Toilet
Seat Wins Design Accolade
Paul
Pankhurst, founder and chairman of PDD told guests at an awards ceremony
that 'the only thing we can sell back to the Chinese is innovation', before
giving first prize to Derek Muir for his silent 'Stingray' toilet seat.
The
occasion was the Design Innovation in Plastics 2005 Student Plastics Design
Award and the reason the toilet seat won was because unlike most of the
other 344 entries, it had been fully designed, prototyped, tested and
thought about as the possible basis of new business.
The
Stingray Toilet Seat, designed by Derek Muir of the University of Huddersfield,
has been designed to reduce the noise of toilet flushes by some 40 per
cent by blocking the gaps round the top of the bowl. It also has a 'Non
flat' shape and is more comfortable to sit on. The constraints of the
competition were that students had to design a product related directly
or indirectly to sound, made out of Bayer's 'Baydur' and/or 'Bayflex'
polyurethane materials.
PDD was another of the other companies supporting the competition. Paul
Pankhurst's remark came at the end of an address in which he observed
that in addition to China having overwhelming manufacturing advantages
in terms of cost and scale, that country has lately also been making inroads
into the UK design industries. Annual overall turnover in this sector
has dropped over five years from £6 billion to £3.9 billion
in 2003/4. 'However, the UK is still relatively good at innovating and
we should take advantage of this fact in the knowledge that as well as
being a massive exporter, China is also the world's third largest importer
and therefore a huge market opportunity.'
Other companies and institutions providing support to the competition
were: The Worshipful Company of Horners, the Institute of Materials, Minerals
and Mining, Du Pont, PTL, Albis, newdesign, Polymer Engineering Plus,
Plastics Design and Modelling 2005, Mould Technology and bigHead Bonding
Fasteners.
Derek Muir wins £1000 and a placement with Bayer AG in Leverkusen,
as well as £500 for his university. Second prize went to Huw Roberts
of the University of Glamorgan for his Life Buoy System, and third prize
to Adam Eager of the University of Northumberland for his public address
speakers. A new fourth prize this year went to Michael Patton, also of
the University of Northumberland, for his DigiHarp.
The theme for the Design Innovation in Plastics Competition for 2005,
cosponsored by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and the
Worshipful Company of Horners, was 'Sound Design'. The award is now in
its 20th year and is one of the longest running student design competitions
in the UK.
Using Bayer’s integral skin polyurethane foam as the predominant
material, the competition challenge was to produce an inspiring design
for a product or system related directly or indirectly to sound.
Tretzo
Storms 100% Design Exhibition with ebb Bathroom
Tretzo
says that it was the toast of the recent 100% Design exhibition at Earls
Court. For four days in September at the world’s most prestigious
design exhibition, Tretzo showcased its new bathroom concept called ebb.
Using
a material called LG HI-MACS®, a Natural Acrylic Stone which is thermoformable,
Tretzo and its designers Alan Marks and Jack Woolley of Triplicate integrated
the functions of a bathroom into one complete unit combining simplicity
of form with fluid, flowing lines. Ebb’s linear structure features
a glass-fronted basin and bath as well as an integrated toilet and contemporary
open shelving. The concept also features chromatherapy lighting for a
completely relaxed bathing experience.
The material, which is a blend of approximately 65 / 35% acrylic and natural
minerals, is set in an acrylic matrix, allowing seamless moulding ensuring
an elegant ribbon of durable, stain and chemical resistant surface which
is produced according to state-of-the–art thermal cure technology.
'From the moment the Earl’s Court exhibition opened last week the
stand was packed with designers, architects and developers telling us
it was the best product in the show,' explains Armagh-based Tretzo’s
managing director Geoffrey Clarke. 'It has been the most exciting week
since starting Tretzo almost 40 years ago.'
Geoffrey Clarke says 'We are a company founded on the principle of offering
good design to enhance living spaces and now we have international recognition
from designers for our new ebb concept. There have been serious enquiries
for projects, some very exotic, even 'show–biz' but others for immediate
specification in key locations around Europe. The ebb bathroom is a bespoke
item and will be installed in high value developments where good design
is used throughout. We know from the reaction at the exhibition that we
now have a firm market and we will capitalise on it.'
Each ebb installation will be tailored to the specifier’s needs with
an estimated lead-time of eight weeks once the contract has been agreed
and signed.
Future development concepts for ebb include a shower unit and double basin
units Further information can be seen at http://www.ebbspace.com.
Tel: 028 3752 3735
Email: mailto:sales@tretzo.com
Web: http://www.tretzo.com
Maytag
UK Launches the '60 Series' Range of Premium Laundry and Dishwashing
Maytag
UK has launched an exclusive range of washing machines, matching tumble
dryers and dishwashers. Maytag has forged a strategic partnership with
Asko of Sweden, a specialist in laundry and dishwashing appliances.
‘The
company’s dedication to quality, a long-standing heritage, environmental
consciousness and award winning designs fit neatly with the authentic
American Maytag brand credentials. Maytag UK already offers the best in
genuine American refrigeration and laundry, and now brings to the market
some of the world's best European dishwashers, washing machines and tumble
dryers.’ Says Richard Thompson, Managing Director, Maytag UK.
‘We are extremely excited about this new venture. As a premium brand
finding a partner that echoes our commitment to quality and performance
has been challenging, however, Asko is a perfect fit.’
Richard continues, ‘The benefits of the new products when supported
by Maytag UK's established infrastructure, state-of-the-art call centre,
and our premium after sales and customer care services combines to deliver
a powerful offering for the retailer today. We intend to build on this
exclusive partnership, to bring the best of both worlds to retailing,
the best European and genuine American appliances available today. We
can now deliver phenomenal product quality, leading edge innovative technology,
and environmental performance in award winning designs.’
Maytag UK has also taken up the responsibility of after sales support
of existing Asko branded products from the 1st August 2005. Maytag's genuine
American products are founded on performance and dependability and the
Maytag UK's service operation complements these credentials through high
levels of customer service and delivery. Maytag says it has set the benchmark
for delivery of American appliances with dedicated and pre-surveyed deliveries
to every consumer home. Not only does Maytag deliver, it does so on time
with care, protecting cherished floors, furniture and woodwork throughout.
Placing the appliance exactly where the customer wishes it to be installed
is all part of the service. And finally the company commissions and ensures
the product is working and fully functioning to the customer's satisfaction.
David Gooch, Customer Service Director explains, ‘Dedication to high
level, quality service is an inherent part of our marketing strategy,
to provide service the American way. It is our intention to continue to
drive our established customer service, after sales and delivery and to
maximise the support for the retailer by adding value to all Maytag's
brands through service excellence.’
Niclas Hansson, Export Director, Asko remarks, ‘We know we have some
of the best products in the world and finding the right partner with the
right philosophy and strategic direction in the UK has always been our
challenge. Following several years of success with Maytag UK this is a
great opportunity for us to cement the route to market. Maytag's proven
and established channels of distribution, service and customer care exceed
our expectations. We are therefore delighted to have our products offered
to the UK market under the Maytag brand and are looking forward to developing
our relationship.’
Maytag UK will be launching the new range of laundry and dishwashing lines
in October consisting of four washing machines; three tumble dryers and
four dishwashers. Details to be announced shortly.
Whirlpool a Key Sponsor at The BBC Good Food Show
Whirlpool
has announced its sponsorship of the BBC Good Food Show 'Friends for Dinner'
Theatre at the NEC, Birmingham from 23rd - 27th November this year. All
the other major cooking theatres at the show will also be using Whirlpool
cooking appliances.
The
BBC Good Food Show, the UK's largest consumer food and drink show, and
now into its 15th year, promises to be greater than ever before with exciting
new features and a great line up of celebrity chefs. The show caters for
the resurgence in demand from food lovers who are showing a greater appetite
for all things culinary than ever before. Over 130,000 food and drink
loving consumers visit the show, which has over 600 exhibitors.
Ray Isted, Brand Marketing Manager for Whirlpool UK comments:
‘Whirlpool is delighted to continue our support of the BBC Good Food
Show. By sponsoring the 'Friends for Dinner' Theatre we will be aligning
the Whirlpool brand with a stylish, contemporary feature, which is in
keeping with the direction of our brand.
‘The 'Friends for Dinner' Theatre, will give us the opportunity to
show a discerning audience how professional chefs such as Gordon Ramsey
and Rick Stein can conjure up a delicious three course menu, using Whirlpool
cooking appliances.’
Somerfields wine guru Angela Mount will be hosting the show and advising
on the perfect wines to pair with the menus.
Behind the scenes the celebrity chefs will still be using Whirlpool, this
time to refresh their whites between shows using Whirlpools new clothes
refresher, the Prêt-à-porter.
The BBC Good Food show organisers and Whirlpool have also announced that
Whirlpool's sponsored charity, Habitat for Humanity will be present at
the show, with Whirlpool's 'Love Food' Cookery book which was a great
success at this years WTA (Womens Tennis Association) tournaments. All
proceeds of the sales of the book go directly to Habitat for Humanity,
who are doing fantastic work in Sri Lanka and many other areas of the
world.
Web: http://www.whirlpool.co.uk
For more information on the BBC Good Food Show visit:
http://www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com
For more information on Habitat for Humanity visit http://www.habitatforhumanity.org.uk
Arbonia-Forster
Acquires Miele Kitchen Factory
AFG
Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG (based in Arbon, Switzerland), a leading supplier
of building products, is taking over the manufacture and sales of Miele
kitchens, which until now were produced and sold worldwide by Miele &
Cie. KG (based in Gütersloh, Germany).
Under
the new management of AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG (HQ pictured), the
Miele kitchen factory, located in Warendorf (Germany), will continue to
operate as before. With its workforce of around 300 and its state-of-the
art machinery, 'the Warendorf factory is an excellent investment,' stated
AFG President and CEO, Dr. Edgar Oehler. 'It is a mature company with
long years of experience in building kitchens and it will continue to
do so for a global market under the umbrella of AFG Kitchens. With this
acquisition AFG is now among the top kitchen manufacturers in Europe.'
There will be no information about the purchase price.
Miele, a family company founded 106 years ago, is divesting the kitchen
manufacturing business it started in 1973 for strategic reasons. 'We want
to focus entirely on our core competencies, which are producing and maintaining
household appliances for home and business use,' explained Miele Manager
Horst Schübel.
'Household appliances for home and business use will continue to be a
growth area for Miele,' added another Miele Manager, Dr. Reto Bazzi. Manufacturing
kitchens contributed around two percent of Miele's overall volume for
last year, which totalled 2.26 billion euro. At the end of the 2004-2005
business year (ended June 30th), Miele employed 14,814 people, around
300 of them in its kitchen manufacturing business.
For AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG, with its four product divisions (Heating
Technology/Sanitary, Kitchens/Refrigeration, Windows and Doors and Steel
Technology), the acquisition is of strategic importance. It not only gives
the Kitchens/Refrigeration Division access to the upper market segment,
but also creates the conditions for globalising its kitchen business unit,
one of the main objectives of the Division. Forster and Piatti have a
20% share of the kitchen market and a 65% share of the market for built-in
refrigerators in Switzerland, but neither of the two companies have significant
export markets.
AFG as a whole, however, is doing business around the world. Forty percent
of its products are sold in Switzerland, 40% in Germany and 20% in other
countries. AFG employed some 5,000 people last year and recorded a total
sales volume of 1.1 billion Swiss francs (750 million euro).
The acquisition of Miele Kitchens is very significant for AFG because
it heralds the entry on global markets of the third of its four divisions.
'This means that we are now much closer to achieving our goals of providing
more international support for our business activities and selling one
third of our total volume on foreign markets,' commented AFG CEO and President,
Dr. Edgar Oehler. The acquisition will create important synergies, especially
in the areas of R&D, purchasing and marketing. In addition, it will
expand AFG's expertise in the industrial production of top-of-the-line
kitchens as well as add reserve manufacturing capacity for Piatti and
Forster.
Presently Miele kitchens are on sale in 50 countries. In Switzerland,
however, where AFG is well ahead of the competition in terms of market
share, Miele has not been actively selling kitchens. As per immediately
Miele kitchens will be sold in Switzerland by AFG and its new Warendorf
subsidiary in Germany.
Impulse
Bathroom Products' parent company, Imperial Bathroom Products Ltd, based
in Zhongshan, China, has further expanded its production capacity to meet
the increasing demand for its quality sanitary ware.
Impulse
says that it has attained and retained an excellent reputation for its
stylish designs, reliable high quality ranges of basins, cisterns, pans
and other sanitary ware pieces. Its Chinese manufacturing plant has been
producing the ever-growing list of products for over eleven years and
Impulse has been available in the UK for almost the past ten.
The new casting shop covering 9,000 square metres has been added and this
new facility will increase capacity from 700,000 pieces per annum to 1,600,000.
Currently Impulse sells around 200,000 pieces in the UK each year and
this looks set to rise significantly as production meets demand.
General Manager for Impulse in the UK, Gary Hawkins said: ‘The additional
facility is going to benefit us all. Our distributors in the UK and Australia
are clamouring for more and more new products and we will be in a position
to respond to this call.
‘The multi million dollar investment proves the quality of both manufacturing
and design offered by Impulse. Historically, people have been wary of
Chinese manufacturing, but our plant can match the best in the world.
We have a good reputation for quality and reliability and our continued
success depends upon it.’
The plant offers its 610 employees the best working conditions in the
area. The company pays above average salaries and provides accommodation
and three meals per day for all employees.
In addition to extensive ceramic sanitary ware the manufacturing facilities
include:
* A plastics factory producing plastic cisterns, seat and covers, cistern
fittings plus fittings and pan connectors
* A pressed steel bath factory capable of producing 1000 baths per month.
As Gary Hawkins puts it – ‘We are not in the business of cheap
and nasty china from China! We are part of a major global business organisation
producing quality products and with the resources to fully support those
products.’
abode
'Goes into the Partnership'
Abode
becomes supplier to John Lewis in a new 2005 contract. A selected range
of abode kitchen mixer taps is now available at 23 of the John Lewis Partnership
stores throughout the UK.
The range including top selling Atlas series and Indus is displayed in
the kitchen equipment departments of the various stores extending customer
choice.
abode says that its innovation in design, quality of materials, value
for money and own five year warranty are the criteria that have secured
this partnership.
Tel: 01924 202010
Web: http://www.abodedesigns.co.uk
William
Wilson Backs New BMA Training Scheme
William
Wilson, the independent supplier of electrical, plumbing, heating and
building supplies, is backing a new training scheme operated by the Bathroom
Manufacturers Association (BMA).
The
Aberdeen-based company was one of the first companies to take part in
the pilot BMA Merit Award Scheme, which covers three educational modules
that encompass showering – Trays, Enclosures, and Controls –
embracing the testing requirements used throughout the NVQ system.
The BMA was formed in 2001 and membership has steadily grown to represent
87% of major bathroom manufacturers, who employ in excess of 13,000 people
at 71 sites across the UK. The main priorities of the BMA are for it to
be an authority of voice, stimulate the market, and represent members
on all industry issues.
The BMA looks after the interests of bathroom manufacturers at all levels
and offers a comprehensive range of services more effectively than individual
companies can provide for themselves.
William Wilson has enrolled three Showroom managers and two sales consultants
onto the course, and has also had staff visiting Roman Limited, the UK
shower manufacturer - a member of the BMA – for training on Roman
products.
William Wilson was established in 1900 and currently employs more than
600 staff in 43 branches from Stornoway to Solihull, including 10 branches
with showrooms.
Robin Mackinlay, William Wilson’s plumbing and heating sales manager
(Scotland), said: 'The BMA Merit Award scheme is something the industry
has needed for some years and we are giving it our full backing. It is
important for sales staff and management teams to have strong product
knowledge, and the tests will help raise professionalism in the industry.'
BMA commercial director, Yvonne Orgill, said: 'The BMA is keen that these
modules help to raise professionalism throughout the whole Industry and
we are delighted to have such a wide range of skills on these early pilots.
One of the main aims of these Modules is to get the whole Industry using
the same terminology, so the opportunity to test them out across a broad
skill sector is invaluable.'
Wolseley
plc Announces Chip Hornsby as Group Chief Exec
Wolseley,
the world's largest specialist distributor of plumbing and heating products
to professional contractors and a leading supplier of building materials,
has announced that Mr Claude (Chip) A.S. Hornsby, currently Chief Executive
of Wolseley North America and a director of the Company, is to be appointed
Group Chief Executive with effect from 1st August 2006 following Mr Charles
A. Banks' retirement on 31st July 2006.
Chip
Hornsby (49), since joining Ferguson Enterprises as a graduate trainee
27 years ago, has had a number of increasingly challenging appointments,
with the past four years as President and Chief Executive Officer. In
addition, Chip has recently taken on the role of Chief Executive of Wolseley
North America where he is responsible for Wolseley's three North American
businesses, namely Ferguson Enterprises, Stock Building Supply and Wolseley
Canada.
The Board will announce a successor to Chip in his North American role
consequent upon his appointment as Group Chief Executive in due course.
Commenting on the prospective appointment, John Whybrow, Chairman, said,
'I wish to extend the Board's thanks to Charlie Banks for his outstanding
contribution to the Group in several key roles over the past 39 years
and particularly for leading the Group through an extensive period of
growth and change since 2001. During this time, Group sales have grown
from £7.2 billion to £11.2 billion, trading profit from £414.2m
to £720.8m and the share price increased by 250% from 468 pence
to 1,174 pence. The Board wishes Charlie a long, happy and well deserved
retirement.
'I am delighted that following an extensive and rigorous process, the
Board has chosen Chip Hornsby to lead Wolseley in the future. Chip has
made a significant contribution to the Wolseley Group since he was appointed
to the Board in 2001 and I believe that he will provide us with the continuity
the Company requires over the next phase of its development. In his role
at Ferguson he has grown the business from a $3.4 billion business into
the $7.1 billion enterprise it is today, increasing profits by 187%. I
have no doubt he will bring the vision, commercial judgement and clear
leadership necessary to the Group Chief Executive role. I wish him every
success and look forward to working with him in the future.'
Commenting on his appointment Chip Hornsby said, 'I am delighted to be
given the responsibility of leading the Wolseley Group and to build on
the legacy that Charlie Banks will leave behind. Wolseley has shown an
impressive record of growth over many years, through both organic expansion
and acquisitions. I am confident that we will continue to build on that
strong base to sustain and expand the Group's development in existing
and new international markets.'
The Company has also announced that Mr Andrew Duff, who joined the Board
as a non-executive director and became a member of the Remuneration Committee
in July 2004, will succeed Mr Robert Walker as Chairman of the Remuneration
Committee with effect from 1st November 2005. Mr Walker will remain a
member of the Remuneration Committee.
EC
Issues Statement of Objections in the Copper Plumbing Fittings Enquiry
IMI
plc reported in its Interim Results announcement published on 5th September
that it expected to receive in 2005 a European Commission from the European
Commission with respect to its former copper plumbing fittings business.
IMI has announced that on 26th September it received the Statement of
Objections. A decision from the Commission as to the level of any possible
fine in the fittings enquiry is not expected until 2006. The appeal in
respect of the fine imposed in 2004 in the copper plumbing tube enquiry
is expected to be decided during 2006.
IMI sold its copper plumbing tube and fittings businesses in 2002 but
IMI retains responsibility for these two competition law investigations
launched in 2001.
New
Deal is a Big Deal for Myson
Myson
has provided 100 new homes with the Kickspace heating, as part of a new
redevelopment programme at Newbiggin Hall.
Myson landed the major deal to be the main heating supplier for all of
the new three bed homes, currently under construction at Newbiggin Hall,
Newcastle. The development is by Your Homes Newcastle, under the auspices
of Newcastle City Council, to upgrade housing to a high quality standard
for future tenants.
Darren
Feasey, Myson’s product manager for Kickspace.
The
modern homes will have the Kickspace plinth heaters convectors installed
by British Gas in every kitchen. The rest of the rooms will be fitted
with a Myson standard panel radiator.
A convenient way to heat a kitchen, the Kickspace plinth heaters are designed
to fit under a unit within the plinth. This allows for a more spacious
kitchen area, whatever the size of kitchen. There is a choice of three
fuel options – central heating, electric or dual fuel Newbiggin Hall
homes will have central heating units.
The Your Homes Newcastle development will be completed towards the end
of September.
Neil MacPherson, Managing Director of Myson, said:'We provide unique heating
appliances to all types of buildings and industries. As part of the Your
Homes Newcastle programme to improve quality and style of housing, Kickspace
heating is a way to demonstrate to the community how effective and efficient
it is to heat a kitchen while incorporating a spacious, contemporary feel.'
Tel:
0191 491 7530
Email: mailto:sales@myson.co.uk
Web: http://www.myson.co.uk
Flamebreak
on Way to FSC Status
James
Latham's Flamebreak range is well on its way to achieving FSC accreditation
after being awarded a Chain of Custody certificate.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) promotes environmentally appropriate,
socially beneficial and economically viable forests, and Flamebreak's
Chain of Custody certification provides a guarantee on the path taken
by the raw materials from the forest to the factory.
FSC
is a stakeholder owned system for promoting responsible management of
the world's forests and it takes around two years for a product to become
accredited. Flamebreak began the process in November 2004 so it should
be fully FSC accredited by November 2006.
Chris Sutton, panel products director for James Latham says: ‘We
take the issue of sustainability very seriously so it is great news that
Flamebreak has been awarded the Chain of Custody certification helping
to add to the range of socially responsible products we carry.’
The Flamebreak range, which has been manufactured and tested in accordance
with British standard BS476 (Part 22 1987), are door blanks that are lightweight
in density, meaning that they are easy to handle and fix.
Flamebreak door blanks are manufactured with a special three layer tri-laminated
hardwood timber core, which helps to eliminate gaps. They are available
across eight James Latham depots in a wide range of thicknesses, sizes
and surface finishes and can be supplied as lipped or un-lipped blanks.
James Latham continues to add to its extensive range of panel products,
high quality hardwoods, softwoods and timber flooring products.
Tel: 0116 257 3415
Email: mailto:marketing@lathams.co.uk
Web: http://www.lathamtimber.co.uk
ASA
Revises Adjucation on B&Q Complaint
A
complaint objecting to a national press ad for B & Q plc, Chandler's
Ford, Hampshire was upheld in one of the four objections according to
information published on 18 May 2005 by the Advertising Standards Authority
(ASA). This adjucation has been revised and now none of the objections
have been upheld.
Complaint:
MFI UK Ltd objected to a national press ad for fitted kitchens that was
headed 'UP TO 1/2 PRICE B&Q are cheaper than MFI on these best selling
kitchens'. It claimed 'OAK STYLE SHAKER* B&Q PRICE £892 MFI
PRICE £1065.60 SAVE £173.60', 'CHERRY STYLE MODERN* B&Q
PRICE £824 MFI PRICE £939.30 SAVE £115.20', 'BEECH STYLE
KITCHEN* B&Q PRICE £927 MFI PRICE £1002.40 SAVE £75.49',
'GLOSS WHITE KITCHEN* B&Q PRICE £863 MFI PRICE £876.80
SAVE £13.80' and the footnote stated and claimed '* Comparison kitchen
price includes: Wall Cabinets 1000mm Wall Cabinet 600mm Wall Cabinet 2x500mm
Wall Cabinet Base Cabinets (With MFI Hygena System 3 drawers) 1000mm Drawline
base unit 600mm Drawline base unit 2x500mm Drawline base unit Built under
Oven housing Worktop, Sink, Tap and Accessories 2x3m worktop Gloss Black
2 x cornice 2 x pelmet 2 x plinth 4 x Wall end panel 2 x base unit panel
Round Bowel Round Drainer Lupo (MFI Sorrento), MFI Comparison kitchens
are Copenhagen, Hampstead, Hudson and Woodbridge. Prices checked in MFI
instore price guide (issue no 12) on 29/12/04.'.
The complainant objected that:
1. the price quoted for the Woodbridge kitchen was inaccurate;
2. the price quoted for the Hudson kitchen was inaccurate;
3. the price quoted for the Copenhagen kitchen was inaccurate and
4. the price quoted for the Hampstead kitchen was inaccurate.
Adjudication:
REVISED ADJUDICATION:
This adjudication replaces that published on 18th May 2005. The decision
on Complaint 4 has been reversed, making the complaint 'not upheld'.
The advertisers said they sold their kitchens with drawer boxes included
in the standard price of a kitchen and that, with MFI kitchens, drawer
boxes were an optional extra. They said they had, where appropriate, added
the cost of drawer boxes from the MFI price guide, less the 20% discount
available offered by MFI at the time the advertisement appeared, to allow
a fair comparison of the kitchen prices. They pointed out that the footnote
in the advertisement stated 'Base cabinets (With MFI Hygena System 3 Drawers)'.
The advertisers said they had also included the cost of plumbing kits
for the bowls and drainers in the kitchen prices. The advertisers provided
information showing the calculations they had used to produce the MFI
prices used in the advertisement. The advertisers said they took their
prices from the MFI in store price guide (issue no. 12) on 29th December
2004.
1. Complaint not upheld
The Authority noted that B&Q had stated the price of the Woodbridge
kitchen was £1065.60 and that MFI claimed that it cost £1014.40.
The Authority noted that the difference between the prices was because
the B&Q price included four drawer boxes and a plumbing kit MFI had
not included in its price and also because the prices given for the cornices
and pelmets in the MFI price calculations were incorrect. The Authority
noted that the advertisers had included the cost of the drawer boxes and
plumbing kits in the prices they quoted for the MFI kitchen because their
comparative kitchens included those items. The Authority concluded that
the advertisers' price comparison was accurate and, therefore, not misleading.
It did not object.
2. Complaint not upheld
The Authority noted that B&Q had stated the price of the Hudson kitchen
was £939.20 and that MFI claimed that it cost £915.20. The
Authority noted that the difference between the prices was because the
B&Q price included four drawer boxes and a plumbing kit that were
not included in the MFI price. The Authority noted that the advertisers
had included the cost of the drawer boxes and plumbing kits in the prices
they quoted for the MFI kitchen because their comparative kitchens included
those items. The Authority concluded that the advertisers' price comparison
was accurate and, therefore, not misleading. It did not object.
3. Complaint not upheld
The Authority noted that B&Q had stated the price of the Copenhagen
kitchen was £1002.40 and that MFI claimed that it cost £964.80.
The Authority noted that the difference between the prices was because
the B&Q price included four drawer boxes and a plumbing kit that were
not included in the MFI price and also because the prices given for the
1000 mm Wall Cabinet, the 600 mm Wall Cabinet, the 500 mm Wall Cabinets
and 600 mm Base Units in the MFI price calculations were incorrect. The
Authority noted that the advertisers had included the cost of the drawer
boxes and plumbing kits in the prices they quoted for the MFI kitchen
because their comparison kitchens included those items. The Authority
concluded that the advertisers' price comparison was accurate and, therefore,
not misleading. It did not object.
4. Complaint not upheld
The Authority noted that B&Q had stated the price of MFI's Hampstead
kitchen to be £876.80 whereas MFI claimed it to be £1004.80.
The Authority noted that this price difference arose because the B&Q
figure omitted some items included in MFI's figure and because the B&Q
figure included some items omitted from MFI's figure. It considered that,
as a result, the price quoted by B&Q for MFI's Hampstead kitchen was
£128 lower than it actually was. Because the advertisers' error
had made their claimed price saving smaller than it in fact was, the Authority
considered that the price comparison would not have materially misled
consumers to their disadvantage.
OFT
Decides to Refuse and Revoke Norwich Electrical Retailers' Credit Licences
The
OFT has decided to revoke the consumer credit licence of a Norwich electrical
retailer and refused the credit licence application made by a second electrical
retailer in the area. Karen Jane Cunningham was respectively the licence
holder and a company officer of the applicant, East Anglian Monitoring
Ltd. Both businesses operate from the same Norwich address. These decisions
will not take effect until the end of any appeal process.
These decisions were made on the grounds that a business associate of
Karen Cunningham had convictions for assault, using threatening words
and behaviour in public, and providing false information to the OFT. East
Anglian Monitoring Ltd, another business associate of Ms Cunningham, has
also given false or misleading information to the OFT and has engaged
in unlicensed trading, both matters involving a breach of the Consumer
Credit Act.
The Adjudicator decided he was not satisfied Karen Jane Cunningham was
fit to hold a consumer credit licence and accordingly decided to revoke
her sole trader licence. He also decided to refuse the licence application
made by East Anglian Monitoring Ltd. Neither Ms Cunningham nor East Anglian
Monitoring Limited made any representations to the OFT.
In considering fitness, the OFT will take into account a number of factors
including:
* any offence or conviction of violence or dishonesty carried out by the
business or anyone involved in running the business
* failure to comply with the provisions of the Consumer Credit Act or
other consumer protection legislation
* consumer complaints and how they are dealt with
* evidence of unfair business practice
* evidence of discrimination on grounds of sex, colour, race or ethnic
origin.
Christine Wade, Director of Consumer Regulation, said:
'Ms Cunningham was considered by the OFT to be unfit due to the convictions
of a business associate, unlicensed trading and the fact that she and
a business associate provided information to the OFT that was false or
misleading. East Anglian Monitoring Limited was also considered to be
unfit for similar reasons. Offences under the Consumer Credit Act are
serious matters and reflect upon the fitness of an applicant or trader
to hold a licence.'
Benton
Uses Hoffmann for Superb Quality
The
‘Hoffmann trail’ of the company’s machinery used for the
application of its dovetail jointing system leads to some fascinating
workshops and factories across the UK. Perhaps none more so than the superb
showrooms and modern factory of Benton – a specialist in designing
and making handmade interiors for bespoke customers.
The
company was started in 1986 by partners Richard and Steven Benton and
ha expanded steadily mainly on the company’s reputation for producing
designs and products of excellence – akin to the well publicised
furniture of companies like Smallbone or Mark Wilkinson.
Benton offers a complete service – from conception to completion
and design kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, studies or any other room furniture
to suit the house and the owners wishes.
The company’s showrooms attached to the factory at Highbridge in
Somerset is modern, light and decked out with superb displays of both
fitted furniture and free-standing units.
A feature of the Benton designs is the in-frame doors which sit perfectly
into a frame constructed to it to the face of the solid wood cabinet carcases.
Up until earlier this year Benton had been securing the joints on the
frames manually – a process which, admits Steven Benton, was laborious
and not totally accurate all the time. He says that the Hoffmann dovetail
system for jointing came to the company’s attention through an application
article in the trade press and, working with local machinery supplier
Paul Heffernan, got in contact with John Galvin of the Hoffmann Machine
Company to investigate changing Benton’s production methods in this
area.
The result was the installation of a Hoffmann PU2 free-standing keyway
router with pneumatic workpiece clamping to rout out the slots for the
serrated Hoffmann dovetail keys which create a perfect, secure and permanent
joint without needing to nail, staple or pin and eliminating clamping
and curing time.
Hoffmann and Paul Heffernan also supplied a Mørso guillotine which
cuts out the haunch joints on e outside and internal components of the
frames. Uniquely however, Benton now machines the main section of the
joints on a CNC centre programmed to adjust automatically to different
frame dimensions.
Steven Benton says that the Hoffmann system is working perfectly, saving
significant time, labour and cost while delivering total accuracy that
further improves the excellent quality of the furniture that now sells
across the south east and south west of England, in London and parts of
the Midlands.
Tel: 015242 62500
Email: mailto:info@hoffmann-uk.com
Web: http://www.hoffmann-uk.com
Heffernan Machinery Services
Tel: 01278 722935