Kitchen
Showcase 2004: Two Weeks to go!
Registrations
have already hit an all time high, but if you haven’t already registered
for Kitchen Showcase there’s still time. This year’s exhibition
is shaping up to be one of the key events in the industry’s diary
featuring around 20 stunning roomsets from top designers. The stage is
set for design inspiration. Kitchen Showcase 2004 at the Commonwealth
Institute, Kensington, London. Register NOW.
Tel: 01803 839399
Web:
http://www.kitchenshowcase.co.uk
Kitchen
Showcase 04 Seminar Programme
This
year's Kitchen Showcase incorporates the established Masterclass seminar
programme which has proved immensely popular since it's inception in 2000.
‘Kitchen Showcase Conference 04 will be no different. The name may
have changed but the calibre of our guest speakers is again of the highest
quality representing a diversity of design disciplines. Conference speakers
this year have been recognised for their innovation and leadership in
furniture, lighting, colour, interior and industrial design.’ says
the organiser.
The conference is organised into 5 discrete sessions between 10am and
5pm on Friday 2nd July and takes place in the Commonwealth Institute's
excellent conference suite with easy and direct access to the Showcase
event. A mix of presentation formats will be deployed including workshops
and interviews but in all instances delegates will be afforded plenty
of time to ask questions from the floor.
Friday 1st July 2004 AM
10.00am Welcome by Grahame Morrison, Editor Kitchen & Bathroom
Designer Magazine
10.15am Marilyn Sturgeon, a colour expert and director of the NCS
Colour Centre.
11.30am Richard Eiserman, Director of Design and Innovation for
the Design Council.
Friday 1st July 2004 PM
12.30pm Antonia Astori. From 1968 to the present she has collaborated,
as a designer, with Driade all over the world.
2.15pm Dominic Meyrick Dominic was promoted to Senior Lighting
Designer at Marlin before joining Hoare Lea, where he is Light Principal.
3.30pm Mark Wilkinson is an extraordinary designer. Born severely
dyslexic he left school without qualifications. At thirteen he was invited
to study at the London School of Music, and later gained a place at the
Buckinghamshire College of Furniture Design. Most recently Mark received
the 2003 Master's prize for innovation in traditional furniture from The
Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers of the City of London.
From 4.15 there will be a Round Table question session for all
delegates to participate in.
To register for Kitchen Showcase Conference or for more information please
call Kevin John on 01803 839399.
To download a full Seminar programme, click here
(316K Word Doc)
Maytag
Announces New Managing Director
Maytag
UK, the American owned domestic appliclnce manufacturer, has announced
the appointment of Richard Thompson as Managing Director. Richard joined
the company on 10th June 2004.
Richard brings a wealth of business and industry experience and has an
accomplished background in engineering, service, sales and marketing.
His extensive career in white goods spans over two decades and has included
roles at Creda, Russell Hobbs and Bauknecht. Richard's most recent position
in the industry was with Whirlpool, where he rose to the position of Commercial
Director. Richard will report directly to Craig Breese, President of Maytag
Infernational, who is based in Chicago.
Craig Breese remarks, 'Richard brings much valuable experience and expertise
with his background in engineering together with his roles in service,
sales and marketing. This will provide a solid foundation to continue
our growth and market penetration and secure our way forward for the future.'
'Maytag UK provides a phenomenal opportunity with the company's strong
range of premium brands. The superb build quality combined with dependability
and performance are great values and sought-after assets in this challenging
market place today. Maytag's brands deliver excellent choices and profit
opportunities for the retailer. I am looking forward to working with the
established and very successful team to continue our focus on excellence
in every part of the organisation,' comments Richard Thompson.
Richard has replaced John Pinto who was lnterim Managing Director for
Maytag UK and provided sterling support, stability and direction prior
to Richard's appointment. John will resume his role as Vice President,
Finance with Maytag lnternational in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Tel:
01737 231 000
Web: http://www.maytag.co.uk
Arrow’s
Purpose-Built Headquarters Hits the Mark with Staff
Staff
and their partners at Arrow Distributors enjoyed an evening of canapés
and drinks to celebrate the successful opening of the company’s new
purpose-built headquarters and national distribution centre.
The new headquarters at Woodbury Lane offers the convenience of being
situated near Junction 7, on the M5 in Worcester and has proven to be
ideal for motorway access and delivery throughout the UK.
The
new Arrow headquarters at Woodbury Lane
Arrow has been providing a dedicated service to the house building industry
since 1985 and as a specialist distributor of electrical and gas appliances,
sinks, bathroom furniture, taps and shower enclosures from the major manufacturers,
the company certainly needs a lot of space. Staff are delighted with their
new building and everyone seemed to be very comfortable in their new surroundings.
Paul Loader, a Day Shift Supervisor standing with his wife Tina said,
‘This site is 100 times better than the last place. It’s double
the size, making everything much easier to handle. It’s nice to be
able to bring my wife along to show her where I work and to toast the
future of our new building.’
Mike
Barnes - Managing Director of Arrow Distributors assists Nick Barrett
- Cranham Chairman - to cut the ribbon, while watched by Arrow staff
Arrow’s
new headquarters took 31 weeks to complete from start to finish. BLB Architects
in Redditch specifically designed the new premises for Arrow. The new
building kept approximately 50 workmen busy on a daily basis for several
months. Now the workmen have gone and it is the staff that are kept busy.
Mike Barnes, Arrow’s managing director says it is all part of their
overall growth plan.
‘Our skilled staff are our greatest asset, and now they have the
facilities and space we can continue forward and maintain the fast, reliable
service that has helped us build our business.’
The staff party was an opportunity for everyone to relax and congratulate
themselves on a relatively seamless move. Arrow staff do not seem to sit
around for long though, as an Arrow Team of 44 took part in Cancer Research’s
Race for Life which took place recently raising approximately £3000
for the cause.
Tel: 01905 754200
Bathrooms
And Kitchens Industry Awards
Organiser
of the Bathrooms And Kitchens Magazine Industry
Awards, Bathrooms And Kitchens Magazine has begun its search
for the leading designers and businesspeople for 2005.
The 11th annual Bathrooms And Kitchens Industry Awards recognise and reward
excellence in design and business acumen. There are ten categories, which
industry professionals can enter, which span both bathrooms and kitchens:
Young Designer, Designer, Showroom, Marketing and Master Retailer.
Winners of these prestigious awards will be presented with a trophy at
a glittering, black tie ceremony in front of 1,000 industry peers at the
Grosvenor House in London on February 1st, 2005.
Last year, the Bathrooms And Kitchens Industry Awards were presented by
Ruby Wax and were acclaimed as the best in the event's history. And it
is expected that the 2005 event will better the previous year.
Editor of Bathrooms And Kitchens Magazine, Philippa Turrell said: 'It
has been proven, time and again, that winning an Industry Award improves
career prospects and helps boost business. It simply makes sense to enter.'
For information on how to enter the Bathrooms And Kitchens Industry Awards
call Jillian Meade on 020 8565 3091.
Email: mailto:jillianm@quantumbusinessmedia.com
Web:
http://www.bathroomskitchens.co.uk/awards
The Bathrooms And Kitchens Industry Awards are supported by: Neff, Ideal
Standard, Jacuzzi UK, Twyford Pure, Hansgrohe, Küppersbusch, Gagenau,
Hotpoint, Nolte, Lucite, Planit, Poggenpohl, Grohe Water Technology, Qualceram
Shires, Vitra, Teka and the KBSA.
Broughton
Crangrove Takes on New Bathroom Brand
Broughton
Crangrove has taken on the distribution of a new bathroom range by American
Standard, Ceramica Dolomite. Broughton Crangrove will be delivering this
new brand to retailers nationally, supported by the company's next day
delivery service to the majority of the UK.
Ceramica Dolomite is a fusion of designer flair from ltalian brand Dolomite
and British quality from Qualitas.
Allan Nutter, Commercial Director for Broughton Crangrove says, 'This
is an innovative idea, and a delightful and inspiring range of products
from Ceramica Dolomite bringing so much added value. Combining ltalian
design and British quality with stylistically modern and traditional accents
is the perfect blend, and will give the retailers a great product at the
right price. Our streamlined logistical network and efficient customer
service team will add additional strengths, and at the same time the retailer
can have the new Ceramica Dolomite product delivered at the right time,
anytime and in time.'
'We are delighted to have Broughton Crangrove on board, distributing Ceramica
Dolomite in the UK. The company's skills and expertise in the distribution
of bathroom products are great assets and bring substantial advantages
to us and the retailer,' comments Dave Button, Sales Director, Ceramica
Dolomite.
Pictured is the new Ceramica Dolomite Lexia wall mounted suite offering
contemporary looks with an ltalian accent.
Tel: 0870 6060601
Maytag
UK is streamlining its operations and making it easier to do business
with the company with the introduction of SAP. Maytag UK is the first
site to implement SAP, part of Maytag Corporation's investment plans for
international subsidiaries.
The business solution brings great opportunities for customers as well
as a valuable tool for the Maytag team. Customers will benefit from increased
efficiency of ordering and stock visibility; clearer and more informative
documentation and eventually ordering and tracking electronically. The
introduction of the system delivers valuable information for the Maytag
team to enable on-going and continual improvements and drive solutions
when dealing with sales and service.
John Pinto, ex-Managing Director Maytag UK comments, 'This is a very exciting
time for Maytag UK with the implementation of this state-of the-art software
on 4th May 2004. SAP will provide a raft of benefits for our customers
and ourselves and a key management tool to focus control and drive the
business operations. The new system delivers greater accuracy, reliability
and timeliness in every respect with the added value of a great asset
to the management team affording improved control and speed of results.'
Tel:
01737 231 000
Web: http://www.maytag.co.uk
Positive
Support for TEQ Initiative at Corporate Forum
The
KBSA's 2004 Corporate Networking
Forum was well attended by 65 delegates on 18th May. Members gathered
at the Anstey Hall hotel in Coventry to hear presentations on KBSA activities,
the marketing and PR programme and developments on the website. However
the most significant part of the day was dedicated to updating members
on progress of the KBSA's TEQ initiative.
Alistair
Collin, CITB, Jackie Bazeley, FFINTO and Graham Hayden, KBSA
An
entertaining spoof on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire was used to get across
some of the many important points before KBSA Chief Executive Graham Hayden
outlined the importance of the initiative and the progress that has been
achieved so far.
Corporate Chairman Patrick Love called upon all members to support this
important and groundbreaking initiative.
‘We have not had the opportunity to instigate such a meaningful and
worthwhile change in our industry, since the association was formed, 27
years ago,’ said Patrick.
‘This initiative has the potential to change the industry for the
better, over the next 27 years.’
‘Many corporate members have realised what an important aspect this
is for the future of our industry and have pleged to support us,’
says Graham Hayden.
‘Franke UK Limited, for example, responded immediately after the
forum wanting to support and embrace the initiative in a meaningful way.
They have pledged support for training kitchen fitters in sink fitting
for different types of sinks. This is exactly the kind of positive and
pro-active response that we need. Members can pledge their support in
a number of ways as well as offering to initiate relevant training they
can offer suitable venues to hold forthcoming training courses or volunteer
to become involved in the operational group or the NTG Board.’
The day concluded with dinner and entertainment from former England rugby
player, Jeff Probyn.
Tel:
01905 621787
Email: mailto:info@kbsa.co.uk
Web: http://www.kbsa.co.uk
Maytag's
Newton Laundry Production Halted, Contingency Plans Kick in
Negotiations
between Maytag Corporation and U.A.W. Local 997 on a new labour contract
covering production and maintenance employees at Maytag's Newton Laundry
Products plant in Newton, Iowa, have broken off, as both sides have been
unsuccessful in reaching an agreement.
The union's labour agreement officially expired at 10:00 p.m., on June
9th, after two extensions. Appliance production has been halted in Newton,
beginning 4 p.m., June 10th.
'We are disappointed to be unable to reach an agreement with the U.A.W.,'
said Mark Krivoruchka, senior vice president of human resources. 'Both
parties worked late into the evening on Wednesday in an attempt to reach
an accord. It is unfortunate that Newton Laundry employees have not been
given an opportunity to vote and determine their future with Maytag.
'Newton Laundry Products continues to maintain a significantly higher
cost structure than other Maytag plants because of its high benefits costs,
which needs to be addressed in order for the plant to be competitive in
today's marketplace.'
The company has developed a contingency plan to fulfill customer orders,
and production continues at the company's laundry plants in Searcy, Ark.,
Florence, S.C., and Herrin, Ill.
Anna
Chooses John Sydney for Liz Hurley’s Bathroom
Anna
Ryder-Richardson the celebrity TV designer, who originally made her name
on BBC’s popular programme Changing Rooms, has recently put her mind
to something far more prestigious – designing a bathroom for the
famous model and actress, Liz Hurley. Asked by the magazine Celebrity
Homes to design a bathroom for Liz and her young son Damian, Anna chose
John Sydney’s Cello free standing bath shower mixer in a sleek chrome
finish as part of her luxurious but child-friendly bathroom design.
Anna enthuses about the fact you can site the Cello free-standing taps
wherever you want, regardless of the shape or size of your tub and that
they are so easy to keep clean.
The Cello free standing bath shower mixer (pictured) including standpipes
from John Sydney is available in chrome and is part of an extensive range
of mixers and shower equipment in the contemporary Cello design all supplied
with the standard John Sydney ten year guarantee.
Tel: 01827 304000
Web: http://www.johnsydney.com
Ei-
GieneT™ DIY Spa from
Ei
Whirlpools and Spas
The
'Ei-Giene' DIY Spa system from Ei Whirlpools and Spas Ltd is a luxury
Air spa that can be fitted to your bath. 16 Chrome, Gold or White jets
positioned in the bottom of the bath, in a geometric pattern add feature
and style to your bathroom.
When the body is immersed in the air bubbling turbulence, the spa sooths
away the aches ,pains and stresses of modern living. The system can be
easily fitted to any plastic bath, even previously installed baths and
a fitting service is available if required.
The system jets are quality plated and made of brass. The assembly of
jets, tubing and fittings are water tight and require no glue. A quality
air blower and pneumatically controlled electronics give the system two
or three speed turbulence with an automatic purge for system hygiene and
safety cutoff should the system be accidentally switched on. The system
can be fitted to any plastic bath, even previously installed bathsand
because of the simplicity of fitting this system 'Ei-Giene' Spa is now
available in kit form.
Features include:
• 16 Brass jet assemblies with non-return valve, quality plated Chrome,
Gold or White finish.
• Two or Three speed control
• Automatic purge to clear jets & system after use
• Automatic 30 minute safety cut off
• Quiet 800Watt air blower with 300Watt heater (CE marked & European
Approved).
• Hygienic leak proof push-in fittings
• Hygienic food grade pipe
• No Gluing of fittings or tubes
• Drill bit for bath holes supplied.
• Comprehensive fitting instructions and phone line help
• Can be fitted to installed baths
• All systems components carry a 2 year warranty
• RCCD Supplied
Tel & Fax: 01455 635805
Email: mailto:sales@ei-whirlpools.co.uk
Web: http://www.ei-whirlpools.co.uk
Latest
Investment at Instarmac Designs out Packaging Problems
As
part of its ongoing continuous improvement programme (the company has
recently installed and commissioned a new £500,000 paste plant),
Tamworth based adhesives and grouts manufacturer - the Instarmac Group
plc, has just re-designed the packaging and colour coded its Ultra range
of premium wall tile adhesives.
The objective is to create a simple, clear and concise image for each
individual product in order to facilitate clients in the selection of
the various ready-mixed adhesives. Each product also has its own definitive
colour-coded lid to further assist differentiation.
The new packaging designs will apply to Instarmac's UltraStick BS premium
ready-mixed adhesive, UltraProstick HG superior high grab adhesive, UltraStick
WR water-resistant adhesive and the company's UltraStick WRF water-resistant
flexible adhesive.
All are recommended for interior use, with each providing specific benefits
depending upon the type of tile being applied and the substrate to which
it is being fixed. The range incorporates adhesives suitable for fixing
ceramic, glass and mosaic tiles to most common building substrates. The
comprehensive range is also suitable for dry and intermittently wet conditions
such as bathrooms, kitchens and domestic or power showers and situations
where movement or vibration can be anticipated.
Tel: 01827 872244
Email: mailto:email@instarmac.co.uk
Ardesco
Features in Crown Imperial’s Latest Kitchen Catalogue
Ardesco,
the new range of worksurfaces from Orama, the independent manufacturer
of worksurfaces and associated decorative products, has been chosen for
a series of shots to complement Crown’s stylish kitchen range. The
Ardesco Metro Ash worksurface with 50 mm depth and stainless steel acrylic
edging option features in three kitchen designs in Crown’s newly
launched ‘Your New Kitchen’ brochure.
The
Metro Ash worksurface demonstrates the versatility, flexibility and contemporary
look of Orama’s Ardesco range as it contributes to further embellishing
completely different styles of kitchens. A textured finish and subtle
undertones combine to afford the worksurface all the richness and natural
beauty of real stone. The fashionable 50mm thicker option with square
edges and tighter profiles creates framing features and eye-catching effects.
The stainless steel acrylic edging further enhances the contours of any
kitchen door.
Installed in Crown’s Rialto kitchen, the Metro Ash worksurface contrasts
with the high gloss white look and feel of the kitchen. It helps highlight
the furniture’s reflective finish providing the final design with
natural earthy touches. The acrylic edging mirrors the contours of the
handles and the stainless steel kitchen appliances underlining the simplicity
and modernity of the room. The end result is spacious and bright, and
the highly contemporary style takes advantage of open plan environments.
Taking centre stage in Crown’s Oakhaven and Montana kitchen ranges,
the Ardesco worksurface enhances smooth oak effect finishes, combining
the popularity of original, clean, and natural materials. The worksurface
matches the nobility of wood with its renewed depth.
Peter Holt, sales and marketing director, Orama: ‘Crown’s choice
of Ardesco Metro Ash to promote a number of kitchen ranges is testament
to the versatility of Orama’s worksurfaces and our lead in contemporary
style and design. Whether used to create a minimalist look or to complement
a sleek modern natural style of kitchen, Ardesco undoubtedly has enduring
appeal for today’s demanding customer. Our worksurfaces can help
to transform a kitchen by accentuating its originality and individuality.’
Orama
offers high quality durable decorative panels and worksurfaces. Established
for many years, Orama holds ISO 9001 certification and the Furniture Industry
Research Association Gold Award for product performance. The company is
also a corporate member of the KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialist
Association). All Orama’s chipboard and solid timber products are
sourced from 'responsibly managed' forests.
Tel: 01773 520560
Web: http://www.orama.co.uk
Electrolux
Agrees Payment of SEK 3 Billion to Shareholders through Redemption of
Shares
The
Annual General Meeting of AB Electrolux resolved to implement a share
redemption offer involving a right for the shareholders in Electrolux
to have their shares in the company redeemed against cash payment of SEK
200 per share.
During the application period, 15,179,692 shares in Electrolux were tendered
for redemption, corresponding to a value of approximately SEK 3 billion.
In accordance with the proposal of the Board of Directors, the Extraordinary
General Meeting has this week adopted the following resolutions required
for the redemption offer and payment to the shareholders:
a) Resolution on a reduction of Electrolux share capital by SEK 75,898,460
through redemption of 497,725 shares of series A and 14,681,967 shares
of series B. For each redeemed share SEK 200 will be paid, i.e. a total
of SEK 3,035,938,400.
b) Resolution on an increase in Electrolux share capital by SEK 75,898,460
through a new issue of 15,179,692 redeemable shares of series C to Svenska
Handelsbanken, at a subscription price per share corresponding to the
par value of SEK 5. The resolution was adopted to achieve speedier payment
of the redemption amount to the shareholders.
c) Resolution on a reduction of Electrolux share capital by SEK 75,898,460
through redemption of all of the shares of series C issue under item b)
at a par value of SEK 5 per share, adjusted with an interest rate corresponding
to STIBOR 30 days plus 0.05 percentage points, and a transfer of SEK 75,898,460
from the company's non-restricted equity to the company's statutory reserve.
Following registration of the resolutions above with the Swedish Patent
and Registration Office (PRV), the share capital in Electrolux will amount
to SEK 1,544,601,540, corresponding to 9,502,275 shares of series A and
299,418,033 shares of series B, or a total of 308,920,308 shares, including
shares owned by Electrolux. As of June 16, 2004, Electrolux holding of
own shares amounted to 17,489,400 shares of series B.
The redemption amount is scheduled to be paid to the shareholders around
June 30th, 2004.
The Electrolux Group is a world producer of powered appliances for kitchen,
cleaning and outdoor use, such as refrigerators, washing machines, cookers,
vacuum cleaners, chainsaws, lawn mowers, and garden tractors. Every year,
customers in more than 150 countries buy more than 55 million Electrolux
Group products for both consumer and professional use are sold under famous
brands such as AEG, Electrolux, Zanussi, Frigidaire, Eureka and Husqvarna.
In 2003, Electrolux had sales of SEK 124 billion and 77,000 employees.