Kitchen and Bathroom News @ The K&BZine

KBB incorporating Expotile 2006 has announced the involvement of Poggenpohl at the event next year. Poggenpohl will be exhibiting in the exclusive Kitchen Gallery area, a section within the show that will display a host of high-end kitchen manufacture.

Poggenpohl will not only feature within the Kitchen Gallery along with other kitchen manufacturers such as Bau-for-mat, Brookmans and Alno, but will also feature in one of the entrances to the event. Visitors will be able to walk through a Poggenpohl kitchen and discover its beauty before being launched into the kitchen and bathroom industry event.

Martin Gill, Managing Director, comments, ‘The event has been revamped and revitalised for 2006 to attract a more sophisticated audience, both in terms of visitors and exhibitors. On that basis, we have not only booked a stand in the VIP area but will also be displaying our latest innovation, PLUSMODO by Jorge Pensi, in the main entrance to the Kitchen Gallery to welcome guests as they arrive.

‘We are delighted that our designs will be visible to architects, specifiers and developers, the vast majority of whom will be looking for high quality living solutions from reputable sources. It has the potential to become one of the most significant events on our exhibition calendar.’

The Poggenpohl Champagne and Sushi Bar within the Kitchen Gallery will also be tempting you with some stylish offerings.

KBB incorporating Expotile 2006 will take place from 22-25 January 2006 at the NEC, Birmingham. KBB incorporating Expotile is an integral part of The Interiors Event that also comprises The Furniture Show, Furnishing Accessories, Collection, The Lighting Show, Design Interiors and Soft.

For a complimentary ticket to KBB incorporating Expotile, please visit http://www.kbb.co.uk or call +44 (0)870 429 4636.

Wolseley AGM Statement: 'No Significant Change'

Wolseley plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier of building materials, held its Annual General Meeting today in London. At the meeting, John Whybrow, Chairman, will make the following comments to shareholders: 'There has been no significant change in the market conditions affecting the Group's businesses since the Preliminary results announcement for the year ended 31 July 2005, issued on 26 September 2005.

The Group's US businesses have made an excellent start to the year and continue to achieve strong organic growth. The housing market remains strong although the number of housing starts may reduce as a result of higher interest rates. The positive repairs, maintenance and improvement ('RMI') market is expected to continue and the robust US economy should present further opportunities for organic growth. The improvement in the industrial and commercial sectors is expected to continue. In the US Building Materials business lumber and structural panel prices have softened since the year end, as anticipated.

In Canada, the overall environment is expected to remain positive although the new residential housing market may fall slightly from recent high levels. Gross margins continue to be affected by competitive pricing pressure.

The UK business continues to outperform the market. As expected, the rate of organic sales growth in the year to date has been more modest than the second half of the prior year and the lower trading margin reflects the factors previously announced relating to additional pension and restructuring costs and the lower margin of Brooks. In view of continued consumer caution, the year is likely to prove more challenging than the prior year. Continued benefits are expected from government spending in social housing, health and education.

In France, the RMI market remains low growth and competitive. Wolseley's operations in the rest of continental Europe are expected to continue the generally good progress achieved in the previous financial year, despite markets which are likely to remain broadly flat.

The Group has already invested £418 million this financial year to make 15 acquisitions across both Europe and the US, against the annual acquisition target spend of £250 million. These 15 acquisitions are expected to add approximately £671 million to group turnover in a full year. The recent acquisitions of Encon and William Wilson have expanded the product range in insulation and electrical supplies and will provide further opportunities for growth in the UK market.

Investment in infrastructure continues in order to enhance the Group's operational performance, achieve synergies and leverage its international strengths. There are a number of business improvement initiatives in place relating to supply chain, sourcing and procurement that should deliver increasing benefits to the bottom line. The Group will continue to pursue its objective of achieving, on average, double-digit sales and profit improvements through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions, in new and existing countries.

The Board remains optimistic about the progress the Group is likely to achieve in the current financial year driven by a strong performance in the USA and the higher levels of recent acquisition spend.

On 26 September 2005 we announced that Charlie Banks will be retiring from Wolseley on 31 July 2006 and that Chip Hornsby will be succeeding him as Chief Executive Officer. I would like to take this opportunity to express the Board's gratitude to Charlie as this is his last Annual General Meeting as a director and I hope that you will join with me in wishing him a long and happy retirement.'

In accordance with normal practice, Wolseley plc will be issuing a more detailed pre-close period trading update on 23 January 2006.

KCA has been busy celebrating 12 years of successful business. Established in 1993, the family run company has rapidly grown to become a leading interior design and kitchen installation consultancy.

To mark this occasion and to reflect the success of the company, KCA has modernised its corporate image; reinforcing the company’s core values and emphasising its product focus.

Adrian Wing, Partner of KCA comments: ‘I believe our fresh new look portrays the quality and image that our clients and the market place demands. After investing in our recently refurbished showroom, computerisation and team training programmes, I am delighted that our new company logo complements what I believe to be the most competitive and complete package available.’

KCA offers high quality kitchen solutions, specially made to fulfil the individual needs of the client. Whether you are looking for the complexity of contemporary design or an elegant timeless look, KCA has a range of designer brands and practical ergonomic concepts to fulfil any given assignment.

Located in Ascot, Berkshire, KCA's showroom presents its three ranges and is available for viewing via appointment.

Tel: 01344 883777
Web: http://www.k-c-a.co.uk

Glen Dimplex Home Appliances has launched a new Independent Support Package, designed specifically to help independent retailers drive sales and maximise profits.

In addition to the standard support package for independents, the new GDHA Elite Club is available for retailers who stock at least six Stoves, Belling or New World products, two of which must be range cookers, and offer a Corgi registered installation service.

Aimed at giving retailers a real business advantage through closer working partnerships, the GDHA Elite Club offers many benefits including guaranteed visits from Area Sales Managers, as well as access to GDHA's dedicated Independent Helpline and website http://www.gdha.com/independent (due to go live on 21st November), designed to help with product or service enquiries and deal with specific business issues.

This exciting package has been developed to provide members with the materials needed to successfully promote their products and business; such as access to GDHA's creative agency for advertising development, use of branding and logos and priority choice of all POS. New built-in product stands are also available; including the new Genus display, which incorporates a DVD of the high speed cooker in action, enabling retailers to demonstrate its key benefits with ease.

As well as the existing five year parts guarantee that comes with all Stoves products as standard; a one year additional labour warranty is also available exclusively for all Stoves cookers installed by GDHA Elite Club members. Customers of GDHA Elite Club Retailers will also have the opportunity to register for a two year parts and labour warranty on such products, extending the comprehensive package further to offer full customer support in the unlikely event of anything going wrong.

David Titterington, Independent Channel Manager for Glen Dimplex Home Appliances, comments: ‘We highly value our independent retail customers, and GDHA's new independent support package has been designed to reinforce our existing commitment to stockists by providing them with the materials and support needed to ensure success.

‘GDHA is constantly striving to improve its already high levels of customer care and, as a result, we have most recently been awarded the prestigious Domestic and General TEQ award for customer service excellence. By taking advantage of GDHA Elite Club membership, retailers will benefit from a comprehensive package ultimately aimed at generating consumer satisfaction to ensure long-term business gains.’

For further information on all products and services available from Glen Dimplex Home Appliances please contact your local Area Sales Manager or e-mail eliteclub@gdha.com.

CMP united business media, has become the first sponsor of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association's initiative to build a virtual bathroom academy to raise the standards of knowledge within the Industry and recognise the skills attained.

KBB2006, which is the bathroom & kitchen exhibition being held at NEC in January, is one of the exhibitions organised by CMP, speaking for the company Andy Braid said; ‘the Bathroom Manufacturers Association is attending KBB2006 and will take full part in the seminar programme. We are delighted to be able to help the members of the association in this initiative to help the bathroom Industry move toward a better educated, trained and qualified workforce.’

Bathroom Manufacturers Association - The BMA is the Trade Association for bathroom manufacturers and represents 87% of major bathroom manufacturers trading in the UK. Through its 'Centre of Excellence' initiative the BMA endeavours to be recognised as the 'Voice for the UK Bathroom Industry' and has prepared a series of Fact Sheets to help consumers with their bathroom purchases and, a series of Technical Training Guides to help anyone related to the bathroom Industry to have a clearer understanding of products such as shower controls, shower enclosure, shower trays, sanitaryware, brassware and baths.

For more information on the Fact Sheets and Guides visit:
http://www.bathroom-association.org

To register to study and test yourself on the guides contact:
phil.lumley@bathroom-association.org.uk

Electrolux recently presented its third Design Lab Award to Airwash, a waterless washing unit. Students from leading schools of design in over 88 countries participated in the competition. Entries were received by more than 3,000 students in all continents, all competing to create the most outstanding new appliance concept for the home of 2020.

(Left) The winner, Airwash, is a waterless washing unit that utilises negative ions, compressed air and deodorants to clean clothes; (right) Second place in the competition went to 'Flavor of Sunshine' from students at Zhejiang University, China, a new washing concept inspired by the power of sunshine..

The winner, Airwash, is a waterless washing unit that utilises negative ions, compressed air and deodorants to clean clothes. Its form is inspired by the waterfall, nature’s negative ion generator. Airwash eliminates the need for detergent and water. By using atmospheric air and negative ions – a natural cleansing agent – it fights dirt and bacteria with nature’s own weapon. It is designed to be placed anywhere in the home, not only in the laundry area. The simple user interface 'floats' to wherever on the appliance the user wants.

The jury selected Airwash as the winner because of its intuitive, ecological and beautiful design. Airwash also does away with the expensive, time consuming task of going to the dry cleaner.

The Electrolux Design Lab 2005 project kicked off in June, when students were challenged via http://www.designboom.com to develop new appliance solutions for the future based on satisfying evolving consumer needs and trends. The concepts targeted specific research-identified consumer segments such as 'those seeking extra time and ease of use' and 'those seeking appliances that reflect their lifestyle with extraordinary design and features.' The students used observational research techniques for input and inspiration.

Participating students from design institutions in over 88 countries, including Australia, Colombia, Canada, India, Japan, South Africa, Sweden, the US and Portugal were judged on the following criteria:

• Does the concept appliance solve the consumer’s needs as identified by the research?
• Does the concept appliance create a 'wow' effect, as well as appeal emotionally and intuitively?
• Does the concept appliance correspond to the Electrolux brand identity – innovative, trusted solutions for an easier and more enjoyable life?
• Is technology, including that from other product areas, creatively applied?

A jury of international design professionals gathered in Stockholm to judge the individual design presentations and select the most outstanding concepts.

Second place in the competition went to 'Flavor of Sunshine' from students at Zhejiang University, China, a new washing concept inspired by the power of sunshine. The concept uses age-old methods of cleaning clothes: washing, spinning, and sun-baking.

The solar unit simulates afternoon sunshine: a round top and a square base, which mirrors a small universe, according to tenets of the Chinese people.

Third place went to 'Happy Feet' from students at Korea University of Technology and Education in South Korea. In the year 2020, the importance of hygiene will be even greater than it is today.

Happy Feet is a solution for cleaning and sanitising shoes. It uses charcoal, and ultraviolet rays to eliminate odours and sterilise shoes, both inside and out. Sleek lotus shape, and a spectacular light show when it operates!

For more information about The Electrolux Design Laboratory 2005, visit the Web site at http://designlab.electrolux.com.

The kitchen is quite literally the heart of the modern home. It is a social space for interaction with family and friends and much more than a place for cooking and eating, as the chart below shows.

The four most common activities in the kitchen, apart from preparing food, are holding family discussions, entertaining guests, talking to children and relaxing.

But the kitchen is also a popular place for working and watching TV – over 20% of people do this – and as many people supervise the kids doing homework as make love in the kitchen!

75% of the population now entertains family and friends at home more than once a month, and 15% of people entertain at home weekly . With almost 50% of people entertaining guests in the kitchen it is not surprising that people have strong views on kitchen design.

Source: Electrolux /Future Foundation report October 2005
This report is based on findings from a programme of desk and original research conducted between April and June 2005. The key sources were:

• Future Foundation/nVision
• Electrolux - Automatic Cooking, Market Survey on Cooking Habits (2004)
• Electrolux – Cooking Trends, A White Paper (2005)
• Electrolux ePanel - Online survey of 225 UK adults aged 16+ (May & June 2005)

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association has recently welcomed two new corporate members.

German kitchen specialists since 1929, Bauformat Kuchen, has had a presence within the UK for over 30 years. The company has joined the KBSA under the leadership of Dave Taylor and Bodie Kelay. Since taking the helm two years ago, the pair have seen significant growth for what is one of Germany's largest kitchen and bathroom furniture manufacturers.

Bodie Kelay comments: ‘Joining the KBSA was a natural progression. We are keen to support both the industry and the consumer. The KBSA continues to strive to uphold the importance of standards within our industry, something Bauformat has built its reputation on.’

The KBSA also welcomes leading UK manufacturer and distributor of ion exchange domestic water softeners, Tapworks.

Tapworks managing director Mike Pickavance said membership will be a valuable tool in his company's armoury: ‘We're always happy to be involved in any initiative that drives up quality in our sector.

‘The significant growth in the sales of domestic water softeners over the past twelve months in particular, especially at the time when consumers decide to install a new kitchen or bathroom, makes our membership a sensible and timely move.’

KBSA operations manager Lucinda Kenny added: ‘The KBSA is an expanding organisation, representing more than 120 corporate brands in our sector and making huge strides to improve quality across the product areas that we represent.’

Imperial Bathrooms Puts on The Ritz in New Luxury Homes

Imperial Bathrooms’ expansive range of luxurious and stylish bathroom products has helped bring period authenticity and decadence to a prestigious development of new homes by award-winning housebuilder, Roland Jones Homes.

Featuring two exclusive six bedroom houses in the desirable area of Barnt Green on the outskirts of Birmingham, each new home boasts six bathrooms that feature a selection of baths, sanitaryware, hand-crafted timber furniture, brassware and accessories, all from Imperial Bathrooms.

Although each home is unique and distinctive in design, both master bathrooms feature a breath-taking fusion of period drama and modern technology. Taking centre stage in one bathroom is the stylish Windsor whirlpool bath from which a wall-mounted flat screen TV may be enjoyed courtesy of a floating remote control. Similar TVs concealed in wall mirrors may be also viewed in the other master bathroom from the luxury of the decadent Ritz cast-iron slipper bath. This bathing experience also affords views out to the gardens and into the bedroom via a large clear glass panel.

All baths throughout the two homes are complemented by a selection of Imperial Bathrooms’ Esteem and Linea vanity units, together with basins and bidets from the company’s timeless range of Classic sanitaryware. Finishing touches are provided by the Amena and Isis brassware ranges, together with a selection of Lei accessories.

Commenting on the design and specification of this latest development, Roland Jones, said: 'We have been specifying Imperial Bathrooms’ products for many years as they guarantee the highest standards of design, quality and service. Not only does their new ‘Modern Classic’ range provide a wealth of products suitable for both traditional and contemporary interiors, it caters for all requirements including bathing, showering, pampering and storage.'

He added: 'We believe that by specifiying timeless, classic designs that combine all the benefits of modern technology, these bathrooms will not fall victim to the fads of fashion, but will be enjoyed for many years to come.'

Based in Worcestershire and founded by Roland Jones some 37 years ago, Roland Jones Homes is renowned for building luxury homes that are distinctive in design, and which maintain interior specifications of the highest quality. The company applies its philosophy ‘detail makes perfection, but perfection is no detail’ to all areas of the home, particularly the bathroom. Over the last five years, the company has received accolades in the Housebuilder of the Year Awards and was recently awarded the NHBC seal of excellence award for their site manager.

For further information on Imperial Bathrooms’ product range visit http://www.imperial-bathrooms.com or contact their customer services team on 0870 60 61 62 3.

Siemens's Advertising Campaign Scales New Heights

In the run up to Christmas, leading kitchen appliance manufacturer Siemens is introducing a new quartet of advertisements promoting selected freestanding products.

The four new executions focus on a dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer and Porsche breakfast set, all projecting Siemens as the best of its kind in that particular product group.

Against a cleverly themed background, each appliance blends into the scene with an appropriate 'play on words' that emphasises all the superior qualities associated with the Siemens brand.

The dishwasher execution is set against a backdrop of tall sky scrapers, saying: 'We've taken dishwashing to new heights'whilst the top of the range Serie IQ washing machine is pictured in front of snow capped mountains with the words: 'The range others look up to'. The tumble dryer is pictured in the desert with the line: 'If you've seen a better tumble dryer it must have been a mirage' and the brand new Porsche 2 breakfast set execution boldly proclaims: 'The range that eats its rivals for breakfast'

In all four cases, the company's new strapline: 'Siemens. The future moving in' appears at the base of the advertisement in a bold grey band for synergy across the promotional campaign.

Between now and Christmas, these four new single page advertisements are appearing in quality national newspaper weekend magazine supplements such as the Sunday Times and Sunday Telegraph magazines plus Guardian weekend.

In addition, double page spreads showing the company's innovative new 's-line' oven range will be appearing in selected home interest publications like 'Ideal Home', 'Elle Deco', 'House Beautiful' and 'Grand Designs' for the remainder of 2005.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association has just announced sponsors for its new professional resource library. Through the sponsorship programme over $500,000 has been raised for the development of a new professional resource library.

The Library will be launched in late 2005 and early 2006. It will initially consist of nine in-depth textbooks, written by recognised experts, and thoroughly reviewed by top technical.

Sponsors include:

Patron:
Kohler
American Woodmark

NKBA Benefactor:
GE Consumer & Industrial
Sub Zero-Wolf

NKBA Contributor:
Grohe America

NKBA Supporter:
Expo Design
NY Loft Kitchens and Home Interiors
TOTO
Showhouse by Moen

Donor:
Rev-A-Shelf
Whirlpool
Viking Range

'These valuable sponsors are assisting NKBA in leaving behind a valuable legacy for kitchen and bath professionals of the future,' said Jeff Cannata, CMKBD, 2005 NKBA President. 'The Professional Resource Library will be the most comprehensive educational resource covering design, product specification, business practices and more for the kitchen and bath industry.'

For more information on the Professional Resource Library or sponsorship of NKBA programmes please call (800) 843-6522 of log on to http://www.nkba.org.

Maytag Corporation announced on November 10th that it has entered into a new $600 million, five-year, senior-secured revolving credit agreement. The new credit facility replaces the existing $300 million revolving credit agreement.

'This agreement is a positive development for Maytag,' said George Moore, executive vice president and CFO. 'The new credit agreement should provide us with substantially more financial flexibility, including capacity to meet all 2006 debt maturities, as well as the ability to operate and restructure our business.'

Borrowings under the agreement, which was not drawn down at closing other than to support outstanding letters of credit, are secured by accounts receivable and inventory of Maytag and certain Maytag subsidiaries. Under the terms of the agreement, Maytag also has the ability to increase the new facility by $150 million to $750 million. The new credit facility was co-arranged by J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. and Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.

Maytag Corporation announced on November 7th that it expects to close the Florence, South Carolina, laundry plant, early in the first quarter of 2006. The shutdown will impact approximately 60 employees.

'Closing a plant is never an easy decision,' said Steve Ingham, Maytag senior vice president - supply chain. 'Unfortunately, we have too much laundry manufacturing capacity and we need to reduce it.'

Ingham said that the Florence plant closure had nothing to do with employee performance. 'Our Florence employees are a hard working and dedicated group, but in today's highly competitive global marketplace, we can no longer afford to keep underutilised plants open.'

The announcement is part of Maytag's ongoing efforts to address its manufacturing footprint and remove cost barriers to acceptable financial performance. The company has stated that its excess manufacturing capacity issues and related costs are concentrated in the laundry and floor care product categories.

Besides Florence, Maytag has three other laundry manufacturing facilities located in Arkansas, Illinois, and Iowa. Earlier this year, Maytag concentrated its production of vertical-axis washers at its plant in Herrin, Illinois, and dryers in Searcy, Arkansas.

Affected employees would be eligible to receive severance packages as well as career counselling services. In addition, Maytag will be working with state and local workforce development agencies to help Florence employees make the transition to new employment.

Restructuring charges associated with the plant closing are expected to be in the range of $40-$50 million, primarily for asset write-down and accelerated depreciation. The cash portion of these charges is expected to be approximately $10 million related to severance and fulfilling purchase commitments.

Four public complaints from Berkshire, Fife, Mid Glamorgan and Nottinghamshire objecting to a magazine ad for Maple Industries t/a Kitchens, Oldham, Lancs were upheld according to information published by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

Complaint:
Objections to a magazine ad that showed a kitchen priced at £1,495. Text below stated 'BUYING A REAL WOOD KITCHEN WITH SOLID GRANITE WORKTOPS DOESN'T HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE.' Text continued '... unlike other large kitchen companies we don't use chipboard to manufacture our cabinets, only real wood ... Normally you would only find a real wood kitchen at an expensive bespoke kitchen showroom, but now you can buy it for less than chipboard ...'. The complainants challenged whether the ad, especially the references to 'real wood', implied the advertisers supplied solid wood kitchens.

Adjudication:

Complaints upheld
Maple Industries said their kitchen priced at £1,495 was made of real wood and sent a kitchen cabinet to support that claim.

Each of the four complainants said they ordered the kitchen advertised at £1,495 but received a model which they described, variously, as 'chipboard', 'blockboard' and 'high density fibre board with poly coating'.

We were satisfied that the cabinet Maple Industries submitted to us was made from real wood. However, we considered that, by making a reference to 'expensive bespoke kitchens' in the text of the ad, consumers could be misled about the quality of the wood used in the £1,495 kitchen. We noted the unit submitted was made of finger-jointed sections of timber and considered that it was unlikely to meet the expectations of consumers who believed they were buying something similar in quality to a bespoke kitchen. We also noted some complainants believed they had received units that were not made from real wood. We told Maple Industries to ensure future ads did not exaggerate the quality of their materials and told them to contact the CAP Copy Advice team for guidance with future ads.

The ad breached CAP Code clauses 3.1 (Substantiation) and 7.1 (Truthfulness).

Symphony is celebrating ex-pat demand for all things British, with the opening of a third kitchen studio on the popular Costa del Sol, through retailer Tim Hart Woods.

Tim has created another flagship studio in prestigious Puerto Banus, to add to the success of his established outlets in Fuengirola and Calahonda.

Exclusively supplying and installing fitted kitchens from Symphony, the studio also has an appointment-only service for customers to view the company's premium market Mirari kitchen collection.

Mirari's Lastratec gloss in jet black and red make a statement at Tim Hart-Wood's Puerto Banus studio.

'We have created a relaxed and spacious seated area for customers to view a presentation about the whole concept of Mirari and its use of the best in international design, as well as to view the collection,' said Tim.

'It is proving extremely popular, with residents and holiday property owners, but also with property developers, working on hotel and apartment complexes.

They value the quality of Symphony's furniture as well as the reliability of the service we provide.'

Tim Hart Woods established his first kitchen studio in Trafford Park, Manchester, which is now owned and managed by his daughter. He moved to Spain six years ago opening his first studio in Calahonda, closely followed by a studio in Fuengirola.

David Barrowclough, Director of Symphony's Export Division, said the new studio marked a continued growth for the business across Spain's Andalucia region, along it's popular southern coast. Symphony's full product range is also available in Gibraltar and Nerja.

'Spain is a rapidly-expanding market for us, both from a consumer point of view and with property developers, particularly in areas with strong contingents of ex-pats, such as Marbella and Malaga,' said David.

'We intend to continue that growth in partnership with experienced retailers, offering top quality design, planning and installation services.'

Symphony has been exporting fitted kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture for 16 years and has a dedicated sales and distribution operation, working with retailers across Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East and Far East.

Picture Caption 1. Mirari's Lastratec gloss in jet black and red make a statement at Tim Hart-Wood's Puerto Banus studio.

Picture Caption 2. Tim Hart-Woods-an established name in Spain.

Channel Five's flamboyant interior design and property gurus Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan have teamed up again with fitted furniture expert Symphony for the new series of How Not to Decorate.

A gloss white Boston kitchen from Symphony's Gallery collection will feature in the 8th December episode of the show, when the boys tackle a house in Alderley Edge, Cheshire which has been given a series of unfortunate makeovers by its owner.

This is the third time Symphony has been involved with How Not to Decorate, having started working with Justin and Colin when they chose a Gallery kitchen for their Glasgow flat. In the series the boys continue their mission to help British homeowners eliminate bad taste, by tackling a series of shocking homes and dishing out plenty of their unique style of cruel-to-be-kind advice.

The Gallery Marketing Manager, Gary Turnbull, comments: 'We were delighted Colin and Justin chose The Gallery's Boston White range for this project on Channel Five. The How Not to Decorate team goes to extensive lengths to ensure that each home is redesigned successfully and the trials and tribulations they go through to get it right make great entertainment.'

Available from a large network of independent kitchen studios across the UK, The Gallery is part of the Symphony Group, the independent fitted furniture supplier. This collaboration with Five is the latest in a series of high profile television projects undertaken by the company over the last twelve months.

'All our Best Buy models are excellent at cleaning, drying and leaving dishes smear-free. They must also be a brand with a sterling reputation for reliability' says Which? in its updated report on dishwashers.

Full-sized models
Full-sized dishwashers are typically 60cm wide. They take 12 place settings, which is equivalent to 76 pieces of crockery and 64 pieces of cutlery. These are the ideal choice if you’ve got a family to tidy up after or if you do a lot of entertaining.

Our first recommendations are a duo from Miele. Miele is pricier than many competitor brands. But it is firmly established as a byword for excellence, notching up Best Buys in virtually all home appliance tests where it features. Miele also trounces the opposition as a brand you'd recommend that others buy and its machines are reliable.

The Miele G 1230 SC is outstanding on its main and eco programs, with unblemished results for cleaning, drying and leaving items smear free. What's more, it's admirably quiet and very easy to use. This model has an angled display panel, which some people find easier to access than flat ones. Other helpful features include a simple hoist and clip mechanism to adjust the upper basket height. Alternatively, the Miele G 1220 SC is also a great choice.

Runners up include the AEG Favorit 40660, AEG Favorit 40860, and Bosch SGS55MC02

Slimline models
Slimline dishwashers are usually about 45cm wide and have space for eight or nine place settings. They’re most suited to couples and are great if kitchen space is limited. You won’t lose out on performance, though, as they usually work as well as their big brothers. Having said that, we don't currently have any slimline Best Buys, but are continuing to test new models as they become available.

Compact models
The market for compact dishwashers is small and only a couple of brands are widely available. Measuring about 45cm x 55cm x 51cm, they’re designed to sit on your work surface and are a good choice for holiday homes. They’ll wash four to six place settings in one load.

The diminutive Bosch SKT5102 is our recommended model. It performs well on both the programs we tested, although it is slow – with both cycles running for about two-and-a-half hours.

Wolseley plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier of building materials, announced today two further acquisitions.

Since the beginning of the financial year on 1st August 2005, a total of 15 distribution businesses in Europe and North America have been acquired for an aggregate consideration of approximately £418 million in cash. These 15 acquisitions are expected to add approximately £671 million to group turnover in a full year. Goodwill related to these acquisitions is estimated to be around £266 million.

North American Plumbing and Heating Distribution
On 7th November 2005, Ferguson acquired LAB Distributing, Inc. ('LAB') from Lynne and Rick Clawson. LAB is the largest independent dealer of General Electric appliances in the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina market. In the year ended 31st August 2005, LAB had sales of $2.5 million (£1.4 million) and had gross assets of $0.7 million (£0.4 million) at that date.

US Building Materials Distribution
On 7th November 2005, Stock Building Supply ('Stock') acquired Canyon Drive Lumber ('Canyon') a distributor of building materials, from members of the Barnett family. Canyon is the market leader in Amarillo, Texas with a solid customer base of local and regional builders that focus on custom homes. In the year ended 31st December 2004, Canyon had sales of $32.3 million (£17.9 million) and had gross assets of $6.3 million (£3.5 million) at that date.

Charlie Banks, Group Chief Executive of Wolseley said:
'I am delighted to announce these two new acquisitions which will further strengthen our presence in North America. They support our strategy of growing the business at double-digit rates through acquisitions and organic growth.'