Kitchen and Bathroom News @ The K&BZine

Ideal Standard Previews ‘Super Normal’ Bathroom Collection by Designer Jasper Morrison

Ideal Standard, a leading provider of innovative, design-driven bathroom and kitchen solutions, is previewing its new designer collection by JASPER MORRISON this week at the 100% Design exhibition in London. This fully integrated range of fittings, sanitary-ware and furniture features a simple but stylish design that delivers a beautiful and functional bathroom to the mass market.

The JASPER MORRISON collection continues Ideal Standard’s commitment to provide ‘Total Bathrooms’ whereby consistent and coordinated design style is applied to all features, fittings and furniture. Each and every element holds a distinct reminder of the design – from the shape of the bath and the taps to the washbasin and furniture.

Launch presentation of the new Ideal Standard suite at 100% Design: (L-R) Robin Levien, Jasper Morrison and Paul Frankish

Created by leading British designer Jasper Morrison, who describes the design as ‘Super Normal’, the collection represents what Morrison feels is an antidote to the ‘over-design’ of so many of today’s consumer goods. Says Morrison, “Super Normal tries to concentrate on the essential purpose of a product, ensuring that it works with every day environments.”

The contemporary JASPER MORRISON collection has a straightforward design with a signature soft square shape and oval interior echoed throughout each piece. Its uniqueness lies in shapes that are naturally suited to their purpose. Marked by understated design with functionality, the collection offers a total bathroom solution including WCs with close coupled, back-to-wall and wall-hung suites, which all have a soft-closing seat option that uses a special hinge system to lower the seat and lid slowly and reduce ‘seat-slamming’. Additionally, there is an extensive range of ceramics including pedestal, hand-rinse and vessel basins, three baths, accessories, matching furniture and a urinal. The design appeals not only to a wide range of homeowners, but also to commercial establishments and applications such as hotels.

The range of beautifully crafted bathroom furniture offers outstanding quality with a 22mm thickness. This depth, which is substantially greater than the norm of 18mm, gives the range a ‘chunky’ feel. The Oak wood grain runs in the same direction on both the doors and the cabinets, emphasising attention to detail that resonates throughout the whole collection and adding to the natural wood effect. The units have integrated chrome handles and white solid surface countertops.

The Ideal Standard JASPER MORRISON range has a comprehensive collection of innovative fittings. This includes one-hole basin and bath mixers, bath/shower mixers, a built-in thermostatic shower valve, as well as a co-ordinating shower kit.

The signature Ideal Standard JASPER MORRISON bath follows the soft square design Morrison has reflected throughout the entire collection by using a one-piece panel. The same curve seamlessly follows the shape of the bath eliminating the need for a separate end panel.

Brian Grey, Ideal Standard UK’s Marketing Manager, comments; “Jasper perfectly captures Ideal Standard’s ethos for straightforward, beautiful yet functional design. This stylish simplicity is key to the success of this range.”

The Ideal Standard JASPER MORRISON collection now being previewed at this year’s 100% Design will be available in the Spring of 2007.

www.ideal-standard.co.uk

Masco Corporation has announced lower earnings expectations for 2006. 'A softening of incoming orders for building products and services in recent weeks, along with a forecasted deeper than expected decline in year-over-year single family housing starts for the last four months of 2006, currently projected to approximate twenty percent, are expected to result in the Company's third quarter sales being approximately flat, and fourth quarter sales being down low- to mid-single digits compared to the third and fourth quarters of 2005, respectively.

Accordingly, full year earnings, excluding costs and charges related to profit improvement programmes and any other items, may be closer to $2.25 to $2.30 per common share rather than our most recent guidance of the lower end of the range of $2.40 to $2.50 per common share,' said Richard A. Manoogian, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Masco Corporation.

Web: http://www.masco.com

Modular Heating Group plc, owners of the MHS brands of designer radiators has moved to a new 43,000 square foot purpose-built office, warehouse and distribution centre in Southfields, Basildon, Essex. The new premises are testament to the phenomenal success of the business, which now has a turnover in excess of £16 million - a staggering 140% increase in the past ten years.

Established over 26 years ago, the company has expanded greatly with the increased popularity of designer radiators. Back in 1996 the company had just four different product lines but today sells over 50 variants. As well as now having an established trade and contracts division, MHS has also vastly expanded its network of retailers to 433 across the entire UK.

The new premises allow all MHS staff to be under one roof for the first time, something that Ian Bradley (pictured below), Managing Director, believes will be crucial to the future of the business:

'Everyone at MHS has worked so hard over many years to deliver the kind of success we‚re enjoying now. Combining the two sites into this brand new facility means we‚ll be able to further build on that success and offer a streamlined service to our customers. It's a fantastic development for all of us.'

Only 6 miles from the M25 and 28 miles from central London, the new building is ideally situated for both visitors and staff and the three loading bays will make distribution a much simpler operation.

The new contact numbers for MHS Radiators are telephone 01268 546700 and fax 01268 888250. The new address is 3 Juniper West, Fenton Way, Southfields Business Park, Basildon, Essex SS15 6SJ.

James Cadman appointed to BMA Committee

Aqualux, leading UK manufacturer of bath screen and shower enclosures, announces that its managing director, James Cadman, has been invited to join the Bathroom Manufacturers Association's Management Committee.

Cadman, 42, who oversees over 240 staff at Aqualux's headquarters in the West-Midlands was elected to join the prestigious group by existing committee members at the BMA's Annual General Meeting held in July.

Commenting on his appointment, James Cadman said:

'The BMA is an important association for the bathroom market and I'm pleased to be able to bring my experience and knowledge to the committee to continue to drive the sector forward.'

Yvonne Orgill Chief Executive of the BMA said:

'James has always been a pro-active member of the BMA and his knowledge further enriches the management team.

'The committee currently led by BMA President Ted Goold, is truly representative of the bathroom industry and we look forward to working with James and to continue the activities and initiatives of the association that currently fully address the needs and priorities of its members’.

Burbidge, the UK kitchen frontals and accessories manufacturer, has been designing for over 25 years and is committed to developing and introducing new products on a continual basis and in direct response to consumer demands and retailer feedback.

With consumers becoming more style savvy and adventurous than ever, it's vital that kitchen retailers can rely on manufacturers to both predict and react to trends in the market, so that they in turn can offer their customers the very latest in cutting edge kitchen design. According to Burbidge, an up-to-the-minute design offering is key in giving retailers the edge over their competitors.

This continual development policy means Burbidge is able to respond more quickly to emerging trends and it has seen several of its ranges prove extraordinarily popular because of it.

The company has several big success stories under its belt. Its urban-chic Opus White Gloss design, launched in 2004, tapped into the trend amongst contemporary customers for white kitchens and high gloss finishes. The iridescent gloss white finish and simple geometric lines of the range meant retailers were able to offer style-conscious customers a kitchen with real 'wow' factor.

Despite the popularity of ultra-modern designs, traditional kitchens have an enduring popularity amongst consumers too. Burbidge's Arundel Pippy Oak range became a top-seller, within months of launch. This quintessentially English style kitchen in exclusive estate hewn pippy oak wood has proved the suitable choice for retailers who want to appeal to the traditional 'country home' market.

Recognising that many consumers simply want a contemporary version of a traditional kitchen design, Burbidge launched Lansdowne Natural Maple. This popular range has been a phenomenal success, outselling every other design and winning a Manufacturers Design award in 2005 for its clever contradictions - coupling curves with angles and contemporary design with traditional wood craft. The success of the Lansdowne design prompted Burbidge to further extend the range to meet current demands and as such, Lansdowne is now available in Natural Oak, Black Walnut and four painted Oak finishes.

Ben Burbidge, managing director, is proud of the company's team approach to creative design: 'We take a broad view of design, and encourage our team to find inspiration from their everyday life and all sorts of furniture, for example we spotted that curves were popular in other areas of the home and office before they came through to kitchens. This way we can spot trends at an early stage and use them to influence creativity, to ensure we are producing new designs to meet consumer demands.

'We encourage creative brainstorming sessions that involve all members of the product development team, not just the designers. This process has always been a huge success and early indications suggest that our latest products are being as well-received as our existing ranges.'

Burbidge is continuing to keep its finger on the pulse with its recently-launched Mezzo kitchen. This ultra-modern, Italian-inspired gloss range is highly stylish and has chic inset handles. Burbidge's current research and retailer feedback clearly shows that customers prefer 'invisible' handles to knobs in contemporary kitchen designs, so retailers are set to have another winning design on their hands.

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

http://kbzine.burbidge.co.uk/

Roger Taylor, Vice President & Managing Director of Electrolux Major Appliances for UK & Ireland underlined the commitment, investment and focus the business has in the UK with the official opening of its new Luton-based UK Head Office.

'This is a landmark occasion for the UK Business, and the heritage we have in Luton. The 18 month site renovation has resulted in a UK Head Office base which we all can be proud of - a fitting platform from which we can continue to grow and enhance our business development in the UK,' comments Mr. Taylor.

The return of the UK ‘White Goods’ Division – Electrolux Major Appliances - to Luton 18 months ago (from Slough) was the result of a review of Electrolux’s site portfolio in the UK.

'The aims of delivering significant operational efficiencies and increasing overall integration within the Electrolux Group are already starting to bear fruit,' states Mr Taylor.

Electrolux welcomed many Bedfordshire-based dignitaries to the official site opening – including Mayor of Luton Julian Wates and Labour MP for Luton North, the Right Honourable Kelvin Hopkins. Electrolux was also honoured with the presence of the Swedish Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Staffan Carlsson.

As part of the Group’s commitment to the area and the community, Electrolux embarked on a 3 year sponsorship of Luton Town Football Club last year. This continues into 2007 – and Electrolux was delighted that Luton Town Chairman Bill Tomlin and Luton Town Manager Mike Newell were amongst those from the club present to celebrate the event.

Tree Planting Ceremony:– from left to right: Roger Taylor MD Electrolux Major Appliances UK, Right Honourable Kelvin Hopkins Labour MP for Luton North, Mayor of Luton Julian Wates’ Swedish Ambassador to the UK His Excellency Staffan Carlsson

The recent appointment of Andrew Bruce as the new Bristan Group Operations Director came at an opportune time - enabling Bruce to really show off his talents by overseeing the Group's successful move to its new, purpose-built site in Birch Coppice, Tamworth.

Masterminding the smooth move of the company's bulk stock, systems equipment and assets to the new site is no mean feat.

Fortunately Bruce has an impressive resume - including operations management for a number of UK, European, American and Aisan blue chip firms such as Delta Plc and PerkinElmer Inc.

In terms of his educational background, Bruce has an Engineering degree from Aston University, a diploma in Financial Management from ACCA and is currently studying for an MBA from Manchester Business School.

Now that the Group is firmly ensconced in its new headquarters - complete with state-of-the-art warehousing that will ensure even faster turnaround on all ordering and delivery - Bruce will be responsible for maintaining a tight control on overall operations with the aim of maintaining the Group's strong reputation for customer service and support.

Tel: 0870 4425555
Web: http://www.bristan.com

Maytag UK's promotional activities for the autumn include offers for retailers in both dishwashing and cooking.

From the 1st October through to the 31st December 2006, Maytag is out to relieve the stresses and strains in the kitchen at Christmas with incentives for both the retailer and the consumer to invest in a dishwasher.

Maytag's MSE860FARS, top of the range, 10 programme stainless steel dishwasher kicks off with a £100 saving on the trade price. In addition, Maytag is offering a 90-day home trial on any of its dishwashers throughout the promotional period. ‘There is no better time to trial a dishwasher. It is a great boon at any time of year, but is essential at Christmas with the kitchen under pressure. I think we all forget that a dishwasher not only washes up for us automatically; with the open plan kitchens of today it is an essential appliance for keeping it tidy. All the dirty dishes stack away beautifully, out of sight, leaving work tops clear to continue festivities,’ explains Stuart Frost, Product Marketing Manager.

Maytag is also there to help out with the cooking activities too. The autumn promotion has a great deal on the company’s Range Cookers. For every range cooker purchased there is a free cooker hood and free splash back, saving £405.

Maytag's dual fuel Range Cookers are 110 cm wide, built of brushed stainless steel, offering exceptional quality and functionality with practical, multifunction ovens, combined with a versatile and robust 6-burner gas hob. Maytag brings the concept of traditional range cooking into the 21st century with a sophisticated metropolitan tone that blends with the lifestyle nuances of today's professional and discerning homeowner alike. The design detail is timeless, echoing Maytag's sovereign styling, and matching Maytag's range of refrigeration, dishwashers and laundry appliances.

Stuart adds, ‘This is a timely offer for the retailer and the kitchen specialist alike, offering competitive advantages at a time when consumers are looking for the best, to cook their most cherished meal of the year. Investing in a Maytag range cooker also adds the advantage of being able to offer the ultimate brand, across all appliance sectors, with performance you can depend on.’

Maytag's range cookers are available in stainless steel or black.

For more information of Maytag's promotions this autumn contact your Maytag Area Sales Manager or call Maytag on 01737 231 000.

A Gorenje fridge freezer, hailed as 'the most glamorous appliance in the world', and decorated with Swarovski crystals was put under the hammer for £10,000 by media style gurus Colin and Justin in a TV charity auction in Glasgow last week.

The Slovenian manufacturer donated one of its exotic limited edition Eye-catcher fridge freezers to raise money for a youth project on an underprivileged Glasgow housing estate.

Studded with 7,000 Swarovski crystals, the donated Gorenje Eye-catcher is one of only five that Gorenje has produced for charity auctions around the world. A commercial version in black and silver was launched in May.

The appliance was the star lot at Glasgow's stylish arts centre, Oran Mor, on Tuesday, September 12th, to be televised as Channel Five's Colin and Justin on the Estate charity auction, later in the year.

The auction went off after a champagne reception almost as glittering as the Gorenje Eye-catcher, with a cabaret headed by Atomic Kitten Liz 'Lil' McLarnon who performed her new solo single A Woman in Love and the old Kittens' hit Whole Again.

The Gorenje fridge freezer finally went to an un-named telephone bidder for a cool £10,000 making it, by far, the most expensive kitchen appliance of its kind in the country.

Other lots at the auction include VIP invites to Universal Film Premieres, Golf at Loch Lomond with training from international pro Stephen McAllister, a beauty weekend, a days sailing on Simon le Bon's former yacht Drum, a weekend in a remote Scottish hideaway with chauffeur-driven Rolls, a Star Wars light sabre signed by Ewan McGregor, a studio recording package and a day's training with the Royal Marines.

The auction raised a total of about £70,000 which will go towards creating youth facilities on Arden, a 1950s ex-council estate which currently has no community café or youth group and has seen youth crime, vandalism, drug and alcohol abuse and general anti-social behaviour spiral out of control.

TV personalities, Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan, still live in their native Glasgow and are fervent supporters of local community projects. They shot to fame with the Million Pound Property Experiment on BBC2 and have since presented a number of shows, written two books and run several charity events.

At the end of the evening Colin and Justin were pleased with their total of around £70,000.

‘It has been a terrific evening and we would like to thank everyone who came along for helping make it a success,’ said Colin.

‘We would like to create the opportunity in this underprivileged area of Arden so that kids can avoid trouble later, and we are really grateful to Gorenje for this very generous donation,’ says Colin. ‘Many kids on the estate are literally entertaining themselves with anti social behaviour, fuelling themselves on drugs and alcohol, mostly out of boredom.’

Sasa Kosec, Gorenje's UK Marketing Manager, says: ‘Working for a company aiming to become the world's most innovative design-led appliances, I have always enjoyed Colin and Justiin's programmes on interior design.

‘When we heard about the charity auction we were keen to get involved and donating an Eyecatcher seemed the perfect solution. I really enjoyed being in Glasgow on the day to see the auction for myself.

‘I am glad so much money was raised for such a good cause. The donation is part of our strategy to support worthy causes and put something back into the community.’

At a similar auction in Moscow in May, another Gorenje Eye-catcher attracted fierce bidding and was finally knocked down for a cool $110,000 making that the world's most expensive fridge freezer.

The funds raised at that auction were donated to the pan-Russian movement called The Circle of the Sun, engaged in providing aid to homeless children.

The Gorenje Eye-catcher has enjoyed extensive national press coverage, including a TV appearance with Paul O'Grady. It has even attracted a great deal of attention here and abroad since going on display in Harrods earlier this year.

Based on the limited edition Eye-catcher with 7,000 crystals, the Commercial line in black with 3,500 crystals in two rows is available for consumers who long for something special and prestigious, and especially for Swarovski fans.

These appliances, which retail for £1,400, introduce a new elegance to the white goods market and, along with the Gorenje Pininfarina range, which was recently introduced to the UK market, represent Gorenje's most prestigious collection.

Gorenje's visionary approach has engendered a unique philosophy of the beauty of the home, where household appliances play a central role as beautifully designed and unique elements in contemporarily homes.

The Gorenje fridge-freezers, decorated with high quality Swarovski, represent a new generation of cooling appliances, featuring a myriad of advanced functions.

The high-tech, 200 cm-high, user-friendly appliance is controlled by a touch screen mounted at eye-level on the fridge door.

The touch control panel allows adjustment of the various settings of the appliance, displays the temperatures and warns of any problems.

It is also the user interface for the built-in radio, recipe book and voice memo recorder/player. Premium touch appliances are also environment-friendly as they are classified as A+ energy rated.

About Swarovski crystals
Swarovski is an Austrian company established at the end of the 19th Century by Daniel Swarovski. The company is renowned for its tradition and excellence in manufacturing and supplying crystals and crystal-ware, especially for the jewellery and fashion industry as well as decorative homeware. In the fashion world, Swarovski crystals have recently been a hot and immensely sought-after accessory and component of haute couture. The name Swarovski can thus be found on many a fashion item or piece of jewellery created by famous fashion designers - among those are Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, Dior, Dolce & Gabana, Valentino and Roberto Cavali.

From March 2006, a free five year parts and labour guarantee is now available on Gorenje's fridge freezer, decorated with Swarovski crystals and built-in appliances that are sold through its network of nearly 1,000 retailers in the UK and Ireland. The guarantee covers all built-in ovens, hobs, hoods, integrated cooling products and the company's range of stylish freestanding retro fridges and two freestanding washing machines from its laundry range.

For more information, call Gorenje on 0208 247 3980 or visit http://www.gorenje.co.uk

The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) is sponsoring a new customer service award, the 2007 KBB Review Customer Service Award for kitchens.

The award is part of the annual industry awards programme which is organised by the UK kitchen and bathroom trade magazine, KBBR. Now in its 13th year, the awards are open to all retailers, interior designers and architects in the kitchen and bathroom industry.

‘We are thrilled to once again be supporting these awards. After sponsoring the Travelling Scholarship Award for the Young Designer for Kitchens for many years, we felt the time was right to support this new customer service award as it is such an important part of our industry,’ said KBSA operations director Lucinda Kenny.

‘Award submissions must demonstrate overall customer service strategy and how it is reflected in the showroom, staff training programmes, how to deal with dissatisfied customers and innovative ideas which have improved customer service.’

The closing date for entries is 29th September 2006. The judges will pick four finalists who will be visited by a mystery shopper to decide a winner.

The winners and runners-up in each category will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London in February 2007.

For more information or help with your application email kbbreview@uk.dmgworldmedia.com or telephone 020 8515 2141.

Wolseley plc, the world's largest specialist trade distributor of plumbing and heating products to professional contractors and a leading supplier of building materials, announced on 20th September three further acquisitions for an aggregate consideration of £22 million. In a full year, these acquisitions are expected to add approximately £30 million in additional revenue.

Since the beginning of the financial year on 1st August 2006, a total of six businesses in Europe and North America have been acquired for an aggregate consideration of approximately £49 million. These six acquisitions are expected to add approximately £91 million to Group revenue in a full year. Goodwill and intangible assets related to these acquisitions is estimated to be around £29.

million. These totals do not include the acquisition of DT Group (formerly known as Danske Traelast) which was announced on 24th July 2006 and is expected to complete in the next eight days.

North America
On 21st August 2006, Ferguson acquired the assets of United Automatic Heating Supply Ltd ('United Automatic') from James Haskell. United Automatic is an Ohio based distributor of heating ventilation and air conditioning equipment and supplies. In the year ended 31 December 2005, United Automatic had revenue of $29.4 million (£15.7 million) and gross assets of $5.4 million (£2.9 million) at that date.

Europe
On 31st August 2006, Brossette acquired Sigmatec SAS ('Sigmatec') from Mr Gournay. Sigmatec is an electrical distributor based in Northern France. In the year ended 31st March 2006, Sigmatec had revenue of Euro5.6 million (£3.8 million) and gross assets of Euro0.4 million (£0.3 million) at that date.

On 19th September 2006, Wolseley UK acquired Morris Insulation Ltd, Acoustic and Thermal Insulation Ltd, Customised Insulation Manufacturers Ltd and Construction Insulation Distributors Ltd ('the Insulation Companies') from Rhodes Securities Limited. The Insulation Companies, based in Dublin, are the leading distributors of insulation materials in the Republic of Ireland. In the year ended 31st August 2005, the Insulation Companies had revenue of Euro15.6 million (£10.5 million) and gross assets of Euro12.7 million (£8.5 million) at that date.

The divisional split of the total acquisition spend since 1st August 2006 is:

Chip Hornsby, Group Chief Executive of Wolseley said:
'We are delighted to announce these three further acquisitions which will help us continue to grow our business in Europe and North America. These acquisitions support our strategy of growing the business through acquisition and organic growth.'

Roman is celebrating installing its 10,000th display, in this its 7th year of offering a free of charge shop-fitting service for showrooms.

Roman has a team of 30 technical engineers located nationally across the UK and Ireland who are expertly trained to install every product from Roman’s extensive portfolio.

Alongside these, Roman’s in-house team of joiners craft backwall display units in Roman’s corporate colours of silver and black. These are installed into showrooms free of charge and a Roman technical engineer will then fit a product onto this unit.

Roman’s specialist technical engineers ensure that all the products are; installed correctly, are completely sturdy and offer a smooth running action. Roman operates in the mid to high end of the showering market and understands that shower enclosures are very tactile products. When people visit showrooms they like to touch displays, opening and closing enclosures, therefore the displays need to function correctly as they can either confirm or prevent a sale.

A poor display is a waste of the manufactures advertising and promotional activity as well as of the showroom’s valuable space. Roman are aware that a showroom display is a key selling tool for retailers so their shop fitting service guarantees correct installation.

Roman’s shop-fitting service is extremely flexible. Engineers can install simply one or two products in a showroom or, on the other hand, can take an unused store room and completely re-furbish it with Roman products free of charge.

Loraine Gamblin, marketing director at Roman says; 'Roman’s free of charge shop-fitting service has been extremely well received over the past 7 years, with showrooms welcoming us back to update and add to existing displays. It has also provided showrooms with the opportunity to transform unused areas into a shop-within-a-shop type showroom free of charge. Roman is proud to say we now have 750 showrooms across the UK and Ireland displaying our products.'

Bathroom Life & Kitchen Life take Centre Stage at Bathroom & Kitchen Expo 07

In recognition of the diverse range of design concepts, styles and innovative products now transforming the bathroom and kitchen industry, Bathroom & Kitchen EXPO, is launching Kitchen Life and Bathroom Life at its 2007 show (ExCeL London, 13-15 May).

Featuring the latest equipment and furniture, Bathroom Life and Kitchen Life will showcase a range of stunning bathroom and kitchen real-world room sets which fuse the latest products and interior design trends to meet modern lifestyle aspirations.

‘With consumers becoming better informed and more design savvy thanks to the influx of home interest TV shows, magazines and the internet, traditional concepts in bathroom and kitchen design are increasingly being re-invented and, in some cases, totally redrawn,’ explains Bathroom & Kitchen EXPO's Show Manager, Graham Martin.
‘Bathroom Life and Kitchen Life will offer exhibitors an original platform to display the range of fresh ideas and approaches coming through to the market. These will help visitors tune-in to changing trends, provide inspiration and allow them to sell their concepts, products and homes more effectively in the future.’

Bathroom Life and Kitchen Life are specific areas of the show which will contain up to twelve different room-sets respectively. Designs are planned to include a bathroom and kitchen for a city bachelor studio, a mature couple's cottage, a water saving bathroom and a low energy kitchen for the environmentally conscious.

‘Bathroom Life and Kitchen Life will be heavily supported by the show and featured extensively within the show guide, our show website and included within the high-profile PR campaign we are running for the show which will include exposure in key trade titles. All participants will also benefit from extensive advertising, direct mail and online promotion in place to support the show.’

For details on how to participate in Bathroom Life, Kitchen Life or to exhibit at Bathroom & Kitchen EXPO, contact Graham Martin at grahammartin@dmgworldmedia.com or call 020 8515 6896 or Pauline Morrison at paulinemorrison@dmgworldmedia.com or call 020 8515 2139.

Visitors to EXPO will also benefit an extensive, free seminar programme, devised to explore and debate the key industry issues, covering, for example, water conservation, energy efficiency and London 2012 Olympics. At the same time, a separate workshop programme will be aimed at developing business, selling and design skills for visitors.

Launched in 2001, Bathroom & Kitchen EXPO is a biennial event. In 2005 the event featured over 150 exhibitors in over 17,000m2 of exhibition space and attracted a final visitor attendance of 8,627 (ABC audited). In 2007 EXPO is organised and promoted for the first time by dmg world media, publishers of the trade magazine, kbbreview, KBB Magazine, and the company behind a well-known range of successful exhibitions, including The Daily Mail Ideal Home Show.

For more information on the event, please visit http://www.bkexpo.co.uk.

This year the Electrolux Group has committed a massive £10 million Consumer Marketing Investment into its portfolio of leading home appliance brands – Electrolux £5m, AEG-Electrolux £3m and Zanussi-Electrolux £2m.

The first half of this year saw heavy activity in TV, Cinema and Press across the brands. From September through to December/January all three brands will again feature in major National Press & Magazine Campaigns – representing the heaviest investment the group has ever placed into Press Communication.

AEG-Electrolux Brand:
The aim of this high profile national press activity is to position and promote the extended AEG-Electrolux built-in and freestanding ranges consistently across the calendar. It will include three separate press campaigns for the ’Compact Appliances’, ’Longfresh Cooling’ and ’Silent Kitchen’, targeting the premium consumer through a broad range of quality home and food magazines. All AEG–Electrolux advertising creatives were developed by London based agency, BBH.

Electrolux Brand:
The heavyweight press campaign in premium national press magazines and a whole range of home interest magazines will take place between late September 06 and early January 2007. The campaign will highlight the Electrolux Insight Cooker and the focus will be on the Consumer Understanding (or Insight) and tremendous 'sightlines' of this fantastic Insight cooker design ..BETTER VISIBILITY for BETTER CONTROL. The campaign will also include the Maxi Load 8kg Laundry – the first washing machine to hold 8kg load in a standard size cabinet and the new Electrolux Induction Hob.
The Press Creatives were developed by Lowe Brindfors.

Zanussi-Electrolux
The famous and iconic strapline ‘Zanussi - The Appliance of Science’ was reinstated earlier this year and will continue to appear in the Consumer Press campaign for Laundry and Dishcare. These creatives will reinforce the message that the brand is synonymous with innovation and style - and making life easier through advanced design.

Advertising across a range of national press titles will hit the news stands from September 2006 and will run through to December 06.

All Zanussi–Electrolux Advertising Creatives were developed by London based agency, BBH.

All media planning and buying for all three brands has been undertaken by Zenith Optimedia.

Web: http://www.electrolux.com

New I.D. Interiors takes on Hilary Groom of Ambiente for Complete Design Service

Hilary Groom, director of Ambiente Interiors has joined London based interior design firm New I.D. Interiors. Hilary's new role as chief designer will be to lead the team and further strengthen the brand and services that have been established.

The union brings together a breadth and depth of experience and knowledge of the interior design industry, combining furniture design and installation, architectural design and refurbishment skills. Commissions are for private and commercial clients, and include work for luxury show homes and hotels.

New I.D. Interiors has been in the business for 10 years and says that over that time has gained a strong reputation for excellence. The company takes pride in ensuring complete customer satisfaction whether it be creating interiors of individual character for private clients or enhancing a space so as to maximise investment potential for the resale or rental market. The design team brings enthusiasm and inspiration to each new brief, making clear presentations including floor plans, colour schemes, visual perspectives and mood boards to showcase their proposals.

Hilary Groom is the creative inspiration behind Ambiente Interiors. She has been working as a designer and teacher for 18 years and has an enviable reputation. Her company runs interior design weekend workshops at desirable destinations throughout Europe, combining informative home improvement advice with holiday relaxation.

Hilary Groom says: 'My move to New I.D. Interiors will bring me back to the UK full time. Combining my skills with the knowledge and talent already in place at the company will ultimately mean we can offer clients an inspiring and complete design service'.

http://www.Ambienteinteriors.com
http://www.new-id.co.uk

Germany's 6th largest kitchen furniture manufacturer is holding this years MOW Home Show at the company's own In-house Exhibition Centre in Loehne Germany. More than 60 of the UK & Ireland dealers will be guests during the 2 week event, which will showcase 40 new Fronts and a New True Handle-less Range of kitchens.

The Home Show takes place within the company's own converted 19th Century Barns incorporating more than 50 displays of 'Bau-for-mat', 'Burger Kuchen' and the company's 'Badea' bathroom furniture, as well as a Training Centre, Bar & Restaurant.

Bauformat, still a family owned company has been in the UK since the early 1970's and says that it has regained serious ground in th UK & Ireland over the last 3 years, by delivering the right product at the right price. 'This years launch will be testimony to that again.'

Tel: 0845 658 1949
Web: http://www.bauformat.de

Lanzet Kitchens, the specialist supplier of custom fitted kitchens to developers of middle-to-upper-market new homes has included an Everhot electric range cooker to its new show room in Reading.

The new showroom showcases the best of kitchens from the Lanzet stable alongside its offer from Wellman/Geba in a variety of cutting-edge designed room sets.

John McDarren, managing director of Lanzet Kitchens explains: ‘Everhot is a great product and brings something different to our comprehensive offering. Often our customers are considering an Aga-type solution in the kitchens they are selecting for their development, but sometimes are frustrated by the complexity of the installation. In Everhot we have a truly British made, high performance 'cooks product' that delivers operational cost savings and simple installation - no-flue, 13amp connection. It's a fantastic complement to the built-in cooking products we offer and display here at Lanzet.’

Trade customers interested in viewing the new Lanzet showroom and Everhot range should contact Chris Richardson at Lanzet Kitchens on 0118 969 6100.

The majority of people in Great Britain are happy to sort their own waste for recycling and are even in favour of fining people who won't, but they are not prepared to wait two weeks for their bins to be emptied or to pay any extra for their council collection services.

These were the findings of an independent research study - Rubbish Service: Who Pays? - commissioned by Materials Recycling Week on behalf of the Recycling and Waste Management exhibition which took place in Birmingham from 12-14 September 2006.

Conducted by BMRB Omnibus and Explomarket Ltd, the study of consumer and local authority attitudes to recycling found that, despite being cast as lazy recyclers, the majority of the British public are now happy to sort their own waste for recycling and view the practice of chucking everything into one wheelie bin as a thing of the past. However there is still a reality gap between what they believe is best for the environment and what they are actually prepared to do (81% believe that having separate bins and containers for different materials is the best environmental option but only 62% would choose this as their preferred method of household waste collection).

The study also revealed that given the choice, two thirds of people would like a weekly rubbish and recycling collection. Fortnightly and alternate weekly collections (waste collected one week - recycling collected the other) are not popular among the public. However this contrasts with local authority thinking, where fortnightly and alternate weekly collections have a greater proportion of supporters.

Paul Sanderson, editor of Materials Recycling Week, said: 'Around a third of local authorities currently operate alternate weekly collections. Most have been very successful in getting people to recycle more and 11 out of the top 14 local authorities in recycling league tables operate this type of scheme. But as the recent protests in Scunthorpe about this sort of collection demonstrated, it can be controversial with the public.'

According to the study, most people do not think they should pay for their waste and recycling to be collected, but the majority of local councils feel there should be some charge made for the service. And the level of charge councils feel is fair (£2.72 per week) is more than double that which the public would be prepared to pay (£1.14 per week).

However, the British public do support the idea of fining systems to penalise people who refuse to recycle. Among councils, support for fining systems is even greater, and councils agree with the public that a fine of up to £50 per offence would be reasonable.

Commenting on the rising cost of household waste and recycling collections, Paul Sanderson, editor of Materials Recycling Week, said: 'At present, people pay around £2 per week in council tax for waste collections. But as the rate of Landfill Tax increases each year and the UK faces the threat of substantial EU fines if we do not meet our targets under the Landfill Directive, people could find their Council Tax will go up massively.'

'Variable charging for waste collections is one solution which is set to become a hot topic in the UK. It is already quite common in Europe, and was introduced in the Republic of Ireland about 18 months ago. Basically it means that people who do not recycle would be charged for all of the remaining waste they generate, which could mean a significant extra charge for many people.

'Fining people who don't recycle is another way of meeting these costs and improving recycling rates. Compulsory recycling is spreading across London Boroughs and will probably move outside of the capital eventually.'

And finally it seems that while flytipping is top of a list of council concerns, it is dogs' mess and litter which really get up residents' noses, with flytipping at the bottom of their list of neighbourhood gripes.

For the full story, please see http://www.mrw.co.uk

A Boere Select widebelt sander is performing accurate sanding and finishing work on highly specialised components at the workshops of Kirolite.

Kirolite is one of Britain's expert manufacturers of advanced wooden components.

Based at Poole in Dorset, Kirolite was established in 1942 and has continually equipped its workshops with top level technology to produce components for the high end of the market - architects, engineers, designers, bespoke furniture manufacturers, the retail sector and, in particular, the luxury yacht and boat industry.

One particular area of expertise offered by Kirolite is producing made-to-order shaped components manufactured from laminated sections which are shaped and bonded in RF (radio frequency) presses. Typically such components would provide edge surrounds on various furniture items, luxury bunks and such like. The profiles can often be complex - fluted, scalloped or grooved. All of these components have to calibrated, sanded and finished to fine tolerances for both sub-assembly operations and before highly specialised finishing.

Kirolite's other main speciality is extremely high quality finishing. The company’s very well equipped spray shops apply a variety of finishes including one of the few companies to spray polyester for a very high gloss and durable surface that in-fills grain and gives a flawless surface so prized by the boat industry in particular.

Kirolite's Gavin Rose explains that sanding and finishing are core aspects of production and have a direct bearing on the quality of the final product. ‘The Boere Select sander was selected for its reputation and performance from a shortlist of leading international machines. It has performed faultlessly and has saved us enormous amounts of time and labour while allowing us to achieve excellent consistency.’

The Boere was supplied by UK agent Tony Hoyle of Calderbrook Woodworking Machinery who consulted intensively with Kirolite about the company’s present and future requirements before specifying the two-head Select model. The Boere Select is configured with a solid roller on the front head and a combi roller-pad unit on the second head. The machine has a high specification with long belt lengths for extra cooling and cleaning and infinite feed speed control on the table conveyor. It has digitally monitored rise and fall of the table to accommodate workpieces up to 150mm and is designed to accept workpieces up to 1100mm wide.

The combination of these controls and system on the Boere Select allow it to cope proficiently with the many varied components, surfaces and materials that Kirolite's customers require. As Kirolite looks to expand even further into the conventional furniture component sector it is ideally set up with the Boere Select for that type of production as well.

Tel: 01706 873344
Email: sales@woodworkmachinery.co.uk
Web: http://www.boere.nl

Looking for the perfect present for anyone with an eye for design? Then why not give them a gift they will really cherish this Christmas. If you're keen to buy something special that can't be found on the high street, a visit to DESIGN shopping Arcade at Grand Designs Live NEC is a must.

Based on the hugely successful Channel 4 TV series, presented by design guru Kevin McCloud, Grand Designs Live NEC promises to be a spectacularly vibrant exhibition that provides visitors with products, information, services and advice on how to spice up their home - whether it's a total self-build project, refurbishment, garden design, or even just tweaking a room with the latest furnishings.

If your father's a tad pernickety with the building work, your daughter wants to keep abreast of the current trends in modern living, or perhaps you and your partner need a burst of inspiration for the dream home you are about to build, Grand Designs Live NEC plays home to a huge celebrity line-up, including Kevin McCloud, ready to inform, excite and inspire visitors to create their own 'Grand Design'.

Tickets are priced at £12 in advance or £16 on the door (children under 16 receive entry for free)

Grand Designs Live NEC
NEC Birmingham
Friday 6th - Sunday 8th October 2006

Web: http://www.granddesignslive.com
Tel: 0870 380 0341