Green
Homes Have More Appeal for Buyers
According
to a recent study by Nationwide Building Society, the majority of UK homebuyers
preferred a house with environmentally friendly features.
Given the choice between two properties of a similar size and value, 82%
of respondents claimed a house with features such as solar panels, had
more of an influence on their decision to buy than attic rooms (68%),
period features (63%) and walk-in wardrobes (62%).
As part of the research, respondents were also asked what is important
to them when deciding on which area to live in. A pleasant neighbourhood
was rated as important by almost all respondents (97%).
In fact, location of a property is higher on the agenda than a good school
catchment (41%) or the likelihood of future house price rises in the area
(65%). Adequate parking facilities also factored highly with 89% of respondents.
Over half (54%) of those questioned believed the kitchen to be the most
influential room of a house, when it comes to making a decision to buy.
This was followed closely by the sitting room (30% of respondents). The
bathroom was one of the rooms least likely to influence a purchase decision,
with only 2% of the votes.
When asked what put them off buying a property:
* 94% would be put off by a home that was potentially at risk of flooding;
* Poor building work or DIY was also a big turn off according to almost
91% of respondents;
* 88% claimed their decision would be affected by the property being close
to a busy road or railway line;
* Tidiness was important to the majority of potential buyers - an untidy
house was more of a turn off (55%) than the direction of the garden e.g.
north facing (48%);
* Jacuzzis, wet rooms and garden decking were least likely to tempt potential
buyers into making that all important offer.
Nationwide chief economist, Fionnuala Earley, said: ‘It is great
to see that, given the choice, most of us would opt for a 'green' home,
although there's currently no evidence to suggest that environmentally
friendly properties command a higher price.
‘Having said that, with the recent publication of the government's
climate change bill and the pressure on households to become more energy
efficient, it is inevitable that environmental home improvements will
have some impact on house prices over the long-term’.
Regional research results:
* Those living in the North West (95%) were the most likely to be put
off by a house that was near a council estate or rundown neighbourhood,
whilst residents of Northern Ireland (75%) were least concerned about
this;
* People in the East Midlands (98%) were the most likely to be put off
by poor DIY, whereas the Welsh (84%) were least likely to worry about
this;
* An environmentally friendly home was most likely to influence the purchasing
decision of those living in the North East (88%), while those living in
Northern Ireland (75%) were least likely to be concerned about this;
* Residents of the West Midlands (69%) and Northern Ireland (69%) were
most likely to be influenced by a home with period features such as an
old fireplace, whereas those in the South West (58%) were least influenced
by this;
* People living in the East (51%) and East Midlands (46%) were more likely
to be influenced by a house with a Jacuzzi, while the Scots (25%) were
much less likely to be interested in this feature.
More
Mergers on the Cards, says Plimsoll
At
least 29 UK kitchen, bedroom & bathroom manufacturers firms are prime
targets for a takeover and another 46 could be sold off by their parent
companies, according to a new report by independent business analysts
Plimsoll Publishing.
At the other end of the scale are 9 major companies that are expanding
rapidly, largely through acquisitions, and 15 'predators' who are using
the misfortune of others to clean up in the market.
Plimsoll’s senior analyst, David Pattison, said: 'The 29 takeover
targets we have identified generally have a similar profile – they
are privately owned, are in financial difficulty and have owners who are
approaching retirement. Any firm in this position should be listening
to the warning bells, because its potential selling price will be in the
bargain basement. The other 46 distressed companies are operating as divisions
of larger parents. I’m fairly certain that conversations are going
on behind closed doors about their future.'
The big players in the market are focusing on companies with sales of
around £5m. Interestingly, some are being bought not just because
they offer good value for money and an extra foothold in the market, but
in case they fall into the hands of competitors. The 31 companies that
fall into this bracket are in the fortunate position of being in a sellers’
market, so they are able to name increasingly higher prices as availability
reduces.
Said David Pattison: 'These are typically the two classic profiles of
the takeover target – up-and-coming industry players and those who
have fallen on hard times. Sadly, in the latter category we see some firms
that were doing very well only a few years ago but allowed costs, debts
and margins to get out of hand. It’s worth saying that our research
has identified 88 companies whose current value is 50% lower than a credible
future value. Potential new owners believe that they can run the company
better than the current owners and turn this future value into hard cash.
Against a background of over capacity, rising costs and falling margins,
consolidation in the UK kitchen, bedroom & bathroom manufacturers
market is inevitable in 2007.'
Plimsoll’s new VIBE analysis of the kitchen, bedroom & bathroom
manufacturers industry paints a clear picture of each company in the market.
It identifies those in financial distress, those with aging boards, those
with hidden potential and a range of other factors that affect their likelihood
of being taken over. VIBE is available to purchase today by calling 01642
626422 or e-mailing c.sherwood@plimsoll.co.uk.
Readers can benefit from a £50 discount when quoting Ref PR04.
Plimsoll, based in Stockton-on-Tees, is one of the leading business analysts
in the UK, France and Japan. It has 16,000 customers worldwide who rely
on its reports to take crucial commercial decisions.
American
Deal for Clearwater Collection
Europe's
largest freestanding bath manufacturer Clearwater Collection has announced
a significant deal with a major American company that will become the
exclusive importer and distributor for Clearwater Collection Ltd in North
America.
Americh Corp is a well-respected private company that has been established
in the USA since 1982. Based in North Hollywood, California and Charlotte,
North Carolina, the company supplies more than 120 different baths to
showrooms, designers and luxury hotels across the USA.
Clearwater Collection will also become the exclusive importer and distributor
of Americh products in a number of its export markets.
Darren Allison, Managing Director of Clearwater Collection said, ‘There
is a strong synergy between our companies and a clear match of products.
Our free standing baths will be a great addition to their current range
in the USA and we see enormous potential for Americh products in many
overseas markets.’
‘We are very excited to be working with Clearwater Collection’,
says Ed Richmond, President of Americh. ‘The company’s extensive
line of free standing baths will complement our product offering to satisfy
a greater range of consumers.’
Americh Corp also produces a large selection of acrylic shower bases.
Clearwater Collection specialises in the manufacture of double-skin acrylic
freestanding baths and prides itself on the quality of its baths along
with the vast range of designs it offers, covering both traditional and
contemporary styles. The company exports to 25 countries.
All Clearwater products feature the distinctive Clearwater badge, which
serves as a unique hallmark of excellence, and come with a lifetime guarantee.
Clearwater Collection recently achieved the internationally recognised
quality accreditation ISO 9001.
Tel: 01274 738140
Email: enquiries@clearwater-collection.com
Web: http://www.clearwater-collection.com
Last
Chance to Book as KBSA Design Innovation Awards Draw Closer
The
KBSA Design Innovation Awards are now only two months away and the KBSA
is urging guests to book their tables now as this year's event promises
to be a sell-out. All entries are now in for the design awards and the
finalists have been announced for the Retailer Excellence Award.
The awards will be presented at a celebration dinner at the five star
De Vere Grand in Brighton on June 21st at 7pm, following on from the KBSA's
AGM which will be held at the hotel earlier in the day.
‘It will be a fantastic evening and a real celebration of design
innovation,’ commented the KBSA's sales and marketing director Ruth
Ward.
‘Brighton has proved to be a very popular choice for this year's
event. We are finding that many guests are attracted by the location and
the quality of the hotel and they are choosing to spend extra time in
Brighton after the event and enjoy a weekend away.’
John Lewis in Solihull, Manor Design in Basildon and In-toto Kitchens
in Leamington Spa are the three retailers which will battle it out on
the night for the Retailer Excellence Award, which spotlights the top
KBSA retail member of the past year.
The winner of last year's Retailer Excellence Award was Elite Interiors
of Stanley, County Durham. Following its win, the company was featured
in the local press and won a substantial amount of new business as a result.
According to manager Joyce Hodgson, ‘Customers are still mentioning
the award more than nine months later.’
Details, entry forms and booking forms are available from the KBSA or
via the website http://www.kbsa.co.uk.
It's
now not just Aqualux's shower enclosures that are catching the eye of
customers across the country as a fleet of new branded vehicles hit the
roads across the UK.
The UK manufacturer of bath screens and shower enclosures has invested
in eleven Mercedes sprinters to support the work of the Product Support
Technician Team who cover the length and breadth of the country providing
product training, display fitting and end-user site visits.
Technician
manager, Keith Bennett commented: ‘The new engineers vans reflect
Aqualux's professionalism and commitment to our customers. Our engineers
represent us across the country and these new vans are a part of giving
them the very best tools for the job so they can continue to provide an
excellent service.’
The eye-catching vehicles have been wrapped with an image of Aqualux's
signature enclosure, the Walk-through that also features on the front
of its brochure and a picture of the unique glass cleaning product, the
Showerblade® which sweeps across the back of the vans.
Sandra Hyde, marketing manager, added: ‘Aqualux is name that is known
across the country. We've strongly branded the new vans to be as eye-catching
as possible to reflect our whole marketing and advertising campaign and
keep us top of mind as a UK leading supplier of shower enclosures and
bath screens.’
Web: http://www.aqualux.co.uk
Franke
Commits to the Environment
In
today's climate, both political and ecological, Franke, a world leading
manufacturer in kitchen solutions, appreciates the need to demonstrate
its commitment to the protection of the environment.
The company's manufacturing plant in Aarburg, Switzerland, contains a
central water purification unit to help reduce unnecessary waste. The
water is cleaned and filtered in order to be re-used for manufacturing.
The recycling process allows Franke to use water as sparingly as possible
and the resulting output is as pure as the original source.
John Swain, product manager for Franke UK, said: ‘Franke is dedicated
to ensuring that the consumption of raw materials, energy, water and other
products is kept as low as possible. Metal is also recycled in the plant's
steel blast furnace.
‘The principle of avoidance, reduction, recycling and disposal always
applies. In fact, Franke strives to achieve even higher levels of environmental
protection.’
A group environmental protection officer is responsible for coordinating
and monitoring all environmental protection measures within the Franke
Group. Also, at every Franke factory, a local environmental protection
officer is appointed, whose advice and technical expertise is sought during
decision-making processes.
For further information about Franke products, visit http://www.franke.co.uk
or call 0161 436 6280.
Blanco
Square Sink Takes International Design Award
Already
enjoying popularity with kitchen designers and consumers alike, square
sinks have proven their design credibility with the news that the new
BLANCOCLARON iF range of square sinks has taken a top design award from
the Industrie Forum Design Hanover.
Introduced in the UK this month, and winning one of just fifty gold iF
awards chosen from over 2,200 international entries, the BLANCOCLARON
stood shoulder to shoulder with products from Sony, BMW and Apple, the
first ever inset sink to be honoured with an acclaimed gold award.
Up
till now, the popular square sinks have been available solely as undermounts,for
installation in solid worktops. However the judges, all top international
designers, were impressed by the striking simplicity of the BLANCOCLARON
iF, with its minimal 10mm radii corners, combined with the new FinoTop™
rim, giving the impression that the sink lies flush with the worksurface.
The elegant design flow from drainer to bowl further characterise this
award winning sink, as does the overall quality of production, using the
latest laser welding technology and high standards of craftsmanship.
The iF awards have been held annually since 1954 and attract over 1800
entries each year from 30 different countries. Both manufacturers and
consumers alike consider the iF awards to be reliable proof of outstanding
design coupled with high quality material and workmanship.
For further information on the new BLANCOCLARON iF range, contact Blanco
on
020 8450 9100; email: salesdesk@blanco.co.uk.
To see the BLANCO's extensive range of sinks, taps and cooker hoods, visit
http://www.blanco.co.uk
Appliance
Care Expands Online Shopping Menu
BSH
Appliance Care Limited (ACL), the nationwide after sales service company
for BSH domestic appliance brands, Bosch, Siemens, Neff and Gaggenau has
expanded its online shopping menu with the addition of several new cooking
accessories at http://www.bshappliancecare.co.uk
Included in the new collection is a total of twelve pans, trays, pots
and roasters, all specifically selected for their suitability for use
in or on built in cooking appliances supplied by the four above named
BSH brands.
A new high grade 4-piece stainless steel pan set suitable for oven and
hob use, has been introduced into the range. This set is not only recommended
for all hobs - including induction - but also for use in ovens up to 250°C.
Many customers are confused about the correct pans for use with induction
hobs. This set answers all the questions as it has been tested & approved
by BSH.
Also proving popular in the online collection are two new non-stick oven
trays - one for chips and one for pizza - as they are easy to clean as
well as dishwasher safe.
They retail at £4.45 and £14.50 respectively (excluding delivery).
Other new items offered by BSH Appliance Care's online shop include a
3-piece sieve set, 6-piece set of utensils, 3.5-litre & 6-litre stock
pots and an aluminium oval roaster.
In addition, customers are able to buy a number of different recommended
cleaning products for their appliances via BSH's directly employed engineers.
Each time an engineer carries out a service call to a customer's home,
they now carry nine specific cleaning products such as an E-cloth, de-scaler
and special stainless steel cleaner in case the customer wishes to buy
them. No postage or packing is incurred by the customer when buying direct
from a BSH Appliance Care engineer, unlike when ordering by phone or email.
Comments ACL's Project & Marketing Manager, Gina Kelly: ‘At ACL,
we are not just here for servicing the appliances; we also want to ensure
that our customers make the most of them once installed and in use. Our
directly employed engineers visit customers' homes so are in a unique
position to facilitate accessory sales and the online shop is always open
24/7. Both are ideal ways to buy accessories without actually leaving
home!’
Web: http://www.bshappliancecare.co.uk
Tackling
the Plumbing Skills Shortage with Time-Saving Products
The
inherent problems arising from the skills shortage in the plumbing trade
have been well documented. Trade associations and other industry authorities
have repeatedly voiced their concerns whilst the Construction Industry
Training Board forecasts that the UK will need over 6,500 new plumbers
every year for the forseeable future.
In order to be ‘able to carry out work unsupervised’, plumbers
must be qualified to at least NVQ Level 3. It takes an average of four
years to reach Level 3 meaning the skills shortage is a problem to which
there is no quick answer.
How
can manufacturers help?
Manufacturers can help in several ways. Several larger organisations have
introduced training programmes and increased their recruitment of trainees.
However, a less obvious but equally effective solution can be found in
the development and design of products that are easier and quicker for
existing qualified plumbers to install.
Helping improve installer efficiency is no longer a ‘nice to have’
but a fundamental responsibility of all manufacturers in the sector. One
manufacturer which has embraced this responsibility is Midlands based
Thomas Dudley Ltd (TDL) - a long established supplier of plastic WC cisterns
and flushing components. The company’s market-leading ‘Vantage’
concealed cistern was the first to be supplied fully factory assembled
and has continually been upgraded since its launch to incorporate additional
time-saving features.
Sales Director Roy Seaward explains ‘the Vantage has been developed
with the plumber at the forefront of our minds. As such we have included
time saving features that enable the Vantage to be installed in less than
half the time of traditional concealed cisterns’.
The
Vantage, which is available in dualflush and single flush models, is supplied
factory assembled and with snap-fit fixing brackets that allow the cistern
to be simply clipped in. A Speedfit® elbow allows instant connection
of the water inlet pipe whilst a push-fit flushbend will shortly be available
to further speed installation. Further details and a free installation
DVD are available.
Tel: 0121 557 5411
Email: info@thomasdudley.co.uk
Web: http://www.thomasdudley.co.uk
Ideal
Bathrooms has built a reputation for excellence in customer service with
next day deliveries, professional ordering facilities and a highly trained
and efficient sales team.
Ideal
Bathrooms continues to develop its support services and is now offering
a showroom design service for its Directory customers.
The service includes a preliminary visit to the showroom to measure and
assess the display area and to discuss the showroom's requirements and
needs.
Thoughtful planning is critical, and Ideal Bathrooms takes into consideration
the local clientele, sales records and the future business vision for
the showroom in conjunction with the showroom manager.
A presentation is subsequently made to the showroom, which includes a
showroom plan, CAD drawings of the displays, sketches with suggestions
including innovative ideas, display detailing and costings.
Ideal Bathrooms is in the position to offer the very best display deals
from all its stocked brands. The design service can include products from
a host of major brands including Aqualisa, Armitage Shanks, Geberit, Grohe,
Ideal Standard, Image Showers, Kaldewei, Kinedo, Metlex, Mira, MX Group,
Myson, Pegler, Geo System, Salamander Pumps, Saniflo, Showerlux, Tavistock,
Trevi Showers, Triton and Twyford. This is advantageous for retailers
as a varied mix of top manufacturers and products is essential for good
business.
The design service is just one initiative from Ideal Bathrooms which aims
to help retailers increase their sales. Others include the Ideal Bathrooms
Directory, consumer advertising to increase showroom visits and a website
directing consumers to their nearest showroom.
Web: http://www.idealbathrooms.com
KitchenAid
- Catering to All Culinary Needs
America's
iconic KitchenAid brand has enjoyed a cult following among serious cooks
since it first introduced the classic stand mixer in 1919. Based on decades
of knowledge, KitchenAid is extending its culinary expertise in the UK
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.
The new portfolio delivers a versatile array of power, professional performance
and functionality to meet a multitude of needs. ‘Unique products,
precise detail, exquisite craftsmanship and ease of operation combine
to create a range of the very best built-in kitchen appliances.’
KitchenAid is supplied by Maytag UK. Managing Director, Richard Thompson
comments: ‘Through the small electrical appliances, KitchenAid has
already established a loyal customer base. At the outset we intend to
leverage this success and then spread the quality messages of the range
beyond this core audience to encompass buyers totally new to the brand.
Trade customers are strongly advised to pay a visit to our brand new showroom
in Redhill to experience the great sales opportunities for themselves.’
Although taking its design cues from cutting edge urban influences, the
KitchenAid range of large domestic appliances is suited to both contemporary
and traditional interiors.
From mixing to cooking, and from chilling to cleaning, KitchenAid provides
the complete kitchen solution for cooks.
For trade enquiries, please call 01737 231000.
Maytag
UK, the manufacturer of aspirational lifestyle household appliances, has
announced the opening of its newly refurbished showroom at its Surrey
headquarters.
The contemporarily styled showroom, carpeted in subtle tones of grey with
contrasting dark wood floors, highlights the company's growing portfolio
of brands in a series of striking displays. The Amana, Maytag and Admiral
brands are all featured, with a major focus on the latest addition to
the portfolio - the built-in brand, KitchenAid.
The facility includes a new meeting area with state-of-the-art projection
facilities, allowing a versatile arrangement - in either boardroom or
theatre style. Wall graphics chart the development of the brands, while
two bays of cubed shelving house KitchenAid's small domestic appliances.
The showroom layout guides you through the full range of products using
a carefully co-ordinated selection of kitchen displays. KitchenAid's built-in
appliances are featured first, with cooking products taking centre-stage
- there are pyrolytic ovens, combi-microwave ovens and induction and gas
hobs, with a particular focus on the visually attractive gas hobs with
Isingphord burners.
Extraction hoods, warming drawers and dishwashers are also featured, and
they are joined by a new cooling range including refrigeration drawers
and wine cabinets. Concluding the KitchenAid displays is an outdoor BBQ
for those who like to take their cooking talents into the garden.
Moving through the showroom, European-sized laundry products from Admiral
and Maytag are set in imaginative displays to highlight the brands' key
features, while a central island showcases Maytag's genuine American laundry
appliances in a stacked format to demonstrate their small footprint. They
are joined by models from the dishwasher range and the new 100cm-wide
double-oven range cooker.
Maytag's refrigerators are prominently displayed, featuring Maytag's new
high-gloss black finish forming the centrepiece - the highly polished
lacquer finish is normally associated with luxury cars, and your eyes
will immediately be drawn to it.
On view for the very first time is Amana's under-counter refrigeration
range, which encapsulates the aspirational values of the brand in a neat
and compact format. While in the genuine American Amana refrigeration
display, the Wine Cabinet is presented with the side-by-side Reflection
to form an impressive three-door-run of cooling products. The winner of
Get Connected Magazine's Product of the Year award - the Amana Definition
BxM - is also prominently displayed.
Other new products include the 120cm double-oven range cooker from Amana,
finished in the brand's finely crafted stainless-steel Precision styling.
Richard Thompson Managing Director comments: ‘The launch of many
new products and the completion of the showroom combine to create a very
special occasion. All our new products are displayed, including those
from our exciting new built-in brand, KitchenAid. The showroom enables
our retailers to experience the products first hand in a kitchen setting
to help reinforce the consumer benefits they offer. It is also a great
opportunity to see every style, design and colour under one roof.’
Web: http://www.maytag.co.uk
In-toto
Opens Flagship Showroom in Cardiff
Expanding
on the success currently enjoyed in Gwent, In-toto kitchens has recently
opened a new showroom in Cardiff.
The
flagship 5,000 sq ft showroom is the largest In-toto showroom in the UK
and displays both the Wellmann and GEBA ranges of furniture with a contemporary
theme throughout - reflecting the cosmopolitan and vibrant image of Cardiff.
Selected commercial customers, associated businesses and press were invited
to an invitation-only preview evening, which included a casino, drinks
and canapés. Special guest Owen Money, the well-loved Welsh radio
presenter, also officially opened the showroom.
Chris Galtry, managing director of both the Gwent and Cardiff showrooms
explains: ‘There may already be a design quarter in Cardiff but if
people want the 'whole design service then there is only one place to
come’.
‘We are able to take on the whole kitchen project, managing all aspects,
including building works, electrical, plumbing, and finishes to both walls
and floors, providing our clients with one point of contact from start
to finish,’ Chris continues.
‘The launch event was a great success and we have been extremely
busy ever since. We have already secured over 9 orders, one of which is
a site of 35 apartments.’
As part of the largest kitchen specialist franchise in the UK and as members
of the Kitchen, Bedroom, Bathroom Specialists Association (KBSA), both
In-toto Cardiff and Gwent offer its clients complete financial peace of
mind, as they can rest assured that at no time during the project will
their investment be at risk.
In-toto Cardiff can be found at Unit 3, Regent Trade Park, Ocean Way,
Ocean Park, Cardiff, CF24 5PF. Please call the showroom on 01495 352857
for a brochure or for more information.
In-toto is a national company with nearly 50 quality kitchen retailers
nationwide.
All In-toto showrooms are also members of the KBSA.
Web: http://www.intoto.co.uk
TV's
Current Crop of Grand Designers 'In Residence' at Grand Designs Live
Visitors
to Grand Designs Live London will be able to hear first hand, tales from
Grand Designers who have appeared on the TV show in an interactive and
attention-grabbing show feature - 'Grand Designers in Residence'. This
will be located in GRANDInteriors - the cutting-edge, contemporary interior
design section of the exhibition.
Couples from three of the projects that appear in the current series of
Grand Designs on Channel 4, will take part in this lively feature. Two
of the projects are being shown as revisits, and the third is a brand
new venture. Visitors will benefit from a wealth of experience from Grand
Designers who have pulled out all the stops to create their dream homes.
These inspirational designers demonstrate that with creativity and imagination,
even in the most crowded cities, it is possible to build a beautiful home
by making the most of potentially unappealing sites and spaces.
Monty Ravenscroft and Claire Loewe - Innovative design...in Peckham
Seven years ago Monty found a site in Peckham in an auction and bought
it for £40,000. He soon found out why the plot was so cheap - the
site is an awkward sliver of land squeezed between two listed Georgian
terraces and no one had figured out how to put a house on it. But the
ever-optimistic Monty got together with architects Paxton Lecher who came
up with an original design. Monty's reason for doing the programme was
to show people how they can achieve the seemingly unachievable by utilising
awkward sites, open attitudes and a little help from friends.
Andrew and Lowri Davis - Sustainable and stylish
After years of living in their lovingly restored Welsh farmhouse, Andrew
and Lowri Davis both admitted to a secret desire to live in a strikingly
modern home. Their 'Grand Design' is a large, white, rendered building
with a light and airy feel, situated in the corner of a field, in Camarthen.
Andrew and Lowri wanted a sustainable house so the timber frame wall panels
have been insulated with sheep's wool, covered in a recycled timber skin
on the outside and rendered with limecrete (an alternative to cement which
doesn't burn the skin). They have also installed a geothermal energy and
rainwater collection system to keep their running costs down.
Bill and Sarah Bradley - Green living in the city
Bill and Sarah Bradley dreamt of being surrounded by greenery and blue
skies but didn't want to give up the convenience of living in the city.
So they decided to create their own green haven smack bang in the middle
of London. Despite space restrictions Bill and Sarah were keen to create
a house that didn't feel overlooked and that didn't overlook their neighbours,
so their architect came up with a very clever design. Planting has been
key to achieving Bill and Sarah's ideal of creating a green living space.
The house also has several eco features.
These Grand Designers will have elements of their projects re-created
at the show, where they will sit and share stories of their dream projects,
over the three days. Visitors can quiz the couples about the inspiration
for their designs, the toughest challenges they faced, the mistakes they
made and the lessons they learnt. A new aspect of the Grand Designers
in Residence feature will be the 'talking point' area where visitors can
pick up valuable advice and tips on a one to one basis.
Free seminars - 'Grand Designers: Living the Dream' (hosted by Kevin McCloud)
and 'Trade Secrets' will also give visitors a chance to hear more tales
of turmoil and triumph as more Grand Designers take to the stage in The
Grand Theatre.
Grand Designs Live is made up of six distinct but closely related sections
- GRANDInteriors, GRANDBuild, GRANDKitchens, GRANDBathrooms, GRANDGardens
plus a unique shopping experience - the DESIGN Shopping Arcade.
Tickets are priced at £14 in advance or £18 on the door (children
aged 15 and under enter free when accompanied by an adult).
Web: http://www.granddesignslive.com
Ticket Hotline: 0870 380 0342
Grand Designs Live 2007
ExCeL London, Victoria Docks
Friday 8th June - Sunday 10th June 2007
From
Small Acorns, Better Bathrooms Grow
With
business acumen that belies his 26 years, Managing Director of Wigan based
bathroom retailer Better Bathrooms, Colin Stevens, is refreshingly modest
when describing the success and achievements enjoyed by the company over
the last three years.
From
fledgling internet sales, the company moved into its Queen Street showroom
in 2003, an increase in on-line trade led to the further development of
an internet superstore and in early 2007 Better Bathrooms opened a new
central distribution centre and warehouse to deal with increased demand.
‘It was never my intention to enter into bathroom retail or even
into business, golf was truly my passion and I anticipated it would be
my future. However, through my parents who had been involved in the industry
for the last 30 years, I realised that an untapped market existed in combining
both on and off line bathroom sales’ Colin states as he describes
the beginning of Better Bathrooms.
The new warehouse and distribution facilities in Glazebury, Warrington
are a testament to Colin's success. Having struggled to cope with pure
volume of sales from the premises in Wigan, the new facility is stocked
with a bath, toilet, sink and shower to suit every taste and budget. Yet
equally as impressive is the décor to the wall of the customer
services office, the paint may perhaps be magnolia, but the notes of thanks
and letters of praise and satisfaction make for a far more gratifying
feature for the staff team at Better Bathrooms.
When describing the ethos of the company Colin states, ‘We truly
are committed to our byline of 'better prices, better service' and we
have genuine desire to offer great value products with equally great customer
service. It's not just about the competitive edge, for me it is very much
about taking pride in the business. The new warehouse not only offers
greater efficiency, but our customers will see the greatest benefits as
we can turn around deliveries much quicker and the increased storage space
means we can buy more items in bulk, reducing our costs and therefore
our prices too’.
With the company’s main showroom in Wigan, Better Bathrooms' customers
still have a chance to view their potential bathroom suites, taps and
showers before purchasing, unlike many of the company's competitors who
are purely on-line businesses. Plans for the future intend to build upon
this with the opening of several showrooms at key locations throughout
the UK, therefore not only dominating the on-line bathroom market, but
also taking a firm control of high street sales.
Tel: 0844 484 7678
Email: sales@betterbathrooms.com
Web: http://www.betterbathrooms.com
The
latest NTG approved one day sales and customer care course was held at
the Miele Experience Centre on March 14th. 10 delegates from the industry
attended the course which trains on the basic steps of the sales process
related to the KBB industry together with sessions on negotiation, customer
care and the ‘wow’ factor.
This was the 7th course run in the last year and 72 KBB delegates have
now experienced the course which is run by Graham Hayden former managing
director of the KBSA.
Luke Bates who attended from In Toto Exeter commented ‘Very good
course and highly recommended’
Future courses are now being planned and details can be obtained from
the NTG website http://www.kbbntg.com
or by contacting Graham Hayden at Higrahamhayden@aol.com
Aqata
Introduces New Logicom 5.3 Software Catalogue for Retailers
Aqata,
the independent manufacturer of shower enclosures, has launched its new
Logicom - Virtual World software catalogue for retailers nationwide. Aqata
says that it is one of the first companies in the shower industry to ensure
its whole product range is modelled onto Logicom's new and upgraded software
(version 5.3), keeping retailers at the forefront of the industry by providing
them with an excellent selling tool.
Logicom
is a complete virtual reality programme, with a realistic appearance that
sets it apart from traditional CAD software packages. Logicom's new catalogue
contains Aqata's full range of products, including the contemporary Minimax®
and Minimalist collections, the versatile and fully framed Exclusive Solutions
collection, the full selection of shower trays and Aqata's range of bathroom
accessories. The catalogue, available by emailing vworlds.sales@luk.net,
also features new Aqata products which have been modelled on the software
in preparation for launch later this year.
Jayne Barnes, Sales and Operations Director of Aqata, says ‘Customers
make a large investment when purchasing a new bathroom. Our Logicom software
builds a virtual reality image of a customer's bathroom, giving retailers
the chance to show buyers exactly how Aqata's products will look, easily
changing elements within the design at the touch of a button. We see the
software as the perfect tool to help simplify costly and time consuming
planning and help our retailers remain at the forefront of bathroom design.’
Logicom software is capable of re-creating every detail the customer requires
in order to make purchasing decisions, even considering the effects of
natural and artificial light. Aqata has embraced the flexibility of the
Logicom package because it complements the diversity of Aqata's extensive
product range and easily adapts the design to incorporate the various
options available, like choice of frame finish, enclosure style right
down to accessorising the bathroom.
Claire Cooper, Bathroom Designer at Roman Bathrooms, comments, ‘Aqata's
Logicom catalogue is an extremely useful tool for both retailers and customers.
We have found that customers are much more responsive to a detailed interactive
service which can help them to visualise exactly what they want to do
with their own individual space. It is an excellent resource for customers
and staff, we would recommend it as a useful sales tool to all bathroom
showrooms.’
The Logicom catalogue is available to maintained Logicom users via download
on the Virtual Worlds User Centre. For assistance with downloading the
software, please contact the support team on 01908 448899.
For further information on how to use the Aqata products in bathroom designs,
call the Virtual Worlds software team on 01908 663848 or e-mail vworlds.sales@luk.net.
Logicom offers training in using the software which is very user friendly
for retailers, providing the tools needed to satisfy even the most discerning
customers.
Web: http://www.aqata.co.uk
Ukfirst
Hosts Annual Lean Manufacturing Course for Workshipful Company of Furniture
Makers
Ukfirst
the DTI-backed organisation set up to assist UK furniture and timber industries
to achieve world class performance held its annual Lean Manufacturing
Course for members of the Worshipful Company of furniture makers recently.
The three day course started with tuition in the theory behind many of
the processes and involved active participation in group exercises. Delegates
were then asked to select areas of improvement which they felt they could
immediately implement in their own workplace and were coached in how best
to do this.
Visits to two exemplary manufacturers, one in the furniture market - Sharps
Bedrooms and one world class family-owned business, JCB, helped to demonstrate
how lean manufacturing techniques have been applied to achieve success.
Programme Director John Baldwin commented: ‘We received some excellent
feedback from delegates on this course which was tailored specifically
to members of the Worshipful Company. We were delighted to be able to
include both theoretical and practical demonstrations of how lean manufacturing
works and are confident that it will now be successfully utilised within
more UK furniture operations.’
Ukfirst runs several open courses on Lean Manufacturing during the year,
for further information simply contact 01438 777801 or email info@ukfirst.org.uk
Waterwise
Welcomes New Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme
Waterwise
welcomes the new water efficiency labelling scheme launched on 3rd April
by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA). The voluntary scheme
is available to all manufacturers and importers selling water efficient
WCs, flushing cisterns, taps and combination tap assemblies, shower controls
and baths in the UK.
The scheme will achieve several aims including helping Government meet
its water consumption reduction targets, raising awareness of water efficient
bathroom products and promoting the importance of water efficiency.
‘It is exciting to finally see a water efficiency labelling scheme
in the UK,’ says Jacob Tompkins, Director of Waterwise. ‘Many
other countries throughout the world, including Australia, America and
other European countries already provide consumers with water saving information.
The BMA Labelling Scheme will enable consumers to make better, more informed
choices on which products to buy.’
‘The drought last summer in SE England highlighted the need to save
water and despite the recent rain it is still imperative that we continue
to use water wisely. The UK's fresh water supplies are not limitless.
Climate change, along with population growth and shift mean that we can't
simply continue to use a third more than many of our European neighbours.
The most effective, long term way to stop future water shortages is for
all of us to make small behavioural changes and to choose water efficient
products.’
The scheme supports the Waterwise Marque, launched late last year by Waterwise,
which highlights and endorses a broader spectrum of water efficient products
available on the market.
Web: http://www.waterwise.org.uk
BMA
Sponsors Home Improvement Journalist of the Year Award
The
Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) as a key member of the National
Home Improvement Council (NHIC) is sponsoring this year's NHIC Awards.
The NHIC Awards have been running for 32 years and are undoubtedly the
premier housing awards of their kind, highly regarded by people across
the housing spectrum.
The aim of the awards is to raise the profile of the numerous significant
and inspirational initiatives that are characteristic of the UK's remarkable
ingenuity in the field of housing and environmental renovation, such as
the Young Kitchen Designer Award and the Special Needs Facilities Award.
The awards pass on this creativity to the social housing sector, private
landlords, developers and Government.
This year the BMA is sponsoring a new award for the journalist who consistently
writes the best home improvement articles.
BMA Chief Executive and NHIC Chair, Yvonne Orgill, says: ‘We are
very happy to sponsor the NHIC Home Improvement Journalist of the Year
Award. Journalists do a wonderful job promoting our Industry. Their achievements
should be recognised and rewarded.’
Journalists have until September to be considered. We will be watching
out for the best home improvement articles between now and then.
The awards will take place in November 2007 at a special NHIC Awards Luncheon
held at the Gladstone Library, London.
For further information please write to karen.myles@bathroom-association.org.uk
NHIC: http://www.nhic.org.uk
Fagor
Offers Complimentary Home Demonstration with Every Purchase of the World
Exclusive Driron
Following
the successful launch of the world exclusive Driron, Fagor is adding further
value to the appliance by offering a complimentary Home Demonstration
of the product by an expert home economist.
Richard Walker, sales and marketing director of FagorBrandt UK says:
'Because we want to convey the full features and benefits of this revolutionary
appliance, we feel it is important for purchasers to receive a professional
demonstration to ensure they can achieve the best results. Home Demonstrations
have been very successful in Spain, where the Driron originally launched,
and the response from customers has been extremely positive.
'As a company, FagorBrandt UK is committed to adding value, particularly
by offering home demonstrations. We currently employ a network of 15 expert
home economists in all areas of the UK who are fully trained to convey
all the technological aspects of our appliances.
'We already know that Home Demonstrations are a fantastic way to build
loyal relationships with end users as we already offer a very popular
complimentary home demonstration service for purchasers of De Dietrich
appliances. We are also the only appliance manufacturer in the market
to offer home demonstrations without charge'.
Application forms are available from Fagor Area Sales Managers.
Fagor Sales (Trade): 01256 308 067
Web: http://www.fagor.com/uk
FIRA
Highlights Importance of Noise and Dust Surveys under Health & Safety
Legislation
FIRA
(the Furniture Industry Research Association) has highlighted the need
for companies to comply with noise and dust regulations, particularly
since limits for noise have been tightened over the last couple of years.
Noise regulations come under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations
2005 and compliance is mandatory. The Health & Safety Executive demands
both measurements and records to satisfy its requirements.
FIRA specialists are trained to visit manufacturers for an initial assessment
day and then to perform noise measurements based upon a daily weighted
average. With regard to dust, this comes under COSHH 2002 regulations.
Measurements are taken of the ambient air quality as well as individual
air quality.
Godwin Kudawoo, FIRA's specialist in both noise and dust surveys commented:
‘Both these areas are so important to the health and well being of
employees that limits are tighter now than ever before. Once a noise assessment
has been completed, it generally stands until machinery changes, for example
with new capital investment. It's good practice to perform a dust measurement
regularly and FIRA is well placed to visit manufacturing plants to carry
out these measurements.’
Companies are not always aware of their legal requirements in these areas,
so FIRA is offering a special survey package designed to help manufacturers
both to comply and demonstrate compliance. For further information please
contact FIRA on 01438 777 700 or email info@fira.co.uk.
Unosand
gives Prentice the Perfect Finish
Prentice
Furniture has become one of the foremost names as a manufacturer of fine
quality furniture for kitchens, bedrooms and home studies.
The family-owned company has made remarkable progress in the 20 years
since it was started and puts its success down to the impeccable attention
the company pays to design and quality.
Prentice
designs are distinguished by high level of detail reflecting great craftsmanship.
Doors and all fascia accessories are distinctively ‘Prentice’
and the skilled staff at its Tamworth factories get the very best out
of the rich natural timbers with which they work.
Prentice is now sold throughout the UK and Ireland as well as in Europe
through selected independent studios. You can even view this quality furniture
in the centre of Milan.
The factories in the Midlands are extremely well equipped with the latest
automated technologies which work synergetically with their craftsmen.
Director Tom Prentice says that producing accurate and quality products
is one thing but what really sells and distinguishes the company’s
designs is the superb finish quality they achieve.
This is down in no small measure to the unique Löwer DiscMaster combined
throughfeed sander and denibber supplied by UK specialists Unosand. This
machine is so flexible and versatile that Tom Prentice says that every
component that needs to be sprayed passes through the sander.
The DiscMaster model at Prentice is the latest version which is the Excentric
DiscMaster combining 16 eccentric orbital discs and two large sanding
rollers. The machine has a PLC controller which sets all speeds and positions
of brush rotation (including direction), height above the workpiece and
speed of feed through the machine. The results on white wood components
or semi-lacquered surfaces needing denibbing are ‘superb’ according
to Tom Prentice.
Describing the DiscMaster as merely a 'sander' doesn't do the machine's
capabilities justice. It performs both pre-sanding and denibbing functions
with equal and impressive performance. Putting white wood (solid or MDF)
components through on the first pass calls for faster spindle speeds and
more pressure - simple to set up with the PLC control. The component is
delivered with a first time uniform surface finish with minimum fibre
raising ready for a first lacquer or paint coat. Consequently real savings
in coating materials can be achieved. A second pass for denibbing requires
a slower feed speed and counter-directional operation of the brushes with
(for example) a 280 grit abrasive to achieve a perfect surface for final
coating. Prentice has realised that its answers to superb quality (and
production cost efficiency) is in the preparation and takes the time and
effort to save a great deal of potential problems later on in the process.
Both the orbital and roller heads are fitted with special Unosanding Strips
comprised of Tampico fibre-backed abrasive fingers which reach deep into
the mouldings and face profiles to give a perfectly uniform surface finish.
‘This is an astonishingly efficient machine’ says Tom Prentice,
‘it has saved us a great amount of time and labour and significantly
increased the finish quality of our products. It's an essential part of
our production.’
Unosand's Martin Davis helped set up the DiscMaster when he installed
it and trained Prentice operators on how to get optimum results using
the correct combination of abrasive choice, speeds, application pressure
and rotation direction. The PLC control is able to store settings by individual
part names so that the operator can set the machine in a matter of seconds
to change from doors, to any other component.
The results are easily apparent as the workpiece emerges from the machine.
At Prentice Furniture the Löwer Excentric DiscMaster from Unosand
is one of the company's most successful machinery investments. Prentice
Furniture has a policy of using specialist suppliers and Unosand has already
installed 3 other machines for finishing at the Tamworth factories of
various sizes and configurations.
Tel: 0114 2758 811
Web: http://www.unosand.com