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Crosswater Acquires Prospect Sales

Crosswater Ltd has announced the acquisition of Prospect Sales (Plumbing supplies) Ltd. Prospect Sales is based in Stockton, Durham, where the workforce will continue to operate from the existing premises as a subsidiary of the Crosswater holding company. The Stockton-based business will become the Northern distribution centre for the Simpsons shower enclosures business, and will service the North Eastern, North Western and Scottish territories on an enhanced delivery cycle of just two days.

The three Northern area sales managers, Karen Morley, Sharon Davies and Allyson Doak will be based at this Northern distribution centre.

David Hance, Crosswater's Group Managing Director commented ‘I am delighted that we have completed the acquisition of a company which has a strong infrastructure of people who are well placed to facilitate further growth in our Northern regions. We are all looking forward to working with the team at Prospect Sales.’

John Nelson, founder of Prospect Sales, will withdraw from the day-to-day activities as part of his retirement plan.

The business will be headed by Peter McKenzie, Simpsons’ Operations Manager, Guildford, Surrey.

Web: http://www.crosswater.co.uk

Free Luxury Case Of Wine

In the run-up to the party season, Fisher & Paykel Appliances will offer consumers a free luxury case of wine with any single, double or undercounter oven or 1200mm range cooker purchased between 1st October and 31st December 2007.

The luxury case of wine will include 6 bottles of classic wines ranging from Chablis, Reserva Rioja to New Zealand Sauvignon and will be sent directly to the consumers by Direct Wines Ltd.

Fisher & Paykel's UK Sales Manager, Andrew Smith comments, 'Fisher & Paykel Appliances have always offered innovative products with the latest styling and great value for money. With this promotion we want to treat our consumers to a little extra in the run-up to the party season when purchasing any built-in oven or 1200mm range cooker'.

The new range of single, double and undercounter built-in ovens as well as 1200mm range cookers offer versatility via a variety of cooking functions - from pyrolytic self-clean to pre-set temperatures - electronic clocks and automatic cooking. High-grade enamel interiors, removable doors along with drop down grill elements on selected models make the ovens easy to clean and provide stress-free maintenance. Mirrored glass doors against contrasting brushed stainless steel hosting soft touch and dial controls combine to form a sophisticated, clean appearance.
Retailers can obtain more information and their point of sale material on this promotion from their Area Sales Manager or call 0845 600 1934.
For further information on Fisher & Paykel appliances, visit www.fisherpaykel.co.uk or contact the Fisher & Paykel Customer Care Centre on 0845 0662200d.

The Future of Indulgent Beauty Pampering?

During an international press conference held at the 2007 100% Design Exhibition currently taking place at Earls Court in London, Ideal Standard unveiled the results of a joint sponsorship with the Helen Hamlyn Centre of Tomek Rygalik, Research Associate of the London Royal Collage of Art (RCA) Design Products.

Rygalik’s design project is the second in the series of an innovative study developed as part of an ‘Indulgent Bathroom’ theme created between Ideal Standard and the RCA. This latest ‘Indulgent Bathroom – Beauty’ explores the connection between the basin and mirror area of the bathroom focusing on different ways to achieve a sense of luxury. The Beauty concept strives to address the needs of the most ardent users to the most elderly, taking into consideration people with mobility issues.

(Left) Tomek Rygalik and Robin Levien at the Ideal Standard Launch at 100% Design

This project follows on from the first successful phase of the ‘Indulgent Bathroom’ series of projects created by Julie Mathias, which took an aspirational look at bathing and showering for the over 50s. At the heart of both projects is the idea that the bathroom should be a pleasurable, functional and stress-free environment.

Rygalik’s concept comprises a compact basin which doubles up as a make up table complete with a mirror system and a fully adjustable tap with a flexible spout that can be used to facilitate hair washing. The wall mounted mirror is illuminated and incorporates a digital display and a bluetooth receiver connected to a seat in front of the unit, which is designed to measure body weight. The hand held mirror is held by a magnet onto a smaller magnifying mirror and appears to effortlessly float in mid-air.

Robin Levien, Royal Designer for Industry and Ideal Standard’s UK Design Director comments, 'We are extremely impressed with the quality of the concept design from this up-and-coming young designer Tomek Rygalik. It not only meets contemporary design criteria but also has a top-end, luxurious feel to it. Design needs to continue to explore and push boundaries to provide inspiration not only for consumers but for manufacturers too - this project has been an exploration of innovation'.

Independent living and choice in the home are key issues for both the Helen Hamlyn Centre and Ideal Standard. The Helen Hamlyn Foundation, now in its 22nd year, was established to improve the lives of the over 50’s. In developing this project, issues such as ergonomics of use, cleaning and maintenance, installation, integration into bathroom, posture and health were taken into consideration - making more people aware of the need to drive innovation in the beauty pampering area.

Deva Takes on Methven Global Product Sourcing

With the acquisition of Deva by Methven now complete, the Lancashire-based brassware manufacturer has this month increased its global capabilities by managing product sourcing for the entire Group.

The function will be headed up by Deva Managing Director Rob Pryde (pictured) who, as well as continuing to run the Deva UK operation, now also sits on Methven’s Global management board.

Methven - New Zealand’s leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of tap and showerware – also operates in Australia, the USA and throughout Europe. The sourcing and development of each continent’s product ranges will now come under Deva’s remit.

The first major development will see the US launch later this autumn of some 200 new top end brassware products. Initially targeting the US bathroom and kitchen boutique and showroom markets – with a view to then expanding listings to leading national retailers – the specifically sourced, standalone ranges will be marketed under the Methven US brand.

Launched in the US at the start of this year, Methven US is currently only associated with revolutionary water saving shower system Satinjet™, so the addition of a brassware offering brings new opportunities for Deva and provides a strong entry in to the US market.

'The fact that Deva in the UK now has overall responsibility for Methven Group product sourcing puts us in a highly enviable position. We’re essentially in charge of our own destiny and that of the international network,' explains Deva Managing Director and Methven Global Sourcing Director, Rob Pryde.

'We are obviously excited by the new opportunities our acquisition has created and we are looking forward to playing a key role in the continued growth of the business.'

'Assuming overall control of product sourcing for Methven’s international network is the first of a number of exciting new commercial opportunities that fall within Deva’s revised operational remit since the acquisition completion at the end of August with many more in the pipeline.

'As the operating division with the highest turnover, we are now not only the centre-piece of Methven’s European growth strategy, but a key driver for our inter-continental strategic growth and development.

'We will continue to operate from our Lancashire headquarters and distribution site under our existing identity and we hope that our extended remit will lead to the creation of further jobs in the future.'

For further information please visit http://www.devatap.com, e-mail sales@devatap.com or call 0800 195 1602.

For further information about Methven please visit http://www.methven.biz

Ceramic Success for Mereway Bathrooms

Mereway Bathrooms are delighted with the uptake of their brand new range of ceramicware. Known for offering both fitted and freestanding bathroom furniture, Mereway Bathrooms extended their product range earlier this year and now provide their retailers with a single source for all bathroom related products.

The carefully selected ceramicware range is available for both their core fitted and new Synergy freestanding furniture ranges. Beautiful sleek shaped basins in both freestanding and semi countertop designs are available, from the graceful Aura round basin and modern style Brisa square or Solana rectangular designs through to the classic shaped Levanto 45 and 55 inch semi-countertop basins.

Accompanied by a collection of stunning taps, Levanto back to wall pan and accessories means Mereway Bathrooms really does offer a one stop shop when it comes to kitting out the perfect bathroom. What's more, fascias are also available pre-cut for semi-countertop, pan and cistern buttons, saving installers valuable time and reduces potential for errors when fitting.

To complement basin units, Mereway Bathrooms offer consumer the choice of either pullout drawers or hinged door units. When selecting a drawer basin unit, storage is provided in a split drawer arrangement offering a neat solution without hindering access to bathroom services.

'Our new extended range of stylish ceramicware and brassware, all competitively priced in the marketplace, along with Mereway's outstanding service and attention to detail,' says Tim Wood, Sales & Marketing Manager 'means customers can take advantage of sourcing via one order, with one delivery through one supplier'. Tim adds 'The diversity of the furniture sizes, and such a vast collection of door finishes combined with these new additions to the range shows Mereway Bathrooms offer simply beautiful bathroom solutions and an impressive package from one of the leading UK bathroom furniture manufacturers in the industry.'

For a full colour brochure and product guide / retail price list call Mereway Bathrooms now on 0121 706 5750 or visit www.merewaybathrooms.co.uk

Kohler Mira Appoints New MD

Kohler Mira announces the appointment of Jeffrey Mueller as managing director - Kohler Mira, replacing Roger Wilson who leaves the business to pursue his career in another industry. Jeff began with the business at the beginning of September on a part time basis allowing a smooth transition from his Kallista responsibilities to his new role at Kohler Mira, becoming full time from the end of September.

Jeffrey Mueller

Jeff comes from within the Kohler Group, and is relocating to Cheltenham from America where he held the position of general manager - Kallista. He brings with him a set of talents and knowledge that are necessary to make the business grow and thrive in a competitive environment. His engineering background, product experience and sound business management skills made him an exceptional candidate for the leadership position.

During his time as general manager - Kallista, Jeff imbued the organisation with an energy and drive for excellence that quickly propelled that business to new heights. He built a high quality team that grew the business aggressively through new product development and substantial engineering and supply chain initiatives.
Commenting on the appointment, Jim Westdorp, president - Global Faucets for the Kohler Co., said: 'I would like to thank Roger Wilson for his leadership over the last four and a half years and for his support in transitioning Jeff into the role during September. I am very confident that Jeff and the existing Kohler Mira executive team will lead Mira forward to further growth and success.'

Utopia Hosts Series of Retailer Days

Utopia, the manufacturer of bathroom furniture, welcomed over 150 bathroom specialists to the first phase of its Retailer Day programme over the summer.

At the company's state-of-the-art office and manufacturing complex in Bilston, guests were given an overview of Utopia's history to date, the current management buyout and the product development and expansion plans for the future.

Led by Steve Cox, Utopia's Managing Director, the day's packed programme included an outline of the reorganisation and strengthening of the sales, marketing and design teams, and details of the proposed future investment in the sophisticated production facilities. New product development, both in furniture and associated product groups, was also highlighted, with particular reference to the new YOU range of modular bathroom furniture. This new collection is the culmination of intensive product development and introduces new finishes, materials and products to Utopia's product portfolio.

Recognising that new product development is key to the future success of the company, additional resources have been channelled into this important area. Two well-known design consultants specialising in the bathroom sector have been recruited to work alongside the existing product development team to focus both on enhancing the existing range and also developing opportunities in new areas.

Commenting on the success of the Retailer Days, Steve Cox said, ‘The opportunity to meet key retailers in this setting has proved exceptionally useful, not only as a means for updating them with our ambitious plans for the future but also for their input at the extremely productive open discussions at the end of the programme.

This is a business partnership and we particularly welcome their views: indeed, we are currently implementing many of the invaluable retailer recommendations arising from these sessions. We have taken these retailers into our confidence by revealing our future business plans to them and they in turn have pledged their support and commitment to our joint future.’

Web: http://www.utopiagroup.com

Magnet Cooks up a Ratatouille

Magnet, the kitchen expert, is teaming up with Disney Pixar this October to mark the release of Ratatouille, the new animated comedy-adventure about a culinary rat named Remy!

The partnership will see Magnet running an in-store promotion in over 160 showrooms nationwide, offering customers the chance to win prizes including a £10K kitchen, Ratatouille movie goodie bags and tickets to the UK film premiere.

However, winning the competition will be down to the younger members of the family (aged 12 or under) who will compete with other junior chefs to answer a series of kitchen related questions in a Magnet quiz.

Anjum Ahmed, Marketing Director at Magnet comments: 'Kitchens are the heart of the home, for some families it’s the room where they spend most quality time together away from the television and other distractions. At Magnet we want young people to get excited about food and cooking, Ratatouille does this in a fun and entertaining way, so we’re confident the whole family will enjoy our new Disney Pixar promotion this autumn.'

Academy Award winning director, Brad Bird (The Incredibles), brings us the hilarious new animated-adventure, RATATOUILLE, about a rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a great chef despite his family’s wishes and the obvious problem of being a rat in a decidedly rodent-phobic profession.

When fate places Remy in the city of Paris, he finds himself ideally situated beneath a restaurant made famous by his culinary hero, Auguste Gusteau. Despite the apparent dangers of being an unwanted visitor in the kitchen at one of Paris’ most exclusive restaurants, Remy forms an unlikely partnership with Linguini, the garbage boy, who inadvertently discovers Remy’s amazing talents. They strike a deal, ultimately setting into motion a hilarious and exciting chain of extraordinary events that turns the culinary world of Paris upside down.

The winner who receives the £10K kitchen from Magnet will have over 30 styles to choose from and can expect a bespoke kitchen that matches their taste, suits their lifestyle and will add real value to their home. The range of quality kitchens from Magnet includes every style from the contemporary Urban Orange right through to the very traditional Charleston Bone.

This unique prize includes Magnet’s famous Full Circle Service, which means they’ll experience Magnet’s high standards from initial survey and design right through to installation and a follow up home check.

Ratatouille branded point of sale material will feature in all Magnet stores from September 24, 2007'

Water Purifying Company Makes a Splash in America

A Wigan based company specialising in environmentally friendly water purifying systems is making a worldwide splash, with significant help from UK Trade & Investment.

In the last year the company has doubled overall turnover, increasing from £1.5 million to £3 million, thanks to their burgeoning international business.

And ATG Willand are also passing on their good fortune, allocating a proportion of their profits towards good causes and investments including building a house in Bosnia for displaced families, sponsoring an Ecuadorian orphanage, and setting up a wiring loom operation in Ecuador to provide employment for local people.

The company first began working with UKTI in 2005 when Sales Director Tony Leigh joined the Passport to Export programme. Tony worked closely with International Trade Adviser Charles Jacobson and commissioned Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) reports in order to develop contacts with Poland and Italy, where the company now has excellent trade links thanks to a distributor found for them by the British Embassy.

The company's ultra violet water disinfection systems are used for a range of applications including municipal water, food, pharmaceutical and industrial projects - but their biggest success is in the leisure sector, where UV treatment is more effective and less environmentally harmful in swimming pools than traditional methods such as chlorination.

Market research confirmed major potential in the USA, where the relative affluence of the country enables the hotel and water park trade to invest in ATG's sophisticated systems.

However, US business quickly began to dominate the company's exports to the extent that they were no longer comfortable just supplying their US distributor, and high shipping costs also meant that it would make more sense to manufacture goods in the US. It was at this point that ATG enlisted the help of UKTI's Strategic Alliance Service (SAS) to determine a way forward.

The Strategic Alliance Service was piloted in 2005 by Chamberlink to cover the Greater Manchester area, and has recently been expanded to cover the whole North West. Successful projects to date have been in the automotive, oil and gas, textiles and environment sectors, but assistance is available to any business needing help with Joint Ventures (JV), Manufacture Under Licence (MUL) or Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

SAS adviser Julian Birchett helped Tony and Managing Director Chris Purslow formulate a strategy to set up in the USA with appropriate partners and briefed them on the major processes involved in successfully concluding a Joint Venture. He also helped ATG Willand with advice on negotiations with their prospective US partners and referred them to another UKTI adviser Fred Willan to resolve IP, tax efficency and legal issues.

By January this year ATG had successfully concluded a JV agreement with existing distributor Engineered Treatment Systems, and a commonly owned company ATG USA was formed, with all parties contributing a financial investment, ATG offering continuous access to IP and the US shareholders bringing their market knowledge to the table.

The company now have 22 American distributors, and US turnover is expected to be $3 million this year. ATG USA already have more than 50% of the American market in their sector, and are planning to expand into Canada next year with the recent appointment of 2 Canadian distributors.

The US business is currently supplied from the UK, but plans are underway to begin manufacturing operations in America next year. ATG USA also subcontract work in their American base of Wisconsin, including a contract with Green Valley Enterprises, who employ people with special needs as part of a vocational training programme to help them achieve their maximum potential.

Sales Director Tony Leigh says,
'The assistance and advice we received from UK Trade & Investment has been priceless - from helping us form relationships with key overseas agents in Europe to most recently establishing the joint venture in the USA.
'The most valuable piece of advice we received from Julian Birchett was to focus on what we wanted to achieve, which helped us work out our business case and put us in a strong position when we opened up negotiations with our US partners.

'Since forming ATG USA we have had great success in terms of turnover and profit - but importantly, we have also been able to stay true to the ethics of our business, producing an environmentally friendly product and continuing to work in a socially responsible manner.'

Managing Director Chris Purslow adds,
'The preparation, discipline and structure provided by the Strategic Alliance Service was invaluable. I thought that I already knew a great deal about international trade, but the twists and turns involved in the process of setting up a joint venture has been a whole new learning experience and it was immensely helpful to have a team of people to turn to for advice along the way.'

Julian Birchett, Strategic Alliance Service Adviser for UKTI Northwest says,
'Despite being a small company with less than 20 employees, ATG Willand are the market leader in international UV water treatment for a range of uses - from water parks in America to drinking water in South Africa.

'Thanks to innovative research and development, the company are taking British engineering excellence worldwide, and it has been very rewarding to help them set up a new joint venture company in America, where they are already market leaders.

'Support for the development of overseas strategic alliances is fundamental to the competitiveness of UK companies, and can lead to major gains in profitability, and we would encourage North West companies hoping to develop in this way to contact the Strategic Alliance Service for help and advice.'.'

New Build Award (in design) at LEAF Awards

Vogue UK, one of the UK’s leading manufacturer of heated towel rails, designer radiators and accessories, is investing in a major new marketing initiative by sponsoring the New Build Award (in design) at the prestigious LEAF Awards, the Leading European Architects Forum, which will presented at a spectacular dinner in London on 29 November 2007.

Now in their fourth year, this is the first time the LEAF Awards have been held in London after successful years in other leading European cities.

The LEAF Awards are open to all companies, technologies and individuals with offices in Europe that have made an outstanding contribution to the world of architecture, and who continue to set the benchmark for the buildings of tomorrow. Entries close on 31 August 2007. For information please visit www.designbuild-network.com/awards/

Chris Creasey, Export Sales Director of sponsor Vogue UK said: “The LEAF Awards have rapidly become Europe’s most prestigious architectural prizes, creating and recognising excellence in design and build.

Rita Hatton, LEAF Project Director commented 'The LEAF Awards recognise the strategic importance, impact and, above all, the innovation and practical developments that both challenge and change the way we consider and evaluate the buildings of tomorrow.'

http://www.leaf-awards.com

Quooker Sales 'Hit Boiling Point'

Since appointing Stephen Johnson as UK Managing Director, Quooker, the manufacturer of the patented 100ºc boiling water tap, has increased its UK displaying dealership from 70 to 150 and also made significant progress within the developer market.

Taken on to spearhead the companies’ UK development, Johnson is putting Quooker on the path to match the significant success it has achieved in mainland Europe.

Johnson comments ’Quooker is a truly unique and reliable product and is now a must have in the premium retail and developer market. I anticipate continued strong growth’

Baxi Duo-tec Rated Britain's Best Buy Combi Boiler by Which?

Baxi is celebrating its success after one of its combination boilers was voted Best Buy by leading consumer magazine Which?

The Baxi Duo-tec Combi 28 HE achieved 5-star ratings for efficiency, low NOx emissions (Nitrogen Oxide), features and installing. Which? described it as a great choice for flats and smaller houses.

Raxa Chauhan, head of product management for Baxi, said: ‘At a time when climate change, global warming and high fuel costs are constantly making headline news, we are delighted that the Baxi Duo-tec Combi 28 HE has been recognised for its performance, efficiency and environmental credentials.

‘Baxi has invested greatly in research and development to minimise emissions and increase the efficiency of its boilers, helping to reduce the effects of domestic heating on the environment.

‘Householders benefit from the convenience and flexibility of having hot water on tap almost instantly, and from substantial savings on their fuel bills by only heating the water they use. And they are doing their bit to reduce the effects of climate change.’

The Which? review of the Baxi Duo-tec Combi 28 HE states: ‘It's one of the few boilers we've tested which reaches the very highest efficiency standards, matching its claims to meet the A SEDBUK standard. As well as offering excellent efficiency, this boiler is reassuringly easy to use.’

Which? rigorously tested 34 boilers from a selection of leading manufacturers for fuel consumption, durability, energy efficiency and emissions. In addition, each was evaluated by a Corgi registered gas installer on how easy it was to install, service and use. The four Best Buys are judged as being 'highly efficient, user friendly boilers that won't let you down.'

The full report can be found on the Which? website http://www.which.co.uk

The Baxi Duo-tec Combi HE range also includes 24, 33 and 40kW outputs so there is a model available for most domestic applications. For more information please call 08706 060 623.

Electrolux Tackles Sustainability Issues Profitably

'Making money and running a sustainable business go hand-in-hand,' says Electrolux President and CEO Hans Stråberg. 'There is a consumer demand for products that meet high sustainability standards. Consumers are willing to pay more for such products.'

Electrolux has once again been selected for the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability Index together with sustainability leaders from around the
world.

'We are very proud to meet the requirements of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, especially since the criteria are getting tougher every year,' says Stråberg. 'Being a member of this exclusive index encourages us to continue conducting our business in a sustainable way and making further improvements.'

This is the eighth year Electrolux has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index since the index's inception in 1999. Electrolux is the
only major household appliances company included in this year's index.

Litestone - Boundless Possibilities

The Waterloo showroom of the Stonetheatre houses an interesting display of attractive stone called Litestone. Because of its lightness, Litestone is of particular use to architects and designers who would not have previously considered using stone in designs, owing to the weight of the material.

Litestone is aesthetically beautiful and created using ultra-thin sheets of natural stone produced using technology from the most stunning examples of marble, onyx, granite and travertine. Litestone offers the beauty of natural stone yet is more versatile and malleable in application. One of its greatest attributes is that, in most cases, it can cover existing solid surface material.

Litestone offers all the beauty of natural stone where the weight of traditional stone thicknesses would have been impractical, opening up new realms for designers, architects and developers. Litestone is lightweight but very durable and so is suitable for partition walls, ceilings, boat & airplane interiors, interior and exterior cladding, flooring & interior surfaces, commercial counters and reception desks.

Production
Multi-blade gang saws are used to cut the blocks of natural stone into very thin sheets that are backed with epoxy resins in a vacuum process making them uniform, strong and stable.

Litestone is cut into extra thin 7mm slabs of marble and 9mm slabs of granite, maintaining large sheet sizes, typically 3-4m2. It can be produced from even the most structurally defective stones rendering them strong and installer friendly.
Litestone is up to 10 times stronger than 2cm thick stone and up to 7 times stronger than 3cm stone. The company says that the production process does not visually reduce the natural beauty of stone, indeed in many cases, it actually enhances the features of variability, veining and colour.

Availability
Theoretically any stone can be made into Litestone, as long as it is available in blocks.

Production of different stones is usually based upon demand, so availability always has to be confirmed. As fashion and tastes change so do the different stones being made into Litestone. For large projects, a dedicated production of Litestone will be undertaken as long as blocks of the desired stone are readily available.

Due to the nature of the relevant material, the type of reinforcement necessary, the finish required and quantities, there is no typical pricing possible. Each Litestone project is evaluated separately and an estimated quote is formulated based on stone availability and confirmed specifications.

In addition to Litestone, the Stonetheatre has a wide variety of natural stone on display. Managing Director, Colin McNamee, adds ‘A visit to our Waterloo showrooms will be of help to designers and architects in their search for natural stone to complete their designs. In addition to Litestone, we have over 50 large slabs of marble, granite and limestone on display, together with 15 laid floors and hundreds of stone samples from all over the world.’

For further information on the Stonetheatre log onto the website at http://www.stonetheatre.com alternatively telephone the London showroom on 0207 021 0020 or email London@stonetheatre.com. The showroom is open from Monday to Saturday 9am - 5.30pm, closed all day Sundays.