: ‘We are delighted that so
many of our valued customers and our colleagues from Duscholux were able
to join us in commemorating this special occasion. 2003 is proving to
be an exciting year for Showerlux as we have not only celebrated this
fantastic milestone but have also moved into our impressive new facilities.
We are confident that this anniversary will signal the beginning of another
hugely successful 30 years for Showerlux that will see us continuing to
strengthen our market position and develop our position as one of the
UK’s leading bathroom brands.’
Tel: 02476 88 25 15
Web: http://www.showerlux.com
Sottini
Rewards Top Retailers with Trip to Arizona
September
saw a party of 54 of the UK's leading industry retailers and their spouses,
invited on a seven-day trip to Phoenix, Arizona for the annual Sottini
dealer's break.
Attendees,
who had achieved or bettered an agreed 12 month Sottini sales tumover
target, stayed at the luxurious Royal Palms Hotel and were provided with
a full itinerary for the week. Highlights included river rafting, a sunrise
hot air balloon flight over the Sonoran Desert, a cattle drive, sunset
jeep tour in the Valley of the Sun followed by a barbecue under the stars.
To top off the week guests were driven by stretch limousine to the gala
dinner held at Desert Mountain, an exclusive Country Club in the heart
of an 8,000 sq. acre desert landscape, while on the last day, the group
was escorted by 20 Harley Davidson bikers to the airport.
Kelvin Baldwin, Sottini Retail Business Development Manager said of the
trip, 'Sottini is the best 'designer' bathroom collection that the UK
produces and it needs retailers with an appreciation of, and the skills
to service, the needs of the higher end customers, to whom design and
quality is a priority. The Sottini dealer trip has become legendary with
these successful bathroom retailers, we make sure the trip offers experiences
that our guests would never otherwise enjoy. It's always great fun.'
Tel: 01482 449513
Web: http://www.sottini.co.uk
Mini
Winner Receives Big Prize from Zanussi-Electrolux
Sianne
Gordon from Electrolux Home Products, presented a brand new Mini Cooper
to Laura Sharp of Coventry. Laura won the car after entering a national
trade competition to raise awareness of the Zanussi-Electrolux branding
after Zanussi added the Electrolux endorsement to all of its freestanding
products.
Laura, an electrical sales assistant at Allders in Coventry, won the car
by correctly guessing that the Electrolux Group sells over 55 million
products around the world each year.
Sianne Gordon from Zanussi-Electrolux, who presented Laura with her prize,
said, ‘We launched the competition to raise awareness of our dual
branding. We are delighted that Laura has won her dream car and hope she
has a great time motoring around courtesy of Zanussi-Electrolux.’
Web: http://www.zanussi-electrolux.co.uk
Caterham-based
Aspex Office Environments has just completed a £100,000 re-fit at
Stoneham Plc, the UK manufacturer of prestige (mainly kitchen) furniture.
Stoneham,
a fifth generation family-owned company, is steeped in tradition with
a reputation for craftsmanship and product excellence that has led to
being awarded The Royal Warrant to HM The Queen.
However the high-tech factory near Sidcup in Kent has been equipped to
make Stoneham one of Europe’s leading creators of contemporary designs
and avant garde styles that complement their quintessential English ranges.
MD Adrian Stoneham explains that part of their original sales, administration
offices and reception area need upgrading. ‘While our overall site
has and is expanding rapidly through purchase and acquisition, our original
offices dated from the late 1950’s with no planned internal integration
required by modern office operations. We also required that our reception
area be brought into line with our modern, progressive image.’
Adrian Stoneham says that they were looking for a flexible contract partner
who could work ‘with’ rather than ‘for’ them on a
project that involved multiple elements. ‘We looked for an expert
office environment contractor that could take over the overall project
management within the agreed, detailed parameters including time and cost
adherence.’
Research and recommendation led Stoneham to Aspex Office Environments.
Aspex’s
Geoff Atkinson explains that Stoneham wanted them to develop a full and
detailed schedule of works from a mutually constructed brief. This involved
re-locating some 19 staff to other available areas in the Stoneham complex
and completing the entire refurbishment project in eight weeks. The fundamental
elements of this were totally gutting and re-fitting the two main office
areas, building two new staff toilets and a new works toilet, and the
design and construction of the new reception.
Once final design and specifications were approved, Aspex then fully managed
the project including sub-contracting any speciality trade work. They
also liaised with Stoneham’s factory on certain of the maple joinery
components that were being produced in-house and worked with certain Stoneham
suppliers like the fire sprinkler systems. Design and function were the
underlying principles of the project and, according to Adrian Stoneham,
they have fully succeeded.
‘We were more than satisfied with the whole project which was completed
on time and to budget. So much so that the directors have been receiving
internal communications from staff expressing their appreciation of the
new environment.’
Tel: 01883 342424
Gorenje
Launches Built-In into the UK
Slovenian
appliance manufacturer Gorenje has
launched a range of built-in appliances into the UK. The launch follows
a rapid expansion for the company into the UK since its initial launch
last October, with over 250 independents retailers now stocking a wide
range of the company's free standing products.
The
built-in range consists of ovens, hobs, cooker hoods, fridges, fridge
freezers, freezers and for the first time for Gorenje into the UK market
place - a dishwasher.
Ovens
Gorenje's ovens are of the usual high specification that retailers and
consumers are starting to expect from the manufacturer. There are nine
models in the range and, again for the first time in the UK for Gorenje,
it launches a Gorenje double oven of which there are four models. Two
stainless steel models BD 8860 E and BDU 7820 E, with the remaining two
models, the BD 8860 W and BDU 7820 W available in white.
Two models within the range have Gorenje's triple glazed, ultra cool door
(UCD) with heat reflecting glass and Aqua Clean Programme - these are
the B 8980 E and B 8980 models, with a further three models having the
Aqua Clean Programme. All the ovens within the range have glass door panels,
electronic timers with the oven capacity for the single ovens being 56
litres and a number of them are 'A' energy rated.
Hobs
There are seven hobs available within the range, offering the consumer
the freedom to choose exactly what they need. They can now have the choice
between having glass ceramic hobs with triple cooking zones to fit any
pot or pan, ceramic hobs, electric solid plate hobs or gas hobs. The GMS
760 E stainless model has five burners including a wok burner.
Hoods
Gorenje has launched three cooker hoods to accompany the company's ovens
and hobs, two are 90cm wide, the DKG 915 E and DK 911 E, and the DK 611
E is 60cm wide, all three are elegantly designed in stainless steel, with
the DKG 915 E in glass and stainless steel, all are quiet with easy to
clean filters, re-circulating or vented operated and have two halogen
spot lights.
Refrigeration
All Gorenje's built-in refrigeration range are 'A' energy rated and can
be fully integrated with the kitchen units. Gorenje has created 'the intelligent
door' that thinks for itself. If the door is left open at an angle of
less then 20 degrees, a special hinge automatically shuts the door tightly
so that the correct temperature is maintained. This special hinge also
allows you to open the door of the Gorenje refrigeration unit at an angle
of 115 degrees. This allows better access and a better view of what's
inside.
There are two fridge freezers within the range, the KIE 267 LA with a
142 litre fridge and 98 litre freezing litre capacity, the KIE 257 LA
offers 176 litre fridge and 69 litres freezing capacity. Both come with
easy to clean glass shelves and salad bins.
Included in the refrigeration range is a built under fridge RIU 1507 LA
with a 143 litres capacity and three glass shelves and a built-under freezer
FIEU 107 A with a 96 litre capacity, one fast freeze and two storage compartments.
Dishwasher
'A' energy rated the GVI 6520 Gorenje dishwasher has five programmes,
12 place settings and is stainless steel inside with anthracite coloured
baskets .
The appliance is equipped with a diagnostics function that detects faults
and damage automatically with an easy to use display panel highlighting
any problem. It has been awarded an 'A' in cleaning performance and B'
for its drying performance
Managing Director for Gorenje UK Ltd Jure Fiser said: 'Kitchens have undergone
a huge change over the years. Today they are more than just places to
cook - the modern kitchen is somewhere the family can catch up after a
busy day and eat together, read the paper, do homework, a place to entertain
guests. So at Gorenje we believe that household products should reflect
this change and look stylish as well as do the job they were designed
for. Our built-in models are made for people who prefer to do things their
own way rather than go with the flow, people who appreciate good design.
Our models allow them to use their imagination and create a kitchen that
suits their personal tastes and needs'.
Mr Fiser added: 'We were absolutely delighted with our first 10 months
of trading in the UK and cannot thank our team, service providers and
retailers enough for their support and friendship. The launch ofthe built-in
range is another piece in the jigsaw for the Gorenje brand in the UK and
we can only go from strength to strength from here'.
Like all Gorenje products the built-in range comes with a 2-year parts
and
labour warranty.
The launch of the built-in range will be backed up by a comprehensive.
consumer advertising and PR campai.gn.
Gorenje is a major player within Europe with over 70% share in the whole
white goods market within its own country of origin Slovenia and 4% ofthe
European market. The company has one of the largest cooker plants within
the EU, has 8,500 employees, produces 2.5 million domestic appliances
a year, with an annual tunlover of £500 million and is Slovenia's
largest manufacturer and net exporter.
New
Countertop Colours for Kitchen and Bath from Staron
Cheil
Industries (part of the Samsung Group), is the manufacturer of Staron
solid surface material for countertops and has recently added new colours
for customers bringing the total choice of colours to 58.
'The new additions reflect the latest colour and design trends,' explained
Katherine Lee, National Distribution Manager for Staron. 'They also provide
kitchen and bath designers with a broader colour spectrum to meet their
customers' lifestyle and home decor needs.'
The new colours include a variety of natural textures and patterns. 'The
goal was to bring an outdoor feel into the home,' Lee said. The new colour
line possesses both warm and cool tones, and is based on elements found
in nature.'
The new colours include: Sanded Cream. Sanded Mocha, Aspen Jade, Aspen
Mine, Pebble Beach, Pebble Castle, Pebble Ebony, Pebble Shale, Pebble
Sienna and Pebble Swan.
Staron's entire colour selection is available for both residential and
commercial applications, and comes in various thicknesses sheets for vertical
and horizontal installations. Colours are categorised into four groups:
solid, sanded, aspen and pebble. The colour groups represent various patterns
that approximate natural stone surfaces.
Contact Staron in the UK on 01642 565457
Web: http://www.staron.co.uk
Homag
Group to Centralise Beam Saw Production
The
two main divisions of beam saw technology within the Homag Group, Holzma
and Homag Sawtech, are to combine operations to form the strongest manufacturing
and technology company in this sector worldwide, the company says.
Holzma
– one of the pioneers of beam saw technology – has always had
a position as world leader in the industrial sectors. Homag Sawtech was
established to bring the advantages and capacities of beam saw technology
to the medium and craftsman end of the market.
The incorporation of Homag Sawtech into Holzma will hold out distinct
advantages for customers. The Sawtech brand will remain and a clear delineation
of machine types will exist. In particular, Sawtech will concentrate on
the CHF300 series and more compact saws.
But in particular, the new structure will allow the more efficient combining
of synergies, sharing technology and standardising the high levels of
quality. This brief description of advantages will offer real benefits
to end users who will now have a greater breadth of choice to suit specific
requirements at pricing structures that previously were not available
at this level of technology and performance.
Homag U.K. managing director, Paul Cooper, says this is a good example
of how the Group can draw from its selective strength to offer the market
greater choice, value and performance.
Tel: 01332 856500
Email: mailto: info@homag-uk.co.uk
Web: http://www.homaguk.co.uk
Moores
Targets the Building Trade
Moores
kitchens are available to housebuilders and developers, and include a
host of ultra modern designs. News from Moores includes the opening of
a showroom in London, and the launch of Moores Direct.
The Bluestone showroom in London has some creative and interesting roomsets
on display, to inspire designers and their clients alike.
Moores Direct e-commerce website offers the opportunity to purchase extra
kitchen units, accessories, appliances and worktops direct from Moores.
This allows customers to add to their kitchen with matching kitchen units.
The new site enables browsers to purchase the products from the comfort
of their own home 24 hours a day 7 days a week. As well as being convenient
for customers it also saves them 10% off the company's standard list prices.
Tel: 01937 842394;
Web: http://www.moores.co.uk
Bathrooms have Grown Says the Bathroom Manufacturers Association
What should those working in the Bathroom Trade know about the business
of selling bathrooms today – and what can the Bathroom Manufacturers
Association do to help?
A few decades ago the bathroom supply market was much simpler than it
is today, but then consumer demands were much simpler too. The majority
of homes had no central heating, no fitted bathroom and just one outside
WC. For most families bathing was once a week, in a tin bath, in front
of the fire. That was the extent of their comfort – how times have
changed!!
Choice
Now, most of us enjoy lovely warm homes with a fitted bathroom, sometimes
two. The expectations that the consumer has of their bathroom is completely
different today, we could almost be accused of turning decadent, bathing
every day - often twice. Sometimes two showers, one to wake up and one
before the night out. Often it’s a shower in the morning and a quick
bath or long soak, in a bubble bath driven by air or pumped water to wash
away the stresses of the day. The bath which could be made from pressed
steel, composite resin or sheet acrylic are available in a huge number
of styles and colours. But don’t just stop at a bath, the shower
market – and here the choices are staggering - from the simplistic
bath shower mixer tap to the full showering experience offered by the
Super Shower Multi jet, rain jets, power showers, reflexology, wellness
steam showers and saunas to the ultimate wet room, the choice is endless.
Design is Key
Today’s expectations of the consumer is to have their bathroom fully
designed, using designer named products to match their personal lifestyle
– it is a lot different to the days of once a week in front of the
fire whether we needed it or not. The way we use our bathroom today has
changed probably more than any other room in the home, bathrooms are becoming
very desirable. Buying a bathroom a few decades ago was much easier –
it came from the plumber or the builders merchant, with little or no choice
and the most imaginative thing anyone did was to knock down the wall which
divided the bath from the WC.
Today consumers can not only buy their bathrooms from Plumbers and Builders
Merchants but also from dedicated Bathroom Studios, local and national
chains of Plumbers Merchants, Direct Sales, the Internet and DIY stores,
each of which offer a huge variety in service and price. So what do you
need to make sure your own business benefits most from modern trends?
Training & Trends
Members of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association offer their help, as
most hold training sessions and would welcome you to participate. Learn
how to acquire the sales skills that match today’s needs and the
product knowledge that any designer or sales-person must have to do their
job properly.
The Bathroom Manufacturers Association also offers a series of Fact Sheets
that have been designed to aid the consumer in choosing the right products
to match their needs and crucial information on each individual component
of a modern bathroom – from brassware to enclosures to sanitaryware.
You don’t have to be a member of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association
to obtain these fact sheets for your own promotional material or mail-outs
as they are freely downloadable from http://www.bathroom-association.org
The fact sheets cover such topics as Baths, Whirlpools, Shower trays,
Shower valves, Shower enclosures, Taps, Sanitaryware and Rate your Bathroom,
with more to come in the next few months.
The Bathroom Manufacturers Association also gathers market research, which
currently shows a definite trend away from Nostalgic to more modern and
feminine styling. Consider your feminine side when choosing showroom displays
or offering design advice.
The Bathroom Manufacturers Association, the trade association for the
major manufacturers of bathroom products offers a wide selection of information
from planning, to helping with the right choice of product to a full list
of manufacturers, all the information is available from http://www.bathroom-association.org
Tel: 01782 747123
Email: mailto:info@bathroom-association.org.uk