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Wellness Products Increasingly Popular

Increasing numbers of consumers across Europe have already installed or intend to invest in wellness products designed to bring the spa experience into the home. These are among the findings of the first phase of new research commissioned by Ideal Standard, a leading provider of innovative, design-driven bathroom and kitchen solutions. Conducted by Ipsos, the research covered four European markets – France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom - and comprised 1,200 men and women in the 20-70 age category. The second and final phase of the research will become available as from July 2006.

Preliminary results demonstrate the following:

• 40% of respondents enjoy spending time in the bathroom to relax and de-stress, the 4th most popular activity behind watching TV at 78%, walks at 43% and talking to friends/family at 42%.

• More women than men prefer relaxing in the bathroom (56% versus 24% respectively) whereas equal numbers of men and women watch TV to relax.

• Of respondents regularly using wellness equipment, 62% indicate that the main reason is to relax and de-stress, followed by 48% who want to relieve muscular aches and pains. 32% of respondents use wellness equipment to pamper themselves.

• More than half of respondents indicate that they see wellness equipment become more affordable and more common in the bathroom.

• 69% state that there is a definite trend of bringing wellness equipment into the home

• The main reasons for buying, or for intending to buy, wellness products for the home mentioned were:
- No planning required (38%)
- Convenience (35%)
- More privacy (27.5%)

• Half of the respondents indicated that they had bought the product they used most at the health club. The two most commonly-used wellness products there are the whirlpool (70%) and sauna (69%).

• Of people currently owning wellness equipment at home, 48% bought a whirlpool tub and 45% bought some form of hydro-massage shower. 13% of wellness-owners had also bought a sauna. The most popular product among those intending to buy wellness equipment in the near future is the whirlpool tub.

• On the future of wellness products, 73% clearly believed that bathrooms will need to become environmentally friendly (water usage, waste etc.);

• 65% also think that bathroom equipment will become more high-tech and customer friendly
Men versus women:

• On average women spend 40 minutes per day in the bathroom on a week day – increasing to an average of 55 minutes at the weekend. Men spend a little less time in the bathroom, with an average of 35 minutes per day in the week day and 40 minutes at the weekend.

• On a week day, women in France, Germany and the UK spend on average 20% more time than their male counterparts in the bathroom.

• Italian men however spend roughly the same amount of time in the bathroom as Italian women.

From a geographical point of view we have found the following interesting results:

• In Italy, 40% of people use wellness equipment regularly (weekly-monthly) whereas in France, 72% use wellness equipment very rarely.

• In comparison, 62% of French respondents indicated that they would like to buy wellness products for the home in the future

• In Germany more people cite the health and fitness benefits of wellness equipment as being in the top 3 most important reasons for using wellness products than in any other country.

• British respondents wanted most to use the bathroom to invigorate themselves, with 33% saying that they used it to wake up and regenerate body and mind.

As the findings shows, spa treatments and wellness products are becoming increasingly popular across Europe as a form of relaxation and escape from today’s hectic lifestyle. With this in mind, Ideal Standard has created a range of wellness products that are innovative, effective, easy-to–install, and that integrate seamlessly into either new or existing bathrooms. The ultimate goal is to introduce or integrate a stylish and pleasurable addition to homes and life spaces.

Two flagship products included in Ideal Standard’s range of home wellness solutions are the TRIS system and the ‘WWW’ (World Wide Wellness) bath tub. The unique TRIS system is the world’s first bathroom product to incorporate a range of wellness options into one home bathroom unit. The versatile unit features a sauna, a steam function (hammam) as well as a variety of different hydro jet showering options.

‘WWW’ builds on Ideal Standard’s experience and leadership in the hydro massage product area by combining both hydro massage and dry massage in the same bath. It uses innovative flat and dry jets to give a complete body massage. Multiple high-pressure, flat jets have been purposely designed with a smooth surface for extra comfort and for easy cleaning. The unique dry massage jet is the only one of its kind in the home bathing market. It has two functions: a vibrating effect and a pulsating effect and is especially designed to massage parts of the body not fully immersed in water such the head and neck. Dry jet can be activated with or without water. A silicone skin containing small rubber balls that rotate or pulse gently massages and stimulates the user’s skin even if there is no water in the bath tub.

'In recent years we have seen an increasing demand for wellness products. As a direct response to this, Ideal Standard is looking to offer people the ability to replicate a pleasurable spa experience in the comfort of their own homes', says Jim Dwyer, President American Standard Bath & Kitchen. 'We’ve designed some inventive and stylish products that fit the contemporary needs of those wanting relaxation and rejuvenation for their bodies and minds. The products aim to be convenient, accessible as well as both luxurious and functional.'

All Ideal Standard wellness products can be installed and adapted for use in standard bathrooms and incorporate design features that make them easy to use and maintain. The wellness range is now becoming available across Europe from Ideal Standard distributors.

For further information visit www.ideal-standard.co.uk

GDHA Announces 2006 Independent Retailer Roadshow Dates

Glen Dimplex Home Appliances is gearing up for a series of summer roadshows aimed at providing its independent customers with an informative insight into new innovations and developments from the company.

Independent retailers are invited to 'see what kitchens have been dreaming of' whilst putting their golf skills to the test at the regional roadshows. Products on display will include the brand new 90cm range cookers from Stoves, Belling's Kensington and Sandringham range cookers, Lec's fresh new product range and - new for 2006 - the complete New World range of built-in and range cookers.

Guests will also be updated on the company's latest product developments and future plans for initiatives such as the exclusive GDHA Elite Club for independent retailers; and can even sign up to be a GDHA Elite retailer at the show in order to benefit from exclusive promotions at the event.

A golf tournament will follow each of the roadshows; comprising 18 holes followed by a delicious three course meal. Winners of the regional rounds will then be invited to play at the grand final, which is to be held on the world famous Ryder Cup course at Valderrama in Spain this September.

Dates and locations for the roadshows are as follows:
- 05th July 2006: Marriot Hanbury Manor, Hertfordshire
- 18th July 2006: De Vere Belfry, West Midlands
- 25th July 2006: Moor Allerton, near Leeds

For further information on the roadshows, or for details of how to become a member of GDHA's Elite Club, please call 0870 458 4378 or visit http://www.gdha.com/independent.

Bathroom Boost to UK Manufacturing

In the current climate of economic instability, with many UK manufacturers making redundancies or pulling out of the UK entirely, Heritage Bathrooms has recently doubled the workforce at its West Yorkshire-based factory.

In response to increased sales, which have been enhanced by a wealth of new and product launches over the past 12 months, Heritage has recently doubled the number of employees to its ceramics factory in Brighouse, West Yorkshire. This will enable the company to always have available stock in place at the depots to respond to increased demand for products quickly and efficiently.

The workforce increase will also maximise the quality of the product output from the factory, and the use of skilled craftspeople is paramount to the continued success of Heritage's reputation for offering well made, high quality ceramics with minimum returns. This in turn allows retailers and stockists to present their customers with a product they can rely on.

Heritage Bathrooms is especially proud of its production and workforce growth, given these uncertain times, and this additional investment in staff reflects its strong commitment to UK manufacturing.

Indeed, Heritage has a well-earned reputation for its high-levels of training and workforce support, and has recently received two industry awards, for the second year running, for its dedication to staff training, including its highly successful NVQ Level II programme.

For further information contact (0117) 9633333 or http://www.heritagebathrooms.com

PLUSMODO Wows the Judges, Again and Again!

PLUSMODO, from kitchen manufacturer Poggenpohl, has won four design accolades in just 18 months since its launch. First seen at the Cologne Furniture Fair in January 2005, PLUSMODO, now has a clutch of awards to its credit and looks set to become a design classic.

In 2005, the PLUSMODO design was given the prestigious Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design. In addition to this, Germany’s Schoner Wohnen magazine awarded it the title of ‘New Classic’ 2005.

This year, a further two honours have been bestowed, the iF Product Design Award and Red Dot Design Award. Since its inauguration in 1953, the iF design award, presented by the International Forum Design in Hanover, has existed as an enduring, prestigious trademark for outstanding design. Similarly, the Red Dot Award is a seal of quality, standing for membership of the best in design and business.

Martin Gill, MD for Poggenpohl UK, commented: 'These new awards further consolidate Poggenpohl’s already strong position as a pioneer of cutting edge design, with PLUSMODO following hot on the heels of our highly successful +INTEGRATION concept, launched in 2004. It is very rewarding to have this international recognition of Poggenpohl’s ability to consistently shape the look of 21st century kitchens.'

Designed by renowned Spanish designer, Jorge Pensi, PLUSMODO is a dialogue between display and concealment. Pull-out trays are placed directly below the worktop opening up the previously enclosed base unit space, giving the overall design a transparency. This open area combined with the chunky worktop also serves to strongly emphasise the horizontal line of the kitchen.

Additionally, PLUSMODO features unusual materials such as lacquered sliding doors in the wall and tall units made from exceptionally rigid honeycomb centred panels which are only 6mm thick, combined with a new elm veneer. The laminate and mineral composite worktops also feature a lightweight PET honeycomb centre for ease of handling and extra rigidity, allowing stunning cantilevered design solutions.

For further information on Poggenpohl kitchens telephone 0800 298 1098 or visit http://www.poggenpohl.co.uk

Tavistock Appoints ROM Aqua as Sole Irish Distributor

Tavistock, the manufacturer of bathroom furniture and accessories has appointed ROM Aqua as its sole distributor for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Until now, the Newry based agency has shared the right to distribute Tavistock products throughout Ireland. The commercial success it has made with the Tavistock range has brought the change, and further strengthens the existing relationship.

Both organisations hold a similar business ethos: to bring the latest product innovations to market and identify the next volume trend and to then distribute these products through a network of retail operations.

Established in Ireland 5 years ago, the Tavistock stylish range of furniture and accessories fits well into the ROM Aqua portfolio, which includes a number of high profile European manufacturers. The latest 72-page brochure from ROM Aqua presents an array of Tavistock products, which are suited to contemporary and traditional bathrooms alike.

To request the ROM Aqua brochure contact 028 3026 2299

To request a Tavistock bathroom catalogue contact 01225 787870

Baumatic's Appliances Endorsed by Top Italian Chefs

The NIC (National Italian Chefs) Association, which represents Italy in worldwide culinary competitions and is the country's most prestigious and acclaimed chefs association, has joined forces with Baumatic to recommend its appliances.

The endorsement is a major coup for Baumatic, which is an Italy-based manufacturer, and the company is thrilled to have won the hard-earned support of what is considered the world's leading authority on Italian cooking.

As part of the NIC's commitment to Baumatic's products, it will be adding its highly coveted slogan ‘Recommended by NIC’ to a wide range of appliances and Baumatic has been invited to use the NIC's logo within its marketing and point of sale literature.

Alongside cookery demonstrations by members of the NIC, Baumatic will also benefit from the association's considerable gastronomic talents on a consultancy basis when it comes to future culinary projects within the company.

Tel: 0118 933 6900
Web: http://www.baumatic.com

Celebrity Food Photographer Chooses De Dietrich

A range of De Dietrich cooking products have been chosen by celebrity food photographer, David Munns to be the only appliance brand in his new contemporary penthouse studio in central London. He has worked with top chefs including Gary Rhodes, Marcus Wareing, Ken Hom, Brian Turner and Anthony Worrall Thompson to name but a few, and he has countless food magazine and book credits.

For the studio kitchen, David Munns chose the DOP440X self cleaning pyrolytic single oven, the DTI304J 4 zone induction hob and the DHT316X telescopic hood. For the portable kitchen island, he chose the DTG420X ICS touch control gas glass hob, so he can offer the choice of gas or induction for hob cooking.

David Munns says:
'Because I work with the best chefs and top home economists for magazines and cookery books, I wanted to ensure we had great looking and technologically advanced appliances for them to use, while preparing food for me to photograph. I already have De Dietrich products in my other studio, and while I know that other photographers have had to change their appliances every couple of years, my De Dietrich oven has worked perfectly for over a decade - and it gets a lot of use. As I have a new state of the art studio, I need state of the art appliances - and with De Dietrich, I have exactly what I wanted.'

Caroline Bovey, marketing manager of FagorBrandt UK says:
'We are delighted that De Dietrich appliances are going to be used by many celebrity chefs - the most important opinion formers in our business. It is also an opportunity for them to experience induction cooking at first hand and to use our fantastic touch control gas hob. Being photographed with our appliances will be another benefit to us, as the images will appear in high end glossy food magazines; and will perfectly reach our target audience of people who love cooking.'

De Dietrich Sales (Trade) 01256 308 067
Email: sales@fagorbrandt.com
Web: http://www.dedietrich.co.uk

Zanussi-Electrolux Appliance of Silence on TV from June 06!

Zanussi-Electrolux has teamed up with Reckitt Benckiser to promote its NEW Appliance of Silence dishwashers and Finish Detergent in a new TV commercial.

'At Zanussi-Electrolux we like our appliances to be as quiet as a mouse – but when it comes to detergent, we’re happy to shout about Finish.'

The campaign, developed by Euro RSCG London, will run on across all channels. Media Planning and Buying has been undertaken by OMD (UK) Ltd.

Commenting on the campaign, Dawn Stockell, UK Brand & Marketing Manager, Electrolux Major Appliances says:

'Zanussi - the appliance of science - is an innovator in dishcare (with the only 60degree "A" Class wash in only 30 minutes) and Finish is the natural choice, as the market leader within automatic dishwashing detergent in UK - so working together we have a perfect partnership.


Web: http://www.electrolux.com

JJO plc's Urban Smooth White Kitchen Specified

J&J Ormerod plc (JJO plc), the independent UK manufacturer of quality kitchens and bedrooms, has revealed that Wessex Parks & Leisure Homes has specified its Colonial Urban Smooth White Kitchen in the Lighthouse, showcased at the recent Park Home Lifestyle Show. The Lighthouse is a significant departure from traditional park home styling and has been enhanced by JJO plc's design.

JJO plc's Urban Smooth White is one of a new generation of white finishes developed to respond to consumer demand for this colourway. Its clean lines maximise the kitchen space in the Lighthouse and it works seamlessly with the rest of the living area, supporting the apartment feel the home achieves. The kitchen door is complemented by JJO plc's Light Concrete worksurface.

‘We chose The Urban Smooth White kitchen because it captures the essence of contemporary living, which is exactly the concept behind the Lighthouse home,’ said Wessex Homes' National Sales Manager, Keith Griffiths. ‘The Lighthouse represents the height of luxury and appeals to those looking for a modern living space.’

The majority of JJO plc's input to this project was in sourcing the materials to enable Wessex Park Homes to create the desired look. ‘We were given the brief and found the right materials in order to fulfill that. It included manufacturing the Urban Smooth White door with a smooth bright white foil so as to reflect light, as well as designing the structure for the glass door and developing the Light Concrete double-sided work surface for the island unit,’ said Richard Proctor, JJO plc's Sales Director.

Wessex Park & Leisure Homes has been manufacturing park homes and luxury leisure lodges for more than 40 years and JJO has long been its preferred supplier. JJO is already designing and fitting eco and Colonial kitchens in the rest of the park homes' range.

JJO plc Colonial brand represents luxury and offers a huge range of doors and accessories to enable customers to specify the kitchen that works best for them. The company also offers the recently launched eco entry-level kitchen range. Both ranges are available from independent kitchen retailers nationwide. JJO plc places a special focus on customer service and support and as a consequence dealers can take advantage of guaranteed delivery of its products within 24-48 hours.

JJO plc is a corporate member of the KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialist Association), a long term member of ASFI (Association of Suppliers to the Furniture Industry) and a supporter of FIRA (Furniture Industry Research Association).

For further information please contact JJO plc directly on 01706 877877, or alternatively email Natalie Peters at npeters@jjoplc.com and visit JJO plc at http://www.jjoplc.com.

Roman Wins Gold in Tees Valley Manufacturing Awards

Roman, the specialist shower manufacturer, has been named as the Best Manufacturing Company in the Tees Valley.

The County Durham-based firm came out top after being short-listed for 'Best Manufacturer' at the North East Business Awards, following a factory visit by a panel of judges who were impressed with the company’s manufacturing progress over the last five years.

Roman’s products are now all manufactured using a balanced one piece flow system after changing from the old approach batch production. The fundamental change has resulted in increased productivity and utilisation of labour and equipment.

This has ultimately enabled Roman to respond much faster to delivering high-quality, innovative and stylish products to a demanding market place.

Roman is continually investing in its manufacturing plant and has recently opened a state-of-the-art Tray plant. The plant has added an extra 12,000 square feet of floor space and represents an additional investment of over £250,000 in buildings and specialist new machinery.

Major investment in training its staff is also a vital part of Roman’s manufacturing process. Staff are encouraged to increase their knowledge and performance by taking up NVQ courses in Manufacturing Operations and Management.

Roman’s Operations Director, John Wright, said: 'This award demonstrates just how far Roman has come over the last few years. We are constantly looking at new ways of improving our manufacturing processes so our finished products are produced quicker and, just as importantly, to the highest standard of quality. We will also continue to invest in new and innovative equipment, and in the training of all staff to maintain these high standards.'

Major Commendation Award 2005

Sims Group was the first company to commission a Fridge Recycling Plant in the UK in July 2002. Further investment has seen the Fridge Plant grow to become the world’s biggest single site Fridge Recycling plant.

Sims strategy was to ensure that the Fridge Recycling Plant addressed the following challenges: maximising Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS) recovery and material recovery for recycling, minimising the negative impact of the plant on the environment and maximising the efficiency of the site.  
 
 Web: http://www.sims-group.com/uk

The Future of Business Management is Now at your Fingertips

SMART has introduced to the KBB industry its business and operational management system.

KBB professionals can discover how to improve their bottom line by visiting the SMART solution at Kitchen Showcase. SMART is also celebrating the installation of its 500th user at Carl Josef Kitchens & Bathrooms.

Tel: 01344 890979
Email: info@generalsoft.co.uk
Web: http://www.smart-systems.co.uk

2005 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

Aga Foodservice Group has published its 2005 Corporate Social Responsibility Report which can be downloaded from the CSR section of the corporate website.

The Group has made good progress in improving its own CSR performance and in ensuring its policies are embedded in existing operations and extended to cover new acquisitions. Environmental performance improvement is ahead of target, with the key measures of CO2 emissions and water use down, indexed to turnover. Progress has also been made in reducing accident rates and in cutting lost time.

‘Many of the Group's products also help to improve the CSR related performance of our customers' operations and products. A key area is the Group's focus on producing commercial products which reduce energy consumption and waste. Further details are included in the report in case study examples of initiatives underway across the Group.’

Further information can be obtained from Pam Sissons. Company Secretary, Aga Foodservice Group plc, 4 Arleston Way, Shirley, Solihull B90 4LH (telephone +44 (0) 121 711 6000, e-mail csr@agafoodservice.com)

Click here to download a pdf version of the 2005 CSR Report.
http://www.agafoodservice.com/SiteImages/Site_301/pdf/2005_CSR_StRep_Final.pdf

The Tile Association Awards 2006 - Winners

The Tile Association Awards is an opportunity to praise the products, services and people who work in the wall and floor tile industry. The winners were announced at the awards ceremony on 10th June. All the winners received a specially engraved trophy and a certificate.

Individual Achievement category:

Outstanding Contribution to the tile industry:
The winner is Mike Wheat (pictured). Mike is one of the most respected people in the industry and has worked closely with TTA and other associations in the technical field as well as in his own company.

He has spent most of his working life with one company, Building Adhesives, and was very much involved in formulating products for the ever changing and rapidly advancing tile industry. His technical knowledge also meant that he spent considerable time on standards work both in the UK and internationally.

Best newcomer, sponsored by Norcros Adhesives: The joint winners are Mark Wilkinson of Northumberland college and Craig White who now works for Mindon Tiling.

This award recognises new entrants into the tile industry, particularly tile fixers. The shortlisted nominations were Connor McDaid of Limavady College, Mark Wilkinson of Northumberland College and Craig White of South Birmingham College.

Outstanding employee, sponsored by Mapei (UK) Ltd: The winner is Trevor Strawbridge from A & C Dunkley (Boscombe) Ltd.

This award recognises any employee in the tile industry.

Trevor is sales director of A&C Dunkley, and has worked there since 1974 since its incorporation. Trevor is head of purchasing so any of the best selling designs are down to him. He is hardworking, loyal and honest and will go out of his way to help anyone.

Everyone at Neptune who deals with Trevor hold him in the highest esteem and respect for his high standard of professionalism and achievements in the industry.

Supplier category:

Excellence in retailing, sponsored by Pilkingtons Tiles Group Plc:
This category is open to any business operating retail premises.
The shortlisted nominations were Tiles Ahead, Taylor Tiles, TILESTYLE and Regan Tiles.
The winner is Tiles Ahead, Cwmbran (pictured).

Tiles Ahead was launched in 1993. The firm started as a small family business with 2 staff and 1500 sq ft on an unappealing industrial estate. The company decided to re-brand under the title of Tiles Ahead and decided to make the leap from a small retailer to a 50,000 sqft. development. Using a major designer, the company designed and launched a user friendly retail premises. It has a dedicated workforce, whose watchword is customer service, and is knowledgeable on all aspects of tiles and tiling. The company has an instant picking service so that customer orders are being wheeled into the showroom before the ink is dry on the credit card slip.

Excellence in distribution, sponsored by Neptune Shipping Agency

This category is open to any business operating a distributorship.

The shortlisted nominations were Parkside Ceramics, Studio Ceramics and RJ Stokes.

The winner is Studio Ceramics

Studio Ceramics is a specialist supplier of ceramic wall and floor tiles to retail and trade customers, through it's showroom and warehouse in Newark, Nottinghamshire. The company also distributes via a number of partnership retail outlets throughout a large area of England and Wales. Studio Ceramics Ltd specialises in quality Italian tiles for discerning clients and says that it is the main UK importer for several manufacturers in Italy, acting as its gateway to the UK ceramic tile market.

Product category:
All nominated products must have been introduced onto the UK market in the period from 1st January to 31st December 2005.

Wall tile of the year, sponsored by Weber Building Solutions

The shortlisted nominations were for The Royce Wood range, Iris Neobarocco, BCT Wet and Equipe Ceramicas Logos range.

The winner is BCT Wet (pictured)

Wet is a collection of wall tiles from award winning British designers Hemingway Design.
Floor tile of the year, sponsored by DEVI Electroheat Ltd.

Floor tile of the year, sponsored by DEVI Electroheat Ltd

Shortlisted nominations were Ceramiche Piemme Valentino and Ceramiche Keope Contempura.

The winner is Ceramiche Keope for Contempura.

The ‘CONTEMPORA’ series blends subtle ‘wengè’ veins and velvety slashes of colour to give life to a contemporary style. The series is suitable for refined environments in which colour and the warmth of wood play an important role, within a modern style. The orderly, ‘directed’ pattern creates elegant and balanced movements that can be customised by precise or random installation patterns.

Best natural product, sponsored by Tile Magic plc

The shortlisted nominations were San Pietro Travertine from The tile Warehouse and Alberti Limestone from Albert & Michael Heath.

The winner is San Pietro Travertine from The Tile Warehouse (pictured).

This travertine is quarried in the Tivoli region close to Rome, the most important travertine producing region of Italy. San Pietro travertine is at home both in traditional or contemporary settings.

Best new innovation, sponsored by Domus Tiles Ltd

This award can be made for any tile or tile related product.
The shortlisted nominations were Kerridge computer systems, Mapei Wet room range and BAL Acoustibond.

The winner is BAL Acoustibond

BAL Acousti-Bond is a new acoustic floor tiling adhesive, which is NHBC-approved for sound insulation in housing applications, when used as part of an impact sound reduction system, formulated to provided a lightweight solution, when used on suspended flooring.

Other Items category:
Excellence in tile marketing, sponsored by Kerridge

This award recognises the marketing activity of a business as a whole or a particular range or product.

Shortlisted nominations were Saint Gobain Group for its overall marketing in the UK, N & C Nicobond plain colour range and The Tile Warehouse for Prospec.

The winner is The Tile Warehouse for Prospec.

PROSPEC UK offers an essential resource to all technical specifiers in the commercial market, including an online information library, full technical catalogue set and complete sampling service.

Projects category:
The nominated projects should have been completed in the period from 1st January to 31st December 2005.

Best use of tile in a construction contract, sponsored by BAL.

Shortlisted nominations were Parkside Tiles for the Michael Powles Ltd building in Leicester, Stone & Ceramic Ltd for 199 Knightsbridge and WB Simpson for the Reuters Building Canary Wharf.

The winner is Stone & Ceramic Ltd for 199 Knightsbridge.

199 Knightsbridge is a health club and gym situation in a residential apartment in Knightsbridge. Various areas have been tiled with Mapei products, including the pool surround, walls, floor and spa baths.Slate to inside of pool, floors, wall and spa bath. Bronze mosaic tiles to pool reception area, glass tiles to shower area, corridors and WC. Slate to feature walls in treatment rooms and changing area showers. Porcelain tiles to staff showers, and slate tiling to steam rooms.

Best use of tile in a housing development, sponsored by Dunlop

Shortlisted nominations were Crosby Homes for Singleton Hall, Shepherd Construction for Discovery Dock, contractor WB Simpson and Charles Church for Katherine Park.
The winner is Crosby Homes for Singleton Hall.

Singleton Hall in Singleton, Lancs., is a unique Crosby Homes Development of 21 apartments. Craven Dunnill worked closely with the developer sup-plying wall and floor tiles, and Craven Dunnill Jackfield manufactured bespoke encaustic geometric tiles for the renovation of an original Victorian reception Hall Floor. Singleton Hall is a gothic style mansion built in 1855 and Craven Dunnill believes that by supplying products that matched the existing floors allowed the developer to save a historically significant ceramic floor. By doing so, the company emphasised its commitment to preserving the original Victorian heritage connected to the Hall.

Best use of tile by an architect or designer, sponsored by Ceramic Tile Distributors
The shortlisted nominations were Tufnell Park Underground Station by WB Simpson and Harvey Nichols, Dublin by Tylestyle.

The winner is Harvey Nichols, Dublin by Tylestyle.

In Harvey Nichols new flagship store in Dublin the mix of material used was both brave and original and the store stands out from the crowd for its effective use of different materials.

Best technical use of tile in a construction contract, sponsored by Mapei UK Ltd
This category was judged on the technical merits of the project.
The shortlisted nominations were Armatile for Ennis Information Age Park and Kemtile for Fredericks Dairies, Merseyside.

The winner is Armatile for Ennis Information Age Park

A 10m high internal feature wall at Ennis Information Age Park is tiled with Floorgres Globe Brown.

Best use of tile within the leisure industry, sponsored by Ardex UK Ltd
The shortlisted nominations were Magna Tiling Ltd for K2 Leisure Centre Crawley, WB Simpson for Brit Oval National Stadium and Cottrell Brickwork Ceramics for Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre.

The winner is WB Simpson for Brit Oval National Stadium

W.B. Simpson's work consisted of visually impressive natural stone tiling to entrance area floors and walls, with high quality ceramic tiling to WC areas.

Best use of tile in a domestic environment, sponsored by H&R Johnson Tiles
The award is for individual homes, both new build and refurbished.

The shortlisted nominations were WB Simpsons for a Bathroom in a private house in Purley, Reed Harris for Caley Properties 78 Woodsford Sq London and Taylor Tiles for Wychwood House.

The winner is Taylor Tiles for Wychwood House
Wychwood House perfectly reflects the versatility of tiles as a decorative and hardwearing product; this contemporary space uses a mosaic panel to draw the eye into the hallway, practical porcelain tiles on the floor, together with glass and mosaic sheets in the kitchen.

Tel: 020 8663 0946
Email: info@tiles.org.uk
Web: http://www.tiles.org.uk