Kitchen and Bathroom News @ The K&BZine

We can trace counterfeiting back in history as far as 3,000 years ago when ancient civilisations copied coins. Today the problem of counterfeit goods of all descriptions is unprecedented and continues to grow, despite being illegal. The effect this has on manufacturing worldwide can be devastating even resulting in the closure of a business and loss of jobs and livelihoods.

Reputable manufacturers advocate fair competition and compete against each other based on quality and price, but counterfeiting is not fair competition at all.

Counterfeiters deliberately set out to trade by deception, assuming the identity of an established and reputable manufacturer to avoid the significant capital investment necessary to bring a truly genuine and high quality product to market.

Unfortunately, because counterfeiting is illegal and copiers don't pay tax or file returns at Companies House there are no reliable figures available to confirm the scale of the problem, but according to The Anti-Counterfeiting Group, the effect of counterfeiting in Europe could be around £250 billion a year and US$1,000 billion a year globally.

So how does this affect the UK Bathroom Industry? Counterfeits of bathroom products are reaching UK shores from Asia, harming the Industry and directly affecting manufacturers' bottom line, not to mention seriously damaging the reputation of the entire supply chain right down to the installer. Everyone suffers and all are implicated when a case is identified and legally pursued.

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has learned that manufacturers of brassware, sanitaryware and shower screens are finding increasing quantities of counterfeit product coming into the UK. There is also increased coverage in the Industry's trade press highlighting actions some manufacturers are taking to fight back. Some have turned up at counterfeiters' premises and smashed the fakes up.

‘Fakes are very difficult to identify, until they go wrong leaving a tap that drips incessantly or a toilet that does not flush properly. At the BMA, we often receive calls from consumers seeking help to identify a faulty product and much of it turns out to be non-compliant with European Standards.’

We all suffer when copy products fail because the consumer blames everyone concerned possibly even claiming compensation from the installer and/or supplier for purchasing a fraudulent product, and, the Industry's reputation suffers.

Yvonne Orgill, chief executive of the BMA, has heard of cases where counterfeit products have been tested and shown failure.

‘We have heard some real horror stories,’ says Orgill. ‘I know of a case where the glass of some shower screens broke into large shards when struck and this glass carried the Kite Mark specifying safety glass, as per correct regulation, but it was clearly a fake.’

‘There are some difficult questions left unanswered,’ she continues. ‘What if a fake TMV failed causing major scalding and subsequent death?’

Counterfeiting is a very serious problem and bathroom manufacturers are spending vast amounts of time and money in an attempt to stamp out products, which don't comply with British or European legislations and regulations, but it's an ongoing war plagued by many difficult battles. To date the BMA knows of one member who has actions with 15 factories and another who has a court case with three importers.

‘This all sounds all doom and gloom, but the BMA believes there is a way forward provided everyone pulls together. One important factor to consider is that counterfeit goods are usually cheap and inferior quality. We are all in business to make a profit, but be careful where you cut your costs. Low prices can equal poor quality and no business!’

For as long as there is limited legislation in the UK, the BMA strongly urges the entire supply chain down to the installers to ensure only product from a reputable manufacturer is used.

‘Reputable manufacturers have relevant and genuine product guarantees, registered brands and patents, easy access to spare parts, and, effective customer care departments,’ adds Orgill.

There is no doubt that counterfeiting is a huge problem, but what about the solution? The BMA believes the Bathroom Industry can take positive steps to combat the issue, but it means Government, manufacturers, suppliers, installers and consumers working together. Government should enforce tighter legislation resulting in tougher penalties for offenders and manufacturers must continue to promote quality registered brands and genuine guarantees and begin to forge closer links with their local Trading Standards office. In addition, suppliers and installers should ensure they purchase products from reputable manufacturers using tried and trusted supply routes and consumers must only purchase from reputable outlets where they are confident the products and advice they receive are genuine and correct.

Can you really afford to ignore this issue?

Further to the announcement of proceedings brought against Pitacs Ltd (supplier of the Aeon range of stainless steel radiators) by Tudol International (supplier of Accuro-Korle branded radiators, we report that Pitacs is defending the claims on the basis that they allege the products were designed by Pitacs' Saffet Kalender and that Pitacs is the true owner of the designs.

Pitacs has issued a counterclaim against Tudol alleging infringement of its UK and Community resgistered designs and UK registered trade marks (amongst other intellectual property rights) and for allegedly making unjustified threats against Pitacs' customers.

Both parties are continuing to supply their full ranges whilst proceedings continue.

http://www.aeon.uk.com.

American Standard Q3 Sales up 13%, but Takes a $25m Hit in Restructuring Bath and Kitchen Segment

American Standard Companies Inc has announced that third-quarter sales were a record $2.965bn, up 13% from the prior year. Bath And Kitchen sales were $620.2m, up 5.1% from the prior year. Segment income, which included operational consolidation expenses of $25.4m, represented a loss of $18.9m.

Net income per diluted share was 82 cents excluding the impact of operational consolidation expenses and benefits from tax items, up 12.3 percent. The company had estimated net income per diluted share of 72-77 cents on a GAAP basis and 80-85 cents on an adjusted basis.

'We had a good quarter, even though we didn't make the progress we expected in Bath and Kitchen,' said Fred Poses, chairman and CEO. 'Air Conditioning Systems and Services, our largest business, continued to achieve strong results with record third-quarter sales, margins, commercial orders and backlog. Vehicle Control Systems once again outperformed its major markets and delivered strong results. During the quarter, the entire company experienced higher commodity costs and continued to invest in new products and marketing for long-term growth.'

'Bath and Kitchen continues to disappoint us, but we are working on the right actions to deliver improved results in both the short- and long-term,' said Poses. "During the quarter, we appointed new leaders for the global Bath and Kitchen business, as well as the Americas and Europe, and promoted the head of our Asia operations. This team, which is experienced in our type of industry, is focused on improving our execution of existing initiatives and finding new ways to accelerate sales growth and cost reductions.'

Bath And Kitchen sales were $620.2 million, up 5.1 percent (up 2.1 percent excluding foreign exchange effects) from the prior year. Segment income, which included operational consolidation expenses of $25.4 million, represented a loss of $18.9 million, down from a positive $21.3 million in third quarter 2005. The decrease in segment income was caused by operational consolidation expenses, commodity cost increases, lower conversion productivity, unfavorable mix and decreased unit volumes. The impact of these items exceeded benefits from improved pricing and previous operational consolidations. Adjusted segment income was $5.4 million including stock option expensing and excluding foreign exchange effects and operational consolidation expenses.

'During the quarter, we continued to see good customer demand for our Lifetime™ whirlpool tubs and the Cadet® 3 toilet,' said Poses. 'We also are effectively implementing the previously announced consolidation of our ceramics manufacturing operations in the United Kingdom and expect to see benefits early next year.'

In the U.S., the company expanded its rollout of faucets with the EverClean™ finish and Speed Connect™ drain. The Imagine suite, a full bathroom collection positioned around style and comfort, launched in China and Thailand with events attended by distributors, architects, designers and the media, and will roll out throughout Asia over the next six months. Bath and Kitchen's initiative to simplify its product line is well under way, with a 25 percent reduction in stock keeping units (SKUs) expected by year end. New commercial sales included ones for Adams Mark Hotel (Indianapolis, Ind.); Crown Plaza Hotel (Los Angeles, Calif.); Excelsior Park luxury town homes (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.); Imperial Hotel (Prague, Czech Republic); Lee's Summit Hospital (Lee's Summit, Mo.); Levine Children's Hospital ICU Tower expansion (Charlotte, N.C.); University Lewisham Hospital (London, United Kingdom); and Valtur Village residential construction (Marilleva, Trento, Italy).

'For the year, we expect sales growth of about 10 percent, but we're lowering our earnings estimate for the year,' said Poses. 'We expect GAAP net income per diluted share of $2.53-$2.58, which represents a 2-4 percent increase over last year including 2005 stock option expensing. On an adjusted basis, we expect full-year net income per diluted share of $2.65-$2.70, an increase of 7-9 percent, including stock option expensing and excluding operational consolidation expenses and benefits from tax items and an asset sale. We lowered the adjusted range because of the slower-than-expected progress in Bath and Kitchen, and, taking a conservative approach, we lowered the GAAP range because of uncertainty about divestitures and benefits from tax items as well as possible continued restructuring of Bath and Kitchen.'

The company previously provided a range of $2.70-$2.80 for its full-year GAAP and adjusted net income per diluted share.

AGA Makes Merger Approach to Enodis

Aga Foodservice Group plc has made approaches to Enodis plc advocating a combination of the two businesses on a merger basis. Whilst Enodis rejected these approaches, the Board of Aga considers that a combination would have substantial commercial and financial merit for shareholders in both companies.

The combined group would be a leader in cooking and refrigeration products with strong B2B and B2C arms selling to both commercial customers and consumers. The combination is attractive on geographical, product, sales and procurement grounds.

There is a strong financial rationale and scope to have leverage in the balance sheet of the combined group by a return of capital to shareholders.
Aga is continuing to seek further discussions with Enodis concerning the basis for an agreed transaction.

A further announcement will be made as appropriate. 'Aga and Enodis are natural merger partners. Aga believes that the combination of the two companies would allow the shareholders of both to benefit from the future growth of an enlarged business which would be ideally placed to benefit from evolving market and sector trends,' says William McGrath, Chief Executive, Aga Foodservice Group plc.

Furniture expert Symphony will embark on a new product category this month with the launch of a collection of Italian sanitaryware and taps to accompany its fast-developing Venetian bathroom furniture collection.

The new sanitaryware pieces have been carefully selected to sit alongside Venetian’s comprehensive choice of fitted furniture and will include sit-on and semi-recessed basins, a toilet and a selection of chrome taps.

With modern, clean lines, the range offers simple good looks and complements both the fitted and freestanding furniture collections to provide retailers with a complete bathroom solution.

Venetian’s Brand Manager Megan Esmond says: 'Our focus for Venetian has been to broaden the range and include all the elements our retailers need to provide customers with co-ordinated bathroom designs.

'Fitted bathroom furniture is an increasingly popular solution for customers looking to create a hardworking and stylish bathroom. We were keen to be able to offer a choice of sanitaryware pieces whose proportions and design would fit seamlessly with our furniture.'

Symphony conducted extensive research amongst its retailers last year to explore how the Venetian range could be developed to add value and increase sales opportunities for retailers. There was significant demand for sanitaryware so the company worked closely with a specialist Italian manufacturer to create this capsule collection.

Venetian is part of Symphony, the UK’s largest privately owned furniture supplier, with more than 30 years experience of designing fitted furniture to help create the perfect living space. The range is available to the public through a network of independent retailers across the UK. For more information contact the marketing department on 0870 120 8000 or visit http://www.symphony-group.co.uk

Holland's leading appliance company, ATAG, has announced the appointed of Ellis Bardsley to Business Development Director for the UK. Ellis will head the UK division, driving the UK business strategy, focusing exclusively on the Kitchen Specialist market with the ATAG built-in appliance range. He reports directly to Philip Sluiter, Managing Director, ATAG, Holland.

Ellis has nearly two decades experience in the built-in appliance business with senior management positions at Smeg, Maytag and Fagor. His blend of commercial experience combined with his wealth of industry experience will be key in achieving company objectives.

‘ATAG is a highly successful premium built-in appliance brand, driven by an entrepreneurial management team. Claiming over 40% of the Dutch built-in market, the ATAG brand is well respected and received in its homeland. ATAG is the brand the UK Kitchen Specialist has been waiting for and has clear potential to become a leader in the built-in appliance sector,’ explains Ellis. He continues, ‘ATAG has a strong entrepreneurial team, continual investment throughout the organisation, demonstrating the company's belief in its customers. We shall be echoing this powerful and successful business model in the UK.’ Ellis concludes, ‘This is an extremely exciting, yet challenging time. However, the market is ripe for design-led appliances and perfect for the innovative ATAG brand. We have some very positive and interesting initiatives for the Kitchen Specialist and we are looking forward to delivering 'the difference' denoted by ATAG's distinct personality, its pure original Dutch design and contemporary, aspirational style.’

‘We’re delighted to have Ellis on board and we are very excited about our re-entry into the UK market place. Ellis brings hands-on, in depth knowledge of the UK market to the company's in-house team; expertise that will prove invaluable to ATAG,’ comments Philip Sluiter, Managing Director, ATAG. Philip continues, ‘We are a very different company from when we were last in the UK. We are now privately owned and managed and we have very clear objectives for the UK market. We are totally committed to building the UK market through the Kitchen Specialist with high levels of support, a highly tuned and rigid Internet policy and service that mirrors the high status and reputation the brand enjoys in Holland. These are all prerequisites to our success in the UK. This is an exciting time for the brand and we look forward to welcoming keen and enthusiastic Kitchen Specialists on board.’

ATAG trades from modern, purpose built headquarters and showrooms with research and development facilities in the east of Holland. ATAG Kitchen Specialists in the UK will have the opportunity of enjoying these facilities and the wealth of expertise and experience that the company can bring to the UK market very soon.

Following the acquisition of Elba SPA in Italy, Fisher & Paykel has announced the following appointments:

* Stuart Broadhurst to the role of Chief Operating Officer Europe
* Mark Celik-Alvis to the role of General Manager Marketing UK, Ireland and Europe
* Richard Bowe to the role of General Manager UK (pictured)

Mark has spent the last 18 months successfully re-establishing Fisher & Paykel's presence in the UK and creating Fisher & Paykel's own infrastructure in Ireland. In his new role, he will be based at Elba SPA in Italy.

Richard will take over his role with immediate effect. He has worked for Fisher & Paykel for 14 years, most recently as Regional Manager - Western Region USA. Richard has previously moved as an employee of Fisher & Paykel from New Zealand, to Australia, and to the USA.

Richard will now lead the development of Fisher & Paykel in the UK market to deliver a growing, profitable business together with the sales force, lead by Andrew Smith, Sales Manager UK.

The sales force, which consisted of Andrew and Graeme Clark, has also been strengthened with the appointment of Paul Page and Peter Mattacks as Area Sales Managers.

For further information on Fisher & Paykel appliances, visit http://www.fisherpaykel.co.uk

To order your products, contact the Fisher & Paykel Customer Care Centre on 0845 600 1934

J&J Ormerod, kitchen and bedroom manufacturer, has appointed John Pollitt as national sales manager.

Pollit joined JJO in October 2006. Previously John spent 21 years with the PJH Group as key account manager, regional sales manager and national sales manager.

He will manage a team of nine area sales managers, dedicated to the independent kitchen and bedroom retail sector.

'JJO appealed to me due to the company’s commitment to innovation, quality and the wide portfolio available to the kitchen and bedroom industry.

'It is vitally important that retailers can offer a comprehensive choice of door styles to match their discerning clients ever increasing demands. I am delighted to be a part of the JJO team,' said John.

John is available on 07787 801656

Builder's merchant Travis Perkins has announced Bristan as its Supplier of the Year for New Product and Range Innovation at its biennial Supplier Conference recently.

Bristan was the only bathroom company to receive an award at Travis Perkins' Supplier Conference, held at Cheltenham Race Course on October 5th 2006. The biennial event recognises excellent service amongst the merchant's suppliers, with Bristan picking up the prestigious accolade 'Supplier of the Year for New Product and Range Innovation' - one of just four awards given.

The Conference was attended by 325 suppliers to Travis Perkins and its newly acquired sister-company, Wickes. It was entitled 'Forward Together' and designed to promote its continued focus on 'best practice' and to announce its strategy for future growth.

Bristan Group CEO Steve Lee (middle) receiving the award from John Fenton (right), Purchasing Director of Travis Perkins, and Geoff Cooper (left), CEO of Travis Perkins.

Bristan was awarded the Supplier of the Year for New Product and Range Innovation accolade for its Iflo branded showers collection, which has proved a massive hit with Travis Perkins customers. The Iflo collection includes electric, power, manual and thermostatic showers and a shower pump, all at attractive price-points without compromising on quality or design. Travis Perkins also recognised Bristan's quick and efficient turnaround of the Iflo project as well as the high quality product and marketing support that has provided for the range, which includes full colour packaging and easy to read launch specification literature.

For more information/stockists call Bristan on 0870 4425555
Web: http://www.bristan.com

Italian shower manufacturer Cesana and the UK's largest bathroom, kitchen and appliance distributor, PJH Group have taken space at the Building Centre in London to exhibit the range of stylish, contemporary Cesana showers.

Cesana's impressive yet simple stand reflects its shower enclosure designs and displays the Half Moon enclosure, the Tecnostar walk-in and the Tecnolux quad models.

Gloria Riva, Cesana's marketing director comments: ‘Our stand at the Building Centre offers top end builders and developers the opportunity to view the fantastic Cesana range and see how innovative and different our shower solutions are. These products are ideal 'sale closers' for quality residential and city living projects and are also very popular with quality hotels throughout the world.’

The Half Moon enclosure is designed with simplicity in mind and is a shower enclosure which is beautiful and functional. This enclosure consists of a curved sheet of 8mm tempered safety glass, an elegant shaped mat in teak, a reinforced acrylic shower tray and an integrated seat.

The Tecnostar shower enclosure includes a selection of combinations to create solutions for niche and corner arrangements. With silver polished aluminium and 8mm safety glass, the contemporary style of the Tecnostar will add a touch of grandeur to any bathroom.

The Building Centre is the world's largest permanent exhibition and single source of information for the construction industry. It is an established focal point covering all aspects of architecture and design, construction and planning, home improvement, DIY and self build.

The Centre has remained the heart of the industry for more than 70 years and plays host to many important events, receiving more than 100,000 visitors and delegates every year.

The Building Centre also offers a great follow up service so that all trade enquiries can be channelled direct to the PJH Group's sales team and consumer enquiries will be directed to the national network of showrooms.

The ethos behind the design of all Cesana showers is to make showering a daily pleasure and respond to the continuing trend for well-being and relaxation in the bathroom. Whether the bathroom is large and spacious or compact, Cesana has the solution.

Cesana has been established in Milan for almost 40 years and says that it has constantly led the market in both design and technical innovation.

The Cesana range is available as part of the new Moods Ultimate Bathrooms Collection from the UK bathroom, kitchen and appliance distributor, PJH Group.

Tel: 01204 707070
Web: http://www.bathroom-moods.com

Freestanding bath manufacturer Clearwater Collection has been chosen to supply one hundred freestanding baths to the The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel and Spa for a recent renovation programme.

The six-month renovation included 245 new rooms, suites and an expanded Ritz-Carlton Club. The new Club rooms and suites feature some of the largest and most luxurious bathrooms in the city and it is within these rooms that the Clearwater baths have been installed.

The Club rooms are a blend of contemporary design and comfortable elegance, where guests can soak in the spacious 'open concept' bathroom.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain chose the Clearwater 'Nouveau' model, which is a bath, contemporary in style and available with either a traditional roll top or a more modern flat top. The Nouveau's sleek lines make it the perfect focal point for a chic bathroom.

Darren Allison, managing director of Clearwater Collection comments: ‘This is a flag-ship project for us in the Middle East as The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain is one of the best business and holiday resort hotels in the Middle East. The outstanding design and high quality of our baths makes them a popular choice for many hotels in the region.’

Clearwater Collection specialises in the manufacture of double-skin acrylic freestanding baths and prides itself on the quality of its baths along with the vast range of designs it offers, covering both traditional and contemporary styles.

All Clearwater products feature the distinctive Clearwater badge, which serves as a unique hallmark of excellence, and come with a lifetime guarantee. Clearwater Collection recently achieved the internationally recognised quality accreditation ISO 9001. The company exports to 25 countries and has recently launched in the States with Clearwater USA.

Tel: 01274 738140
Email: enquiries@clearwater-collection.com
Web: http://www.clearwater-collection.com

Co Tops’ new extension is now complete. The extension to Co Tops’ existing production unit provides a clean, dry and heated storage facility for 8500 worktop blanks in dedicated narrow aisle racking going to over 9 metres in height. A new Hubtex narrow aisle forklift with many extra safety and handling features guarantees perfect stock handling with the minimum of damage.

The new facility primarily stocks Origin - the recently launched range of laminated chipboard worktops from Co Tops which is already taking off in a big way.

Manufacturers of Acrylic edged worktops in particular have found the 620mm depth worktop option the most cost effective way to produce 600mm deep worktops, saving themselves up to 40% in material costs alone.

Up until now the only option to both of the above requirements was to use a 665 or 670mm peninsular worktop, cutting it down to suit.

Other users are finding the simple standard no nonsense hard wearing texture of benefit compared to some of the softer wood effect and smooth textures available on the market.

The company says that the fastest moving decors are similar to other ranges dominated by darker decors, but some of the more adventurous decors and plain colours are also selling well too.

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

Planit International – the UK developer of advanced design and visualisation software for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and home improvement markets – has demonstrated its ongoing support for the industry by participating in events organised by two trade associations.

Planit was one of the major sponsors of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) conference held in Chepstow on 17th October. Normally attended by its members only, this was the first time the event was opened up to include all sectors of the bathroom industry.

Consumer spending, water efficiency, new legislation and regulation, developments in the construction market and the potential impact of the 2012 Olympics on the industry – were all on the agenda at the Inaugural Bathroom Conference which is expected to become an annual event.

The conference gave Planit the opportunity to build on its close ties with the BMA as a corporate sponsor of the Association’s Training Education & Qualification Initiative. This support is important in helping to finance and accelerate implementation of the virtual Bathroom Academy scheme which offers web-based tuition leading to recognised qualifications.

'We are delighted to sponsor this milestone event and increase our presence in a market that many of our customers do business in,' says managing director Alastair McPheat. 'Our involvement with the BMA conference follows hard on the heels of our participation in another ‘first’ for a trade association.'

Planit also attended the first Members’ Day organised by the Builders Merchant Federation (BMF) in September at the National Motorcycle Museum. The event provided an opportunity to network with builders merchants who regularly use Planit’s Fusion software to create photorealistic images of customers’ designs.

'We were very excited to be invited to highlight the extensive capabilities of our CAD solutions to BMF representatives and members – the majority of whom are already using Planit software,' says McPheat. 'This event enabled us to build and strengthen our presence in a market that is seeing consumer investment in bathroom improvement fast catching up with that of kitchens.'

Tel: +44 (0)1233 635566
Web: http://www.planitsoftware.com

Roman, the UK shower manufacture, has designed a luxury range of shower enclosures for Ella Jade’s new Bath Shop within Harrods.

The luxury products are on display alongside other innovative bathroom products in the newly opened showroom at Harrods.

Roman’s state-of-the-art collection of frameless shower enclosures feature 10mm thick toughened glass and can be installed straight-to-floor, in a wetroom situation, or to a bespoke low-level shower tray.

Available within the range are flexible hinged doors, wetroom panels and a bath re-placement walk-in enclosure.

Reflecting the high quality of the enclosures, all come complete with a lifetime guarantee, which is service backed by Roman.

Alongside this range designed specially for Ella Jade, all of Roman’s other products are also available from the new store within Harrods.

Roman’s Design Manager Chris Ward commented: 'Roman was extremely pleased when we were asked to become involved with Ella Jade’s new showroom. It was very exciting to be given the opportunity to display our products in the world-famous Harrods. What made the opportunity even more exciting was being asked to design a product specifically for the showroom. Every aspect of the range has been designed with the utmost care and attention to ensure they are of the highest specification.'

Tel: 0845 0522 445
Email: brochures@roman-showers.com
Web: http://www.roman-showers.com

Design company, Designs For All Occasions Ltd, (D.F.A.O.) has provided the interior design for Brighton's prestigious new Glass Pavilion, a Natta Country Homes development.

Made up of nine contemporary apartments of one and two bedrooms, the Glass Pavilion is situated opposite the impressive Royal Pavilion, complementing the landmark beautifully with its reflective glass exterior.

The interiors also flatter the building's amazing views and architecture, but in a much more striking way. D.F.A.O. has incorporated this season's trends with a bold use of colour, light and a sense of space.

Large canvases and furnishings use strong, floral designs and wide stripes, bringing the interiors to life. Effective use of mirrors in all areas create a relaxing, spacious atmosphere as well as echoing the glass, reflective theme of the building.

The apartments' bedrooms and spacious open plan living areas focus on calm blues, greens, cream, white and brown. Their luxury kitchens make use once again of bold lines for a sleek, contemporary feel. The family bathrooms and stylish en-suites are decorated with creams, whites and mirrors to open up these spaces.

D.F.A.O. has managed to create a stylish effect, whilst maintaining a homely atmosphere and further enhancing the stunning view of the historic Royal Pavilion.

The Glass Pavilion also includes a glass and steel tower surrounding its central lift, and a winding staircase to make best use of the space.

About DFAO
Designs For All Occasions’ work includes homes, show homes, apartments, nursing homes, commercial premises and hotels in the UK and abroad. The Camberley-based company has over 20 years experience in furnishing properties and has worked with such leading UK property developers as Barratt, Crest Nicholson, Wimpey and KingsOak. The company’s furniture pack collections for investors ensure good quality, stylish furniture at competitive prices.

Further information from:
Esther Bond
Designs For All Occasions
Tel: 01276 691010
Email: admin@dfao.co.uk
Web: http://www.dfao.co.uk

Float Glass Industries (FGI) has been appointed as the main UK and Ireland distributor and fabricator for Decoran and Structuran, new 100% recycled decorative glasses which are environmentally sound and provide a totally sustainable solution - an increasingly important consideration in the modern building industry.

A unique and versatile material, Decoran is available in a variety of colours, textures and degrees of opacity, translucency or partial transparency for use in a wide range of applications such as partitions, screens, doors, furniture, counter tops, lighting, kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Structuran, the sister product to Decoran, has roused a great deal of interest from the building sector where it is specified for exterior rain screen cladding and facades where considerable meterage of the product is used.

Following the product's successful debut at the recent 100% Detail exhibition in London, FGI's Chairman, Roy Offland said, ‘These products are a major milestone in glass development worldwide and an exciting opportunity for FGI and for other glass processors.’ He continued, ‘Due to the level of interest and demand for the products to be supplied processed, FGI is looking to appoint regional glass processors and distributors across the UK and Ireland. We are keen to hear from companies who, like us, are ambitious for profitable growth and have the machine capability themselves to cut, drill and polish glasses over 15mm in thickness to supply their own customer base.’

The Decoran and Structuran range have many special attributes, not least being 100% recycled from glass cullet. The opaque products, similar in appearance to marble, have a unique 3D appearance which have superb light enhancing qualities as well as anti-stain, anti acid qualities and surface wear resistance, ideal for bar surfaces, reception desks, counter & table tops.

Produced in 2.8m x 1.26m sheets of 14 - 40mm thickness with 20mm as the standard thickness, Decoran and Structuran are available in a variety of colours including Anthracite, which has an appearance similar to black marble, or with a choice of translucency or pattern. Several products in the range can be supplied with highly polished surfaces or matt 'hammered' finish. Cutting is by diamond saw or waterjet, and edge processing and drilling are carried out as for normal float glass.

Tel: 0161 946 8000
Web: http://www.floatglass.co.uk

New research into consumer Kitemark recognition reveals that the Kitemark symbol is as strong and relevant in today's world as it was when it was introduced in 1903 and is still the most widely recognised quality mark in the UK.

The survey, carried out by GfK NOP in July 2006, interviewed consumers between the ages of 18 and 70 to gauge their recognition, beliefs and understanding of the Kitemark.

The results?
* A staggering 82% of the UK adult population recognised the Kitemark.
* Of those who recognised the Kitemark, 93% thought Kitemark products were safer while 91% felt they would be better quality.
* 88% state that they have more trust in Kitemark products or services and
* 75% claim that the Kitemark helps them to choose between products

Results like this show just how strong the Kitemark is in the mind of the UK consumer.

Alastair Trivett, Global Managing Director, BSI Product Services comments, ‘The highest recognition was in the 35-55 age bracket but what is particularly interesting is that the Kitemark is very highly recognised by the 18-34 year old group. We had expected this to be lower and are tremendously encouraged that the values of safety and quality have not been missed by the younger generation.’

‘It is fantastic that the Kitemark is so highly recognised. It just shows that the quality and trust associated with the Kitemark are as valid today as they were when it was introduced’ continues Alastair Trivett, ‘as we demand better and better quality from our products and services, the Kitemark will help products to stand out from the crowd and make purchasing decisions easier. We are delighted that the efforts of so many organisations in maintaining high standards, has been recognised by consumers across the country.’

BSI Product Services, based in Hemel Hempstead, manages over 300 Kitemark schemes for manufactured products and services ranging from fire alarms to construction products and healthcare devices. To celebrate the results of the survey the company's office has been renamed Kitemark House.