Fagor
2006 Results Show a Positive Viewpoint for the UK
At
its annual Press Conference in Bilbao, Fagorelectrodomesticos Group (the
parent company of UK subsidiary, FagorBrandt UK) presented its financial
results for 2006, announcing profits of €12 million. The company
has consolidated its position as fifth largest manufacturer of household
appliances in Europe, maintaining its premier positions in both France
and Spain.
Turnover
for the company was €1,728.7 million, a 15% increase on results for
2005, fulfilling the company's expectations for year one of its three
year strategy, as laid out in 2006.
Also highlighted by Txema Gisasola, General Director of Fagor Electrodomesticos
Group, was the amount invested in new technology and resources for the
group, comprising €130 million in 2006 alone.
Mr Gisasola also commented on the importance of the company's brand planning,
where Fagor and De Dietrich are now positioned as the group's global flagships,
and he announced a further €44 million investment in 'innovation'
for the brands. He also stated that the De Dietrich brand will be further
developed in Germany, the UK and Italy.
Mr Iosu Ugarte (pictured), managing director of FagorBrandt, who is responsible
for the activities of all European subsidiaries, made specific reference
to the UK. He said:
'We combined two separate companies in 2005; Fagor, and Brandt UK [home
of De Dietrich] and the merger has been a success.
'I am very positive about what David Cohen-Skalli and his team led by
Richard Walker have done in such a short time and we have seen sales increases
for both brands. The UK is a vital aspect of the future European investment
for the premium De Dietrich brand, as it is a strong market for us already.
We are also developing distribution for Fagor and I am expecting great
results for 2007.'
Web: http://www.fagor.com/uk
BMA
Welcomes New Member Mayfair Taps & Showers
Leeds-based
shower and tap manufacturer Mayfair Taps and Showers is the latest company
to join the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA).
Mayfair
Commercial Director Tony Robson (pictured) says: ‘Mayfair is delighted
to be part of the BMA. It is essential that all of the major manufacturers
within our industry work together to drive legislation and efficiencies
so that we all improve for the benefit of the end user.
‘The BMA gives us a fantastic opportunity to be part of these critical
factors. We are looking forward to working with the vast experience that
all of the members within the association have. It gives us the opportunity
to continuously learn, improve and pass on some of the techniques we have
developed over the years.
‘It is vital that as part of Mayfair's ongoing product development
and R&D programme we are fully aware of the factors that surround
our business both at home and abroad. The environment and particularly
water shortages are going to drive product development over the coming
years and it is essential that we are committed to developing products
that offer this. In fact, you will see how we are working towards this
within our new brochure working along side companies like Wras.
‘Mayfair is proud of the fact that we manufacture all of our products
in Asia. We do however understand the importance of controlling the supply
chain through development, design, service and most importantly, quality.
As a company, our philosophy is simple: bring a product to the market
that the consumer wants and can rely on, at a price they can afford.’
Robson went on to express his approval of the BMA's marketing and training
initiatives such as the WaterHog website and the Bathroom Academy, adding
that the BMA has something to offer the entire Industry, from manufacturers
through to consumers.
In welcoming Mayfair, BMA chief executive Yvonne Orgill says: ‘We
are very happy to welcome Mayfair Taps and Showers to the BMA. We are
keen forge a close relationship and look forward to Mayfair's contribution.
‘We have a very strong, dedicated membership representing more than
87 per cent of the mainstream bathroom business undertaken in the UK.
Our members are very supportive of the BMA initiatives and their input
is invaluable.’
Tel: 01977 685 770
Email: tonyr@mayfairtapsandshowers.co.uk
Web: http://www.bathroom-association.org
Lathams
Advances with LG HI-MACS®
LG
HI-MACS® Natural Acrylic Stone™, the solid surface product distributed
exclusively in the UK by James Latham, continues to grow in popularity
and has recently been used in a kitchen showroom display in Peterborough.
Advanced Installations, a Cambridgeshire based solid surface fabrication
company, has been operating for three years and regularly contacts Paul
Seal at Lathams' Wigston depot for supplies of LG HI-MACS® and other
timber products.
For this installation, three sheets of LG HI-MACS® in Santa Ana from
the Volcanics range were used.
Advanced Installations has installed the unit in Hampton Kitchens, the
new showroom owned by designer Gary Day, who has worked with the company
many times before. The grand opening of the showroom took place in March.
Craig Sawyer, director of Advanced Installations, commented:
‘LG HI-MACS® is a very versatile product that creates a striking
finish. It is perfect for kitchen worktops and we know we can rely on
Lathams to supply the material whenever we need it and to any specification.’
LG HI-MACS® is supplied in thicknesses of 12mm, 9mm and 6mm, and is
offered in over 74 shades and patterns.
The range also includes 10 designs of sinks and vanity basins, which are
available in over 60 colours. Each non-porous LG HI-MACS® product
also comes with a specialist hygiene certificate, making it perfect for
kitchens.
For further information about LG HI-MACS®, or any of the products
available at James Latham, please contact the marketing department on
0116 257 3415, email marketing@lathams.co.uk
or visit the website http://www.lathams.co.uk.
Magnet
Reveals Regional Differences in Kitchen Tastes and Styles
It
seems that the North-South divide is greater than ever, certainly in terms
of style choices. New research by kitchen expert Magnet into buying patterns
across the UK reveals our choice of kitchens and buying behaviours differ
depending on where we live.
The top selling Magnet kitchen in the UK is the Shaker Cream, which proves
that Brits still prefer a timeless, classic look in their kitchen. Timber
and timber effect designs like the Palmeira follow as a close second while
sleek, glossy units like Studio White are the fastest growing choice of
finish.
For those who live in the London and South East, the best selling design
is the Studio White proving sleek, glossy units with a modern feel are
a must have. Sassy Londoners also have a taste for gadgets as they snap
up more appliances like dishwashers than anywhere else in the UK.
North West dwellers have embraced the taste for light, contemporary kitchens
like their London counterparts as the Kara Cream comes up on top for them.
It seems they also like their convenience food as they buy the most microwaves
and freezers.
North Easterners favour a warm, retro feel with the Palmeira being the
number one choice with its rich walnut look. Their reputation for enjoying
themselves is also proven once and for all with the top selling kitchen
gadget being the wine cooler. They also seem to be the most decisive people
in the UK taking the shortest time to choose a kitchen in under forty-five
minutes.
North of the border, Scots have shown that their warm personalities translate
into kitchen choice as the Vicenza with its natural oak is their number
one kitchen. They also seem to be a nation of budding chefs as their top
selling gadget is a double oven.
It seems the Welsh have fully embraced the gadget culture by buying more
kitchen innovations like flip down TV's and coffee machines than anywhere
else in the UK. However, their penchant for all things modern is interestingly
not reflected in their kitchen choice, as the simple, classic Shelton
is their number one seller.
Northerners and those in Scotland prefer to let Magnet handle the hard
work with the highest quantity of people choosing the Full Circle Service
package including home visits and full installations by Magnet's qualified
fitters.
Anjum Ahmed, Marketing Director comments:
‘It's interesting to gain an insight into the different regions buying
decisions and how diverse our style choices are.
‘We use this information at a local store level to gain a better
understanding of our customers so we can tailor make our showrooms to
reflect the lifestyle, tastes and needs of the local inhabitants.’
For further information visit http://www.magnet.co.uk
or call 0845 123 6789
PJH
Partners April Showers & Adds Exclusive 'Meko' Range
Bathroom
distributor, the PJH Group, has teamed up with shower manufacturer, April
Bathroom Products, to offer a new collection of semi-frameless enclosures
- the MEKO range - exclusively to PJH Group customers.
With the sleek look of a frameless range combined with the performance
of a framed range, the new MEKO semi-frameless collection fuses minimalist
styling with quality and functionality.
The range features four distinct designs - the Quadrant Single Door; the
Quadrant Double Door; the Spacious Recess; and the Pivot Door - all offering
luxurious showering solutions for many bathroom styles and sizes, including
space-saving choices for the typically space-challenged bathroom or en-suite.
The MEKO enclosure range should appeal highly to consumers due to the
many design features that come as standard. Luxury solid cast hinges and
hand-finished handles offer a quality feel, easy access and cleaning.
Integral high quality 10mm glass shelves provide rigidity and essential
storage space, and a high level robe/towel hook is discreetly incorporated
into the design of the wall supports. The glass is toughened safety glass
- 6mm on doors and 8mm on fixed panels, as well as power shower tested
for strength and performance.
In addition, a base rail strengthens the enclosure, ensuring a watertight
seal; chrome profiles have 20mm of adjustment for uneven walls; and the
range is suitable with a tray or for use in a wet room installation.
The new MEKO collection offers a 10 year guarantee and is exclusive to
PJH Group.
A new full colour MEKO brochure plus favourable display terms are available
direct from PJH. In addition, the current standard enclosure ranges from
April - the Prestige and Identiti ranges - are also now available via
The PJH Group. For further information, call PJH on Tel: 01204 707070
or visit http://www.pjhgroup.com.
Rak
Ceramics and Smaltochimica Set Up Rak Chimica
Rak
Ceramics and Smaltochimica have set up a new joint venture company called
Rak Chimica for the production of chemical auxiliaries for the ceramic
industry.
The new factory, located at the Rak Ceramics headquarters in the industrial
district of Ras Al Khaimah, has advanced laboratories and a modern automatic
plant for the production of chemical auxiliaries for the ceramic industry,
in particular decoration media and liquid fluidisers.
The new production facility was opened on 3rd March in the presence of
Smaltochimica chairman Ivano Piccinini, Rak Ceramics managing director
Khater Massad and sheikh Omar Bin Saqr Al Kassimi.
Web: http://www.rakceramics.co.uk
Complaints
Against Alan Ford t/a Kitchens UK Upheld
Three
complaints objecting to a National press ad and an insert in a magazine,
for kitchens from Alan Ford t/a Kitchens were upheld on all of the five
objections according to information published by the Advertising Standards
Authority (ASA).
Ad
National press ad and an insert in a magazine, for kitchens.
a. The national press ad claimed ‘KITCHENS Made from real wood (no
chipboard used) with solid granite worktops. Example = Full Kitchen made
with real wood, plus solid granite worktops, Stainless Steel appliances,
Sink, Taps and all extras. SHOULD COST £6000. ON OFFER FOR £1495’.
b. The magazine insert featured a photograph of a fitted wooden kitchen.
Text below the image claimed ‘BUYING A REAL WOOD KITCHEN WITH SOLID
GRANITE WORKTOPS DOESN'T HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE ... unlike other large kitchen
companies we don't use chipboard to manufacture our cabinets, only real
wood. All the wood has been carefully selected and treated and comes only
from forests that re-plant trees. And what's more we can sell you a kitchen
made from real wood for less than our competitors charge for a kitchen
made from chipboard. For example, all the real wood cabinets, doors, cornice,
pelmet and accessories featured above, including solid granite worktop
can be yours for only £1495.00’.
Issue
1. Oldham Trading Standards and two members of the public, who purchased
kitchens and found that they were mostly made of chipboard, challenged
whether the claims ‘Made from real wood (no chipboard used)’
and ‘Example = Full Kitchen made with real wood’ in ad (a) were
misleading and could be substantiated.
2. Oldham Trading Standards and one member of the public challenged whether
the claims ‘REAL WOOD KITCHEN’, ‘we don't use chipboard
to manufacture our cabinets, only real wood’, ‘we can sell you
a kitchen made from real wood’ and ‘real wood cabinets, doors,
cornice, pelmet and accessories’ in ad (b) were misleading and could
be substantiated.
3. Oldham Trading Standards and one member of the public, who had spent
£2,200 on a kitchen from Kitchens, challenged whether the claims
‘ON OFFER FOR £1495’ in ad (a) and ‘yours for only
£1495.00’ in ad (b) were misleading and could be substantiated.
Oldham Trading Standards challenged:
4. whether the kitchen pictured in ad (b) could be bought for £1495
and
5. whether the claim ‘All the wood has been carefully selected and
treated and comes only from forests that re-plant trees’ in ad (b)
was misleading and could be substantiated.
The CAP Code: 3.1;6.1;7.1;15.1
Response
1. & 2. Kitchens explained that, although they sold real wood kitchens,
customers were also offered chipboard kitchens at a lower price. They
insisted that all customers who had received chipboard kitchens were aware
of the materials used when they signed their contracts. They said that,
to avoid any doubt, future ads would be amended to state that they also
offered kitchens made of chipboard.
3. & 4. Kitchens sent order sheets for real wood kitchens in support
of their claim. They said some customers had received the real wood kitchen
at the advertised price of £1495, but that others had paid more
for extra items or had paid less for fewer items.
5. Kitchens sent a certificate from their Chinese supplier that stated
all their wood came from re-planted trees in their forests.
Assessment
1. & 2. Upheld
The ASA considered that consumers would infer from the claims ‘Made
from real wood (no chipboard used)’ and ‘we don't use chipboard
to manufacture our cabinets, only real wood’ that Kitchens offered
real wood kitchens only. Because we understood that was not the case,
we concluded that ads (a) and (b) were misleading.
On this point the ads breached CAP Code clause 3.1 Substantiation), 6.1
(Honesty) and 7.1 (Truthfulness).
3. & 4. Upheld
We noted that some of the order sheets sent by Kitchens showed orders
for real wood kitchens at the advertised price, but that other customers
had been charged more to receive extra items. We noted that the offer
in ad (a) included ‘all extras’ and that ad (b) offered ‘all
the real wood cabinets, doors, cornice, pelmet and accessories featured
above, including solid granite worktop’ for £1495 in ad (b).
We considered that consumers were likely to infer from the ads that the
offer price included accessories and extra items. Because we understood
that was not the case, we concluded that both ads were misleading.
On this point the ads breached CAP Code clause 3.1 (Substantiation), 7.1
(Truthfulness) and 15.1 (Prices).
5. Upheld
We noted the evidence sent by Kitchens, but because the certificate came
from their supplier and did not make clear whether the wood was from an
independently certified sustainable source, we concluded that the claim
was misleading.
On this point the ad breached CAP Code clause 3.1 (Substantiation) and
7.1 (Truthfulness).
Action
The ASA welcomed Kitchens' decision to amend future ads to make clear
they also offered chipboard kitchens. We told Kitchens to remove the claims
‘ON OFFER FOR £1495’, ‘yours for only £1495.00’,
‘solid granite worktops’ and ‘All the wood has been carefully
selected and treated and comes only from forests that re-plant trees’
from future ads.
Adjudication of the ASA Council (Non-broadcast)
Deva
Presents Salesperson of the Year Award
Brassware
supplier Deva has named Steve Cave as its Salesperson of the Year 2006.
Directors
and Senior Management used a variety of factors including sales performance
to select Steve as the outright winner.
Steve, who has worked for Deva in the South London area for over 5 years,
said the secret of his success was an ability to listen. 'I try and stay
aware of what is happening in the market. Listening to customers is key,
working with them to identify opportunities to increase sales. Communicating
with colleagues in other areas and monitoring trade publications helps
me to know what is happening or about to happen and react accordingly'.
Steve is quick to acknowledge the help he is given from behind the scenes,
enabling him to work effectively with his customers. 'We have proactive
internal sales and customer service at Deva HQ who provide 100% backup.
I like to maintain a constant dialogue with the marketing team who are
always supportive'.
Deva’s dramatic expansion of its product range has helped him in
his achievements, as well as providing its own challenges. 'With so many
new products to show my customers, I am always looking for new ways to
display or present them – even if it sometimes means a Saturday in
the garage trying out new ideas!'
The strive for excellence continues in Steve’s home life as at 46
years old he regularly competes with pro riders in cycling events nationwide.
National Sales Manager Chris Ridge said it was no surprise to see Steve
receiving the award. 'Steve wears his heart on his sleeve. He is an example
to the whole team of how commitment and enthusiasm can be the difference
between success and failure. I am sure that his customers would be quick
to agree'.
Steve will enjoy a family holiday as his reward.
Victoria
& Albert Announces New Appointment
Freestanding
bath specialist Victoria & Albert has announced the appointment of
Nick Portlock as Group Sales & Marketing Director. Based in the UK,
this newly created senior position comes at a time of significant growth
for Victoria & Albert, which now operates from hubs in the UK, USA,
South Africa and Australia.
Portlock's previous roles have focused on developing premium kitchen brands
across the world, most recently as Sales Director for Miele Canada.
‘My remit is to develop Victoria & Albert as the number one freestanding
bath brand in the world - and launching new products with the calibre
of the Napoli puts us in a great place to achieve this,’ says Nick.
For more information on Victoria & Albert, telephone 01952 221100
or visit http://www.vandabaths.com.
Consumer
Credit Complaints - Are You Protected?
If
your firm is one of the 100,000+ firms that holds a Consumer Credit Act
Licence in the UK, and you have not already taken steps to prepare for
the new rules you will be in danger of breaking the law after 6th April
2007, and facing costs of up to £100,000.
It is essential that firms holding standard Consumer Credit Act Licences
(that are not regulated by the FSA) have the necessary provisions in place
as soon as possible.
The first step is for the business owner(s) to familiarise themselves
with the rules and then implement a written complaints procedure. The
appropriate record keeping administration systems must be designed and
implemented. Staff must then be trained. Copies of the FOS leaflets must
be obtained and notices prepared for places where the public have access.
Professional indemnity insurance needs to be purchased.
The easiest way of getting started quickly is for firms to purchase a
copy of a standard Complaints Manual from http://www.creditcomplaints.co.uk.
This costs only £89 and can be used as it is, or customised by the
firm to meet its own house style or requirements. The Manual contains
a full summary of the rules, detailed operating procedures for handling
complaints compliantly, and a library of useful documentation templates,
thus saving firms many hours of time.
Since the passing of the original Consumer Credit Act 1974 firms wishing
to provide credit services to the public have had to hold an appropriate
licence from the Office of Fair Trading. Because the licences are relatively
easy and cheap to obtain and enforcement action for breaches of the legislation
is infrequent and usually minor in nature, the 1974 Act in reality provided
little protection to consumers dealing with licensed firms.
The Consumer Credit Act 2006 improves the lot of consumers quite significantly.
In particular, Section 226A of the Act extends for the first time the
jurisdiction of the Financial Services Ombudsman Service ('FOS') to consumers
who have an unsatisfied complaint against one of the more than 100,000
firms that now hold standard Consumer Credit Act Licences.
From 6th April 2007 unsatisfied complainants can refer their complaints
to the FOS, totally free of charge, and the FOS has the power to make
awards of up to £100,000 if it finds in favour of the complainant.
There is no downside to the complainant – if he loses it has cost
nothing to use the service and he still has his normal legal remedies
available should he wish to use them. For licensees, however, it is a
different story. There is a charge to them for complainants using the
FOS, and any awards made against them are binding with no right of appeal.
Moreover, licensees will have to comply with strict new regulations concerning
the handling of complaints from 6th April 2007 and they need to have the
appropriate procedures in place before then. Judging from the attendance
rates by firms at the FOS road-shows on the topic (many attendees have
been from firms already regulated by the Financial Services Authority
and are thus not really affected by the new rules as they must already
comply), and from the enquiries made by Credit Complaints Ltd, the vast
majority of licensees are totally unaware of the new rules, and of the
new risks they will be facing (from FOS fees and awards) after 6th April.
The remainder of this article considers the new rules from the position
of the licensed firms in more detail.
What licensed firms must do to comply with the new rules
The FOS has developed new rules (which closely mirror those applying already
to those firms regulated by the Financial Services Authority ('FSA'))
which all holders of standard licences must comply with. The rules are
quire complicated and will be found in part of the FSA’s rulebook
at http://fsahandbook.info/FSA/html/handbook/DISP
(but the relevant rules for licensees will not be published here until
6th April 2007 – in the meantime there is a link via the FOS website).
In essence, these rules require licensees to
Display in their premises a notice to the effect that they are subject
to the FOS rules;
Have in place detailed written procedures for complying with the rules,
and in particular, for the handling of complaints (of which more later);
Give complainants a written summary of the firm’s complaints procedures;
Deal fairly with all complaints and pay appropriate redress where the
firm is at fault;
Tell complainants they have the right to refer their complaint to the
FOS and provide them with the appropriate FOS leaflet;
Pay the fees for the FOS Service. These have been set at £400 for
each complaint referred to the FOS (after two 'free'complaints each year),
plus an annual fee of around £150 which will be collected by the
Office of Fair Trading with the licence fee;
Fully co-operate with the FOS in carrying out its investigation;
Pay any awards of up to £100,000 per complaint made by the FOS,
without the right of appeal.
Many licensees are small firms or firms where arranging and advising on
credit is only a small (but often important) part of their business e.g.
car dealers. A lot of these firms do not currently hold professional indemnity
insurance (which would pay for any FOS awards) and many will not wish
to take out this form of policy in future as it can be quite expensive.
Such firms are leaving themselves open to the risk of one large award
or a series of smaller awards which could force them into insolvency.
Operating good written complaints procedures will reduce the risk of this
happening (by reducing the number of unsatisfied complainants who refer
the complaint on to the FOS), but the risk cannot be avoided completely
without insurance.
Further information on the new rules is available in a 12 page FOS leaflet
which can be obtained at http://www.financialombudsman.org.uk/publications/introduction_consumercredit.pdf.
The detailed requirements for handling complaints
The two key elements of the complaints handling procedures (apart from
dealing with the complaint fairly) are time limits and reporting to the
complainant.
All complaints must be acknowledged in writing with five days (unless
they have already been settled);
The firm must endeavour to settle the complaint (or reject it) within
four weeks;
If the complaint is still not settled within four weeks the firm must
write and explain when it expects to be able to resolve the matter, which
must be within eight weeks;
When the complaint is resolved the firm must issue a 'final response letter'
which again informs the complainant of his right to refer the matter to
the FOS if he is not satisfied.
There is no requirement to keep records of transactions or advice, and
many licensees currently do not do so, but in future this will be extremely
inadvisable. If a complaint does arise (which could be years after the
event) a licensee will find it extremely difficult to refute the allegations
if it has no record of what actually happened. Detailed record keeping
is therefore an important 'insurance policy' for future complaints.
Similarly, there is no requirement to provide training for staff, either
in how they deal with consumers or in handling their complaints. But staff
training will be an essential part of reducing complaints in future, and
if they do occur, in reducing the number referred to the FOS.
How many complaints?
No one knows how many complaints there will be. The FOS estimates that
initially there will be between 20,000 and 25,000 complaints referred
to it, but this could be a large under-estimate. The FOS currently covers
around 25,000 firms (i.e. mainly those firms that are regulated by the
FSA) and these firms accounted for 110,000 FOS referrals in the year to
31st March 2005. The number tends to increase each year (this was a 13%
increase over the previous year). So, on average, the FOS currently deals
with more than four complaints for each FSA regulated firm each year.
If that same ratio is applied to the population of licensees, that produces
an additional complaint workload of some 400,000 cases!
Initially, the figure should not be as high, as just as most licensees
are unaware of the new rules, so will most consumers be unaware of their
right to refer their complaints to the FOS. This will, however, change
rapidly as these rights are published and commented upon ever more widely.
Companies requiring more information can contact: Marc Egerton, Managing
Director, Credit Complaints Ltd
Tel:01260 252286
Web: http://www.creditcomplaints.co.uk
Glasgow
manufacturing company Rearo Laminates is playing a part in the renovation
of one of the last steam puffers still in operation.
The
Vic 32 - currently moored at Crinan in Argyll - is typical of the dozens
of small vessels that once regularly carried cargoes of coal, grain, stone
and whisky on the Clyde and around the West coast.
Renovation work is being carried out on the 64-year-old puffer which has
been converted to take passengers on short cruises and Govan-based Rearo
was called in to supply wall panels and worktops.
Mike Smith, a maritime enthusiast and a director of the Puffer Preservation
Trust that now owns Vic 32, said: ‘In this sort of renovation work
we are always keen to use products that are actually manufactured on the
Clyde.’
Graham Mercer, managing director of Rearo Laminates Ltd, said: ‘We
were pleased to be able to help get this historical puffer shipshape.’
The Vic 32 was originally built for the Navy and during World War 2 ferried
fuel, water and munitions as far away as Scapa Flow in Orkney.
Fellow director of the Puffer Preservation Trust, Nick Walker, said: ‘The
Vic 32 is the last coal-fired steam puffer of its kind still steaming.
‘At one time the puffers played a vital part as a lifeline between
Glasgow and the west coast islands carrying out coal, grain and other
cargo and bringing back things like stone, sand and whisky.’
For further information please contact:
Rearo Laminates: 0141 440 0800
Web: http://www.rearo.co.uk
Puffer Preservation Trust: 01546 510232
Web: http://www.savethepuffer.co.uk
ROM
Aqua Named Latest RAK Ceramics Distributor
RAK
Ceramics has announced that Irish distributor ROM Aqua is adding the RAK
range to its extensive sanitaryware portfolio. As an additional RAK distributor
in Ireland, the Newry-based bathroom operation will make it even easier
to get hold of the RAK ranges throughout the whole of 'Emerald Isle'.
In addition, ROM Aqua is promoting a number of value dealer packages aimed
at retailers looking to increase both their sales and margins.
The complete range of RAK sanitaryware includes models such as Rondo.
The company says that its appeal lies in its ability to create a visually
stunning look through optimising space. Initially unveiled to an enthusiastic
audience at KBB 2006, the whole suite shares the same uncluttered lines.
Retail prices start from £126.18 +VAT for the 60cm basin and 3/4
pedestal; the complete Rondo suite including basin, pedestal and WC is
£402.57 + VAT. Even more competitively priced, the benchmark 'Compact'
range from RAK Ceramics offers unbeatable value at an incredible £116.67
+ VAT for a close coupled WC pack, including seat. Compact is enjoying
huge sales success at the moment thanks to a promotional package featuring
special discounts.
Charles Down, Sales Director of RAK Ceramics UK says, ‘I'm delighted
to be working with Frankie Powell and his team at ROM Aqua. Consumers
are increasingly design literate, seeking inspiration everywhere, and
this is a great opportunity for retailers to work in collaboration with
us and adopt our new product ranges and Gold and Platinum medal display
packages.’
See RAK Ceramics at EXPO Stand F21 or telephone 01730 815507 for more
information.
It
may have taken a long time coming but many top kitchen manufacturers are
finally persuading retailers who carry their displays that fitting out
and propping the kitchen interiors offers them major sales advantages.
Cleverly and well organised drawers and base unit interiors give added
value and often create an aspirational element to the display in the customer's
mind.
Systems
that impress on viewing are the products manufactured exclusively by G
& G Products and available throughout Europe.
G & G is an international specialist in the design and manufacture
of internal organisational systems for kitchen drawers and other furniture
units and accessories.
The Manchester based company is a manufacturer of high quality solid wood
(mainly beech) block products and high grade vacuum formed plastic solutions
which can be used as individual solutions or in a variety of combinations.
Well known for its gadget trays, cutlery inserts, drop down assortment
shelves for under wall units, G&G has recently launched a number of
flexible and versatile systems for base unit drawers which can be flexibly
configured to accommodate various items.
These can be crockery stacked on end, pots and panes with lids separately
stored in the same drawer, bottle and package dividers etc.
G&G's products are being used by an increasing number of top kitchen
manufacturers and some of their designs find applications for furniture
in other situations.
Including these products in retail displays talks of quality, design,
style and innovation and positively complements the furniture.
G & G continues to invest in the Manchester facility which is equipped
with some of the most advanced CNC and vacuum forming technology available
to cope with its highly advanced CAD-CAM design technologies. This allows
the company to offer a high degree of bespoke products.
Tel: 0161 723 1000
Email: mail@gandgproducts.co.uk
The
Perfect Solution for Busy Lifestyles
One
out of every six people in the UK works in excess of 60 hours per week
according to a recent Government survey. Many people are finding it increasingly
difficult to find the correct balance between time spent in the office
and at home. As a result, homeowners are always searching for new ideas
to help them make daily chores less time consuming.
DIY and decorating are prime examples. The application of new wall coverings
is one of the most popular ways to transform a room. However, wall tiling
can be tricky and it can take several days for the adhesive and grout
to dry.
Wall panels are an alternative option for bathrooms and offer many benefits
– without compromising on style or quality. They are quicker and
easier to fit than tiles and no drying time is required. Once installed,
the panels also require minimal cleaning – perfect for those leading
a hectic life.
Mermaid says that it is widely renowned by the bathroom industry as the
brand leader in the waterproof wall panel market. The panels are manufactured
in Sweden and are available in three different sizes. One Mermaid ShowerWall
panel is equivalent to approximately 216 (100mm) tiles and can be fitted
to almost any surface.
Mermaid panels are suitable for shower enclosures, domestic steamrooms
and full bathrooms. They are decorative and guaranteed to be leakproof
and watertight for ten years. They are also resistant to condensation
and mould penetration, and do not chip, flake or peel.
'People are now looking for more convenient home improvement solutions,'
explains David Beach, General Manager of Mermaid. 'They want instantaneous
results – without compromise. Mermaid panels are perfect for achieving
a high quality finish without all of the headache associated with tiling.
'We offer an extensive range of 42 colours. These are divided into three
different collections: Tropical, Coastal and Metropolitan. We have also
developed a number of different finishes and effects, so there is something
to suit every taste. Mermaid really is the perfect solution for today’s
busy lifestyle.'
Web: http://www.norske-int.co.uk
The
Seven Wonders of Chesterfield Road
FMB
member, Distinction Property Services of Bristol, has completed its seventh
building project in the same street in less than three years. Residents
of Chesterfield Road in St Andrews were so impressed with the standard
of service and quality of work achieved by Distinction that they recommended
them to their neighbours, snowballing the company’s popularity throughout
the street.
Thanks
to a twenty strong team that includes builders, electricians, tilers and
ornamental plasterers working in partnership with Kellaway Bathrooms on
many of their projects, Distinction is well equipped to deal with a wide
range of requests for building work.
Helen Forshall was one of the first Chesterfield Road residents to use
Distinction Property Services, she said: 'I’m impressed that after
nearly three years our bathroom is still looking as immaculate as when
it was first installed. We’re looking at moving shortly and
we will definitely use Distinction and Kellaway again.'
Resident Caroline Frost said: 'Distinction were able to keep to the timescale
set out at the start of the project and completed the work on time.'
Gareth Guiver of Distinction Property Services is pleased with how the
company has progressed, he said: 'We place quality of work and customer
service at the top of our agenda, which has helped us grow from a team
of three to twenty in only three years. Our positive reputation has grown
from a solid base of satisfied customers and as members of the FMB we
can reinforce that reputation through well recognised credentials. We
also have a good source of reliable suppliers for all our projects, which
enables our work to be completed to a high standard and to the best possible
timescale.'
Robin Hood-Leeder, director of membership services at the FMB says: 'Distinction
Property Services’ achievement proves that outstanding customer service
combined with good communication and hard work can produce great results.
Word of mouth is one of the most common forms of recommendation, but it
is also important to support this with credentials from a well recognised
organisation like the FMB whose logo is widely accepted as the sign of
building quality.'
Contact Distinction Property Services Ltd on 01275 849356 or visit www.dps-ltd.net
Kellaway Bathrooms is located at 172-174 Kellaway Avenue, Horfield, Bristol,
Tel: 0117 942 6050
www.kellawaybathrooms.co.uk.
Conference
to Explore Advantages of Reusable Transit Packaging
The
advantages of adopting reusable packaging for goods in transit will be
explored at a major new industry conference organised by WRAP (Waste &
Resources Action Programme) in conjunction with the British Furniture
Manufactures Association (BFM).
The flagship event will be held at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in Birmingham
on April 24th. It will feature presentations and workshops from leading
retailers and manufacturers who are breaking new ground in what is regarded
as a crucial growth area.
With millions of tonnes of packaging used each year during the transportation
of goods in the UK, and increasing numbers of retailers setting targets
for reduction, reusable packaging solutions have the potential to reduce
waste, improve product protection and achieve significant cost savings.
Key speakers will include representatives from Argos and B&Q, who
have both been engaged in innovative reusable packaging trials over recent
months, funded by WRAP.
Argos has been rigorously testing the performance of reusable packaging
for home delivery of bulky furniture through Argos Direct, as an alternative
to traditional single-use packaging, and B&Q has recently completed
a trial of reusable 'Carrierpacs' for its kitchen worktops.
The conference is aimed at all sectors of the packaging supply chain -
including retailers, manufacturers and users of packaging for home delivery,
and logistics managers.
Mike Robey from WRAP said: ‘By changing the type of packaging used
in the transportation of goods, we can limit material waste and drive
down costs.
‘Recent retailer trials have shown that there is huge potential to
unlock commercial and environmental benefits by taking an imaginative,
sustainable approach. This conference will give delegates the chance to
hear first-hand from companies who are playing a pioneering role in this
field.’
For further information on the conference, or to book a place, please
go to http://www.wrap.org.uk/rtp.
For any other enquiries, please
email: retail.events@wrap.org.uk
ukfirst
Runs Complimentary Lean Manufacturing Workshop in Cardiff
ukfirst
is to run a free workshop for members of the timber, furniture and affiliated
trades on 18th April 2007 in Cardiff. The concepts of Lean Manufacturing
are commanding increased attention in the UK especially in the furniture
and associated industries. Those companies that have already embraced
Lean are seeing the financial and organisational benefits of committing
to such improvements.
This interactive workshop which runs from 10.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m. will
give Senior Managers an insight into how they too can reap the benefits
of applying basic lean principles into their business processes.
Master Engineers from ukfirst will present a hands-on approach to the
subject by providing delegates with the tools, techniques and motivation
to go back to their own business and implement change.
For further information on this workshop and to book your complimentary
place, please contact ukfirst Marketing on 01438 777801 or info@ukfirst.org.uk
Aga Foodservice Launches Environmental Code
Following
the publication of the Government's draft Climate Change bill, Aga has
responded by publishing a draft Environmental Code for the foodservice
industry which sets out how 20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions
could easily be saved each year in the UK's 273 000 catering kitchens.
Aga is calling for industry-wide consultation on its draft Code which
ultimately it wants to see adopted in the UK and incorporated in the new
draft EU standard EN203. The proposed Environmental Code challenges equipment
manufacturers, caterers, purchasers and Government to raise performance
and illustrates what can be achieved by making simple changes.
The sector is known for its lavish use of energy with the iconic restaurant
kitchen six burner range usually used with all the burners permanently
on. Independent research conducted last week for Aga Foodservice shows
that 65% of chefs interviewed said that they turn the burners on first
thing and leave them on and 26% of chefs admitted to leaving the burners
fully on all the time.
In the Code, the company highlights new data identifying that the UK's
273 000 catering outlets could reduce energy usage from 250 billion kW
to 125 billion kW, cutting sector energy bills in half and reducing carbon
dioxide emissions by 20 million tonnes by adopting simple measures and
switching to newer, energy efficient equipment.
The Aga Environmental Code examines the most common items of equipment
in the commercial kitchen such as ranges, fryers, ovens and fridges/freezers
and clearly illustrates current guidelines, new standards proposed by
EN203 and shows how this new draft proposed legislation must be tightened
in order for it to make a meaningful difference. The Aga Foodservice Group
believes that, without proper, meaningful regulatory guidelines, the industry
will continue to ignore energy issues.
Vic Cocker, Chairman of Aga Foodservice Group says: 'The foodservice sector
is responsible for producing over 48 million tonnes of carbon dioxide
each year; it should not wait to be told to take action to reduce this
figure significantly. By publishing this Environmental Code, we want to
encourage debate within our sector and make energy efficiency a key operating
consideration. I know from my work at WRAP that improving efficiency and
raising environmental standards on a sector by sector basis can make a
remarkable impact.
'Operators, large or small, can make simple changes now and factor in
energy efficiency to their future purchasing choices. We have the opportunity
to make a real difference and set an example to all industries through
leading by example.'
To show your support for the Environmental Code please sign the e-petition
here:
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/foodservicecode
To download a copy of 'Increasing Efficiency within the Commercial Kitchen:
http://www.agafoodservice.com/SiteImages/Site_301/BigMedia/Green%20Policy%20Code.pdf