Recycled
Water WC – The Future of Washrooms?
Ideal
Standard, a leading provider of bathroom and kitchen solutions has once
again demonstrated its ongoing support of young student designers with
its sponsorship of the RSA student design awards now in their second successive
year.
Beating
off stiff competition, student designer Ines Sanchez Calatrava, from Ravensbourne
College of Design and Communication was one of two students whose designs
were recognised as winners in the Ideal Standard Designers’ Award,
which was looking for innovative approaches to express the value of water.
A prize of £3,000 was awarded for the winner’s novel concept
design of a back to back toilet and basin, complete with water recycling
facility enabling water from the wash basin to be used directly for the
toilet flush. As a modular unit, it allows for mixing and matching with
complementary suites from a range, whilst a rear-based servicing panel
allows access to fittings.
Since the toilet and wash basin are combined in one unit, pipe work currently
used in domestic bathrooms and public toilets is simplified, whilst maintenance
and cleaning is straightforward.
Entrants were invited to consider all aspects of water and to build a
project that expresses, reflects and communicates the value, importance
and preciousness of water.
The judges were looking for responses to the brief that were clear, demonstrated
an innovative and creative approach and a high quality execution of ideas.
Commenting on the award scheme, Robin Levien, Ideal Standard’s Design
Director said, 'Given Ideal Standard’s commitment to design, it is
especially encouraging to see the current wealth and breadth of talent
amongst our young designers today; this is evidenced by the impressive
range of creative interpretations that this award scheme has unveiled.'
For further information on Ideal Standard products call 01482 346461 or
visit http://www.ideal-standard.co.uk
Rising
Interest Rates 'A Cloud with a Silver Lining'
Rising
interest rates are bad news for homeowners - but they could be a lifesaver
for some businesses, according to leading commercial analysts Plimsoll
Publishing.
'Our research shows almost a third of UK Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom
Manufacturers companies are in more debt than they have been at any time
in their history, ' said David Pattison, senior analyst at Plimsoll. 'Rising
rates are a useful wake-up call. Many of the companies in question have
been enticed by low interest rates and the lure of easy debt secured on
rapidly rising property prices, and so have been able to cover up flaws
in their business strategies – effectively buying time. There is
just enough time left for these firms to look seriously at their balance
sheets and change direction.'
If companies reduce their level of debt and streamline their business
models, they may have a future, according to Plimsoll. But if they ignore
the alarm call they risk sleepwalking into danger.
Plimsoll, which has conducted independent assessments of private and publicly
quoted companies for the past 20 years, has an established track record
of spotting the warning signs for businesses. Nearly nine out of 10 failed
companies in the UK had earned a 'danger' or 'caution' rating from Plimsoll
in the two years before their demise.
Rising rates should also bring stability to the UK Kitchen, Bedroom &
Bathroom Manufacturers market, according to David Pattison, because they
will slow down the pace of acquisition activity. While this is unlikely
to affect deals already on the table, companies with some money in the
bank will probably leave it there, in the shorter term at least. This
may be bad news for smaller firms hoping to sell out to the bigger players,
but it’s good news for those fearing a hostile takeover.
The companies in the danger zone, however, may see themselves joining
a wave of high profile distress sales as the banks tighten their books
– unless they take action now, before the Bank of England announces
further rises.
Said David Pattison: 'There’s another reason for reducing outgoings,
of course, and that’s the fact that wage demands will start to increase
to keep pace with dearer borrowing. While the Bank of England itself says
that rising interest rates can take up to two years to exert their full
impact, employees paying their mortgages are usually the first to feel
the strain. The other side of that coin, however, is that company growth
should not be badly affected in the short term, allowing last year’s
sales figures to be matched or beaten.'
Plimsoll publishes a series of research works, helping companies understand
their own performance and that of their competitors, to research business
acquisitions, and to compare the value of firms in a particular commercial
sector.
http://www.plimsoll.co.uk
or e-mail enquiries@plimsoll.co.uk
Tony
Set to 'Cook Up a Storm' in New Role
Tony
Glass is cooking on gas in his new role as Divisional Manager of Kitchens
for Anglian Home Improvements.
Anglian
has appointed Tony to oversee the re-launch of its kitchen product range
and introduction of state-of-the art design technology, which will enable
customers to conduct a 3-D 'walk-through' of their new kitchen before
it is fitted.
His appointment is also key to expanding Anglian's kitchen offer, which
is predominately available in the South East, out to other regions across
the country.
With a career spanning over 20 years in the home improvements industry,
Tony also brings a wealth of motivational training experience to the role.
Tony will draw upon these skills to build a team of field managers and
sales representatives offering the best customer service, advice and care
in the industry.
Tony commented: 'I am pleased to be joining the Anglian team at such an
exciting and progressive time. It is a fast moving business that is committed
to making investment in order to offer an extensive, quality range of
home improvements products and first class sales force.
'With the launch of the new kitchen range and a fully trained sales and
service team, I‚m looking forward to working towards expanding the
offer and exceeding customer expectations across the board.'
Nick Howard, Divisional Sales Director at Anglian, added: 'We are pleased
to welcome Tony to Anglian and believe that with his expansive industry
knowledge and experience he will be a real asset to the team.
'His appointment is integral to the strategic growth of the company and
driving the business forward across sectors where there is real opportunity
to develop.'
Anglian is the UK's number one home improvement company, selling an extensive
range of products, including windows, doors, conservatories, driveways,
garage conversions, facia soffits and gutter replacement.
With more than 40 years‚ experience and an annual turnover of £300million,
Anglian ensures it is ahead of the competition with a continuing research
and development programme.
Web: http://www.anglianhome.co.uk
Bushboard
Signals New Era for Worksurfaces
Bushboard,
the independent worktop manufacturer, signalled its future direction in
the worktop sector at a recent high profile launch at the exclusive Rushton
Hall, near Kettering.
Attended
by 60 guests drawn from across its nationwide distribution network, the
company unveiled a new corporate identity, the new Prima 40mm range and
outlined its plans for growing its share of the UK worktop market.
Bushboard is the exclusive manufacturer of the Prima, Omega, Odyssey and
Nuance laminate worktop brands with a turnover set to exceed £20m
this year. In November 2006, the company strategically sold off the cubicle
and washroom division of the business to RS Building Products Ltd to focus
solely on its worktop manufacturing expertise and accelerate its growth
in the kitchen and bathroom worktop sectors.
Says Stuart White, managing director:
'Over the next 12 months we have some very exciting developments planned
for our worksurface portfolio that bring together our expertise in worktop
manufacturing, surface material technology and design innovation. The
changes we are rolling out in our corporate identity and product portfolio
are designed to make the Bushboard brand synonymous with the very best
that laminate worktops can offer.'
Web: http://www.bushboard.co.uk
Keeping
Britain Cooking - Belling Sponsors the UK's First Ever Children's Food
Festival
Belling
is inviting children to discover the wonders of food and cooking at the
UK's first ever food festival created especially for them. The Children's
Food Festival, organised by the Northmoor Trust, will take place over
the weekend of 14th and 15th July 2007 on Abingdon Airfield in Oxfordshire,
and aims to transform young people's approach to food by celebrating food
and cooking.
Cookery
writer Amanda Grant and chefs from leading children's cookery schools
will be running the Belling Kids' Kitchen; a dedicated marquee running
a series of six cookery sessions each day for up to 30 children at a time,
where they will learn how to make a variety of dishes, with two high capacity
Kensington 900E range cookers on hand to help.
Amanda Grant is not the only well-know face at the festival - celebrity
chefs Raymond Blanc and Sophie Grigson are joint Patrons and will be giving
cookery demonstrations along with Prue Leith, Antonio Carluccio, best
selling children's food writer Annabel Karmel and Nora Sands, from the
TV programme, Jamie's School Dinners.
As well as watching the pros, children will be able to taste all kinds
of food and try out all kinds of hands-on activities, including smoothie
blending, chapati rolling and pizza tossing. Themed tents will follow
ingredients from field to fork, including: The Meat Tent, The Dairy Tent,
The Bread Tent, The Fruit and Veg Tent, the Rowse Honey Tent and the Smell
and Taste Experience offered by the Academy of Culinary Arts. Owing to
generous support from sponsors and to enable as wide a participation as
possible, entry to the festival will be free.
Children can make pasta in The Saclà Italian Tent and do fun things
with spuds on the Potato Bus. 'Gastro-comedy' includes the live dinner
table and the 30ft sleeping sow. Tastes from around the world will be
there to try, including Mexican, Thai, Egyptian and Caribbean, as well
as local, organic and fairtrade produce from the Farmers' Market. And
there will be farm animals, as requested by children themselves.
Laura Greenhalgh, Brand Executive of Belling, comments:
‘With its emphasis on celebrating food and encouraging young people
to become involved in cooking, we could not think of a better event to
be involved in than this fantastic food festival.
‘At Belling, we have been keeping Britain cooking for 95 years, and
because we believe cooking is vitally important, we are launching a wider
campaign to ensure we all keep on cooking for at least another 95 years.
The Children's Food Festival is just the beginning of our 'Keep Britain
Cooking' campaign, so watch this space over the coming months!’
Further
Information on The Children's Food Festival
* The Children's Food Festival is a Northmoor Trust event and has been
developed over the last two years. The Northmoor Trust works to restore
the link between people and the land and sees education about good food
as a key way to do this. The Children's Food Festival is both a national
first and a highlight of Oxfordshire 2007, the year of special events
celebrating 1000 years of Oxfordshire, coordinated by Oxford Inspires,
the cultural development agency for Oxfordshire.
* Festival Director, Eka Morgan says:
‘This festival is about children having a fantastic time and becoming
adventurers in the world of real food. We want to get children back in
touch with where food comes from and re-establish cooking as something
we can all do with confidence and pleasure. Cooking is a vital life skill
and an essential part of culture, like sport, art and drama.’
* Raymond Blanc says:
‘This festival shows a new trend in Britain, a new consciousness
about food and the desire to really engage in the huge issues of food
- how it's grown, where it's sourced and how we can enjoy preparing it.
I'll be there, cooking my heart out, and showing children the wonders
of food, how exciting and fun it is, and how creative cooking can be.’
Web: http://www.belling.co.uk
Bathroom
Academy reaches Afghanistan!
Imagine
the surprise when a letter all the way from Afghanistan arrived on the
desk of Bathroom Academy Training Manager, Phil Lumley. The letter was
from a Corporal currently serving with the Army in Afghanistan and has
limited, intermittent access to the internet, but when he does log on
he is working his way through a Plumbing Theory Course.
The Corporal has requested the Bathroom Academy's Generic Industry Guides
to assist him in his studies and help fill the gap of generic product
information that his Plumbing Theory Course does not provide.
The Guides are available free of charge from the new virtual Bathroom
Academy at http://www.bathroom-academy.co.uk
and are extremely popular with more than 5,000 downloaded each month.
With the recent launch of the Domestic Water Systems Guide, there are
now eight in the series. The Guides feature detailed information on Bathroom
Furniture, Brassware, Shower Enclosures, Shower Trays, Shower Controls,
Sanitaryware and Fittings, Baths and Domestic Water Systems.
All Guides are written by Industry experts and offer a consistent voice
following the same five elements: right choice of product; generic industry
design; generic industry installation; FAQ; and, Industry terminology,
providing invaluable product knowledge to installers, merchants and retailers.
Lumley has dispatched the Guides and a disc of the new virtual Bathroom
Academy to the Corporal in Afghanistan, ‘so we wish him happy studying
and we look forward to 'signing him up' for the Certification Programme
once he is safely back home’!
For further details, please write to Training Manager Phil Lumley at phil.lumley@bathroom-association.org.uk
Coram
Introduces Glass Etching Technology
Coram
Showers has extended the glass finish options for its flagship Premier
range of shower enclosures following the installation of an advanced glass
etching machine at the company's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility
in Shropshire.
The
new glass options for the Premier range include an all-over satin finish
and two stylish etched modesty panels, which are available for both flat
and curved glass enclosure designs. These three new options can be used,
together with plain glass, in almost any combination, providing complete
design flexibility. For example, the Quadrant enclosure could feature
plain glass doors with modesty panels on its two side panels, or a clear
Frameless Swing door could be combined with an all-over satin semi-frameless
side panel.
In addition to these new standard glass options, the glass etching machine
will also enable Coram to develop the ability to manufacture customised
glass finishes, allowing customers to create one-off designs for any project.
Peter Dimeloe, managing director of Coram Showers, commented: ‘With
a growing demand for a wider choice of finishes, investing in glass etching
technology has been an exciting development for Coram. We have significantly
expanded our standard glass options, made different glass design combinations
available as standard and we are currently developing a facility that
enables the creation of an infinite number of bespoke designs.’
The expansion of glass options is the latest update to Coram's recently
re-launched Premier range. The flagship range now includes the Pivot Door,
Bi-Fold Door, Sliding Door and Frameless Swing Door enclosures as well
as the Pentagon, Corner Entry, Quadrant and Offset Quadrant designs. All
the enclosures in Coram's Premier range are designed to deliver completely
leak free performance, which is backed up by Coram's Watertight Lifetime
Guarantee, providing the enclosure is installed with the Waterguard shower
tray.
Coram Showers specialises in the design and manufacture of shower enclosures,
shower pods, shower trays and bath screens. The company's current range
includes the Premier and Optima ranges of shower enclosures, Waterguard
Showertrays, a range of bath screens and the new retail range, Acora.
Designed for fast and easy installation, as well as watertight performance,
all Coram products are designed and manufactured at the company's Bridgnorth
factory in Shropshire and enclosures are power shower tested to BS 6340
against leakage.
Tel: 01746 766466
Web: http://www.coram.co.uk
Maytag's
New Finish High-Gloss Black
Maytag
UK
says that it is bringing the next generation of colour and finish to the
market with the introduction of High-Gloss Black.
Maytag's High-Gloss Black is an incredible achievement, akin to a finish
associated with luxury cars. Maytag's High-Gloss Black is so shiny, that
its reflectivity is a measurable 20 metres.
Stuart
Frost Product Marketing Manager explains, ‘The new high-gloss black
finish is exceptional and designed with a depth of colour that reflects
the luxury associated with the premium car market. Our consumers are extremely
discerning and will only accept the best, so this finish is certainly
something that will wow them. Not only does it look good, it feels good
too. I can honestly say that its uniqueness extends to a true touchy,
feely quality, and when applied to a Maytag appliance with superior performance
and dependability, it is a winning combination!’
The High-Gloss Black is available on three of Maytag's refrigeration models:
the TriLogy SOV026HGB, ZigZag SOV026HZB and the side-by-side SOV225HGB.
The High-Gloss Black encases the entire appliance with the addition of
Maytag's familiar 5cm 'roof'. Accented by stainless steel handles and
ice and water facade, where appropriate, the new finish will certainly
add a ' show-stopping display' to any showroom or home.
Web: http://www.maytag.co.uk
Visitors
Enjoy a 'Grand' Day for the Third Year Running
Over
43,000 visitors flocked to Grand Designs Live London 2007, the number
one UK consumer show for design and innovation. Running from 8-10 June,
Grand Designs Live gave visitors the opportunity to meet representatives
from over 600 exhibiting companies, and receive advice on everything from
starting a self-build project to refreshing a room with new furnishings.
What's more, over 18 areas of the show were dedicated to editorially rich
features, which meant visitors stayed inside the exhibition for a record
length of time.
ExCeL London was transformed to make visitors feel a part of the whole
Grand Designs experience the minute they arrived. Budding designers were
encouraged to realise their dream projects with a wide array of stands
to browse, show-stopping features to explore and a wealth of information
to gather every step of the way.
Kevin McCloud comments, 'There has been a tremendous vibe and great atmosphere.
There's been an inspiring blend of architecture, building, design and
furnishings, as well as seminars and live demonstrations. It's been great
to meet so many people - I've enjoyed myself.'
Visitors packed themselves into the seminar theatre headed by Kevin McCloud,
to hear the guest speaker celebrity line-up including Naomi Cleaver, Diarmuid
Gavin, Sarah Beeny, Oliver Heath and Jason Bradbury, who wowed audiences
with their specialist knowledge, top tips and advice.
The six show sections; GRANDGardens, GRANDKitchens, GRANDBathrooms, GRANDBuild
and GRANDInteriors, plus the Design Shopping Arcade were a clear hit with
visitors, as the numbers show. Features included an Energy Efficient House
by headline sponsor Energy Saving Trust, WWF Journey to One Planet Living,
Christian Aid's The Green Garden in association with the Eden Project,
The Saab iconnections exhibition and Grand Designs Lab with Electrolux.
If that wasn't enough, visitors were able to explore a carbon positive
house manufactured and built by Baufritz, situated outside ExCeL in Royal
Victoria Dock and set in landscaped gardens, designed by TV presenter
Hannah Genders.
Lee Newton, managing director of show organiser Media 10, said: 'For the
third year running, we have created a winning formula which has ensured
that visitors feel inspired and stimulated the minute they arrive. It's
an exciting and entertaining event for the consumer, providing them with
the chance to meet experts, feel inspired, gather ideas and purchase everything
they needed for their own design project.'
Grand Designs Live NEC
Fans of Grand Designs Live can look forward to its sister show, Grand
Designs Live NEC (5-7 October, NEC Birmingham), which was launched in
2006 to meet a huge increase in demand for both visitors and exhibitors
outside of London and the South East.
Like its first award-winning sister event in London, the vision for the
exhibition is to create an event that celebrates design creativity, ingenuity,
determination and aspiration, inspiring visitors to create their own 'Grand
Design' - no matter how big or small.
Property Ladder Live
What's more publishing Group and exhibition organiser, Media 10 and Fremantle
Media Licensing Worldwide have announced a new live consumer event, Property
Ladder Live (5-7 October, NEC Birmingham), which will be located alongside
the award-winning Grand Designs Live NEC - with free access between the
two shows.
Dates for 2007/8
Grand Designs Live NEC, Birmingham
Friday 5 October - Sunday 7 October 2007
http://www.granddesignslive.com
Property Ladder Live, NEC Birmingham
Friday 5 October - Sunday 7 October 2007
http://www.propertyladderlive.com
Grand Designs Live, ExCeL London
Friday 13 - 15 June 2008
Micromark
Leads the Revival of the Teasmade
What’s
the latest trend in electrical products in UK bedrooms? Electrical company
Micromark is instrumental in leading the comeback of the nation’s
favourite from yesteryear – the teasmade. Contrary to recent articles
in both the Daily Mail and Telegraph, Micromark Teaexpress teasmades are
still available to buy from leading retailers on our high streets.
What
better way to wake up than with a gentle hissing and bubbling as your
tea brews to signal the start of the day? It’s the ideal gentle wake
up call without the need to leave the warmth and comfort of the bedroom.
Very popular from the 1950’s era, selling millions of units, the
humble teasmade is making a serious comeback in the UK – sales are
booming and major retailers such as Argos are stocking them.
Julie Dommett, Marketing Director at Micromark, says: 'We’re definitely
seeing the revival of the teasmade, it’s now one of our best-selling
lines. There’s nothing like a freshly brewed cuppa to revive you
in the morning.
'They used to have an old-fashioned image from when our parents or grand-parents
used them, but not anymore. With today’s stylish designs, the teasmade
is making practical sense for the nation’s Mums and Dads all over
again.'
Micromark’s Teaexpress has a stylish retro design in white, yet uses
the latest robust technology inside to ensure the perfect cuppa every
time (model number: MM52183). This unique product provides the perfect
start to the day: with its new ergonomic design and easy to use controls,
making the tea is a simple and easy procedure. Ideal for evening use,
the illuminated LCD alarm clock with analogue face and reading light means
that Teaexpress® is the perfect bed partner.
The Teaexpress comes with auto tea making, ‘tea now’ and rapid
water boiling facilities. It also includes a ceramic tea pot.
Micromark Teaexpress is available now from Argos stores and online at
http://www.argos.co.uk
Tel: 020 8829 6354.
Web: http://www.micromark.co.uk
Screwfix
has refreshed its selection of showers and bathrooms with the addition
of leading brand names such as Triton, Fordham, Aqualux and Grohe. Shown
alongside a host of new electric, pumped, mixer and power showers in the
latest Screwfix catalogue (issue 87), the range also includes new shower
trays and enclosures, bathroom suites and taps, shower accessories and
valves, cisterns and further additions to the extensive commercial range.
Recognised as being ‘where the trade buys’ and promising a fast,
reliable service, Screwfix is the UK's leading direct and online supplier
of high quality, low cost screws, tools, fixings and accessories and offers
over 15,000 items, ex stock. Each of these products can be accessed 7
days a week via a call to Freephone 0500 414141, a click onto screwfix.com,
or a visit to one of the growing UK network of Trade Counters (full address
details can be found at http://www.screwfix.com/tradecounters).
The Triton Enrich 8.5kw Electric Shower, for example, is offered at only
£69.99 (all prices include VAT), whilst the 10.5kw T300si Wireless
version is priced at just £399.99. Available in two finishes, the
Triton Thermo Power Shower is priced from £143.99 and the Grohe
Avensys Manual Mixer Shower can be built in or left exposed from only
from £189.99.
Grohe single mixer/single lever Mixer Valves are priced from £94.99
and shower accessories include everything a plumber will need from a Contemporary
Shower Kit at £14.99 through to a Shower Wall Supply Elbow at £2.99.
Rectangular shower trays are available from £119.99, with Easy Plumb
Stone Shower Trays in square, quadrant and rectangular designs priced
from £124.99, £179.99 and £199.99 respectively. The
wide variety of Framed Enclosures include Aqualux Pivot or Corner Entry
versions from £89.99 and £129.99, as well as Fordham Bi-Fold
doors from £119.99 and a Triton Luxury Body Dryer for just £399.00.
In bathroom suites, the clean-lined Armitage Shanks Tiffany Suite is priced
at just £899.99, whilst the Ideal Standard Studio Suite will add
a contemporary look for just £849.99. An impressive range of Grohe
taps are also featured to add that extra touch of class, not to mention
a brilliant shine, with the Eurosmart range priced from £24.99,
the Concetto from £29.99 and the Grohe Modern Deck-Mounting Pillar
at £32.99.
Commercial applications can also benefit from the new Grohe additions
with Contropress Pillar Taps at £62.99, an Infrared Basin Tap at
£399.99 and a Grohe Anti-Vandal Shower at just £67.99. Grohe
Concealed Cisterns are also offered at £69.99 with Grohe Cistern
Frames from £229.99.
Fully committed to customer care and support, Screwfix despatches, on
average, more than 70,000 parcels a week from its state-of-the-art, 325,000
sq ft fulfilment centre. Each item in the catalogue can be ordered 24
hours a day, 365 days a year and all products are supplied complete with
a 30-day money back guarantee. Simply click online at the award winning
http://www.screwfix.com,
call Freephone on 0500 414141 between 7am and 10pm from Monday to Friday,
and 8am to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday, or visit one of the Screwfix Trade
Counters.
For a free catalogue, call Freephone: 0800 317004 or Freefax: 0800 0562256,
for sales assistance Freephone: 0500 414141, or visit the Screwfix Internet
site: http://www.screwfix.com.
Catalogues are also available at Screwfix Trade Counters. Visit http://www.screwfix.com/tradecounters
for address information and opening times.
Deca
Basins from Aquaplus Solutions
Luxury
bathroom product distributor Aquaplus Solutions counts Brazillian manufacturer
Deca as one of its major suppliers.
Deca offers a range of ceramic basins, of which there are over 70 in the
range, including the APS-L68 (pictured).
The APS-L68 features a neat oval design and is deck mounted for modern
simplicity.
Measuring 500mm x 370mm, the APS-L68 is suitable for a bathroom or cloakroom
environment and suits a variety of interiors styles from traditional to
contemporary.
Deca also manufactures a range of WC's which complement the basins.
The APS-L68 costs £111.00 from Aquaplus Solutions, 0845 201 1915
or http://www.aquaplussolutions.com.
Gunilla
Nordström Appointed Head of Electrolux Major Appliances Asia Pacific
Gunilla
Nordström has been appointed head of Electrolux Major Appliances
Asia Pacific and Executive Vice President of AB Electrolux. Gunilla Nordström
succeeds Peter Birch, who is retiring. She will be a member of Group Management
and report to President and CEO Hans Stråberg.
Gunilla Nordström, 48, is currently President of Sony Ericsson Mobile
Communications (China) Co. Ltd. and Corporate Vice President of Sony Ericsson
Mobile Communications AB. She has served in a number of senior management
positions in her 24-year career with Ericsson and Sony Ericsson in Asia,
Europe and Latin America. Nordström, who is Swedish, holds a Master
of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management from Linköping
University, Institute of Technology, Sweden.
Nordström will assume her new position in August and will be based
at the Electrolux regional head office in Singapore.
The Electrolux Major Appliances region in Asia Pacific comprises product
development, production, sales and marketing of refrigerators, ovens,
hobs, hoods, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers in Australia, New
Zealand, China, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines,
Indonesia and Japan, mainly under the Electrolux brand. The region has
over 4,000 employees.
Web: http://www.electrolux.com
Electrolux
Eco Savings Project
London
could save as much as 333,600 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually (in
reduced electricity consumption) by replacing outdated and energy-hungry
old appliances with new, energy-efficient products.
The study by Electrolux, dubbed the Eco Savings Project, was designed
to research the reduced environmental impact of current appliances by
cutting water use, electricity consumption and carbon emissions. It's
a win-win situation for the household ECOnomy and the global ECOlogy,
in other words, real ECO savings! The results are based upon the assumption
that all households in London would replace appliances more than ten years
old with modern, efficient counterparts.
Electrolux found that London would also save around 3 billion litres of
fresh water every year and up to 379 million kWh. That is the same amount
of electricity it takes for all households in the city to let one 60 Watt
bulb shine non-stop for 84 days. The economic savings from the cuts in
water and electricity consumption are more than a staggering £33
million
Most modern, energy efficient appliances use only a fraction of the electricity
and water consumed by their ten-year-old counterparts. ‘The potential
savings reflected in the research indicate that replacing older appliances
can play a vital role in environmental sustainability,’ said Henrik
Sundström, Vice President of Group Environmental Affairs at Electrolux.
UK Figures
On a country level, if all households in the UK were to simultaneously
replace their more than ten-year-old appliances with new models, the carbon
dioxide emissions would be reduced by 2.6 million tonnes. Water savings
would add up to 26.5 million cubic meters per year. That is the equivalent
of letting all the households in the country have the water tap in the
kitchen flow non-stop for 3 hours. Furthermore the economic savings would
be £265.8 million.
Individual Household Figures
Taking these results to the level of an average UK household, figures
highlighted that if that household replaced their more than 10-year-old
refrigerator, freezer, washing machine and dishwasher with new, efficient
versions, they would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 356kg. Annual
savings of up £36 in electricity costs could also be achieved. Energy
consumption would be reduced by about 405 kWh and water use by 3597 litres
per annum.
‘We believe that incentive programmes in Europe to stimulate the
replacement of old and inefficient appliances with new and efficient ones
could significantly impact carbon emissions. The research shows us that
our industry has made great strides toward reducing energy and water consumption
in household appliances, and that's something we're proud of,’ Sundström
concluded.
You can see how much your country, your city and your household could
save by replacing old inefficient appliances at http://www.electrolux.com/ecosavings
(log-in: Electrolux_savings)
Successful
Launch of the South East’s First Eco Centre
Covers
Timber and Builders Merchants, successfully launched the South East’s
first Eco Centre in Chichester, which will provide consumers with a one
stop shop of environmentally friendly products for the home and garden.
The Eco Centre makes available the latest in eco products which are carefully
sourced to ensure they provide practical benefits in saving CO2 or water
or using sustainable materials. Consumers will benefit from being able
to see the products (many of them actually installed and working), expert
advice on how the products work and their installation within the home
and the reassurance of dealing with a long established (160 years) business.
Tim Pullen, eco building consultant and eco expert from the best selling
magazine, Home Building & Renovating comments: 'The Eco Centre takes
a big step in breaking down the barriers to accessing sustainable materials.
We have all heard of low energy lamps, but where else can you see rainwater
harvesting systems sitting next to wood pellet boilers? This centre extends
knowledge of sustainable products and changes what is considered commonplace.'
Information on grants and energy saving tips are also available to help
consumers to be more energy efficient.
Covers Eco Centre, Quarry Lane, Chichester, West Sussex. PO19 8PE
Tel : 01243 785141
Web: http://www.covers.biz
Fifty
Fabulous Years of Fablon - Creativity, Fun and Style!
If
you want to update your tired kitchen cabinets, the kids bedrooms or even
create an arts and crafts project for the school holidays, Fablon is the
product for you.
Fablon truly is THE sticky back plastic, the number one choice for generations,
offering a wide range of colours, styles, uses and applications. It’s
fun, useful, quick and simple as well as great value for money.
This year Fabulous Fablon is Fifty and the range has even more style and
choice on offer. The original makeover material is still going strong
with an improved adhesive making it even easier to use and enjoy.
Why not use it to create a fun and trendy stainless steel style bedroom
for a teenager, re-line your cutlery draw, cover your child’s sweet
tin or even desk! Choose from bright or subtle colours, bold and stylish
designs with different surface finishes. With so many ways to use Fablon
you can really let your creativity take hold.
Fablon is available in many roll sizes starting from £3.99 for a
1.5m roll. Fablon is available from B&Q, Focus, Wilkinson and other
leading hardware stores.
For more information visit http://www.hainteriors.com
or contact 01670 718300 for local stockists.
Fifty Fabulous years of Fablon - 50 Fantastic Ideas!
This year Fablon is fifty and the number one best selling sticky back
plastic is still loved across the generations. With so many ways to use
this fabulous sticky stuff your creativity can go wild.
But just what can you do with Fablon? Here are just a few ideas to whet
your appetite for interior design that will have you Fablon-ing for the
future.
1
update kitchen units
2 revitalise bedroom furniture
3 revamp interior doors
4 brighten up child’s desk
5 create an art project for child during holidays
6 cover a scrap or exercise book
7 create own stationary
8 cover photo album with different design for each holiday
9 coordinate kitchen shelves
10 cover filing trays and magazine holders
11 customise your bike
12 make your own Christmas decorations
13 brighten up tired plant pots
14 make your own card table with velour
15 create unique set of shelves for any room
16 re-line cutlery drawer
17 make unique trays
18 cover picnic table and chairs
19 make your own table cover
20 create a landscape for your model train set
21 brighten up bathroom cabinet
22 redesign picture frames
23 customise a skateboard
24 cover a cake or sweet tin
25 decorate a dolls house
26 use in garden shed to cover benches
27 use Fablon Plus on windows for privacy
28 cover a mouse mat and other accessories to create a co-ordinated look
29 use velour to cover the bottom of vases and coasters to protect surfaces
30 use transparent Fablon to cover and protect maps
31 make a door name sign for childrens bedroom
32 use metallic Fablon as a heat reflector behind a heater
33 use black Fablon inside a box for science experiments
34 cover old shoe boxes to make new storage solutions
35 make a sign for a car boot sale or fete
36 protect recipe books and cards with transparent Fablon
37 colour code CD boxes
38 use velour to line a jewellery box
39 create corner flags for a football pitch
40 design and make personalised birthday banners and decorations
41 use on shed windows for privacy and security
42 cover and colour code an address book
43 cover a pool table with velour
44 make a mobile for a child’s bedroom
45 protect and personalise text books and files
46 update kitchen storage pots
47 make your own jigsaw with a photo and Fablon
48 decorate a glass vase to coordinate with other accessories
49 make your own party games, for example pin the tail on the donkey
50 update placemats and coasters for an easy new look
For
more information visit http://www.hainteriors.com
or contact 01670 718300 for local stockists.