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Merloni: First Half Sales up 6.8%, profit before tax up 10%

Merloni Elettrodomestici continued to grow in the first half of 2004, with sales up 6.8%, gross operating margin up 11.3% and profit before tax up 10.1% on the 1st half of 2003. Having approved the results for the 2nd quarter of 2004 and reviewed the provisional figures for the first half, the Board of Directors made official the appointment of Marco Milani as the Company's new CEO.

'The appointment of Marco Milani is a natural choice, reflecting continuity, and was rapidly and fully endorsed by the Board and management,' said Vittorio Merloni. 'Given the results that Marco Milani has produced over the years, I'm convinced that he will continue to make the Company grow'.Sales reached €1,490m, up 6.8% on 1st half 2003 (€1,396m), thanks also good commercial performance in all markets.

Gross operating margin, at €179m, was up 11.3% on 1st half 2003 (€161m). Gross operating margin over sales was 12% against 11.5% in the same period in 2003. These results also reflect continual improvements to production efficiency.

The Company posted an operating margin of €102m, up 11.3% on 1st half 2003 (€92m). Operating margin over sales rose to 6.9% (6.6% in 1st half 2003).

Profits before tax amounted to €80m, an improvement of 10.1% on 1st half 2003 (€73m).

Net financial indebtedness at the end of the 1st half was €390m (€374m at 30th June 2003), while the debt/equity ratio was 0.71 (0.83 in the same period 2003).

Key figures for 2nd quarter 2004:
The 2nd quarter of 2004 closed with sales at €760m, up 9.7% on 2nd quarter 2003 (€693m)
Gross operating margin, at €96m, was up 16% on 2nd quarter 2003 (€83m). Gross operating margin over sales was 12.7% against 12% in the same period in 2003, thanks to continual improvements to production efficiency and also the strengthening of the UK sterling.

The operating margin, at €56m, was 13.1% up on the same period in 2003, with ROS at 7.4%. Profits before tax reached €42m (€36m in 2nd quarter 2003).

The Board of Directors also decided to call a meeting of the shareholders on 3rd and 6th September 2004 (first and second calls) to: modify the bylaws in light of certain new company law provisions introduced under the 'Vietti Reform', approve the new company name, endorse the co-opting of the new CEO and grant further authorization to the Board to deal in treasury shares.

Shower Firm Saved as BHD Group Goes into Administration

West Midlands-based BHD Group - whose main brand is Portland Conservatories - is in the hands of administrative receivers from accountancy firm KPMG, along with its four subsidiaries. Another subsidiary, shower maker Aqualux, was sold to a management buyout team, safeguarding 275 jobs at the Wednesbury-based group.

BHD is a conglomerate that was founded in 1984 to supply the home improvement and new build markets.

The companies taken into administration were Portland Conservatories, conservatory maker Houseproud, BHD Building products and BHD Flint, which makes windows, doors and conservatory panels.

These groups have a combined turnover of around £70 million and trade from various sites in the Midlands and the North.

They employ a total of 578 people, including 75 at the Aldridge head office, 311 in Peterlee, Co Durham, 110 in Flint, North Wales, 68 in Manchester and 14 in Tamworth, Staffordshire.

Joint administrative receiver Myles Halley said: 'We are delighted that a sale of Aqualux could be achieved so quickly. We are now hopeful that we can stabilise the remaining businesses and find purchasers for them.'

He said KPMG was talking to the companies' key customers, suppliers and employees to decide how to save the business, and was appealing for a buyer to step forward.

Glen Dimplex Introduces 'Channel Approach' to National Sales Structure

Cooking appliance specialist, Glen Dimplex Cooking has announced a major restructure of its national sales team for a more focused approach to customer account and channel management.

The reorganisation has a vital role to play in the company's business strategy, which is to significantly grow its total share of the UK cooker market over the next 5 years.

Restructuring of the sales operation sees the creation of three distinct channels covering the Independent Retail, Multiple Electrical Retail and Multiple Kitchen Retail sectors. Each sector will be managed by a dedicated Channel Manager, whose job it is to oversee a sales team devoted to their specific channel and the customers within it.

The lndependent Retail sales team has been strengthened considerably and is now split into five regions, with each region assigned a Regional Sales Manager. They in turn are supported by three Area Sales Managers, making it even easier for customers to deal with the company on a daily basis.

Jonathan Casley, Sales Director for Glen Dimplex Cooking (pictured) explains how the structural changes are set to benefit customers:

'By developing a channel approach to the market, our aim is to support existing customer relationships and develop new ones by being more in touch with customer requirements in each of the different channels. For example, where the lndependent Retail sector is concerned, structural changes to the sales team mean we now have greater resources and extra people available to listen to and talk to our customers on a more regular basis. We are also increasing the frequency of our customer contact and visits for a more personal and tailored sales service.

'Backed-up by the strength of our three leading brands Stoves, Belling and New World and the offer of comprehensive after sales service and customer care packages, we are confident that we have the right formula for growth.

The new sales structure will be in place from 1st September 2004, with service continuing as usual during the changeover period.

For further information or to contact a member af the Glen Dimplex Cooking sales team, call 0151 426 6551

Blum Attributes Increase Turnover to New Product Launches

The Blum Group in Hoechst, Austria, reports that consolidated turnover for 2003/2004 attained worldwide amounted to 694.2 million euros (in comparison to 590.7 million euros in the previous year). The company operates in more than 80 countries, and international sales account for 96% of the company’s turnover.

Blum is a supplier of hinge and runner systems for furniture – kitchen furniture, in particular. Some 3,878 employees have contributed to the corporate success of the Group. The 412 additional jobs that were created in the last business year bear testimony to the growing demand for products and the required increase in capacity. The average turnover achieved per employee of 179,000 euros (170,400 euros in the previous year) demonstrates the high degree of identification, exceptional performance and outstanding qualifications of Blum’s personnel. Investments totalled 76.2 million euros (in comparison to 80.7 million in the previous year).

Company founder Julius Blum and managing directors Herbert and Gerhard E. Blum and Hubert Ploner (f.l.)

As reported by Gerhard E. Blum, owner and spokesman of the executive board, in his presentation of the company’s results, capacity utilisation was high and no major setbacks were registered in the last business year. The sharp rise in steel prices since the beginning of 2004 is, however, posing more and more difficulties, but the surge in raw materials prices was only passed on to customers in part.

Large investments in Works 4 in Bregenz – a new high bay warehouse and additional production area are being built

Varying market situations
In Europe, one of the company’s most important sales areas, developments differed greatly during the last financial year. In Germany, one of the most significant markets on the Continent, economic activity was slow and the stimulus needed to revive business is still lacking. By contrast, extremely positive trends were recorded in many other European markets. Furthermore, the expansion of the EU to embrace ten new member states as of 1th May 2004 gives grounds for optimism. A satisfactory increase in demand was also registered in Asia, where markets have recovered from the impact of SARS. Finally, economic activity was very high in North and South America at the end of the last financial year.

Growing acceptance of products and services
The market success attained in 2003/2004 is mainly due to the continuous worldwide trend towards kitchen fit-outs with added value that facilitates work and enhances comfort. BLUMOTION, a generic name for the motion that closes kitchen drawers, pull-outs and doors softly and silently, has figured as strongly as DYNAMIC SPACE®, the concept developed to promote marketing. This service, which many customers are already making the most of, is the Austrian company’s contribution towards giving potential kitchen buyers a high quality of motion and space usage in their kitchens.

Market-oriented investments
In keeping with marketing priorities, investments have been made in all production plants in Austria and abroad and in sales organisations in important markets. An additional automated high bay warehouse with 6,200 pallet spaces has been put into operation in Hoechst, and another high bay warehouse with 7,400 pallet spaces is currently being built in Bregenz, where an additional 7,700 sq. metres of production area will also be created. The new Stamping Centre has been put into operation in Fussach. And coating capacities have been optimised and expanded to meet demands at the company Plangger Coatings.
Special attention has been attached to the training and ongoing education of employees. In view of the growing demand for qualified employees, the number of trainee positions in the field of high-tech trades has been increased to 195 in Hoechst and the USA.

Basic production facilities and automatic assembly lines have been expanded at production plants in the USA and Brazil, and Blum has acquired 100% of the shares from its joint venture partner in Brazil.

A new office building and warehouse have been built for the sales organisation in Rumania, and an extension built to the existing office building in Poland. A new office and showroom are currently being built for Blum Germany in Herford.

Looking ahead to the future
The family-owned company is in its second generation and is currently being managed by the sons of company founder Julius Blum, Herbert Blum and Gerhard E. Blum, as well as by Hubert Ploner. This executive board will be supported in the field of operative business by Blum’s corporate management group, which was newly established within the framework of continuous personnel and organisational development on 1st July 2004.

The company trusts in the flexibility and customer orientation of its employees and has started the new 2004/2005-business year with guarded opti-mism. The executive board’s confidence is based on the company’s sound international market structure and the undiminished demand for innovative product systems. If the company is to achieve its goals, increases in the price of raw materials must become more moderate, economic activity must intensify in important markets and important currencies must achieve sta-bility against the euro.

Tel: 01908 285700
Web: http://www.blum.com

Maytag Competes for Attention at Olympics

Maytag is increasing its brand awareness through a strategic advertising campaign at the Olympic games. 30-second advertisements of Maytag appliances are appearing on fourteen screens at the Athens Syntagma Metro station - frequented by everybody who enters and exits the games.

Maytag will be featuring two advertisements three times per hour for the duration of the games at the metro. Maytag is in the company of other global performers such as Nike Europe, Disney/Buena Vista, Sony Europe, Duracell and many more.

Designed to reach over 2 million passengers a day from all over the globe, the adverts give Maytag great exposure at the games.

'lt's really exciting to have such a visible presence at the Olympics and to expose the Maytag brand to a global audience who truly appreciates outstanding performance. Like the Olympics, Maytag has a phenomenal heritage, and a world-class product offering. These are exciting times for Maytag, striving for gold against tremendous and gallant competition,' says Holly Burrow. Senior Manager Marketing, Maytag UK.

To view Maytag's performance at the Olympics go to www.hestiainternational.com/maytag

PKL Group Caters for Success at the Olympics

PKL Group, a portable kitchen provider and catering equipment specialist, has clinched the £5 million contract to build the athletes village kitchen at the Athens 2004 Olympics with help from UK Trade & Investment, the government organisation that provides support services for UK companies trading overseas.

The immense portable facility is the size of a football pitch and has an accompanying dining area double its size with a 5,000 capacity for which PKL Group supplied the equipment. The kitchen serves over 60,000 meals a day to hungry Olympic athletes, officials and workers. PKL Group has also supplied catering facilities to 20 other Olympics venues across Athens.

The Cheltenham-based company participated in a UK Trade & Investment trade mission to Athens in November 1999. UK Trade & Investment's sports and leisure infrastructure team in London and the international trade team in Athens have provided constant support to PKL Group. The organisation has alerted the company to business opportunities, introduced it to the event organisers and updated PKL Group on the progress of the tenders.

Peter Schad, Director of PKL Group said: 'We've used UK Trade & Investment's services a lot in Athens and other locations around the world. The organisation has played a valuable role in helping to launch PKL Group into the international arena. Since our first contract win at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, we have a number of major sporting event contracts under out belt.'

PKL Group has also won contracts for sporting events such as the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games, 1992 Barcelona Olympics, 1998 Soccer World Cup, Formula 1 Grand Prix and the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, as well as provided portable kitchen facilities to the UK armed forces across the globe.

The full story can be read on the PKL website: http://www.pkl.co.uk/foodservices/olympics_athens2004.asp .

ELECSA to Exhibit at the ELEX Show

ELECSA, the company given government approval to operate a Competent Persons Scheme under Approved Document P for electrical contractors would like to invite anyone who undertakes electrical work in dwellings to meet the team at the ELEX show at Donnington Park on 16-18th September 2004.

This will be a great (free) opportunity for anyone who undertakes electrical work in houses and flats to find out what ELECSA has to offer and to make applications to be registered with the ELECSA scheme as a 'competent person'.

With Approved Document P coming into effect on 1st January 2005, this may seem like months away. However, as Julian Carter ELECSA General Manager advises 'Electrical contractors must ensure that they are ready to undertake electrical work in dwellings as a 'competent person' by 1st January 2005. Signing up before this date to prepare is not only important to avoid the last minute rush but more importantly, if electricai contractors are not ready by then, they could risk losing business and their reputation from their trusted clients'.

ELECSA offers a guarantee that if you apply by 1st September 2004, you will be assessed with a view to being registered with ELECSA and ready to do business as a 'compenent person' by 1st january 2005. ELECSA application packs are available from the website http://www.elecsa.org.uk. Alternatively, you can meet ELECSA in person at the ELEX show and fill in an application pack there!

The ELECSA scheme offers a solution for everyone - from the smaller sole traders to larger electrical contractors. Among the complexity of the Building Regulations, ELECSA aims to offer a down to earth, simple, no nonsense approach for electrical contractors to register as a 'competent person'.

Just as FENSA offers a new quality benchmark for the replacement windows and doors industry, ELECSA too will offer a new quality benchmark for the electrical contracting industry. ELECSA Chief Executive Graham Hinett commented, 'We have unique strengths, developed for the FENSA scheme but equally appropriate for the electrical sector and with the BBA providing inspection services - building on its experiences in running installer schemes for nearly 40 years now, installers can have total confidence in our ability to deliver. Our database currently handles 1.4 million installations a year and is thoroughly proven. Our system of notification to local authorities and householders is already established and working very well.'
ELECSA is run by a joint venture between FENSA and the British Board of Agrement (BBA).

Graham Hayden of the KBSA, had this to say about Document P:

‘We have been aware for some time that certification of domestic electrical contractors would be covered by an approved document P Certificate within the building regulations and this has been highlighted in the recent KBSA regional meetings. I welcome the Governments decision to bring on board a Competent Person’s Scheme.

‘Any initiative that seeks to improve training and stamp out bad practice is to be welcomed. We will be initiating discussions with the relevant bodies, as the issue of training and compliance is likely to fall with the manufacturers, many of who will be KBSA members. I see this as being another piece of the ‘ jigsaw’ of training and education initiatives that will come under the National Training Group, which is currently, being formed and led by the KBSA.’

http://www.elecsa.org.uk

http://www.bbacerts.co.uk

KBSA Calls for Volunteers to Deliver National Training Initiative

The KBSA has called for volunteers to join the National Training Group (NTG) board and the operations group that will deliver the industry’s first coordinated training, education and qualification initiative.

KBSA Chief Executive Graham Hayden said, ‘The new board will drive forward the establishment of accredited training courses that will meet the needs of the industry and concentrate on the recruitment of new blood to our industry via the educational system.

‘The KBSA has fulfilled its role of bringing together all interested parties from the kitchen bathroom and bedroom sectors and giving them a platform and framework to develop a structured approach to training and education.

‘Many people have already expressed an interest in taking up board or operations group positions. We are asking them and any others who wish to be involved to submit their details to FFINTO, who will co ordinate the selection committee responsible for selecting suitable candidates.

‘Board positions will be offered to companies from the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and home interiors industry so that the current and future needs of employers will be met. The operations group will include other industry players such as the KBSA.’

The NTG board is being set up as an independent company with articles of association and its role will include the vetting and approval of companies that can deliver meaningful training. The board will also advise on the make-up and scope of the operations board, building on the cross sector advisors already supporting the initiative, such as MFI, B & Q, Magnet and independents. It is expected that details of the first training courses will be announced by the end of the year. Part funding for this initiative has been provided by CITB- ConstructionSkills.

Experienced individuals who would like to be involved in the future training, education and qualification of our industry are invited to request an application pack from Jackie Bazeley at FFINTO:

Tel: 0115 9221200
Fax: 0115 9223833
Email: mailto:jackie@ffinto.org

New Ardesco Distributor Grows National Appeal of Orama’s Worksurfaces

Orama, the independent manufacturer of worksurfaces and associated decorative products, has consolidated the national reach of its Ardesco range of kitchen worksurfaces by appointing Bristol-based Bristol Decorative Surfaces Ltd (BDS) as its latest distributor. The new commercial agreement with BDS ensures that Ardesco will be more readily available to kitchen retailers in the South West and Bristol.

As a knowledgeable and dedicated local partner for kitchen retailers in the South West, BDS offers its customers high levels of quality and service. Orama will benefit from BDS’s professional sales team that can provide product and technical information on all aspects of the Ardesco range as well as advice on the latest trends in style and contemporary kitchen worksurface design. BDS will also work with customers to enhance the appeal of Ardesco with POS and showroom materials.

Ardesco comprises 24 contemporary laminates integrating the latest technology to produce natural, granite, wood and stone effects. The range includes thicker 50mm worksurface options with self edge or stainless steel acrylic edging options. Ardesco high gloss laminates benefit from a mirror flat effect and the range also comprises a solid timber worksurface, a series of splashbacks and six composite modules.

Ardesco is available from a growing national network of distributors, including Hopkinsons Fourways, Premier (Stafford), Fredericks of Woodgreen (London), Terry Wilson (Northampton), Cobb Brothers (Poole), Tops Service (Harlow) and Northern Timber Products (Aberdeen).

Peter Holt, sales and marketing director, Orama, says: ‘We are keen to work with select partners who share Orama’s passion for worksurfaces. BDS understands the versatility of kitchen worksurfaces and, with a flair for style, its expert team will be an ideal advocate for Ardesco amongst local kitchen retailers.’

Rachel Corrigan, director, Bristol Decorative Surfaces Ltd, further comments: ’With its emphasis on contemporary European design, the Ardesco range of kitchen worksurfaces is the perfect addition to our portfolio of products. We look forward to applying our specialist knowledge of the local market to grow the Ardesco brand in the South West.’

Orama offers high quality durable decorative panels and worksurfaces. Established for many years, Orama holds ISO 9001 certification and the Furniture Industry Research Association Gold Award for product performance. They are also a corporate member of the KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialist Association). All Orama’s chipboard and solid timber products are sourced from 'responsibly managed' forests.

Tel: 01773 520560
Web: http://www.orama.co.uk

Adminex Oasis Appoints Bristol Tile Co as Distributor for Midlands and West Country

Adminex Oasis has appointed Bristol Tile Limited as distributor of its sanitary ware and accessories for Cornwall and Devon, South Wales, Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.

The Fishponds (Bristol) company will supply showrooms, merchants and end-user contractors with the Adminex Oasis range of modern European style WC pans and cisterns plus basins and pedestals with either the single-tap hole favoured on the continent or the two tap-hole configuration preferred by 50% of UK households.

‘The appointment of Bristol Tile Company Limited reinforces the promise of the Witham-based company to effectively and efficiently supply part or complete bathroom sets within seven working days. It is, therefore, a key part of the Essex-based supplier’s policy of rapid reaction to intermediary and end customers’ demands not only for product but also to overcome technical or other commercial problems.’ says the company.

‘Bristol Tile Company Limited is part of the distribution network that has been set up to fulfil the Adminex Oasis strategy of ensuring that plumbers’ and builders’ merchants can supply installers anywhere in Britain with value-for-money sanitary ware to meet the needs of end-customers. Consequently, a trade price list has been established by Adminex Oasis to allow significant margins for distributors such as the Bristol Tile Company as well as merchants and ultimately those fitting bathroom sets whether they are self-employed plumbers or contractors fitting out multi-dwelling projects, hotel or other commercial projects.’

In-Sink-Erator Makes TV Debut

The In-Sink-Erator food waste disposer made its TV debut on ITV1’s hit DIY show, 60 Minute Makeover. The programme, which was aired on Thursday 12th August at 10.25am, challenges a team of designers to renovate a complete house in 60 minutes.

And the disposer, which connects simply to the sink plumbing system, was a must-have appliance for the newly modernised kitchen.

Ashley Munden, In-Sink-Erator’s sales and marketing director comments: ‘We were delighted when the makeover team requested a disposer for the show. It really demonstrates that the messages about improved hygiene and convenience, as well as the environmental benefits of installing a disposer to handle your left over food scraps, are now filtering through to the consumer.’

The In-Sink-Erator food waste disposer has been designed to fit easily under the sink. It removes waste quickly and quietly by grinding the material and then flushing it away through the normal waste pipe system. This process can also aid home recycling as the waste is transformed into a soil conditioner once at the treatment plant.

Tel: 0800 389 3715
Email: mailto:insinkeratoruk@insinkerator.com
Web: http://www.insinkerator.com

First Anniversary as ATAG Importer

Premium Appliance Brands Limited (PAB), the white goods marketing company created by former Stoves Marketing Director, Guy Weaver, has celebrated its first anniversary of being appointed the UK’s exclusive importer of ATAG domestic appliances.

‘PAB’s first priority after being appointed, was to ensure continuity for the existing dealer base whilst utilising all its experience to re-establish the brand in order to create a premium position for ATAG within the UK’ says Weaver. ‘We reviewed distribution and after sales arrangements in the UK, appointing Allied Manufacturing, Bradshaw Appliances, Broughton Crangrove, Leaker Direct and Taney (Ireland) as distributors. This greatly improved product availability and enhanced service and customer support for the ATAG brand.’

‘Whilst this review was going on, we heavily invested into the design and production of a stunning 44 page brochure to support the brand, and more recently PAB has designed and launched a comprehensive website dedicated to the UK market http://www.ataguk.co.uk’

‘During this year,’ continues Weaver ‘we have also launched a range of domino hobs, a range of compact ovens, a 1000mm range cooker, backplate and hood, and a pyrolytic oven. And to round off the year ATAG exhibited at The Kitchen Showcase 2004

'This has been an exciting first year for PAB and the ATAG brand. I am delighted that with enhanced distribution arrangements in place, an improved product range and excellent back-up support, we are quickly re-establishing ATAG as a premium brand within the UK market.’

Contact: Guy Weaver
Tel: 01925 248980
Email: mailto:info@pabl.co.uk

AEG Takes the Floor

A specially designed display stand featuring a selection of the AEG ‘New Vision’ range of products has taken centre floor in John Lewis’ flagship store in Oxford Street, London.

The display stand, designed and built by Design Point Associates, allows a selection of both freestanding and built-in products to be shown together in one stylish area. Amongst the products on display are the 90cm Cobra hood (HD8795m), the B88714m Pyroluxe® oven, the 68001KFN Induction hob, the LL1610 Weight Sensor autowasher and the F80850 freestanding dishwasher.

‘This display, with its wooden floor and black and silver backing, is the perfect highlight for the AEG range,’ said Pat Kelly, Account Manager for John Lewis. ‘It really makes the AEG products stand out on the shop floor.’

The instore display is complemented by two window displays, one featuring Zanussi-Electrolux products and the other AEG.

Tel: 01753 872552
Web: http://www.electrolux.co.uk

Success with Super-Blower means Relocation and Expansion for Indusvent

Industrial ventilation engineers Indusvent Engineering (Northern) has moved to new and expanded premises in Rochdale. The move was prompted by the significant success that Indusvent is experiencing since the company introduced the Super-Blower filter system to the UK about two years ago.

Indusvent says that the Super-Blower will be the future of dust extraction filter technology with its compact design, powerful and low maintenance performance and energy saving features.

Major names in both the panel processing and timber industry sectors have installed Super-Blowers with immediate results.

Indusvent claims that the Super-Blower holds out long-term advantages for companies: It complies with and exceeds all current and impending emission controls for dust and noise. As there are no chain conveyors and the fans are on the ‘clean air’ side of the system, maintenance is virtually non-existent. It has a variety of automatic cleaning and sensor devices and occupies a fraction of the space compared with conventional chain conveyor systems. It features rapid installation times, which minimises disruption to production during installation period.

Indusvent’s new premises feature high-tech design facilities and warehousing for a full range of associated components.

The new address is: Indusvent Engineering (Northern) Ltd., Riverside Drive, Smallbridge Business Park, Rochdale OL16 2SH. Tel: 0870 758 3280, Fax: 0870 758 3299; Email: mailto:mail@indusvent.com Web: http://www.indusvent.com

ASFI Reports Membership Surge at AGM

During ASFI’s recent AGM it was reported that membership of the Association continues to rise. New members include L &S srl, Doellken, PUR Mobelprofile, European Decorative Products.

Core membership benefits including a credit reference scheme are all being well received by members. The first Business Forum meeting for members will take place later on in the year, consisting of an exchange of ideas and information, followed by a presentation by invited speakers.

Graham Holdsworth, General Manager whose Association Report gave details of the Association’s activities, advised that ASFI now have a place on the SESA panel and are working closely with DTI officials in determining how DTI grants are allocated. ASFI is also representing the supplies sector on the DTI sponsored Furniture Export Group and have been appointed accredited sponsor for IWF in Atlanta, USA, and Zow Italy.

In response to recent market research undertaken by ASFI amongst its membership, a short-term action plan has been devised which will be implemented over the next 12 months. This will develop the Association further, making it both a valuable partner for its members as well as a first point of reference for manufacturers in their product design and sourcing activities.

The ASFI show in October, the only of its kind in the UK, has 130 exhibitors to date contracted to exhibit including:
Gerber
Par Engineering
Hiatt Hardware
Bagpress.com
Beaver Doors
Katris Industries – India
Global Kleen Environmental Services
Rehau
Timber Door Co
Plasticos Alia, Spain
Kitmar Engineering SL Spain
MDF Design Grp
OWI GmbH – Germany
N.I.M. Ltd
Winther Browne
Sycamore Lighting
SWG Enterprise
Panmar – Poland
Furnco AB – Sweden

Space continues to sell well, and the biennial supplies exhibition, which has been totally revamped, reviewed and completely updated, will be a vibrant platform for the industry as a whole. Visitor pre-registration too, is already up 20% against 2002 figures.

Tel: 0870 429 4666
Web: http://www.asfi-expo.co.uk

Water Softeners – Meeting A Growing Demand

Hard water is a pain in the…well almost anywhere if you suffer from it, but particularly in the heating systems, pipework and showerheads, as well as the more obvious places like the kettle and your kitchen appliances, all of which ‘fur up’ from the scale in the water flow and cause grief throughout the home. As installers, you will have come across the problems associated with hard water on a daily basis, particularly if you live and work in East Anglia, London and the Home Counties and the South East.

The UK merchant operation of the manufacturer of domestic water softeners Tapworks says it is seeing massively increased demand for its products as more and more people recognise the value of softened water in the home. Research the company has undertaken is quite revealing. Not only do most people know they have a hard water problem in their home, they know they could solve that problem by investing in a water softener…..but the penetration of water softeners in the marketplace is still incredibly low.

‘A wonderful opportunity then, for installers.’ says the company.

‘If you add up the cost of the investment that an average household makes in its heating and hot water system, its appliances – the washing machine, dishwasher, shower units –you’ll find it adds up to several thousands of pounds. And on top of that, there’s the cost of running them each year. So it makes sense to make them last as long as possible and to have them working as efficiently as possible.

‘Your customers will equate the benefits of soft water with the everyday evidence they experience. Washing, bathing and showering becomes a better experience - richer lather from soap, shinier, cleaner hair from less shampoo, gentler shaving and an all over feeling of a better skin. Importantly many people with skin complaints – particularly eczema - find their skin condition improves greatly and quickly after a water softener has been installed.

‘Towels, clothes and fabrics take on a new softness and the bathroom suite and kitchenware stay much cleaner with no unsightly scum build up on dishes, baths, basins taps or tiles.

‘There’s a major new business opportunity for installers when they are working in hard water areas. You may be putting together a spec for a new heating and hot water system, or replacing components that need replacing because of the damage caused by scale. The fitting of a new kitchen offers a perfect opportunity for you as an installer. Allocating the small space in a cupboard that’s needed for the softener at the planning stage will cause minimal disruption!.

‘Clearly your customer will appreciate your recommendation of a water softener that you can rely on – an electronic one that will do the job of softening water with the minimum of fuss. Tapworks water softeners are available through merchants and they are simple to install and operate. Something that Tapworks hears again and again, is that once you’ve had a water softener in your home, you will never live in a house without one again.

‘Tapworks water softeners provide a continuous supply of softened water on demand. They automatically adjust the water softeners capacity, to suit the requirements of each household’s water requirements, monitoring water usage and anticipating what the next day’s water usage will be. This provides two vital savings to owners of Tapworks products – it saves up to 40% on salt bills and because a water softener needs to regenerate to provide constant soft water, a Tapworks system will do so only when it needs to, saving up to 75% of the water normally used in the process – an important factor for those who are on water meters and paying for their water by the litre!

‘Tapworks has thought of everything and built it into its systems. The company can even offer an EasyChange high quality drinking water system, to supply crisp drinking water that tastes better than any you’ve tasted, straight from the tap.‘In the UK, the average family is looking for ways of making everyday life better and softer water is certainly something that once ‘on tap’ becomes a necessity rather than a luxury.’

Tel: 01494 480621
Web: http://www.tapworks.net

Powered Cool Boxes - Which? Report Examines the Choice

A recent report from Which? measures how long Cool Boxes keep your food below 5°C and 10°C on a hot summer's day - 5°C is fridge temperature, and at 10°C germs multiply. 'You can power these cool boxes from your car's cigarette lighter, but most are pretty useless - we can recommend only one of the five models we tested.' says Which?

'The Gio'Style Trippy Electrobox (pictured) £30, from Wilkinson and Asda, stands head and shoulders above the others.

'In fact, it's the only cool box we tested that managed to lower its temperature to beneath 5°C. When unplugged, it takes a pretty impressive ten and a half hours to reach 10°C (though it did take just an hour to reach the 5°C mark). Capacity is limited, so it's better suited to a couple picnicking than a big family outing.

'If you can't get your hands on the Trippy, but you're set on a powered box, then the Gio'Style Freddy £40, from Robert Dyas, might do. It can cool to about 6°C and, unplugged, takes three and a half hours to warm up to 10°C. But treat it with care - in our tests, it suffered from a snapped handle and four dented corners.

'The only powered box to offer a heating device is the Coleman Powerchill. It's great for keeping your quiche warm but it's also the worst box for cooling - it never got below 11°C.'

'Portability is important for cool boxes, as the motor, hidden in the lid, is pretty heavy. To compensate, some - including the Gio'Style Trippy and Coleman Powerchill - come with a second, non-cooling, lid, which saves that extra kilo or so.'

Which? offers a Free 30 day trial: http://trial.which.co.uk/home.php

Nolte - The Popular Choice with many Developers

Leading Nolte stockist, Designer Kitchens of Southport, has just supplied Lulworth Developments with one of the latest Nolte ranges for a development of flats in Southport. This represents just one of several developments in Southport now using Nolte.

Cleverly created for this development, the designer has combined Nolte's Spot range in high gloss vanilla, with matt sepia brown units from the Star range; all within the new 50mm frame system. Other features include curved work surfaces in highland ash, aluminium rail handles, roller shutters and bi fold closing wall units.

Nolte also has a dedicated contracts division, which is currently working with developers such as Barratts, Magellan Homes, Rialto (now Fairview) and M3 Developments.

Contact: Nick Heron
Tel: 01279 868500.
Email: mailto:email@noltekitchens.co.uk
Web: http://www.nolte-kuechen.de

Customers Turn Tables on Shower Makers with One-Off Designs

'Householders, bathroom designers and installers can now turn the tables on shower enclosure makers by creating their own designs.' says Roman Ltd which the company says has put its customers first, by extending its range of enclosures and wetroom fittings.

Roman has raised the profile of its Bespoke Shower Service, traditionally a problem-solving department, by producing its own brochure to spell out the options, complete with a 'no-fuss' form to enable customers to detail their exact requirements.

The move responds to a steadily rising interest in bespoke solutions - largely self-generated - and makes the whole process clearer by setting out, in a compact table, exactly which products in the Collage and Wetrooms ranges can be customised and which of the most popular modifications are possible on each item.

The modifications (height, width, corner angle or complete angle) are illustrated by line drawings, with corresponding line drawings on the order form for insertion of the key dimensions.

The six easy steps of the ordering process begin with the initial enquiry through a Roman stockist and culminate in delivery of the made-to-measure component. Customers' exact requirements are confirmed to ensure complete accuracy.

David Osborne, Marketing Director said: 'A flood of TV programmes with increasingly adventurous designs has inspired householders to truly 'think outside the box', and we have responded by launching this up-graded service.'

In line with Romans priority on good customer service David Osborne continued:
'Off-the shelf enclosures are now available within 7 - 10 working days from Roman with many deliveries being completed within 3 - 4 working days. With the increasing demand for bespoke showering products we have reduced the delivery times on our bespoke designs also, offering this service to our customers within 5 - 6 weeks compared to an industry average of 6 - 8 weeks.'

Tel: 0845 0504 032
Web: http://www.roman-showers.com