Ideal Standard yesterday announced the availability of its MOMENTS bathroom suite in the UK. MOMENTS is a fully integrated bathroom collection, created by the award-winning German design studio ARTEFAKT, which coordinates all elements of the bathroom, from ceramics and furniture to tap fittings, bathroom accessories, and baths.
MOMENTS
reflects sophisticated architecture which, at the same time, communicates
design simplicity and soft features responding to people's desire to cocoon.
The collection achieves this using quality materials and also by providing
a wide range of innovative, bathroom features and functionalities.ARTEFAKT conveys Ideal Standard's vision of a 'Total Bathroom' through consistent design language applied to all MOMENTS features, fittings and furniture making it truly coordinated. Each and every element holds a distinct reminder of the design - from the shape of the bath and the taps to the towel rail and furniture. Its geometrical form conveys emotion by joining very fluent surfaces and soft edges. This gives MOMENTS a specific and sensual atmosphere offering an attractive design alternative to the sharp and detached mood usually associated with minimalism.
Functionality, choice and intelligent use of space are also key attributes of the collection. For example, depending on a bathroom's size and shape, ceramic items can either stand alone, be attached to a wall or directly onto furniture. Wash basins, toilets and bidets can either be floor-standing or wall-hung. Other innovations include "fold away" taps and bath shower heads which slide away for safety and tidiness, a detachable bath enclosure which pulls out to provide hidden storage space, and a 'soft closing' toilet seat to eliminate the risk of slamming.
ARTFAKT Designer, Achim Pohl, who created the MOMENTS collection together with partner Tomas Fiegl, says, 'MOMENTS fully reflects Ideal Standard's integrated total bathroom concept - where individual elements of the bathroom make small statements, but when brought together, the 'whole' bathroom makes a strong affirmation. We used simple shapes. The surfaces are soft, flowing forms, giving MOMENTS its own personalised spirit able to reach people across many cultural boundaries, and translating a modern image.'
The MOMENTS bath is available as a freestanding or built-in version. The foot or head of the bath can be fitted with a sliding door panel for extra storage or an internally illuminated sidewall for the ultimate in relaxation.
The elegant shower range consists of five attractive trays with coordinating frameless glass panels and a distinctive 'soft edge' design. The shower panel with five control settings and multiple jets offer an invigorating shower experience.
The range offers furniture to complement the bathroom, with a total of eight different pieces featuring high-quality wood veneer with colours of light oak or white lacquer. With the continuation of soft lines and edges, the furniture reflects the design of the MOMENTS sanitary ware.
The comprehensive range of mixer taps and accessories for wash basins, bidets, baths and showers is perfectly coordinated to suit the overall bathroom look. The range of accessories reflecting the MOMENTS design includes towel rails, soap dishes, soap dispensers, glass holders, bath grips, lighting fixtures, robe hooks, toilet roll holders and toilet brush holders.
For further information regarding Ideal Standard call 01482 346461 or visit:
www.ideal-standard.co.uk
Beautiful
Promotion on Award Winning Product
Aqualux
is inviting its trade customers to share in its success by offering
a promotion on its award winning Walk-In with Wet Room option.
Aqualux scooped the Best Bathroom Product award at the House Beautiful
Awards held at Madame Tussauds in March and to celebrate is offering
'amazing' discounts on the enclosure.
The West Midlands based shower enclosure and bath screen manufacturer
is offering 10% off all Walk-In products and 80% off displays.
Aqualux is also offering an eye catching House Beautiful branded point
of sale pack which includes show cards for till points, window stickers
and posters which promote the Walk-In.
Sandra Hyde, marketing manager, said: 'The Walk-In is already set at
a fantastic price, that is one of the reasons why we won the House Beautiful
Award and we want to pass on our success to our valued trade customers
by making the Walk-In even better value for money.'
The Walk-In comes in three sizes – 1400mm x 800mm, 1400mm x 900mm
and 1700mm x 900mm with a height of 1900mm and is supplied with a hardwood,
water-resistant foot board and stylish towel rail.
For further information on Aqualux and its products, please call: 0870
241 6131 or visit http://www.aqualux.co.uk
Emerson
Reports Strong Second-Quarter 2006 Results
Emerson
announced net sales for the second quarter ended March 31st, 2006 were
$4.9 billion, an increase of 15 percent over the $4.2 billion reported
in the prior year. Net earnings for the second quarter increased 25
percent to $434 million, or $1.05 per share. This represents a 27 percent
increase in earnings per share from the $0.83 earned in the same period
last year. For the six months ended March 31st, 2006 sales were $9.4
billion, a 15 percent increase from the same period last year. This
helped to generate earnings per share of $2.01 for the first six months
of 2006, a 31 percent increase from the prior year.
The Company achieved underlying sales growth of 14 percent in the quarter,
excluding the impact of unfavorable exchange rates (2 percent) and growth
from acquisitions (3 percent). This exceptional sales growth demonstrates
the superior growth profile of Emerson's businesses, with sales growth
in all five business segments and double-digit increases from four of
the five segments, as shown below:
'Emerson's
second quarter performance is a continuation of the very strong results
achieved over the last year and is due to our continued focus on the
eight strategic initiatives that are driving exceptional organic growth,'
said David N. Farr, chairman, chief executive officer and president.
'Global economic conditions continue to provide a favourable background
for Emerson's businesses. Our solid strategic position across the markets
we serve and the dedication of thousands of employees all over the world
helped make these great results possible,' Farr said.
'Our second quarter operating profit margin improved to 15.0 percent
from 14.4 percent in the prior period. Margins improved in four of the
five business segments, largely as a result of leverage on the volume
increases and benefits from prior restructuring activities, which were
partially offset by higher pension costs. Pretax margins improved to
12.9 percent from 11.8 percent in the prior period. Emerson's procurement
organisation is sharply focused on containing the inflationary pressures
on key commodities, namely steel, copper, and aluminium. This continues
to be a challenge and requires that we initiate selective price increases
in order to help offset material increases.'
Segment Highlights
• The strength of the Process Management offering is shown by the
continued strong order growth, which we have converted into strong sales
performance over the last 18 months. During the second quarter, Process
Management was awarded a contract in the United States to provide automated
control systems for three BP refinery upgrades and also entered a seven-year
agreement with Suncor to automate its North American facilities.
• lndustrial Automation experienced very strong growth in the quarter,
with favourable dynamics in all major geographic regions, especially
the United States and Europe. Robust activity in the oil, gas, mining,
and metals markets drove growth in the alternator, electrical distribution,
and mechanical power transmission businesses.
• Network Power had another exceptional quarter as the leverage
of a 31 percent increase in sales to the computing and telecommunications
markets boosted operating profits. The segment is positioned for further
growth, and recent acquisitions of Knurr AG and Artesyn Technologies
strengthen its position.
• The final conversion during the quarter to the new 13-SEER air-conditioning
standard boosted U.S. sales for Climate Technologies. Sales in Europe
also
increased, but the benefits of higher sales volumes were more than offset
by higher commodity costs and increased restructuring expenses.
• Appliance and Tools had solid sales and margin performance in
the quarter. The tools and storage business delivered strong growth
driven largely by demand in the non-residential construction markets.
The segment margin benefited from prior cost reduction efforts and leverage
on the increased sales.
Balance Sheet/Cash Flow
Operating cash flow was $549 million in the second quarter of 2006,
an increase of 24 percent from the second quarter of 2005. The increase
was driven by the earnings growth in the quarter and continued execution
on working capital improvement programmes. Emerson continues to manage
the demands for working capital during this period of strong sales growth.
The success of these programmes is evidenced by the ratio of trade working
capital to sales, which dropped to 18.6 percent in the current quarter
compared to 20.2 percent in the same period last year.
2006 Outlook
The strong order growth and financial performance for the first half
of the year has strengthened the outlook for the full year. Emerson
now expects consolidated sales growth in the range of 12 percent to
15 percent, driven by strong underlying sales growth (excluding foreign
currency translation and acquisitions), which is now expected to be
in the range of 10 percent to 12 percent. Based on this higher level
of sales we now expect earnings per share in the range of $4.25 to $4.35,
an increase over our prior EPS guidance range of $4.10 to $4.30.
Gaggenau
Introduces Weekend
Opening for Flagship
London Showroom
In
response to demand from trade customers and consumers, luxury built
in kitchen appliance specialist Gaggenau has just changed the opening
hours of its 'flagship' London showroom to include weekend opening.
From
May 2006, the Gaggenau showroom at 40 Wigmore Street in London will
be open between 10am and 4pm every Saturday for general viewing, in
addition to the current weekday opening hours of 10am until 5.30pm.
Trade and consumer visitors will be welcome to view the range at any
time between these hours, on Tuesdays to Saturdays. On Mondays, the
showroom will be closed to the general public from May onwards but still
available, by prior appointment only, for accompanied access by dealers
to bring their customers to the venue.
Gaggenau's London showroom was opened to the public almost a year ago
in August 2005 to provide a central UK focus for the brand to display
all the appliances in its comprehensive collection under one roof. No
sales are conducted at the showroom. It is designed for consumers and
trade customers to see all the appliances at close hand and take advantage
of expert advice in advance of - or in addition to - visiting a local
Gaggenau retail studio.
Since its opening last year, the showroom has proved an excellent resource
for the brand, regularly hosting dealers and potential customers for
a closer look at all the latest appliances. There are now three experienced
full time members of staff: showroom manager Juan Pillay, Assistant
showroom manager Bnita Parbhakar-Sohal and showroom consultant Olga
Krunic.
Arranged on two floors, the showroom works simultaneously on both levels
with all the cooking and cooling appliances displayed in white furniture
on the (upper) street level and a working kitchen on the lower floor.
This is where special events, consumer demonstrations and dealer training
regularly take place.
Comments Gaggenau's Sales Director Adam Roddan: ‘Our intention
was always to open on Saturdays but we were determined not to do so
until the staffing levels were absolutely right. With three full-time
specialist staff now firmly in place, I am confident that we are now
in a strong position to offer a first class, individually tailored experience
to all our visitors’
For appointments & viewing times, call 01908 328360 or visit http://www.gaggenau.com
HomePro
Brings Millions of Pounds of Better Business to the Trade Professional
Tradespeople
wanting to reach more homeowners looking for professionals to undertake
home improvement projects on their behalf should aim to get registered
with HomePro’s Find-a-Pro directory service as a means for sourcing
sales leads, achieving growth and improving business.
Free to consumers seeking to locate quality professionals tackling projects
in their local areas; HomePro’s Find-a-Pro, in 2005, helped match
thousands of homeowners with tradespeople – resulting in millions
of pounds in project value. This project value is shared between on-line
and off-line activity.
Being
included on the Find-a-Pro directory is a fairly simple process –
involving being either accepted as a customer for the company’s
Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs) or as a member of FairTrades, one
of the UK’s leading multi-trade associations, or both. Qualifying
involves the basic requirements of having been trading for at least
one year, and having a good credit and legal history; and satisfactory
references being obtained from 10 randomly selected (by HomePro) former
customers. As a result of this vetting process, the company now holds
over 500,000 customer remarks on over 100,000 projects.
Being able to offer IBGs is a powerful marketing tool that increases
consumer confidence in the tradespersons’ business, displays an
enhanced level of professionalism and can increase sales conversions
by up to 30%.
FairTrades members reap the benefits of increased marketing and business
support, sales leads and special offers – from Yellow Pages and
Thomson Local corporate advertising schemes and discounts on vehicles
and building products – and an enhanced and more professional business
profile.
When a consumer visits the site or contacts the off-line telephone number
they are presented with various options to Find-a-Pro. Professionals
are ranked according to the consumer’s postcode, the relevance
of the type of works requires and the level of vetting passed.
The directory includes a summary of each tradesperson’s references,
so that homeowners can make their own, gratifyingly instant, assessment
of their customer satisfaction record. To ensure a continued standard
is maintained, consumers are asked to provide feedback on every job;
improving homeowners’ confidence when selecting trades from the
whole range of activities and disciplines.
To find out more about registering with HomePro’s Find-a-Pro service
and the chance of a share of millions of pounds worth of home improvement
projects; plus the benefits of Insurance Backed Guarantees and FairTrades
membership; call 0870 7 344 344 or visit http://www.HomePro.com.
Fitter
Prosecuted for Breach of Part P
An electrician in Newcastle and a bathroom fitter from the Bath and Somerset area are the first to be successfully prosecuted for offences under Part P of the Building Regulations.
Able Electrical based in Newcastle and the company’s director John Waugh, an electrician with 28 years experience, admitted 23 counts of breaching building regulations and was fined total of £16,000.
Able Electrical carried out rewiring on a property which, according to Newcastle magistrates' court, could have resulted in death or serious injury. Waugh admitted to 23 offences including falsely claiming to be registered with the NICEIC, failing to notify work to Building Control, installing cables under the landing floor in a poor manner, using old wires which are no longer covered by current regulations and not using Residual Circuit Breakers for sockets.
Newcastle Council Building Control brought charges against Able Electrical after the householder called in an NICEIC registered electrician to inspect Able’s work and found that the property needed a complete rewire and tests could not be carried out for safety reasons.
Jim Speirs, director general of the NICEIC said: 'It is unacceptable for an electrician with this level of experience to have carried out work to such a poor standard that lives are put at risk.
'A professional and competent electrician or installer would have no problem in becoming registered with a competent person scheme, and would therefore have no reason to falsify their status. The NICEIC takes misuse of its name and logo seriously and we will always prosecute any persons falsely claiming registration with our schemes.'
In a second incident, Bath & North East Somerset Council Building Control brought charges against bathroom fitter Roger Martin Drinkwater for contravening Building Regulations with regard to the installation of an electric shower in a replacement bathroom at a private property.
The defendant pleaded guilty to charges that included using a method of wiring not in accordance with the British Standard, and failing to advise the complainant that the incomplete shower should not be used and that it was awaiting checking. He was fined £1,000 for the Part P offence and £250 each for the remaining offences of failing to give a Building Notice to Building Control prior to commencement of the work, and failing to give notice of commencement and completion of certain stages of the work. The court also ordered the defendant to pay £1,066 in costs.
Jim
Speirs continued: 'It is vital that anyone carrying out electrical installations
are qualified to do so, and have a practical understanding of current
wiring and building regulations. These prosecutions under Part P are
evidence that Building Control bodies and scheme operators are taking
compliance with Part P seriously, and will not tolerate false claims
of competent scheme registration and sub-standard, dangerous working
practices.'
http://www.niceic.org.uk/
BCGm
Announce New Brand Director
Broughton
Crangrove Galley Matrix (BCGm), the UK's leading national distributor
of kitchen appliances, bathrooms, showers and heating products has appointed
Paul Theobald to the position of Brand Director to lead the next phase
of the growth of the business.
Paul joined BCGM on the 27th March 2006 and brings with him a wealth
of business acumen and operational experience. Paul has an accomplished
background in the manufacture, distribution and operation of vending,
printing and currency handling equipment.
He has covered many roles from factory management, through sales leadership
and most recently as Global Marketing Director for MEI, the world's
leading supplier of equipment for handling and counting notes and coins.
Paul says, 'I am delighted to be joining BCGm at a very exciting time.
The business already has a strong management and a great reputation
in the market with its customers and suppliers. This is a testament
to the excellent team of people who run the business on a day-to-day
basis, ensuring we offer the best service in the industry.
I am really looking forward to the challenge of leading this business to new levels of success in this rapidly changing market. In the future we will continue to refine our current offerings to ensure we continue to improve our service and support. I am also looking forward to ensuring we are able to leverage this historical success, which puts us in a great position to expand our service and product offerings to better meet a wider range of our customer needs.'
Conserve
Water - Get A Dishwasher
By now the majority of people will have heard recent reports about the
lack of rainfall during the winter months and talk of water restrictions
for the coming summer. Perhaps it's difficult to take this seriously
on an island where rain seems to fall much of the time.
This year however, it seems that we all need to be doing our bit. Most
consumers know about water conservation through measures like not using
hosepipes, taking showers instead of baths and turning off the tap whilst
cleaning their teeth. But do they realise that getting a dishwasher
can conserve over 23,000 litres of water per year?*
Jacob Tompkins of Waterwise (a member of the Government's Water Saving
Group) comments, 'I estimate that the average family uses about 500
litres of water every day. A third is flushed down the toilet and a
third goes on personal washing (showers, baths etc). Washing up uses
about 10% of the daily water and using a modern dishwasher could reduce
this to less than 2% - if every household in the UK did this it would
save more than a quarter of a billion litres a day!'
Many people would be surprised to hear that you use a lot more water
washing up by hand than a dishwasher would use. The Bosch Logixx SGS65L22
dishwasher uses the least water of any dishwasher on the market - as
little as 9 litres of water per wash, as opposed to 40 to 60 litres
for handwashing a similar load. The half load option isn't just for
upper basket only either. You can put your half load anywhere in the
dishwasher and still use that option - saving even more water and electricity.
Bosch dishwashers have never been more effective and yet they use half
the water and electricity they did fifteen years ago. This means a Bosch
dishwasher could save you, and the environment over 23,000 litres of
water and over 400kWh of electricity annually. All good reasons for
getting that dishwasher you need, or upgrading your old one.
*A person that washes up by hand will do 2 or 3 washes a day and uses
60 litres of water a time (verified by the University of Bonn). We estimate
440 washes per year = 26,400.
A new dishwasher uses on average 12 litres per wash and we estimate
220 cycles per year = 2640 litres
WATER USAGE STATISTICS
In the UK, the average person uses 150 litres of water a day
_ A standard shower uses 35 litres of water every five minutes
_ An average depth bath uses 80 litres of water per day
_ A Bosch dishwasher uses as little as 9 litres of water per day
_ Washing up by hand uses 60 litres of water per day
_ Flushing a toilet uses 7 - 10 litres of water every time
www.boschappliances.co.uk
www.waterwise.org.uk
Hüppe
Appoints Sterling as National Distributor
Hot
on the heels of its new UK brochure and price list, Hüppe's UK
sales agent RSJ Associates Limited has appointed Sterling Distribution
as its new national distributor.
The appointment follows last summer's communications audit by RSJ, which
found broader national coverage was needed to satisfy retailers' demands
for stock and swift delivery. Sterling will complement the regional
distribution service provided to Hüppe by Brausch & Co Ltd,
London; DHL Bathrooms Ltd, Bristol; RK Ceramics Ltd, Warrington; R O
Arnolds Ltd, Doncaster; and Delphi Distribution Ltd, Falkirk.
Tewkesbury based Sterling is one of the largest national distributors
of sinks, many designed and commissioned by Sterling, and its appointment
by Hüppe takes it into the bathroom market after 12 years of exclusively
supplying the kitchen industry.
‘This is a big step for us and we had to think carefully about
who we wanted our bathroom partners to be’ explained James Casswell,
a Partner in Sterling. ‘We wanted a quality, rather than an unknown
brand, and Hüppe stands out as one of the most respected in the
market so we were very glad to take their products on board.’
For more information on Hüppe products, please contact either RSJ
Associates direct on 01260 276188/e-mail: info@rsjassociates.co.uk.
or Sterling on 01684 299555/e-mail: sales@sterlingdistribution.co.uk.
From
Wellness to Design: MA.DE at Fuori Salone in Milan & Cosmoprof in
Bologna
Iris
Ceramica recently took part in Fuori Salone in Milan & Cosmoprof
in Bologna interpreting the rooms it occupied with its MA.DE. surfaces.
From
5th to 10th April Iris Ceramica in Milan at the Fuori Salone 2006: Aria
& Acqua, a space furnished with designer pieces chosen and put together
by the architect Ludovica Palomba to bear witness to the new era of
Iris Ceramica.
Excelsior and Victoria were the chosen surfaces on which to shine jets
of light to show up the material nature of tiles featuring a high-tech
effect.
At the same time, in Bologna, from 7th to 10th April, Iris Ceramica
clothed the design created by the Maletti Group and its brands Presence
Paris, Nilo the SPA Industry and UKI at Cosmoprof 2006.
Maletti, who always joins forces with great names of the design world,
proposed 'pieces' created by designers Didier Gomez [Little Talk], Ross
Lovergrove [Organic Dream] and Claudio Silvestrin [I Tagli].
The interior decoration of these design areas was completed by coconut
tiles and contrasting matt surfaces: Uni Nero, Cocos Cafè and
Cocos Tortora were the leading players in design, floor tiles for wellbeing
centres and spas, soft to the touch and soft on the eye.
GE
Commercial Finance Furnishes MBO for R&C Living
GE
Commercial Finance's Business Finance unit has provided a financing
package to facilitate the management-buy-out (MBO) of Cheshire-based,
R&C Living Ltd.
The company is a wholesale supplier of interior and exterior home furnishings
and furniture. Domestic furnishings range from ceramics, glassware,
porcelain, and outdoor furniture includes a range of water features,
furniture, oil burners and ceramics. R&C imports its 3,000 products
from the Far East and Portugal, and distributes to trade throughout
the UK.
The MBO team is being led by James Ward, Managing Director who has been
a director in R&C and its parent company, TWT Group, for the last
three years. The finance package consists of invoicing discounting,
a cash flow loan and inventory finance.
James Ward commented: 'Business Finance was able to structure an effective
funding package that enabled us to complete the MBO with the utmost
ease. The flexibility demonstrated by Stuart Bates and his team was
instrumental in getting this deal off the ground, and enables us to
continue our long-standing relationships with key customers and suppliers.'
Commenting on the deal, Simon Wells, GE Commercial Finance, Business
Finance, Director said: 'R&C Living Limited required a flexible
solution of ABL products and a cash flow term loan to meet initial consideration
and ongoing working capital. The company has been performing well in
a competitive environment over the last few years; this is a great opportunity
for an experienced management team to grow the business significantly
in the future.'
Electrolux:
Getting into Spirit of the World Cup
With
football fever hotting up Electrolux has launched a PR campaign to highlight
top features on its latest appliances to footy fans.
Sven lookalike Derek Williams happily poses next to a variety of Electrolux
appliances - highlighting their best 'footy fan' appeal:
Electrolux Insight Maxi Load washing machine: This cool Swede
has got more capacity than any other standard size machine to manage
your kit - that's the home AND away shirts - and even the refs!
Electrolux Insight Cooker
Great touch, close control, superb Insight...the perfect recipe for
success from Electrolux
Electrolux Screenfridge: When you can't manage to be there....
- use the NEW Electrolux Screenfridge to keep your finger on the pulse
of the latest World Cup news!
Electrolux BBQ Grill
When the steaks are high - there's only one choice....Top this summer's
World Cup Action by treating yourself to the best barbeque in town!
Press releases will be issued to all relevant consumer media - home
interest, lifestyle - the sports pages in the nationals/regional press
- and for BBQ grill DIY and Garden media.
Trade Sales
Freestanding: Tel: 08705 650 650
Built-In: Tel: 08705 822 886
Web: http://www.electrolux.com
Bedroom
Furniture Market - UK 2006
AMA
Research has published its latest review ofthe 'Bedroom Furniture Market
- UK 2006' report. The report is informed, comprehensive and up-to-date,
and represents an aid to sales and marketing professionals involved
in the industry.
The report analyses the principle product sectors, market size, key
trends and influences, product mix, market shares, and distribution
channels.
Emphasis is given to both quantitative and qualitative assessments ofmarket
developments - with interpretation of relevant data to support key trends
and to provide a basis for extrapolating future prospects.
This 80+ page report is available now and is priced at £595.
Summary:
The Bedroom Furniture sector accounts for just over 13% of the overall
furniture market with an approximate value in 2005 of £508 million.
Forecasts over the next 4 years estimate fluctuating annual increases
of between 1-2% to reach a value of £536 million in 2007. The
following chart illustrates the development of the bedroom furniture
sector in recent years:-
The
table illustrates that the bedroom furniture market has grown since
1999, although the market has struggled in 2004 and 2005. Lower levels
of consumer confidence, a weakening economic climate, a slowdown in
the housing market and higher interest rates have all contributed to
the poor performance of the sector, as well as the fact that a number
of key manufacturers and distributors have vacated the market in the
last two years.
The bedroom furniture market has also failed to benefit from increased
RMI activity in the same way as the kitchen and bathroom markets have,
and while some increase in spending has filtered through to this sector,
the bedroom is not seen as such an important room as the kitchen or
bathroom for renovation activity.
The level of imports has increased substantially in recent years and
they now account for well over half the market. This increase has significantly
affected the performance of the market due to their lower value, which
has restricted overall market growth. The increase in new entrants to
the homewares retail market offering flat-pack products has also affected
value growth.
The furniture market is very responsive to swings in consumer confidence,
changes in disposable income and to activity in the housing market.
Due to the deferrable nature of big-ticket items such as bedroom furniture,
there is often a lengthy replacement cycle, with purchases often seen
as non-essential and delayed during periods of financial uncertainty.
The bedroom furniture market continues to be dominated by the freestanding
sector, with market share remaining constant and estimated at just under
75% in 2005. The fitted sector accounts for around 25%, but continues
to be constrained by pricing pressures and is driven by activity in
the housing sector. In addition, with the growth o fmodular furniture
ranges, a blurring between the two markets is occurring.
Household penetration levels of fitted bedroom furniture were estimated
to be around 14% in 2005, with forecasts expecting a steady rise to
reach around 17% in 2009. The trend towards smaller new builds in the
housing sector and the shrinking size of bedrooms, requires a greater
emphasis on space-saving storage solutions, which will also benefit
the overall market.
The self-assembly sector has gained share in recent years with the rapid
expansion of IKEA, and the growing significance of Argos, as suppliers
in this sector. A rapid increase in the level ofimports has also benefited
the self-assembly market, with the majority of imports into the UK made
up of this type of furniture.
In recent years the use of the bedroom has changed from a place for
sleeping into a multi-purpose roomjused for both working and relaxing.
In particular many second or third bedrooms have been changed to incorporate
a home office facility, and some bedroom ranges now incorporate dual
use furniture that can be used for both storage and office use.
The majority of bedroom furniture is now offered in contemporary styles,
at the expense of more traditional furniture. Some ranges of traditional
furniture have been updated with contemporary features such as modem
handles in an effort to compete. Light woods and veneered finishes remain
popular, while the pine market has witnessed further decline.
There has been significant activity within the supply and distribution
sector with a number of key companies ending their activities within
the bedroom furniture market. Silentnight has sold off its bedroom furniture
arm; Durham Pine and Stag Furniture have been placed in administration.
Leading suppliers to the bedroom furniture market include MFI, Homeform
Group and Hammonds.
The distribution sector has also witnessed a high level of corporate
activity, with major suppliers such as Courts and Furnitureland going
into administration. Furniture Multiples continue to dominate the overall
distribution sector while the growth of companies such as Argos within
the market has seen the share of catalogue retailers increasing.
The future performance of the market will be dependent on a number of
factors including the performance of the housing market, interest rates,
the future level of imports and general levels of consumer confidence.
Tel: 01242 235724
Email: sales@amaresearch.com
Web: http://www.amaresearch.co.uk
Bruce
Martin Retires from Craven Dunnill
Craven Dunnill, the Midlands based tile distributor, has said a fond farewell to Bruce Martin, its Sales Director, who has retired after 15 years at the company and over a quarter of a century in the tile industry. At a leaving party in the company's showroom in Bridgnorth, Peter Howells, Managing Director, paid tribute to Bruce's outstanding contribution to the business and presented him, on behalf of everyone at Craven Dunnill, with an original watercolour of the island of Skye - Bruce's ancestral homeland. Entitled Shalom - Isle of Skye, the gift was painted by staff member Susan Long.
Peter
Howells, Managing Director of Craven Dunnill, making a presentation
in the Craven Dunnill showroom, to Bruce Martin, on his retirement as
Sales Director.
Bruce
joined Craven Dunnill in 1991 from H & R Johnson Tiles having previously
worked for a couple of US multi-nationals, including Proctor and Gamble.
He recalls that on joining the tile industry he discounted the warnings
that he would never leave it - 25 years later he explains: ‘This
has been an extremely agreeable way to earn a living. On coming into
the industry from the cut and thrust of the grocery industry, I found
a haven of relative peace and tranquility. The tile business seems to
have a marked absence of the more hard-nosed, aggressive and border-line
pathological tactics that seem to be common currency elsewhere. And
the people are much nicer too’.
During his 25 years in the tile industry Bruce has seen many changes,
including trends in tile design: ‘When I started, all you could
really buy were boring, plain tiles but today, there are simply thousands
of designs - the change has been huge’. During his time as Craven
Dunnill's Sales Director, the company has opened the Tile Shack outlets,
acquired the manufacturer, now known as Craven Dunnill Jackfield, and
won various awards, including Excellence in Distribution 2005 from The
Tile Association.
Bruce and his wife, Patti, plan to spend their retirement split between
France and New Zealand, where their daughter lives.
Following Bruce's retirement, Peter Howells, Managing Director of Craven
Dunnill, will again be taking a more active role on the Sales side,
directing the experienced sales team, and new appointments are about
to be made in other strategic positions within the business.
Metso
Supplies Equipment to Pfleiderer's Fibreboard Line in Poland
Metso
Panelboard will supply equipment for Pfleiderer MDF Sp.z.o.o.'s medium-density
fibreboard line in Grajewo, Poland. The new MDF line is scheduled for
start-up in mid 2007. The value of the order is EUR 20 million, and
it is included in Metso Panelboard's first quarter orderbook.
The delivery will consist of Metso's wood handling system, a fibre preparation
system with the capacity of 28 tons per hour, equipment for chip washing,
resin and wax preparation, 2-stage drying and sifting, and a turnkey
energy plant of 66 MW firing capacity. The energy plant is designed
to supply also building heating for the existing particleboard line.
In addition, Metso will supervise the installation and start-up.
The German-based Pfleiderer is a global producer of particleboard for
the furniture industry. Currently the company has 11 plants in Europe
and 8 plants in North America. Pfleiderer's plant in Grajewo is one
of the biggest producers of furniture boards and veneers in Poland.
Metso is a global engineering and technology corporation with 2005 net
sales of approximately EUR 4.2 billion. Its 22 000 employees in more
than 50 countries serve customers in the pulp and paper industry, rock
and minerals processing, the energy industry and selected other industries.
Web: http://www.metso.com
>rational<
Secures a Contract Worth Millions in Dubai
Even people used to real luxury are describing what is presently happening off the coast of Dubai in the Arabian Gulf as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Two palm tree-shaped man-made islands, some five kilometres in diameter, will in future serve as a fairytale holiday paradise, including among other things 2,000 luxury villas. The holiday complex is called quite simply ‘The Palm’ and can even be recognized from outer space. The contract to equip a large number of the villas has now been awarded to the kitchen manufacturer >rational<.
It
goes without saying that all the big names among the well known and
leading kitchen manufacturers put in bids for this lucrative contract.
But out of all the international companies considered, >rational<
secured the most substantial order worth millions.
This was preceded by 18 months of intensive preparation, during which
time the fitted kitchen manufacturer cooperated closely and successfully
with its exclusive local partner in Dubai.
According to Hans H. Krückemeier, Export Manager of the German
subsidiary of the internationally operating Snaidero concern: ‘When
it comes to high-quality kitchens for exceptional projects of the highest
standard, >rational< enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide.
This was the deciding factor.’ The growing view throughout the
Gulf region that the ultimate kitchen is one made in Germany came on
top of this.
‘Our kitchens with their unmistakable design, excellent workmanship
and technical perfection satisfy this high quality standard. Our kitchens
are distinguished by a character that is typically and uniquely >rational<.
They convincingly embody what people today expect from a high-end kitchen’,
Krückemeier added.
In the first half of the year, >rational< will ship the kitchens
to Dubai, where the luxury villas have long since been sold and now
wait to be completed and moved into. The entire complex is divided into
various themed parks, each with its own architectural style. ‘Garden
Homes’ and ‘Signature Villas’ are the names of the themed
parks in which in the foreseeable future the kitchens from >rational<
will delight the new owners from all corners of the globe.
Ranking among them, an array of internationally famous stars from the
world of show business.
‘Obviously, life there will take on entirely different dimensions
to those in an average home here.’ Describing the character of
the complex, Krückemeier explains that around 40 sq. m for the
kitchen alone, is not uncommon in these luxury villas. The contract
ranks among a whole series of international projects which >rational<
has been able to add to its list of successes this year. On this, the
Managing Director, Robert Wambach, had the following to say:
‘For some years now >rational< has geared itself to the requirements
of the world market and the demands of an international public, without
forgetting the virtues of made in Germany or abandoning the development
of its own kitchens in the process. This has clearly paid off.’
Today >rational< with its products is represented in more than
45 countries throughout the world, fostering a distinct quality and
brand awareness. It is already working with success on becoming involved
in other similar projects planned for the Gulf States.
The >finca< is one of the kitchens that will soon be fitted in Dubai. Also here in Europe it ranks as one of the most popular and characteristic country house style kitchens.
Spanish
kitchen manufacturer Santos has appointed Colin Seaton of CRS Agencies
Limited in Dorset as the company's exclusive U.K. agent.
Commenting
on his appointment Colin Seaton said 'I am very pleased to represent
this wonderful product in the U.K. Santos has a very good understanding
of the requirements for the U.K. market and is already extremely experienced
in exporting the company's kitchens across the world. I am pleased to
say that we have already secured our first retailer. The support package
Santos offers is superb and will suit the specialist retailer very well.
The literature, door display cases and marketing materials are of a
very high quality.
'With European styling becoming more and more popular the timing of
Santos's entry into this market could not be better.
'Following the company's presence at Eurocucina we will be exhibiting
the product at the forthcoming 'must see' Kitchen Showcase exhibition'
Tel: 07919 440374
SMART says that over the last five years it has taken the KBB industry to new heights with its powerful business and operational management system, leading the technology revolution for increased business growth and efficiency. SMART has recently announced that it is celebrating its 500th user of SMART, the well-established kitchen and bedroom manufacturer - Carl Josef.
Joseph
Hanson, Managing Director Carl Josef (left) Charles Kovacik, Development
Director, Smart Systems (right)
Carl
Josef's Managing Director, Joseph Hanson says ‘We are extremely
pleased to be SMART's 500th user. As a forward thinking company we have
chosen SMART to play a key role in creating a new ordering system, while
also acting as an important part in our continued long term development
plans’.
SMART offers customers a high level of functionality, including the
ability to access the processing of an order at any stage, demonstrating
a level of communications that today's market needs. Carl Josef prides
itself on offering bespoke solutions, alongside a very personal service
to its customers. Joseph Hanson of Carl Josef explains, ‘In an
ever-competitive marketplace such as the KBB industry you must simply
remain one step ahead.’
Roger West, Managing Director of SMART says ‘After only 5 years
in the KBB industry, SMART Systems has emerged as a leading business
tool for manufactures and retailers alike. It is a momentous occasion
to celebrate our 500th user and it demonstrates the growing trend of
companies choosing SMART to become an integral part of their business.’
Whirlpool
Corporation Expands Ohio Manufacturing Operations
Whirlpool
Corporation confirmed on 16th May the expansion of its Ohio-based laundry
manufacturing operations to support innovation and capacity requirements
for the newly acquired Maytag brands.
The expansion is expected to include the creation of more than 1,100
jobs in Ohio, split evenly between the existing facilities in Clyde
and Marion. Whirlpool will begin additional equipment installation and
hiring at the Clyde and Marion facilities this summer, with production
scheduled to begin before the end of the year.
'The global home appliance industry is highly competitive and requires
Whirlpool to be the best cost and best quality producer in each region
of the world,' said David L. Swift, president of Whirlpool North America. 'Our
facilities in Clyde and Marion, Ohio are two of the largest, most efficient
factories in the world. The investments will help us drive
improved productivity and efficiency across our North American laundry
manufacturing platform.'
Swift continued: 'The improved business climate, including
last year’s tax reform, has made Ohio a more attractive place to
do business. These investments will support the continuing efforts of
our brands, including the newly acquired Maytag family of brands, to
deliver a constant stream of innovation to consumers in the U.S. domestic
market and throughout the world.'
The investment follows the recently communicated plans to consolidate
laundry washer and dryer production from former Maytag manufacturing
sites in Newton, Iowa; Herrin, Illinois; and Searcy, Arkansas with Whirlpool
laundry factories in Clyde and Marion.
Sick
Days Cost the UK Economy 1.7 Billion per Year
A
major concern of most business owners and managers is staff absence.
Just last year the UK economy was hit by a loss of £12.2 bn through
staff absence according to a survey conducted by the employers’
group and insurance firm Axa.
The overall cost of £12.2bn has increased from £11.6bn in
the previous survey. These figures represent the cost of covering salaries
for absent staff, the resulting overtime and temporary cover, and lost
service or production time. £1.7bn is due to staff 'pulling sickies'
rather than absence resulting from genuine ill-health.
There are many different reasons that cause a person to become ill,
but with a healthy balanced diet the risks of getting ill are greatly
reduced.
G&G Vitamins, a nutritional company based in East Grinstead, has
commissioned the creation of a free nutritional deficiency test. This
test, which is available online at http://www.vittest.co.uk
can be used by Human Resources and staff to help determine nutritional
deficiencies. The test is quick and easy and comes with free nutritional
advice from a trained practitioner.
Jeremy Stephens, MD of G&G Vitamins comments: 'here at G&G we
provide our staff with free nutritional advice and a daily multi-vitamin
supplement to help prevent against illness. Last year we launched the
free online vitamin test to help provide people with a basic plan for
their nutritional health. This year we have obtained the services of
a qualified practitioner to offer a better service. We encourage other
employers to try the vitamin test and help prevent staff illness. Maybe
this year we can boost the UK economy with a healthy work force.'
Electrolux
Design Lab 2006: 'Healthy Eating Habits in 2016'
For
the fourth year in a row, Electrolux is encouraging students around
the world to fire up their creative minds and design household appliances
for the future. In the 2006 edition of the design competition, Electrolux
Design Lab, students will develop solutions for food preservation and
preparation that promote 'healthy eating habits in 2016'.
The competition is open to all design students worldwide via the Internet,
http://www.electrolux.com/designlab.
Last year's Electrolux Design Lab competition attracted over 3,000 students
from 88 countries.
An international jury will judge the entries based on their design,
innovation, consumer insight and ability promote healthy eating habits.
The nine best entries will be invited to Barcelona, Spain, for a final
event in late November this year, where the winner of Electrolux Design
Lab 2006 will be announced.
The 2005 Award went to Airwash, a waterless washing unit that uses negative
ions, compressed air and deodorants to clean clothes, and features an
intuitive, ecological, beautiful design.
More details on the current and past editions of Electrolux Design Lab
can be found on the competition website: http://www.electrolux.com/designlab
For more information please contact Margaretha Finnstedt Møller,
+46-8-73861 58