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Whirlpool Corporation Expands Amana Manufacturing Operations

Whirlpool Corporation announced yesterday an expected investment of up to $11 million for the expansion of its Amana, Iowa-based refrigeration operations.

This investment will support product innovation and increased manufacturing capacity for bottom freezer refrigeration and is expected to create up to 400 new jobs in Amana over the next 24 months. Whirlpool expects to employ approximately 2,900 people at the facility by the end of 2008.

‘Investing in our Amana manufacturing facility will allow us to expand production of bottom freezer refrigerator models to meet growing consumer demand for these popular appliances,’ said David L. Swift, president of Whirlpool North America. ‘This investment also will help us drive improved productivity and efficiency, and support the continuing efforts of our brands to deliver a constant stream of innovation to consumers.’

Hiring will begin this summer.

Nobia: Continued Profit Growth

During the second quarter, kitchen company Nobia increased its net sales by 27 per cent to SEK 4,288 million (3,367). Organic growth amounted to 8 per cent. Profit after tax increased by 44 per cent and earnings per share amounted to SEK 4.66 (3.27). The operating margin strengthened to 9.8 per cent (8.6). Operating profit grew by 46 per cent to SEK 422 million (290). Operating cash flow increased to SEK 393 million (377).

The improvement in operating profit during the second quarter was the result of increased sales in all three regions. The French business unit Hygena, which was acquired in February 2006, contributed to both improved operating profit and increased earnings per share.

Comments from the CEO:
‘We are now beginning to see the results of the action programme that was implemented in the UK,’ says President and CEO Fredrik Cappelen. ‘We are continuing to invest in more and better stores, which currently total 689, while developing partnerships in important distribution channels. Overall, this contributes to continued organic growth and improved profit.’

The full report with tables (416K PDF file) can be downloaded here:

(Figures in brackets refer to the corresponding period in 2005)

Electrolux and Sharp in Collaboration to Develop and Manufacture New Appliances

Electrolux and Sharp Corporation have entered a collaboration to develop a new range of mid-sized frost-free refrigerators. This project is part of a broader strategic collaboration within major appliances between the two companies.

The refrigeration project started last year and includes mutual exchange of information, know-how and consumer research. In terms of product development/technical development, the two companies have built a structure of sharing tasks on product planning, production, and assessment of products.

This first project consists of joint development of six different types of environmentally friendly, energy saving small and mid-size frost-free refrigerators. Electrolux and Sharp will differentiate their own products in terms of marketing, design and features. The products will be built in Sharp's Thailand factory and launched during the autumn of 2006.

With this achievement of collaboration in refrigeration the two companies have formed a basis to continue to leverage on the complementary strengths of each other in order to increase global competitiveness. The long-term aim is to offer consumers innovative products and to improve speed to market.

Several projects within other product categories are in pipeline. The collaboration also covers sourcing with the aim to decrease purchasing costs.

Sharp and Electrolux currently have over 100 million dollars worth of business between each other, and the amount is expected to increase.

'Our two companies have different strengths', says Sharp President Katsuhiko Machida. 'Sharp is leading one-of-a-kind technology in environment and health and Electrolux is leading in consumer research and the product development process. This combination is unique and will deliver new, exciting solutions in the major appliances area as each company leverages the strengths of the other.'

'This is a unique model of collaboration between two companies, that are partly competitors,' says Electrolux President & CEO Hans Stråberg. 'We have built an openness where we in specific areas share product plans and technologies from which both companies can benefit. The collaboration is clearly in line with the innovation strategy of Electrolux.'

Web: http://sharp-world.com
Web: http://www.electrolux.com

Servis Heads for the Competitive Market with a New Look

White goods manufacturer Servis has revealed it's new look in time for its attack on the competitive mid-market. The new colours echo the company's fresh and modern business, but sticks to the simple style that you would expect from the well organised manufacturer.

The makeover has been timed to co-ordinate with the company's laundry launch. The new range of 6, 7 and 8kg washing machines are targeted at the mid-market and are the first phase of products set to stretch the brand into this competitive price bracket.

Newly appointed Commercial Manager Charlie Jones, who played a big part in choosing the new look, comments, ‘The new identity demonstrates Servis is moving forward as a modern sophisticated business and has received a very positive reception from our customers - with displays orders higher than ever.’

Tel: 0121 568 8333
Web: http://www.servisuk.co.uk

New Power at Sovereign Showers

Sovereign says that it has always been a name synonymous with quality shower enclosures at affordable prices, but following a buy-over by private investors in November 2005, the company says that it is now poised to take the market by storm under the leadership of Gary Finan, its recently appointed new Managing Director.

Gary (pictured) has a wealth of experience in manufacturing and relishes the challenge to inject innovation and fresh ideas into the company. ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for me to drive Sovereign forward and regain our market position as a company which delivers cutting edge shower enclosure designs and quality manufacturing at realistic prices.’

Sovereign has been showering the market recently with its new Panoramic 2 range of shower enclosures. These three new designs, the 'Quadrant', 'Integrity' and 'Evolution' were showcased at the KBB Exhibition earlier in the year and demand from retailers has been exceptional.

Designed specifically for the UK market, the contours of the Panoramic 2 collection combine aesthetic appeal with optimum functionality. Cumbersome satin silver fully framed enclosures have been transformed into semi-frameless, polished silver minimalist chic. These designs create an illusion of space - an asset to any bathroom be it a compact en-suite shower room or a main family bathroom. Plastic handles have been replaced with stylish zinc plated handles and for added showering safety, all enclosures have been fitted with 6mm toughened safety glass.

The 'Integrity' enclosure incorporates a large showering area with an integral glass shelf system which not only provides handy access to toiletries, it also includes a dry area for towel storage.

The pièce de resistance of the Panoramic Collection comes in the state-of-the-art design of the 'Evolution' walk-in shower enclosure. This has a unique double door system which prevents warm air and water spray escaping when entering the shower enclosure. The Evolution system is proving to be the top seller of the range.

‘Our Panoramic 2 range is taking the market by storm’ says Gary, ‘and we are currently working on another three models which will be launched in the autumn’.

Planit International Strengthens Customer Support Team

Developer of design and visualisation software for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and home improvement markets, Planit International has strengthened its customer support team with three new appointments at its Ashford, Kent headquarters.

Richard Dunn, Phillip Ring and Owen Cooper all join the company as customer support officers - bringing a wide range of customer services, retailing and IT based experience to their new roles.

From left: Owen Cooper, Richard Dunn and Phillip Ring

‘These new positions reflect the importance we attach to helping customers maximise the benefits of Fusion design and visualisation software within their own businesses,’ says Planit International's managing director, Alastair McPheat. ‘We believe that supplying industry-leading technology is not enough on its own.

Through our 'Total Support' programme, we provide a full range of training courses, as well as a team of customer support specialists who work closely with users to enable them to achieve the maximum return on their Fusion system investment.’

With eight years' experience in sales, customer service and recruitment, Richard Dunn brings exceptional communication and management skills to his new post. A committed team player, Richard has extensive customer liaison and support experience - reflecting his strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build sound client relationships.

Phillip Ring established his track record of customer service and support within the retailing and IT sectors, where his GNVQs in business and media and an advanced modern apprenticeship in retailing have been applied to good effect in his previous roles.

Owen Cooper studied politics, business studies and languages at Norton Knatchbull Grammar School, before reading business and law at the University of the West of England. He joins Planit following a number of work experience placements with HSBC and the European Space Agency, as well as five years' experience in customer liaison roles within the retail sector.

About Planit International Ltd.
Based at Ashford in Kent, Planit International is a developer of advanced design and visualisation software for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and home improvement markets. The company is a principal member of the Planit Group and the sector's only certified Microsoft® Partner. Its flagship product Planit Fusion Live is fully Windows® XP compliant and incorporates a comprehensive range of customer management tools, superior graphics and presentational quality.

Web: http://www.planit.com

Burbidge Invests in Highly Advanced PDA Technology

Kitchens frontals and accessories manufacturer Burbidge has further demonstrated its commitment to customer service by investing in highly advanced PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) technology to enhance communication between its sales team and retailers.

The leading edge handheld PDAs are networked to Burbidge's central database, providing the sales team with instant access to current, up-to-date purchasing trends data. The fast operating PDAs enable the sales team to easily see which Burbidge ranges are selling well, allowing their customers to make informed decisions about which kitchens to display in their showrooms.

Managing director Ben Burbidge said: 'PDAs started out as personal organisers, but the technology has become more versatile and the capabilities for businesses are now far reaching. However, we are one of the few kitchen companies in the UK to invest in PDA technology to this degree, and we believe it puts us - and our customers - at a distinct advantage.

'The technology means our employees are more informed, we have smarter sales resource planning and improved market research data and market awareness, all of which we can share with our customers. We have the capability to capture data more readily, and can target retailers in different areas with product specific campaigns. The PDAs have also improved our customer care, as we now have an accurate, up-to-date log telling us which customers have been contacted and when.'

Burbidge continually pushes technological boundaries to improve its customer service. Last year the company invested £0.25 million in new production equipment and sales information systems.

Burbidge is a long established, leading UK kitchen frontals and accessories manufacturer. The company's products can be viewed in realistic rooms sets in the company's showroom in Coventry. Please call 024 7667 1600 for further information.

Effective Protection from Bacterial Infection is Now on Tap

You only have to pick up a newspaper or turn on the television to read and see an increasing number of reports concerning hospital infections and so called super-bugs.

If you could apply a coating to items that are handled regularly that would destroy these bugs on contact, then a great stride forward would have been made. With the development of the Kliniklene system from Pegler, this solution is now available for use in hospitals.

The government has made stamping out these bacterial infections in hospitals a major priority and with reported incidents of MRSA on the up, cleanliness in hospitals has become a key NHS target set by the Department of Health.

There are two specific government policy initiatives designed to combat 'health care acquired infection'. One involves much more rigourous cleaning and disinfection proceedures and the other is the development of new technology.

Sophisticated cleaning schedules have now been introduced in the majority of hospitals, complete with a corresponding campaign to inform the general public to respect cleaning proceedures and while this has had a significant impact, many have looked to new technology to provide long term answers.

The main obstacle to this development has been the difficulty in applying such a permanent coating to materials like metals that usually resist any coating, but with this issue overcome, hospitals can now benefit from a range of products capable of killing common bacterial infections on contact, including MRSA.

The results of the Antimicrobial Activity Efficacy tests over a 24-hour period are impressive. All the most common bacteria are virtually eradicated and certainly dealt with well in excess of the 95% target set by the NHS.

Doncaster based Pegler limited has been instrumental in developing such products, and Marketing Manager Phill Jackson said, ‘Our Kliniklene is not a coating that is 'sprayed on' - it is as much a part of the products as the chromium plating. The new finish has been tested with cleaners using a typical cleaning regime, with hypochlorite based cleaners such as bleach - and it still retains its high degree of effectiveness.’

The liklihood is that many more products will be developed with such a coating in the coming years and a variety of applications can be envisaged. Already a range of products are available in the Performa Healthcare selection of taps and mixers, designed to meet virtually any requirement in a hospital or broader health care environment.

With products of this type becoming more commonplace, we can all look forward to seeing marked reductions in cases of super-bugs in our hospitals in years to come as the number of these products throughout the NHS increases.

Tel: 0870 1200 284
Web: http://www.pegler.co.uk

William Ball Breaks into Bathrooms

With a well established reputation for providing high quality furniture solutions within the kitchen, office, living room and bedroom, William Ball is now expanding its interiors commitment into the bathroom - the final splash into providing furniture for the entire home.

The move into bathrooms was a natural step for William Ball and now enables its retailers to provide top quality furniture for every room in the house.
Utilising the same precise manufacturing technique and eye for design that has secured the reputation of its existing furniture ranges for many years, the company says that its bathroom portfolio is destined to be an instant hit.

Furthermore, the nine initial bathroom designs all match William Ball's existing bedroom furniture styles, allowing the seamless coordination of bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.

The Helena range, pictured, is indicative of the style and quality you can expect from William Ball's new flagship bathroom collection. Combining high gloss ivory and dramatic walnut, Helena comes in a wide selection of units, allowing the creation of seamless bathroom storage to suit any sized room.

William Ball's bathroom ranges come with a five-year guarantee as standard.

Tel: 01375 375 151
Web: http://www.wball.co.uk

Upbeat AGM for Bathroom Manufacturers

A packed audience of members and guests attended the Annual General Meeting of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association in July.

During the association's recent AGM, held at the BPMF Club in Stoke, BMA President Ted Goold presented the first Bathroom Academy 'Certificate in Bathroom Studies' to Richard Clarke.

Richard, who joined the Farnborough branch of Wilky Bathrooms in 2005 as a sales estimator, is the first person to complete all six of the Bathroom Academy Core Merits. His success gains him the Certificate in Bathroom Studies - passed with distinction - and qualifies Richard for Membership of the Bathroom Academy and the use of the initials MBatA after his name.

BMA Training Coordinator Phil Lumley said, ‘from the outset Richard adopted a focused approach to learning and was able complete all six Core Merits within six months. The six are Baths, Brassware, Sanitaryware & Fittings, Shower Controls, Shower Trays & Shower Enclosures. This course of study,’ she continued, ‘enables industry members like Richard, to more easily identify the appropriate type of product for the customer and increase their understanding of the materials used in manufacture as well as the essentials of installation.'

Sandra Young, Wilky Group Director responsible for Training explained why the training offered by the BMA is so essential to their business. ‘At a time when the complexity of bathroom products is growing significantly we believe this will help us provide customers with the kind of authoritative and dependable advice they have come to expect from Wilky.’

The Members of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association were delighted that their support and commitment to training and development within the Industry is moving forward so positively.

For further information on the BMA and its key activities visit: http://www.bathroom-association.org

ArtiCAD’S Instant Remote Support Takes Customer Service to New Heights

ArtiCAD Limited, the CAD software specialist for kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and home offices, has announced the launch of Instant Remote Support, the latest addition to the company’s portfolio of customer service initiatives.

Instant Remote Support enables an ArtiCAD support technician to take control of a client’s PC remotely over a secure broadband Internet connection. The technician is able to view the screen whilst the client demonstrates the problem. He or she then takes control of the PC and demonstrates to the watching client the steps which need to be taken to resolve the problem.

Stephen Pickup of Abbeymill Kitchens is enthusiastic about the new service. 'It is a lot easier than trying to explain a problem. ArtiCAD’s technician was able to review and rectify the problem, and I could see and comment in real-time.'

ArtiCAD director, Theresa Turner, confirms that early response to the new service from other clients has also been extremely positive. 'We are now able to solve some complex technical issues that would have taken a day to cure within fifteen minutes. Clearly this is helping our clients to remain as productive as possible by dramatically reducing any disruption to their work. Instant Remote Support is a key part of ArtiCAD’s ongoing drive to improve the level of service that we offer our clients, in part by the innovative use of new technologies.'

Tel: 01923 246586
Web: http://www.articad.cc

IDS Invests in New Mechanical Handling Machinery at its Nuneaton Hub

Dubbed Operation Barge, IDS has invested £300k at its Nuneaton branch in new specialist mechanical handling equipment for worktops which will reduce damage, improve Health & Safety and operational efficiency.

Nuneaton is the Central Distribution Centre for the group as well as directly serving the West Midlands area. Over £4m worth of stock is held within the 90,000 sq ft of warehousing space across the company's portfolio of worktops, flooring, laminates and panel products.

The machinery will be used to pick IDS's comprehensive worktop offer which includes Omega, Axiom, Prima and Duropal laminate worktops; Staron solid surfaced worktops and the Solid Wood Worktop Collection.

The new handling equipment brings a new approach to the way worktops are typically picked. Throughout the UK, the usual method is to 'bring the stock to the staff'. This requires a whole pallet of worktops to be picked from the rack, lowered and then transported to a suitable picking area. Once the stock has been picked, the worktops are then manoeuvred back to the rack. It's a process that means moving worktops four to five times for just one pick and it exposes the worktops to a high risk of damage, as well as being slow and labour intensive.

The new system based on the two brand new Hubtex EZK20 lifting platforms reverses this process and 'brings the staff to the stock'. It's a proven concept in Germany and Belgium shown to reduce damage, improve productivity, improve Health & Safety, improve customer service and increase staff morale.

Neil Philips, Operations Manager at Nuneaton is responsible for the project:

‘When I first saw the system, it reminded me of barges floating down the aisles of a warehouse. It has been operating now just a few months and I am already greatly impressed with the service improvement.’

Tel: 08457 298 298
Email: info@idsurfaces.co.uk
Web: http://www.idsurfaces.co.uk

Image has Successful First Half

Image Showers says that it has had a very positive and extremely successful first half to 2006. The company began the year firing on all cylinders with a new brochure, newly designed products, recently appointed sales team and the KBB exhibition about to begin. Since then business could not have been better and Image Showers has just announced that sales have doubled last year's levels.

Distributors have taken in extra stocks from Image Showers, after recognising the advances made in the market place and of course the sales from the quality displays secured are now following. Ideal Bathrooms in particular has increased stock across the whole range including the new Ultra frameless models.

Martin Carroll, Ideal Bathrooms' Commercial Director comments, "We are selective with the brands we choose to stock and Image Showers is a relative newcomer to the Ideal Bathrooms stock portfolio. We are pleased to have been able to increase our stocks and sales have gone well with our customers identifying that the ranges are good quality and good prices. Image Showers have fitted the showroom displays too, so the displays look good, benefiting ongoing sales.’

KBB was good timing for Image Showers with everything coming together for a successful show. The KBB show was perfect to demonstrate to new retailers the quality of the enclosures and screens available and to meet the sales team to talk about the quality and service support available. New showrooms and displays obtained from KBB have proven to be winners.

Image Showers has a large range of quality products, which include an extensive choice of bath screens, sliding, hinged, folding and bow for corner and shaped baths. There are also screens and panels for wet rooms and walk in showers as well as the Allure and Ultra ranges, both luxury ranges with many options for customers to consider. Image designs and manufactures its own shower enclosures in Ireland, which allows greater flexibility for product updates and new products. The Ultra Offset Quadrant enclosure has recently been redesigned so that it fits standard shower trays and not only its' dedicated tray, again giving the customer more choice and flexibility.

The new brochure is also a success and retailers are more than happy with the displays and service support from Image Showers which includes a lifetime guarantee on its full range of enclosures and shower screens.

Wolseley plc - Pre-Close Period Trading Statement

Wolseley plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier of building materials, issues its regular trading statement for the 11 months to 30th June 2006, prior to entering its close period. The preliminary results for the 12 months ending 31st July 2006 are due to be announced on 25th September 2006.

Overview
Business conditions in the Group's principal markets have been broadly in line with comments made in the Interim Results statement on 21st March 2006. Results for the first 11 months to 30th June 2006 show a strong increase in revenue and profits driven by high rates of organic growth and market outperformance in North America and the contribution from acquisitions.

After currency translation and including the effect of acquisitions, Group revenue for the 11 months to 30th June 2006 was up by around 25% on the same period in 2005, including double digit organic growth. Trading profit was up by around 20%, although, as expected, the rate of growth has slowed over the second half of the financial year due to the stronger comparators. The favourable currency translation effect added approximately £300 million to revenue and £19 million to trading profit, representing around 3% of the reported sterling figures.

Central costs in relation to Wolseley plc, Wolseley Europe and Wolseley North America for the second half are at a similar run rate to the six months to 31st January 2006.

The Group's trading margin is lower than the equivalent period in the prior year primarily due to the lower level of commodity price inflation, the initial impact of acquisitions and continued investment in human resources, facilities and technology.

Further details of market conditions in each of the Group's business segments are set out below.

North America
The positive economic environment in the USA and Canada has enabled the North American business to deliver strong revenue and trading profit growth, in sterling, in excess of 30%.

In the USA, although new housing starts are beginning to show the expected decline from record levels, housing related activity remains good, with the repairs and remodelling market benefiting from the positive economic environment. The commercial and industrial sectors continue to improve.

The US plumbing operations (Ferguson) have performed particularly well with revenue in local currency for the 11 months to 30th June 2006 up by around 35% and trading profit up by around 30% on the equivalent period in the prior year.
The majority of the revenue growth was organic. The slightly lower trading margin is in line with internal targets and reflects the lower level of commodity price inflation and the initial effect of acquisitions.

In US Building Materials, local currency revenue for Stock Building Supply was up by more than 25% for the first 11 months and trading profits up more than 40% compared to the equivalent period in the prior year. The improvement in trading margin was primarily due to a more favourable sales mix arising from increased value added products and installed services, in line with the strategy to expand the range of products and services offered.

The strong revenue growth in the period reflects high single digit organic volume growth and the benefit of acquisitions, partly offset by a 4% net reduction due to lower lumber and structural panel prices.

In Canada, the construction and housing markets remain strong although there has been a slight slowing in housing starts generally and in manufacturing activity levels in Eastern Canada. In local currency, Wolseley Canada achieved double-digit organic growth in revenue and trading profit compared to the equivalent period in the prior year, although the trading margin was slightly lower due to the on-going investment in people and infrastructure.

Europe
In Europe, revenue in the 11 months to 30th June 2006 in sterling, including acquisitions, was up by around 10% compared to the same period in the prior year. Trading profit was up only slightly, held back by the reorganisation in Brossette.

Wolseley UK, including Ireland, achieved double-digit revenue growth, including some positive organic growth, in the 11 months to 30th June 2006. Continued consumer caution has meant that the first eleven months have proved to be more challenging than the prior year. However, the commercial sector, including government spending, continues to show a positive trend overall, despite delays in certain projects. The trading margin was slightly lower. The new national distribution centre in Leamington Spa is to be opened on schedule in September 2006.

In France, government tax incentives continue to underpin growth in the new residential market, but repairs, maintenance and improvement ('RMI'), the principal driver of both Brossette and PBM, continues to show only modest growth.

Brossette's results continue to reflect the disruption caused by its reorganisation of the branch and management structures and distribution network. For the 11 months to 30th June 2006 revenue was up slightly compared to the similar period in the prior year, whilst profits were substantially down.

Good progress was made by PBM which achieved revenue growth of more than 5% in local currency with reported trading profit also higher, after restructuring and other one off costs and before the benefit of the customs settlement, previously announced. The underlying trading margin is up on the equivalent period in the prior year.

In Central Europe there was a mixed picture with each of the Group's businesses showing positive revenue growth, despite most markets remaining broadly flat. The businesses in Italy, Switzerland and the Netherlands all showed good increases in trading profit.

Financial
The Group's financial position remains strong with Group gearing, as at 30th June 2006, of around 75% at current exchange rates (compared to 68.1% at 31st January 2006). The gearing reflects acquisition spend of £900 million in the 11 months to 30th June 2006 and a higher level of capital expenditure, partly offset by strong operating cash flow. In a full year these 50 acquisitions are expected to add approximately £1.4 billion to Group revenue. The interest charge is notably higher than the corresponding period in the prior year due to interest rate rises and the higher level of average borrowings as a result of recent acquisitions.

Outlook
The US housing market is expected to continue to soften, with significant regional variations, but remain at levels which are good by historical standards, presenting further opportunities for growth. Against the background of positive economic conditions in the USA, the RMI and commercial and industrial markets should continue to improve. In the UK, recent sales trends support the Group's view that there will continue to be a gradual improvement in the RMI and housing markets, as the calendar year progresses. Growth in the French RMI market is likely to remain modest, although there are tentative signs that sales trends are improving. In Central Europe, most of the Group's businesses should show some progress in generally flat markets.

Charlie Banks, Group Chief Executive of Wolseley, said:
'We are on track to achieve another strong performance across our businesses this year. Our principal operating companies continue to successfully outperform their local markets, take market share and improve their financial performance.
We continue to invest in people, infrastructure and technology and have made good progress on acquisitions in the year to date. Although Europe remains slow, the North American economies are strong and this encourages us for the months ahead.'

Exchange Rates
The average profit and loss account translation rate for the first 11 months was $1.7820 to the £1 compared to $1.8593 for the comparable period last year, an improvement of 4.3%, and Euro1.4572 to the £1 compared to Euro1.4593, an improvement of 0.1%, compared to the prior year.

Trading profit, a term used throughout this announcement, is defined as operating profit before amortisation of acquired intangibles. Trading margin is the ratio of trading profit to revenue stated as a percentage.

Web: http://www.wolseley.com

Grand Designs Live - Now also in the Heart of England

Grand Designs Live has just expanded! Publishing group and exhibition organiser, Media 10, and FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide have announced a new sister event, Grand Designs Live NEC, which has been launched to meet increased demand from exhibitors and visitors outside London and the South East.

Based on the hugely successful TV series, Grand Designs, which is produced for Channel 4 by talkbackTHAMES and presented by design guru Kevin McCloud, Grand Designs Live proved to be a hugely successful event in 2005 earning itself a place on the shortlist for 'Consumer Show of the Year'. The event has evolved in 2006 and is set to become even more impressive.

Grand Designs Live NEC will attract over 400 of the best quality exhibitors from the Interiors, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Build and Gardens sectors (each personally vetted by Kevin McCloud and the Grand Designs team).

Diarmuid Gavin and Naomi Cleaver will join Kevin McCloud and other experts and TV personalities as part of the impressive Grand Designs Live NEC celebrity line-up.

Kevin McCloud, comments: 'The launch of Grand Designs Live NEC takes us to the heart of the country with a brand new event for a brand new audience. The NEC event isn't simply a London spin-off, but a purpose dedicated show where we can share grand ideas and innovations with both a midlands and a more national audience. I'm very excited by the idea of taking the exhibition beyond the boundaries of the M25.'

Grand Designs Live NEC will follow the same popular, easy-to-navigate four-shows-under-one roof format:

GRANDInteriors - encompassing everything you need to equip a home from flooring to lighting.

GRANDBuild - a must-see for those taking on a self-build project, providing access to experts, suppliers and materials.

GRANDGardens - providing inspirational ideas to make the most of your outside space from decking to water features to tree houses, plus all kinds of flowers, plants, trees and shrubs.

GRANDKitchens+Bathrooms - providing everything (including the kitchen sink!) to inspire two of the key rooms in any house.

These four shows are again complemented by the Design Shopping Arcade - to complete the look of a home, visitors will have the unique opportunity to buy designer homes accessories usually unavailable on the high street.

All the favourites from the London show will be brought to life, with exciting new attractions. What's more, a comprehensive free seminar programme with new speakers for the NEC event and numerous live demonstrations will run throughout the three days for those seeking advice or conducting fact-finding research.

The show organisers are currently working with exhibitors, sponsors and set designers to create an environment packed with even more creative displays and new show-stopping features, devised to stimulate creativity, enthusiasm and ingenuity.

Lee Newton, managing director of Media 10, comments: 'The demand for an event to cater for the Midlands and North of England from both exhibitors and potential visitors, made Grand Designs Live NEC a reality. Grand Designers come from all corners of the UK, so it makes perfect sense to launch a new Grand Designs Live show in the heart of England to cater for them.'

A major sponsor of GRANDBuild, WWF will be represented by its dramatic 'One Planet Living' feature, demonstrating to visitors how their homes and behaviour can be more energy efficient and sustainable.

Paul King, WWF-UK Director of Campaigns says: 'We are very excited to be taking our One Planet Living feature to the NEC for the Grand Designs Live event in October, especially as sustainability will be a key element of the exhibition. The WWF One Planet Living campaign is all about reducing the UK's ecological footprint and making sustainable living easier, more affordable and attractive. By being part of the exhibition at the NEC, WWF will have the opportunity of sharing these positive ideas to a much wider audience.'

Situated at the heart of GRANDGardens, Diarmuid Gavin's Garden Market is a must-see for green-fingered visitors, providing them with inspiration and advice to help transform their own outdoor space.

Diarmuid comments: 'I have been a part of Grand Designs Live since the beginning and can't wait to be part of this continuing success story.
GRANDGardens is all about inspiring people to think outside the box, to be brave and to treat their outside living space like any other room in their house.'

The Celebrity Chefs' Surreal Meal feature promises to be even more spectacular. Show organisers are currently working with Britain's top chefs to guarantee this feature will wow all the senses.

Claire Tavernier, Senior Vice President, Licensing, UK and Germany, FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide, licensor of Grand Designs, adds: 'Grand Designs Live has grown from strength to strength, and we are delighted to be working with Media 10 to bring the event to a national audience. I am certain that GDL NEC will prove to be a huge success, attracting even more people keen to follow the latest trends in contemporary living.'

6-8 October 2006, NEC Birmingham
Web: http://www.granddesignslive.com

Domestic appliance manufacturer, Miele, has been using Volkswagen vans since the early 1960s when the company first started trading in Britain. Today it operates a fleet of 86 Transporter vans, which are crucial to the company's nationwide maintenance and repair service.

CLM Fleet Management supplies Miele with the distinctive red Transporter vans. An independently owned company, CLM specialises in providing bespoke solutions to the commercial fleet market. It has managed the Miele fleet for the last seven years and has responsibility for acquisition, maintenance, administration and the disposal of the vans on their return after an operational life with Miele that lasts five years or 90,000 miles, whichever limit is reached first.

'When I first test drove the latest version of the Transporter, I was struck by the comfort, good turning circle and noise suppression in comparison to the previous model,' said Miele Director, Tony Stephens.
'Most importantly,' he continued, 'the Transporter's overall performance has been praised by Miele's drivers.'

Miele's Volkswagen Transporter vans have potent 1.9-litre 85 PS diesel engines, which use Volkswagen's unit injector technology and are designed to offer impressive power, refinement and low fuel consumption. There is also a comprehensive safety package featuring ABS, Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and Engine Braking Control (EBC).

All the vans are fitted with a bespoke shelving system for the large amount of tools and parts that the engineers need to carry with them.

As a long-standing operator of Volkswagen Transporter vans, Miele has seen consistent improvement in the model. With its quality construction and contemporary design, Miele believes the Volkswagen Transporter reflects and enhances the company's brand image.

The Ridgeway Volkswagen Van Centre, Wantage - one of a national network of over 70 centres - supplies CLM Fleet Management with the vehicles.

For further information on the Volkswagen Transporter or to find your nearest Van Centre call 0800 717131 or visit http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.

Roman Welcomes Holy Visitor

One of County Durham’s largest manufacturing plants welcomed a Provincial Mother, all the way from Sri Lanka. to talk about the company’s fundraising efforts to support the Tsunami victims.

Sister Ancilla, the Provincial Mother of five orphanages and six schools across Sri Lanka, stopped off at the Newton Aycliffe-based firm, Roman, following a visit to Rome on Holy Orders.

Roman will hold fund-raising events for the second successive year to send money to a children’s home left devastated by the Tsunami disaster in the North East Sri Lankan coastal town of Mulliativu.

The Uruthirapuram orphanage, which Roman is supporting, is overseen by Sister Ancilla and will eventually have a fully-equipped dining hall, kitchen and of course, showers and WCs, where the 60 children can use the new facilities comfortably under the guidance of the five nuns who care for them.

Last year Roman staff raised over £6,000 by taking part in a number of events including the Three Peaks Challenge, the Great North Run and a charity quiz night.

The plight of the children’s home was brought to Roman’s attention by Aloy and Juliet Mariathasun, Sri Lankan nationals who settled in Darlington in the early 1970s.

Roman’s chairman, Gerry Osborne, said: 'We were thrilled that Sister Ancilla could make a detour from Rome to visit our factory before flying back to Sri Lanka. She was very interested in our factory and we were delighted to talk about our company and the staff. All the staff are looking forward to more fund-raising events planned this year, which include a golf day, a 5-aside football tournament and another quiz night.'

Sister Ancilla, said: 'I would like to thank all the staff at Roman for the tremendous amount of money they raised last year, and wish them all the very best in their fund-raising efforts for this year. The money is making a massive difference to the lives of the children and is a great help to the nuns who care for them.'

New Chair for TTA

David Forbes, Joint Managing Director of the Nicholls & Clarke Group of Companies, has taken over from Brian Newell as Chairman of The Tile Association. David has been a TTA board member since the association’s formation and is the 4th Chair. He will serve for two years.

David told us, 'I am delighted to become the fourth Chairperson for The Tile Association. During its short history, The Tile Association has made incredible progress in unifying the industry, improving standards and creating a forum for discussion for subjects of concern for the industry.

During my two years as Chairman I hope to continue this good work, increase the awareness of all the good work carried out by the various Committees within The Tile Association and widen the membership still further to individuals and companies currently not aware of the benefits to joining The Tile Association.'

David joined Nicholls & Clarke Ltd 20 years ago and became Joint Managing Director in January 2005. There are two new TTA board members as well as new committee members and chairs.

The Tile Association represents all aspects of the wall and floor tile industry in the UK, from manufacture to installation.

It is dedicated to the advancement of all sectors of the tile industry and delivers real advantages to its members and their customers. It is committed to raising standards of product, installation, sales, training and promotion across the industry.

Web: http://www.tiles.org.uk

Twyford Bathrooms Installed at the House of the Future

Twyford Bathrooms has been selected as a supplier to the Osborne Demonstration House at the BRE (Building Research Establishment) Innovation Park at Garston, Watford.

The aim of the Osborne Demonstration House is to showcase the best modern methods of construction, and the latest innovative technologies for buildings and the built environment. Twyford Bathrooms has been supplying Osborne's Reigate office since 2000, and was recently invited by Osborne to be the sanitaryware supplier for the company’s Demonstration House.

It was Twyford Bathrooms' Total Install™ system, as well as the water-saving features, that really caught Osborne's eye. Total Install™ provides innovations that deliver high quality professional installations with greater ease and speed of fixing. This means that the installation times and callback rates are greatly reduced thanks to the newly engineered techniques for baths, bath panels, WC suites and wall- and floor-mounted basins and pedestals.

The Osborne Demonstration House strives to demonstrate construction best practice and to showcase affordable innovation in action. Twyford Bathrooms supplied a Neptune bath, a Galerie Back to Wall and SR basin, an Option WC, basin and pedestal and a Refresh WC, basin and pedestal. These suites all feature the Total Install™ system, and clearly showcase how style, design, functionality and innovation can all be fused into one product.

Matt Ledger Social Housing Manager, Twyford Bathrooms said, 'We were really excited to be picked to supply the sanitaryware to The Osborne Demonstration House, particularly as they look for innovation and clever design from their suppliers. We are looking forward to showcasing our product innovation with Total Install™ and also the water saving features which are extremely important in today's construction market.'