CLICK HERE FOR NEWS ARCHIVE

Reviving Mind, Body and Business at KBB

AWA Advertising and Rattle PR, specialists in the kitchen and bathroom sector, will be offering FREE head & shoulder de-stressing massages, exclusively to exhibitors at their Relaxation Suite, Stand J70, during the KBB Exhibition.

Click here for more information http://www.awa.uk.net/massage

Ice Cube Design and Shires - a Recipe for Show Success at KBB '06

Award-winning bathroom designer, Ice Cube Design, has been appointed by Shires Bathrooms to design the décor, look and feel of 14 bespoke bathroom and shower areas for its UK Stand at the KBB show at the NEC, Birmingham.
Ice Cube Design took the stand plan, designed by Sovereign Exhibitions of Coventry, in order to explore lighting, materials and finishes for Shires and work up the final display areas.

The 14 areas of the stand combine to show the diversity of the products Shires Bathrooms has to offer and the wide range and type of customers they attract. The stand is designed to convey a modern feel that reflects the recent re-branding of Shires Bathrooms, which has created a more contemporary and dynamic image to better communicate the quality, luxury and modern scope of its products.

The stand sections for key target audiences:

For the VIP
For the complete luxurious experience, a Euro Bath Spa is showcased. A recessed bath among mosaic tiles is set off by concealed lighting and limestone flooring. The scene is finished with a recess housing books, pebbles and a plant.

High-end property developers
The second section shows off sleek Italian designs suitable for high end property developers. An urban sanctuary is created, with the Kerasan Italian range surrounded by vibrant red paint, light grey paint and ceramic flooring. Another area incorporates dark tech flooring (wenge colour), light cream walls and mirrors to highlight the Echo range.

Mid-to-top end of the market
For the mid-to-top end of the market, Shires Bathrooms' free-standing hand basins are on display, mounted on small cubes covered with blue/indigo glass panels. Light-boxes (covered with acid etched glass panels) reflect light onto blue/indigo glass cabinets and the setting is completed by indigo glass, a tilted wall mirror, white walls and a glass floor with light-box panels and concealed fluorescent lights.

Other areas in this section display the new contemporary range of Selecta Shower cubicles, set against indigo glass panels with white ceramic flooring and soft lighting as well as a free-standing basin mounted on wenge supports.

House builders, small property developers, middle of the market
This section of the stand showcases the Corinthian and Juno suites against a backdrop of black/grey slate and white walls. The Icon and Aria suites are set against the same backdrop but incorporate blue LEDs at floor level and recessed blue LED lighting under the bath platform. The Angelina range is also displayed with red paint, a white ceramic tile floor and mirrors.

Commercial market
For the commercial market, the new Pendock-Shires 'curvicle' cubicle is displayed along with a selection of pre-plumbed washroom from the same range.

BBC Changing Rooms Presenter Unveils Merlyn's New Ranges at KBB
Stand A11, Hall 6

Merlyn Industries has announced that the company’s four new state of the art shower enclosure ranges are to be officially unveiled at KBB by Celebrity TV Designer Graham Wynne (pictured) at 2.30pm on Monday 23rd January.

Merlyn technical experts will be on hand to discuss the details of the new ranges; Ionic, Cube, Concept 8 and Series 5+.

The newly launched Series 5 + range will be displayed at the show; a selection of 13 polished chrome, contemporary yet competitively priced enclosures, with a choice of traditional designs, as well as innovative new shapes, such as the new Bow Fronted door. Trusted designs such as the Merlyn Quadrant have been given a modern twist, with a new single sliding curved door with designer look handle.

Merlyn is also preparing for interest in two ‘secret’ new ranges. These will be officially unveiled at KBB, and the company says that they are set to become a real talking point. At present, Merlyn are remaining tight lipped about ‘Ionic’ and ‘Cube’, as UK MD Dana Davies says, ‘We don't want to lessen the impact when they are officially launched at the show. These products truly make a statement, and we want it to be a strong one!’

At present, Merlyn have only revealed that the Cube range is ‘the ultimate in contemporary showering’, with a number of design led products for the most fashion conscious consumers. Cube is aimed at the top end of the market, and consumers can expect to pay £5000 for the most expensive enclosure, complete with Corian tray. In Cube, Merlyn has placed a strong emphasis on the latest wetroom trends as well as hydrotherapy.

Details on Ionic are also being kept under wraps, but MD Dana Davies says, 'In short, Ionic demonstrates true engineering excellence and quality, with products positioned at the very top of the market. An Ionic enclosure would be the perfect choice for a serious bathroom makeover'

Alongside the launch of the new ranges, Merlyn will also be busy providing welcome refreshment to all KBB Visitors from the company’s branded cocktail bar.

Everyone is welcome to sample a Merlyn cocktail, and there will also be an opportunity for those interested in anything they have seen on the Merlyn stand to discuss further with a Merlyn representative, perhaps over a 'Harvey Wallbanger' or two!

For further information or to locate your nearest stockist, please contact Merlyn Industries on 00353567791555, or email sales@merlyn.ie.

Alternatively, visit the new Merlyn website, at http://www.merlynbathrooms.com, and of course visit the stand to see the new ranges for yourself!

Clicktheconnection at KBB Exhibition

clicktheconnection is a new online single source home products directory and buyers guide. Available exclusively on the internet it's the first website of its kind allowing consumers to research, compare and view products for both the Kitchen and Bathroom sectors before buying. The new website is being launched on KBD Magazine's stand at KBB, the UK's largest exhibition for Kitchens Bathrooms and Bedrooms, taking place at the Birmingham NEC on 22nd - 25th January 2006.

The aim of clicktheconnection is to make the complicated decision process of choosing a new kitchen or bathroom, a thing of the past. By bringing all manufacturers and suppliers details onto one site consumers are able to comprehensively search the site, comparing multiple manufacturer's products, specification and prices. Aimed primarily at consumers the website also provides an excellent PR and advertising tool for manufacturers and retailers.

All manufacturers products will be listed on the site as a basic entry, listed under the appropriate category or listing. However to gain greater exposure clicktheconnection offers many competitive pricing structures which include among others, Adverts, links to Company Websites, Case Studies and Sponsorship options allowing manufacturers to choose a level of entry to suit their budget.

Also the site is linked to an email magazine, Jigsaw providing a further ‘In-Site’ for products in the home. The monthly magazine keeps consumers up to date with new products as they are launched.

Martin Lowe, Managing Director, clicktheconnection comments ‘The new website provides consumers with an online home products directory and buyers guide, offering up to date information on bathroom and kitchen products with innovative searches and product comparisons. The site is a useful tool for Manufacturers and Suppliers as it provides them with a unique source to promote their products and services.

For more information about advertising, log onto the site and click ‘Contact Us’, the site will be live from 22nd January.’

Dimplex Adds New Lines in Bathroom Designs at KBB

Dimplex is lining up cool new designs in heating at this year's KBB exhibition (stand number A80, Hall 20), with the launch of the prestigious range of designer towel rails which joins the electric heating market specialist’s collection of 300-plus products.

The new range will be super-contemporary, with striking looking models that provide an elegant way to supply bathroom heating, together with the luxury of towel warming and drying.

In addition to towel rails and radiators, Dimplex has a range of stylish and practical heating solutions for kitchens and bathrooms, including a competitively priced undertile mat-based heating system, electric showers, space saving base unit fan heaters as well as whole house heating systems.

For a combination of towel drying and full room heating, the new Apollo range of radiant panel heaters has a curved grille and an accurate thermostat for temperature control.

For smaller bathrooms, the trendy SLR range is slimline and compact, with a choice of loadings. Other models include the DLR range with retro styling, and the good looking yet practical BR dual-fuel ladder style range in loadings up to 500W.

Full details are contained in the latest Dimplex Heat Book, and on the website http://www.dimplex.co.uk.

Tel: 0870 720 0036
Email: marketing@glendimplex.com

Acova's Affordable Handcrafted Radiators at KBB
Stand C19, Hall 6

Radiator manufacturer Acova says that the ultimate luxury of a one-off artwork radiator, handcrafted and unique, has suddenly become affordable.

KBB2006 will see the launch of Acova's new 'Altima Exclusive' range, based on a simple, starkly beautiful design in stainless steel, which is then offered in a range of surface designs created by hand by craftsmen, with prices starting at just £1090 excluding VAT - for the 1813mm by 305mm model.

Available in a flat plane 'Altima Exclusive' and a waved surface 'Altima Onda Exclusive', the radiators succeed in marrying a sophisticated beauty with excellent technical performance, and with the added cachet of every radiator being unique.

Warm in tone and beautiful in their light-reflecting properties, there are two copper-based designs in the range, with the 'copper-bright' finish achieved through single-etching, whilst the 'copper dark' finish is double-etched.

Of the three other designs in the range, two are finishes produced by hand-sculpting the stainless steel surface using a grinding tool, with the craftsman using a controlled sweeping movement to create a fan finish in one, and a light, even touch to create a feather finish in the other.

The final surface design sees the steel surface first coated in 9016 white and then hand-decorated with a loaded spatula in 9001 white, to achieve a rich multi-tonal effect.

A manufacturer of designer radiators, towel drying and electric radiators, Acova says that it offers the ultimate in quality, performance and value.

Arthur Bonnet at KBB

‘Fresh, appealing, cheerful, traditional but also elegant and modern’ is how Arthur Bonnet describes its new range of wood kitchens that will be presented on stand VIP 6 Hall 17, together with the French style kitchen designed by Didier Gomez - Atmosphere.

John Burgess responsible for the French brand in the UK explains, ‘the KKB event is a big step for us and a tremendous opportunity. For the first time, in the United Kingdom, we are in position to show both our special expertise in the area of in-frame wooden kitchens and our specific approach to what we think is to be one of the main expectations of the consumer for the forthcoming years.

‘The pleasure in using a kitchen which combines high quality, linked with the know- how of the craftsman, the idea of tradition but without a 'living-in-the past' feel and all the ergonomic facilities in terms of accessories and storage, which only a truly real innovative design can offer.

‘We are targeting those who are very fond of cooking and strongly committed to the importance of living the ‘quality of life’.

‘With Rivoli and the new Poésie, two models previewed for the first time at KBB the answer is given.

‘Sobriety and elegance of the horizontal lines and stainless steel hand rail, Rivoli is a handleless kitchen available in gloss, matt lacquer or laminate, with a strong attractive functional touch.

‘Soft blue stained oak door, panelling, specific handles made in porcelain, Poésie is dedicated to those who want a kitchen, 'light and easy' to live with, therefore refined.’

Arthur Bonnet is a French family brand created in the early thirties of the last century.

A small carpentry manufacture in its beginning, Arthur Bonnet has always been anxious to keep in touch with its original skill. Now, it is a brand with a strong wood oriented image whose awareness is based mainly on its well known meticulous attention to details and quality as well as its continuous searches for innovating solutions.

In the United Kingdom, Arthur Bonnet is represented by Sofiseb UK.

Dino Taddio commercial director of CB, will assume responsibility as Managing Director for the company in July 2006.

By then, he intends to perform a complete review of the activities and structure.
Mike Storey the National Sales manager has over 30 years experience in the retail sales. He will be driving a team of sales agents that has been in place since October 2005.

John Burgess, who works closely with Mike Storey on day to day sales activity, will continue to coordinate all the activities from the French mother company.

PJH Goes for Wow Factor at KBB
Stand C29, Hall 6 and Stand K101, Hall 18

A company re-structure; a new range of kitchens, bathrooms and appliances; substantial investment into service levels; and two stands, provides the platform for the PJH Group to turn heads at this years' kbb.

As confirmed once again by AMA Research (2005), the PJH Group remains the UK's largest bathroom, kitchen and appliance distributor, continuing to lead the industry through innovation, quality and reliability - a theme that will be evident throughout both stands.

Investing heavily in kbb, PJH aims to reveal the results of a continuous improvement programme it has been following in all aspects of its business, highlighting a new range of initiatives to benefit customers over the coming years.

Explained group commercial director, Phil Anderson: ‘We have made remarkable progress in enhancing the service and product portfolio package we offer our customers, and would like to use this opportunity at kbb to exclusively reveal a number of customer service improvements.’Keeping much of its re-launch plans under wraps until the show, the PJH Group says that it is set to make quite an impact at this years' kbb.

However, visitors can expect to see two 175m2, sleek black & white-themed stands - Bathrooms in Hall 6, C29 - and Kitchens in Hall 18, K101. Showcasing a walk-through journey of room sets featuring new products from own bathroom brand MOODS; own kitchen brands APPLE, K and PRIMA; own appliance brand PRIMA; and a select range of leading manufacturers' brands, the company says that the theme will be upmarket and sophisticated.

Visitors should also look out for a series of live cookery demonstrations from the PJH Kitchen stand - featuring the latest technology from the new 'Genus' digital oven from Stoves, an intelligent oven that does the thinking for you.

For further information, visit the two PJH stands at kbb, call 01204 707070 or visit http://www.pjh.co.uk

Poggenpohl Leads the Way to Sophisticated Design at KBB 2006
Stand VIP7 in the VIP Area

There is no mistaking Poggenpohl's presence at this year's KBB Show at the NEC in Birmingham. In order to gain access to the KBB 2006 Kitchen Exhibition, visitors must first pass through an imposing Poggenpohl display surrounding the main registration desks. Characterised by its chunky worktops, unusual lighting, simple yet striking display elements and co-ordinating satin lacquers and Elm veneers, PLUSMODO by Jorge Pensi is a sight to behold.

As the first luxury furniture brand to be officially awarded Coolbrand status, Poggenpohl is also displaying its award-winning, open plan living solution, +INTEGRATION, on the company’s official stand VIP7, located in the VIP area.

+INTEGRATION was launched to great acclaim at the Eurocucina Fair in Milan in 2004 and has proven to be one of the company's most popular design concepts. By incorporating beautifully finished luxury furniture elements into the more functional kitchen layout and cleverly adapting the internal room architecture, +INTEGRATION creates the possibility of a truly multi-functional, fully co-ordinated living space.

Commenting on the company's decision to support this year's event, Martin Gill, Managing Director of Poggenpohl Group UK Ltd, said, ‘The event has been revamped and revitalised for 2006 to attract a more sophisticated audience, both in terms of visitors and exhibitors.

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

Poggenpohl is also sponsoring the Champagne and Sushi Bar opposite its VIP stand, so visitors can indulge their taste buds as well as their eyes.

For further information please visit http://www.poggenpohl.co.uk or call 020 7435 5427.

SEB Group Provisional 2005 Results 'Gloomy'

In Europe SEB Group was unable to make up the first-half shortfall, in a challenging, highly competitive environment that put downward pressure on prices and margins. Consolidated sales for 2005 totalled €2,463m, an increase of 7.6% at current exchange rates and 4.9% at constant exchange rates.

* A €111 million impact from changes in the scope of consolidation, reflecting the full-year consolidation of All-Clad (consolidated for five months in 2004) and the contributions from Lagostina and Panex, acquired in 2005 and consolidated over eight and seven months respectively.

* A €63 million currency effect, which was positive for the first time in four years. It was due mainly to the rise in the Brazilian real, the Turkish lira and the South Korean won against the euro, while the dollar had no impact on sales change.

* A slight 0.6% increase in sales at constant scope of consolidation and exchange rates, as forecast.

While consolidated sales were up for the year, this performance is made of very contrasted situations. After a slow start, business gradually picked up as the months went by and the encouraging signs that were apparent in the third quarter were followed by a robust year-end. In Europe, however, the Group was unable to make up the first-half shortfall, in a challenging, highly competitive environment that put downward pressure on prices and margins. On the other hand, it returned to growth in North America following a number of difficult years and made new inroads in South America and other countries, confirming the importance of these emerging markets in its development.

In France, business conditions were challenging throughout the year and the upturn in the final weeks does not reflect a fundamental improvement in the market structure. Despite the success of the new range of Krups espresso machines and good results in personal care and informal meal appliances, the Group lost competitiveness and market share in a number of important product families, due to sharp competition from low-price Asian rivals. Restoring competitiveness to drive a return to growth in France is therefore seen as a top priority.

In the other European Union countries, demand was generally lacklustre in the first half, but picked up later in the year in a number of markets. Overall sales, however, were lower, with practically all countries reporting a decline for the year. In a generally gloomy environment, the United Kingdom, Italy (excluding Lagostina which is being successfully integrated), Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands and Belgium were unable to make up for their slow start despite initiatives taken. At the same time, sales remained highly volatile in Germany but were satisfactory in Scandinavia. The Group made significant advances in Austria, where the introduction of the BeerTender draught beer system was a big success.

In North America, after a number of difficult years, the Group returned to growth, led by the success of the new line-up of Krups espresso machines and the confirmed improvement in All-Clad sales. These solid results demonstrate the validity of the Group's upscale positioning in the United States. Rowenta maintained its positions and enjoyed another good year, whereas 2005 was a year of transition for T-Fal, which stabilised its sales in non-stick cookware. In Canada, sales declined, while in Mexico, they rose sharply in a very buoyant business environment.

In South America, in a generally favourable context, full-year sales were very satisfactory, with an especially dynamic fourth quarter. In Brazil, an assertive new product strategy and effective local market initiatives resulted in market share gains and higher sales. In addition to this organic growth, a sharp rise in the real against the euro created a highly positive currency effect. The integration of Panex is proceeding according to schedule. Performance in Argentina, Colombia and Venezuela were once again good and the Group's development in Peru is continuing normally.

In the rest of the world, which accounts now for 26% of consolidated sales, demand was strong throughout the year, resulting in double-digit sales growth. While sales growth slackened in Turkey, in a more unstable consumer spending environment, the Group confirmed its potential in many other markets. Sales rose considerably in South Korea and Australia and the already strong positions in Central Europe were further consolidated. The Group also pursued its rapid expansion in Southeast Asia, especially in its new markets of Singapore and Thailand. Lastly, the highlight of the year was the Group's very strong growth in the CIS and Japan.

Symphony Appoints BLANCO as Main Sink Supplier

Kitchen furniture expert Symphony has appointed BLANCO to be its main supplier of sinks. Symphony is the largest privately-owned kitchen manufacturer in the UK, and this new deal with BLANCO will mean that a full range of its sinks and accessories will now be available to the whole of Symphony's unique customer base, which extends across all market sectors, from kitchen retailers and builders' merchants to housing developers and social housing providers.

BLANCO has a large range of sinks produced at the state-of-the art production facilities of its parent company, BLANCO Germany.

BLANCO Managing Director, Ron Blount, says:
‘We at BLANCO see this as a major step forward for us in the UK. We enjoy an excellent business relationship with Symphony, having supplied sinks for its premium kitchen brand, Mirari, since the collection was launched. Both our companies are totally committed to consistent high quality and customer service, and I am proud that when they were reviewing their sink offer, they looked at BLANCO as a potential alternative for all their market areas. BLANCO UK's core business is traditionally with kitchen specialists at the mid-high end of the market, and this major expansion of our business partnership will take the BLANCO brand into other areas of the market where Symphony enjoys great success, and where the extensive range of BLANCO sinks over a broad price range has a great deal to offer. We are in a stimulating phase of development, and we look forward to a long association with Symphony’.

Symphony's Group Sales Director Paul Kettlewell is sure that BLANCO's products will be well received by Symphony's customers. He comments:
‘We have had a successful relationship with BLANCO as a partner to our premium Mirari kitchen collection for some time, and we are keen to extend the benefits to all our customers by including BLANCO as part of our mainstream offer. The company offers really innovative and design-led products and an excellent level of service enabling us to have real confidence in this new relationship.’

Symphony will be holding stock of a wide selection of BLANCO sinks, which will be backed up by the extensive range stocked at the BLANCO warehouse at the North London HQ, and by the Blanco 24-hour delivery service.

Blanco Ltd.
Tel: 020 8450 9100
Email: salesdesk@blanco.co.uk
Web: http://www.blanco.co.uk

The Symphony Group PLC
Tel: 0870 120 8000
Email: enquiries@symphony-group.co.uk
Web: http://www.symphony-group.co.uk

Fisher & Paykel Ireland to Take on its Own Distribution in 2006

Appliance manufacturer, Fisher & Paykel has confirmed the company’s intent to commence direct distribution of its range of appliances within Ireland starting April 1st, 2006. Since launching into the Irish market in 2000, distribution company C&F Quadrant has been responsible for product distribution. With the brand's continued growth across Europe and the successful relaunch of a direct distribution in the UK in early 2005, timing is right for Fisher & Paykel to run a direct business in Ireland.

‘We are pleased to secure the service of Kevin Riordan as our General Manager Ireland from 1st February 2006. With his vast market experience managing the brand at C&F Quadrant, I expect him to continue to build on our success in Ireland,’ said Mark Celik-Alvis, General Manager UK/Europe. ‘Other staff members including an office administrator and further sales staff will be announced in due course.’

A warehouse and administration office is being established in Dublin in preparation for the transaction in association with UTI, which will run the warehousing and delivery service on Fisher & Paykel's behalf.

In line with the move, product servicing will be handled internally in association with Irish service companies, however all service and sales based enquires will be directed to Fisher & Paykel's Customer Care Centre based in Cleveland, in the Australian state of Queensland. The company has established a state-of-the-art and highly effective customer service model which fields calls from customers across the globe.

‘It's an exciting time for Fisher & Paykel in the UK and Ireland, one that promises growth and some exciting opportunities for the future. We have a very full calendar of exciting new products including some world's first technology that will further cement our well established reputation for innovation,’ said Celik-Alvis.

For further information please contact:
Mark Celik-Alvis on +44 1676 531 772 or +44 7740 639040
Kevin Riordan on +353 86 6740396

Mereway Bathrooms Introduces Adriatic Gloss Oyster

As part of a strategy to expand Mereway Bathrooms furniture appeal to customers, the company is renaming all Pergamon furniture and worktops to 'Oyster'. The move is designed to encourage consumers not to feel restricted to having Pergamon as their only sanitaryware choice, widening their options to select other potential sanitaryware colours and styles.

Adriatic Gloss Oyster is part of the Adriatic range that already consists of Gloss White and Gloss Ice Blue. The door comes in a high gloss finish with sharp radius edges giving a sleek and stylish appearance.

The Adriatic Gloss Oyster door is available on a colour co-ordinated carcass to provide a consistent finish throughout the bathroom. An Aluminium slim 'D' handle is the perfect accompaniment for this particular range. A Mereway Bathrooms Oyster Pearl solid surface worktop can also be integrated to complement the Gloss Oyster units further.

Short wall units can be top hung and bottom hung to provide essential storage solutions. A telescopic towel rail and a universal mirror with overhead mirror lights are just some of the accessory options that can be used to complement the range.

Tel: 0121 706 5750
Web: http://www.merewaybathrooms.co.uk

Siemens Displays its Laundry in Public

In a first for both companies, Siemens has come to an agreement with leading UK retailer Marks & Spencer to display a number of its top of the range washing machines to the public in selected M&S stores throughout the country.

For an initial period of three months starting at the end of January 2006, Siemens top of the range 'Serie IQ' interactive washing machine WIQ1435GB can be seen on display in the menswear department of Marks & Spencer's top 10 UK stores.

This unique joint association of two top name brands is designed to build upon the promotional link already established between the two companies via the current (spring 2006) issue of the popular M&S magazine, available free to store card holders.

In the double page advertorial, Marks & Spencer's new own brand washable men's suits are shown in conjunction with the Siemens 'Serie IQ' washing machine and tumble dryer to reflect the ease of cleaning and time saving factors in both cases.

Siemens has endorsed the M&S suits after extensive testing and consistently impressive wash & dry results using the company's totalTextile management system of sophisticated programme options and sensors to ensure optimum washing and drying results.

Special showcards are now on display in all 250 M&S stores in the UK with large posters also shown in the ten selected stores where the appliances can be seen. For display purposes, individual stickers are being placed on each in store machine giving the Siemens hotline number for obtaining more information about Siemens stockists in the local area.

Comments Siemens Brand Manager, Jane Massey: ‘This is not a change of direction for the brand as we have not started selling appliances direct to the public! We are reinforcing the association between these two very high profile brands by alerting consumers to the advantages of buying clothes that can be reliably washed in your machine at home - rather than wasting valuable time and money at the dry cleaners’

An analysis of the number of referral calls received by Siemens via the displays and the M&S magazine advertorial is being undertaken throughout the 3-month promotional period. If proved successful, further promotional opportunities are planned to highlight the many aspirational qualities shared between these two major household name brands.

Whirlpool Blue Touch™ Washing Range New Consumer Advertising Campaign

Whirlpool has announced the arrival of its Blue Touch washing machine range in a seven month press campaign that includes all the top lifestyle and women’s magazine titles, including Ideal Home, BBC Good Homes, Homes and Gardens, Kitchen, Bedrooms and Bathrooms, World of Interiors and many more.

The campaign will be starting in the March issues - on sale in February.

The Whirlpool Blue Touch is a versatile new washing machine with a stylish electronic display that makes programming incredibly simple.

Thanks to its Sixth sense technology, Blue Touch adapts to everything, from a very small load to a large load. Sixth Sense technology also controls the wash cycle, saving time, energy and water, whilst still giving perfect results every time.

For more information on Blue Touch, visit http://www.whirlpool.co.uk

Ray Isted, Whirlpools Brand Marketing Manager, comments:

'Once again we have created a really stunning ad to launch the new award winning Blue Touch washing machine.

'Research tells us that the consumer really likes this type of imagery: it breaks the mould of traditional white goods advertising.

'The goddess's give Whirlpool 'stand out' in the pages of the magazine and readers can certainly 'Sense the difference' from Whirlpool.'

De Dietrich Offers 30 Day Trial for Consumers to Discover Induction

De Dietrich, the premium appliance brand and specialist in induction technology has launched a 30-day trial period to consumers who purchase a new induction hob.

‘Induction hobs are faster, more controllable, more economical, easier to clean and safer than any other type of hob on the market today,’ says the company. ‘Top chefs are also publicly extolling the virtues of induction; Anton Mossimann has recently publicly stated 'it is the way forward' in cooking.’

In order to make these benefits available to a wider audience and to encourage consumers who are still reluctant to try out new technologies, De Dietrich is offering a 30-day trial period, whereby customers who buy an induction hob can use it for 30 days and judge for themselves the advantages of induction. If after that period, they are not entirely satisfied with its performance, they can exchange it for any other type of De Dietrich hob, no questions asked.

All De Dietrich induction hob purchases can qualify for a free set of 'induction friendly' pans, during the period of the promotion. The consumer can keep the pans even if they decide to return the induction hob.

To find out about the full terms and conditions and to obtain leaflets, contact your De Dietrich Area Sales Manager, e-mail marketinguk@elcobrandt.com or you can download the form from the website http://www.dedietrich.co.uk.

The Best of the Bunch - Neff Oven is Singled Out for Ideal Home

According to the verdict of the latest Ideal Home magazine - the UK's leading home interest consumer magazine with a readership of well over a million people - the Neff built in oven deserves special recognition.

The February 2006 issue of Ideal Home (published January 2006) features an annual round up of the best built in ovens currently available in the UK.

Of the 11 built in oven brands selected for the 4-page spread, the Neff B1442 series 3 electric built in oven in stainless steel has been singled out from its peers for the coveted title of 'Editor's Choice'.

The magazine cites unique features, such as the new self-cleaning CeramiClean liners as well as the various multi function fan and grill options, as particular reasons for choosing this oven. In conclusion, it concisely sums up the Neff oven as: 'A low maintenance oven for busy homes'.

Neff's B1442 single oven forms an integral part of the company's built in cooking collection launched in 2005. Also included in the line up are double ovens, microwaves, extractors & hob units, all designed to coordinate to create the ultimate domestic cooking forum.

Comments Neff Brand Manager Hannah Watson: ‘As our flagship model, the single oven has always been the mainstay of Neff's built in cooking collection. This very welcome accolade from Ideal Home magazine for one of our new generation models, reinforces our market status and further strengthens our position as the UK's brand leader in built in cooking appliances’