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De Dietrich Launches New 'State-Of-The-Art' Showroom and Training Facility

De Dietrich, the premium appliance brand has launched a new showroom and training facility in its Basingstoke head office. The new 1,500sq ft. showroom has been beautifully designed to offer an experience of innovation, reflecting the products that are featured within.

The impressive industrial style showroom showcases the new 2008 De Dietrich range of appliances, with a further area to highlight the upgraded 2008 Fagor range. Using kitchen cabinetry from Arlington Direct and featuring Silestone worksurfaces, the showroom perfectly displays the state-of-the-art products, which offer some of the most technologically advanced features available today. Ostensibly for trade customers, dealers and designers, it will be open to consumer customers by appointment.

 
The new De Dietrich showroom and Training Centre

A demonstration and training area has been created within to conduct dealer training sessions and includes live models of the latest technologically advanced appliances in the range, including new Continuum induction hobs and touch control intelligent pyrolytic ovens. De Dietrich has an appointed a training manager and all dealers are invited to book a bespoke training session in order to facilitate the smoothest and most informed sale of De Dietrich appliances.

Richard Walker, Sales and Marketing Director of De Dietrich says:

'Beauty and innovation is the ethos of the De Dietrich brand, and now we have a showroom which totally reflects those brand intentions. By investing in the head office showroom, where we are fully able to showcase our range, we have managed to build a dynamic and state-of-the-art proposition which is ultimately what we offer in each of our products.'

De Dietrich Sales (Trade) 01256 308 067
Email: sales@fagorbrandt.com
Web: http://www.dedietrich.co.uk

De Dietrich Partner with Mike Robinson - Celebrity Chef

De Dietrich has announced its new partnership with celebrity chef, Mike Robinson, and its association with his Game and Wild Food Cookery School, based near Newbury in Berkshire. De Dietrich has supplied all the kitchen appliances from its new 2008 range for use in the expanded cookery school, which specialises in game and wild food cookery and also offers a wide selection of standard cookery courses to appeal to anyone interested in learning to cook.

 
Debbie Schwarz waits for celebrity chef (pictured right) to plate up the venison and creamy potato ('pommes purée') at the De Dietrich showroom opening yesterday

The school, which has moved to new larger premises, is a stone's throw away from The Pot Kiln, Mike's famed countryside restaurant, which has received many plaudits by food critics. The restaurant has recently received an AA Rosette and has been lauded in the Michelin and AA Guides, plus many others.

The ethos of the new 'state of the art' Cookery School is to combine the traditional cookery methods they teach with the most state of the art appliances with which to learn by. To that end, De Dietrich has supplied certain showcase products from its new range. They include domino 'Continuum' induction hobs, the largest and most powerful single zoneless induction hobs on the market, together with two-zone domino induction hobs to provide ease of use and versatility when cooking. The company has also donated highly specified multifunction pyrolytic ovens and refrigeration products for day-to-day use in the establishment. Further domino induction hobs and a powerful induction wok are provided for the demonstration area.

The partnership between Mike Robinson and the specialist appliance brand will include cross-promotion between the two companies in their respective brochures and on their websites and Mike will be regularly providing special recipes for the De Dietrich site, http://www.dedietrich.co.uk. He will also make guest appearances at trade events, and will endorse the brand and its products in PR and advertising material.

Mike is a regular presenter and guest chef on UKTV Food's daily live show, Great Food Live, and also presents numerous mini series for UKTV Food. He was the first chef to appear on the launch edition of BBC2's Saturday Kitchen and has often conducted demonstrations on the show. Since 2001, Mike has presented five series for UKTV Food - 'Chalet Slaves' filmed in Chamonix in the French Alps, and 'Safari Chef' filmed in Kenya. He was involved in the making of four series on the Pot Kiln, 'Heaven's Kitchen', 'Heaven's Garden', 'Heaven's Kitchen Cookbook' and ‘Heavens Kitchen at Large’- all showing on UKTV (Sky) and continually repeated to this day. Mike's book - Wild Flavours - was published in September 2005.

Together with presenting, Mike often performs regular cooking demonstrations at a variety of exhibitions throughout the UK including The Good Food Show, The Ideal Home Show and the Chelsea Flower Show. He has also held demonstrations at several gourmet food festivals in South Africa.

Mike Robinson says of his partnership with De Dietrich:

'I am delighted to be working with De Dietrich as it pioneered induction cooking amongst other amazing innovations, and I am already a huge fan. Using De Dietrich products in the Cookery School means that we can educate students in the art of cookery using the latest product range that features the utmost in technological excellence. It is great to work with De Dietrich, and I am looking forward to working with the team in the future'

Richard Walker, sales and marketing director of De Dietrich says:

'Our association with Mike Robinson and his Cookery School is a wonderful opportunity for his students to use De Dietrich products while enjoying their learning experience, and is one they can take back to their homes. Mike has a fantastic reputation, with a long-term commitment to using sustainable local produce, and we are very excited to be working with a celebrity chef that is regarded as one of the best in his own right. His admiration of induction cooking makes him the perfect spokesperson for our brand, as his forward thinking attitude will inform opinion in the future.'

For more information about Mike Robinson and the Pot Kiln Restaurant, or the Mike Robinson Game and Wild Food Cookery School, please go to: http://www.potkiln.org.

De Dietrich Trade Sales: 012656 308 067
Web: http://www.dedietrich.co.uk

De Dietrich Launches an Innovative New Collection for 2008

When Fagor Electrodomesticos announced at its 2006 Bilbao Press Conference a three year plan for growth and innovation for the De Dietrich brand, the company also promised to invest and extend innovation in 'high end built-in cooker products specialising in induction and pyrolysis'. The result of that investment is the new De Dietrich collection of built-in appliances which launches in the UK during October 2007.

The clear focus is in both beauty and innovation - the ethos of the De Dietrich brand; and while it has always been recognised for introducing new technologies to market, such as induction hobs and pyrolytic ovens, the company says that the new range far surpasses any of its previous collections in terms of scientific advancement - with every innovation designed with the user in mind.

A new aesthetic is introduced for cooking products, featuring a streamlined collection of ovens hobs and hoods. Ovens are available in stainless steel and black glass, gloss black glass and new gloss white glass.

The look is stylish and contemporary, and above all, sleek as most ovens in the new collection also feature touch sensitive controls and LCD digital displays beneath their smooth glass fascias. All new induction hobs also feature touch controls and this too is extended to new ICS gas hobs in the range.

Together with a new design, new sizes are introduced, with a wide range of compact appliances designed to create versatility in the kitchen. Together with a newly designed Collection 38 range of 38cm modular ovens, a collection of 38cm modular hobs is added to reflect the trend in versatile contemporary cooking.

These include induction and gas hobs together with new induction and gas woks plus a teppan yaki. Ovens are standard singles, doubles and 45cm versions with a combination oven plus a new 45 cm steam oven. For those who require larger appliances for entertaining, a new 90cm extra wide oven is added to the range. A breadth of choice is offered in standard hob sizes and includes new low depth linear induction and gas hobs together with 60cm, 65cm, 80cm, 90cm and now 112cm versions.

In 2006, De Dietrich was the first brand to introduce ICS intelligent automatic cooking to its top of the range ovens, where sensors within the oven's cavity assess the weight and density of the food to set the cooking parameters to ensure perfect results every time. ICS is extended across the ovens range and is available in both pyrolytic and catalytic versions. Microwave combination ovens also feature automatic cooking, and even 38cm or 45cm steam ovens offer pre-set cooking options.

Pyrolytic cleaning options are improved, with the new Pyroturbo function. Using the fan, heat is diffused around the cavity in a homogenous fashion, resulting in a faster and more superior clean, while using less energy.

However, the showpiece of the new ovens collection is the top of the range DOP795X single oven, which features an entirely new cooking concept. Six illuminated touch sensitive buttons are situated beneath the glass on the ovens' fascia; three of which are for choice and validation of programmes, the others for timing and temperature.

Centred within is a 260,000 colour pixel screen, which adds a visual impact and makes cooking even easier. Each programme is fully illustrated, with surprising 3D realism, and images relate to every cooking function available using the Cooking Guide, ICS or Slow Cooking modes. Together with the scrolling display; an interactive instruction guide, this oven represents the 'art of cooking' with its coloured imagery.

As pioneers of induction hobs, De Dietrich says that it has always been at the forefront of this amazing and environmentally friendly technology. The new range features 'Continuum' induction, where myriad inductors are situated beneath the glass surface and will react purely where the pan is placed.

This means that for the first time larger or non standard sized pans (like a fish kettle) can be placed on the large induction zone, and will cook with the speed and controllability one expects from induction. Only the exact amount of electricity will be used wherever the pan is placed on the zone, so it will always be energy efficient. 'Continuum' induction hobs are available in a range of sizes, from a 38cm domino model to an extra wide low-depth 90cm version.

An array of decorative and designer hoods is introduced to the new range, including smart flat panel extractors together with stainless steel and glass models. Overhead wall-mounted hoods come in a choice of black or stainless steel and there are new ICS intelligent options.

The highlight of the new range is the stainless steel DHD7000X 'Downdraft' Hood, which fits below the worksurface behind the hob, and rises to just above the pan level, at the touch of the controls, to perform its powerful extraction function, then lowers out of sight when not required.

All dishwashers in the new range are triple A-rated and feature ICS intelligent technology and the new DVH745X Hybrid dishwasher offers ease of use and ultimate versatility with its two LCD displays, one in the door, the other on the fascia, so all programmes and functions can be viewed. Laundry appliances are in a sleek black finish to complement any style of kitchen. All integrated cooling products are now A+ rated and feature antibacterial linings, glass shelves and transparent freezer drawers. American cooling continues with the mirror fronted fridge freezer and the popular stainless steel version for those who require extra space to store fresh and frozen foods.

New to the De Dietrich cooling range is the stainless steel and glass DWS750J fully integrated wine cellar, which holds up to 64 bottles, with electronic temperature controls and two independent zones for storing Champagne and white wines together with red wine in the same appliance.

Richard Walker, sales and marketing director of De Dietrich says:

'There have been incredible developments in kitchen design over the past few years, and kitchen specialists now require a greater selection of unusual, more 'bespoke' style appliances to appeal to consumers in the premium sector. De Dietrich has created a range of cooking products that are both technologically advanced and offer real versatility in the kitchen. In doing so, we have also been very conscious of environmental considerations, and therefore energy efficiency is of prime importance. Most of all, we are yet again introducing new concepts to make life easier for the user, and our beautiful new range will add the 'wow' factor that people want.'

The new De Dietrich range is available to dealers from October 2007.

De Dietrich Trade Sales: 01256 308 067
Web: http://www.dedietrich.co.uk

Franke Shorlisted for Award

Acknowledgement of the research, innovation and outstanding quality that Franke invests in each product designed was confirmed at this year's Design Awards 2007, with the Laser sink being short-listed for the Kitchen Manufacturer of the Year award.

Established to celebrate companies that are committed to advancing kitchen technology and consistently achieving high manufacturing standards, this year's awards where held at The Brewery, London.

The Laser, with patented Franke Slimfix® System fixing clips, is designed to be ten times quicker to install than a conventional sink.

By automatically gripping the worktop, there is no need for attaching clips or tightening screws beneath the sink.

This unique technology provides a super-slim edge profile which is virtually flush with the work surface.

For further information, contact 0161 436 6280, or visit www.franke.co.uk.

Environment Minister gives Thumbs Up to Label Scheme

The Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme launched by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) continues to receive impressive accolades from key stakeholders.

Commenting on the Scheme, the new Minister of State for the Environment Phil Woolas (pictured)says: ‘I am delighted by the BMA's initiative. It is very important that customers are aware of the ways to save water. Labelling on energy efficient products already informs customer choices on products such as fridges and freezers. This recent announcement by the BMA is a very welcome development, which will begin to extend customer choice not only for householders but for developers and installers. It will also help more generally to raise awareness about the importance of treating water as a valuable resource.'

The BMA launched its Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme earlier this year in response to the DCLG/Defra 'Water Efficiency in New Buildings Consultation Document', which was released in December 2006 indicating that Government wants to reduce water consumption per person per day from 150 litres to 120 litres.

The Scheme is voluntary and open to all companies that manufacturer or sell water efficient products in the UK provided they meet the Scheme's criteria.

Initially, the Scheme covers WC suites; independent flushing cisterns; taps and combination tap assemblies; shower controls; and, baths. It is envisaged that once established, the Scheme could be extended to cover other products and components that encourage the efficient use of water.

The Scheme aims to help both trade and consumers easily identify water efficient products that when installed and used correctly use less water.
Clever use of smart technology in stunning designs means we can do our bit to stamp out waste without compromising on style. Manufacturers are working hard to ensure they help Government meet its water saving targets, whilst still delivering the sexy looking performance packed bathing experience consumers crave.

The Scheme website at http://www.water-efficiencylabel.org.uk provides a plethora of information supporting the Scheme, including the criteria for qualification, database of more than 200 registered products, practical water saving tips and hints and all registration documentation.

The key to water efficiency is reducing waste, not restricting use.

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

Desperate or Dynamic: Hidden Story Behind Job Cuts 

The slowdown in the UK economy could cost 1000 jobs in the kitchen, bedroom & bathroom manufacturers industry, according to leading business analyst Plimsoll Publishing.

But it’s the story behind the headlines that will determine the survival of the companies in question. Customers, suppliers and competitors have no way of telling from a job reduction announcement whether the cuts were made in panic mode or for clearly thought out strategic reasons.

'Obviously the reasons will make little difference to those who are losing their livelihoods,' says David Pattison, senior analyst at Plimsoll. 'But for customers, suppliers or competitors there is a crucial contrast between cost cutting without any obvious focus and scaling back jobs as part of an active programme of management designed to steer the ship and keep the company competitive.'

Plimsoll’s latest survey suggests that of the 265 companies surveyed, up to 109 will need to reduce staff in some form or other. Driving this need are two main issues – the fact that 48 businesses in the sector are showing declining sales, and also the increase in salaries as a percentage of overall costs.

Salaries already account for 25% of sales. But if, as expected, wages rise next year by the projected 4% to an average of £21500, then 41 companies will be unsustainable businesses by this point, according to Plimsoll.

'This analysis clearly pinpoints the companies most at risk and those which are best placed to survive this period of uncertainty. It also sets certain business decisions in context, showing why job losses may be announced, for example. As the market slows towards the end of 2007 and the start of 2008, companies will use the time to focus on costs. But our analysis shows that the headline-grabbing decisions are only a small part of the story, regardless of the company involved.'

Plimsoll’s report does, however, highlight some encouraging signs. Jobs are being created in the kitchen, bedroom & bathroom manufacturers sector, mainly by 8 expanding companies looking to grow their workforce to cope with more business.  This, says David Pattison, is further evidence of where good management is creating confidence for the future.

The latest Plimsoll analysis assesses each of the 265 largest companies on their most recent performance. Copies are available by calling 01642 626422 or by emailing c.sherwood@plimsoll.co.uk

Nobia and DMG Acquires German Kitchen Retail Company Asmo

Through Culinoma GmbH, Nobia AB in Sweden and De MandemakersGroep Holding BV in the Netherlands have acquired the Asmo Group in Germany. The Asmo Group is a kitchen retail chain based in Bavaria with 12 fully owned stores in the Munich area with retail sales of approximately EUR 30 million. The seller is TAC Holding GmbH.

Culinoma was established in February this year, with the objective of developing kitchen stores in Germany through organic growth and acquisitions, thereby attaining a leading position in the market. With Marquardt's 26 stores, PLANA Küchenland's 39 franchise stores, and the 12 stores in the Asmo chain, Culinoma now has 77 kitchen stores, with retail sales of approximately EUR 180 million. This means that it has a leading position in the kitchen retail sector in Germany and a geographical spread from north to south.

Fredrik Cappelen, CEO of Nobia and Ben Mandemakers, CEO of DMG, jointly comment on the acquisition: 'With the acquisition of Asmo, Culinoma has three platforms from which to operate: PLANA in the south, Marquardt in central Germany and now Asmo will strengthen the market presence in the highly interesting Munich region. Culinoma thereby reinforces its kitchen offer in the middle segment of the market and will continue its efforts to realise synergies from the coordination of the acquired entities.'

Today, Asmo is a retail chain of 12 stores, mainly located in high-traffic retail parks in the greater Munich area. Asmo's most recently opened stores are between 1,200 and 2,000 square metres. The company employs approximately 120 people and products are sourced from a wide range of suppliers.

The acquisition of the Asmo Group is conditional upon approval from the competition authorities.

Web: http://www.nobia.com

Cash Incentives Add Seasonal Value for Independent Retailers

In the run up to Christmas, kitchen appliance manufacturer Siemens is giving away generous cash incentives to its independent electrical retailers, in a multi level promotional campaign.

For the first time, independents can earn cash incentives for selling appliances from Siemens' built in appliance range. Using the successful 'Purecard' system - previously only used for freestanding appliances - retailers are able to accrue points for sales of Siemens' built in appliances during the promotional period.

Between 1st October and 31st December 2007, participating dealers can claim points for every Siemens built in appliance sold. These are credited as 'cash' to the 'Purecard' personal credit card that can be redeemed by the dealer from a variety of well known high street stores' online sites.

To qualify, dealers need to sell a minimum of an oven, hob or compact appliance to the same customer for each claim. Between £5 (extractor hood) and £100 (range cooker) can be claimed per sale. For three or more Siemens built in appliances sold to the same customer, an additional £15 bonus can be claimed.

Consumers are also being rewarded by Siemens in the run up to Christmas with special money off offers on selected freestanding laundry appliances. Up to £150 can be claimed back when buying a white tumble dryer with a white Siemens washing machine (values depend on specific models purchased).

In addition, £200 can be claimed back by consumers who purchase a black Siemens tumble dryer at the same time as a matching black washing machine. Black washing machine (WM14S794GB) and tumble dryer (WT46S59BGB) have just been introduced to Siemens' freestanding laundry range this month.

Running concurrently with the above offers is a free detergent promotion for consumers buying any 7kg capacity freestanding washing machine. Six months supply of Ariel washing detergent is supplied free to these customers on completion of a simple claim form. This promotion runs until 31st January 2008.

The above offers are all being supported by substantial point of sale display material sent direct to participating independent retailers. New built in and freestanding appliance brochures are now available from Siemens too.

Comments Siemens Brand Manager, Jane Massey: ‘These incentives have all been tailor-made for our independent electrical retailers. We know that money off offers are always popular with dealers and consumers - especially at this time of year when spending is at an all time high!’

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

Free Appliance Upgrades for Kitchen Specialists

Between 1st October and 31st January 2008, kitchen appliance manufacturer Siemens is offering kitchen specialists a number of significant upgrades on sales of built in cooking appliances.

Siemens' four-month promotion takes account of the lead-in period required for kitchen and built in appliance sales. It means that kitchen specialists and their customers will get tangible benefits during the run up to Christmas and beyond.

A free upgrade to Siemens compact combination oven with pyroKlean, model HB86P570B, is automatically offered to customers buying compact multi function oven model HB86K570B during the promotional period. PyroKlean is an economical and eco friendly self cleaning system, costing around 25p per cycle as opposed to £1.23 for cleaning an ordinary oven by hand.

For customers buying a Siemens hob, there is a welcome upgrade offer as well as two separate free saucepan offers. A free upgrade to a new 'touchSlider' hob is automatically provided to customers purchasing one of four ceramic hobs, models ET737501E, ET787501E, EH777501E & EH787502E.

In addition, a free set of designer saucepans worth £120 is being given to customers purchasing any Siemens induction hob during the promotional period. A free set of saucepans is also on offer to customers purchasing any Siemens hob in tandem with any Siemens pyroKlean oven until the end of January 2008.

Retailers have not been forgotten either. The return of the popular 'Purecard' promotion for dealers paves the way for saving and spending during this period. All Siemens built in appliance sales claims are credited to a personal credit card that can be redeemed from a variety of high street stores' online sites.

To qualify for 'cash' to be credited to their individual account, dealers need to sell a minimum of three built in appliances to the same customer for each claim. One of these must be an oven or compact oven. A £50 bonus can be claimed by dealers selling five Siemens built in appliances or more to the same customer.

The above offers are all being supported by substantial point of sale display material in the form of double sided tent cards, stickers and wobblers. New built in and freestanding appliance brochures are now available from Siemens too.

Comments Siemens Brand Manager, Jane Massey: ‘We now have tangible incentives in place for our kitchen specialist retailers to encourage even more sales of Siemens' built in appliances over the coming months’

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

BLANCO Launches Autumn Extra Promotion

From now until the end of the year, BLANCO dealers can offer their customers a free tap upgrade or waste sorting bin, when they purchase one of a selection of sink and tap packs.

Consumers buying one of four sink and taps packs from BLANCO's Ecoline range of sink and tap packages will automatically be entitled to a tap upgrade: they can choose from the stylishly curved BLANCO OPERA 6000,or the lever action BLANCO APOLLO 2000, an upgrade which would usually cost as much as £40. For customers shopping from the A La Carte range of sink and tap packages, a BLANCOBOTTON waste sorting bin is on offer, worth £89. (pictured).

Further details are available from the BLANCO Sales Office on 020 8910 4500, or email: info@blanco.co.uk.

Amana's 5-Year Warranty in Time for Christmas

Amana, the ultra-premium brand of genuine American refrigeration, is offering a free 5-Year warranty on all its refrigerator models.

Announced in the company's October retailer newsletter, Vision, the offer applies to all Amana refrigeration models and is available to consumer purchases from 1st October until 31st December 2007.

‘With Christmas just around the corner this is a great time for retailers to prosper from consumers looking for a spacious, genuine American fridge or one of our luxury wine cabinets to store and preserve their festive food and wine. It will add huge value to the sale for the retailer and great peace of mind for the consumer,’ says Stuart Frost, Product Marketing Manager, Amana.

Amana is a lifestyle choice and there are many models from which to choose. A highly consumer-led designer brand, Amana seeks to satisfy the increasing demands of its discerning audience. For the Kitchen Specialist, Amana's unique and exclusive bespoke styles and designs are available either freestanding or integrated, affording desirable flexibility and individuality the consumer demands in this niche market.

Full point of sale materials and redemption forms are available to accompany this promotion and are available now from your Area Sales Manager. Or call Amana UK on 01737 231 000.

Baumatic Takes the High Road!

With the arrival of its own transport fleet, Baumatic says that it is taking logistics in-house to provide retailers with a personalised service that's second-to-none.

Making a splash on the UK's motorways, Baumatic has revealed its colourful new livery, which will be hitting the roads this month. Though the stylish new fleet is newsworthy in itself, the fact that this is the first time Baumatic has full ownership and control over its deliveries makes the news even better for retailers.

‘In the past we have mostly out-sourced our logistics, which was no problem in terms of delivering on time, but we felt it lacked the extra service you can offer when you have your own transport and, most importantly, your own drivers,’
explains Logistics and Transport Director Leon Holt. ‘An out-sourced driver will drop off the goods and then leave. Our drivers will be happy to assist getting the products into the premises, which is especially helpful for smaller retailers who may only have one person available to take deliveries.’

As well as being more helpful at point of delivery, by taking its logistics in-house Baumatic will also be wholly in control of the buying process from order to delivery, so there will be less room for error and order tracking will be simplified.

The vibrant new fleet, which includes six 18-tonne rigid trucks, a 7.5 tonne truck, two articulated trucks and two Luton vans, has a colourful design based on the advertising for the Tango TG1 oven in bright red. Designed for maximum impact on the roads, the 11-strong fleet will help promote this collection nationwide.

Tel: 0118 933 6900
Web: http://www.baumatic.co.uk

Ben de Lisi to Judge kbbreview Industry Awards 2008

World renowned fashion designer, Ben de Lisi, is confirmed to judge the design categories at the prestigious annual kbbreview Industry Awards. Ben will join leading experts, respected journalists and other industry professionals in rewarding the best in retail design and business within the UK's bathroom and kitchen industry.

Ben is a strong player on the English fashion scene and over the years has established a loyal fashion and celebrity following. Since 1995 Ben has been showing at London Fashion Week and has won the coveted British Glamour Designer of the Year award twice in 1994 and 1995. And, his diffusion line in conjunction with Debenhams called BDL has become one of the largest selling ranges under the Designers at Debenhams umbrella.

As fashion and interior design have become increasingly overlapping, Ben's sense of style has been embraced by the interiors world and he has worked with prestigious property developers and is currently working with Abacus, developing a unique range of branded bathrooms.

The kbbreview Industry Awards, organised for the third time by the industry magazine, kbbreview, are open to all retailers, interior designers and architects working in the bathroom and kitchen field. The distinguished judging panel, comprising independent experts and many of the most respected figures in the industry, under the Chairmanship of Andrew Davies, editor of kbbreview, will scrutinise all the entries before announcing the shortlist of finalists.

The award categories for 2008 include Master Retailer, the Showroom Award, Designer Awards - for projects costing up to and over 15k and 25k, the Young Designer Award, Contract Design Award, the Achievement Award and, new for 2008, the Environmental Product Award. Winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, on Monday 3rd March 2008.

To book a table at the kbbreview Industry Awards ceremony please contact Anna Liddle on 020 8515 2113 or, via email, at AnnaLiddle@dmgworldmedia.com

Cersaie Posts Record Figures

Cersaie, the largest international exhibition of ceramic tiles and bathroom furnishings, has once again posted record figures.

A total of 91,935 visitors (+1.1%) converged on the Bologna exhibition centre during the five days of the show, a figure that was further underscored by the wide international range of visitors.

The stands of the 1,078 exhibitor companies, representing 32 different countries, were visited by 27,121 foreign professionals (+3.7%), 29.5% of the total and a further increase over last year's figures. The numbers of Italian professionals totalled 59,345, an increase of 0.4%.

There was also a very strong media presence. The show was attended by 632 journalists, including increases in both Italians (360, up 7.8%) and foreigners (272, 43% of the total).

Davide Groppi Italian Lighting Launches in the UK at Viaduct

Viaduct has introduced Davide Groppi, a contemporary Italian lighting company to the British market for the first time this autumn. Founded over ten years ago in Piacenza, with a showroom in Milan, Davide Groppi has developed several ranges of simple lighting that are well suited to contemporary architecture, interiors, and temporary installations. It is the first time that Davide Groppi lighting will be on show in the UK.

Simplicity and functionality are at the heart of the Davide Groppi range, providing beautifully designed lights that fulfill a practical need in a stylish way. Therefore duality is a very important concept in the underlining design of each piece - what light is needed and where, how will it be used and in what context and by whom, and what emotion will result from the end user.

From concealed flooring and recessed ceiling lights to floor and table lamps for use both internally and externally Davide Groppi has designed lighting solutions to work in all situations and environments. The Miss 2 - a linear suspended ceiling lamp - is a model of restraint and paired down simplicity of design while the Spumone Tavolo - a table lamp - has a dramatic pleated lampshade. Bulbs was the first collection in this range featuring suspended and table lamps with single exposed bulbs as part of the overall design. The Out 3 collection will shine a spotlight on any external contemporary sculpture, building or even walkway while the Architecture range is defined by its sharp and striking design.

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

Buy Once, Buy Right, Buy a Kitchenaid® Artisan™ Mixer

Rated ‘Simply the Best’ in a recent test carried out by Good Housekeeping magazine, the KitchenAid® Artisan™ Mixer got top marks for being the best at coping with the heavy mixing of the Christmas pudding and also ticked the box for whipping up less weighty ingredients. The handle on the 4.83 litre bowl makes it easy to pour from and even at top speeds, the sturdy KitchenAid® Artisan™ Mixer remains stable.

The original, iconic KitchenAid® Artisan™ Mixer is available in the widest range of colours on the market and now in new Pearl Metallic.

Every Mixer comes complete with standard accessories: a stainless steel mixing bowl, wire whisk, dough hook and flat beater. Further useful accessories include a pasta making attachment. The KitchenAid® Artisan™ Mixer has a guarantee of 5 years.

New Pearl Metallic costs around £349 and is available from House of Fraser, Harrods, John Lewis Partnership, Selfridges and independent cook shops nationwide. Prices differ depending on the shop and the finish.

The Complete KitchenAid® Collection includes: Blender, Toaster, Espresso Maker, Burr Grinder and Food Processor, as well as the original Mixer. KitchenAid has also extended its culinary expertise with the launch of premium built-in major domestic appliances. Stylish and simple to use, the range now includes ovens, microwaves, hobs, cooker hoods, refrigerators, and dishwashers.

For further information and stockists, contact the Consumer Helpline FREE on 00800 3810 4026 or visit http://www.kitchenaid.co.uk

C.P. Hart Awards Young Designer £2,500

Under-graduate, Jake Powley-Baker from The Glasgow School of Art entered a C.P. Hart competition last year entitled ‘Bathroom of their Dreams’. After being notified he had won, C.P. Hart invited Jake to the successful launch of the new Citterio 'M' collection that was being unveiled at the flagship showroom in Waterloo.

Jake studies Interior Design and is just starting his fourth and final year in Glasgow. His prize included a cheque from C.P. Hart for £2,500. Boards of the winning design were displayed in the showroom for hundreds of guests to admire, and he was presented his prize by none other than world famous Architect and designer of the 'M' collection, Antonio Citterio.

Jake said, ‘I feel honoured to have been part of such an amazing event at such a wonderful showroom, and only hope I can do well enough at university to one day work for as prestigious a company as C.P. Hart’.

The Citterio 'M' collection can be seen now exclusively at C.P. Hart, Newnham Terrace, Hercules Road, London SE1 7DR. For further details please call 0845 600 1950 or visit http://www.cphart.co.uk

Simple Texting Service Transforms Consumer Credit Sales

A texting service making it easier and quicker for sales staff to set up credit deals for their customers has been pioneered by independent finance company - Consumer Credit Solutions Ltd (CCS).

CCS, which specialises in organising consumer credit deals for the home improvement market, introduced the service to give retailers instant access to the financial data necessary for providing individual credit quotations. This can all be done in seconds via an ordinary mobile phone while the customer waits.

Will Evans, a Partner at CCS, explains why the service was needed. ‘Changes to the Consumer Credit Act in 2005 led to a large increase in the number of calculations that were needed for a retailer to complete a Credit Agreement. This inevitably takes extra time, and carries an increased risk of mathematical errors - resulting in documents being returned from the lenders for re-calculation and then having to go back to customers with new forms to sign.’

To take this pressure away from sales staff, CCS teamed up with financial software specialists - Castlefield Computer Consultants - to develop a simple to use text service that provides accurate and reliable figures within seconds. Previously, a similar service would have required special hand-held devices that were prohibitively expensive, especially for retailers with large or transient sales forces.

Bob Lodge is Retail Sales Manager for Warmseal, one of the many companies within CCS's managed portfolio to have taken advantage of the new texting service. ‘It is now so much easier to work out the finance element of a credit deal,’ he said.

‘You send a very short text and within seconds the figures come back which you can then share with the customer. Without this back up, you would have to make your own lengthy calculations and then wait for verification from the lenders. This time delay would mean having to get back to the customer and perhaps arranging a second meeting at their home to discuss the figures.

‘The service is obviously a far more efficient use of sales time and gives the customer immediate and accurate information relating to their own personal credit status,’ he added.

There are other text message services available but they tend to require very long strings of complicated information to be sent in the text.

In order to make the text messages as short as possible, each retailer has their own bespoke code which saves them from re-entering basic data every time they request some figures. A typical text would therefore comprise of the unique retailer code (two letters) and the rate or APR that is required, followed by the cash price, deposit and number of months.

For example 'XX590 5000 500 60' will give the XX company a quote for 5.9% APR, on a purchase of £5,000, with a £500 deposit, over 60 months.

The answer is usually returned within 20 seconds and the round-the-clock service costs no more than the standard rate of a UK text.

An additional advantage of the service is that the software system is designed to sift out user errors. For instance, if a retailer requests a deal that is paid back over 72 months and this is not one of the repayment options agreed with the lender, it will text back as an error message with suggested correct alternatives.

Details of the text service can be obtained from CCS on 0845 120 6666 or by visiting http://www.creditsolutionsgroup.co.uk.

Maytag® Brand Celebrates the 100th Birthday of its First Washing Machine

Don't miss Maytag® brand's 100th birthday celebration of its first washing machine. Known for its rich and long-standing heritage, the brand is saluting its first 100 years of laundry with several celebrations in the upcoming weeks.

The first major event is an open-to-the-public birthday party at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry that takes place this Saturday, October 13th, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Maytag Repairman and Willard Scott of NBC's ‘Today’, known for his homage to 100th birthdays, are hosting the event.

The event is free, and the public is encouraged to attend. Pre- registration is required, and includes complimentary museum entrance for the day. Visit http://www.maytag.com/100years to pre-register by the 3 p.m. CT deadline on Friday.

‘What an honour and a privilege to recognise this 100th birthday with Maytag,’ said Scott. ‘It's an incredible history, and I look forward to celebrating with the people who love this iconic brand.’

The birthday party will include a historical Maytag laundry exhibit with multiple Maytag antiques and collectibles on display. Guests at the party will have the chance to meet the Maytag Repairman and Scott, and have their photos taken with them. The first 100 people at the party, ages 18 and older, will each receive a $100 gift card to The Home Depot. A drawing will also be held for a free Maytag® Centennial™ top-load washer and dryer.

As part of the 100th birthday celebrations, the Maytag Repairman and Scott recorded a birthday audio podcast that takes a look back at 100 years of Maytag laundry milestones.
Also, the Maytag Repairman invites those who recall a ‘Maytag Moment’ from the past 100 years to share it with him. Visit http://www.maytag.com/100years to listen and learn about the brand's heritage and submit a favourite Maytag story. Submissions may be highlighted in future Maytag communications and promotions.

Some loyal Maytag consumers will have a chance to share their Maytag Moments in person with the Maytag Repairman. As part of a cross-country Appreciation Tour, the Maytag Repairman will be visiting Atlanta, Baltimore, St. Louis and Seattle during the next several weeks. He'll be delivering birthday cupcakes to people's homes and spending time with their families and friends. More information about his upcoming appearances is available by contacting maytag@clynch.com.

Web: http://www.maytag.com

This is Carbon Monoxide Awareness week....

This week (15th October 2007) marks Carbon Monoxide Awareness week, a campaign dedicated to raising awareness of the fact that every year, hundreds of people die from Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning around the world and tens of thousands seek medical attention for its affects. In the UK, about 50 people die each year in their homes from accidental CO poisoning (according to the BBC).

Awareness of this odourless, colourless, tasteless gas only peaks when horrible tragedies occur and reach the news – even during what should be the happiest of family times, when on holiday.

An effective solution is an easy to fit Micromark Carbon Monoxide alarm, available from around £30 from http://www.amazon.co.uk or http://www.247electrical.co.uk Simply place it in a hallway or sleeping area.

Carbon Monoxide is a colourless, odourless, highly poisonous gas that is found in carbon-based fuel appliances. Anyone who uses natural gas, heating oil, petrol, or wood to heat their home or work area should be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a product of the incomplete combustion of natural or petroleum gas. Common sources in the home may include faulty central heating systems, gas cookers/fires/tumble dryers, hot water heaters and fireplaces. Blocked flues and chimneys prevent the gas escaping and is inhaled by the unsuspecting individual. Danger signs of CO leakage include yellow or orange flames on the appliances where there should normally be a crisp blue one, and sooty stains on the walls around fires and water heaters. CO poisoning can also occur if you share a wall or chimney with a house that has a potential source of CO, even if your own house does not have one.

Carbon monoxide blocks the body's ability to carry oxygen - and poisoning from the gas can happen in just minutes or over a period of time depending on the amount of carbon monoxide in the air.

Monitoring CO on holiday
Before going on holiday, check if there are gas appliances where you are staying.
You can ask to be moved if there is a gas water heater at your destination and also ask to see the latest safety inspection documentation. Also consider taking a carbon monoxide detector away with you, most are easily portable.

Have you been poisoned by carbon monoxide?
Everyone is at risk of CO poisoning. However, some are more vulnerable than others, including young children, the elderly, students and also people with anaemia, and those with heart and lung diseases. Pregnant women risk foetal damage through exposure to Carbon Monoxide.

In addition to the fatality figures, there is a much larger number of sub-lethal poisonings. These figures could be just the tip of the iceberg as poisoning by carbon monoxide is almost certainly undetected. Headaches, dizziness, lethargy, tiredness and nausea can easily be mistaken for ’flu and other common viruses, or even food poisoning. If one or more individuals in your household suffers from these symptoms while at home but feels fine elsewhere, they may be suffering from CO poisoning.

Many people who have been exposed to carbon monoxide report having problems with their memories, but these can range on a scale from very mild to serious.

Typical Symptoms include:
• Mild headache.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Fatigue.
• Drowsiness, but serious exposure can lead to coma and even death.

Choosing a CO alarm
First chose whether a battery operated or plug in version is best for you – which will depend on where and when you want to use it. For easy portability, or use on holiday, the battery operated Micromark CO alarm (MM80777) may be most suitable.

For continuous monitoring in the family home, the Micromark Plug-in Carbon Monoxide alarm (MM5573) may be the best solution. Easily fitted to the mains, it ensures whole family is safe from these odourless and colourless fumes. When carbon monoxide is detected a bright red light comes on accompanied by a horn sounding. This happens before a healthy person will feel any symptoms, giving enough time for everyone to get out of the property before a fatality occurs.

Best advice:
• Service your boiler regularly by CORGI approved installer
• Check the flame colour of your appliances - if it’s orange there may be a problem
• Correctly fit CO alarm in hallway/sleeping areas of your house
• If alarm sounds, leave house immediately and call a Corgi registered engineer
• have chimneys and flues checked regularly (and fit a guard to stop birds nesting)
• make sure gas appliances and heating systems are inspected every year
• Check for adequate ventilation – airbricks must be unobstructed
• Do you suffer from any unexplained illness, such as fatigue, muscle pains, upset stomach, lethargy, dizziness and headaches? If so, go to your doctor and ask for a Carbon Monoxide test. Don’t delay, because the Carbon Monoxide in your blood will deplete and may not be detected.
• If you think you are suffering from CO poisoning, get out into the fresh air immediately. Ventilate the premises and consult your doctor or go to a casualty department if the symptoms are serious.
• If you are a tenant – check the Landlord’s safety certificate
• Never run cars, motorbikes or lawnmowers in a closed garage

For further details visit http://www.micromark.co.uk or call 020 8829 6354 for local stockists.